Classic Yachts make a comeback

These days, the yachting industry is heavily focused on the Super and Mega Yachts that exude wealth, extravagance and paparazzi appeal, but there are those out there that still want to experience yachting as it was originally intended and this has seen the comeback of interest in image of classic yachtClassic Yachts.  Many of these yachts are between 50 to 100 years old, with some even older, and can offer you an awe-inspiring insight to the elegance and glory that many of our forefathers enjoyed and that the owners of these graceful yachts get so passionate about.

Classic yachts are lovingly cared for and generally in near-perfect condition, gleaming with burnished fixtures, polished decks and highly crafted woodwork.  Despite their age, the modern amenities expected on yachts are not forgotten about so your comfort is never compromised.  But perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of these yachts is that you can really learn about them; how they work, how they have been built, where they have been and how they sail as the crew are so proud to show off the prowess of their yacht's classic beauty that they will be only too pleased to answer your questions and indulge your curiousity.

Chartering in the Maldives – it’s childsplay!

The idyllic Maldives has long been associated with honeymooners and romantic getaways for couples wantiTurtle in the Maldivesng to enjoy each other’s company without the familiar sound of children screaming and jumping in the pool – so it may come as a surprise that one of the top resort hotels, Diva, is now pushing and promoting their kids’ clubs, and many other top resort hotels are following suit. Despite worries that young families on holiday might ruin the tranquility that so many holiday makers in the Maldives love, there is plenty of beach to go around.

The Maldives make an ideal destination for a family holiday; shallow waters, white sandy beaches, all the water sports in the world under a perfect blue, sun drenched sky, and now is the perfect time to book up and go! There is still time to charter a yacht in the Maldives to get some winter sun, and now you can take the whole family with you!

 Information courtesy of the Times online.

Ericsson 4 team leading Volvo Ocean Race and setting records

A world record has already been achieved in the first leg of the gruelling Volvo Ocean Race (formerly the Whitbread Round the World Race) by Sweden’s Ericsson 4 team.  The yacht managed to achieve smashing the previous 24-hour monohull distance record by travelling an astounding 589 miles (1,085km) in the journey from Alicante in Spain to Cape Town in South Africa.  The previous record was 562.97 miles and was set by ABN Amro 2 in January 2006 in theimage of racing sailors Indian Ocean.

The Ericsson 4, looks set to enjoy a healthy lead as the race reaches Cape Town, currently leading by 30miles ahead of the US Puma Racing team and could even break the record again with the prevailing weather conditions. The race is due to take in 10 legs encompassing Africa, Asia, the Americas and finally Europe before finishing in St Petersburg after covering 42,600 miles.

Some information courtesy of ChannelNews Asia.

Where does the word ‘Yacht’ come from?

Today the yacht is symbolic of luxury vessels that cruise the oceans and seas elegantly in pursuit of leisurely indulgence.  However, its origin is a little distant from this current image and heralds yacht imagefrom a time when Pirates pestered the shallow waters of the Low Countries of Europe.  The word yacht comes from the Dutch word jacht which means to hunt, the vessels described as jachtships where light, fast and used for pursuing (or hunting) the pirates and bucaneers that hounded the waters of these countries.  It wasn’t until King Charles II of England famously chose the vessel for his return to Britain from the Netherlands for his restoration to the throne that the yacht was then identified as a vessel to transport important people and consequently as a luxury item for the rich and famous. Today this luxury has become accessible to more people than ever with the facility to charter a yacht available to everyone who considers themself to be important.
Some information courtesy of Wikipedia

Fort Myers in Florida recognised as a Clean Marina

As we look to take more responsibility of our effect on the environment around us, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection along with the Clean Boating Partenership have been recognising steps to protect our Earth in the boating community.  The Fort Myers Yacht Basin in Florida has recently been added to a growing list of Clean Marinas in the state, setting the benchmarks for environmental stewardship whilst providing a public service.

image of floridaThere are more than 2000 marinas dotted along Florida’s coastline and the effects of year-round boating activity contributes to the growing pressure on Florida’s sensitve aquatic and marine ecosystems.  Marinas awarded with Clean Marina status go above and beyond the required environmental regulations by adopting practices that keep solvents, sewage, fuel and oil out of the water and look to protect the native manatees and other marine creatures.  As a yacht charterer, you too can help to protect the environment and ensure the sustainable future of our planet and the yachting industry wherever you are by making concerted green chartering decisions and efforts, including reducing your carbon footprint and taking responsible care of your waste.  If we all try to make a difference, we can help to keep our seas and oceans as glorious as they are today for the yachting lovers of the future.
Some information courtesy of News-Press.com