The odyssey of a lifetime is about to unfold. Luxury sailing charter clients are invited along for the ride.
SAILBOAT CLEAR EYES
The 43 meter sail yacht CLEAR EYES is ready. She starts a 19-month journey, and soon sails around the world. Charter reservations are being accepted for all legs. Guests enjoy 7 night traditional Virgin Islands yacht charter holidays. They also experience multi-week open ocean passages.
TRAVEL ROUTE
The sail starts and ends in Bodrum, Turkey. The voyage takes passengers and crew to multiple destinations. For example, the Canary Islands, Curacao, Aruba, San Blas, Panama, Galapagos, Gambier, Tahiti, Niue, Tonga, Fiji, Darwin, Bali, Mauritius, South Africa, St. Helena, Ascension Island, Cabo Verde and Malta. So many wonderful experiences. For instance, seeing beautiful islands and experiencing vibrant local culture. Other things, such as interacting with people from around the world in their own environment are also included.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Sail yacht CLEAR EYES offers a spacious interior. She also comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests in five cabins. Rates from €65,000 per week, plus all expenses.
You deserve to join the fun! Charter a sailboat and partake of the Florida Keys festivities!
WHAT IS FANTASY FEST?
Key West has parades, street parties, and thousands of adult revelers in zany costumes at Fantasy Fest. It happens for one week in October. This year’s event is October 21 through 30, 2011.
CATAMARAN SURPRISE
Sail catamaran SURPRISE is offering a unique Florida yacht charter opportunity to sail to Key West from Miami, Florida. Guests also enjoy the Fantasy Fest festivities from the comfort of this 48′ luxury sailing charter catamaran.
AQUATIC AFOLIC THEME
Similar to the Mardi Gras-themed events in New Orleans, Fantasy Fest is an adult-oriented Halloween festival. This year’s theme is “Aquatic Afrolic” and offers a sea of opportunities to create a one-of-a-kind costume extravaganza, ranging from marvelous mermaids to outlandish ocean-faring sea creatures.
COSTUME VARIETY
While full nudity is not permitted, many scantily-clad party goers wear outrageous, brightly-colored costumes, or simply opt for strategically drawn body paint and glitter in lieu of shirts and bikini tops.
PRETENDERS IN PARADISE COSTUME PARTY
There are parades and costume contest each evening, the largest being the “Pretenders in Paradise” Costume Party hosted by the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa. Major event sponsors include Captain Morgan Rum and the Florida Keys Tourism Association.Sailing yacht SURPRISE is a 48′ catamaran with accommodations for 2 couples. Her crew of two, Corky and Sue Clark have sailed for years throughout South Florida and the Caribbean. During Fantasy Fest, charter guests can spend the days sailing and exploring the beaches and shallow reefs of the lower Florida Keys, and at night hit the streets for the endless parties and festivities.
CATAMARAN CHARTER RATES
Standard charter rates apply: $8,500/wk for 2 passengers and $9,950/wk for 4 guests. Rates are all-inclusive (include meals and ship’s bar). Local taxes apply.
We just had a remarkable time on catamaran SURPRISE for three weeks…! Crossing the Gulf Stream, going to the ‘Stranded Naked Party’ and then winning three races at Regatta-Time-in-Abaco. Amazing! High adventure, good fishing, idyllic ports-of-call, delicious food, superb hosts, and a gorgeous yacht – a total escape into the unique joys of the crewed catamaran charters cruising life! Thank You.
J.H.
ABOUT THE YACHT
Sail catamaran SURPRISE is a 48′ yacht with accommodations for 4 to 6 guests. Currently accepting Florida yacht charters and Bahama yacht charters for the summer and Fall of 2011, her weekly rates are:
2/$8,500
4/$9,950
6/$10,950(family)
Rates are all inclusive with standard ships bar, and good for Bahamas or South Florida charters. Children 10 and under sail free, limit 2 per charter!
While affordable catamaran sailing yachts under 50 feet still dominate the charter industry, advances in shipbuilding technology have lead to a dramatic increase of ultra-luxury catamarans larger than 60 feet in length. Indeed, yachts like the 62′ catamaran IN THE WIND, and the Fountaine Pajot Galathea 65 model catamaran WORLD’S END have helped redefine multihull luxury and comfort.
Without the talents of an experienced skipper and a well-trained chef, a catamaran vacation, no matter how new and large the boat, would be nothing more than a predictable, ho-hum affair.
SPOTLIGHT ON CHEF, CARO UY
In an appreciative nod to the talents of these fine crews, we shine a spotlight today on Caro Uy, the culinary lioness aboard sail catamaran MUSE.
Caro grew up in a family where the pleasures of the table were a habit. She has more than ten years of experience in the catering and gastronomic food industry. Originally a graphic designer, Caro now prefers to express her creative energy in the preparation of meals with seasonally fresh products.
CARO’s GIFT
Caro’s true gift is the ability to adapt her menus to suit any special dietary requirements of her onboard guests.
While her cooking is based on classic techniques, the variations of flavors are a reflection of her travels throughout the Middle East (Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iran) ) as well as Mexico and Southeast Asia (Thailand and Vietnam).
CHEF EXPERIENCE
Having grown up along Australia’s coast, Caro has always loved the sea and the romance of sailing. She is also intrigued by what lies below the sea’s surface and is a PADI Open Water Dive Instructor, as well as a TDI Extended Range Diver. Her ocean adventures have taken her to diverse ports of call such as the Canary Islands, Costa Brava, and the British Virgin Islands.
CULINARY HONORS
Her recent industry recognition includes top culinary honors at the November 2010 British Virgin Islands Boat Show where she won:
The finalists for an international design awards program have been announced and several mega yacht charter vessels lead the pack.
SUPERYACHT SOCIETY AWARD
The International Superyacht Society has released its lists of finalists for the 2011 International Design Awards. Four of the five nominees in the Best Power category for yachts 40 to 60 meters in length are charter vessels:
Based solely on peer review, the International Superyacht Society Design (ISS) Awards celebrate the finest naval architecture, design, interiors, and engineering in the newest yachts in the large yacht industry.
AWARD GALA
Winners will be announced at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at ISS’s annual International Design Awards Gala at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale.
Recently, we reported on a mishap in New England where the 85-foot yacht, Cocktails, ran aground in Woods Hole, Mass. Unfortunately, the yacht hit a rock. Per the Coast Guard, quick actions of the skipper saved that yacht. He ground the vessel, which prevented it from sinking. There were no luxury yacht charter guests onboard at the time of the incident.
WHERE IS SHE NOW?
The yacht is currently in the boat yard. She is undergoing repairs in preparations for the upcoming winter Florida yacht charter season.
YACHT CHARTER REVIEW TESTIMONIAL
Finally, here’s an upbeat comment from a recent, highly-satisfied charter guest:
“It gives me great pleasure to recommend the fabulous crew and motoryacht Cocktails for your consideration. We booked a week’s New England yacht charter for my precious mom’s 80th birthday celebration…and the cruise far exceeded our expectations. The ship easily accommodated seven family members with several lounging spaces such that we never felt as if we were “on top of each other.” I loved the open-air upper deck with bar and jacuzzi!
What’s best of all, however, is the crew! Captain Todd was anxious to ensure the itinerary was exactly to our liking, and he was very receptive to any requests. Brandon, our Cordon Bleu trained chef, provided appetizers and meals that were so delicious that we always preferred to dine on board. My only complaint is that I probably gained five or more pounds on this trip! It was all too good to pass up (and I usually say no to desserts!). Mary, our sweet and attractive steward/bartender, took good care of us and worked non-stop to ensure our rooms were clean and fresh (she also mixes the best martinis ever).
In short, all of the Cocktails’ crew members were kind, considerate, and helpful. They made our experience great fun — a trip of a lifetime, which I hope you have the opportunity to experience as well!”
The opportunity to explore the fabled Côte d’Azur has never been more affordable, thanks to a special late-summer discount on motoryacht CELECASOR.
MANGUSTA 130
The owner of the stunning Mangusta 130 motor yacht CELECASOR is offering a “2 for 1” discount. For every day booked, the owner offers one extra day, free of charge! This is a fabulous offer not to be missed. In specific, it is for the remainder of the summer season.
WHO IS CELECASOR?
Built in 2006, the yacht is a rocket on the water, capable of cruising at 30 knots. This speedy advantage over most megayachts presents the opportunity to cover the entire French Riviera coastline in a week’s time – from St Tropez to Monaco.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND INTERIOR
The 130′ mega yacht accommodates 6 to 8 guests in 4 staterooms. Specifically, 3 doubles and 1 twin. Her sumptuous interior combines dark woods with light neutral fabrics.
AMENITIES
The spacious deck saloon features a retractable roof and a 2nd saloon on lower deck offers privacy and an escape from the Mediterranean sun. Onboard amenities include a Kaleidescape entertainment system and a full array of water toys.
CREW
The yacht and her crew of 6 are standing by and ready to go! The boat is based on Imperia.
RATE
The published weekly rate is €129,500 plus all running expenses. For each day booked, the rate prorates to reflect the 2-for-1 special.
HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER
A summer winds down, it’s time to plan a winter escape. Take advantage of great early-bird specials on Virgin Island yacht charters. Contact our destination specialists HERE for more details.
Fort Lauderdale will once again play host to the biggest boat show in the world – the 52nd annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 27-31, 2011.
While exhibits range from yacht builders and designers to exotic cars, the real stars of the show are the megayachts. Some of thenewest yachts for hire will be available for viewing and in some cases, personal inspection (by prior-arranged appointment).
Luxury sailing charter vessels and motoryachts will cover over 3 million square feet of space in six locations.
Show dates and operating hours for October 27-31, 2011 are as follows:
Prime Time Preview:
Thurs. Oct 27, 10am – 7pm
General Admission: Fri. Oct 28, 10am – 7pm Sat. Oct 29, 10am – 7pm Sun. Oct 30, 10am – 7pm Mon. Oct 31, 10am – 5pm
Planning a Caribbean yacht charter vacation this winter? Join us at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show (our treat) and personally inspect some of the yachts available for your consideration.
To schedule your in-person yacht inspection in Ft. Lauderdale, contact YOUR yacht charter brokers by CLICKING HERE.
Whether you’re planning a Bahamas bareboat charter, or a Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter on a fully-crewed superyacht, as an American traveling abroad,
you’ll need a US passport.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A US PASSPORT
Once a tedious process, new efforts by the U.S. State Department have been implemented to improve customer service and create a more accessible approach to passports.
The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs now has nearly 8,000 acceptance offices, and promises a 4 to 6-week turnaround on all passports. The passport fee for a first-time adult applicant is $135. For an extra fee, express service can bring the wait down to 2-3 weeks, perfect for planning a last minute island escape.
SPECIAL PASSPORT PROGRAM ON SATURDAYS
Additionally, the Bureau has created a, “Passport Saturdays” program, when parents can register children under 16 on a day that is not a workday, since both parents must be present.
ANSWERS TO PASSPORT QUESTIONS
The State Department’s passport website offers a wide range of resources – from country by country guides, warnings, regulations and background information, to passport forms that can be downloaded.
TRAVELER ASSISTANCE BY THE BUREAU OFFERED
The Bureau has also introduced a Smartphone enrollment notification system created for travelers headed for hot spots or people caught in countries experiencing emergencies or natural disasters. The system can track those who are enrolled and try to reach them in countries undergoing a developing crisis.
Recently, the system proved useful for US citizens in Libya during the current political uprising. The Bureau created a system of tweets to feed trapped US citizens information about the best ways to flee the dangers, such as the schedules and locations of ferries to take them out of the country.
In another instance, the Bureau was able to locate an airplane run by a Canadian company to lift several citizens to safety. In those situations, costs go to the passengers assisted but never exceed the cost of what a full fare commercial ticket would be to manage the same action, no matter how few passengers are carried by that charter.
Dutch builder Heesen Yachts is an innovator. Heesen is the first Dutch shipyard to use aluminum alloy for the construction of yacht hulls. It is a global-leader in the design, engineering and build of high performance, all-aluminum motor yachts.
iPAD SUPERYACHT APP
Heesen launched an iPad superyacht app. First, users browse an extensive gallery of Heesen’s latest launches. These yachts range from 37 to 65 meters. Second, the app includes basic specifications and features of every yacht in the Heesen fleet. Finally, it includes a selection of movies and images of very latest Heesen projects.
COMPARE 4 YACHTS AT A TIME
In conclusion, the Heesen iPad yacht app gives info about the builder and its yachts. Users can compare up to four images at a time, and can email individual images to their friends and contacts.
SUPERYACHT SAMPLES
Largest yachts for charter can be accessed by the app, for example, the 2011 55-meter motor yacht QUITE ESSENTIAL. Additionally, the 47 meter motor yacht RAASTA, and the star of the Croatia yacht charter summer season, the 47.70-meter Heesen motor yacht LET IT BE.
Look for more builders to take Heeson’s lead and introduce their own superyacht apps in the near future…
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