The 82.50 meter motor yacht O’MEGA, one of the very few private luxury yacht charter vessels in the world with the capacity for over 12 guests, is heading to the Caribbean for the very first time this winter.
Re-launched in 2004 after a complete remodel from a near-bare hull, super yacht O’MEGA underwent a major refit in 2009, and has had continuous upgrades every year since. With an excellent crew-to-guest ratio, there are 30 crewmembers onboard to attend to 28 guests in 14 guest staterooms.
While in the Caribbean from early December, 2016 through April 2017, her weekly charter rate is €525,000 + running expenses. There is a two week minimum fee for charters during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
The only other +12 passenger superyacht considering relocation to the Caribbean for the winter is the 36 passenger motor yacht CHRISTINA O, as her owner has expressed interest in the emerging Cuba yacht charter marketplace (now that travel restrictions between the governments of the United States and Cuba have been eased).
With so few large-capacity yachts in the Caribbean this winter, we expect strong demand for both of these vessels in the area of St. Martin, particularly for St Barts yacht charter clients who invade the small island to celebrate the New Year.
Another superyacht owner makes an annoucement. RoMEA relocates to the Caribbean for the upcoming winter/spring season, and he offers a special charter rate.
WHO IS RoMEA?
Abeking and Rasmussen motoryacht RoMEA arrives in the Caribbean in early December. She is 270 feet 35 inches, and she’s gorgeous. She plans to participate in the winter 2016/spring 2017 St. Martin yacht charter season.
A 2015 yacht, moreover her first year in charter service in the Mediterranean. She now joins a growing list of superyachts relocating to the Caribbean in December. For instance, 58 meter Benetti yacht ILLUSION V.
WHERE DOES SHE RANK?
RoMEA is ranked 84th on the list of the world’s largest yachts. Yacht RoMEA accommodates 12 charter guests in six staterooms.
WELLNESS YACHT
She is part of a growing fleet of wellness yacht charter vessels. These yachts are “floating spas.” Onboard amenities include many wellness experiences. For example, massage services, indoor and outdoor cinemas, and a beach club with steam room. Guests use the yacht’s extensive watersports inventory. For instance, underwater sleds, windsurfers, and stand up paddleboards SUP’s. In addition, scuba gear (for certified divers), kayaks, and water skis are available.
HOW MUCH DOES THE YACHT COST?
The published charter rate for ROMEA is €875,000 per week, plus running expenses.
Thinking about a St Barts yacht charter this December on a comfortable, head-turning megayacht? If you are, we have great news.
LIMITED EDITION 180’s
Two Amels Limited Editions 180 superyachts have just announced plans to head to the Caribbean this winter, and both will remain in the area through Spring 2017.
ELIXIR and 4YOU
Amels motor yachts ELIXIR and 4YOU, Limited Editions 180 models are available this December. Specifically, 2016 through April, 2017 for British Virgin Island yacht charter reservations. Furthermore, they avail south in the area of St. Martin and St Barts, as well.
Amels yacht 4YOU, a 2012 build, features a stunning contemporary Laura Sessa interior. She sleeps 10 to 12 in 6 guest cabins. Newer yacht ELIXIR offers accommodations for 10 guests in 5 cabins. She also boasts a Laura Sessa interior. In addition, she is a bit more eclectic than 4YOU.
The Limited Editions AMELS 180 series by naval architect Tim Heywood is ever-evolving. Specifically, it is one of the most refined and smooth-functioning yachts in the 55-meter range. The Master suite has folding balcony. There are also two more balconies attached to the main desk salon.
The roomy Sun Deck is 25 meters long. It has a luxury space of 155 square meters. This is quite possibly the largest sun deck you encounter on any 55 meter charter vessel.
The yachts’ rates begin at €275,000 per week. Further, they are up to €310,000 per week for holiday dates.
Many yacht owners are content to offer their yachts for hire in popular areas. For instance, the tried-and-true winter cruising ground of the Caribbean. Owner Jan Verkerk is always looking for new destinations. Particularly to entice potential charter customers to explore. In specific, land and sea far from the beaten path.
This year, Jan does it again. He has committed his spectacular yacht, SHERAKHAN, to Antarctica.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The yacht’s manager tells us that “motor yacht SHERAKHAN has just crossed the equator on her way to Antarctica! (She) will arrive in the Falkland Islands on the 6th of February to start her Antarctica adventure.”
ABOUT THE YACHT
The vessel is one of the largest yachts available for rent. The 70 meter SHERAKHAN offers accommodations for up to 26 passengers in thirteen staterooms.
TOO REMOTE?
If Antarctica is too remote, Jan is open to accepting trips along the east or west coast of South America. Additionally, Panama, or even the ever-popular islands of St Barts and St Martin and Caribbean yacht charter booking.
Her rates begin at €350,000 EUROS per week, plus expenses.
Thinking of sheltering in place? First, in a remote destination? Second, in private? Third, on a luxury yacht charter vessel? Great thought, but STOP. Before you get your hopes up, we have a report. Getting on a yacht may be a BIG problem right now. This is a result of more islands closing their borders to yachts. It is particularly difficult for all.
BEFORE THE CORONAVIRUS
Traditionally, spring is the most popular season for Caribbean yacht charters. We have fully-crewed superyachts in position. They are ready to accept guests. For example, from the Bahamas to Bonaire.
Unfortunately, the unexpected outbreak of a global viral pandemic has affected the industry. It brings the idea of a charter in the Caribbean to a screeching halt.
ADVISORIES AND CURFEWS
This started as travel advisories and then curfews. It morphed into full closures of most island nations in the Caribbean. This affects both air and sea access.
GUESTS OR NOT
In some cases, charter guests already onboard may stay onboard. However, as of March 30, most charter vessels are restricted. Therefore, they cannot accept new guests in almost every inhabited island in the Caribbean. For instance, the British Virgin Islands and St. Marten.
CLOSED (no re-opening dates announced)
TRINIDAD … not only
ST LUCIA
ARUBA … but also
BONAIRE
CURAÇAO
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (BVI)
MARIE-GALANTE and THE SAINTS
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (DR)
DOMINICA … in addition,
GRENADA
ST. MAARTEN (ST. MARTIN)
MARTINIQUE
GUADELOUPE
ANTIGUA and BARBUDA … lastly,
ST KITTS & NEVIS
RESTRICTIONS
Restrictions exist. For instance,
MONTSERRAT. Mandatory 14 day quarantine
USVI (U.S. Virgin Islands). Closed to all visitors for 30 days. Charter vessels, hotels, guest houses, etc. are restricted. They may not accept new guests. Guests who have already checked in are advised to return home. They cam remain, if they choose, however. Airport and Seaports are open. All non-essential businesses are closed. Residents are asked to stay at home. All bars across the Territory are closed. In-house dining is not allowed at restaurants. Take-out services are permissible. Additionally,
ANGUILLA. Both sea and air ports are closed to all passengers. This applies for an initial 14-day period, from 20 March.
BAHAMAS. Incoming passenger flights are banned. Significantly, seaports remain open for cargo and supply vessels only. Moreover, All inter-island sailing and cruising is prohibited.
BARBADOS. Airports and marinas are open. Whether by yacht or plane, all visitors arriving from the UK, Europe, and the United States will be placed in quarantine for 14 days. Anyone arriving with a travel history from China, Iran, and South Korea are also subject to a 14-day quarantine. Further,
DOMINICA. Airports and seaports closed. There is an exception for planes and ships bringing vitally-needed cargo and medical relief supplies.
ST. VINCENT and the GRENADINES. Mandatory 14 day quarantine for any passengers arriving from China and other countries. For instance, the European Union, Iran, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
STAY INFORMED / DISCLAIMER
In conclusion, this is not a complete list of all restrictions in the Caribbean. Border and marina/port closures change rapidly. Moreover, air traffic suspensions change, too. In the meantime, 1-800 Yacht Charters will keep this information updated as much as possible. We encourage our blog readers to check official country websites and local news sources for the latest travel advisories and closures/restrictions. For specific luxury yacht charter questions, please email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com
What do you get when… Merge these items. The vision of a new yacht owner who has never owned a boat. The talents of Europe’s leading design studios. Holland’s premier yacht builder.
This beauty launched in July. She is the latest creation by Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyards. Superyacht JOY’s owner is a young American from New York. She is not only the first yacht he has ever built. She is the first yacht he has ever owned.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, commented on how the owner’s lack of involvement in the yachting industry led to the creation of a unique vessel, unlike any other yacht in the 70 meter range: “You take an ambitious, youthful person, who has no pre-conceived bias as to what is expected when you design and build a superyacht, and you open the door to a fresh perspective on how a yacht can reflect the owner’s vision of what The Superyacht Experience can be.”
At the commencement of the project, the owner’s brief was simple and clear. He brims with the optimism of youth. “Create something totally different to every other yacht.”
FRESH APPROACH NEEDED
Recognizing the need to bring a fresh approach to the entire project, Feadship reached out to designers never before retained. For the avant-garde exterior, they turned to the design studio of Bannenberg & Rowell. Interior architecture is by Studio Indigo. Visually, superyacht JOY looks like no other. The wide walkways and flow between the interior and exterior spaces are without precedent on superyachts of this size. Dickie Bannenberg comments. “You will see there are a lot of sculpted and rather complex surfaces that give the design a very unique look.”
THE CHALLENGES
Of course, crafting the fascinating concave shapes in the yacht’s superstructure presented challenges to the builder. The launch ceremony, as always, is grandiose. Feadship director Jan-Bart Verkuy comments as always. “JOY was an incredibly complicated boat to build with so many shapes and lines. We are very grateful to the fairing gods at Feadship. Also, to all the other craftsmen who have showcased their skills on such a unique boat.”
The proud new owner is equally pleased. The results of the challenging build amaze. “Studio Indigo has worked amazingly hard to produce such a gorgeous design with an incredible focus on detail. I’m also delighted with Bannenberg & Rowell’s sleek and progressive profile that reflects my desire to go forward into the future.”
THE NAME IS SYNONYMOUS WITH THE OWNER
Joy’s name reflects the owner’s joyous enthusiasm for life. M0reover, the opportunities for self-growth and exploration. These things that only time aboard a yacht can bring. The owner reflected on a recent visit he made to New York’s Central Park. “When I saw the statue of Columbus it reminded me of how much joy this explorer felt when he first saw land. Today is my moment of joy as something I have long dreamt about has come to light. I’m incredibly happy and sincerely grateful to Feadship and all the other team members who made this happen.”
SHEEDER COMMENTS
Sheeder is thrilled with the wellness yacht charter potential of the yacht.
“The mix of spa-like amenities is amazing. From her Jacuzzi sun deck, to the massage room. To the ocean-level beach club. Where else can you exercise in a gym with panoramic views of the sea? After which, rest and reflect in a minimalist interior with textures and colors? All of these designs to invoke feelings of tranquility and wellness?”
“In a sea of cookie-cutter designed boats, this is a transcendent yacht that will quickly set a new standard in the charter market.”
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