SailAway Blog

Monaco Grand Prix and Motor Yacht Charter- a perfect combination for one of the World’s Great Yachting Events!

admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:21:49 +0000

Monaco Grand Prix special event charter - yachts and racecars - the place to be seen!

For many, the ultimate Mediterranean yacht charter is the F1 Monaco Grand Prix, one of the world’s greatest sporting events. While the view from the grand stands is excellent, nothing compares to a F1 Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter, with your mega yacht moored up against the edge of the fabled street course.

The Port of Monaco each year is filled with perhaps the world’s greatest collection of luxury yacht charter superyachts. It’s hard to imagine a more memorable event than a F1 Monaco Grand Prix Mediterranean yacht charter - whether for client entertainment, celebrity watching or for the party of a lifetime. The 2009 spectacle is scheduled for May 21 through 24.

Also known as the Grand Prix de Monaco, this Formula 1 race through the city streets of Monte Carlo has achieved recognition as one of the world’s truly great auto races. With the winding roads, cliffs, superyacht and megayacht charter vessels as a backdrop, this auto race is truly an amazing event. It’s no small wonder so many companies choose it to entertain and reward their best clients and employees.

A SailAway Yacht Charter special event consultant will help you select the right size yacht, depending on the number of guests in your party. The event specialists at SailAway recommend a yacht with sleeping accommodations for your key group of VIPs, plus adequate deck space for cocktail parties and a traditional race-day brunch.

Once you and your SailAway special events consultant have selected a yacht, your consultant will work with your megayacht captain and the harbormaster to secure a berth (slip) on one of the quays (docks) with the best views. Of course, this is a first-come first served process, with many of the best viewing slips secured one year in advance of the event!

Held each year on the Circuit de Monaco and run since 1929, it is widely considered to be one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (with which it forms the Triple Crown of Motorsport). The history, spectacle and glamour result in the race being considered “the jewel of the Formula One crown.”

The race is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets of Monaco, with many elevation changes and tight corners, making it one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One. In spite of the relatively low average speeds, it is a dangerous place to race.

Brazil’s Ayrton Senna has won the race more times than any other driver, with six victories, winning five consecutively between 1989 and 1993. Graham Hill was known as “Mr Monaco” due to his five Monaco wins in the 1960s.

There are a series of races and practice sessions held during the 4-day special event. Saturday is qualifying day for main Formula 1 event, where the starting positions are determined in reverse order of the driver’s lap times. Sunday is the actual race, which starts at 2 pm (with the first trial lap at 1:30), and runs for 78 laps.

While the auto race is the main attraction, throughout the weekend there are hundreds of related events and parties that draw some of the world’s most recognizable people - entertainers, supermodels, royalty and hundreds of celebrities. Many combine their trip with a visit to the Cannes Film Festival, which occurs simultaneously and is only a short yacht ride away.

Move Over Hybrid Cars - Hybrid Yacht is First of its Kind to Hit the Luxury Yacht Market

admin — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:18:17 +0000

Hybrid yacht opens doors to other yacht owners who want to become eco-friendly and green

The first ever hybrid yacht built for luxury yacht charter has been launched. The green technology that powers hybrid cars has finally reached the luxury yacht industry as Island Pilot LLC has launched a hybrid yacht - a catamaran.

With renewable, sustainable transportation so critical, it is little wonder the realm of alternative fuels has come to the yachting industry.

OK, so maybe it is too soon to say the first luxury yacht charter hybrid vessel is available for a Caribbean yacht charter holiday. After all, the first hybrid yacht just splashed down in October 2008. Still, with the Caribbean yacht charter marketplace dominated by 40 to 50-foot luxury catamarans, can it be that far off that we will see a hybrid boat available for hire in the Caribbean? After all, over 80% of the Caribbean-based luxury yacht charter vessels in the mid-range market are catamarans.

Like hybrid automobiles, the 40 ft Island Pilot DSe Hybrid 12m combines multiple sources of power. Hybrid cars rely on electricity and fuel - the Island Pilot DSe hybrid yacht draws its sustainable transportation capabilities from solar, electric, and diesel power.

The luxury yacht can travel at 6 knots running only on solar power and 13 knots with the addition of diesel.

Island Pilot emphasizes that the hybrid technology doesn’t take away from the yacht’s luxury amenities, which include a Garmin HD radar, Tecnautic “Fly by Wire” controls and gyro autopilot, 4 zones of air conditioning, hi-tech refrigeration with ice maker, and a 26 inch High Definition TV.

Of course, the yacht doesn’t come cheap — plan on shelling out $600,000 if you want one. On the plus side, many Caribbean yacht charter catamarans when purchased new are in this same price category. This closeness in price might be enough to sway an owner to consider green hybrid technology when purchasing a new yacht.

In the Caribbean, most of the yacht charter owners are also the operators of their own yachts. These folks see first-hand the impact of global warming and climate change on the ocean, as well as the coves and islands they frequent. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the yacht industry, in particular the yacht charter market, is supportive of green technology and the alternative energy movements.

It could even be argued the charter community was at the forefront of the eco-friendly environmental protection movement. What could be more “green” than the luxury sailboats that dominate the Caribbean charter fleet? Hundreds of sailboat charters, driven by the ultimate renewable source of power - wind energy – take place each year.

While the romance of a wind-powered sail yacht vacation remains appealing, many travelers seek the comfort of a motoryacht. Simply put, sailboats rock and heal to one side when underway, whereas most motoryachts rest flat in the water. Furthermore, motor yachts can get quickly from one location to the other, using engine power, while sail yachts have to rely on Mother Nature and her breezes.

The 40 ft Island Pilot DSe Hybrid is a welcome addition to the market. Her use of green technology will greatly reduce the carbon footprint of the yacht as compared to traditional motoryachts. Furthermore, charter guests can enjoy the speed and comforts of a motoryacht and the affordability of a catamaran, while utilizing the sustainable, renewable energy of a hybrid.

The Trinity Motor Yacht Destination FoxHarb’r Too Takes Owner from Doughnuts to our Yacht of the Week

admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:58:52 +0000

Launched by the owner of Canadian fast food restaurant chain, Tim Hortons, the 2008 luxury motoryacht, DESTINATION FOXHARB’R TOO is now available for either a Caribbean yacht charter in the fall and winter, or a Mediterranean yacht charter in the summer. Built by Trinity Yachts, DESTINATION FOXHARB’R TOO adds a new dimension to the luxury charter market and is the fourth yacht for fast food chain Tim Hortons owner, Ron Joyce.

It’s hard to imagine that a simple idea for a few coffee and doughnut shops would grow into Canada’s fast food giant, Tim Hortons Inc. (NYSE symbol: THI) and such success would spill over to Canadian investor Ron Joyce and his love for a Trinity Yachts luxury yacht charter megayacht.

The Canada-based fast food restaurant chain is best known for its coffee and doughnuts. It was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario by Canadian hockey player, Tim Horton. In 1967, Horton partnered with investor, Ron Joyce, who quickly took over operations and expanded the chain into a multi-million dollar franchise.

Motor yacht DESTINATION FOXHARB'R TOO underway

The franchises spread rapidly and eventually overtook McDonald’s as Canada’s largest food service operator. The company opened twice as many Canadian outlets as McDonald’s, and system-wide sales also surpassed those of McDonald’s Canadian operations as of 2002. The chain commands 76% of the Canadian market for baked goods (based on the number of customers served) and holds 62% of the Canadian coffee market (compared to Starbucks, in the number two position, at 7%). As of July 1, 2007, the company had 2,733 restaurants in Canada.

The fast food chain also has an international presence including 345 outlets in the United States.

The owner is delighted with his new yacht, expressing perhaps the subjective point of view that it was initially designed just for him. Her new name follows that refrain as well. The entrepreneur also owns a five-star golf resort in Nova Scotia. The resort and his other yachts also bear variations of the name Fox Harb’r.

The luxury yacht charter megayacht he appreciates so vigorously had inaugurated its build as Mustang Sally, for an owner who, in the middle of the project, decided he wanted a larger yacht. So, through a series of stunning alterations in decor, the still brand new and yet-to-be-finished yacht weathered a sea-change, to bloom as the new star of the owner’s flourishing convoy.

Sumptuousness and excellent taste are readily evident in this megayacht. The Patrick Knowles Design interior reflects a refreshingly cool style influenced by a European Spa Resort. The interior features tailored sophisticated fabrics, stonework showcasing Beaumaniere limestone, river rock pebbles, walnut Travertine, and satin nickel accents. The rich millwork is a palate of Redwood burl, Lacewood, Macassa ebony, and Honduran mahogany. Hand-carved glass panels inset into passage doors throughout add a sense of art and dimension to her interior. A stunning mural on the forward bulkhead of the dining room provides a dramatic backdrop for the otherwise serene décor.

State-of-the-art electronics are available throughout this mega yacht and include V-SAT constant Wi-Fi internet, Crestron video and audio equipment, flat screen TV’s with individual satellite receivers, surround sound, and iPod docking stations. This luxury motoryacht is also environmentally friendly, equipped with an ozone-based water treatment system.

This superyacht can accommodate 10 to 12 guests in 5 to 6 staterooms, depending on the charter party’s requirements. A professional crew of 10, which includes a captain, an engineer, a gourmet chef, a lead hostess, and several deckhands, is onboard to cater to the charter guests’ every need.

Big Boys and their Superyacht Toys – Personal Submarines are the New “Must Have” Charter Yacht Amenity

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:37:23 +0000

The luxury mega yacht charter market has discovered the world of small, leisure personal submarines in a big way.

Just a few short years ago, the big boys who owned the hottest Caribbean yacht charter megayachts competed for affluent luxury travelers by adding ondeck Jacuzzi tubs and high performance waverunners to their list of onboard amenities and water toys. Egos and deep pockets allowed big boy millionaire luxury superyacht owners to push the envelope further. Small 5-meter tenders were replaced with large, fast, 30 to 40 foot sportfish boats, fully rigged with tournament fishing gear and diving equipment. These large tenders were often too big to be stored on deck of the mega yacht charter vessels, so they were towed behind, like boys and their red wagon toys.

Next came the helipads – landing areas onboard megayachts allowing charter guests an opportunity to chopper their way from sea to shore. Mediterranean yacht charter aficionados clamored to rent megayachts with room for small helicopters that could transport them from the rooftops of Monaco’s premier hotels – far away from the intrusive eye of the paparazzi.

And then it happened… Somewhere along the line, the superyacht luxury yacht charter market collectively dipped their heads underwater and discovered a new opportunity for an over-the-top big-boy toy to top all others – the personal submarine.

Personal submarine (purchase price of $1.69 MILLION dollars) onboard mega charter yacht, MINE GAMES

It all makes sense, this new voyage of discovery. Nearly 75% of our planet’s surface is covered by water, and under this water lays a largely undiscovered and fascinating ecosystem that can only be seen by scuba divers and subs. Little wonder, then, that the underwater world has caught the attention of the luxury yacht charter industry, and opened up a completely new market in small leisure submarines.

Now, some of the world’s most significant charter superyachts carry subs, and if naval architects get their way, an increasing number will follow in the near future.

These manned submersibles have an excellent safety record, and are statistically the safest form of transportation. This is due in large part to the rigorous safety requirements of the worldwide classification societies and the fact that each year, the subs must be thoroughly inspected by a surveyor in order to maintain their safe-vessel status.

While the present number of subs on megayachts is still small (not surprising, as the purchase price for these subs can be as much as $1.69 million dollars), the demand is steadily growing. Motor yacht LADY LOLA carries a four-passenger submarine aboard her shadow – an 180-foot support vessel. Motoryacht ULYSSES caries a 5-man submersible, with a diving depth capability of 600 feet, and until recently sold to a private owner, the charter vessel WHITE RABBIT carried a 3-person sub.

Motor yacht ECLIPSE, the largest yacht in the world, and currently under construction in Germany, has a special feature. If the yacht were to come under attack by terrorists or Somali pirate, 12 guests can escape through secret corridors to a submarine that is launchable underwater and can dive away to 160ft in depth. Move over, James Bond!

One of the newest yachts to enter charter, the 164’ Trinity motor yacht MINE GAMES, carries a 2-passenger sub on her extended stern swim platform. The submarine is the ideal watertoy for exploring the shallow waters and blue grottos during a Bahama yacht charter.

Submarines on superyachts are the passports to a new and exciting world. Charter guests can now journey to the silent depths of the sea and explore uncharted territory, or simply slip beneath the ocean’s surface to see the abundance and diversity of life on a tropical coral reef or sunken ship. Indeed, the wonders of the underwater world are waiting to be experienced.

World’s Largest Super Yachts Sink in Value as Global Recession Deepens

admin — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:20:25 +0000

Is the luxury yacht charter industry sailing into troubled waters?

The value of the largest super yachts that proliferate the Mediterranean yacht charter marketplace is plummeting as the global recession, financial crisis, and credit crunch really begin to bite. Even the yacht charter vacation market in the Caribbean, long the preferred destination for winter and spring luxury yacht charter holidays, is feeling the pinch.

Referred to as mega yachts and superyachts, these vessels were once the ultimate status symbol of the boom years, coveted by billionaire businessmen who wanted to show off their wealth. Now many superyacht owners are being forced to sell their new boats as their other assets fall, and dealers in the largest mega yachts are slashing prices as the global recession deepens and the financial crisis widens.

Offered at a fire sale price, new Benetti yacht ALIBELLA, which boasts a helipad and marble fixtures and fittings finished with gold trim is now available for just €24.5 million (£21 million). Launched in mid 2008, motor yacht ALIBELLA has discounted her price by €9.5 million - if a buyer can come up with the cash within a month.

Luxury yacht sales have drastically dropped off due to the recession. This yacht, ALIBELLA, is offering a deep discount to her buyer.

Luxury motoryacht ALIBELLA is one of many new, deeply discounted vessels to hit the sales market as the financial crisis and tightening credit crunch are predicted to grow worse before getting better. Like any other investors, these owners need some immediate cash and credit for their other business ventures.

The number of second-hand yachts offered at substantial discounts is dramatically up as well, amid evidence that tough times have hit the large yacht market. The 163ft Thunder B, which has a seven-meter swimming pool, is now available for €13.7 million, down from €18.9 million, and the asking price on the 146ft Candyscape has also been slashed, from €15.5m to €12.9m. The interior of the boat was designed by Candy & Candy, the upmarket property developer owned by brothers Nick and Christian Candy, and boasts a saloon with a giant entertainment system, including a pop-up flat-screen television.

The 150ft Midlandia, meanwhile, has been reduced in price from €27m to €19.9m. It comes with bullet-proof glass and an outdoor cinema; perfect for a security-conscious film buff with a few million to spare.

The charter side of the industry is also caught up in the financial pinch. Repeat customers, who often pony up €200,000 or more per week for a yachting holiday, are tightening their own belts and opting for more frugal vacations in land-based resorts.

Charter brokers are reporting inquiries for the all-important Christmas and New Year’s holiday period are off 50 to 60% from last year. This statistic is verified by the reduced charter rates some yachts are offering as incentives. In the past, many yacht owners sought 10 to 14 night minimum reservations at premium rates for Christmas and year-end bookings. With the prospects of no charter revenues a reality, premiums have been waived and owners are accepting reservations for charters as short as 5 to 7 nights.

The few charter customers that are submitting inquires know the pendulum of opportunity has swung in their favor. As seen in the global retail consumer-goods marketplace, buyers have become savvy shoppers, and know they can wait for bargains and discounted sales. The “take it or leave it” attitude of the yacht owners has been replaced by last-minute low-ball offers submitted by potential charterers. The normal window of booking 3 to 6 months in advance has disappeared as bargain hunters are seeking discounted charter rates just 4 weeks in advance of the year-end holidays.

The Super Yacht ECLIPSE - Roman Abramovich has answer for Somali Pirates

admin — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:12:47 +0000

: Mega yacht of the week, ECLIPSE, is a luxurious new yacht equipped with a missle detection system and counter-terrorism measures to avoid Somali Pirates.

It seems motor yacht ECLIPSE - the largest yacht in the world - will be well-prepared to thwart off the attacks of would-be ship and yacht seizure by Somali pirates. Roman Abramovich, the owner of the soon-to-be-launched Blohm + Voss luxury yacht ECLIPSE has come up with a fantastic solution for keeping ship seizure pirates, and pretty much everyone else, at bay - a missile detection system.

Somali pirates yacht seizures continue to pose a real threat to luxury yacht charter and commercial shipping. Ambrovich, a well-known luxury superyacht patron is building his latest and largest mega yacht with a wide array of security systems and counter-terrorism measures.

Sources report the gigayacht will have special radar installed, designed specifically to warn of incoming rockets. There will also be armored protection around the wheelhouse and the billionaire owner’s master suite – along with bulletproof windows throughout.

If pirates do, in fact, breach the security cordon and climb onboard the superyacht, the Russian oligarch, 41, and several guests can escape through secret corridors to a submarine that is launchable underwater and can dive away to 160ft in depth. Move over, James Bond!

Underwater cameras with heat-and-motion sensors will detect intruders. The yacht is being fitted with the latest antibugging equipment and there are supposedly even flash sensors installed to warn of paparazzi photographers taking snaps through the windows.

In addition to its anti-missile defense system, the yacht will be defended by a crew of 70 fully-armed former SAS and Special Boat Service commandos, ready to take on any modern-day pirates or terrorists.

The onboard accommodations will feature six guest suites, five VIP suites and the aforementioned 5,000 square foot owner’s cabin. All come with two en suite bathrooms and balconies. The owner’s cabin features a grand piano and a private garden area on the foredeck, spanning decks 4 and 5.

Imagine a luxury Mediterranean yacht charter on a vessel with a mini theatre cinema, an exhibition space, three dining rooms, an aquarium, a disco, six hot tubs, a indoor/outdoor swimming pool, a gym with sauna and steam room, and a mini spa.

The yacht also boasts a wine cellar, humidor, two kitchens, and a mini hospital.

For watersport enthusiasts, there will be four pleasure craft, a 50ft tender to ferry guests to and from shore, 20 jet skis and of course, the 12-seat private submarine.

Currently under construction in Hamburg, Germany at the fabled Blohm + Voss shipyards, her owner is expected to take delivery next summer. Insiders put the cost of the world’s largest giga yacht at + £200m ($470m). The shipyard that produced the infamous naval vessel Bismarck in World War II is now a world leader in megayacht construction. Famous Blohm + Voss builds include Savarona, Enigma, and Lady Moura.

When completed, she will be the largest private yacht in the world and is rumored to be between 508 feet (155 m) to 525 feet (160 m) in overall length.

Currently, four out of the top five luxury private yachts are owned by Middle East royalty: DUBAI (525ft), ABDUL AZIZ (482ft), EL HORRIYA (478ft), and AL SALAMAH (459ft).

Larry Ellison, the founder of software giant Oracle, completes the top five with RISING SUN, a 455 foot yacht.

Yacht Tycoon Andreas Liveras killed in Mumbai Terror Attacks

admin — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:22:43 +0000

Andreas Liveras - megayacht tycoon - killed in Mumbai terror attacks

Superyacht builder, Andreas Liveras, the 73-year-old Cypriot émigré who made a fortune in the luxury Mediterranean yacht charter business was named as the only Briton known to have been killed in the Mumbai terror attacks.

The city’s St George’s hospital confirmed that Andreas Liveras died Wednesday night after receiving multiple gunshot wounds at the Taj Palace Hotel. He was in Bombay to attend a trade show, and had gone to the hotel for a meal.

A legendary Mediterranean luxury yacht charter tycoon, Andreas Liveras moved to Britain in 1963 and built up an estimated fortune of £315 million. He was ranked 265 in the 2008 Sunday Times Rich List.

Andreas specialized in buying large ships and renovating them into opulent floating palaces. Among superyacht enthusiasts, his impressive fleet of luxury Mediterranean yacht charter vessels is well known. He restored such classic yachts as Rosenkavalier, Princess Tanya, Princess Lauren, and Altair. These projects made waves in the megayacht charter community and inspired greater ventures in the future. Said Andreas, “I have always been interested in the largest yachts because I knew the largest yachts were the busiest in the industry.”

Andreas eventually sold off his fleet of older yachts after the first of two new superyacht charter vessels was launched. His company’s current fleet comprises the 85-meter mega motor yacht ALYSIA and the 90-meter motor yacht LAUREN L. Both are equipped with spas, pools, gymnasiums and helicopter landing pads. The mega yachts cost more than £500,000/wk to charter.

A farmer’s son, born in Cyprus, Andreas came to London with his family in 1963 where he took a job as a deliveryman for the then tiny Fleur de Lys Patisseries. “I started work as a driver,” says Andreas, “and after three years with the company got my first big break. The owner wanted to sell, and I wanted it but didn’t have the money. Even so, we came to terms and agreed a price of £2,500 and the deal was done. We didn’t even bother with a contract. Every Saturday, I would send him an envelope with postal orders for £10 or £20 until he was paid in full. It took a little time to pay, but it got paid and we stayed the best of friends.”

Operating for a London vasement, Andreas had three people making cakes and pastries, and one van, which he drove to deliver the sweet creations to restaurants. The business expanded, and within three years employed over 450 people. In 1985, the business was sold to Express Dairies for an 8-figure multi-million pound deal.

Andreas decided to retire and indulge in his growing passion for yachts. He bought his first yacht, a 27-meter Benetti which he named Princess Natasha after his grandaughter. After a life of waking up each morning at 5 am to work in the pastry factory, Andreas became restless in his retirement. He noticed a yacht moored next to his was for sale, so he bought it, named it Princess Sophia after his niece, and set about to renovate it for charter. Said Andreas, “I decided to turn my hobby into a business.”

Andreas was involved in every aspect of the charter process. His commitment to rigorous safety standards and knowing every detail onboard the yachts is legendary. He knew all of his crewmembers personally, and played a paternal role in guiding their activities to achieve a seamless charter operation.

He truly enjoyed his work. “I really see no reason for a man to retire when he is happy at his work. I love the sea, I love my yachts, and I love meeting people. Without these, I would be lost.”

The Largest Yachts – our Top 5 Largest Luxury Yacht Charter U.S. Owned Yachts

admin — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:14:56 +0000

Motor yacht APOGEE underway

The luxury yacht charter market is now dominated by superyacht vessels far north of the 50-meter mark. Just 10 years ago, the concept of the largest yacht meant vessels over 100 feet in length. Back then, a 50-meter (164 foot) luxury yacht charter vessel wasn’t large - it was huge! Fast-forward to 2008, and even the last few listings of the U.S. owned top 50 largest yachts are within a few short inches of 190 feet, while two are over twice that size.

Superior in interior space, build quality, and performance, today’s megayacht vessels are being launched in greater numbers than ever before.

Here’s a quick peak at the 5 largest U.S. owned superyacht vessels in the charter industry:

1. Sail yacht MALTESE FALCON – Owned by American venture capitalist Tom Perkins, the 88-meter superyacht is the world’s second largest sailing yacht, after Sea Cloud. Clients interested in a Perini Navi yacht charter should look no further than this megayacht – one of the true yachting marvels of this century. Yacht MALTESE FALCON boasts an art-filled interior by Ken Freivokh who also designed the exterior of this megayacht. Click here to view sail yacht MALTESE FALCON.

2. Motor yacht EXCELLENCE IV – Built by Abeking and Rasmussen in 2008, this 78-meter yacht is expected to enter the charter market in 2009. Built for American businessman Herb Chambers, the yacht features a stunning master suite with panoramic views looking forward from the raised bedroom platform. Yacht EXCELLENCE IV boasts a cinema room and the main salon is home to a concert-quality grand piano.

3. Sail yacht MIRABELLA V – Built by VT for well-known American yachtsman, Joe Vittoria. Currently the largest sloop ever built, yacht MIRABELLA V offers the space and accommodation of a large motor yacht at the same time as the pleasures of being under sail. A charter for up to 12 guests commands the hefty fee of $350,000/wk. Click here to view sail yacht MIRABELLA V.

4. Motor yacht MARTHA ANN – This six-deck, 70-meter luxury motor yacht hit the water at Lürssen’s facility on December 10, 2007, and was delivered to her American owner in May 2008. With a gorgeous deep-blue hull, yacht MARTHA ANN will certainly turn heads on the charter circuit. Features include an integral swim-up bar in the top-deck pool, gym, 7 wet bars in total, and a circular glass elevator that services 5 decks. Click here to view yacht MARTHA ANN.

5. Motor yacht KISMET – Opulence paired with excellent taste defines the character of motoryacht KISMET, a 68-meter luxury yacht built by Lurssen. Launched in 2007, she has already found a niche in the charter industry, available for hire in the Caribbean in the winter and the Mediterranean in the summer. Her attractive exterior looks, created by Espen Oino, are complimented by her Raymond Langton designed interior, and reveal strong, masculine architectural elements with a touch of Art Deco. Click here to view motor yacht KISMET.

Other notable yachts in the Top 10 include:

6. Motor yacht APOGEE - Built in 2003, the 62-meter Codecasa is a true Italian masterpiece. Yacht APOGEE features an immaculate interior design, combining exotic marble with exquisite fabrics, antiques complemented by soft lighting, inlaid granite floors, and mahogany paneling. On deck, there is seemingly endless space for al fresco dining and sunbathing, with its onyx-topped bar, multiple entertainment systems, and sunset terrace. Click here to view motor yacht APOGEE.

7. Motor yacht SECRET – Delivered by Feadship in 2008, American-owned 61-meter yacht SECRET combines unprecedented attention to detail and nautical elegance with the very latest technologies. Click here to view motor yacht SECRET.

Yacht SALPERTON – Dubois Award Winning Superyacht Available for Charter for the First Time

admin — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:31:11 +0000

Award-winning charter sailing yacht SALPERTON underway

Sail yacht SALPERTON, winner of the 2008 BEST SAILING YACHT (in the 30 to 40 meter size range) is now available for a Caribbean yacht charter. Be the first to charter this superyacht in her inaugural charter season.

Light and airy, with a spacious deck salon, sail yacht SALPERTON is ideal for warm weather cruising.

The stunning mega yacht is currently underway to the Caribbean and is available from February 20 until April 15, 2009. The weekly charter rate is 95,000 Euros, plus running expenses.

Vacationers interested in a Mediterranean yacht charter will be pleased to know the yacht will relocate to Monaco and the French Riviera for summer, 2009. The weekly charter rate for a Mediterranean yacht charter holiday is 120,000 EUROS, plus running expenses.

Whether for a Caribbean yacht charter or a Mediterranean yacht charter, come and spend a week aboard this award-winning luxury yacht.

Designed by Dubois Naval Architects and built by Fitzroy Yachts of New Zealand, the 44-meter sloop was launched in late 2007. Accommodations for 8 guests are offered in 4 well-appointed staterooms. The master cabin is full-beam and extremely spacious, with king-size bed and ensuite bathroom. Wardrobes with ample clothes storage separate a seating area and the state-of-the-art entertainment system.

Guest cabins include a VIP double cabin and a twin-bedded cabin. Both feature ensuite bathrooms. A fourth cabin is currently used as a gymnasium and features two Pullman berths and a fixed berth, also with ensuite facilities.

The yacht’s interior is best described as “warm, calm contemporary.” The use of oak and walnut with a Wenge fits perfectly with the cool calm colors used in the upholstery and bulkheads. The joinery style is simple, clean and crisp, with tactile countertop nosing incorporating a practical upstand - and a walnut bead for emphasis.

The walnut cornice gives crisp emphasis between bulkhead and deckhead. The oak floor perimeters in wide boards combined with natural cotton carpet in an off-white color reflect the light bulkheads and deckheads. Natural fibers maintain the feeling of calm, while leather, bronze, granite, onyx and slumped glass continue the natural theme throughout.

Amenities include an ondeck Jacuzzi hot tub, satellite television throughout the cabins and salon (living room), and a ship-wide stereo/DVD sound system.

Water sports equipment includes a 6-meter Smuggler tender with Yanmar 165 HP inboard engine/outboard drive, as well as a 3.6-meter Caribe RIB with Yamaha enduro 30 HP outboard engine.

In April 2008, the yacht was selected as the Best Sailing yacht in the 30-meter to 40-meter size range at the World Superyacht Awards in Venice, Italy. The owner was presented with the trophy at a glittering award ceremony held in the Cini Foundation on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice. Representatives from Fitzroy Yachts, Dubois Naval Architects, and interior design Adam Lay Studio were on hand to witness this ultimate accolade from the luxury yacht industry.

The yacht was praised for both its exterior and internal styling. The vessel carries the largest sail area of any similarly sized yacht and recently competed in the St Barth’s Bucket.

The judges were almost unanimous in selecting this yacht as the winner. This vessel, they felt, with its large sail area and automated sail control; its novel operating system for the daggerboard; the clean lines of the contemporary interior which integrates the cockpit and deckhouse together; and the ability to open large skylights in the latter, would give its owner the widest range of use whatever the weather or sea state.

Other luxurious charter sailing yachts on the market include Mondango, Salute, Tiara, Mirabella V, Selene, and Maltese Falcon.

TO CHARTER THIS YACHT Contact:

SailAway Yacht Charters
info@1800sailaway.com
305-720-7245
www.1800sailaway.com

The Motor Yacht CASINO ROYALE - Christensen continues James Bond boat theme

admin — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:02:01 +0000

At 163 feet, 2008’s motor yacht CASINO ROYALE is the largest yacht built to date by the Christensen Shipyard. This super yacht is expected to enter the luxury yacht charter marketplace by early 2009.

Yacht of the Week, Casino Royale, ultimate James Bond superyacht

In terms of styling, luxury Christensen yacht CASINO ROYALE stands apart from previous launches by this acclaimed builder, with vertical wraparound windows in her pilothouse and high bulwarks carried aft to nearly amidships, where they blend into the deckhouse sides.

For her owner, speed buff and yacht enthusiast, John Staluppi, mega yacht CASINO ROYALE is also a departure from his other Bond Girls. Unlike most of the yachts he has owned (a stable of blazing quick performers that includes The World Is Not Enough, Octopussy, Golden Eye, and Moonraker), this new luxury yacht charter vessel is designed for a modest 10-knot cruising speed and a 17-knot top speed.

In the late 1980’s, Staluppi launched his first James Bond themed megayacht, Octopussy. The yacht went on to burn up the water at speeds in excess of 52 knots, earning the title World’s Fastest Megayacht – at least until 1992 when his next James Bond boat, Moonraker, claimed it with a speed of 66.7 knots.

Staluppi’s newest James Bond-themed motoryacht was launched this summer by the Chtristensen Shipyard in Vancouver, B.C. A relative heavyweight at 163 feet and more than 850,000 pounds, this Bond Girl won’t be setting any speed records – she was built for comfort and long-range cruising.

Not that the megayacht won’t be a standout, especially during a Mediterranean yacht charter, with a distinctive, crisply-defined profile accented by an array of elliptical ports in her hull sides that make her seem long, low, and poised for action. With an armada of toys that includes two Nautica tenders (one 24 feet and the other 15 feet) and four personal watercraft (PWC’s), she’ll be ready for action. But she’ll keep to herself acoustically, thanks to sound and vibration countermeasures engineered by Van Cappellen and Soundown.

This superyacht boasts a full-beam VIP suite and four guest staterooms, each with ensuite facilities. The master suite is forward on the main deck, replete with a double head and an adjoining office and study. Her staterooms are modest for a luxury charter yacht of this caliber, suggesting that her owner may place higher priority on public spaces. For example, much of her main deck is devoted to an enormous dining and entertainment area that opens onto an al fresco space.

The same allocation of space is repeated on her upper deck, where a skylounge nearly as big as the saloon opens onto a second al fresco dining area. The flying bridge is devoted to outdoor leisure and relaxation, with a hot tub forward and sunpads aft, linked by a seating area under the hardtop. At the sedate speeds that this yacht offers, the owner and yacht charter guests might spend more time en route than they are accustomed to, but they are likely to enjoy the trip a lot more.

This is the largest yacht built by Vancouver’s most famous shipyard and joins other yachts by this builder in the Caribbean charter fleet, especially, SCOTT FREE, LADY JOY, and PARTY GIRL.

When it comes to premium quality that transcends all others, this builder provides the advantage of producing cored composite construction and being an ABS-certified shipyard. All mega yachts by this builder are built with the finest composite materials available. Their cutting-edge construction processes including large scale FRP infusion coupled with proprietary in-house techniques to create a high strength-to-weight ratio stronger than steel and solid laminate. This makes all of their yachts true deep water, transoceanic global explorers.

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