A special presentation occurred at the recent ShowBoats Design Awards Gala. Notably, the winner of the annual Young Designer of the Year Award was announced. The international audience of yacht owners and luxury yacht charter designers observed. Not only is this an incredible award, but the designers also look forward to working with a new phenom.
MICHAEL GIVENS
Michael Givens is the 2011 winner. He won €5,000 in prize money. Michael bests a competition of 30 entries from 20 countries.
FINALISTS
Additionally, the winner and the top five finalists receive a host of unique opportunities aimed at advancing their design careers. For instance, complimentary access to the two-day Superyacht Design Symposium. Also included is an all-expenses-paid trip. In specific, to see the design and construction of Lürssen yacht charter vessels at the builders’ shipyards in Bremen and Rendsburg, Germany.
Michael Givens – Young Designer of the Year
THE COMPETITION
ShowBoats Media is a worldwide initiative. Specifically, to uncover the yachting industry’s up-and-coming creative talents.
Important to realize, contestants submitted design portfolios. Judges are an elite panel of yacht designers. For example, Andrew Winch and Dickie Bannenberg. In addition, Rob Humphreys.
“Being called on stage to accept the Young Designer of the Year Award was the most exciting moment of my life,” beamed Givens. “It is truly astonishing to be starting out in this industry and have had the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event. The award, along with the entire experience, will be cherished.”
This new yacht model is making its world debut at the 2012 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show in January 2012. Sunseeker Yachts unveils the new Sunseeker 28 model.
ACCOMMODATIONS
She is the first of a distinctive new generation. It combines the latest in innovation and technology. The new 28 is the perfect platform for term charters of 4 to 8 guests.
MAIN SALON
Sunseeker 28 main salon
The 2012 Sunseeker 28 shows a new “look” for the famous performance yacht builder. Most captivating is the remarkable extent of main deck glazing. Full height and pillarless, the glazing flows continuously down the sides and around the rear of the saloon, where it merges with the aft patio doors. This new wrap-around glazing gives the main deck accommodation a unique, panoramic floor-to-ceiling view and a bright, sun-filled interior.
EXTERIOR
External conversation areas on the foredeck and flybridge have been innovated with new sunpad and group seating formats. The expansive foredeck has given rise to a completely new seating/sunpad layout with a center companionway emphasizing the increased social areas.
-FLYBRIDGE
The large flybridge deck offers unrivaled room for any mega yacht charter vessels in the 25 to 30 meter range. This space can be tailored to suit every owner’s needs – from spa tubs to extended sunpads, this area will have multiple entertainment layouts.
INTERIOR FURNISHINGS
Offering a breakthrough in interior layout and design, the Sunseeker 28 features interior furnishings selected from the 2012 Sunseeker Collection of materials and linings, ensuring that the striking exterior design continues throughout the interior. Two individual stairways lead down to four well appointed (and spacious) staterooms, including two VIP double staterooms and a full-beam master suite. Each cabin incorporates the large viewing window now synonymous with Sunseeker design.
SIMILAR SUNSEEKERS
With excellent performance speeds, modern exterior lines, and refined interiors, the new Sunseeker 28 is a remarkable new craft. She will soon join similar-sized 2011 models already in charter such as Sunseeker Predator 84 yacht FIRECRACKERand Sunseeker 34 yacht TUPPENCE.
RENT A MOTORYACHT
High performance motoryachts are the perfect vehicle for Croatia yacht charters in the summer, where the numerous islands are within the easy reach of a fast yacht. Learn more about yachting in Croatia by contacting the 1=-800 Yacht Charters Mediterranean specialists at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
How do you top yourself if you’re the creator of a multi-award-winning superyacht? It is easy. Build the same yacht again…only bigger and better.
This yacht follows in the footsteps of the acclaimed 45 meter Aquos Yachts motor yacht BIG FISH. Fifty-meter motor yacht STAR FISH is under construction at McMullen & Wing.
LAUNCH DATE AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Aquos motor yacht STAR FISH projects to launch in April of 2012. She is based on the same hull form as M/Y BIG FISH. The yacht will have six staterooms, specifically for 12 guests. In addition, she accommodates 14 crew. Her Owner’s deck has an optional forward-facing cabin and both fore and aft decks.
UNIQUE DESIGN
STAR FISH has a unique arrangement by Greg C. Marshall Naval Architects. It allows the sky lounge deck to be dedicated solely to the owner’s use. It can also be incorporated in the yacht’s public space scheme during luxury yacht charter outings. The captain’s cabin and wheelhouse are located above. They are on a fourth deck with a dramatic flying bridge and observation pod above it.
Golf on a yacht charter – concept of yacht Star Fish
Fore! At the back of the yacht, builders create a golf green for golfing enthusiasts to practice their drives. Using biodegradable (fish food) golf balls helps the environment.
We first introduced our readers to McMullen & Wing yacht BIG FISH in January 2011, as the vessel set out on an around-the-world odyssey. Along the way, the owner, designer, and builders continued to collect awards and platitudes for the edgy, angular, and dramatic megayacht, specifically created for sea-going adventure.
There are awards for yacht designers. In addition, builders of the largest luxury yacht charter vessels get awards. Crews of these floating works are often overlooked. In specific, until now.
A new competition exists. Specifically, by yacht management company, Krystal Yachts. Looking for the world’s best yacht crewmembers.
SUPERCREW 2012
Supercrew 2012 allows superyacht captains to recognize outstanding members. In specific, in their employ. It is a quarterly award. In addition, it is based on the exclusive nominations of captains. Awards go to the individual with multiple qualities. For instance, ability, attitude, and going the extra mile.
HOW IS THE VOTING DONE?
A panel of judges determine the quarterly winner. This person receives an engraved iPad. In addition, winner is included on the guest lists. In specific, of all future Krystal Yachts events.
COMPETITION IS ON
The competition is open to professional crew members. In specific, those who work on any luxury yacht.
Nominations for Supercrew 2012 open in January, 2012.
While the popularity of Bahama yacht charters has increased in recent years, the availability of reasonably-priced airfare to the island nation has stymied many a potential luxury yacht charter customer. Flights from South Florida to the Bahamas are often more expensive than coast to coast flights across the United States. In addition, some clients are reluctant to fly to their destination. They want an alternative in a ferry boat. VOILA!
NEW OPTION AVAILABLE
Fortunately a new alternative to traveling to and from the Bahamas has been unveiled.
The 74 meter ferry Pinar del Rio cruises at 32 knots. She makes the 76 mile crossing in 2.5 hours.
The service runs daily, except on Wednesday. The boat has a convenient schedule that allows passengers from the USA to return on the same day. In specific, after spending the day on Grand Bahama Island.
FERRY RATES
Pricing starts at $49.50 per person, one way. In addition, first class seating is available. It costs $90 per person each way. Local taxes are extra.
SPANISH COMPANY
Spanish-based Balèaria specializes in the transportation of people in the Mediterranean. They have nearly 1000 employees. There are 15 ships in operation. The company ferried almost 3 million passengers in 2010.
The company is also working on establishing service from South Florida to Bimini in 2012.
The owner of sail yacht BLISS has announced an ALL-INCLUSIVE special offer on the 37 meter luxury yacht charter vessel.
The charter rate of $98,000 per week includes three meals per day, standard bar and table wines, generator fuel, main engine fuel for an average of 3 hours per day, ship’s laundry, airport transit fees, and berthing fees for the first and last nights.
Not included, and to be charged to the charterer, will be any requested vintage wines and champagnes, communications costs, marina fees (apart from first and last night), and any shore excursions.
With her clean lines and contemporary design, sloop sailboat BLISS is a harmonious blend of comfort, style, and speed – ideal for extended cruising. Her composite hull and performance rigging enable her to sail efficiently in most wind conditions, offering comfortable cruising at all times, plus more exhilarating performance when desired.
Her modern interior décor features custom paint finishes with textured leather and shagreen-wrapped (stingray skin) panels. Outdoor areas offer sunbathing, shaded cockpit dining and a convenient swimming platform.
Sailboat BLISS with red sail
BLISS offers flexible and luxurious accommodations in three ensuite cabins, two of which can be configured as doubles or twins. Four additional Pullman berths allow her to accommodate up to 10 guests in total, making her perfect for families or groups of friends.
Onboard amenities include:
Kaleidescape movie server with movies and music accessible in each stateroom and in the saloon
iPod docking stations in each stateroom
Satellite TV in each stateroom and the saloon
For active guests, sail yacht BLISS’s aquasport inventory includes:
As the year draws to a close, luxury yacht charter maven Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants and 1-800 Yacht Charters, is beaming.
MAVEN COMMENTS
“We’ve closed our year with the addition of 40 brand new 2011 models to our global network of yacht charter vessels. The largest of our new offerings is the 81 meter Feadship motor yacht AIR, followed by Proteksan Turquoise yacht TALISMAN MAITON (ex-Talisman C) and Rossi Navi motor yachtHIGH POWER III (ex-Numptia), both 70 meters in overall length.”
NEWEST AND LARGEST YACHTS
Sheeder’s companies have a reputation of offering the newest and largest yachts in the world’s best destinations. She and her teams spend countless hours identifying potential charter yachts.
“Rarely do we add any yacht to our fleet that is more than two to three years old, “ says Sheeder. “Even when we consider classic-styled yachts, we prefer to promote modern reproductions of famous yachts. Clients know they can turn to us for yachts that are on the cutting edge of new technology and styling.”
CLASSIC SAILBOAT
Germania Nova classic saiilboat replica
An example of Sheeder’s pursuit of modern yachts is the newly launched 47 meter sail yacht GERMANIA NOVA, a replica of a classic racing schooner first launched in 1908. Says Sheeder,
“Turn of the century guests onboard the original yacht would marvel at the technological comforts onboard this modern vessel. From satellite televisions to 5.1 Dolby surround sound, the only thing ‘old’ on this yacht is the classic design.”
AWARD-WINNING YACHTS
Important to realize, many of the new yachts are award winners in global design competitions. Competitions, for instance, the annual ShowBoats Design Awards.
“We pay close attention to these competitions,” reports Sheeder. “The best designers and naval architects in the world judge these yachts. Odds are great that if the best minds in the industry like a boat, our clients will, too.”
SUPERYACHT EXUMA
Superyacht EXUMA
Recent award winners promoted by SailAway to their clients include late 2010 launch Perini Navi motor yacht EXUMA(Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Displacement Motor Yachts 100-199). Also, the 42 meter Holland Jachtbouw motor yacht CALLIOPE (Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Semi-displacement Motor Yachts).
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE NEW YEAR
In conclusion, as to the new year, Sheeder is even more optimistic.
“Our research indicates that 72 new megayachts were ordered in 2011, the largest at 100 meters, and an average length of almost 43 meters. Eighty per cent of these newly-built yachts will be launched in 2012 or 2013, and we’ll surely have an entirely new inventory of yachts-for-hire to present to our discriminating clientele!”
At this wonderful time of the year, we at 1-800 Yacht Charters and the SailAway Family of companies would like to wish you a very happy holiday season.
We are eternally grateful to you for your patronage, readership, comments, suggestions, and interest in what we offer, be it super yacht charters, renting a private yacht, bareboat charter, or yacht charters in locations such as Greece, the Virgin Islands, St. Barts, the French or Italian Riviera, Ibiza, the Bahamas, New England, or anywhere else in the world.
The ancient city of Istanbul will play host to the seventh annual World Superyacht Awards
at the luxurious Ciragan Palace Kempinski on 5 May, 2012.
Çiragan Palace Kempinski – Istanbul
THE OSCARS
Combining a glittering awards ceremony with a gala dinner/dance, the Awards , often dubbed the “Oscars” of the superyacht industry, will be attended by an elite guest list of megayacht owners from around the globe.
WHICH YACHTS STEAL THE SHOW?
While the nominations include private yachts as well as charter vessels, it’s the newest and largest yachts for hire that seem to steal the show each year. Some of the winners at the six annual installment in London, May 7, 2011 include, for example
SYCARA V
BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT – 1,300 GT to 2,999 GT
Winner: SYCARA V
BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT – 500 GT to 1,299 GT
Winner: MARY-JEAN II
BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT under 500 GT
Winner: EXUMA
Judges’ Commendation: BIG FISH
THREE DECK SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHT
Winner: CALLIOPE
MORE WINNERS
MOTOR YACHT OF THE YEAR
Joint Winners: Eclipse and EXUMA
THE SAILBOATS
BEST SAILING YACHT – 45 meters and up Winner is Zefira
Judges’ Special Award goes to ATLANTIC KOKOMO also receives Judges’ Special Award
Commendation by Judges goes to TWIZZLE
BEST SAILING YACHT – 30 meters to 44.99 meters
Winner is IMAGINE
WHERE IS ISTANBUL
Straddling the Bosphorus Strait separating Europe and Asia, Istanbul embodies the best of both cultures. The city has been the capital of three empires, each leaving a heritage of amazing architecture and monuments.
THE PALACE
Once an Ottoman palace, the Çiragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is located on the European shores of the Bosphorus. It has spectacular views over the strait. The palace is a 5-star resort. It is a registered member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Its 313 luxurious rooms include 20 suites in the hotel. In addition, 11 suites in the historical palace.
Where is Caribbean yacht charter island, St. Barts?
CLIENT QUESTION
“Dear SailAway – I love reading the blogs about the big yachts and all of the celebrities that hang out in St Barts during the holidays. I will be in St Martin for a hotel-based vacation, and while I can’t afford a luxury yacht charter, I would love to see St Barts. What’s the best way to get there?
EDITOR RESPONSE
Thanks, Terry. You have several options:
BY AIR
There are daily flights from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in St Maarten (Netherlands, Antilles). It’s a short 10-12 minute flight to St Barth’s Gustave III Airport, located on the island’s north coast. The descent is a real nail biter for the fainthearted, necessitating a pass through a narrow break in a hilltop and a landing on the 280 meter runway that ends on St Jean beach. Call +590 590 276541 for flight info.
BY FERRY
If you would rather avoid the short flight, several inter-island high-speed ferry services operate regularly between St Maarten and St Bart’s. It’s a 45 minute ride.
Voyager Ferry (daily travel between St Martin, St Barts and Saba)
+590 590 275410 www.voyager-st-barths.com
Master Ski Pilou (private water taxi transfer from St Barth’s to St Maarten Juliana Airport and Anguilla)
+590 590 279 179 www.masterski-pilou.com
Rent a sailboat catamaran with crew
RENT A SAILBOAT
As to not being able to afford a yacht charter, Terry, you might be surprised. Megayachts are certainly very expensive, but many travelers prefer smaller, more intimate crewed catamaran charters for their yachting vacations.
RATE
A family or group of 8 passengers can rent a crewed catamaran for under $15,000 per week, inclusive of all meals, alcohol, crew, and LOTS of onboard watersports toys like bananas, wakeboards, snorkel gear, underwater scooters, SCUBA diving, etc.
LUXURY TAX ABOLISHED The recent Mediterranean Yacht Charter show in Genoa, Italy, learned that the 3 year old Sardinia Luxury Tax is no more. ABOUT THE TAX The repeal of the Sardinia Luxury Tax is especially good news to charter enthusiasts. Anyone considering a yachting vacation in the Mediterranean is fortunate. The law […] read more
The world of luxury yacht charter has finally arrived in the Seychelles. Motor yacht SEA STREAM, a 76 foot Ferretti with room for 8 guests, is now available for Caribbean yacht charter enthusiasts looking for a new destination. Ferretti yacht SEA STREAM is now available as the only high quality, luxury crewed motor yacht available […] read more
PLAN AND PACK Yikes! What to pack? In just over three weeks, you leave on a week-long Bahama yacht charter vacation. You choose a sleek, performance, basic sailing yacht with crew. Your menu provided to your yacht through your charter broker, and your crew is ready to welcome you aboard. Seriously, what do you pack? […] read more
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