Southern Belize: A Four-Day Itinerary of Discovery in the Spectacular Belize Barrier Reef

The crew on board power catamaran Aventure 46 has years of experience exploring southern Belize above and below the water line. These local experts have devised an itinerary to thrill divers, snorkelers and fishing enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

Day one: Arrive in Placencia, an unassuming tropical village rumored to have been founded by 17th century English pirates. Stroll down the one-mile concrete sidewalk, the main street for Placencia Village, to explore village accommodations, restaurants, bars, and gift shops, nestled under swaying palms among wooden residences built on stilts. You will share the distinction of walking down the narrowest street in the world, according to the “Guinness Book of World Records.”

From Placencia cruise to South Water Caye Marine Reserve, a spectacular diving, snorkeling and fishing site located off the shores of a picturesque coral island of sparkling white sand beaches lined with coconut palms. The reserve, also a World Heritage Site, features shallow coral reefs and coral mounds that extend outside of the barrier reef to the vertical walled drop off. Large marine life including sharks, turtles and eagle rays, as well as a kaleidoscope of inquisitive smaller fish, abound in these crystal clear waters. This is an idyllic anchorage for a serene night.

Day two: Gladden Split and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve is located on the central area of the Barrier Reef and is notably the best-developed continuous reef due to its elevation, excellent water quality and modified waves. The Silk Cayes are comprised of three very small islands, North Silk, Middle Silk and South Silk. Loggerhead turtles, rays and nurse sharks frequent this area and the beaches on these islands are breathtaking. If the weather permits, spend the night at these islands.

Day three: Ranguana Caye offers world class diving and offshore fishing that is second to none. Troll for Wahoo and King Mackerel at the drop off or dive along the walls where tube sponges stretch up to the height of a man. Moving along the wall at 55 feet is a magical drift dive with the wall to one side and the coral to the other. Spend time on the beach fishing for bonefish or snorkeling just offshore.

Day four: Cruise to Glovers Reef Atoll, the southernmost of Belize’s offshore atolls, it is considered to be one of the richest tropical marine environments in the entire Caribbean Sea. John Glover, its namesake pirate, used these remote islands and reefs as a base to raid Spanish merchant ships. The site was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1996 and is renowned for the clarity of the water and profusion of marine life. This area is a superb place to anchor overnight.

A yacht charter in Belize is sure to spoil guests with incredible underwater visibility, teaming marine life and breathtaking beauty. The Belize Barrier Reef is part of one of the largest coral reef systems in the world and deserves prominent ranking on the bucket list of every snorkel, dive and fishing enthusiast. The crew of the Aventure 46 cordially invites guests onboard for the experience of a lifetime.

Please follow this helpful link to view additional destination information and an enticing array of Belize Charter Yachts.

The New Catana 59: Racing Technology Applied to Recreational Catamaran Concept

Catana shipyard announced their newest concept in recreational catamarans that features state-of-the-art innovations from the world of racing. These applications include curved daggerboards for a hydrofoil effect, a sail plan with a short mainsail that is easy to handle, larger headsails, reverse bows and straight hulls, all of which are design elements that will allow the catamaran to achieve thrilling speeds over 20 knots.

Catana shipyard uses carbon fiber construction to make the boat more resistant to damage and considerably lighter for greater speed and agility. Notable features of the new design include 360° visibility from anywhere on the boat, excellent height under the nacelle for sailing on heavy seas, daggerboards for close-hauled sailing without the `trip` risk and a carefully calculated beam/length ratio for better stability.

In addition to high performance features, the Catana 59 offers plenty of interior space and amenities to make the yacht a comfortable live-aboard. A retractable bay window brings the outdoors in for an open feel. Salon furniture is convertible to accommodate dining and relaxation. A center island galley provides ample workspace. Cabins are roomy and include plenty of storage. Equipment includes a refrigerator, freezer, desalination equipment, generator, oven, washing machine, dishwasher, wine cellar, television, air-conditioning, heating and diving compressor.

LOA: 58.73ft.

Beam: 31.14ft.

Draft boards up: 1,56 m

Engines: 2 x 110 cv

Fuel: 800 lt.

Water: 800 lt.

Catana is one of the popular charter yacht brands. Please follow this link to view a selection of Catana Catamarans for Charter available world wide. For expert information visit the Luxury Crewed Catamaran Charter Guide.

Magellano 50 by Azimut Awarded Best Innovative Design at 2011 World Yacht Trophies in Cannes

The Magellano 50 was awarded the Best Innovative Design at a gala ceremony that brought the world’s leading builders, designers and yacht owners together for the prestigious event. At the 2011 World Yacht Trophies, held in Cannes September 10, an esteemed panel of experts, which over the summer examined the major new builds for the season, determined the Magellano 50 exceeded competitors in significant areas.

The specialist jury acknowledged the innovative capacity of Magellano 50, as well as impressive technology that combines impressive efficiency with safeguards to the environment.

The yacht is equipped with the new Easy Hybrid system, created by the Azimut-Benetti R&D department, which propels the yacht at speeds of up to 8 knots in complete silence using electric engines, switching to traditional propulsion methods with the greatest of ease. The exclusive “Dual Mode” hull, a new semi displacement design, makes switching from displacement systems to planing systems extremely easy, thus guaranteeing excellent stability and navigational comfort in addition to high hull reactivity and efficiency under all operating conditions.

Chic interiors evoke the elegance synonymous with contemporary Italian design. Despite the spacious surroundings the yacht has plenty of storage capacity and clever design features that allow for reconfigurations depending on the requirements of the moment.

With Magellano 50, Azimut Yachts demonstrates a noteworthy capacity for innovation and design expertise that will no doubt set a precedent for other brands in its class. This design promises to be very popular on the charter circuit for superbly stylish interiors, spacious outdoor options and impressive fuel economy.

Follow this link to explore options worldwide for Azimut Charter Yachts.

A. Mylne & Co. Reveal New Classic Yacht PF36: Retro Chic Belies Extreme Innovation

Designers and Engineers at Scottish shipyard A. Mylne & Co., the world’s oldest yacht design firm in continuous production, have kept their hard work on Project PF36 under wraps since November, 2010. Their carefully defined goal is to deliver a design solution that meets the Owner’s requirement for a transoceanic classic yacht with classic proportions and detailing that will not damage his environmental credentials.

To capture the splendor of the Golden Era of Yachting down to the last detail, designers are opting for pre-war materials and techniques, visually evident in the use of bronze rather than stainless steel and a very classic shear line. The narrow hull cuts in just above the waterline for the best possible performance at 10 knots, with a target fuel consumption on propulsion of 30 liters per hour.

Characteristic of prewar builds were very noisy engines. A whimsical reference was a requirement of the design that the gentle beat of the engine be just audible throughout the yacht. This was accomplished through the installation of a Grenaa 6 cyclinder engine delivering a maximum of 600BHP at 500 RPM. This weighty and robust unit meets Tier II emissions requirements, and provides the yacht with a beating heart.

Interiors will be a contemporary take on the classic theme. Renowned Scottish designer Malcolm Duffin has the task of producing stunning spaces that will not upstage the Owner’s collection of marine antiquities. To further augment this retro aesthetic many re-claimed and re-cycled fittings are being used including recovered windows, bridge equipment, winches and fittings. Their use reinforces pre-war authenticity while contributing to the project`s  “green” credentials.

Type: Single Screw Gentleman’s Motor Yacht

LOA: 118’

Beam: 23.8’

Draft: 6.6’

Gross Tonnage: 230 Tonnes

Construction: Steel Hull, Ice Class, Aluminum and Teak Deck House

Class: Lloyds +100A1 SSC YACHT MONO G6 ICE CLASS 1D

Engine: 600bhp Grenaa Diesel

Range: 5000+ Nautical Miles

 

 

Here is an informative link about Classic Yacht Charter that features a classic yacht video of BLUE PETER, an elegant regatta yacht available for charter in the French Riviera.

Kitesurfing Catamaran Charters: Adventure Travel in the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are a premier destination for Caribbean kitesurfing with delightful wind, spectacular water and vast uninhabited areas. These lush tropical islands are supremely popular with catamaran charterers for the same reasons. A kitesurfing catamaran charter allows enthusiasts of adventure travel to experience the ultimate of both sports.

Tucked nicely away in the vast realm of the Caribbean Sea, the British Virgin Islands are comprised of a number of great kitesurfing beaches including Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and many others. These islands are all within easy reach of each other and together make an ideal itinerary for a week long catamaran charter.

Experience the waters offshore Sir Richard Branson`s Necker Island and other renowned kiteboarding spots where ameteurs and pros play and compete during the famous BVI Kite Jam. Thrill to superb wave riding, scenic downwinders and the legendary flatwater of unspoiled Anegada. Spend a day in the calm, deep water harbor of Virgin Gorda`s Bitter End, central to the annual Billabong BVI Kite Jam. Improve your skill, whether a novice or accomplished kitesurfer, arrange to take a lesson from a world class pro.

Discover unforgettable kitingsurfing on the water, charming island lifestyle ashore, and unsurpssed beauty all around you on a catamaran charter in the British Virgin Islands.

Here is a link to useful information to BVI Yacht Charter.
Enjoy a scenic slideshow of the Virgin Islands.