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Savvy Sailors Enjoy Shore leave with the Kids at BEYC, Virgin Gorda

Sailing a charter yacht in the British Virgin Islands is a lot of fun for a family, a real adventure that everyone can participate in. But savvy repeat charter clients know that at some point during the cruise it’s time to let the kids get off the yacht and enjoy a dedicated beach day.

The Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC), on the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, is beautiful, remote and protected, 12 miles from Tortola and an excellent choice, welcoming charter yachts and offering great activities for both the kids and the adults.

BEYC has a watersports fleet of over 100 boats, small keelboats, kid`s training boats, kayaks, and Stand Up Paddle boards. Kids might enjoy Optimist or 420 sailing dinghies, while parents might take a Laser for a workout, and everyone can enjoy the Hobies.

Expand your knowledge by taking a course at BEYC. For non-sailors the Bitter End offers a Sailing 101 (half-day course) ideal for the novice who wants to learn the basics. For experienced sailors there is a Racing 201 Course that can prepare sailors for competition in the Sunday Regatta and Tuesday afternoon `Beer Can Racing.`

For the parents in need of quiet time away from the kids, BEYC has a very highly rated spa that offers a variety of treatments, as well as yoga and meditation sessions.

Follow these links for comprehensive information on Family Sailing Vacations – Chartering a Yacht with Children, Charter in the British Virgin Islands, BVI 7 Day Sailing Charter Itinerary.

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Final Month to Nominate Your Favorite Sailor: The ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards

Nominations are now invited for the 2011 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards, the most prestigious award of recognition in the sport of sailing. Since the first Awards presentation in 1994, the nominees and winners have always included the highest achievers from all disciplines of the sport.

The accomplishments of the sailors nominated each year are an inspiration – from windsurfers and dinghy sailors to offshore specialists, a nominee’s achievements may be an exceptional series of regatta wins, a record breaking passage or a triumph against the odds.

Nominations may be made by anyone and the only criterion is `outstanding achievement in the sport of sailing` during the qualifying period of 1 September 2010 to 31 August 2011. Nominations should be sent to ISAF by 12:00 (UTC) on Wednesday 7 September 2011 using the Official Nomination Form, available at www.sailing.org/36404.php

A shortlist of nominations will be drawn up by ISAF from all those received by the deadline and those making the cut will go on to become the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year 2011 Nominees. The 137 ISAF Member National Authorities will then vote for one male and one female nomination who they believe should win the Award.

The winners will be announced at the Awards dinner on Tuesday 8 November in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the host city for the ISAF Annual Conference. The winners will be presented with the unique marble and silver trophy depicting the globe, crowned with five silver spinnakers representing the continents, together with a personalized Rolex timepiece.

Here is a link to a useful calendar of many Upcoming Yachting Events.

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The Moonen 82 Alu: Sleek and Speedy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moonen Shipyards proudly reports that the brand new 82 Alu is proceeding on schedule. Construction of the streamlined 82 foot high-speed aluminum motoryacht got underway in March at the yard in Den Bosch (‘s-Hertogenbosch). The hull shape is crucial for this exciting yacht, which has been optimised to reach speeds up to 25 knots. We will keep you further updated on her progress in the months leading up to the scheduled launch in 2012.

Here are some helpful links for information on Moonen Shipyard and Shipyards and Yacht Manufacturers.

 

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Dyson Awards Contestant Ben Lau’s Downsized Emergency Floatation Device

A present trend towards miniaturization makes Ben Lau’s emergency flotation device as appealing as it is functional. Lau’s invention, a finalist for a James Dyson Award, was designed to protect rock fisherman. The sport is categorized as one of the ten most dangerous on the planet. Lau was inspired to protect Australia’s rock fishing enthusiasts, who have the highest fatality rate in the world.

Yachtsmen know that space is always at a premium on board, so anything to reduce the volume of stowable equipment is likely to be highly marketable. The simple yet ingenious flotation device consists of a U-shape tube, compacted to the size of a soup can, instantly inflated by two CO2 bulbs at the tug of a ring. Applications for this invention would seem to reach far beyond the rock fisherman who inspired the mechanism.

The James Dyson Awards for young inventors encourage the next generation of design engineers to compete against innovaters from 18 countries for a grand prize of £10,000 to the student, or student team, and £10,000 for their university department. Visit www.jamesdysonaward.org for application information.

Although the life preservers will be on board, here is a handy Yacht Charter Checklist – What to Bring on Your Yacht Charter Holiday

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Destined for Acclaim: A Sneak Peek at the Stylish New 63ft Motor Yacht from Bill Prince Design, Inc.

Bill Prince has a design vision that flawlessly integrates the beauty of classic yachts with very forward thinking technology. Thus his projects evoke a romantic classicism in a modern sleeve. Prince is also widely recognized as a primary resource of knowledge about classic yachts, which he transmits to an eager public via his popular publication, Classic Yacht, a must read for vintage boat enthusiasts.

On the design side, Prince is presently working on several interesting projects, from Korea to Kuwait, that include developing a 63ft. ultra contemporary motoryacht for Hyundai Yachts in South Korea. This boat will be constructed of GRP and will be marketed internationally.

The lower deck of the new design benefits from a generous beam that endows interiors with the roominess of a larger yacht. Accommodations for six guests are located forward, and a congenial salon amidships provides ample seating on an L-shape sofa and comfortable easy chairs.  The protected aft deck is the featured dining area, a logical design element given that most owners and guests prefer al fresco dining, weather providing.

The helm is located on the upper deck and takes advantage of the magnificent 360 degree views afforded by near seamless windows. Here, the built in settee positioned around the table provides cordial seating with a panoramic view. The open aft deck, outfitted with lounge chairs, beckons a read or a bit sun worship.

Length overall: 62’6”

Beam: 18’6”

Draft: 4’10”

Displacement: 78,000lbs.

Main engines: (2x) or (3x) Volvo IPS 900

Generators: (1x) Northern Lights 20 kW, (1x) Northern Lights 12 kW

Fuel capacity: 1,400 gal

Water capacity: 250 gal

Max speed: Dependent upon power selection

Here is a useful link to information about Power and Motor Yacht Charter, which can provide an exceptional opportunity for an extended and revealing sea trial prior to your yacht purchase.

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