Charter Yacht SPIIP - Sailing Vacations in the South Pacific, French Polynesia

The Charter Yacht SPIIP, an 86-foot CNB sloop, will be chartering in the South Pacific beginning in mid-June 2011.

Charter Yacht Spiip - Sailing Vacations in the South Pacific

Crewed Yacht Charters in French Polynesia

This is an excellent yacht with a superb crew. Check out their online brochure and then pop us an email or give us a call.

---

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SPIIP
View Spiip's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

100 and counting e3 Systems signs 100th VSAT Superyacht contract

Electronics supplier e3 Systems has announced their 100th VSAT contract.


The company have been supplying VSAT satellite services on super yachts since 2003.

In addition to installing the first ever VSAT antenna on a super yacht in 2003, they have provided VSAT services on the world’s largest yacht, Eclipse.


The communications integrator claim that their eVSAT service makes buying a VSAT solution simple, fast,  and easy to understand.


They are able to deliver the antenna, below deck equipment, service installation, service contracts, training and support, together with 3G and Inmarsat services, all in one package.


 Roger Horner, MD of e3 Systems commented:


“We are delighted to have achieved our target of 100 VSAT contracts. We have become synonymous with VSAT communications and we are confident that our service provides the ultimate in end to end satellite broadband solutions which is guaranteed to work, fits any vessel and will run a whole host of best of breed proven applications."


As an integrator the company operate with six different VSAT services so that coverage can be obtained in more places than any one satellite operator can provide. 

Is it Time That Superyacht Stews Where Better Trained?

There has long been a feeling within the super yacht industry that the crew members with the most direct contact with owners and guests (and therefore the greatest potential to enhance or ruin the experience that they have on their yacht), have the least training.

When it comes to training Interior crews, have been largely neglected, despite having contributed hugely to the recent success of the Superyacht Charter Industry.

While well developed programmes of training now exist to support the deck and engineering departments makes the neglect of the humble stew all the more regrettable.

All may be put to rights now that a workshop organised by the Professional Yachtsmen’s Association (PYA) and sponsored by Bluewater Yachting and John Percival Marine Associates (JPMA) is to discuss the setting up of a standardized training scheme.

The by invitation only seminar will take place in the conference tent at the Antibes Yacht Show at 1530 on the 7th of April 2011.

It is hoped that this will, in time, lead to establishing a training structure for Yacht Hospitality crews along the same lines as those, which exist for other departments.

While not mandatory it is hoped that by setting an industry standard for training providers to work to, they will better serve the needs of the yachting fleet.

Instead of dozens of separate courses, with different titles, different lengths, different content and different standards, we propose that there be one unified structure, managed and kept relevant to the needs of the industry by regular consultation.

Chief Stewards, Stewardess or Captains who would like to attend, are invited to contact the PYA office.  They plan to send all attending an invitation and two specimen course definitions to read in advance.

YPI Creates Joint Venture in Asia

French based Yachting Partners International (YPI Group), one of the world’s longest serving full-service brokerage houses, believes that Asia is potentially one of the most interesting emerging markets in yachting anywhere in the world today.

Eager to get into the market CEO, Bertrand Vogèle began looking for someone who had established solid roots in the region – who understood the needs and way of working in that part of the world.

Having found Olivier Besson at the Monaco Yacht Show the pair have now created YPI Asia as a joint venture dedicated exclusively to serving clients in Asia.

Starting off with two offices – one in Shenzhen, China, the other in Aberdeen, Hong Kong.

The joint-venture’s first big outing is the Hainan Rendezvous taking place in the first week of April on Hainan Island sometimes referred to as the Chinese Riviera.

There they will present the biggest yacht ever to attend that Show the 65-metre custom-built Benetti Ambrosia.

Bertrand said, “YPI has almost forty years specialised experience in superyachting. That’s a lot of expertise and know-how that’s invaluable to our Chinese contacts today. Olivier and his team have an amazing local know-how and an acute understanding of what our Asian clients are looking for, what they expect and how they want to do business. Putting the two together will ensure our Asian clients receive nothing short of the very best service, advice and know-how right on their doorstep.”

Sailing Away from Pirates

From Yachtpals, a short piece about how the piracy situation is forcing cruisers and racers to re-think their plans.



Here's what should be happening (thanks to the guys at EagleSpeak)....

Charter Yacht Oceans Seven Squared - SAVE 10% Easter, too!

For the remainder of the 2011 winter Caribbean season,  Charter Yacht OCEANS SEVEN SQUARED, a 104-foot Trehard/Fauroux sloop, is offering a special 10% discount off all charters.

Charter Yacht Oceans Seven Squared

Crewed Yacht Charters in the Caribbean (winters) and Crotia / Eastern Med (summers)

Oceans Seven Squared will be in the Caribbean through mid-April and available for charters including a charter over Easter if booked soon!

Check out OCEANS 7² fresh new cockpit & interior soft furnishings and décor! Their online brochure has been updated with new photographs to reflect the updates, and more photos will be added soon.  In addition to her new décor, a new suite of sails has been ordered.

OCEANS 7² is available for charters in Croatia for the Summer 2011 season...

OCEANS 7² offers the ultimate charter-friendly layout with accommodations for 8 guests in 4 convertible cabins.  Each cabin may be configured as one queen bed or two single beds.  The two forward guest cabins have a removable partition between them to enable them to convert to a spacious master cabin with centerline king bed.

RATES for 2011:

Winter, Caribbean:

• $54,000 for up to 8 guests, plus all expenses (normally, $60,000/wk)

Summer, Croatia:

• € 50,000 Euro for up to 8 guests, plus all expenses

All staterooms have ensuite bath with stall shower & seat for added comfort with closing glass door.  Guest staterooms are complete with entertainment center including television, DVD, sound system, beverage refrigerator, safe and air conditioning unit with controls. Crew quarters, galley & crew mess are located aft. Water toys include: waterskis, wakeboard, tube, two kayaks, windsurfer, snorkel equipment, fishing gear, etc.

---

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book OCEANS 7²
View Ocean Seven Squared's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

Kannad Marine Launches Personal AIS-Based EPIRB

From the GCaptain blog - an interesting piece of kit that hopefully will be making its way onto the US market soon. Panbo has also done a review.

Self Analysis by Chirontraining

Here's a great piece, summing up a few thoughts I have nicely:
Self Analysis
A quote - 'So what are the stupid life choices? Almost all social violence happens in four kinds of places:...'

Just started (on another long flight) a book by Mark Hatmaker - No Second Chance. He also stresses awareness and attitude as keys in avoiding the use of violence in your defense. I will review it later (probably next month).

Until then, train hard and train smart.

Where did March go? ...... Mar 2011

Mark takes to the old peeling varnish on the hatches
 with the hot gun
 while I do some upholstery repairs

01 - 25 March 2011

We are still in the marina in Cartagena and another month has just slipped on by.  There is little to report on, the days are getting longer and warmer, but the clear calm days of winter have ended and we have been having unsettled spring weather since the beginning of March.  There has been some rain, whether it be a short shower or a heavy downpour it deposits liquid mud all over the boat each time, It seems such a waste of water to hose the boat down after it rains, but if we don't then we are covered in a mud pack!!  The day when we receive clean rain will be one to celebrate.


Next up was the stairs,
the hot gun sure is the way to go 

The "To do list" is actually shrinking - day after day we have been tackling a myriad of jobs, many small ones but a few biggies too.  Skipper has been wearing many hats and honed his electrical and plumbing skills even more.   We decided it was time to take back some of the woodwork down below where the varnish was looking a little tired. Our inventory of power tools is growing by the week it seems. Armed with our new heat gun and mouse sander we turned the inside of the boat into a dust storm in no time at all. Much easier when you have the right tools. The good thing about doing cosmetic jobs is that it is instant gratification, and with each coat of varnish it all just looked better and better.

Our mini refurbishment has included spending plenty of time and money updating our bathrooms (or in nautical speak "heads" - how on earth did bathrooms on boats ever get called heads??)  So we are now the proud owners of a complete new toilet with electric pump, chrome shower attachment, chrome taps and lots of sparkly shiny accessories in our  aft bathroom . 

The old toilet refuses to go,
so out came the angle grinder to help it on its way

Then in the forward "guest" bathroom there is a new electric toilet pump, shower, tap and accessories too - gosh it is all looking very flash after our rather 80's look.  Sourcing, ordering, waiting for, removing the old and installing the new has provided many many hours of entertainment.  Of course NOTHING is quite the same size, they don't fit in the same holes, won't connect to the existing piping, nothing is straight forward, and it is all in such a tight little space, but Mark has persevered - day after day - and besides not being able to source a couple of fittings we still want, it's all done and looks just great, yippee!!!

The "done" list does not stop there, but the blog needed an update so that will do for now, more exciting maintenance job updates still to come soon - bet you can't wait.

Where are the Super Yachts at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show this year?

Just a handful of superyachts have made it to the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, now underway at Yas Marina. Last year, there were 34 lining the docks.

Piracy and regional unrest have both plagued the show this year with show organizers the Informa group blaming the high cost of insurance premiums

Add in the political instability surrounding the Arabian Gulf States at the moment, with the unrest in Bahrain still smouldering and it is easy to see why many people are staying away from the show.

In January, the organisers were confidently predicting between 20 yachts over 30 metres would attend the show.

Palmer Johnson was planning to bring one 46-metre yacht and a 41-metre yacht to the show from the Mediterranean, but subsequently decided against it.

They said that underwriters were unclear on whether insurance would even fully cover the costs if superyachts were lost to piracy.

Regulations, and excessive red tape, including visa regulations and procedures for importing superyachts, have also deterred visitors and exhibitors alike.

We would love to hear from visitors to the show.  If you have attended, please comment below.

2011 AGM

Many thanks to all members who made the special effort to attend the club AGM last night. It is a vital element of the clubs processes and constitution - we can't go forward without it! Special thanks to those who drove over the mountain to attend as well.

The meeting was short and sweet - all existing incumbents on the committee will serve another year. The books and minutes were all accepted, proposed and seconded, and  a few good questions came forward. We are fortunate to announce that Alan Batley has been appointed as the "Club Services Manager" in charge of the running of the Marina (as before), but now also of the systems and infrastructure of the clubhouse. The organisation beneath Alan has been reshaped accordingly. This is a very welcome move in respect of the club organisation, as Alan has many years of professional management experience, and has served on our committee as Commodore and Treasurer on several occasions.

It was announced that the Club has been given a substantial grant from the SA Lotto funds to establish and promote an active development sailing programme. Much detail still to be clarified. This is thanks to the joint efforts of Jeremy Nel and Keith Coleman! Watch that space.

Commodore rang the bell upstairs and we had a very pleasant evening of it!

The Port State Control Inspection Campaign is gaining momentum.

Commercial superyachts in the territory of the Paris MOU Port State Control Inspection organisation (in the European coastal states and North Atlantic basin) can, we are told, anticipate an enhanced inspection campaign for the coming season.

Commercial yachts which have not been previously inspected should be prepared for a full PSC inspection which could include a general check of certificates and documentation, the overall condition and hygiene of the yacht including navigation and bridge facilities, accommodation and galley, working areas including forecastle and engine room, structural condition, emergency systems, lifesaving and fire safety, pollution prevention and other areas of the yacht's operation.

Yacht Managers at Fraser Yachts suggest that generally inspections are held at the instigation of local port inspectors and do not account for the Owner's schedule or charter calendar.

Superyacht Crews Must Have Proper Contracts of Employment

Regulations governing the new Marine Labour Convention (MLC) require all seafarers and that includes crews working on superyachts, to have a proper contract of employment.

The convention sets out seafarers’ rights to decent working conditions and has been designed to complement the key conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under which all employers will be expected to meet the requirements as defined in the Convention.  Vessels and employers will be subject to regular audits to ensure compliance and ratification of the MLC is set to take place during the next 18 months

As yacht owners become increasingly aware of the stringent statutory regulations and significant employment liabilities that are involved in employing crew members so there has been a surge of new business such as the bespoke service arranged by a subsidiary of the ICM group, Dominion Crew Solutions.

Currently they have 67 superyachts using the service and the figure is rising each month. Simon Roberts, the man in charge, says,  “The challenge now is for us to continue to meet and exceed the requirements of our ever expanding fleet of clients.”

He added: “It is a crew employment and payroll service which includes the verification of crew qualifications, management of crew employment disputes and the maintenance of employment contract compliance both now and following the forthcoming ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

Effectively, the employment of the yacht’s crew is transferred to outside of the EU and away from the vessel owner and the new service provides seafarers with an employment contract which is tailored to the needs of the vessel and crew members.

Commodores Call-box

Spotted this great example of an oldish Sailor VHF in Chris's office yesterday. Its a "Sailor" VHF Radio Telephone. It reminds me of old war movies and the ICASA course notes . . .  In fact its a fully featured marine VHF, with a dual-watch function, manual squelch, and low-power option of 1W (normally the usual 25W). The round channel indicator wheel obviously predates LCD displays - certainly it won't suffer humidity like the modern LCDs. The sound is clear as a bell, and I can also say it sends a great signal as I often used to hear Chris advising the endless string of shipping to use the right channel when trying to contact port control. Note also the "telephone" handset, which is far nicer than a microphone when transmitting. These sets were manufactured in Denmark between 1975 and 1985 approx - they weigh a whopping 9 Kgs!

Another interesting race!

The North-Wester produces some of the ebst sailing conditions Hout bay has to offer, last night was a good example. Slightly cool, *flat" water, 12-15 knots of wind. Due to limited daylight hours, the race officers set a fairly short course around the three inner marks, allowing 45 minutes of brisk racing. Start was at Fish on the Rocks, a beat up to Dunes, and then on to Ore Jetty for two triangles.

Quest and Megafreight jumped the start line and were duly recalled, costing them dearly and they went on to finish 5th and 4th respectively. Faraway sailed a cracking race, only to be outdone by Nandi (even more cracking and second over the line), while it was the veteran Shosholoza, sailed by Pat West with a junior crew, who took 1st place on handicap. They seemed to get faster and faster during the race . . .

Final results:
1 Shosholoza
2 Nandi
3 Faraway
4 Megafreight
5 Quest

Charter Yacht Catamaran MAROLANGA - Sailing vacations in the Virgin Islands

We received some photos yesterday from Gus & Marcella of the catamaran MAROLANGA which charters year-round in the Virgin Islands (Spanish Virgins, too!).

Catamaran Marolanga - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters in the Virgin Islands

They have just returned to one of their favorite "in-between charters" spots, Christmas Cove. Marcella notes that there was much damage to the coral from Hurricane Earl last year but...

My friends, the fishes are still lots there and the old guy Mr. Barracuda is still alive and huge... (I don't like him, he loves to stay under our boat!) and yesterday my other friends, 2 eagle rays swam by and also 2 mid-size turtles. The water is turquoise blue. Gosh, I love this bay!

A couple of years ago we anchored in Christmas Cove with Marolanga and really enjoyed hanging out with them. Marcella loves to snorkel and she pointed out many things that I would not have noticed otherwise.

Marolanga hasn't had any whale sightings this year, but recently while they were anchored over at The Indians they had two dolphins swimming around the boat which seemed to enjoy their company.

MAROLANGA is one of our favorite charter yachts. Gus & Marcella are such a warm couple. They make you feel very comfortable and welcome aboard their home. And Sasha, the ship's Persian cat, completes the family feeling.

Marolanga, a 43-foot Catana catamaran, is fully air conditioned, and accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins, each with ensuite head/shower. Marolanga has a good selection of "water toys" such as kneeboard, wakeboard, tube, kayaks; plus they love having families aboard and have toys for children. Do you like to fish? So does Gus!

A great choice for honeymoons, families, or friends... Let's get started on planning your sailing vacation.

---

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MAROLANGA
View Marolanga's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

---

Significant growth, in superyacht business but less than expected

Hopefully, the strong start to 2011 for the superyacht business is an indicator of good things to come for the rest of the year. Hein Velema 
CEO at Fraser Yachts suggests, “Perhaps we could even drop the term "cautiously optimistic" and just reduce it to "optimistic".

Fraser Yachts have sold on average one superyacht (over 24m) per week in the year to date.

“If that carries on at a steady rate,” says Velma “Then things on a global level will definitely be looking up by the year end.

The world of superyachts moves fast and industry players need to have fingers on the pulse in order to spot the good opportunities before they pass you by.

Fraser Yachts believes that over the course of 2010 the luxury yacht market experienced a 30% increase in sales over the total figure from 2009, with a value in excess of €2.5 billion.

There was a steady and significant increase both in the number and value of yachts sold, however the growth was not as significant as many industry commentators had anticipated.

It was also interesting to observe an increase in demand for new construction projects.

Frasers are optimistic based on results for January and February 2011 that the brokerage market has hit bottom and that 2011 will be a year of consolidation. Last year the average asking price across all yachts over 24m on the worldwide market was €13,400,000

Shipyard Cup

Big boat racing as it should be is the proud boast of the organisers of the Shipyard Cup, an event taking place in Boothbay Harbor in Maine this summer.

Super sailing yachts are signing up for three day series of racing in the traditional Corinthian style that starts on August 12^th.

Organisers promise it will be set against a background of relaxed Maine hospitality, wonderful sailing vistas, camaraderie cocktail parties, Bucket Protocol Racing Rules and of course a genuine Maine lobster bake. www.shipyardcup.com

72 Metre Superyacht Talisman C Launched in Turkey

The new 72m Talisman C has been launched at the Proteksan-Turquoise in Turkey.  The second yacht of that name from the same yard for the family that owns her

H2 the design team headed up by Jonny Horsfield have been responsible for both the exterior and interior design of this most strikingly sleek new yacht, the biggest yet to come out of this Turkish yard.

The design team have incorporated many new features into this superyacht including tender garages, a large transom folding platform, as well as a substantial extra ‘crows nest’ deck on the sundeck roof to add to the already substantial deck areas.

Inside the ‘Art Deco’ theme dominates with a rich palette of materials. The centre piece has to be a stunning spiral staircase with a beautiful, custom made chandelier travelling through three decks.

Exciting new superyacht tender for Berkut

An exciting new superyacht tender has been delivered to her owners by Philippe Cabon, the designer, naval architect and founder of Tender Shipyard  in Olonne sur Mer, France.

The 7 metre custom built tender is to be fitted aboard the Motor Yacht Berkut (ex Baraka) a 58.2 metre vessel launched by Proteksan Turquoise last year.

Built in carbon fibre and epoxy resin, the hull was constructed using prepreg and infusion for the deck.

Her first trials we are told went very well, amid adverse weather conditions. Those on board described her as very stable, comfortable and safe.

The boat comes equipped with:

• Hydraulic removable hard top that covers guest seating spaces
• Front removable dodger.
• Ski pool
• Swim ladder
• Fishing rod holder
• Underwater lights
• Teak deck
• Bow thruster.

The tender is lifted using two points after the hydraulic hard top has been removed and the steering console moved clear.

Specifications:

• Length overall                                    7.40 m
• Maximum beam                                 2.80 m
• Draught                                               0.5 m
• Freeboard Without engine              1.45 m
• Light Displacement                          1.45 tonne
• Maximum loaded displacement     3.0 tonnes
• Maximum engine power                  260 Hp
• Maximum speed with 260 Hp        45 kts            
• Fuel tank                                            240 litres
• Water tank                                         40 litres
• Maximum passengers                      14 people

Two Superyachts Ready to Go at CRN

Two launchings in less than a week is an uncommon event for any shipyard especially one building superyachts, but this is exactly what is being done CRN, the Ferretti Group shipyard in Ancona

On 22nd March, the 43 metre Navetta Lady Trudy, built in composite will be launched.

Four days later an unnamed CRN 130 will follow.  She will be the sixth 60 metre steel and aluminum superyacht to be launched by the shipyard since 2005. 

Lamberto Tacoli, Chairman of CRN and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of the Ferretti Group commented “These launchings are a further example of quality and continuity of the shipyard within the nautical world context which has unfortunately been downsized in recent years

St Barts Squadron Superyacht Fashion

Not since World War II ended have aircraft of that era made such a long flight over water as one which begins today.


A privately owned squadron of lovingly restored aircraft have begun an epic journey that will see them fly  from the USA to the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten and then on to St Barths in time for the ultimate in superyacht racing the St Barts Bucket.
The squadron consists of:

• B-25 called Betty's Dream
• 
  
• P-40 Alecian called Tiger
• 
  
• P-51C called Dakota Kid,
• 
  
• Corsair FG-1D known as Kathleen

They will be flying from their base to Fort Lauderdale then on to the Turks and Caicos to arrive on Tuesday PM in St Maarten flying cross some 1100 miles of open ocean after they leave Fort Lauderdale.
What they are going to do and their role in the Bucket is at the movement a closely guarded secret known only to a few of us.
But if you want to find out you need to watch this space.
Watch the video above for a quick inflight preview of footage shot from on board the B-25

Charter Yacht Phaedrus: Whale photo

We asked some of our charter yacht friends in the Virgin Islands if they've had any whale sightings this season. We received this from Charles, Leslie, and Lila aboard Phaedrus.

Photo by Charter Yacht Phaedrus

Caribbean Crewed Yacht Charters, Sailing Vacations

We did see a whale. No...we almost hit a whale. We have a short break after 2 months straight (not complaining!) and decided to go to Culebra for a change of scenery. Our friends went over the day before and said they had seen one jumping and playing, so we had a hunch it was still out there. When we got about a mile off Culebrita, when coming down an 8-foot swell, one was sunning at the bottom. I shouted "WHALE!" and Charles turned hard to starboard. We missed this 30-footer by about 20 feet. It dove hard and we got to see about half its body & huge tail. A little too close. On the way back to St Thomas we saw it (one) about a half mile away blowing, but not jumping.

Charter yacht PHAEDRUS is a 51-foot Morgan sloop, owned and operated by Charles & Leslie Swaim, along with ship's cat, Lila.  Phaedrus specializes in two-person charters. The large guest cabin is forward and has a Queen berth, with a settee opposite, and ensuite head/shower.

See previous blog with charter comments, HERE.

Phaedrus is available for charter through the end of July... Why not come on down and be pampered by one of our favorite yachts and crew?

Do you enjoy food? Foodies, we can vouch for the excellent meals prepared aboard Phaedrus and wonderful hospitality, too!

---

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PHAEDRUS
View Phaedrus' online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

---

Start planning for LOWISA 46!

This year, based on 2010 survey feedback, we are returning to the traditional format of 6 days racing, with a layover day mid-week. Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey; you provided great feedback.

Registration will take place at Northern Harbour on Saturday July 30th. Once again we will be offering a seminar, which will provide information on local knowledge, and navigating, Lake of the Woods. We’ll run that seminar on Saturday afternoon, in the vicinity of the Northern Room, at Northern Harbour. Those who are new to the lake, will find it interesting and valuable. The Skippers’ meeting and Sailors Social will follow.

Racing gets started on Sunday, July 31st, and ends on Saturday, August 6th at Northern Harbour (Pine Portage Bay). Layover day will be midweek, at Ash Rapids Camp. We are confirming details but it looks like we will have a pump-put available at Ash Rapids on layover day. Dinner and the Awards Banquet, will take place on Saturday August 6th at Northern Harbour. We’ve got a band again this year, so our closing festivities will carry on well into the evening. We are in the process of finalizing the course and once its confirmed, the Website will be updated with details and links for advance registration. Our intention is to keep costs as low as possible, but we will be in better position to confirm the entry fees once we have total cost for pump out facilities which, we expect in the next few weeks.

There will be Children’s activities throughout the week with an emphasis on having the kids gather on the islands following the races for fantastic games activities and surprises galore!!!!

Final preparations are underway for the LOWISA Youth Regatta. The 5th annual Arctic Glacier Youth Ya Gotta Regatta will held at the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club again this year - the date is Friday, July 29th. We’ll get the NOR, SIs and Registration Forms up on the LOWISA and RLWYC Websites soon. As since its inception, there is no entry fee – its free; free lunch and beverages, a well run regatta with keeper trophies for winner over all, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in the Opti class, single and double handed entries. RLWYC has previously offered a use of 420s, on a limited basis, for the kids that don’t want to transport their own boats.

TransAtlantic Crossing Charter: Yacht ANAHITA April/May 2011

The charter yacht ANAHITA, a 62-foot Dynamique sloop, is offering two spots on their transAtlantic repositioning charter.

(A) Northeast Caribbean -- (B) Azores -- (C) Gibraltar -- (D) Montenegro

DETAILS:

Anahita has scheduled an Atlantic crossing for the end of April 2011 May 2011 (around the 20th) and can welcome aboard two guests for the following legs:

• First leg, Caribbean to Gibraltar: 
• Ports: Departure would be from either St. Thomas, St. Martin, or Antigua to Gibraltar, with a 3-day stop in the Azores.
• Duration: 30 days.
• Cost: $5000/guest, all inclusive except bar. While in port in the Azores, only continental breakfast will be served and no other food is included in the charter fee.

• Second leg, Gibraltar to Montenegro:
• Ports: Gibraltar to Budva, Montenegro, with no stops
• Duration: 11 days.
• Cost : $3000/guest, all inclusive except bar.

Book one or BOTH legs!

Charter Yacht ANAHITA - Winter: Caribbean / Summer: Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Charters

COMMENTS:

It is fair to say that -- having sailed only in the Mediterranean and never in “Proper” oceans -- I was somewhat worried regards to crossing the Atlantic, my journey into the unknown! I needed not have worried: From the moment I stepped aboard I felt at ease and very much enjoyed the crossing -- So many thanks for making it so easy: Well hosted. Best wishes to you both for much happiness together, kind seas, and fair winds. If you ever find your way to York, make sure you look me up.

- Bruce (Antigua-Azores-Gibraltar, May 2-June 1, 2010

There are many stories to be told about four guys on a 3,228 mile, 29-day transatlantic crossing, but the one that strikes me as being the best is meeting the Anahita captain, Bijan. Myself an owner of a 1980 38’ Shannon cutter ketch with two transatlantic crossings, I would say this crossing (12/01/09 -12/29/09) was one of the easiest of the three. As a captain you should know & be able to diagnose every sound emanating from your boat, understand & never chance your boat's abilities under all sea conditions, & have an ability to take command of all crew situations. I can say from doing this trip with Bijan that he is aware of all of these situations, even while asleep. The boat is equipped with two types of communication with the land via sailmail, an email service, & satellite telephone. I had been in contact through sailmail with my family & thereby kept them informed as to where the boat was & that all was as well. Now as for luxury, I can truly say there is nothing missing in accommodations or entertainment (Plasma TV for evening movies). My room was large, airy, & comfortable for two & extremely large for one. Of course, it has a head with shower with enough hot water to keep you happy. The galley was a delight to work in with a three-burner stove & oven that was easy to handle & make delicious hot evening meals. We even made fresh bread in the electric bread maker. Over all the Anahita was a delight to spend time on & would give anyone a great time to remember.

- Regards, Noah (Gibraltar to St Martin, Nov. 2009)

What a wonderful opportunity of an adventure charter this will be for 2-4 lucky people.  We love passages. It is so cool to look out and just see water all the way out to the horizon... Of course, you'll see the occasional ship and flotsam can get quite exciting.  Maybe you will even catch a nice fish for dinner on your way!

Bijan and Roseanne look forward to having you aboard.

---

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ANAHITA
View Anahita's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

---