Looking to throw a little wrinkle into the typical yachting holiday in the Western Mediterranean? Our charter department put their heads together and came up with 5 cool things to do to make your next yachting holiday a truly unique experience.
SAMPLE Lobster at Le Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa – Corsica
The French island of Corsica is often overlooked by charterers who spend most of their time exploring nearby Sardinia. Corsica is downright beautiful, with a colorful history and unique culture and atmosphere. You’ll find an eclectic mix of old world charm infused with modern French style.
For a truly gourmet French food experience, visit Le Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa. The elegant décor, stunning ocean views and private jetty make this a fantastic destination for a late afternoon lunch. The seasonal creations of chef Pascal Cayeux, rival the finest fare in mainland France. Pascla creates gourmet twists on traditional fare, with vegetables and herbs from the kitchen’s own garden.
RELAX on the Beach at Cala Marcella – Menorca
The interest in a Balearic Island yacht charter experience continues to grow each summer, as more yachts secure the required Spanish charter licenses to explore Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca. While the nightclubs of Ibiza have their own appeal, the idea of a pristine beach sounds pretty food as well.
Take for example the beach at Cala Marcella. You’ll need your yacht’s tender to get there as this beach is only accessible by boat (lucky you). On most weekdays, you can almost be sure to find a quiet spot on the white sands of Cala Marcella [Tip: avoid the weekend, as crowds of local boaters invade this idyllic cove]. If you feel adventurous, bring a pair of walking shoes ashore, as there is a walking route that you can hike to the neighboring beach of Macaraletta. Here, you can walk to the top of the cliff and experience some of the best ocean views in all of the Balearic islands.
EXPLORE the Blue Marino Underwater Caves – Sardinia
At the base of the 110 meter high cliffs of Cappo Caccia, along the northwest corner of Sardinia, lies the entrance to the Grotto de Neptuno – a stalactite-filled cavern and saltwater lake. Land-based visitors can enter by climbing down 654 steps from the top of the cliff to explore the underground grotto. You on the other hand, can simply have your captain nose your yacht into the entrance of the caves!
For snorkelers and divers, the adventure gets deeper at the nearby Nereo Cave, considered the biggest marine cave in the Western Mediterranean. With 10 entrances, arches and tunnels, novices can snorkel in waist high water while experienced/certified divers can dive down to depths of 35 meters.
REJUVENATE your Spirit at the Luminaria – Pisa
You’ve missed this event for this year, but it’s never too early to plan your 2017 summer charter. Every June 16, on the eve of the feast day of Saint Ranieri, the city of Pisa is aglow with 70,000 “lumini” (candles in glass containers). The reflection along the Arno river is mesmerizing. It’s a peaceful, tranquil setting and the warmth of the Pisa residents will touch your heart. If this doesn’t remind you how the superyacht experience allows you to embrace diverse cultures, nothing will!
QUENCH your Thirst and Go Wine Tasting with Monks – Cannes
Just off the coast of Cannes, in the South of France, lies the small island of Saint Honorat. Here, visitors will find a very unusual vineyard. It has 8 hectares of vines cared for entirely by the monks of the Abbey of Lerins. The monks tend to every aspect of winemaking. For instance, from planting the vineyard, to harvesting the grapes. Additionally, to making and bottling the wine.
UNIQUE VINTAGES
Truly unique vintages found nowhere else, we recommend the Saint Cyprien Viognier with a seasonal Mediterranean meal served by the monks in their own restaurant. After dinner, you can finish the day with a tasting of the fruit liqueurs as you enjoy the company of the monks and their staff, in this peaceful Monastic enclave.
The owner of a 45 meter Heesen motoryacht wants to see you on the red carpet at theCannes Film Festival, and hopes a30% charter discount will convince you to attend the soiree.
Mediterranean yacht charter stalwart, motor yacht SEA DWELLER is available for theCannes Film Festivalas well as the Monaco Grand Prix, at a rate of $21,000 USD per day, with a minimum 5 day rental. Her regular daily rate is $30,000 USD.
YACHT SPECIFICATIONS
Built by Heesen, a leading Dutch builder of superyacht vessels. Motor yacht SEA DWELLER was refit to spectacular condition in 2011.
ACCOMMODATIONS
She accommodates 10 guests sleeping. In specific, 12 guests cruising, total.
Her cabin configuration includes a master suite with king double. Her ensuite bath has a jacuzzi tub, shower, and twin sinks.
Two queen double cabins have ensuite showers.
Ensuite showers also exist in her 2 twin cabins.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
The perfect yacht for social functions, there is ample deckspace for up to 80 guests for cocktail parties. This scenario perfectly exemplifies while dockside in Cannes or along the quay in Monaco. NOTE: Actual headcount for static event yacht charters is subject to Owner’s final approval.
You are planning a Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter on one of the largest yachts in the world. You speak English, but you’d like to be polite to the people of the area.
Here are some tips:
Monaco’s official language is French, so a few basic French phrases will be most helpful.
The people of Monaco also speak English and Italian, but they also speak Monegasque and Occitan (the southern French dialect) within their areas, although they are becoming more rare as the population changes.
Basic phrases to know:
English = hello
French = bonjour
English = goodbye
French = au revoir
English = please
French = s’il vous plat
English = Thank you
French = merci
English = you are welcome
French = de rien
English = excuse me
French = pardon
English = good morning
French = bonjour
English = good night
French = bonne nuit
English = Do you speak…?
French = Parlez-vous…?
English = anglais
French = francais
English = How are you ?
French = Comment allez-vous?
English = yes
French = oui
English = no
French = nonEnglish = passport
French = le passeport
The cost to rent a private yacht in the fabled south of France is about to go up. The impact on the economy has some in the charter industry concerned.
VAT EXEMPTION
In late November 2012, a European Union commission stated that the VAT exemption on chartering yachts in France is not compliant with EU VAT rules. France will now be required to take steps to remove the exemption from its tax legislation within two months, a ruling prompting one tax expert to say that France, “…cannot be regarded as a paradise for yachts anymore.”
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Yachts in Cannes France
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters explains how clients have escaped the VAT in France, until now.
“The rules for chartering yachts in the European Union changed back in 2010. Basically, chartering a yacht for less than 90 days requires VAT to be paid in the country where the chartered trip departs. France was able to avoid this ruling for many yachts by claiming that vessels registered as ‘commercial’ yachts could remain VAT exempt. To save thousands of Euros in tax-related expenses, we would only promote commercial yachts to our clients considering a cruise in France. Unfortunately, that option appears to be ending.”
RULE ENFORCEMENT
For the moment, France does not have a system in place to check and enforce the new rules. French tax experts believe the new charter tax will be up and running by summer 2013. Consequences for non-compliance may go from large penalties to even seizing the yacht.
WAIT FOR SUMMER
Sheeder is less certain the new rules will be in effect by the summer.
“The process might be delayed by political lobbyists who represent the interests of the vast French yachting sector, ” says Sheeder. “The French government will be pressured to find a way to prevent a massive exodus of yachts from French ports to other destinations with more favorable tax environments.”
BE PROACTIVE
Whether or not the new tax rule is delayed, Sheeder and her team are taking a proactive approach. “We will begin notifying our clients in the coming weeks to prepare for a potential increase in the total cost of their yachting vacations in French waters. Additionally, we are investigating other countries in the European Union as alternative Mediterranean yacht charter destinations. Gibraltar, for example, has no import duty for yachts over 18 meters – and no VAT.”
SAVE MONEY
Sheeder concludes, “If there is a way to save our clients money – we will find it.”
You are planning a private luxury yacht charter at the Cannes Film Festival in the South of France (pronounced CAN…..not con). You want to pronounce all champagnes correctly. Especially when working with your onboard superyacht Sommelier. Thanks to our friends at Glass of Bubbly, we share this helpful and informative blog post. In specific, about the correct pronunciation of champagne names.
4-24-18 – UPDATED — Taittinger Champagne has been added to the list, since it is phenomenally popular.
<< Are You Pronouncing These Champagne Names Correctly?
By Glass of Bubbly
When Champagne gets transported into another country, it’s normal that the pronunciation is adapted to suit the language. However, if you’re curious how to pronounce Champagne names comme il faut (translated = properly), you’re in the right place.
Even if you’re quite confident with French, the names can sometimes be tricky as many originate from other countries such as Germany.
PRONUNCIATIONS
Tip: “on” and “om” sounds are usually nasal sounds in French, such as in Dom Pérignon.
Dom Pérignon–Dom Peh-ree-nyon (“g” isn’t pronounced)
Veuve Clicquot – Verv Kli-KOH (not voov)
Deutz – dirts (French pronunciation with a soft “r”)
Ruinart – Rwee-nar (not ruin-art)
Piper-Heidsieck – Pee-pay ED-sick
Mumm – Moom / Mewm (with a long “u” — 000 — sound)
The one that probably causes the most trip-ups is Moët et Chandon, which is pronouncedmoh-et eh chan-dawn – and not the commonly-said moh-way… oops.
Finally, you now confidently order a fancy bottle of Champagne on your next holiday to France. >>
In conclusion, remember. The city of Cannes, France is simply pronounced “can” (not “con”). The Cannes Film Festival is pronounced CAN (like “an aluminum can,” not cAHn.)
The next step? Contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at 305-720-7245 or by filling out our convenient online contact form at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now/, and start planning your yacht charter vacation today!
Prospective luxury yacht charter clients call to discuss possible itineraries for their vacations. They ask us how to pronounce the names. It’s understandable, as many destinations, especially in the Caribbean, trace their names and culture back hundreds of years. The names come from European explorers and Conquistadors of the destinations, and the words have special meanings.
WHERE AM I GOING?
So you go to the Mediterranean, yet you question how to say the names of the cities there. No worries. We clarify it all for you.
YACHT CHARTER DESTINATIONS WITH CHALLENGING NAMES
Here’s a short list of popular Caribbean and Mediterranean yacht charter destinations. To the right of those names is their correct American English pronunciation.
Cannes (France) – “CAN.” Rhymes with MAN. The “s” is silent. Cannes does NOT rhyme with “John” or “Lawn.”
Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain) – “ee-BEE-za
Antigua (Caribbean) – “an-TEE-ga”
Nevis (Caribbean) – “NEE-vis”
Cay (as in, Cat Cay and Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas) – “key”
Marseilles (Mediterranean) – “mar-SAY“
Versailles (Mediterranean) – “ver-SIGH“
SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE!
In conclusion, can you think of any unique charter destinations with hard-to-pronounce names? For instance, Basse-Terre in the Caribbean or the Dodacanese islands in Greece?
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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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