The 82.50 meter motor yacht O’MEGA, one of the very few private luxury yacht charter vessels in the world with the capacity for over 12 guests, is heading to the Caribbean for the very first time this winter.
Re-launched in 2004 after a complete remodel from a near-bare hull, super yacht O’MEGA underwent a major refit in 2009, and has had continuous upgrades every year since. With an excellent crew-to-guest ratio, there are 30 crewmembers onboard to attend to 28 guests in 14 guest staterooms.
While in the Caribbean from early December, 2016 through April 2017, her weekly charter rate is €525,000 + running expenses. There is a two week minimum fee for charters during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
The only other +12 passenger superyacht considering relocation to the Caribbean for the winter is the 36 passenger motor yacht CHRISTINA O, as her owner has expressed interest in the emerging Cuba yacht charter marketplace (now that travel restrictions between the governments of the United States and Cuba have been eased).
With so few large-capacity yachts in the Caribbean this winter, we expect strong demand for both of these vessels in the area of St. Martin, particularly for St Barts yacht charter clients who invade the small island to celebrate the New Year.
From September 28 through October 1, some of the most expensive and largest yachts for charter will come together at Port Hercules, Monaco for the 2016 installment of the Monaco Yacht Show.
Three of the largest private yacht charter vessels offered for hire by 1-800 Yacht Charters will be in attendance. Here’s a quick glimpse (please try not to drool):
Imagine any over-the-top amenity, and chances are this 227 foot superyacht has it. The penthouse master stateroom offers 180 degree views, a private study, and private deck with a hot tub (of course). Other guests who wish to soak shouldn’t feel snubbed – there’s another hot tub with a waterfall located on the aft sundeck. [Rates from €525,000 per week; Caribbean in winter and Mediterranean in summer.]
At nearly 218 feet, this vessel is more luxury day spa than yacht. Built for wellness yacht charters, she features a massage/beauty/therapy room (a beautician and massage therapist are part of the crew), guest elevator, indoor cinema room, and a 20ft swimming pool (salt or/ fresh water, heated or cooled, with contra flow current). [Rates from $400,0000 per week; Caribbean in winter and Mediterranean in summer.]
Make sure your feet are clean when you walk across the interior carpets – they’re silk and valued at $17 million dollars. This 230 foot yacht offers 7 guest cabins, and a classical-style interior by famous designer Francois Zuretti. A large Jacuzzi “Swim Spa” on the upper aft deck double as a lap pool, with an adjacent wet bar with 11 stools – 4 of which are underwater in the spa. [Rates from €600,0000 per week; Caribbean in winter and Mediterranean in summer.]
HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER
In conclusion, we help plan The Superyacht Experience™ for you.
Cannes Yacht Show to welcome new yacht. Get ready for the next generation of sport yachts from Britain’s most famous builder – Sunseeker.
FLEUR AT CANNES
The brand new Sunseeker 116 motor yacht FLEUR will make her world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 6-11, 2016), highlighting the Brit yard’s bold, muscular vision of the future of mid-size megayachts built for the Côte d’Azur yacht charter marketplace.
AMAZINGLY FORGED
Forged from the hull of the popular 115 Sport Yacht, Sunseeker yacht FLEUR is full of eye-catching angles, held in check by a few soft curves. A reconfigured main deck is both spacious and bright – thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows in the salon, a raised center ceiling, and an open floor plan.
GORGEOUS AND FAST
Careful not to let her relaxed elegance fool you. Sunseeker 116 models like motoryacht FLEUR can hit a top speed of 26 knots. This places ports far south of Cannes within easy reach.
What do you get when… Merge these items. The vision of a new yacht owner who has never owned a boat. The talents of Europe’s leading design studios. Holland’s premier yacht builder.
This beauty launched in July. She is the latest creation by Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyards. Superyacht JOY’s owner is a young American from New York. She is not only the first yacht he has ever built. She is the first yacht he has ever owned.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, commented on how the owner’s lack of involvement in the yachting industry led to the creation of a unique vessel, unlike any other yacht in the 70 meter range: “You take an ambitious, youthful person, who has no pre-conceived bias as to what is expected when you design and build a superyacht, and you open the door to a fresh perspective on how a yacht can reflect the owner’s vision of what The Superyacht Experience can be.”
At the commencement of the project, the owner’s brief was simple and clear. He brims with the optimism of youth. “Create something totally different to every other yacht.”
FRESH APPROACH NEEDED
Recognizing the need to bring a fresh approach to the entire project, Feadship reached out to designers never before retained. For the avant-garde exterior, they turned to the design studio of Bannenberg & Rowell. Interior architecture is by Studio Indigo. Visually, superyacht JOY looks like no other. The wide walkways and flow between the interior and exterior spaces are without precedent on superyachts of this size. Dickie Bannenberg comments. “You will see there are a lot of sculpted and rather complex surfaces that give the design a very unique look.”
THE CHALLENGES
Of course, crafting the fascinating concave shapes in the yacht’s superstructure presented challenges to the builder. The launch ceremony, as always, is grandiose. Feadship director Jan-Bart Verkuy comments as always. “JOY was an incredibly complicated boat to build with so many shapes and lines. We are very grateful to the fairing gods at Feadship. Also, to all the other craftsmen who have showcased their skills on such a unique boat.”
The proud new owner is equally pleased. The results of the challenging build amaze. “Studio Indigo has worked amazingly hard to produce such a gorgeous design with an incredible focus on detail. I’m also delighted with Bannenberg & Rowell’s sleek and progressive profile that reflects my desire to go forward into the future.”
THE NAME IS SYNONYMOUS WITH THE OWNER
Joy’s name reflects the owner’s joyous enthusiasm for life. M0reover, the opportunities for self-growth and exploration. These things that only time aboard a yacht can bring. The owner reflected on a recent visit he made to New York’s Central Park. “When I saw the statue of Columbus it reminded me of how much joy this explorer felt when he first saw land. Today is my moment of joy as something I have long dreamt about has come to light. I’m incredibly happy and sincerely grateful to Feadship and all the other team members who made this happen.”
SHEEDER COMMENTS
Sheeder is thrilled with the wellness yacht charter potential of the yacht.
“The mix of spa-like amenities is amazing. From her Jacuzzi sun deck, to the massage room. To the ocean-level beach club. Where else can you exercise in a gym with panoramic views of the sea? After which, rest and reflect in a minimalist interior with textures and colors? All of these designs to invoke feelings of tranquility and wellness?”
“In a sea of cookie-cutter designed boats, this is a transcendent yacht that will quickly set a new standard in the charter market.”
A 30% savings on a Balearic Island superyacht experience? Absolutely!
Award-nominated Sunseeker 131 motor yacht THUMPER is running an exceptional 30% discount for charters taking place as of the 7th of September to the 27th of September, 2016 in the Balearics, starting from Ibiza. She offers accommodations for 10 guests in 5 staterooms.
The tourists have all gone home, but the weather is still warm and sunny in Spain. Save over €46,000 Euros.
…and YES – superyacht Thumper IS the motoryacht in the 2016 film, “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie,” featuring Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks, June Whitfield, Mo Gaffney, Christopher Ryan, Stella McCartney, Kate Moss, Jerry Hall, Bruno Tonioli, Jon Hamm, Perez Hilton, Joan Collins, and others.
Chic beach clubs, iconic sunsets, fabulous Mediterranean food and stunning scenery await you in Ibiza, Palma, and Mallorca.
Super yacht THUMPER is a magnificent combination of performance and custom design with a cool & relaxing interior. Sumptuous textures, stylish art features and a clever layout including side balconies, create spacious living areas. Her vast sundeck with Jacuzzi, sun loungers and seating areas is the perfect place for relaxation and entertaining. When not enjoying the exquisite cuisine and service onboard, guests will be kept active by her plethora of watersports toys.
Highlights:
Spanish Charter license
Chic Hamptons beach design
Side balconies maximizing sense of space
Ingenious layout to optimize service and guest comfort
Plethora of water toys to entertain kids of all ages
The third hull in the Palmer Johnson PJ 170 SportYacht range, motor yacht SANAM, was recently delivered to her new owner in the Mediterranean.
Is it wishful thinking to hope the yacht will enter the Monaco yacht charter market in the summer of 2017?
For Jana Sheeder and her team at 1-800 Yacht Charters, it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask, and even beg a little…
“There are many Palmer Johnson yachts currently available for hire. No PJ is as new, large, and striking as motor yacht SANAM,” states Sheeder. “Her sleek profile and aggressive stance make her instantly recognizable as a PJ Sportyacht, and we feel there will be great demand among our European clients to experience the largest Palmer Johnson on the market.”
She does not leave opportunity to chance. Sheeder’s charter team contacts the yacht’s captain. They pitch (more like plea) to convince the owner of something. They ask the yacht to enter charter when not in use by the owner’s family.
The captain responded. He says,
“At the moment the boat is still very new to (our owner). He does not want to charter – just yet. He is considering building a larger vessel. I think once he gets a new build underway, he will charter this vessel to help with the costing.”
A smiling Sheeder said, “That’s the answer we wanted to hear.”
Palmer Johnson has created the ultimate sportyacht. It’s an iconic design with cutting edge styling – one that Sheeder knows will appeal to a few special clients.
Sheeder says, “We’ll continue to work with the captain and owner to introduce motor yacht SANAM to the charter marketplace.”
Ok, we know the title of the blog is a bit curt. It’s meant to be.
OLYMPICS IN RIO
With the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in the rearview mirror (the Paralympic Games run Sept 7-18), we can step back and look at the state of the Brazil yacht charter market, specifically as it relates to Rio de Janeiro, the seaside jewel of this magnificent country.
In a nutshell – when it comes to private luxury yacht charters: “Rio Ain’t Ready…”
A SLAM DUNK DESTINATION?
You would think Rio de Janeiro is a slam-dunk as a popular yachting destination. The second largest city in Brazil, Rio boasts two of the world’s most famous beaches, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and plays host to the world’s largest annual Carnaval festival.
ONLY TWO YACHTS PARTICIPATE
Yet, during the recent Olympic Games in July, only two superyachts arrived in the region – the 171 foot Amels motor yacht DENIKI, a popular charter vessel in the Med each summer, and the 303 foot TATOOSH. Compare that to 2012, when more than a dozen superyachts and luxury private yacht charter vessels descended upon London for the summer Olympic games.
WHAT GIVES?
So what’s the problem? We see three contributing factors: distance, weather, and infrastructure (aka government blockheads).
Distance – Rio is a long, long way from the primary cruising grounds for megayachts: more than 3600 nautical miles from South Florida and almost 4900 nm from Monaco.
Weather – Most Europeans and Americans take their family vacations in the summer months of July and August. Unfortunately, Rio is far below the equator, and the seasons are reversed – it’s winter in Brazil and the weather is less than ideal for yachting in terms of wind conditions.
Infrastructure – What’s the greatest deterrent to more foreign yachts traveling to Brazil and Rio for charter? Answer: Government indifference as to the logistical needs of the superyacht industry.
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS STOP THE YACHTS
For some reason, the Brazilian government treats superyachts as if they were cruiseships. Case in point – pilotage. In Rio, expensive harbor pilots are mandatory, even though water hazards are minimal, and navigation in the region is well within the qualifications of superyacht captains. Can you say, “Shakedown???”
Additionally, while private yachts can enter the country for 90 days, Brazil yacht charters are not economically viable for foreign flag vessels due to a tax of 1% of the yacht’s hull value per month, plus the related administrative costs. That’s a lot of dinheiro, meu amigo ([money, my friend] sorry, couldn’t resist at least one Portuguese reference…)
DISTANCE AND WEATHER
The issues of distance and weather can be managed. The big boys regularly cross the pond on their own bottoms between Europe and North America to reposition for the season, and yachts could choose the most favorable months to visit Brazil. Unfortunately, until the Brazilian government steps up and addresses the logistical needs of foreign flagged superyachts, Rio will continue to suck as a charter destination.
Today, September 15, 2016 is National Thank You Day. It strikes us that something so ubiquitous creates the perfect opportunity to reach out to you, our clients and friends, and express our appreciation.
Your continued patronage and confidence in our services is deeply appreciated.
We remind ourselves everyday how blessed we are to Deliver the Superyacht Experience to you and your families.
SUSTAINABILITY
Over the years, we witness your good works. You are driven by sustainability and the greater social good. Your chartered yacht is a platform to an eco-friendly adventure. In addition, it is a chance to reconnect with your family and friends. Additionally, you embrace diverse cultures and will rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.
KINDNESS
Most importantly, we are humbled by your kindness. You have fully embraced our mission to build our business for generosity. As we have made donations to charities around the world in your name, we never expected so many of you to further participate and add, and in many cases match, our donations with additional donations of your own.
YOU ARE THE BACKBONE
You are the backbone of the 1-800 Yacht Charter community. Your support helps us flourish, and in return, we have been able to touch the lives of so many people and animals in need – from helping school children’s charities in remote villages, to installing buoys to protect coral reefs and marine life.
As we end each of our email messages, we’ll close this blog with our standard valediction,
“With Appreciation…”
Thanks to WFP and photo of little girl in Bolivia by Boris Heger
MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND CHARTER WITH US
In conclusion, find out how much better a yacht charter company can be! We prove ourselves to clients. For instance, we have 35+ years’ expertise, passion for yachting, and compelling sense of purpose to work for you. Come enjoy The Superyacht Experience™ as only 1-800 Yacht Charters can deliver. Moreover, you deserve pampering and relaxation. Book a yacht charter with 1-800 Yacht Charters today at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
As summer draws to a close, the month of September serves as the unofficial kick-off to the boat show season. From the Newport International Boat Show, to the glitz of the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Shows, superyachts will be on display for perusal by interested buyers, as well as private luxury yacht charter clients.
It’s not just the yachts that will “look” their best at the shows. For the well-heeled, attending a boat show is a fun opportunity to dress the part, and wear the latest designer trends in nautical clothing, resortwear, and accessories.
The ladies in the charter department at 1-800 Yacht Charters put their heads together and came up with their favorite must-have nautical fashions for this season (and since there’s no shame in saving money to look great, they focused on items offering, “Faaabulous discounts, dah-ling…”).
Balmain Double Breasted Wool Twill Blazer (Net-a-Porter.com: save 50% – was $2375, now $1188)
Timeless blazer crafted from navy wool-twill in Balmain’s signature sharp silhouette. Features padded shoulders (hey, retro 90’s styles are back!), a nipped-in waist, and a double-breasted front, adorned with gold lion-embossed buttons. It’s fully satin-lined for a smooth finish. Wear jeans over a simple tee and boat shoes. All aboard!
Boardwalk Shuffle Heel (ModCloth.com: 25% off – was $50, now $36.99)
It’s hard to look feminine and sexy in a flat pair of boat shoes, right ladies? When flat boat shoes just won’t do, the wide heel by Chinese Laundry is great for walking on boat docks. Love the nautical stripes!
Men’s Micro Fish Print Slim Murray Shirt (Vineyard Vines: was $98.50, now $69.99)
Let’s face it, guys love fish – fish logos on their hats, their cars, and everywhere else. Here’s a shirt that at least gives your guy a sharp, “dressy-casual” look on the docks. Made from cool 100% cotton poplin, this micro fish (Computer gurus get it? “microfiche!”) print shirt displays an ocean of diminutive fishes in a slim fit sport shirt.
Keepall Bandoulière 45 Regatta Travel Bag (Louis Vuitton: was $2220, now $2220!!!)
OK, so this bag is not on sale. Who cares…it’s LV!!! Part of the designer’s collection for the upcoming America’s Cup races, this Damier Cobalt canvas travel bag is perfect for carrying yacht brochures and a bottle of Fiji water while walking the boat show docks. Emblazoned with the V Gaston logo, this iconic bag exudes timeless style and easy elegance – and sale or no sale, we want it!
This appears to be a case of “Security versus Tourism.” The British Virgin Islands (BVI’s) have initiated a new policy. Specifically, everyone coming into the territory by sea is now required to present himself/herself IN PERSON to immigration authorities. This includes guests on both bareboat yacht charter and superyacht charter vessels.
The policy takes effect immediately.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
According to a government spokesperson, Her Majesty Customs of the Virgin Islands has, “…taken this step to minimize the potential entry of criminals, firearms and illegal substances into the territory.”
Will the revamped policy affect charter passengers? Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, explains how the new procedure differs from prior requirements: “In the past, only the captains of yachts were required to disembark and take with him or her all of the passports of the onboard guests. Now everyone must present themselves with their passports and their belongings.”
ISLAND SOVEREIGNTY
No one disputes the sovereignty of the local authorities to safeguard their islands and residents. Moreover, this island economy depends heavily upon charter yacht tourism. The new policy seems a bit draconian. Specifically there is little evidence to suggest tourists commit crimes. Additionally, not local residents of the US and British island chains, are responsible for any uptick in criminal activity.
So, are local authorities barking up the wrong tree? Sheeder thinks so.
PRE-SCREENING
She questions the necessity to impose upon well-heeled travelers who have already been “pre-screened” through the yacht charter reservation process. “The idea that firearms and illegal contraband will be brought ashore by luxury yacht charter guests is misplaced,” says Sheeder. “Clients sign a charter agreement that clearly outlines firearms, narcotics, and contraband are not permitted onboard. Furthermore, being in possession of such contraband can lead to the immediate termination of the charter – without refund.”
If any illicit materials are discovered by the crew, the yacht proceeds to the nearest port. Subsequently, the guests are then escorted off the yacht. With so much at stake, there seems little need to further screen these guests and their crews upon entry into the BVI.
HOW WILL REGULATIONS IMPACT YACHT CHARTER TOURISM?
How will the new regulations impact yacht charter tourism in the BVI? It’s too soon to tell, as the new rules went into effect September 1st. It is possible charter vessels will simply bypass the British portion of the Virgin Islands and modify their itineraries to focus solely on the US and Spanish Virgin Islands, where captains can still clear the passports for all onboard guests.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
In the the short-run, Sheeder is confident the impact upon charter clients can be minimized. “We pride ourselves in delivering The Superyacht Experience™. We will offer our clients alternative destinations in the US and Spanish Virgin Islands, and throughout the Caribbean. For those clients who still wish to explore the BVI, we know we can rely on the captains and crew. If they need to carry the luggage and escort the guests into the immigration office and back to the yacht, we know that they will do so in the most efficient, professional, and friendly manner.”
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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