Much attention has been focused on the efforts of the superyacht industry to embrace sustainability and green building practices. But what about the travelers – the people who rent, for example, a private yacht for a Virgin Islands yacht charter holiday?
How can they contribute to furthering the cause of green, eco-friendly vacations?
It’s not hard, and taking a “green approach” to vacations goes hand-in-hand with being a responsible traveler. With a little effort, charter passengers can help reduce the negative environmental impact on the places they visit.
Green travel begins with the understanding and respect for the cruising destination’s culture and an effort to bring benefit the local economy.
Lastly, you do not have to pay more to go green!
Let’s look at three simple ways to travel greener on your next sailing vacation:
1. Save Energy
a) Re-use towels and linens during your charter. Crews on yachts scramble to clean and change linens throughout a charter. After all, they are dedicated to the highest level of customer service. Simply tell your crew that you are willing to reuse your towels and bed linens more than once or twice during your stay. It is estimated this simple act can save 5 percent on utilities!
b) turn off the air conditioning and lights in your cabin when leaving the room.
2. Reduce Carbon Output
Plan a trip that will reduce carbon emissions. Sometimes it is as simple as considering the distance from the arrival airport to your awaiting yacht. Ask your crew if there is a marina or sandy beach close to the airport. If there is, you can save the cost of a taxi and the related carbon emissions of the vehicle.
For instance, many people arriving for a charter in Tortola, BVI first fly into St. Thomas, USVI. After that, they take a 30 minute taxi to the ferry docks. They then ride a ferry to Tortola. Lastly, they take another quick taxi to a marina, where their yacht and crew await. As a green alternative, you can fly to Beef Island airport in Tortola, adjacent to a large, sandy beach. Your crew can take a dinghy up to the beach to pick you up, and you can literally walk over from the airport!
3. Support the Local Economy
You can easily travel greener by learning about your destination. Research the culture, food, and environment of the places you visit. Prior to your charter, ask your crew to cook using native cuisine versus foods and goods that need to be shipped in. When going ashore to shop and sightsee, buy souvenirs and handmade crafts that benefit the local community. Do not buy imported goods. Lastly, Do not purchase souvenirs made from local endangered animals or plants.
Remember, responsible travel habits will reduce the negative environmental impact on the places you visit. These impacts matter long after you and your sailing companions have returned home.
Do you have any tips to share on how to travel and cruise by yacht with less of an environmental impact? Contact us with your suggestions at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ now.
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged BVI yacht charter, eco-friendly, support the local economy, sailboat charter, bareboat charter, Green, save energy, reuse towels, turn off air-conditioning and lights, reduce your carbon output
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The odyssey of a lifetime is about to unfold. Luxury sailing charter clients are invited along for the ride.
The 43 meter sail yacht CLEAR EYES is ready. She starts a 19-month journey, and soon sails around the world. Charter reservations are being accepted for all legs. Guests enjoy 7 night traditional Virgin Islands yacht charter holidays. They also experience multi-week open ocean passages.
The sail starts and ends in Bodrum, Turkey. The voyage takes passengers and crew to multiple destinations. For example, the Canary Islands, Curacao, Aruba, San Blas, Panama, Galapagos, Gambier, Tahiti, Niue, Tonga, Fiji, Darwin, Bali, Mauritius, South Africa, St. Helena, Ascension Island, Cabo Verde and Malta. So many wonderful experiences. For instance, seeing beautiful islands and experiencing vibrant local culture. Other things, such as interacting with people from around the world in their own environment are also included.
Sail yacht CLEAR EYES offers a spacious interior. She also comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests in five cabins. Rates from €65,000 per week, plus all expenses.
Looking for a greener vacation? Learn 3 simple ways to enjoy a earth-friendly sailboat vacation at https://1800yachtcharters.com/half-board-option-makes-crewed-catamaran-charters-more-affordable/.
This entry was posted in Destinations Good Times News Special Events and tagged Clear Eyes, charter sailboat, earth-friendly, eco-friendly, sailing yacht charters, sailboat charter, circumnavigation, Green
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A Caribbean yacht charter vacation is a great way to kick the blues. Now, a popular sailing charter yacht wants to help you sing the blues!
Book sail yacht MAKAYABELLA during the Bequia Mount Gay Music Festival (January 26th – 29th, 2012). The yacht’s crew, John and Sue, provide the guests with multiple items. For instance, complimentary tickets to BOTH the Friday and Saturday night performances.
Outstanding performances by local, regional and international artists has made this music festival one of the “must see” fixtures on the Caribbean season’s calendar. The event kicks off with Dana Gillespie and her London Blues Band’s performance on Friday night and lasts for four days. The festival has received rave reviews since its inception and precedes the 14-day Mustique Blues Festival.
The main venue and stage is located at De Reef, right on the beach in Lower Bay, Bequia, with the big performances on Friday and Saturday night – followed by lazy Sunday afternoon “limin’” music to close out the weekend.
Sailing yacht, Makayabella
The cozy sailboat MAKAYABELLA can accommodate 6 guests in 4 cabins. The Master cabin has a double bed, shower and toilet. 2 Guest cabins have a twin bed, shower and toilet. A Guest cabin has a double bed, shower and toilet. All cabins are ensuite. On warm evenings, the yacht offers air conditioning in the saloon.
John and Sue of sailboat MAKAYABELLA
John and Sue have taken guests to this event for the last few years and they report everyone has a great time.
“We feel it’s a great event,” says John, “and very much worth promoting as a focal point of a charter here in the Grenadines.”
If you’re a music lover and looking for a unique charter experience, plan a yachting holiday onboard sail yacht MAKAYABELLA around the festival’s dates, and John and Sue will throw in the tickets – free of charge.
This entry was posted in Special Events Special Offers Yacht of the Week Caribbean Good Times and tagged yacht charter Caribbean, Makayabella, sailing yacht charters, special events, sailboat charter, caribbean yacht charter, sail yacht charter, Mount Gay rum, Bequia Music Fest, free tickets to festival, free gift with charter, Bequia
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While crewed sail boat charters and bareboat charter vacations normally last 5 to 7 nights, not everyone has the time for a multi-night term luxury yacht charter. In this economy, saving up for a special bareboat charter or luxury yacht charter holiday might mean postponing until 2010.
Now for the good news – sailboat charters can be as short as one day and are the perfect compliment to a land-based Caribbean island vacation.
Let’s take a look at a single-day luxury yacht charter escape in the British Virgin Islands (also known as the BVI or BVI’s).
There are four major inhabited islands in the BVI, as well as dozens of (nearly 60) smaller islands, cays, and rocks scattered throughout the archipelago. Of course, the fun way to see these sights is by boat on a luxury sailing charter.
You can rent a small Caribbean yacht charter sailboat or a fast powerboat for the day in Road Town, Nanny Cay, West End, or several other locations. Some experience driving a powerboat or basic chart-reading skills are important to ensure you have a pleasurable day.
A great trip could start from Road Town, Tortola and head south across the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Peter Island. You can tie up to the dock in Sprat Bay, or anchor off the beach in Deadman’s Bay and swim ashore (remember to wear your water socks). Visitors are welcome in the public areas, the boutique, and the beach grill.
From Peter Island, it’s a short boat ride to Norman Island. This is author Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary Treasure Island, and the source of countless tales of pirates and buried chests of gold. Today, the island is uninhabited except for a small restaurant on the beach in the Bight. Anchored in the bay is the old ship, William Thornton, affectionately known by bareboat charter lovers and the locals as the “Willy T,” a trading vessel converted to a bar and restaurant. It’s a great stop for a little “pirate” ambiance. Be warned – on holiday weekends, the Willy T is not appropriate for kids as it takes on a bawdy “adults only” atmosphere.
Just outside the bay are the Caves. These are more like grottoes and are a true snorkeler’s delight. You can tie up your boat to one of the National Park moorings and swim in. Don’t be surprised if a school of tropical fish swim alongside you, looking for a handout. The locals ask that you resist the temptation to feed the little critters, however. Human food is not healthy for the fish and may do them great harm in the long run.
After snorkeling at the Caves, it is a short boat ride to The Indians. These rock outcroppings are the size of houses and full of nesting seabirds in the summer. The waters around the rocks are teeming with fish of every shape and color. One local describes a swim here as a magical experience: “Floating among the fish, corals and sea fans will make you feel like Peter Pan flying through an enchanted forest.”
If the sun is still high in the sky, and you still feel fresh for more adventure, zip over to Salt Island. You can tie up to the dock and walk around the abandoned houses to the salt pond where workers harvest and sell sea salt. If you still have any get-up-and-go in your tank, hop back on your boat and cruise around the corner to the wreck of the HMS Rhone, the BVI’s first underwater park. Snorkel over the wreck and try to imagine what it looked like before it sank in 1867!
By now, you realize you are on “island time.” There’s little reason to hurry back to Tortola, unless you have an early dinner reservation at your hotel or resort. Assuming you are in the island groove, we suggest a cruise east to Cooper Island. Accessible only by boat, this island has a few rental homes and a tiny resort that’s looks like a vacation postcard from the water – palm trees and long, white sand beach. By now, you must be hungry from a morning/afternoon of exploring. Drop in a local restaurant for a late lunch. With a full belly and a big smile, it’s just a short sail or cruise back to Tortola.
There are many other itineraries for a day trip by boat. Your hotel concierge can recommend the best local boat rental operators and give you some ideas as to where to go and what to see there. You can go fast on a powerboat or slower on a sailboat – the choice is yours. Either way, a day boat trip around the British Virgin Islands will be the highlight of your land-based island holiday!
This entry was posted in Caribbean Destinations and tagged caribbean yacht charter, Norman Island, BVI, The Caves, British Virgin Islands yacht charter, Willy T., barrier reef in the BVI, William Thornton, British Virgin Islands, Treasure Island, yacht charter Caribbean, bareboat, Robert Louis Stevenson, sailing yacht charters, skin dive, grottoes, sailboat charter, snorkel, HMS Rhone, Snorkeling, caribbean reefs, The Indians, sailboat, Sir Francis Drake Channel, Underwater Park, bareboat charter, Peter Island
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You deserve to join the fun! Charter a sailboat and partake of the Florida Keys festivities!
Key West has parades, street parties, and thousands of adult revelers in zany costumes at Fantasy Fest. It happens for one week in October. This year’s event is October 21 through 30, 2011.
Sail catamaran SURPRISE is offering a unique Florida yacht charter opportunity to sail to Key West from Miami, Florida. Guests also enjoy the Fantasy Fest festivities from the comfort of this 48′ luxury sailing charter catamaran.
Similar to the Mardi Gras-themed events in New Orleans, Fantasy Fest is an adult-oriented Halloween festival. This year’s theme is “Aquatic Afrolic” and offers a sea of opportunities to create a one-of-a-kind costume extravaganza, ranging from marvelous mermaids to outlandish ocean-faring sea creatures.
While full nudity is not permitted, many scantily-clad party goers wear outrageous, brightly-colored costumes, or simply opt for strategically drawn body paint and glitter in lieu of shirts and bikini tops.
There are parades and costume contest each evening, the largest being the “Pretenders in Paradise” Costume Party hosted by the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa. Major event sponsors include Captain Morgan Rum and the Florida Keys Tourism Association.Sailing yacht SURPRISE is a 48′ catamaran with accommodations for 2 couples. Her crew of two, Corky and Sue Clark have sailed for years throughout South Florida and the Caribbean. During Fantasy Fest, charter guests can spend the days sailing and exploring the beaches and shallow reefs of the lower Florida Keys, and at night hit the streets for the endless parties and festivities.
Standard charter rates apply: $8,500/wk for 2 passengers and $9,950/wk for 4 guests. Rates are all-inclusive (include meals and ship’s bar). Local taxes apply.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Good Times Special Events and tagged Fantasy Fest, Key West yacht charter, yacht charter key west, adult fun, street parties, Surprise, sailboat charter, Captain Morgan, catamaran yacht charter, costumes, yacht charter special events, Pier House Resort, spa, sailboat yacht charter
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“My neighbor recently rented a boat with a crew for a family vacation in the Virgin Islands. It sounds like fun but I wonder if it’s safer to take a cruise on a big ship. Any thoughts that might sway me? Thanks.”
Marilyn W, Miami, FL
Great question, Marilyn. In our opinion, private yachts are actually safer.
Cruise ships visit numerous ports of call (often referred to as, “tourist traps”). It’s no secret that pickpockets and other petty-theft criminals prey on unsuspecting tourists in these busy tourist areas. Private yachts tend to stay away from these hot spots, and since the yachts are smaller, they can anchor in small, quiet, uncrowded coves.
Speaking of crowds, there are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of strangers onboard a cruise ship. We’ve all seen the news reports about Norovirus breakouts on cruise ships. In their defense, the cruise lines are diligent in cleaning their vessels, but with so many people onboard, it’s a tough task. That’s not the case on a Virgin Island yacht charter vessel – the only people onboard are you and your private crew.
In terms of training, both the crews on cruise ships and private yachts are trained to international standards in case of the rare chance of an onboard emergency. Remember – the crew on a private yacht has to attend to the yacht’s owner when charter guests are not onboard. It is a safe bet that most yacht owners want the finest professionals operating their yachts!
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What do you think? Do you agree with our opinion? Are private yachts safer than cruiseships? Please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
This entry was posted in Good Times Educational and tagged yacht charter crew, private yacht charter, 1800yachtcharters, sailboat charter, Education, cruiseships, Ask The Pro's, cruiseship safety, private yacht safety, Novovirus
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The 12th Annual Les Voiles de St. Tropez is scheduled for September 24 through October 2. Sailboat ANNAGINE offers a special land-and-sea regatta race package.
It is dubbed the, “Battle in the Bay.” Specifically, ten (10) guests enjoy the race onboard. It is a hands-on experience. You participate in the sailing regatta and race, the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez.
Annagine is €60,000 per week. The package includes multiple items. For example, the yacht, the addition of 4 extra crew members with racing experience, and 5 double rooms in Saint Tropez four-star Hotel Sube.
Is a sailboat race on your bucket list? Granted that this is a rare opportunity to both race and relax in gorgeous French city.
At any rate, seductive St. Tropez is sizzling this season. For example, the streets and beaches are crowded. This former fishing village has a relaxed “anything goes” attitude. Enjoy!
The sailing race is organized by the Societe Nautique of Saint-Tropez. The Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is an amazing rendezvous of yachts. Almost three thousand sailors will be competing. More than two hundred and fifty (250) sailing boats and traditional yachts will be participating.
Classic 33.90 meter sloop ANNAGINE is designed for comfort. Specifically, high performance cruising and state-of-the-art technology. She is also a successful luxury sailing charter boat. The sloop accommodates 6 to 8 guests. They stay in 3 staterooms. The yacht offers cozy entertainment and living areas. For example, these display elegance and style in a comfortable, informal atmosphere.
The battle in the bay of Saint-Tropez concludes on October 2nd, with the presentation of the Trophée Rolex – awarded to the regatta’s overall winner of the feature race – The Rolex Cup… With a professional crew onboard, no sailing or racing experience is required.
So climb aboard. Enjoy the competition and camaraderie. Likewise, share in the excitement of cruising with hundreds of boats on the bay!
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Special Events and tagged Les Voiles de St. Tropez, Saint Tropez, Battle in the Bay, Hotel Sube, sailboat charter
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Catamaran sailboat DREAMING ON
On the heels of a glowing post-charter review by recent guests, sailing yacht catamaran DREAMING ON has announced a Thanksgiving crewed catamaran charters special.
Iza and Geoff of Catamaran Dreaming On
The recipient of many favorable cruise-in-review client letters, crewmembers Iza and Geoff are asking,
“Why have turkey at home when you can have LOBSTER in paradise for Thanksgiving?”
Iza and Geoff and their 47’ Leopard catamaran DREAMING ON, awarded runner up at last week’s BVI Boat Show as “Best Catamaran under 50 feet,” are offering two specials for the Thanksgiving holidays.
Any 3 or 4 night charter with no surcharge
OR
7 nights for the price of 6
Special bonus. In specific, guests may opt for Lobster on Thanksgiving or traditional turkey.
Launched in 2003 and immaculately maintained, crewed catamaran sailing yacht DREAMING ON is one of the most popular vessels offering crewed charters. This Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel offers accommodations for 6 guests in 3 cabins, each with ensuite bathrooms.
The yacht’s watertoy inventory includes towable toys such as a wakeboard, kneeboard, and a ski-tube, along with fishing and snorkel gear.
Doing her part for the yachting industry’s ongoing GREEN initiative, the catamaran is equipped with wind scoops to limit the need for air-conditioning. Solar panels have also been installed to provide clean electricity. The crew also purchases earth-friendly paper products, biodegradable cleaning products, and local organic produce when available.
When not on charter, Geoff and Iza are often seen helping with reef and beach clean-up projects.
Available for Caribbean yacht charters, the yacht is based in the British Virgin Islands. Her published rate is $11,000 per week for 2 guests, $12,250 per week for 4 guests, and $13,250 per week for 6 passengers. Rates are inclusive of meals and the ship’s bar.
Similar sailing catamaran yachts are available in the Caribbean. For instance, the 62′
catamaran sail yacht AVALON. Her rate is $26,000 per week, all inclusive. In addition, the 56′ catamaran sail yacht BACCHUS with a rate of € 20,000 per week, all inclusive. Lastly, the 65′ sail catamaran WORLD’S END with a rate of €23,400 per week, plus expenses.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Yacht of the Week and tagged sail yacht BACCHUS, GREEN initiative, Dreaming On, Avalon, World's End catamaran, yacht charter Caribbean, sailboat charter, caribbean yacht charter, British Virgin Islands yacht charter, catamaran yacht charter
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Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis
Should we believe the reports? If so, there’s trouble in Paradis for Captain Jack Sparrow.
People Magazine reports Hollywood A-lister Johnny Depp is in hot water. He and his love of 14 years, singer Vanessa Paradis, are calling it quits. According to People, Depp, 48, and the Chanel model, 39, have not been in public together for more than a year.
To the movie-going public, Depp is a star. He is best known for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow. The pirate is the central protagonist of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise. In the yachting industry, the actor is more familiar. For instance, he is the celebrity owner of a charteryacht often cruising the Bahamas.
This week’s office water-cooler question: will the split lead Depp to rename his Bahama yacht charters motor yacht, VaJoLiRoJa?
Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradise on yacht VaJoLiRoJa
The boat’s clever name comes from combining the first few letters of each family member’s name, partner Vanessa Paradis, Johnny, and their kids, Lily-Rose and Jack.
If Johnny drops Vanessa, can we assume the multi-syllabic boat name will shed its current first syllable – leaving us with JoLiRoJa? We kind of like that – if you say it fast enough it sounds like, “Jolly Roger” — a perfect name for this 156 foot yacht of distinctive character.
But wait, what if it’s Vanessa forcing Johnny to, “Walk the plank?” If she keeps custody of the yacht, the new name could be VaJoLiRoJa. Has a nice sound to it – kinda rolls off the tongue…
Perhaps the best name for the yacht is RANSOM, as in Depp’s reported $300 gross profit sharing booty from Disney’s Pirates movie franchise.
View our favorite celebrity-owned mega yacht charter vessels, then contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ to plan your own adventure at sea.
This entry was posted in News and tagged sailboat charter, Vanessa Paradis, celebrity, Johnny Depp, People magazine, divorce, VaJoLiRoJa, classic sailing yacht, Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean, yacht name change, yacht charter Bahamas, Captain Jack Sparrow
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Lovers of classic sailboats take delight. The spectacular sail yacht GERMANIA NOVA announces something. In specific, she plans to reposition in time for the Caribbean yacht charter winter season.
We first profiled yacht GERMANIA NOVA in June 2011. A replica of the Max Oertz-designed and Germaniawerft-built racing schooner Germania. A 1908 build, now 60 meter GERMANIA NOVA provides guests the same opportunity. Specifically, to experience the joys of sailing in a bygone era. She is currently available for year end rental. Her rates are
€80,000 per week for Christmas/New Year period and €70,000 per week off season
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Caribbean News Yacht of the Week and tagged sailboat charter, caribbean yacht charter, Germania Nova, classic sailing yacht
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