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Monthly Archives: September 2015

164 Foot Superyacht Relocates to St Martin for Winter Holidays

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The 164ft tri-deck Trinity yacht charter vessel yacht AMARULA SUN will set her course for the Caribbean this winter and will be in place in St. Martin in time to accept year-end inquires for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.  The superyacht will remain in the islands throughout spring 2016.

Her weekly charter rate is $220,000 plus running expenses.

Amarula Sun white boat motoryacht profile underway

The news comes on the heels of the recent relocation announcement by Feadship yacht HURRICANE RUN to the Caribbean for year-end, 2015.

The 50 meter motor yacht AMARULA SUN is truly a one of kind.  Her many unique amenities include a split-level Master Stateroom with panoramic views, fully body massage chair, grand player piano, and a cozy fireplace.

There are accommodations for 10 adults in 5 staterooms, plus two Pullman berths each suitable for a small child.

Adventurous travelers take note – this yacht is packed with a wide array of sports equipment and water toys.  Here’s a partial list:

  • 32 foot Everglades towed tender
  • 21 foot custom Brigs tender with a killer six speaker sound system, GPS, and underwater lights
  • 4 Personal watercraft includes 2 Yamaha 3-person supercharged wave runners (VERY fast!!!) and 2 SeaDoo Sparks wave runners (painted Hot Pink!)
  • 2 SeaBobs (yes, just like James Bond 007 rode in Thunderball, only smaller and faster!)

…and my personal favorite toys:

  • Giant inflatable waterslide
  • High-flying Jet Lev backpack!!!

Back of yacht with inflatable slide set up and person flying over the water with a backpack like James Bond wore in the movie Thunderball

Look out below!!!

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For additional information call our 24 hour yacht charter hotline at 305-720-7245, email info@1800yachtcharters.com, or use our online form to submit your yachting questions or suggestions here. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Need A Pizza?  There’s a Boat For That

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Pizza pi teal and white pizza sailboat anchored in St. Thomas USVI - advertisement for pizza on yellow sign hanging from sail lines

UNIQUE PIZZA BOAT IN CARIBBEAN

What does a Virgin Island yacht charter crew do, when anchored offshore and the craving kicks in for a slice of pizza?

If you’re Tara and Sasha Bouis,  you buy a derelict boat, gut the interior to install brick ovens, and open the first “Pizza Boat” in the US Virgin islands.

 

PIZZA PI

The floating “Pizza Pi” boat is anchored in Christmas Cove. Specifically, at the east end of St. Thomas, next to Great St. James Island.  There are multiple ways to order.   First, you can order your pizza via your boat’s radio, second, call it in via cell, or third, even e-mail it. There are 2 ways to pick up your order.  Moreover, you can either pick up the pizza in your dinghy, or Pi will deliver it to you. Delivery occurs only if you’re anchored in Christmas Cove.

 

THE LOCATION

The specific location is perfect. In specific, both personal boats and private yacht charter vessels from St. John and St. Thomas are constantly passing through the cove.  Even tourist-packed daytime sightseeing and snorkeling boats are taking a detour.  They stop by the pizza boat for authentic New York style “pies.”  Hence, the boat’s name, Pizza “Pi” – get it…the Greek letter “Pi”???

 

WHAT DID THEY DO BEFORE PIZZA PI?

Before opening Pizza Pi, Sasha was working on charter yachts as the captain and Tara was the chef.

The idea for the pizza boat came from a night at anchor, when Sasha and Tara were too tired to cook, and too tired to dinghy ashore to look for a take-out meal.  They spent the night eating microwave popcorn and dreaming about how great it would be if there were a pizzeria on the water nearby.

 

THEIR JOURNEY CONTINUES

After eight years of working on charter vessels together, the couple found a  37 foot abandoned boat on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.  They spent two years restoring the boat and installing a commercial-grade pizza kitchen with brick ovens and a giant Hobart dough mixer. To run the appliances, Sasha and Tara outfitted the boat with solar panels. They financed the project with the money they saved from working on boat charters.

The couple took a week-long intensive course at a “Pizza school” in New York, to learn to make authentic thin crust pies.

 

BRING ON THE PIZZA

The pizza boat was “launched” about 9 months ago, and business has been steady.  On an average day, they make about 25 pies. On a busy day, 30 to 40 boats stop by for a pizza.  Sasha designed a hatch where people on dinghies can place orders and pick up their pies.

pizza boat virgin islands pick up window with smiling woman in bikini leaning on window to pick up pizza and man waiting behind her for order

THE MENU

A banner displaying the menu hangs from the side of the boat.

Among the offerings:

• Sweet Home Indiana (sausage, corn, white sauce, and arugula)

• The Blumin Onion (made with lemon aioli instead of tomato sauce; leeks, radicchio, blue cheese, and honey)

• The Dalai Lama (a pizza with everything on it – the works)

Fresh ingredients like local Caribbean lobster can also be added as a topping.

 

HOW IS THE FOOD?

Currently, Pi is ranked as the best restaurant in St. Thomas on TripAdvisor. It has 59 five-star reviews and one four-star review. The person giving the boat a four-star review admitted the pizza is “delicious” but subtracted one star because they don’t deliver to her house on shore!

 

PIZZA WITH CHARTER

FREE PIZZA!  Book a yacht charter vacation in the USVI or BVI through 1-800 Yacht Charters today.  We will treat you to a complimentary large Pizza Pi pizza with toppings during your charter!!!   What a fun way to TASTE the Caribbean!  Contact us at info@1800yachtcharters.com or through our contact form at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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Porto Cervo Hosts Perini Navi Yacht Charter Race & Regatta

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The Race and Regatta

The 6th edition of the Perini Navi Cup has concluded.  Once again, several Perini Navi yacht charter boats  have participated.  They made a strong showing. Perini Navi NEVER disappoints.

COMPETITORS

Competing in this year’s event were Perini Navi yacht PERSEUS 3, MALTESE FALCON, and Perini yacht SEAHAWK.  In conclusion, this year’s winner, is sail yacht ROSEHEARTY.  The great news?  All are currently available for rental through 1-800 Yacht Charters Private Luxury Yacht Charter Brokers.  We provide The Superyacht Experience™ to discriminating clients worldwide.

 

SPECTATOR YACHTS

There were multiple PN yachts in attendance as spectator yachts. For instance,  motor yacht EXUMA.  sailing yacht FIDELIS, and sail yacht MELEK.

Private yacht Maltese Falcon sailboat racing Perini Navi

 

 

THE PERINI NAVI CUP

This year’s race held September 2 through 5 in Porto Cervo at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.  The 2015 Perini Navi Cup featured three days of spirited racing along challenging courses through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago.  The intense sailing competition was wonderful.  After which, social gatherings and nightly soirees occurred.  Lastlly, a gala dinner with entertainment by Andrea Bocelli in conclusion.

 

View of marina at night

WHO IS PERINI NAVI?

Italy’s Perini Navi shipyard is renowned for the massive dimensions of the yachts they produce.  In addition, their commitment to cutting edge technology and luxurious finishes.  They are unrivaled as charter yachts in terms of deck space and interior amenities.

 

A sampling of beautiful Perini Navi yachts for hire from 1-800 Yacht Charters, your superyacht charter specialists since 1976

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Seabirds Eating Plastic At Alarming Rate

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National Academy of Sciences Report

The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America has released a disturbing study detailing the threat of plastic pollution in the ocean, and its impact on seabirds.  Plastic trash is found in 90 percent of seabirds. The rate is growing steadily as global production of plastics increases.

According to the Academy, the “Threat of plastic pollution to seabirds is global, pervasive, and increasing.”

seabird surrounded by plastic and trash in yacht charter destination

 

AREAS OF IMPACT

The areas of impact facing the greatest threats are the southern boundary of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.

 

WHAT PLASTIC IS FOUND IN BIRDS?

Plastic found inside birds includes bottle caps, plastic shopping bags, and tiny pieces the size of rice that have been broken down by the sun and waves.

 

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

After reading the study’s abstract, Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters commented on the health impact facing the seabirds.  “Living along the coast of South Florida, I have seen the small plastic pieces of plastic that wash up into our mangroves and our shoreline,” says Sheeder.  “The wildlife rescue groups that we support tell us sharp-edged plastic pieces can kills birds by punching holes in their internal organs. Some seabirds eat so much plastic, there is little room in their stomachs for food.  Lack of food affects their body weight and jeopardizes their health.”

 

WHAT DOES 2050 LOOK LIKE FOR SEABIRDS?

Sheeder echoes the concerns of scientists and environmentalists:  “At current levels, virtually every seabird will be consuming plastic by 2050.  If we don’t address this issue, we are looking at a major contributing factor to the possible extinction of many seabird species. We can’t let that happen.”  

 

YACHTING INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT

Sheeder feels her yachting industry can do more in terms of effective waste management to reduce the threat.  “Almost all of the yachts we represent for private yacht charter vacations have the onboard capability to generate fresh drinking water. Now, when our clients request plastic bottled water to be placed onboard prior to their charter, we encourage them to forgo plastic and drink the yacht’s purified water.”

 

SWAPPED WATER BOTTLES BY 1-800 YACHT CHARTERS

In lieu of plastic water bottles, Sheeder even offers her clients complimentary reusable beverage containers.

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters poses with garbage bag during bay cleanup

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, cleaning plastic and debris from coastline near her home in South Florida

 

SHEEDER COMMENTS

Sheeder is confident the tide can be turned. “The report by the National Academy of Sciences paints a grim future.  Consequently, it also points out that effective waste management can reduce the threat.  Protecting our future means preserving the marine environment and promoting responsibility onboard our yachts, in the seas, and along our shores.”

 

SHEEDER CONTINUES

Sheeder further comments, “Everyone can do something.  Even just one thing every day.  It’s not hard to take that extra moment to help another. Many prefer to stick their heads in the sand rather than being role models and making a difference.”

 

 

 

 

SHEEDER ENCOURAGES OTHERS

She encourages others to be the change and leave all areas better than you found them. Additionally, pick up trash. Properly dispose of your own trash.  Moreover, give back to the environment, to animals, and to others.  Subsequently, practice random acts of kindness (RAK’s) to people, animals, your community, and the environment.  Finally, show your #Gratitude for the beauty of the wildlife and joy that they give you by protecting them. Use reusable totebags (versus plastic shopping bags) and be a 1-800 Yacht Charters Eco Hero!

 

CALL FOR ECO-HEROES

Calling all eco heroes!   Comment on this post and include your email address.  Expect contact from us.  We immediately send your own customized totebag.  Be  an #eco-hero with us!

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World’s Largest Yacht Charter Vessel Spotted In Malta

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The Palumbo superyacht facility hosts one of the most famous, and certainly the largest yacht charter vessel in the world.  The 133 meter yacht SERENE visits.  She stuns — her exterior design and engineering by Espen Oeino and interior styling by Reymond Langton Design.

largest yacht charter vessel Serene in Malta - blue hull - white superstructure - rocky background - dock in foreground

She experienced extensive renovations in the past two years.  The Palumbo refit and repair yard offers a 160 meter graving dock.  In addition, a covered 140 meter dock, and more than 400 meters of quay for alongside repairs.  Visiting yacht crews can enjoy various on-site amenities. For instance, an on-site gym and game room. The Malta airport is also just a short drive away. It offers direct flights to most major cities in Europe.

 

SEASON DRAWS TO CLOSE

As the charter season draws to a close, the Palumbo yard is seeing an increase in activity, with Fincantieri yacht SERENE just one of several superyachts to have confirmed bookings at the refit and service center.

 

 

SPOT ANY YACHTS?

Have you spotted any of our charter yachts in your area?  If you see one of the Superyachts listed on our website, snap a photo and email it to us at info@1800yachtcharters.com.  We’ll send you a complimentary eco-friendly tote bag for your efforts!

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Yacht Maven Shares Secret Bahamas Yacht Charter Island With her Clients

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KEEP IT FRESH AND UNIQUE

Keep it Fresh” – that’s the challenge charter brokers face when dealing with repeat customers.

Cruising in the Bahamas is no exception – after all, how many times can charterers circle around Grand Bahama, or make the milk run from Nassau to the Exumas and back before finally saying, “Been there…Done that…”

 

IRONY OF THE BAHAMAS

The irony of cruising in the Bahamas is the fact that there are HUNDREDS of unique islands and protected coves.  The challenge –  the Bahamas encompass 180,000 square miles of ocean space – and charterers can only visit a handful of islands during a typical week-long yachting holiday.

 

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

But Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters has come up with the perfect solution to keeping her clients excited and their trips to the Bahamas unique and fresh:  SPEED and a SECRET island.

Sheeder addresses the “speed” component by means of one of the fastest mega yachts for charter anywhere in the world – the iconic James Bond yacht OCTOPUSSY.  Once the world record holder as the fastest luxury yacht on the planet, a $7 million dollar refit has this 12-passenger yacht looking better than the day she was launched in 1988.

jana sheeder 1800yachtcharters president stands on dock beside motoryacht octopussy before inspection

 

All of her upgrades – extending the sun deck, adding a Jacuzzi-style hot tub, etcetera, have added some weight, and have slowed her down – just a bit” says Sheeder, “but she can still cruise 2 to 3 times faster than similar-sized luxury yachts.”

 

 

SUPERYACHT OCTOPUSSY INSPECTION

A recent private inspection of Octopussy and a meeting with her captain and crew gave Sheeder an idea on a unique charter itinerary, built around visiting a secret, uninhabited island.  “Heesen yacht Octopussy is not just fast – she also has a shallow draft – much shallower than most megayachts.  This means she can get into shallow, protected coves and achorages in the Bahamas that are off limits to most superyacht charter vessels,” says Sheeder.

 

CAPTAIN COMMENTS

With the help of the captain, Sheeder identified a special island – far from the typical cays visited by yachts based in Nassau.

“We located a beautiful, remote island, protected by the Bahamian government. The island and the surrounding water park have one of the healthiest ecosystems in all of the Bahamas.  It’s truly one of the loveliest islands in the Bahamas, and rises out of the deep ocean about 15 miles east of the closest inhabited major island. There are miles of pink sand beaches, gorgeous sandstone cliffs, and an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, both on the island and in the surrounding waters.”

Sandy beach with white sandy cliffs on right side, blue water in front, and continuing u-shaped beach on left

KEEPING IT SECRET

Sheeder will not reveal the location of the secret island.  NOPE.  She keeps that information private for charter clients.  “We work hard at creating a point of difference. Specifically, between our services and those of our competitors.  We continually look for an edge.  Important proprietary info allows us to deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients, since 1976.”

 

SHEEPISH GRIN

She does get a sheepish grin when she talks about this special place and the role motor yacht Octopussy plays. “Other yachts cannot offer you this secret island destination.  It is simply too far to travel and return to Nassau in a week’s time.  Octopussy has the ability to cruise at 25 knots or even faster, and can easily reach this destination and get back in a timely fashion to Nassau.  Plus, her shallow draft means OUR clients can enjoy quiet anchorages that few yachts can normally enter.

Sheeder explains some wildlife clients can expect to encounter at this protected island and the surrounding sea park. For instance, many threatened and endangered species. The Bahamian government reports long tail tropic birds, sooty terns, oyster catchers, and osprey nest on the island and surrounding cays. At the center of the island is a large mangrove and creek habitat that serves as a nursery for fish, sharks, conch, and crawfish. Green turtles have been seen foraging off the southwestern shore of the island, and in the northern bay. The coral reefs and grass flats in the surrounding sea are very healthy and offer a home to an abundance of sea life.

Bahamas animals include swimming pigs, great blue herons, green sea turtles, and iguanas

SHEEDER CONTINUES

“It’s an amazing ecosystem,” says Sheeder, “Worthy of visiting, and more importantly, protecting for future generations.  We are so excited to share this fresh and secret destination with our Nassau yacht charter clients.” #protectmarinelife

 

OCTOPUSSY SCHEDULE

Octopussy is based year-round in Lyford Cay (Nassau), Bahamas.  Weekly charter rate begin at $120,000 per week plus running expenses (items such as food, fuel, bar, dockage, etc.). For additional information, contact 1-800 Yacht Charters toll-free in North America at +1.800.922.4824, or internationally by calling +1.305.253.7245.

 

HOW TO BOOK A BAHAMAS YACHT CHARTER

Pssst!  Want to Share a Secret???   Do you have a favorite place you like to go in the Bahamas?  For example, some little oasis or slice of heaven away from the noise and the tourists? 

Tell us about your favorite destination in the Bahamas.  Why do you like it?  We will send you a gift. With your permission, we will possibly share your secret with our readers.  Email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com

 

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