St, Barts Gustavia Fireworks for New Year’s
The tiny island nation of St Barts once again played host to multiple people and boats. For instance, celebrities, business icons, and the world’s largest yachts to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2011.
With fireworks bursting overhead, many revelers made their way to the £59 million island estate of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich for his annual party. It is estimated to cost £5 million (about $7.7 million US Dollars). The star-studded event featured a live performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Many stayed on the Russian’s 536 foot superyacht ECLIPSE – the world’s largest private yacht with two helicopter pads, a submarine, and two swimming pools. Other yachts anchored in the harbor or along the quay included the 377 foot motor yacht LUNA, Feadship yacht charter motor yacht DREAM, and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen motor yacht TATOOSH.
George Lucas and partner enjoy Abramovich party ion yachts n Gustavia St. Barts
Some of the A-list celebrities and guests seen on yachts, and in restaurants and clubs included Star Wars creator George Lucas, designer Marc Jacobs, singer Jon Bon Jovi, media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, and music mogul Russell Simmons and his Australian actress-girlfriend, Melissa George.
In conclusion, revelers on yachts came ashore in tenders. This was before being whisked off in chauffeured cars to the various parties taking place across the island.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Good Times Special Events and tagged Red Hot Chili Peppers, fireworks show St. Barts, Gustavia fireworks, caribbean yacht charter, St. Barts yacht charter, Roman Abramovich, new years st. barts, celebrities on yachts, George Lucas, Star Wars, Lucasfilms, Jon Bon Jovi
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Big news! The 45 meter luxury yacht, Claire, has a $1 million dollar refit facelift. She is keen to secure bookings this winter and spring in the Bahamas.
Motor yacht CLAIRE is available for rental in the the Bahamas, after undergoing weeks of maintenance and remodeling during her recent refit.
Claire launched in 2003. Her million dollar “facelift” included multiple items. For instance, new décor and furniture, a new audio/visual entertainment system, large screen TV’s on all exterior decks, and a new aft deck and dining area. Interestingly, the aft deck converts to a cinema lounge. In essence, everything on board is either new or renewed, top to bottom.
Trinity motor yacht CLAIRE offers accommodation for 10 guests in 5 staterooms.
The weekly charter rate is $150,000 per week, plus running expenses.
This entry was posted in Destinations Good Times and tagged yacht charter Bahamas, claire, Bahamas yacht charter, Refit, outdoor cinema, Trinity Yacht, facelift
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Superyacht in Amalfi
A new Italian yacht tax will assess a fee for each day a yacht is in service in Italian waters.
Signed into law on December 22, 2011, the new tax will go into effect on May 1, 2012.
The new tax as outlined in the decree is as follows:
The new law lists several exceptions.
First, vessels in dry dock or hauled out of the water – exempt from the daily fee
Second, for vessels older than 5, 10 or 15 years, the tax reduces by 15%, 30% and 45%, respectively
Third, all fees for sailing yachts – reduced by 50%
Superyacht ARKLEY
Thus, if you reserve the 60 meter Lursen yacht charter motor yacht ARKLEY for a week, you will incur a fee of € 3,647. Conversely, if you select a sail yacht for your holiday, such as 57 meter Royal Huisman’s sailing yacht TWIZZLE, you’ll pay € 1,824.
Yacht charter maven Jana Sheeder believes a review of the new law is needed before it goes into effect.
“We fully support the efforts of the Italian government to bolster their sagging economy,” says Sheeder. “What we have not seen, however, is a detailed analysis of the economic impact that the new tax will have on the Mediterranean yacht charter industry, and the impact on ancillary industries which support yachting such as marinas, fuel brokers, repair specialists, provisioning companies, and travel and tourism offices.”
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational and tagged yacht charter, Jana Sheeder, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Amalfi yacht charter, motoryacht, Laws in Italian waters, Arkley, Italian yacht tax
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Perini Navi sailboat yacht
A client texted his post-charter comments after returning from a 10 night luxury sailing charter vacation. First, We responded and asked if everything went well. Being his third Perini Navi yacht charter in the islands, we also asked if anything out of the ordinary occurred.
“Gr8 charter…all wnt well.” he replied. “Nothing unusual but skiing.”
We texted, “A lot of peeps on H2O-skis?” His reply nearly knocked us out of our chairs, “LOL – SNOW skis!” (with snowskiing and thumbs up emojis)
Waterskiing
It turns out, the most unusual ski adventure of the winter season wasn’t taking place in Vail, Deer Valley, or Steamboat. The unlikeliest of winter ski destinations this season is the Caribbean Sea, where dressing in layers of warm clothing will not be required, but sunscreen will be a must.
Snow skiing on a caribbean cruiseship
It’s all taking place aboard a custom-built cruise ship that boasts a tall slope and lift at its stern, a rental chalet, and après-ski bar.
Not to be outdone by the megayacht charter vessels known for their onboard amenities, the specialty cruise liner also boasts saunas and hot tubs.
White powder skiing purists may cringe at the fact the snow is not real and there is no wintry crispness to the air. But consider the bright side: deep blue skies, balmy temperatures every day, and a placid sea Caribbean sea with islands on the horizon.
Iglucruise, is the company offering this first-ever Caribbean ski excursion. A British-based travel company, the eight-day voyage departs from Barbados and includes stops at Tobago, Isla Margarita, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent.
The ski slope is almost 500 feet long, built atop the upper deck to afford fantastic views of the tropics. The slope is covered with a Perma-Snow carpet, said to almost feel like real snow.
The company’s website states they are, “proud to announce the launch of their first cruiseship, a ground-breaking new ship to combine the passions of their loyal customers; skiing and cruising.”
Expect for long lines at the lift, as the ship can carry 1,129 passengers.
News of this crazy adventure is spreading fast, and from comments by bloggers, the ski community isn’t quite sure how to react. One post read in part:
“I think it’s a stretch to actually call it skiing, then again, speaking to the uniqueness of this idea, what a trip it’s going to be for people to be linking turns on a cruise ship sailing across the famed waters of the Caribbean Sea. This is not a ski trip most of us would ever consider, then again name another time you’ve heard of such a trip being offered.”
Prices for the cruise start as low as $1,240/pp.
In conclusion, whatever activities you enjoy on a private yacht, the trip will be memorable and worth texting about!
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Good Times Educational and tagged igucruise, snowskiing on yacht, perma-snow carpet, megayacht charter, yacht charter Caribbean, caribbean yacht charter, snow ski
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Pershing 82 motoryacht
The highly anticipated motor yacht Pershing 82 is on schedule to debut in the spring of 2012. A contemporary reinterpretation of its predecessor, the Pershing 80, the Pershing 82 is the ninth model added to the builder’s series of open performance yachts.
Mediterranean yacht charter fans looking for a swift yacht take note! In keeping with Pershing’s emphasis on performance, the new 82 model will be capable of a 45-knot top end, thanks to twin MTU 16V M93s. Cruising speed is expected to be an equally-swift at 40 knots.
Such performance will ensure you get to St. Tropez for lunch and back to the dock at the Cannes Film Festival in time for cocktails.
Designed by Fulvio De Simoni and a team of architects at Centro Stile Ferretti Group, the Pershing 82 performance yacht features an external profile that is sleeker and more aggressive than that of its predecessor. The elongated superstructure enhances the new attractive forms while the sundeck with retractable platform makes the yacht look slimmer.
The yacht is 24.97 meters long. It features the traditional mega yacht charter layout. For instance, it has 4 comfortable guest cabins. In the middle of the boat, the master suite exists. Forward of that is the VIP cabin. Two twin bed cabins are at the front of the boat.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Yacht of the Week and tagged sleek, high performance yacht, fast yacht, fast charterboat, 8 guests, rent a fast boat, charter a performance yacht, Pershing 82, powerboat charter, yacht charter Pershing, Mediterranean yacht charter, fast, Cannes Film Festival, sexy yacht
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John Staluppi, notably the luxury yacht charter world’s archetypical yacht owner, is at it again. He is driven by imagination and pride. As such, Staluppi takes possession of his 16th megayacht.
Diamonds Are Forever Staluppi yacht
Launch took place on 26th November 2011 in Benetti shipyard in Livorno, Italy. The 60 meter Benetti FB253 is the boat’s official identification. Like his earlier yachts, the vessel has been christened to honor another James Bond classic novel and film. Presenting motor yacht DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.
Staluppi’s Casino Royale
The boat is based on the shipyard’s famed naval architecture and engineering. Elegant external line of the new Benetti FB253 M/Y (Motoryacht) DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER uses compact forms and dynamic slender lines. She has traditional design elements and modern innovative stylistic solutions. These features are the benchmark of Benetti’s throughout the world.
John Staluppi, Superyacht Owner
As a matter of fact, this man has long been a fan of the James Bond 007 saga. To emphasize, Staluppi’s earlier creations include:
CASINO ROYALE and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER are built for true luxury at sea. Staluppi’s earlier Bond boats had a singular focus – SPEED. They were setting records as some of the fastest superyachts in the world. It was the 43.5 meter motor yacht OCTOPUSSY which broke the 50-knot speed barrier 20 years ago. This yacht brought the name of New York-born John Staluppi to the attention of yacht aficionados.
He has a well-known background, but the self-made millionaire left school when he was 16 and worked as a mechanic in Brooklyn. Due to this, he developed one of the most successful car dealerships in North America. It was a business that enabled him to indulge his passion for racing fast boats. He then started building megayachts for himself.
In conclusion, many charter yacht owners prefer to remain anonymous. Staluppi’s vision and passion bring fervor and excitement to a very conservative industry. There aren’t many yachts aboard which guests are greeted by frosted-glass panels delicately etched with the silhouettes of Bond girls!
The customized, whimsical James Bond boat themes are a refreshing breath of fresh air in an industry of white, cookie-cutter production boats. It must be remembered. Let’s hope Staluppi doesn’t run out of 007 movie titles, or his passion, any time soon.
Live the adventure – come explore an exotic destination on a James Bond boat.
Contact us HERE to make life-changing plans!
This entry was posted in News Yacht of the Week and tagged fast superyacht, 1800yachtcharters, 007, Thunderball, Staluppi, James Bond, benetti yacht charter, motoryacht charter, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter, Gadgets, Bahamas yacht charter
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Breaching whale on yacht charter vacation
The biggest highlight of snorkeling during a Caribbean yacht charter is usually swimming among schools of fish, or seeing sea turtles and sting rays from afar. However, one charter yacht hopes to offer visitors the chance to frolic with a much larger marine animal.
Richard Branson’s yacht, the sail catamaran NECKER BELLE, is offering two humpback whale watching charters this spring in the Silver Bank, a region in the Atlantic midway between Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic.
Necker Belle catamaran whale watching
From January to March, humpback whales mate and calve in the Silver Bank, before migrating to colder waters. According to Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters,
“you can slip into the water and snorkel with the calves as their mothers watch from a safe distance below.”
Two weeklong expeditions are scheduled on the 105′ catamaran NECKER BELLE, owned by adventurer and business tycoon Sir Richard Branson. Charterers may choose either 16 – 23 February or 8 – 15 March, 2012.
Launched in 2003 and rebuilt in 2009 at Azzura Yachts, Australia, the sail yacht NECKER BELLE was a finalist in the World Superyacht Awards 2010 in the “Best Refitted Yacht” Category. The yacht received a Judges’ Special Commendation.
Four guest cabins accommodate for 8 guests. The master cabin features a queen bed on the back wall. Two VIP staterooms can convert from double to twin berths. The fourth cabin offers a double bed.
All staterooms offer ensuite bathrooms.
Two more guests can be accommodated in the saloon, where the sofa converts to a double bed.
The two aft deck sun pads can be transformed into outdoor berths, which are removable tent-style structures with outdoor element protection. A shower is available in the day head for those using the outdoor berths or saloon.
The price per week is $130,000 and includes the yacht, professional crew, and the guidance of whale expert Tom Conlin of Aquatic Adventures. Running expenses such as food, bar, and fuel are extra.
When whales are sighted, charterers leave the yacht on an inflatable raft, led by naturalist guide Tom CONLIN, to go closer. Snorkeling is not possible sometimes. For instance, when two males are fighting for territory or a few males are trying to impress a female whale. Calves are curious and non-aggressive. Snorkelers approach them using slow, gentle movements.
Swimming with Whales on yacht charter
“Being in the water and seeing a whale is a life-changing experience,” says Sheeder. “You’ll never forget it.”
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter and tagged award-winning, World Superyacht Awards, swim with whales, swimming with whales, Necker Belle, Sir Richard Branson, Jana Sheeder, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, catamaran yacht charter
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Chef Geoffrey Fisher
He has experience in the galley of a superyacht and the kitchen of a fine restaurant. Presenting Chef Geoffrey Fisher, 35. He is a man who relishes the opportunity to blend creativity, talent and knowledge. In particular, to transform everyday ingredients into stunning, delicious creations.
Born in Manchester, England, is at the top of his profession, he continues to hone his skills.
“I push myself (sometimes) 16 hours a day,” says Fisher. “Being a chef is all about passion. If you don’t have it, don’t go there. It’s long, unsociable hours….not a job…a way of life. Being a chef, you learn something new every day, by working with other chefs, reading books, even watching cooking programs on TV.”
His lessons in cuisine and hospitality began early in life, as Fisher washed dishes in his parents’ restaurant in Lancaster, England. He watched the chefs and thought, “I could do that!” His mom and dad recognized his talent and encouraged him to get a formal culinary education.
Fisher attended Lancaster & Morecambe College and took a three-year chef/catering course. As a result, he learned everything from general basics and waiting to theory and cooking. He won “best student chef” three years in a row and became runner-up in the national competition, Nestle Toque d’or. In between classes, Fisher worked for his parents in their restaurant.
By age 24, Fisher was head chef at the Swag and Tails, a restaurant in Knightsbridge where he stayed for nearly four years. “It was here I learned how to deal with people, order food, costing and the unpleasant duty of how to fire people,” he said.
Looking for a new adventure, Fisher decided to join a friend in Europe who was chef on the 47-meter Motoryacht Commitment, which happened to be on charter at the Monaco Grand Prix. Another key point is that a week onboard and Fisher was hooked and started looking into a career in yachting.
With a little help from the chef onboard sail yacht TWIZZLE, Fisher landed a job onboard motor yacht WHEELS, and quickly learned charter chefs must be flexible. “I make a point of having a chat with them (charter guests) as soon as possible when they arrive to find out not only what cuisine they like, but also what they don’t like, or if they have any allergies. Talking with the guests is important,” says Fisher.
Fisher also learned the pressure of working on a yacht for hire can be intense.
“The pressure in restaurants is tense, but completely different on yachts. On yachts, it’s intense because you never stop cooking. When it’s not the guests, it’s the crew,” states Fisher.
After his stint onboard M/Y WHEELS, Fisher joined the crew on motor yacht SLIPSTREAM, where he is still the executive chef. As to his future plans, Fisher says,
“In time I would like to own a small restaurant in Malta. Inside the kitchen, it’s said you’re only as good as your last service. Through yachting, I always say, you’re only as good as your last charter.”
In conclusion, rent a private yacht and become a foodie! Enjoy the gourmet services of the world’s best chefs on a yaching holiday. CONTACT US TODAY.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational and tagged Nestle Toque d'Or, Chef Geoffrey Fisher, luxury yacht charter chef, Slipstream, foodies, Wheels 164, yacht charter chef
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Motoryacht BATON ROUGE
Hoping to counterbalance her carbon footprint, the owner of Trinity motor yacht BATON ROUGE has introduced a policy of carbon offsetting her fuel.
“This commitment to a greener future is also an acknowledgment of the high expectations of the yacht’s charter clients,” says luxury yacht charter maven, Jana Sheeder. “The carbon offsets of the yacht’s engines with equivalent emissions reductions from verified green energy projects allows clients to integrate their own commitment to sustainability into their vacation experience.”
Joss de Rohan Willner, captain of the 63-meter motor yacht BATON ROUGE wanted to address the yacht’s environmental procedures.
“We decided to address her greenhouse gas emissions through a program of carbon offsetting. The approach needed to be practical, effective and flexible to suit the yacht’s busy schedule. We are pleased to be working with Yacht Carbon Offset to introduce this measure for 2012.”
Yacht Carbon Offset’s Managing Director Mark Robinson said: “We are delighted that Baton Rouge has selected Yacht Carbon Offset to neutralize the carbon footprint from her engines. For such a prominent and active yacht, it is natural for environmental performance to be a priority. We thank the Owner’s team and all on board for their support”
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Yacht of the Week Educational and tagged Jana Sheeder, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Baton Rouge, carbon offsets, yacht carbon offsets, Captain Joss de Rohan Willner, motoryacht charter
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Ferretti Yacht SEA STREAM brings Luxury Charter to Seychelles
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What to Pack for a Sailboat Vacation
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Top Three Hottest Gadgets for 2012 useful on luxury yacht charter vacations
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Glass iPhone Gadget
GADGETS AND YACHTS
Anyone who follows our daily nautical blogs knows we love two things. Specifically, the world’s largest yachts, and gadgets. We especially like gadgets that can be utilized and enjoyed during a luxury yacht charter vacation.
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW
The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show is underway in Las Vegas. It is time to pick our favorite new gadgets for 2012. Here are our top three new gadgets of CES 2012.
FIRST, GRIFFIN TWENTY
Megayachts like LADY BRITT and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER feature iPod docking stations integrated into their audio systems. Then there are yachts without centralized audio systems. The Griffin Twenty is a popular addition to onboard entertainment options.
The Griffin Twenty streaming audio device turns any Apple AirPort Express into a full stereo system.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The device has a simple, elegant design, just a plug for the AirPort Express and a large dial for volume. As its name implies, the Twenty has an internal 20-watt amp and outputs for left and right stereo speakers, plus a kickin’ subwoofer. The concept is simple – the dial controls the volume, while the rest of the interface is taken care of through your iPhone, iPad or computer.
SECOND, ROKU STREAMING STICK
Many Caribbean yacht charter vessels offer satellite TV as well as WiFi while dockside. What’s often missing is the charter guests favorite online content.
Using the new HDMI MHL standard, the Roku Streaming Stick plugs into a port on newer TVs. The stick instantly gives any compatible set access to all of Roku’s online content, from providers such as MLB, Netflix, and Pandora. The stick requires no dedicated power, features built-in WiFi, and is set to launch in 2012 for under $100.
THIRD, GO PRO Wi-Fi BACPAC
You can enjoy a bareboat charter or a vacation on a fully-crewed yacht. Waterproof cameras are a must when yachting. YouTube is saturated with amateur vids of adrenaline junkies riding waverunners, bananas, and zipping along with underwater scooters.
The Go Pro name has become synonymous with adventure/sports photography, and the Wi-Fi BacPac and remote combo kit will users even more control over their favorite cameras. Just snap the BacPac onto an HD Hero2 and you can control the camera from a durable, waterproof wrist-ready remote. Using the Go Pro app, you can also control the camera from a smartphone, tablet, or computer via a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection.
The BacPac also lets you stream a live view from the camera to your mobile devices, making sure you’re getting just the right shot.
LASTLY, WHAT ARE YOUR MUST-HAVE GADGETS?
In conclusion, contact the 1-800 Yacht Charters tech geeks athttps://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ with your favorite new gadgets and apps, and we’ll share your comments with our readers.
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This entry was posted in Educational Gadgets and tagged Go Pro Wifi Bacpac, diamonds are forever, Your comment can be featured, ipod docking stations, tech, Griffin Twenty, Consumer Electronics Show, CES, Luxury Yacht Gadgets, Airport Express, Gadgets, streaming audio, Netflix, Pandora, roku streaming stick, Go Pro, lady britt
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