Aegean Summer Aboard 114′ PROTEUS and 101′ IRIS: Superb Luxury Charter Yachts For Exploring the Incomparable Greek Islands

IRIS 101' Ferretti Custom Line

The Greek Islands of the Eastern Mediterranean beckon luxury yacht charter clients with nearly unlimited options

PROTEUS 114 C.T.M Falcon

for first class adventure this summer. Each island has a unique splendor and every port a distinct charm. Two superb Italian yachts still have limited summer availability in the region, 101’ IRIS Ferretti Custom Line and 104’ PROTEUS C.T.M. Falcon. The distinguished crews on both luxury yachts are natives of the Aegean; eager to reveal everything that is marvelous in these renowned ports of call.

Of all the island groups the Cyclades, a short journey southeast of Athens, are the most popular. These islands are topographically diverse, populated with archetypal Greek towns, congested with appealing restaurants and shops, scattered with amazing archeological sites and famous for their beaches. Whether your yacht of choice is the seaworthy PROTEUS, slicing smoothly through the sea between these destinations, or the stylish IRIS, with spacious social areas ideal for entertaining in port, your experience aboard will be unforgettable.

PROTEUS Salon
IRIS Main Aft Deck

PROTEUS offers twelve guests incomparable luxury in six elegantly appointed, ensuite staterooms. This voluminous trideck design was launched in 2004 and is meticulously maintained. Guests will be thoroughly pampered by her crew of six, dedicated to the requirements of each individual guest. IRIS is an excellent family yacht accommodating up to 12 guests and featuring two twin staterooms with extra Pullman berths that are always a delight for children. The upper deck is superb for sunning and spectacular panoramic views. IRIS is an elegant, stately vessel, yet with a relaxing, ambiance.

 

Whichever yacht you are fortunate enough to charter, the Captain and crew can assist with planning your itinerary, which can be the most difficult part of your charter given the myriad of spectacular destinations available. Paros is the new Mykonos for the Greeks, very lively and chic, but not as touristic as Mykonos, which has long been famous for its beaches and nightlife. Santorini is spectacularly beautiful and features extraordinary archeological sites. Naxos has amazing white sand beaches and Antiparos is a very exclusive and expensive hidden gem where Tom Hanks and his wife of Greek origin, Rita Wilson, own a home.

Charter super yacht PROTEUS or luxury yacht IRIS this summer in the incomparably beautiful, mythical and magical Aegean Sea, and there is little doubt these ships and these islands will lure you back over and over again.

Here is a helpful link for comprehensive information on Vacation Yacht Charters in Greece.

 

Dockwise Yacht Transport and Floating Life: A Match Made in Heaven

Some unions are meant to be, and when Floating Life, an international yacht management and service company, was introduced to Dockwise Yacht Transport a year and a half ago, it seemed a match made in heaven. Floating Life bears responsibility for some of the world’s most prestigious yachts and demands the highest degree of professional competence from those involved with the coordination of countless technical, administrative and logistical details. In the case of transporting Floating Life’s three 131- foot Norman Foster-designed luxury superyachts back and forth between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, Floating Life entrusted Dockwise Yacht Transport.

MY Ocean Emerald, MY Ocean Pearl and MY Ocean Sapphire are the basis of Floating Life’s unique fractional ownership program, by which 24 families have owner access to the yachts for a specified number of days per year. With fractional ownership, these families are able to reserve their cruise dates, are assured safety and first class service, and significantly reduce cruising costs.

The yachts will be berthed in Greece, Sardinia and the south of France this summer. Toward that end, both Ocean Emerald and Ocean Pearl completed a voyage in March from Martinique to Toulon aboard Dockwise Yacht Transport’s Super Servant 4.

Dockwise owns a total of four yacht carriers, including the 686-foot (209 meter) super ship Yacht Express, and operates on a regular schedule to deliver yachts around the world. The ships, looking something like giant moving marinas when they come to town, use their unique loading method to allow yachts of any size to be safely floated on and off as cargo. The carriers submerge themselves by pumping nine million gallons of water into their ballast tanks; the vessels are floated into place one-by-one, then sea-fastened before the ship pumps dry to prepare for boat transport. Once the ship reaches its final destination, the process is reversed so the yachts can safely disembark with captains, owners and/or crews aboard to take them by their own power to new adventures. Dockwise Yacht Transport also orchestrates lift-on/lift-off arrangements with third-party carriers for clients wanting a more flexible shipping schedule or to explore destinations where the float-on/float-off ships are not scheduled to go.

 

Boatbookings Onboard Oceanco 168 LAZY Z: The Quintessential Luxury Family Charter Yacht

What makes a truly superlative family charter is the combination of a magnificent luxury yacht and a long term, professional yet playful crew. LAZY Z not only meets but also exceeds these criteria.

Oceanco built LAZY Z in 1997, but you’d never guess her age because this stunning superyacht is graced with a timeless beauty of design and blessed by an owner and crew who keep her meticulously maintained, from the smallest knob on up.

Interior spaces are furnished with an elegant simplicity of design, featuring plush carpeting, supple leather upholstery and rich Indonesian bubinga hardwood against a backdrop of soft silk paneling. The palette of warm wood tones and golden hues is relaxing and inviting. The wide central staircase is a stunning and unusual architectural feature.

LAZY Z has accommodations for twelve guests in 6 spacious staterooms with a special cabin designed to delight children, right down to the teddy bears. With a 29 foot beam the true full width master suite, from porthole to porthole, is wonderfully spacious and filled with natural light. There is also a dedicated gym and the elegant observation lounge is an inspiration.

Even the radio room on LAZY Z is impressive, housing racks of state of the art equipment, including the Kaleidescape entertainment system storing over 3,000 movies, a capacity that exceeds yachts twice the size of LAZY Z.

We are not surprised when we are told that there is nothing on the bridge that is more than 12 months old. The CCTV was upgraded ten months ago; two new radars were upgraded eight months ago. The Servowatch integrated ship control system, which monitors the main engines, generators, bilges, water tight doors, all of those sort of systems onboard, is just eight months old. From comfortable banquette seating guests can peer at the high tech electronic chart system and the forward facing sonar, which gives a 2D display of what the seabed is like ahead.

Out on deck, LAZY Z has fabulous seating under a huge shade awning, and surrounding the Jacuzzi pool, which is only a couple of years old, there’s lots of sunbathing and, of course, you cannot miss the slide. This is a huge hit with all charter guests who, we are told, opt to use it every day. The owner of the boat is 72 years old and he uses the slide, preferring to go down backwards or head first. It’s simply awesome, they’ve had girls as young as three slide down it.

It is quite evident why LAZY Z is a very busy yacht featuring charters in the Caribbean and Mediterranean directed toward young families who, at the end of their charter, eagerly book a slot for the following year. The youthful and energetic crew boasts a guarantee that if you are a charter client on this boat you’ll be back again next year. We have no doubt.

Boatbookings.com features an extensive selection of charter yachts for every destination, type of clientele and information on family charters. Here are a couple of helpful links:

Chartering with Children,  Super and Mega Luxury Yacht Charter

Free Berths at Karpaz Gate Marine: Gateway to Cypriot Yachting Adventure

Karpaz Gate Marina promises to offer an exciting new Mediterranean destination on the northeastern part of the island of Cypress. Karpaz Gate Marina will be the first luxury yacht marina in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, adding a new dimension of history, culture and adventure to a Greek Isles yacht charter itinerary.

Karpaz Gate Marina is scheduled for completion in May 2011 and will offer berths for 300 yachts, including 16 for superyachts up to 215 ft. Construction has already been completed on double breakwaters that provide a sheltered harbor that is easy to navigate and facilitates mooring. In addition, a drydock facility sprawling over 200,000 square feet and various marina buildings are under construction.

Karpaz Gate Marina plans to be more than a safe and service haven for yachts. The development plans include two world-class resorts with gourmet dining, full service spas, concierge services, a commercial promenade and a casino. As an incentive to yachtsmen, and to celebrate construction progress, the owners of the marina are offering a limited number of trial berths, free of charge, for periods of up to one year.

Northern Cypress is a picturesque island of rugged slopes descending to clear blue Mediterranean waters. Historical tensions between Greek and Turkish populations, which resulted in the partitioning of the island, have also resulted in a fierce dedication to tradition.Tourism is an important source of revenue and the preservation of historical sites, costumes, cuisine and handicrafts make Northern Cypress a unique yachting destination.

Genoa MYBA Charter Show – New Luxury Destination Recommendations

The main lecture at the MYBA Yacht Charter Show on Tuesday featured knowledgeable captains discussing some of their favorite destinations.  Their recommendations:

Corsica to Sardinia.

Corsica Luxury Yacht CharterBy capt James Pitman, HEAVENLY DAZE

These two amazing mediterranean islands offer great beaches, chic and glamorous restaurants and nightlife for where celebrities and the rich and famous hang out. They also offer incredible beauty and solitude.  And, because they are in close proximity to the French and Italian Coasts, they are easy to get to and offer a full array of luxury yachts.

See our Corsica Yacht Charter Guide and our Sardinia Yacht Charter Guide for further information and itinerary ideas.

Greece – Kalamaki to Kithira

Kalamaki Yacht CharterEveryone has heard of Santorini, but for a different experience featuring ancient history and quiet beaches, try Kalamaki to Kithira. Simplicity is the key word says captain Berdos Evangelos, SUNCOCO, meaning relaxation, beauty, and calm.

We have an excellent itinerary for this area starting in Kalamaki.

Turkey

Turkey has vast shoreline and charter areas. Here’s an extended luxury yacht tour of the highlights.

Istanbul and the famous Bosporus is great for larger yachts. Atakoy marina is just 8km from airport.Make sure you have some time to spend exploring famous Istanbul.

Cesme offers white beaches nightlife.

Gulet CharterBodrum on the southwest tip of Turkey is hot spot for charterers, especially luxury Gulets for Blue Cruises. It offers nightlife, good restaurants and history. Bodrum features a classic wooden Gulet regatta 19 – 24 Oct 2010 – Bodrum cup – a sight to behold!

Delikada has mud baths and sea turtles only local tenders are allowed in the area.

Gocek quiet unspoilt 12 islands in the area. Simple local restaurants for essence of Turkish culture.

Fethiye. Rafting and river fishing as well as the Butterfly valley

Kalkan. Three ancient sites to visit.

Kas. Fishing village. Best diving in the region.

Kekova. Sunken city take a boat drop anchor. Glass bottom boats take you to see the sunken city. No diving or snorkeling without escort.

Finike. Home of St Nicholas. Santa claus.

Ending Antalya. Beautiful resorts. 40 mins from marina to city. Preserved antique theatre for 1500 people.

Boatbookings has experts on all of the above charter regions, and shares the captain’s love for them! We’d be happy to discuss a luxury charter in any of these regions.