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Monthly Archives: January 2014

Crewed Catamaran Sailboat Build Turns 30

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PARISIAN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION — MERCI

The recent Paris boat show gave bareboat yacht charter lovers pause. Presenting the new Lagoon catamaran 39.  It is an even more important milestone.  In specific, the 30th birthday of Lagoon Catamarans.
The builder celebrated their shipbuilding birthday at the French show.  Show dates spanned December 7 to 15.

When Did Lagoon Cats First Appear?

The first Lagoon #catamaran model was delivered in 1987.  As a result, more than 3,000 Lagoon catamarans exist around the world. 
Photograph of a Lagoon catamaran sailboat at anchor. Four people enjoy sitting in the sun. There is an island in the background. The water below the yacht is turquoise. The yacht is solid white, and it has stairs down the back of the boat. The photograph is clean and bright. The yacht is bright white.

Lagoon Catamaran for Caribbean Yacht Charter Vacation

DESIGN INNOVATIONS

For three decades, the company has been a leader in design innovation. For example, 

1997

Lagoon invents vertical windows for the Lagoon 410 catamaran, adding welcoming light and a feeling of more volume.

2004

No one had ever seen or heard of a flybridge on a sailing catamaran.  That is, until Lagoon installed one. Now, a decade later, all Lagoons 45’ and larger are equipped with a flybridge.

2006  

The first hybrid-powered cruising catamaran is introduced. Specifically, the Lagoon 420.

2009  

Welcome the Lagoon 620.   It is the benchmark for crewed catamaran charters.  Ask any charter broker their preferred vessels for a Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation.  They probably point to Lagoon 620 sail catamaran AVALON.  Also, luxury sailing catamaran CROCODILE DADDY

2013  

The new Lagoon 39 and 52 models, featuring innovation by VPLP naval architects, have the masts pushed back aft for comfort, performance, and easy handling. 

 

 

HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS

Happy 30th birthday, Lagoon!  Thank you for all that you’ve done for the catamaran charter industry — here’s to another 30 years.

 

HOW TO RENT A CATAMARAN YACHT

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Luxury Yacht Charter Maven Reflects on Industry in 2013

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THE YACHT CHARTER MAVEN COMMENTS

Many of her clients are still onboard their yachts enjoying their 2013 year-end St Barts yacht charter vacations.  Jana Sheeder, President and Co-owner of SailAway Yacht Charters and 1-800 Yacht Charters comments. She takes a few minutes to reflect on the year that was (and offers us a glimpse of what’s to come in 2014.

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters standing with yacht Vertige female crewmember on dock in front of boat. Jana wearing halter long dress and gold name badge, and crewmember wearing short black skirt and white short-sleeved shirt.

Q:  The charter industry still seems to be recovering from the global economic downturn of the past couple years.  Did 2013 represent an uptick in the volume of charter business?

Sheeder:  “Our research indicates 2013 showed significant improvement in charter revenues when compared to both 2011 and 2012.  Many newly-built yachts enter the  charter marketplace in 2013.  These are builds that had stalled while under construction during the height of the downturn.  As the global economy began to pick up, delayed construction projects commenced.

The result is a beautiful new fleet of superyacht charter vessels that hit the seas in time for the 2013 summer Mediterranean charter season.”

 

Q:  Did the year end on an uptick?

Sheeder:  “We haven’t seen any industry data yet, so we can’t speak for our competitors.  We can tell you in terms of the Caribbean yacht charter marketplace,  SailAway (1-800 Yacht Charters) had its strongest December in over 3 years. While the inquiries for smaller vessels did not grow, our bookings of superyachts – some of the largest yachts in the world –  increased significantly.

Presently, we have the two largest charter vessels currently docked in St Barts for 9 night charters – motor yacht LAUREL (240 feet, $525,000 per week) and the Lurssen yacht charter motoryacht MARTHA ANN (230 feet, 600,000 EUROS per week).”

 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

Superyacht Laurel underway.  Navy blue hull and white superstructure. There is a mountain in the distance behind her. She is headed toward the lower left side of the photograph.

Q:  What was the biggest change you witnessed in 2013 in the charter industry?

Sheeder:  “I would have to say the ending of VAT exempt charters in France. For many years, our clients enjoyed St. Tropez yacht charters and summer vacations along the Cote d’Azur, free of the burden of VAT.  That all changed in the summer of 2013 when the French yacht charter VAT went into effect.   As of July 15, 2013, charterers can expect to pay an additional 9.8% for their Côte d’Azur yacht charter.”

Q:  Are you optimistic as you look ahead to 2014?

Sheeder:  “Our team is extremely optimistic as we focus on incremental growth in 2014. During the economic downturn, while many of our competitors hunkered down to ride out the storm, we took a contrarian approach.  We focused our efforts on increased marketing. Our strategy was simple – stay in touch with existing clients and prospects. We wanted to be “easy to find” once the economy turned around.

Internally, we call it our “Tip of the Tongue” project.  Clients had tightened their belts during the downturn, and we were committed to be the brand they remembered (always on the tip of the tongue) when they were ready to loosen their discretionary income belts again!

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Now that 2014 is here, we are excited to announce that, for instance

  • Our newly-designed website is nearing completion
  • We are launching a new subsidiary to provide luxury yacht tenders to megayacht owners
  • Our additional satellite offices are opening 
  • We are focused on charitable causes — helping others, helping marine life, and helping the environment — Paying it Forward and Making a Difference for all that’s been given to us! 

The sky’s the limit!  It will be an exciting, challenging, and awe-inspiring year!”

 

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

For more information about yacht vacations around the world, contact us. Please visit 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ .  Share our information with your friends, family, and associates!  #yachtcharter

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Luxury yacht charter vacationers? What’s in Store for 2-0-1-4??

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Trends for 2014

  • Smartphones, tablets, and any handheld computers are the norm (versus desktop computers).
  • Those resistant to change are changing to adapt to technology. Everyone has access to computers and smartphones.  This is regardless of his/her “station in life.”

    smartphones iphone samsung galaxy android smart phones and handheld computers tablets

    Trends in smartphone technology for yacht charter


  • The “personal touch” between family, friends, businesses, and clients must receive direct focus in order to stay an important aspect of life.  The “use it or lose it” belief is alive and well.
  • Handwritten communication is fading into the past.  Without direct use and practice, it disappears.  Schools no longer teach personalization in life. Technology has center stage.  This is a blessing, for example, for technological medical advances. They move closer to cures ever day.  Diagnosis, treatments, and surgeries are completely different than in the past.  It is also a curse.  Where is handwritten communication?  Are face-to-face meetings no more?
  • Society in general is moving more toward caring for others.  Pay It Forward, Practice Random Acts of Kindness, Help the environment, care about animals.  Compassion is big.
  • People are stepping up to help others (and to keep others – and animals – from harm) in my experience.  Companies are making more sustainable products and being more environmentally responsible.
    Drawing of the earth, surrounded by green arrows to mean reduce, reuse, recycle 1800yachtcharters
  • All aspects of life are being directed toward recycling, reducing, and reusing….just loving the Earth and caring about our surroundings.
  • There’s a dramatic shift toward “Making a Difference.”

 

In conclusion, here’s to another wonderful year ahead!  Thank you for making a difference with 1-800 Yacht Charters!

 

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New 72m St. Martin Yacht Charter Vessel Nominated For Design Awards

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SHOWBOATS AWARD FINALIST – AXIOMA

The finalists for the 2014 ShowBoats Design Awards are announced.  One of the world’s largest yachts, the 72 meter motor yacht AXIOMA, is included. She is nominated for two awards.

New to the charter market, yacht AXIOMA – Ex Red Square, is competing in two categories.  First, Best Interior Design – Displacement Motor Yachts, 60 meters and larger.  Second, Best Exterior Design and Styling – Displacement Motor Yachts, 60 meters and larger.

AXIOMA yacht side profile

ABOUT AXIOMA

Yacht Build by Dunya Yachts in 2013.  Design by Alberto Pinto. AXIOMA  has enormous volume. She features six decks. The yacht has over 30,000 square meters of space.

 

 

RATE

Axioma yacht is available this winter.  Her rate is EURO 490,000 per week. In addition, running expenses.  For instance, fuel, water, dockage, taxes.

 

BOOKINGS

22 Dec – 01 Jan 2014 St Maarten
02 – 12 Jan 2014 St Maarten
13 – 18 Jan 2014 St Maarten
23 – 30 Mar 2014 T/B/A
01 – 21 Apr 2014 Transit to Europe

 

AWARDS INFORMATION

The ShowBoats Design Awards are season number 5.  They shine the spotlight on the yachting industry. In specific, the most talented designers and builders. The international list of nominees is expansive. For instance, superyacht owners and designers. In addition, industry leaders gather for a gala event Monday, February 24. Held at Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Austria.  The awards ceremony takes place on the first evening. Specifically, of the Superyacht Design Symposium. It is a two-day affair for superyacht owners and industry professionals.

 

OTHER YACHTS

Importantly, there are yachts of similar size and capacity. These include 2011 Fincantieri motor yacht SERENE.  In addition, 2011 Feadship motor yacht AIR and SYCARA V.

 

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

In conclusion, please contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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Planning a Croatia Yacht Charter? Expect To Pay More

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CROATIA YACHT CHARTER RULES

Croatia yacht charters are in for change.  In November, the Croatian government voted on a fiscal consolidation package to reduce the country’s deficit. One of the measures included an increased intermediate Value Added Tax (VAT, or PDV, as it is called in Croatia) rate from 10% to 13%.

TRAVELER ADVISORY

Travelers experiencing a yacht charter vacation in Croatia know this increase.  Costs passed from yacht owner to the charterer expected.

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

“In each of the past three summer seasons, we have seen an increase in interest in Dalmatian yacht charter adventures in Croatia,” says Sheeder.  “We are advising our clients to budget not only for the increase in VAT, but also for the higher excise taxes on fuel that were approved in November.  In short, the cost to enjoy both a Croatia bareboat rental or a fully crewed yacht vacation will cost about 5% more in the summer of 2014.”
Aerial photograph of mountains, green trees, turquoise water, and waterfalls flowing from the lakes. Perfect Croatia yacht charter destination

DALMATIAN ISLANDS

Trips to the Dalmatian Islands in Croatia now challenge locations in Italy and France as the most popular Mediterranean yacht charter destination. Environment protection is critical in these national parklands. 

HOW ARE THE CROATIAN ISLANDS?

They are wild and mostly uninhabited.  Additionally, they offer a varied and diverse cruising ground for sail boat charters.

MUST SEE STOPS IN CROATIA

There are many “must-see” itinerary stops in Croatia. For instance, Kornati National Park, The Town of Split (a UNESCO City), The Islands of Hvar, Brac, and Vis, and Trogir, a World Heritage Organization City.  Lastly, Plitvice Lakes National Park (photo above).

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER CROATIA

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UFO Sighting in Italy Yacht Charter Marketplace

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THE LATEST ITALIAN MINI YACHT

When it comes to innovation and design, the Italians constantly turn the yachting industry on its head.

UFO SIGHTING

The latest creation looks more like a UFO than a boat.  Italian design studio Lazzarini launched its first “mini yacht” during the 2013 Monaco yacht charter show.

PRESENTING THE LAZZARINI JET CAPSULE

The Lazzarini Jet Capsule is a compact water craft. It measures just 7.5 meters (24.6 feet) in length and 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) wide. It is approximately the same dimensions of a megayacht tender.
Photograph of a black Lazzarini jet capsule underway. It looks like a pod on the water. It is headed toward the right side of the photograph. There are mountains in the background. It is kicking up a wake.

Lazzarini Jet Capsule

CAPSULE WITH MULTIPLE USES

The company feels the customizable futuristic looking vessel suits multiple uses.  Firstly, it is a water taxi,  Secondly, it is a scuba diving vessel.  Thirdly, it is an elite yacht tender. The Lazzarini Jet Capsule is made with a fiberglass hull. A hydro-jet system powers the vessel.  The capsule offers from 315 to 740 hp. It also offers a deck protected from the elements.  This Italian masterpiece seats eight passengers.

JET CAPSULE AMENITIES

The vessel has many amenities. For example, automatic closing doors, a rooftop sunbed, rear diving platform, and a convertible bedroom with head.  Interior customizations include a kitchen. 
Photograph of a jet capsule on the water at night. It is headed toward the left side of the photograph. The interior lights are purple, and the underwater lights are blue.

Jet capsule with night lighting

The Sardinia yacht charter crowd is not only in for an out-of-this-world surprise at anchor at night, but next to this vessel, they are impressed.  The Jet Capsule’s interior and exterior lights are designed to give the impression that the vessel is a UFO spacecraft, as it appears to hover over the water!
Prices for the Lazzarini Design Jet Capsule are yet to be released…

ITALY YACHT CHARTER SEASON

The Italian yacht charter season runs each summer from early June through September.  In addition, popular ports of call include Positano,Rome, and the island of Sardinia. 

YACHT CHARTER BOOKING DETAILS

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