Anyone who has booked a Benetti yacht charter or a Feadship yacht charter vacation knows that charter agents heavily promote trip cancellation insurance. For mega yacht charter agents, trip cancellation insurance is a substantial profit point. Commissions of 20% of the insurance cost for selling this product for a Feadship yacht charter or a Benetti yacht charter are common.
SUMMER WEATHER IS SOMETIMES AN ISSUE
Charter brokers often offer this coverage to their Caribbean yacht charter customers who fear trip delays due to summer tropical weather disturbances. Mediterranean yacht charter customers also hear the pitch to purchase this coverage, as concerns for lost baggage are common with long, international flights.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Putting aside the fact that someone “profits” from the sale of these policies, a luxury yacht charter customer should give serious consideration to this coverage option. Whether you rent a private yacht, a megayacht, or a superyacht, for a Caribbean yacht charter or elsewhere, or whether you plan crewed catamaran charters or sail boat charters – the facts remain the same: you are spending a lot of money and you may wish to protect your investment!
CIRCUMSTANCES OF CANCELATION
There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early, or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling. What if you booked a MIPIM yacht or a Monaco Grand Prix yacht for the yearly event in Cannes and Monte Carlo, and suddenly you could not attend?
TEN REASONS TO PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE
To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance, and emergency travel services, here are 10 common examples of what could go wrong.
CANCELED FLIGHTS — It’s 10 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?
INSULIN IN LOST LUGGAGE — Your bag is lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?
PASSPORT AND WALLET STOLEN — It’s your first visit to Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen before you board your Monaco Grand Prix yacht. Where do you turn for emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?
THE LIST CONTINUES
MEDICAL EVACUATION NEEDED — You’re involved in an accident during your Benetti yacht charter, and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help arrange and pay for a medical evacuation?
ILL CHARTER PARTY MEMBERS — Your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your MIPIM yacht trip. What happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?
6. LOST LUGGAGE — You arrive for your Feadship yacht charter in Jamaica, and your luggage doesn’t. If it’s lost, who will help you find it? Or if delayed, who will pay for your necessities? What if it’s stolen, who will pay to replace it?
THE LAST OF 10 REASONS
7. BANKRUPTCY OF TOUR OPERATOR — Your luxury sailing charter tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?
8. MEDICAL HELP NEEDED — You’re walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?
9. TERRORISM — It is three weeks until your scheduled arrival for your Croatia yacht charter. A terrorist incident occurs in the city that you are planning to visit. Who will pay if you want to cancel your trip?
10. HURRICANE — You are at a beach resort in the Florida Keys during your luxury sailing charter vacation, and you are forced to evacuate due to an approaching hurricane. Who will help you evacuate and who will reimburse your lost vacation investment?
WILL YOU BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE?
There are so many circumstances where your vacation may be interrupted. It’s important to understand your options to safeguard your holiday investment. Remember travel insurance is optional and should be analyzed before each vacation begins.
We return to the VAT subject from July. We previously informed our readers about the new French VAT regulations on yacht charters. The VAT applies to yacht charters in France.
New regulations exist. The new regulations apply from 15 July 2013 to charter agreements for yachts for the purposes of leisure travel.
First, question #1: What rate will apply to French charters after 15 July?
“The rate has been set at 19.6% and will increase to 20% on January 1, 2014. However, the taxable base can be reduced by 50% if the yacht is used outside European Union territorial waters, which by definition extend out 12 nautical miles from the coastline. Thus, if you started a charter in Nice, France, and cruised out beyond the 12 nm limit, and concluded the trip the next day in Sardinia, the tax would drop to 9.8%.”
Second, question # 2. Does it apply if the charter starts and ends outside France?
“No. The law reads VAT is applicable on the charter if the vessel is put, ‘…at the disposal of the charterer in French waters.'”
Third, question #3. Will charterers need to be involved with VAT registration and compliance in France?
“Not at all. It is the responsibility of the yacht owner to make the necessary arrangements to register his or her vessel with the French taxing authorities. As to the collection and processing of the tax, most owners are hiring local French-based fiscal agents.”
“As charter consultants, our responsibility is to clearly explain the new regulations to our clients. Many are repeat charterers who cruised multiple times in France in the past. For some, it will be a shock to hear their next Western Mediterranean yacht charter vacation may be subject to a tax of nearly 20%. We will work with them to modify their itineraries, in an effort to mitigate as much of the tax liability as possible.”
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT VAT?
Drop us an email at info@1800yachtcharters.com, and we will respond right away.
As a destination, Greece is a sensory celebration. It’s a dance with history and ancient gods, and a courtship between natural beauty and modern luxuries. It’s also an invitation to indulge in a slower pace and simpler pleasures, like savoring a taverna meal complemented by a fantastic local wine you’ve most likely never heard of.
TRAVEL BY YACHT
Of course, the ideal way to explore the myriad of small Greek islands is to rent a private yacht.
For travelers with experience at the helm, a bareboat charter is the most affordable option for exploration. Similar to renting a car, you do the “driving” by serving as your own skipper. Yes, you and your travel companions must also do the cooking and cleaning, but when it comes to saving money, it is hard to top the appeal of a bareboat charter, especially sail boat charters as compared to power boats.
If you are not qualified to operate your own boat, or simply desire a hire level of comfort and amenities, some of the largest yachts in the world can be rented in the land of the gods.
The famous yachtCHRISTINA Ocalls Greece home. The private vessel of the late Greek shipping tycoon, Aristotle Onassis, this yacht offers huge deck spaces and the indulgence of an original mosaic-tiled swimming pool. In addition to the Jacuzzi, there are three public lounges, a gym, and a game room – and the famous bar where Sir Winston Churchill first met Jackie Kennedy.
We prefer the so-called “shoulder season” (May and September/October), since the weather is generally good, and you’ll enjoy more elbow room and often better prices in restaurants and gift shops.”
When to book a yacht charter in Greece? NOW is the time to make your 2011 Greece yacht charter reservations.
What is the difference between a yacht, a ship, and a boat?
One naval recruit said that it is common lore that a ship rolls outward in a turn, while a boat rolls inward.
ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS
You can fit a boat inside a ship, but you cannot fit a ship inside a boat.
A ship is a commercial vessel such as a passenger ship, a freighter, or a tanker. A boat is smaller – could be a fishing boat, a dinghy, a sailboat, a row boat, a charteryacht tender, etc., and could actually be fairly large.
A ship is used for commercial purposes, whereas a yacht is used purely for recreational purposes, like yacht charter vacations. Size does not matter.
The distinction between a ship and a boat varies depending on regional definitions. As a general rule, a boat can fit onto a ship, but a ship cannot fit onto a boat. A ship, in other words, is a very large ocean-going vessel, while a boat tends to be much smaller.
Additionally, a ship usually is defined as having a displacement larger than 500 tons. During the age of sailing, a craft with three or more rigged masts was considered to be a ship, but this definition has been superseded, as different methods of power generation are used on modern ships.
LASTLY?
Watercraft that we typically associate with the category of “ship” include cruiseships, container ships, aircraft carriers, destroyers, tall ships, and frigates. All of these ships are extremely large and are designed to endure potentially long ocean voyages. Traditionally, they required a very large crew of skilled sailors to manage them, although some ships, especially container ships, are growing increasingly easier to run with only a small crew. This is thanks to the development of sophisticated computer systems and improved mechanization, among other things. These ships are also capable of carrying a large volume of cargo, people, or a combination of both.
Typical examples of boats include powerboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, umiaks, and tugboats. Boats tend to be easier to maneuver than ships, but they are not capable of carrying as much cargo. Boats are also not equipped for long voyage, and some boats will not fare well on the open ocean.
OK, A FEW MORE
A ship requires a crew of people to run smoothly, while a boat can often be handled by one person, alone. The system of authority on board a ship is also very clear-cut, with crew members organized into ranks. When a boat is large enough to have a crew, the members of the crew often work together under the captain. Depending upon the size of the yacht and the amenities and lifestyle promoted aboard, private luxury yacht charter vessels can carry as few as 2 crewmembers to as many as 40, with crew members including captain, first mate, mate, chef, hostesses, masseuse, and others.
Ships also usually carry boats on board, in the form of life rafts and rescue boats. These boats are also sometimes used to transport people and supplies between the ship and the shore, since very large ships cannot fit into some harbors, due to their draft or inability to fit under a particular bridge. [Thanks, wisegeek!]
So, you’re just itching to get back on the water and enjoy another private luxury yacht charter vacation. Suddenly, you remember your wife mentioned it was time to renew your family’s passports…six months ago!
Now you’re in a pickle. You go to the United States Department of State website, and your heart sinks… According to the site, the total time it takes to process a routine passport application, and for you to receive the mailed passport, is 4 to 6 weeks. Yikes!
Even with expedited (code for: “more expensive”) service, it will still take at least 2-3 weeks from the time of application, including mailing time.
Without valid passports, it looks like that last-minute charter yacht vacation is going to be put on hold.
Or is it?????????
NO SHOES, NO SHIRT, NO PASSPORT REQUIRED
Fortunately for you, there are several great Caribbean yacht charter destinations where a passport is not required to enjoy a luxury yacht charter holiday. These destinations are often overlooked by Americans – bypassed for the traditional charter hotspots like the British Virgin Islands, St Barts, and the Bahamas. Most are within a half-day’s travel time from much of the United States, and are all are well worth a visit by boat.
Here are three of our favorite destinations where bare feet and bathing suits are the dress code, and passports are not required…
THE NO PASSPORT REQUIRED LIST 1 of 3
US VIRGIN ISLANDS (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island) – Just a rock’s throw away from the more popular British Virgin Islands, the USVI is ideal for a short-term getaway, say 3-4 nights. Yes, there are dozens of small islands to visit in the BVI, the USVI has some great protected anchorages, wonderful snorkeling, fantastic nature preserves, and a major international airport in St. Thomas that makes coming and going a snap.Yacht Charter tip: consider starting your trip from Red Hook (St. Thomas), on the east end of the island, versus the downtown area of the capital, Charlotte Amalie. This way, you can avoid the congestion and large crowds of tourists that swarm Charlotte Amalie when the numerous cruise ships arrive.
Things to do:
There are just SO many wonderful activities to do in St. Thomas. Here are just a few (thanks to the USVI Tourism Bureau):
Visit a tropical botanical garden
Zipline the Virgin Islands
Take a helicopter tour around the island
Skydive in St. Thomas
Go duty-free shopping
Volunteer at the local animal shelter
Go on a birdwatching tour
NUMBER 2 of 3
SPANISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (Vieques, Culebra, and a multitude of smaller islands and cays) – Did you know the Spanish Virgins are only 6 miles off the eastern coastline of Puerto Rico? The United States military used these islands for bombing practice until 2003, so there has been little exploitation in term of commercial development – a round-about way to say the islands are pristine and unspoiled. The water is crystal clear, and the reefs are teeming with marine life.Yacht charter tip: Try to plan your luxury yacht charter during the week, and not on the weekend – local boaters from the mainland invade on the weekends!Things to do:For fantastic vistas, hike up to the small lighthouse on the highest hill on Culebrita island, or snorkel or SCUBA dive the reefs along the 12-mile chain of little islands known as La Cordillera
NUMBER 3 of 3
KEY WEST (and the nearby Florida Keys) – This is truly the easiest destination to reach for Americans, as you can get there by plane, car, or even by boat. The southernmost city in the United States, Key West is an island paradise and unlike anywhere else in the country. The locals are quirky but fun-loving folks, and there’s plenty of points of interest, and lots of protected anchorages in the adjacent lower Florida Keys chain of islands.Yacht charter tip: many of the world’s largest yachts call South Florida home. A large fleet of luxury yacht charter vessels are based in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Consider a one-way charter, starting in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, then cruising south through the Florida Keys and concluding in eclectic Key West. A one-way trip will give you more exposure to the unique charm of the Keys, and you can fly home from Key West International Airport.
Things to do: Cruise to Fort Jefferson off the coast of Key West, and snorkel in the clear waters; stroll the shops, art galleries, and casual bars along Duvall Street; experience the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
One of the most common questions posed to charter brokers is, “What does, ‘plus all expenses’ mean? A very fair question. It is critical to understand the implications. In specific, since the cost to enjoy a Mediterranean yacht charter holiday, for example, is more than expected. For instance, based on prices posted on most charter brokers’ websites.
RUNNING EXPENSES
Superyachts are the large, ultra-luxurious vessels that we associate with cruising. Specifically, the Côte d’Azur in the South of France in Monte Carlo for Monaco Grand Prix yacht charters. These yachts set a rate for the rental of the yacht and the crew. In addition, they list the price as, “plus running expenses.” This means that the charterer pays a set price for the yacht. Additionally, the charterer is responsible to cover ALL costs associated with the operation of the yacht while the charterer and his/her guests are onboard.
Typical running expenses incurred during a charter are food, beverages, dockage, and fuel.
UPON WHAT DOES IT DEPEND?
It depends first, upon the size of the yacht and second, the charterer’s penchant for elaborate menus. In addition, extended cruising and vintage alcohols. These running expenses can vary greatly from yacht to yacht. Furthermore, from charterer to charterer.
You might ask
“When and how do you pay for these expenses, especially since it is hard to itemize them prior to the conclusion of the trip?”
APA – Advance Provisioning Allowance
The Advance Provisioning Allowance, or “APA” for short, is a deposit. Specifically, it is paid by the charterer. The yacht skipper collects this prior to the commencement of a superyacht holiday. These funds are held by the skipper. They are dispersed during the course of the charter. Further, they cover the ongoing running expenses as they occur.
During the charter, the captain provides a running account of the usage of the funds. At the conclusion of the voyage, the captain presents an itemized accounting of expenses to the charterer. In addition, a refund of any unused funds.
WHAT IF WE RUN OUT OF APA?
An APA balance sometimes runs low during the charter. The client then provides the captain a sufficient amount in cash to cover the needs for the remainder of the charter. Many charterers prefer not to carry quantities of cash. The charter broker holds additional funds and releases them. Usually via bank wire transfer, to the captain as needed.
Before you book your yacht charter, ask your broker for a solid estimate of the running expenses that might be incurred. Your broker takes into account the food and beverage preferences you request, along with how much cruising you wish to do (which will determine the amount, and anticipated cost, of fuel needed), to create an estimate of your expenses.
VARIABLES TO RUNNING EXPENSES
There are numerous variables to estimating running expenses. The computation is best tabulated by your broker and the yacht’s skipper. For instance, depending upon local market availability in your desired cruising ground, food prices may vary greatly from your hometown. Dockage can range from no fees when anchored away from shore. The dockage can run to thousands of dollars per day, when docked at exclusive marinas. For special events, like Cannes Film Festival yacht charters, dockage can run two to three times the standard rate. Fuel costs are important to estimate as well. As such, they skyrocket depending upon how fast and how far you cruise.
EDITOR NOTE
Fuel is also charged for the yacht’s generators when not connected to shore power. In addition, for tenders and water toys. You pay for the fuel used while zipping around on the waverunners.
HOW TO PLAN APA COST?
As a general rule of thumb, the APA requested for sailing yachts is approx 20% of the yacht’s listed charter price. On the contrary, motoryacht average APA jumps to 30-40%.
Sample anticipated total cost of a proposed Italian yacht charter vacation. Specifically, for a fictitious client and nine guests for one week on a 180 foot Trinity yacht charter vessel.
Motor Yacht Rental € 350,000
Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)* 122,500
Total Cost € 472,500
*estimated at 35% by the charter broker after discussing the charterer’s preferences as to food, drinks, and desired itinerary. Many exclusive alcohols and food items….lots of cruising costs to visit multiple destinations.
GRATUITY
A question often asked about is the “optional” crew gratuity. Gratuities for exceptional service are routine in the charter industry. Charterers believing in tipping should budget for this optional expense.
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!!!
“Hi 1-800 Yacht Charters! My family and I would like to plan a luxury sailing charter in the Greek islands. Can you tell us the best time of year for this trip, and where we should go? Thank you, Joannie S.”
ANSWER
Ahoy, Joannie! Thank you for question about the best time to enjoy a sailing vacation in Greece.
For an accurate answer, let’s turn to someone who really knows Greece like the back of his hand!
CAPTAIN COMMENTS
We presented your question to Capt. Alexandre J. MATSAKIS. Captain Alex was born and raised in Greece and has been sailing along the Hellenic coast for more than 3 decades.
As you read his response, keep in mind English is not his native language, so please forgive an occasional grammatical slip on his part.
CAPTAIN LETTER
“Greetings from land of the Gods, Joannie!
Most requests for yacht cruises in the Greek islands are for Mykonos and Santorini… I sail in Greece since 30 years and I live in the center of Cyclades – on Syros island, in front of Mykonos.
My advice is to sail the Cyclades in May, June or October, and to avoid them in July and August because of the frequent strong wind “Meltemi” – able to spoil the best vacation.
Motorsailor IRINA
I charter my 75 gross tonnage yacht IRINA for sailing in the Ionian islands in July and August (Ithaca, island of Odysseus, Kephalonia, Skorpios, island of Onassis) with one very nice sea in this period.
My other beautiful yacht ANATOLIE is sailing in the Sporades in July and August (the green islands of the movie “Mamma Mia” with Meryl Streep).
I do believe that giving the right advises is the best way to avoid problems and keep clients long time (some of them come 3 times on 3 different areas). We need to ensure the happiness of our customers (and that’s a great job :-).
HIS LETTER CONTINUES
Example. Why to send people on one crewed catamaran charters leaving from Athens in July and August? They will have 2 choices. The Cyclades with big problems in case of Meltemi. Or the Saronic islands with no chance to find place with a catamaran in their small harbors (except in Poros if lucky). Greece is not Seychelles or Caribbean!
So – we offer Cyclades cruises in May, June, September and October. Believe me, living in Cyclades, if we send our yachts to other very nice areas in July and August, is because there is serious reasons.
If you owned a 228 foot luxury yacht charter vessel, would you paint it deep blue or polar white?
If you owned the massive motor yacht SHERAKHAN, the answer is — BOTH!
ALL ABOUT SHERAKHAN
Originally built in 1965, the current owner bought the commercial vessel in 2005 and undertook a massive refit – basically gutting the entire ship from bow to stern and rebuilt her into a yacht charter vessel with accommodations for 26 guests (most yachts are limited to 12 or fewer). The full rebuild featured all new plumbingelectrical systems, air conditioning, and generators.It also included a beautiful new paint job – a deep blue hull, with a white superstructure.
WHAT IS THE LATEST NEWS?
Fast forward to 2017, and the owner decided it was time for another refit. All new decks were installed, along with new soft fabrics throughout the guests areas and cabins, and a complete overhaul of all major equipment in the engine room.
As he did in 2005, the owner completely repainted the superyacht charter vessel – this time a clean, crisp white, with subtle grey accents.
CAN I CHARTER THIS YACHT?
The expedition style yacht is available in the Caribbean and will remain there through April. In the summer, the yacht will relocate to the Mediterranean (e.g. Monaco yacht charter or Grand Prix formula 1 races, etc.) for the summer.
WE WANT YOUR THOUGHTS
So what do you think? Do you think she looks better in blue or in white?
You probably know the Bahamas is a prime destination for a luxury yacht charter vacation. But how many of the following details do you know about this island archipelago? Here are five little known facts about this tropical paradise:
AND THE NAME MEANS…
The name, “Bahamas” is derived from the Spanish phrase, “Baha Mar” meaning “Shallow Sea.” This was the name given to the area by Spanish explorers. Indeed, the popularity of Bahamas yacht charters is in part due to the fact that the shallow waters with sandy bottoms are perfect for boating and watersport activities like riding waverunners, swimming with wild dolphins, and snorkeling.
DID YOU SAY 700???
Many people think of Nassau as, “the Bahamas.” With dozens of cruise ships, and thousands of tourists visiting Nassau, it’s no small wonder why. But did you know there are 700 islands in the Bahamian archipelago? The total area is 5359 square miles, including 1494 square miles of water – and more importantly – 2201 miles of coastline! This is the advantage of being onboard a luxury charter yacht, and escaping the crowded tourist areas in and around Nassau. Miles of beautiful, uninhabited beaches and moderate average temperature throughout the year help solidify the appeal to boaters to venture beyond Nassau to explore the nearby Exumas and Berry Islands, and beyond. There are literally hundreds of shallow coves where a Bahamas yacht charter vessel can drop anchor for a day of relaxation in the tropical sun. BONUS FACT: Nassau is such a popular tourist destination, many people think it is the name of an island. Nassau is actually a city on the island of New Providence…
SAY IT AIN’T SNOW!
Believe it or not, it HAS snowed in the Bahamas. On January 19th, 1977 a strong cold front that swept into Florida from the northeastern United States passed over the Bahamas. While mostly cold rain fell, local residents did report snowflakes falling from the skies. For a brief time, everyone packed away their swim trunks and waited for the warmer weather to return. The snowfall that day – 41 years ago – is the last time snow was recorded in the islands. The constant tradewinds bless these islands with warm weather – even in the winter months. Winter lows average a comfortable 70 degrees (Fahrenheit), and summer highs between 80–90. This is truly a climate where you can have fun nearly anytime of the day, and in any season.
WHEN PIGS FLY SWIM…
Many tropical tourist destinations offer visitors a chance to swim and interact with dolphins – and some offer intrepid vacationers a chance to swim with sharks.
But pigs???? A favorite stop on most yacht charter itineraries in the Bahamas is a visit to Big Major Cay, home of the swimming pigs. How did the pigs get to the island? No one knows for sure. Big Major Cay is uninhabited and the pigs are not native to the island. Some Bahamians say the pigs were left by a group of sailors, while others claim the pigs swam to shore from a shipwreck. Wherever they came from, there are approximately 3 dozen pigs and piglets living on “Pig Beach.” The pigs are known to wade out in the clear shallow waters and swim up to visiting boaters – in hopes of receiving a snack. Charter guests often get into the water and swim with the pigs, then take the yacht’s tender ashore, to sit and pose for photos with the famous residents of Pig Beach.
BIG BIRD / BIG FISH
The national bird of the Bahamas is the Flamingo, specifically the West Indian Flamingo – one of the largest species of flamingos. BONUS FACT: Did you know flamingos are pink as a result of their diet that consists largely of creatures like krill/shrimp? Once sadly hunted for their orange and pink feathers for fashion reasons, they are now a protected species. The Bahamian island of Inagua has the second largest population of flamingos in the world.
NATIONAL FISH
The Bahamas national fish is the Atlantic Blue Marlin. This strikingly beautiful fish is one of the biggest fish in the world. Females, significantly larger than males, can reach 14 feet in length and weigh nearly 2000 pounds. Average sizes tend to be in the range of 11 feet and 200 to 400 lbs. The area around the island if Bimini is considered the Big Game Fishing Capital of the Bahamas. Today, most fishermen practice catch and release, to help sustain the big game fish population.
NATIONAL FLOWER
While not a fish or bird, it’s worth mentioning the national flower is the beautiful Yellow Elder, and the national tree is the Lignum Vitae (Tree of Life)
HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER
In conclusion, COME EXPLORE THE BAHAMAS! We know at least TEN more little known facts about the Bahamas. For instance, the picture-perfect lagoons, to underwater caves, to pirate’s havens. There’s so much to see and do in the Bahamas, and the best way to see it is on a private luxury yacht charter . Come enjoy one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world – starting just 50 miles from the coast of Florida!
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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