Transatlantic Race 2011: Catch the Live Panel Discussion Broadcast April 26 at 5:50 PM EST

In late June and early July anyone fortunate to be quayside in Newport R.I. can witness the awesome spectacle of 32 ocean-going yachts set sail in the Transatlantic Race 2011, which charts 2,975 nautical mile course from Newport to Lizard Point, South Cornwall (UK). The Royal Yacht Squadron, New York Yacht Club, Royal Ocean Racing Club and Storm Trysail Club organize the event.

The fleet includes sleek traditional designs, such as the 94’ William Fife-designed Sumurun, and sophisticated super yachts, such as the 289’ custom Perini Navi clipper sailing yacht Maltese Falcon. The Atlantic Ocean crossing can potentially challenge these renowned racers and their teams with fierce storms, testing seas and even icebergs.

Robert Towbin, owner/captain of Sumurun, who won two previous transatlantic races, is currently preparing his classic yacht, which was built in 1914, to endure this first challenge of the 2011 sailing season. “If you have an older boat, a race of this complexity takes a lot out of it, so we are putting a lot of work into it to get it up to date,” said Towbin.

Three separate starts will “stagger” yachts of different sizes and ability so that they will arrive in England in proximity to each other. The larger boats hope to finish the race in 8 to 12 days, while the smaller boats estimate 18 to 22 days to finish.

MalteseFalcon_Roddy Grimes Graeme — Maltese Falcon

The final race group of legendary competitors includes the VOR 70 crewed by PUMA Ocean Racing Team, the Newport-based second-place finisher in the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race and entrant in the next edition as well; Rambler 100, George David’s maxi rocket ship that has been tearing up race courses since the beginning of the year, including breaking the record for the RORC Caribbean 600 and taking line honors at the Pineapple Cup-Montego Bay Race; and ICAP Leopard, which holds the current record from Ambrose Light to Lizard Point for monohulls using powered sailing systems.

A TR2011 Panel Discussion is scheduled for tomorrow, April 26, at 5:30 PM EST. Topics will focus on the history of transatlantic racing, the challenge and appeal of transoceanic racing, as well as the upcoming TR2011 and its entries. Panelists include George David, owner/skipper of Rambler 100; Chris Gartner, captain of Maltese Falcon; Larry Huntington, owner/captain of Snow Lion; Bob Towbin, owner/captain of Sumurun; Rives Potts, Rear Commodore of NYYC and owner/captain of Carina; and sailing historian and author John Rousmaniere.

Here are some useful links to Charter a Yacht for a Regatta or Sailing Event and a calendar of Upcoming Yachting Events, Regattas and Boat Show Dates Worldwide.

Posted on April 25, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Newport RI: Sail for Pride to Benefit Servicemen and Women

Sail Newport has announced that on September 11, on the tenth anniversary of 9-11, the sailing organization will hold the fundraiser, Sail for Pride, an event that commemorates that fateful moment in history and raises funds for American service persons’ charities.

The original Sail for Pride was organized three weeks after the 9-11 terrorist attacks and to date the regatta has raised over $800,000 for over a dozen charities. This year organizers have selected the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and the R.I. Red Cross Service to Armed Forces Fund as beneficiaries of the 10th Anniversary Sail for Pride.

A fundraising event will follow the race at the Newport Shipyard where race trophies will be presented along with a trophy for the top fundraising boat in the event. A silent auction will also be held to generate additional funding for the selected charities.

Sail Newport invites boats over 22 feet to compete in the nearly 20 mile race around Conanicut Island. All types of boats will be encouraged to participate with many classes offered for handicap and one-design boats. Boats that do not have a Narragansett Bay PHRF rating will be given one for the event.

Please follow these helpful links for comprehensive luxury yacht charter and destination information about New England and Newport and Cape Cod .

Posted on April 3, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

2011 Ida Lewis Distance Sailing Race in Newport, Rhode Island

Due for its seventh edition in 2011, the Ida Lewis Distance Race is now a classic on New England sailing calendars. The race, which starts Friday, August 19, features a 177nm and a 150nm race course over some of the most storied and beautiful sailing grounds in the world.

With a spectacular start off Fort Adams in Narragansett Bay, the race includes turning marks at Castle Hill, Brenton Reef, Block Island, Montauk Point, Martha’s Vineyard and Buzzards Tower on its way to a signature champagne finish inside Newport Harbor off the historic Ida Lewis Yacht Club.

Classes are for IRC, PHRF (including Cruising Spinnaker and a Youth Challenge division), One Design and Double-Handed boats of 28 feet or longer. It is a qualifier for the New England Lighthouse Series (PHRF); the Northern and Double-Handed Ocean Racing Trophies (IRC); and the US-IRC Gulf Stream Series. For race information contact Dirk Johnson at [email protected], or telephone 401-965-9189.

Click here for a comprehensive list of Upcoming Yachting Events, Regattas and Boat Show Dates worldwide or to Charter a Yacht for a Regatta or Sailing Event. Or contact us at [email protected], 954 376-3711, to discuss yacht availability.

Posted on March 10, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Our Charter Brokers Onboard Luxury Yacht AQUASITION: Superlative Seaworthiness, Style and Service

Luxury Motor yacht AQUASITION is a stunning 124ft Broward launched in 2007 that comfortably accommodates 10 guests in five staterooms. Our charter brokers were delighted to have the opportunity to view her elegant interiors, chat a bit with the delightful crew, and taste some delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by the chef.

Entering through the double glass doors on AQUASITIONs aft deck the main saloon is spacious and welcoming. Everywhere we look the design details are impressive. Daylight floods through large panoramic windows and glistens on the high gloss cherry woodwork.

AQUASITIONs main deck salon and dining area are defined by elegant furniture groupings that feature goose down cushions, cashmere silk blend upholstery, and suede leather. The cozy L-shaped sofa surrounds a large cocktail table made from exotic Madagascar ebony wood and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the 52 inch flat screen TV/DVD/stereo.

Moving forward we pass the elegant stairway in the foyer, and the galley of delightful aromas courtesy of Chef Mike, to reach the spacious, contemporary master stateroom. Here, and throughout AQUASITION, seafaring design details, from the undulating carpet to the marine themed artwork, emphasize the splendor of yachting.

Four ensuite staterooms are positioned on the lower deck of AQUASITION around a central foyer with refrigerator. Each is roomy and well appointed with plenty of storage and deluxe amenities.

Motor yacht AQUASITION has a well-designed sundeck that features a sprawling sunbed and Jacuzzi with magnificent views. Forward under cover is a dining area with plush banquette seating and a full bar with stools, making this area an excellent gathering spot.

Indeed, many brokers visiting AQUASITION lingered here, sampling the gourmet wizardry of Chef Mike. Everything was superb, from the delicate salmon canapés to the tuna tartar. We were also treated to luscious sangria, the secret recipe of Chief Stew Breanna, so laden with fruity antioxidants that charter guests could, with relatively little guilt, drink a glass or two for breakfast.

Captain Jay Roberts and his experienced crew are talented, gracious and entertaining. They are very attentive but with an ease that make guests of all ages immediately feel at home. This stylish yacht and personable crew make a winning combination for a superlative family charter or a getaway with friends.

AQUASITION is presently based in the Bahamas with a New England itinerary scheduled for this summer. Here are some helpful links for information on these destinations and outstanding yachts available for charter: AQUASITION, Florida and Bahamas Yacht Charter, New England Yacht Charter, Super and Mega Luxury Yacht Charter

Posted on January 27, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Boatbookings Onboard Broward 120 SOVEREIGN: A Yacht that Rules!

Luxury motor yacht SOVEREIGN may have been launched in 1993, but by all accounts she has an ageless beauty. Meticulous maintenance and a recent complete refit contribute to her continuing popularity, and on this elegant charter vessel the reputation of the outstanding crew also plays a role in attracting numerous repeat clients. Boatbookings was delighted to step onboard and experience their charming hospitality in such welcoming surroundings.

SOVEREIGN is a luxury charter yacht where the Old World ambience of a European boutique hotel compliments modern architectural features, furnishings and whimsical details in stainless and glass.

SOVEREIGN features six posh staterooms to accommodate 12 guests. The décor in varying tones of brown and beige is soothing and creates a warm, inviting ambience. The main deck master features a king bed positioned against a mirrored wall that augments a sense of volume, as does the cut-away ceiling with center mirror. Plenty of built in storage is available as well as a state-of-the-art entertainment system. Five additional guest staterooms are positioned on the lower deck.

The cozy upper deck sky lounge with overstuffed furniture is perfect for watching the latest release or writing postcards to friends at a desk with a superb view. The sundeck features plush banquette seating and dining al fresco for nine guests. The covered aft deck provides a lovely protected dining area and steps lead down to the swim platform where guests may launch a variety of toys including two Jet Skis and high-pressure dive gear.

SOVEREIGN is a luxury yacht that will please discerning adult charter guests yet is comfortable and cozy, making families with children feel right at home. The highly professional crew is skilled at pampering guests of all ages and are dedicated in making a charter onboard SOVEREIGN a most rewarding and memorable experience.

Boatbookings.com is an excellent source of information on chartering the perfect yacht to cruise around top destinations worldwide. These links will help get you started: SOVEREIGN , Super and Mega Luxury Yacht Charter, Yacht Charter Destinations

Posted on January 7, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓