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.

 

Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show: Italian Nautical Design Award Winners

Friday, February 18, the Italian Trade Commission in collaboration with UCINA (Italian Marine Association) organized a very special evening at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens to recognize the efforts of Italian companies and shipyards that have successfully promoted their products worldwide; the Nautical Design Awards.

Vizcaya, an Italian villa designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style, was built in the early 20th century for James Deering, of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune, on Biscayne Bay. The location provided the perfect setting for Italy’s most renowned industry leaders to be recognized for their achievements.

Marco Rocca, the Honorable Consul General of Italy, presided as Master of Ceremonies, and despite inoperable microphones, was gracious and charming in his introductions. He proudly made the point that an 8.6 per cent increase in sales has made Italy the leading supplier of yachts in the United States. Also present, Luisa Boccietto, President of IDA (Industrial Design Association) and President of the Nautical Design Awards Judge Committee.

Cataldo Aprea, of the Neapolitan shipyard Aprea Mare, which has recently launched their Maestro Line, further expanding the brand in the United States, received the first award. The company has participated in the Miami show since 1995.
Francesco Ansalone – Azimut Benetti Marketing Director, accepted the award given to the innovative Azimut/Benetti shipyard for their eco-friendly Magellano line, a response to the disastrous Gulf oil spill that ravaged Florida coasts last year. Vitelli stressed the commitment of the company to “maximum respect for the environment.”

Dino Salvemini accepted an award on behalf of Mase generators, widely used in the United States and worldwide by shipbuilders, in defiance of a highly competitive market.

Massimo Radice accepted the award for Sessa Marine, a Milanese shipyard

Massimo Perotti, Sanlorenzo Shipyard

dedicated to competing with local shipyards in producing smaller vessels that boast competitive quality and Italian design.

The prolific Italian design company Nuvolari/Leonard received an award for achieving overwhelming popularity in the US market, which was accepted by Carlo Nuvolari. The company is perhaps most famous for their supremely

Carlo Nuvolari – Nuvolari/Lenard Design

elegant Palmer Johnson and Marquis Yacht designs and currently have more than ten yachts in production. The renowned director, Steven Spielberg, purchased their newest Marquis yacht, so recently delivered in St. Barths it has not yet been advertised.

The Ligurian shipyard, Sanlorenzo, which founded Sanlorenzo in America, was awarded for successfully promoting “Made In Italy’ in three U.S. locations. Massimo Perotti who accepted the award was exuberant when he declared, “we are at the top of the world!”

The Ferretti Group was honored with an award for the collaborative efforts of two prestigious brands, Riva and Gucci, which produced the glamorous speedboat Aquariva Gucci. Accepting the award, Salvatore Basile attributed their success to “the perfect mix of high tech and Italian style.”

A reception above the renaissance gardens and below a full moon was a perfect conclusion to the prestigious ceremony, and lent a heady aura of La Dolce Vita. The gourmet Italian antipasto, pasta courses and deserts served to bring a truly Italian event to a sumptuous conclusion, as well as providing members of the Italian marine industry an opportunity to catch up with old friends and establish new ones.

Follow this link to view additional information on these and other Shipbuilders and Manufacturers.

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

Boatbookings Onboard Mi Sueno: Trinity 190 ft. Ready to Charter

At a recent open house in Fort Lauderdale, Boatbookings was invited to tour 190-foot Mi Sueno, launched last month from Trinity Yachts and available for charter in the Western Mediterranean. Mi Sueno incorporates all of the elements of style and design that continue to distinguish Trinity yachts as a very desirable charter brand.

Stewart Bridges of Patrick Knowles was pleased to show us around the spectacularly luxurious yacht. Classically sophisticated interiors integrate an abundance of exotic Honduras Mahogany, Wenge, Maple Burl and Lace Woods. The entry flooring is sumptuously laid out in Cosmos granite with Sahara Gold inlaid border. The entry way also features special storage for close to 500 bottles of wine.

Mi Suenoo features accommodations in six generously proportioned ensuite staterooms with an optional smaller seventh cabin, regularly configured as the gym, that is equipped with four Pullmans suitable for staff, nanny or body guards. A two-person wheelchair accessible elevator conveniently services three interior decks.

The split level, full-beam master suite, located on the main deck, measures a voluminous 800 square feet.The king bed, positioned on the upper level, faces an arc of panoramic windows for spectacular 180 degree views. A lounge area with TV is just a couple of steps down and there`s a private office area off to the starboard side.

The yacht is designed with voluminous deck spaces and the flybridge is equipped for touch and go helicopter operations. On the upper level a large Jacuzzi, a small cold water pool and a bar entertainment area beckon outdoor fun. A maximum of 14 guests will enjoy being totally pampered by the expert crew of 16, dedicated to providing the perfect charter experience.

Length Overall: 190 ft

Beam: 33 ft

Draft: 8 ft

Max Speed:19 Cruise Speed: 17 Range: 4,000

Fuel Capacity: 22,002 Gal Water Capacity: 3,500 Gal

Engines: Twin Caterpillar 3516-CHD

Quantum XT Zero Speed Stabilizer

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.