Call it, “Life imitating art.” They were under siege by a great white shark in the 1975 film, JAWS. Actor Roy Scheider’s character exclaimed, ‘We’re gonna need a bigger boat.’
Obviously the film’s director, Steven Spielberg, took that sentiment to heart. His 282 foot superyacht is up for sale. It will be replaced with an even larger vessel.
Oceanco 2010 Spielberg yacht SEVEN SEAS lived up to its name. The famous director, his wife Kate Capshaw, and their seven children made it happen. They took the yacht on a 30,000-mile round-the-world cruise.
Over the years, many famous Hollywood celebrities have been guests onboard the yacht. For instance, Gyneth Paltrow and Leonardo DiCaprio. The UK’s Daily News wrote an article. A friend of the director said, “Steven didn’t realize how much he’d enjoy cruising the ocean. Now he’d like to spend more time exploring the seas, and bring a few friends along for the ride. So he’s upgrading to a bigger yacht.”
The yacht is sometimes available for hire. This season’s charter rate in the Mediterranean is $1.2 million per week.
“She has always been a favorite charter yacht,” says Jana Sheeder, President and yacht charter Maven of 1-800 Yacht Charters.
If you’re considering renting the yacht this summer, you might have to wait until September, as the legendary director and his family have spent a considerable portion of their summer vacation onboard, and were recently spotted taking in the sites of Portofino, Italy. Even the family dog is along for the ride.
Lucky pooch!
This entry was posted in Good Times Yacht of the Week Educational and tagged Oceanco, celebrities on yachts, Jana Sheeder, Steven Spielberg, dogs on yachts, Leonardo DiCaprio, superyacht owner dogs, Gwyneth Paltrow, Monaco yacht charter, 1800yachtcharters, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, motoryacht charter, luxury yacht charter, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter, Seven Seas, yachts for sale
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A new, higher VAT (Value Added Tax) rate went into effect. All charters that commenced after July 20, 2015 in Greek waters are subject to the tax.
Greek yacht charter vessel at anchor
The new legislation raised the overall VAT from 13% to 23%. Specifically, lower rates apply to certain charters, based upon the duration of the hire.
There are two VAT categories for charters lasting 3 days or longer:
For charters up to 48 hours, there are no discounted rates. Full VAT of 23% is due (previously 13%).
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, points out the new VAT rates affect ALL charters taking place after July 20, 2015 – even if the charter agreements were signed in prior months. “With the current economic crisis in Greece, we’ve been anticipating some form of VAT austerity,” says Sheeder. “With each charter agreement we prepare, we add a clause indicating that the charterer is responsible for any increase in VAT – this way, there are no surprises. The more details we cover with our clients, the smoother their Superyacht Experience will be.“
How will the increase in VAT on private luxury yacht charter vacations in Greece effect the number of yacht charters?
Will clients seek alternate destinations or, “grin and bear it” to enjoy a Greek yachting holiday?
Let us know your thoughts. We will share your comments with our readers AND send you a free complimentary Eco-tote bag! Email your comments (and your mailing address!) to info@1800yachtcharters.com
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged VAT value added tax, eco-tote, greece yacht charter, free gift, sailing yacht charters, Q & A, motoryacht charter, Greece, Mediterranean yacht charter, Eastern Mediterranean yacht charter
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We often write blogs about airlines in terms of flights and service to popular private yacht charter destinations, but this post will deviate to highlight a move which we applaud. Cecil the Lion and Cecil’s Law.
In response to the global outcry after the tragic news of the killing of Cecil the lion, Delta Airlines has announced that it will no longer allow the shipment of big game hunting trophies on any of its flights, around the globe.
Beloved lion celebrity, Cecil
The Airline released this official statement:
“Effective immediately, Delta will officially ban shipment of all lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo trophies worldwide as freight. Prior to this ban, Delta’s strict acceptance policy called for absolute compliance with all government regulations regarding protected species. Delta will also review acceptance policies of other hunting trophies with appropriate government agencies and other organizations supporting legal shipments.”
Other air carriers including Air France, KLM, Iberia, IAG Cargo, Singapore Airlines and Qantas have also stated that they also intend to ban the transport of trophy-hunting kills.
Cecil the Lion, a popular animal at the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, is an icon for conservation efforts. He was killed by Walter James Palmer, a Minnesota dentist in early July, after being lured out of the protection of the national park. Cecil wore a tracking collar and scientists at the University of Oxford had been following and studying him since 2008.
It was wrong to kill Cecil – our opinion. According to the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, it was also illegal. The government of Zimbabwe is seeking to extradite Palmer to answer for his actions.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, supports the decision made by Delta and other airlines to ban animal trophy shipments.
“Back in April, a ban was initiated by South African Airways, and then joined by Emirates, Lufthansa and British Airways,” said Sheeder. “Cecil’s killing has created a global outcry, and if there is any good to come from Cecil’s death, it is the heightened awareness of our need to protect our natural resources. We applaud Delta and the other airlines for their new policy banning animal trophy shipments.”
“We live in an era of dwindling wildlife. Our own yachting industry is working to safeguard our reefs and vanishing marine life. The same safeguards are critical for all threatened species, both in the sea and on land. Big-game trophy hunting does not and should never again hold the allure it may have had in Teddy Roosevelt’s day.”
Delta Airlines officially joined by American Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin. Per sumofus.org, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Singapore Airways, Lufthansa, Air Emirates, Iberia Airlines, IAG Cargo and Qantas banned the transport of animal trophies.
From The New York Times, this ban initiated with South African Airways in April, and Emirates, Lufthansa and British Airways later joined. These airlines pledged not to carry big game trophies, including elephants, rhinos, lions and tigers as cargo.
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged Airlines, Cecil the Lion, Conservation Efforts, Walter J. Palmer, dentist kills lion, trophy hunting, tracking collar, University of Oxford, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
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After extended summer use by her owner, Feadship yacht HURRICANE RUN has committed to the upcoming winter 2015 Caribbean charter season.
As of the date of this post, the yacht’s calendar is wide open for bookings in St. Martin, St Barts, and the Virgin Islands. For year-end reservations over the Christmas or New Year’s holidays, the yacht requires a minimum 10-night reservation. Charters of 5 nights or longer will be accepted for all other open dates.
Her weekly rental rate is $350,000 for the holidays, and $295,000 for all other winter dates. Rates are plus all running expenses – items such as food, fuel, dockage, etc.
Built in 2009, Feadship yacht HURRICANE RUN was the recipient of the 2010 world Superyacht Award for “Best Interior Layout and Best Interior.” Her bright, contemporary interior was designed by the famous Terence Disdale.
Onboard amenities include:
Her crew received an excellent testimonial from a charterer last December:
“It is not possible to have another New Year celebration experience like we had on Hurricane Run! No words can describe the Hurricane Run crew. Our children, grandchildren, nanny and I have made lifetime friends with each one. We can never thank you enough for such a special week!”
In conclusion, contact us at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ right away. Hurry and reserve popular superyacht Hurricane Run for your next family vacation in paradise.
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged yacht charter Caribbean, special events, Feadship, Awards, how to charter a yacht, Interior Design, 1800yachtcharters, Feadship yacht charter, Hurricane Run
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Looking for a way to entertain potential clients during the upcoming Venice Film festival 2015? Nothing says, “Thank you for the opportunity” to a prospect quite as well as a soiree onboard a multi-million euro megayacht.
The Festival runs from September 2 through 12, and the Royal Denship yacht FORCE BLUE is available for hire in Venice and is offering a discounted rate to secure a booking. Normally priced at €235,000 per week in September, the 207 foot yacht has lowered her price to €195,000 per week (a savings of €40,000).
Along with Cannes, Venice has long been considered one of Europe’s most glamorous, buzzy film events. A-list celebrities, but more importantly, film makers and buyers attend in the hopes of securing lucrative deals to promote and release independently produced movies.
To charter a yacht for a special event normally takes many months of advance logistical planning, and securing dockage next to an event venue often requires a reservation a year or so in advance. Fortunately, it is easier to secure last minute space in Venice, as the abundance of waterways make it easier to use the yacht’s tenders to get to and from onshore venues.
Large yachts like Royal Denship FORCE BLUE become a venue unto themselves. They serve as a place to conduct private business negotiations. Also, charterers entertain business associates and prospective clients onboard. With numerous entertainment areas, both inside the yacht and on her massive deck, hundreds of guests can gather to socialize. After the guests leave, the charterer and a select number of special guests (totalling 12 or fewer) can use the yacht as a private floating hotel – with a full-time staff of 19 onboard to attend to meals and cater to the guests’ every whim.
The yacht’s onboard amenities include onboard cinema (perfect for private film screenings), full gymnasium, hairdresser’s room, and a spa center, featuring Hamman steam shower, mud bath, sauna, hydro massage Jacuzzi, and massage room.
Social gatherings can be upgraded to full-scale dance parties. The yacht’s aft bridge deck can be transformed into a disco. There is a professional DJ station complete with psychedelic lights and disco woofer speakers.
Choose to lay a white carpet down on the dance floor, if you wish. This allows guests to dance with their shoes on. Most yachts do NOT allow guests to wear shoes on deck.
There is one component that makes the yacht hire so unique and practical. In specific, total privacy. No one steps onboard a yacht without the Charter’s permission. This discreet venue means businesspeople can negotiate deals in seclusion. Additionally, they entertain special guests. All of this away from the attention of gawkers, competitors, and the paparazzi.
To charter this yacht or plan a special event like a Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter, contact 1-800 Yacht Charters via our form, by email to info@1800yachtcharters.com or via text to our 24 hour Special Events Coordinator at 305-720-7245.
This entry was posted in Destinations Good Times Special Events Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged 1800yachtcharters, Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, hammam spa, Onboard cinema, Force Blue, yacht charter, Superyacht, Monaco Grand Prix, special events, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter, Mediterranean yacht charter
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Recently, we told our readers that Hollywood icon Steven Spielberg had put his spectacular Monaco yacht charter vessel up for sale. The Spielberg yacht SEVEN SEAS is scheduled to be replaced with an even larger vessel.
In a, “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” kind of way, we thought this would be fun. We want to look at an interesting tie-in between Spielberg and the James Bond movie franchise. Obviously Spielberg loves yachts. James Bond movies correlate to fast, luxurious yachts. In fact, there are several yachts named in honor of Bond films and currently available for private yacht charter – yachts like OCTOPUSSY and CASINO ROYALE.
So, back to the tie-in between Spielberg and Bond.
Did you know that Steven Spielberg Was Twice Rejected to Direct a James Bond Film??!!!
Yep, it’s true.
Spielberg makes no secret of his affinity for the Bond film franchise. He desires to, and is a top choice, to direct a Bond movie.
It turns out that he had two opportunities to pitch longtime Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli. On both occasions, Broccoli said NO.
According to Broccoli’s daughter, Barbara (who took over the production reigns after her father’s death), a young, relatively unknown Spielberg made his first directorial pitch to her father early in his career. Broccoli was impressed by the young director’s passion, but felt he lack the experience to helm a major title like Bond.
Barbara said her father told Spielberg, “Kid, ya gotta get some more films under your belt.”
After Spielberg released one of his best-reviewed films, ‘Schindler’s List,’ he sent a letter to Broccoli asking again if he could direct a Bond movie. Barbara says her father once again turned down Spielberg, this time saying, “Now I can’t afford you!”
It’s safe to say things turned out ok for Mr. Spielberg. He’s directed over a dozen blockbuster films, and when not in use by Academy Award-winning director and his family, his yacht SEVEN SEAS is available for hire in the Mediterranean at a price of $1.2 million per week…
Interested in a yachting vacation this winter in the warm waters of the Caribbean? Contact us at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ and tell us your preferences! We look forward to planning The Superyacht Experience for you.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Good Times News and tagged Awards, Steven Spielberg, Schindler's List, 1800yachtcharters, Albert R. Broccoli, 007, who to call for a yacht, Trivia, how to book a yacht charter], how to rent a yacht, James Bond, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter
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First, take an iconic former world-record holding yacht launched in the 80’s. Second, add the allure of James Bond Agent #007. Third, toss in wads of dough for refinements and upgrades. The result is the spectacular, all-new Heesen motor yacht OCTOPUSSY.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters took advantage of an invitation to privately preview the “NEW” vessel near the owner’s winter home in Palm Beach, Florida, before the yacht enters the Bahamas yacht charter market.
“We received an invitation to see the yacht at the conclusion of a 7 million dollar refit,” beams Sheeder. “To be the first in the charter industry to see this yacht in person as it returns to the market is so exciting – we can’t wait to share our report and photos with our clients!“
Boarding to starboard, amidships and entering the interior passageway, visitors immediately catch a glimpse of the spectacular new décor by Jeff Lincoln of New York. Looking aft, the salon and dining area boast sumptuous fabrics and textures. Sheeder notes how the designer stayed true to a classic yachting theme.
“The clean lines defined by white-on-navy color patterns add a great, crisp nautical flair, similar to the classic nautical clothing designs of Ralph Lauren. You know you’re in a yacht but you feel like you’re in a modern New York City apartment. I also love how the blue highlights allow the interior areas to melt into the exterior decks and the dark blue hull.”
As Sheeder continues her tour of the yacht, crew members point out the numerous highlights of the refit.
“You can tell every mechanical system and all interior surface areas – from the headliner to the flooring and wallcovering, and all of the furniture – have been renewed or replaced,” says Sheeder.
Heesen yacht OCTOPUSSY further benefits from a remodeled stateroom plan – with a combination of Queen and Twin berths as well as two Pullman berths for small children.
Additional refit highlights include a new sundeck and extension of the uppermost deck. The deck is complete with raised sunpads and Jacuzzi-style hot tub. “Adding the small sundeck with a hot tub highly appeals to charter clients,” says Sheeder.
“Clients love to spend a day swimming and exploring the James Bond Thunderball Grotto in the Exumas in the Bahamas. There’s nothing like soaking sore muscles in a Jacuzzi hot tub as the sun sets over the ocean…”
Octopussy’s 1988 builder is Dutch shipyard Heesen. This iconic yacht is true to the James Bond theme that underlines all of the famous films. Whether a plane, car, or boat, it goes AMAZINGLY FAST! When first launched, the 143 foot vessel set a world record as the fastest superyacht in the world, hitting a top speed of 53.17 knots. “The added renovations, and extensions have slowed her down a bit,” says Sheeder, “but not by much.” Currently, the yacht can cruise at 25 knots, with a top speed of 35 knots.
“The combination of speed in a setting of comfort and panache makes this an ideal yacht for exploring the Bahamas,” explains Sheeder. “Other yachts are stuck offering the traditional charter itinerary in the general area of Nassau, but this incredible yacht can get to remote islands far removed from the tourist areas. After all, the idea is to enjoy a private yacht charter vacation – and this yacht can certainly deliver on that promise.”
Take the “James Bond Yacht Challenge” and win a prize!
Tell us the names of three 007–inspired yachts currently available for charter. These are yachts named after actual James Bond movies.
Need a hint? The yacht “Octopussy” is named after the 1983 film of the same name starring Roger Moore as James Bond. Now you only need to name two more!
Need another hint? Go to www.1800yachtcharters.com and use the SEARCH box in the top right corner of the homepage to search on names of James Bond movies.
Email the names of three charter yachts named after Bond 007 flicks to info@1800yachtcharters.com, and we’ll mail you a special gift!
[Note: actual spies and secret agents are not eligible to play!]
This entry was posted in News Yacht of the Week and tagged fast superyacht, Heesen, Refit, Jana Sheeder, Thunderball, Grotto de Neptuno, hot tub, yacht charter Bahamas, OCTOPUSSY, sundeck, Bahamas, grotto, James Bond, motoryacht charter, Destinations
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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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Smaller PWC Better Fit for Private Yacht Charter Vessels Under 100 feet?
Posted on by Jana Sheeder
WAVERUNNER AND JETSKI SALES STATUS
Waverunners and jetskis, also known as personal water craft (PWC), have sale issues. Their sales have been on the decline for several years. This is in part because PWC have become so gigantic, powerful, expensive and fuel hungry.
WHY THE SALES CHALLENGE?
The price issue is of lesser concern to the owners of charter yachts. However, the size and fuel consumption issues do factor. The decision of whether or not a megayacht will carry one or more of these toys is important. They are used onboard for the use of the charter guests.
A SMALLER VERSION
Now, a smaller version is available for superyachts. Not only are they smaller, bu they are lighter and far more fuel-efficient. This might have an impact on smaller megayachts, particularly in the 80 to 100 foot range.
THE SEADOO SPARK
Sea-Doo “Spark” is approximately half the price, half the weight and half the power of a regular midrange PWC, and burns nearly ten times less fuel than other waverunners.
Storage space is a major concern on yachts in the 80 to 100 foot range. The aft garage on a mid-size megayacht is rather tight – yet carrying an assortment of watertoys is important as many charterers clamor for water-based activities during their time onboard. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine a Florida yacht charter vacation, in the warm, pristine Florida Keys, without spending time in the ocean, snorkeling, wakeboarding, and riding along on a waverunner. The Spark is smaller and lighter than other PWC, and it is easier to get in and out of a cramped yacht’s toy garage.
SUSTAINABILITY
Many vessels forego carrying a large PWC, not just because of the size but also because the typical PWC guzzles LOTS of fuel, requiring the storage of large amounts of gasoline to operate the waverunners. This is both problematic and, for yacht owners and crews concerned about sustainability, an ecological issue.
FUEL-EFFICIENT
The Spark is the most fuel efficient PWC on the market, burning just 7.3 liters (1.9 gallons) of fuel per hour on the 60-horsepower model, or 9 liters (2.4 gallons) per hour on the “High Output” model. Compare this to a 250-horsepower Sea-Doo RXT-X model, which swallows 76 liters (20 gallons) per hour, and the Yamaha FX Cruiser requiring 80 liters (21 gallons) per hour. Carrying a Spark on a charter yacht would require less gasoline to be stored, and leave a far smaller carbon footprint on the environment.
Yes, there is a trade off in top-end speed, but many charterers have little-to-no experience on a PWC, and high speed can be quite dangerous. In fact, operating a large PWC often requires a special license. Consider the typical language used on most charter agreements between clients and the owners of the yacht for hire. There is often a clause that states:
“The use of any personal watercraft (waverunners) is at the operator’s sole risk and is only permitted subject to the operator having the applicable license, if required, and meeting local regulations.
Any liability arising from noncompliance regarding the use of personal watercraft is entirely at the operator’s risk.”
For most charterers, the speed of the Spark should not be an issue, as the Spark can easily hit 80 kilometers per hour (around 50 mph)!
It’s too early to tell how the charter industry will react to the Spark. Owners of mid-size megayachts may choose this new PWC for their toy garages. They are approximately half the price and half the weight of normal PWC’s. The Spark delivers 90% of the speed (and fun) of a more expensive PWC. Hopefully that will be enough to “spark” an interest in eco-friendly yacht owners…
FREE GIFT WITH COMMENT
WHAT do you think? Will the Spark catch on with megayacht owners and crews?
Share your comments with us at info@1800yachtcharters.com , and we’ll send you a complimentary eco-friendly tote bag, courtesy of 1-800 Yacht Charters.
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This entry was posted in News and tagged free gift, eco-friendly, Luxury Yacht Gadgets, Personal Watercraft (PWC), Please comment, motoryacht charter, Gadgets, Watertoys, Sea-Doo, eco-tote
Posted on by Jana Sheeder