We had an opportunity to chat with Captain Glynn Smith onboard the Trinity yacht charter vessel, motor yacht MI SUENO (FYI – her name is now SKYFALL) recently. We organized a year-end Caribbean yacht charter for a repeat customer and needed to review itinerary ideas, etc.
CAN-DO SKIPPER
It’s always a pleasure to work with a real “Can-Do” skipper – the type of professional who never says “No” to a client. Glynn truly understands the value of top-notch customer service, and it shows in his enthusiasm.
Glynn’s positive attitude and professionalism deserve recognition. Maybe it’s time we showed him our gratitude with a little extra promotion of his magnificent charter vessel, M/Y MI SUENO.
ABOUT THE YACHT
Built in the USA in 2010 by Trinity Yachts, the 190 foot luxury motor yacht MI SUENO is a standout superyacht in every respect.
AMENITIES
Her amenities include WiFi and Kaleidescape central movie/music server throughout. She is also equipped with a 2-person, wheelchair-accessible elevator (to 3 levels).
DECKS
Conversation areas abound on all levels – both inside and on deck. The sophisticated, contemporary interior designed by Patrick Knowlesis a tasteful mix of textures, fine art, and neutral colors in furniture, fabric, carpeting, and stonework. The formal dining area is nothing short of stunning – with a table that seats 14 comfortably.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There is a full-width split-level Master Suite with King bed. It exists forward on the main deck. This stateroom has multiple features. For instance, a private study, lounge, and his/hers bathrooms. Five additional ensuite staterooms are below. In specific, they include a full-width VIP King suite, 2 matching King staterooms, and a wheelchair-accessible Queen stateroom. In addition, there is a Twin stateroom with additional Pullman berth.
EXTERIOR LIVING AREAS
Trinity yacht MI SUENO offers three exterior living areas. In specific, spacious and inviting – with beautiful teak furniture on all levels. Active guests may go to numerous locations. For instance, head on up to the sundeck for a vigorous workout on the elliptical trainer. Soothe sore muscles in the on deck Jacuzzi. In addition, follow with a dip in the splash pool.
As the sun sets, who wouldn’t enjoy cocktails and al fresco dining on the aft deck of the skylounge?
For in-water fun in the sun, yacht MI SUENO is a blast. Specifically, she is jam-packed with an extensive inventory of water toys.
CHARTER RATE
Mi Sueno’s charter rates as published. Specifically, they begin at €280,000 EUROS per week. We would love to charter her to you for the vacation of a lifetime! Give us a call at 305-720-7245 or email info@1800yachtcharters.com today.
After 30+ years in the business, 1-800 Yacht Charters is still doing the things that earned them the title of “World’s Best Private Cruise” as recognized by Forbes.com.
“We don’t charter yachts,” says Sheeder, “we deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients.”
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT
Sheeder goes on to explain her company’s philosophy. “Our mission began with a simple question. ‘What would happen if we built our business for #generosity?’ Instead of assuming that people want to simply maximize self-interest, our decision to focus on generosity allowed us to cater to our clients’ deeper motivations to make the world a better place.”
“This focus has propelled us to move beyond the basic rental of yachts and to deliver a true Superyacht Experience. While our competitors focus on finding the customer the “right boat,” we choose to take a more holistic approach.”
HOW A YACHT CHARTER INQUIRY IS PROCESSED
When a #luxury yacht charter inquiry comes in, Sheeder and her team of consultants interview the potential clients to learn what makes them tick.
“Today’s affluent world travelers are looking for more than just a static vacation on a yacht, says Sheeder. “They’re wired, connected, and driven by sustainability and the greater social good.”
Furthermore, Sheeder says the clients hope to immerse themselves and participate in unique cultural events and #voluntourism. Their chartered yacht serves as a platform to an eco-friendly adventure. “It’s a chance to reconnect with family and friends, embrace diverse cultures, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit,” says Sheeder. She chuckles and adds, “Besides, we often don’t even discuss particular yachts until our second or third conversation.”
SHEEDER CONTINUES
Sheeder admits some clients are puzzled at first. Most charter brokers immediately try to match the client to a particular yacht and crew. “At some point, they realize our entire focus is on them,” says Sheeder. “We share with them our sense of purpose, our commitment to promoting yachts and crews dedicated to protecting our environment, and how we created our business for generosity. Then, we explain our ‘Best Price Guarantee’ – something no other yacht charter brokerages offer in our industry.”
For Sheeder, focusing on generosity, sustainability, and taking the time to learn what motivates her clients is a recipe for success and fosters a deep sense of fulfillment. “We create a bond where we and the client work together [holding her hands together with fingers entwined] – synergistically – not only to create a special experience, but also to make a difference in the world.”
Your hometown lockdown is lifted. Your arm hurts like heck where they stuck you with the Pfizer-BioNTech.
Things are getting back to normal. You are vaccinated, and oh-so-ready to reschedule that summer 2020 yachting escape.
Don’t worry. France, Italy, and Spain are right where you left them. So, what to do after Covid?
Close your eyes. Do you see the beaches? The dockside cafes? Imagine laying poolside – on the sundeck of superyacht ALFA NERO…
GETTING THERE…
Unfortunately, even with much of Covid in the rearview mirror, the drudgery of getting to the Mediterranean sinks in.
Without question, it’s a LONG flight to the Med. Getting directly onboard a superyacht after hours in the air is not appealing. Understandably, no one wants to waste their first day on the sea, feeling dog-tired and irritable.
A PLANNED LAYOVER?
Fortunately, there is a simple solution to reducing jet lag and stress before your yacht charter begins. What is the solution? Check into a boutique property and decompress for a day!
A pre-charter layover is a great way to unwind after traveling. Let your yacht crew scramble with last-minute preparations. You will be relaxing in a calming, resort environment.
WHAT TO DO ON BEFORE THE YACHT
You can lay by the pool, or catch up on some needed sleep. Certainly, a stroll around town and a late-night espresso in a nearby café will have you in the right frame of mind.
IT’S TIME TO GO YACHTING
Then, the next day, your crew picks you up from the resort and whisks you away to your awaiting superyacht.
Here are three, can’t-miss layover hospitality venues to help you get your groove back before you board your luxury charter yacht.
SIX SENSES, IBIZA
First, this new resort is scheduled to open in July, 2021. It is located in a quiet, almost-hidden cove in Xarraca Bay. Four-com magazine describes the resort as, “This magical cove with unobstructed sunset views and special energy is where the golden hour lasts until the Cinderella hour. Sundowner, guitar, or loved one in hand, anything feels possible. Live layers of programming and experiences will constantly evolve to celebrate music, art, sustainable fashion, spirituality, pioneering wellness, culinary exploration and culture, all synonymous with the island.” How’s that for a glowing endorsement?
We’re big fans of resorts with access to a beach and a deep-water bay. In fact, after a day of unwinding, your yacht’s crew can bring the ship’s tender right up to the beach. You and your companions can enjoy a short tender ride to your awaiting yacht. And let’s be honest – is there anything cooler than seeing your yacht at anchor, knowing everyone is watching you as you tender over and board on the aft swim platform???
The Gritti Palace, Venice
Second, this noble former palace and now hotel dates back over 500 years. It overlooks the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice. In fact, each of the hotel’s 82 guest rooms and suites offers unobstructed canal views. This is an intimate private residence masquerading as a hotel. Enjoy delicious Venetian cuisine at the Club del Doge restaurant. Too tired for dinner after a long flight? No problem. Just grab a table for cocktails on the terrace at the Riva Lounge. The next day, your yacht’s tender can pick you up at the property’s own dock. This is reminiscent of the Venice Biennale and the Venice Film Festival!
The ??? Resort & Spa, ???
No, it’s not a typo. The question marks have been inserted for a reason. Indeed, we did promise you the name of three hospitality venues for the perfect pre-charter layover.
So why the secrecy, you might wonder? The reason is simple. It’s our passion at 1-800 Yacht Charters, to Deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to you. Part of that experience is the creation of a bespoke luxury yacht charter vacation for you and your travel companions. Anyone can write a blog with a list of beautiful hotels and resorts. We prefer to listen to you; to hear about your style preferences. Basically, we want to understand your motivations and expectations when you travel.
By listening to you, we can create the experience you desire – the one that will enrich your life…
Let’s do this. Contact us and tell us where you want to go yachting. We’ll ask you some questions and we’ll come up with several yachts for your consideration. Of course, we’ll also suggest a great hospitality property or boutique resort where you can chill before your charter! After Covid, it’s time to get back to normal!
Feedspot, a 4-star rated RSS Reader, has selected the luxury yachting lifestyle blog of 1-800 Yacht Charters as one of the Top 30 “Best Yacht Blogs on the Planet.“ The company joins a distinguished list that includes Reddit, and the boating magazines, Yachting and Yachting World.
In recognizing 1-800 Yacht Charters, Anuj Agarwal, founder of Feedspot said,
“This is the most comprehensive list of best Yacht blogs on the internet and I’m honoured to have you as part of this!”
THE SELECTION PROCESS
According to Agarwal, the top 30 sites are selected and ranked based on the following criteria. For instance,
Google reputation and Google search ranking
Influence and popularity on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites
“There are hundreds of yachting-oriented websites and blogs, and to be selected for this award is truly an honor,” said Sheeder. “Our goal was to go beyond just describing the yachts in our fleet, in order to share the joys of the yachting lifestyle with our readers. We make it a point to cover diverse topics such as nautical fashion trends, travel tips, and last-minute vacation specials. Our USP is ‘Delivering the Superyacht Experience™,’ and that process begins with reliable information. Our blog is integral to that process. We work hard on our content for our readers. We welcome their comments and suggestions as to topics for us to cover.”
ABOUT FEEDSPOT
Feedspot is a modern RSS Reader.
“If you’re trying to keep up with news and content on multiple web sites, you’re faced with the never ending task of visiting those sites to check for new content,” says Agarwal. “Feedspot allows you to put all of your reading in one location.” Feedspot arranges their blog feeds in master categories such as Fashion, Education, Business, Health, Sports, and Culture.
FEEDSPOT GOLD
For advertisement-free reading, Feedspot offers their premier service, Feedspot Gold. According to their website, this subscription-based service includes:
Realtime Updates in your Inbox — Get instant updates from your favorite sites right in your email inbox. You can even select specific sites for instant email notifications. This way you will never miss any important updates.
Search Inside Sites — Search for articles only within the sites you’ve added to your Feedspot account. It’s like your own personal search engine – unlike Google, which shows results from the entire web. Advanced search filters is an amazing way to find the content that matters to you.
Saved Searches — Use saved search features to find articles on specific subjects. Create special searches to find articles about your business, brand, and products, and save them for easy reuse.
Additionally,
Ad-free Feedspot — Advertisements are not shown to Feedspot Gold members. Get an awesome reading experience – almost as good as The Superyacht Experience at 1-800 Yacht Charters!
Fast Updates — Get fast news updates from sites and blogs that update less frequently.
News Topics — Get latest relevant news articles based on topics you care about.
Local News — Read local news by simply typing in a city name or zipcode. You can create a local section for any city, state or country in the world and include thousands of sources.
Your Twitter Timeline on Feedspot — Lets you Read, Archive, and Search Your Personal Twitter Feed on Feedspot
Top Priority support
MOREOVER GOLD
Faster support response
Google Alerts — Google Alerts now support RSS feeds so that you can receive and view alerts right from your Feedspot account. Until now, alerts have been delivered via email only, but those days are over. Now your News, Web, Blog, Video, and Groups alerts are more easily accessible than ever.
Dropbox — Automatically backup all your Feedspot data including your feeds, favorite, and tagged articles to your Dropbox account so that you don’t have to worry about data loss.
Evernote — One-click save any article to your Evernote notebook.
RSS Feeds — Combine multiple RSS or atom feeds into one new RSS feed. Get RSS feed for your favorites, shared items, tags, and folders.
Twitter — One-click share any article to your Twitter account.
Pocket — One-click save any article to Pocket. Also lets you save to Instapaper and Readability
Buffer App — One-click add any article to your Buffer app queue.
YouTube Subscriptions — You can add all your favorite Youtube Channels or subscriptions into your Feedspot account and keep track of all your favorite videos from one place.
Customize Homepage — Lets you customize what you want to see by default on your Feedspot homepage. You can opt to see updates only from selected important sites on your homepage so that you read them first whenever you visit Feedspot.
It’s hard to find a consensus among charterers. For some, it’s all about the destination. Others appreciate the chance to reconnect with family and friends.
Yet almost all returning yacht charter clients comment about the Michelin menus and the jaw-dropping talents of their yacht’s onboard chef.
Great meals, dazzling presentations, and the infusion of local ingredients and cultural components. These are trademarks of the superyacht chefs in the yacht-for-hire industry.
SUPERYACHT EXPERIENCE
A great chef can elevate a charter from a “vacation on a boat,” to a true “Superyacht Experience.”
INTERVIEW WITH A YACHT CHEF
Our associate Nicolas Fry sat down with Gionata Rossi, Executive Chef onboard the 72 meter Tankoa yacht SOLO. This vessel is one of our newest rental luxury yachts. She can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms. Her cruising grounds include France, Italy, and the Western Mediterranean.
We share more information about super yacht SOLO at the bottom of this blog. Here is Nicolas’ interview with Chef Rossi. Foodies enjoy!
THE CHEF – Gionata Rossi
Chef Gionata Rossi
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Why did you decide to become a chef and to work as a yacht chef?
“Cooking has always been my passion. I started at a very early age. Earned my master at the hotel school in Massa and started working immediately. A Chef for 25 years and I have worked in some of the best restaurants in the world. I have received a Michelin star at casa del nonno 13 and have been reviewed in the best gourmet guides. Joined yachting because it combines my primary passions: cooking and travelling”.
2. What is your favorite cuisine and can you prepare different styles of cooking?
“I cook different styles but the contemporary one based on traditional cuisine is what I consider the most interesting. As a Chef on a superyacht charter vessel I believe that the cuisine served is not only a show but a nutritional experience as well. My passion for food varies from creating the perfect roast dinner to a 7-course degustation where I can display a whole range of different cooking techniques and products. My main talent is Italian and French cuisine whilst still offering Asian and Japanese menus.”
3. Is there a chef you admire above all others and why?
“If I have to mention only one, then it is Raffaele Vitale, an important Italian chef, as I had definitely the best experience working with him. I have many friends but the research of taste and knowledge of raw materials with Raffaele were essential for me. Which nationalities tend to be the best charter guests? Gionata: I am lucky, I have always had good relationships with guests from many different nationalities. Having said that, I have worked a lot with Russian yacht charter guests and they generally love my food.”
The Interview Continues
4. Which is your favorite destination and why?
“Greece and Turkey are always in my heart for the quality of fruit and vegetables you can find on the markets”
5. How are trends driving guest expectations and how do you stay up to date?
“In my kitchen and galley I take pride that everything is made from scratch with fresh products. Stocks, sauces & dressings are always made on board, ice creams are churned to order, pastas and gnocchi rolled fresh, fresh bread baked daily and our meats and seafood are always fresh. I also specialize in vegan, vegetarian and low-calorie diets”.
6. What trends are you noticing in wine and food pairings?
“I drink only biodynamic wines and I think that this trend is on the increase therefore also the combination must go in that direction even if I consider fundamental to combine food and wine. By the way, my favorite wine is the Pinot Nero!”
The Interview Concludes
7. Can you share with us a spring menu you would prepare for affluent charter yacht guests?
“Marinated spring onion and tomato with lime sorbet, cold tomato soup with fresh spaghetto garlic oil and chilli, cold english cream with berries and apple crumble.”
8. When are you happiest at work?
“Cooking demonstrations with the guests either at the table or in the kitchen! This is a special touch I like to offer to luxury yacht rental guests. I wish to share my passion for food with my clients and create an amazing atmosphere for their dining experience. When I can establish a good relationship with the guests, the rest is easy.”
9. BONUS: What are the strengths that make you a great superyacht chef?
“In order to offer a great superyacht experience, a huge amount of organization needs to be in place. My organizational skills allow me to present food the way that it is intended. I am also up to date with all the latest cooking techniques, methods & equipment so that as a private chef I can still rival the best and most fancy restaurants.”
THE COMBINATION CONTINUES
THE YACHT – Tankoa motor yacht SOLO
Regular readers remember our blog about three Jaw-Dropping New Yachts at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show. We highlight 228 foot motor yacht SUERTE, built by Tankoa Yachts in that blog post. Two years later, Tankoa Yachts unveiled Suerte’s, “Big sister,” the 236 foot SOLO. Our inspection of this beautiful lady left us in awe.
Our associate, Nicolas Fry, has spent numerous hours onboard the yacht. Here is his overview:
“SOLO is the perfect combination of performance and luxury designed by Francesco Paszkowski and built by Tankoa. Her contemporary interior, designed by Margherita Casprini, will sleep up to 12 guests in six well-appointed staterooms. The master suite features an independent office, a king size bed with panoramic views, a private terrace with a Jacuzzi and lounge beds offering complete privacy.
He continues…
Guests can be accommodated in a large VIP, two double and two convertible twin staterooms. SOLO features impressive living spaces, with a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas. Guests will love the vast beach club with for example, a lounge/bar area, a hammam, a sauna with its own fold-out terrace and a chilled water shower. This wellness center is complete with the gym & massage room equipped with the latest Technogym equipment and its private terrace on the sea. On the main deck, the 7m infinity pool is another great area to spend time with your guests. The sky lounge aft feature a Jacuzzi. In addition, a touch-and-go Helipad that be converted into a dance floor (is there, as well).
Finally
The sundeck offers never ending views from its sun loungers. SOLO also offers several options for entertaining and dining including all-weather alfresco table on the upper deck aft, the main salon or upper deck salon.
THE ULTIMATE COMBINATION:
Tankoa M/Y SOLO + Chef Gionata Rossi = THE SUPERYACHT EXPERIENCE!!!
(And) thank you for a wonderful trip (Captain) Greg. We all returned safely, but miss being back there on Namoh. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
There simply are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe an experience on motor yacht SEA BASS. Our week in the BVI provided a much needed escape, and we will return to Michigan rested, restored, slightly sunburned and happy. Kai and Alan, thank you for making our trip so special. We enjoyed every minute with you on “Sassy Bassy.” We know you worked really hard to make our trip perfect, and you succeeded and we are so grateful. We will miss you!
-Matt & Michelle
Editor’s note
A 2009 launch, Sunreef 70 power catamaran SEA BASS accommodates 8 guests in 4 queen berth cabins. In addition, all cabins have ensuite bathrooms. Onboard amenities are many. For instance, individual climate control and DirecTVHDTV in all cabins and wireless Internet. Additionally, a Harmon-Kardon sound system with iPod dock, and a hot tub on the flybridge.
Available for a Virgin Islands yacht charter, her rate is $32,000 per week, plus expenses. If you prefer a Mediterranean yacht charter, a nearly identical sistership named motor yacht DAMRAK II is available at a rate of €42,000 per week, plus expenses.
Wonderful time sailing in the Caribbean. We were very happy with our sailing charter onboard (82′) CLEVELANDER. The charter went very well and we are interested to hear about Clevelander’s summer cruising area in Croatia. Capt. Simon was great! Thank you for directing us to Clevelander!
Name: M.R.
Reviews like this one make us so thrilled to create The Superyacht Experience™ for our clients. In business since 1976, and loving every minute of it. There is no better feeling that happy customers. Helping others to make memories. Making a difference with charitable donations with every charter. Giving back. Random Acts of Kindness. Special touches on charter.
Sometimes, the toughest part of planning a luxury yacht charter vacation is getting there. Unless you live within driving distance, for example, traveling from another state to enjoy a Florida yacht charter requires a flight on a major domestic air carrier. With airlines slashing in-flight services and amenities, and increasing ticket prices to battle higher fuel prices and rising operating cost, customer complaints seem to rise year after year.
BEST AIRLINES
So which airlines have the best record of performance?
AIRLINE QUALITY RATING REPORT
According to the just-released 2013 Airline Quality Rating report,Virgin America is the highest-quality major airline in the United States. The lowest-rated? United Airlines.The Airline Quality Rating report is a statistical report of major airline operations in the United States. It’s prepared Dr. Dean Headley, a professor at Wichita State University, and Dr. Brent Bowen, a professor at Purdue University. The study focuses on four criteria: on-time arrivals, denied boardings, misplaced/lost baggage, and customer complaints.
VIRGIN AMERICA
Virgin America posts strong numbers in most of the AQR’s criteria, with Jet Blue, AirTran Airways, Delta Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines rounding out the top five.
DOMESTIC AIRLINES
Here’s good news for luxury mega yacht charter customers, flying commercial versus private this season – Industry-wide, domestic airlines actually IMPROVED their performance in two of the four analyzed categories from 2012 to 2013. On-time arrivals increased to 81.8% from 80%, and mishandled bags fell to 3.07 from 3.35.
AIRLINE BOOKINGS
Unfortunately, the number of denied boardings rose to 0.97 per 1,000 passengers from 0.78, and customer complaints climbed to 1.43 from 1.19 per 1,000 passengers.
The report’s authors believe industry belt-tightening resulted in more altered flight schedules and confusion among airline employees, causing overbooked flights and upset passengers.
We were truly impressed by the crew onboard NewVida (160′ motoryacht). They met all of our requests, including anchoring right off the beach of my brother’s villa in St. Martin. It was wonderful to have the entire extended family onboard for lunches, etc.
Thank you for selecting this yacht for our holiday.
Name: K.D.
Another happy customer! It is an honor to make memories happen for wonderful families like this one. The Superyacht Experience™, created by 1-800 Yacht Charters.
Editor note. Superyacht NewVida is now named Seanna
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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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