The high-tech racing yachts, with an estimated value of US$100m, will be
transported under guard through the dangerous Indian Ocean leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. Organizers of the 39,000km race said pirate attacks prompted its decision to protect the crew and six racing yachts.
The boats left Cape Town yesterday on the race`s second leg to Abu Dhabi, which requires navigating exceedingly dangerous waters off the Eastern African corridor. The solution is to transport the vessels under armed guard to the waters of Sharjah, UAE and an undisclosed safe port somewhere in the Indian Ocean, where they will be less than a day’s sail from Abu Dhabi.
“Once unloaded, race management will decide where exactly to re-start the race for a short competitive sprint into Abu Dhabi, which is hosting the event from December 31 to January 14,” said a statement “The sailors will not be on board the ship.”
Organizers said the scoring system on this leg would be different from previous legs. Eighty per cent of points will be accumulated through the safe haven port, and the other 20 per cent will be gained in the final race from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi.
Mersin Marina is the largest marina on Turkey’s east Mediterranean shores with a capacity to service 500 boats in water and 500 boats in drydock. The Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim proudly inaugurated the facility on November 28 with the goal to promote Mersin as a gateway to Caucasus, Middle East and Africa.
Mersin Marina is designed by Öncüoglu Mimarlik as a city port as well as an urban social center to appeal to residents not directly involved in the marine industry. Public areas include an amphitheater with a capacity for 2,000 people and a Sports Center and Yacht Club with indoor and outdoor facilities including a spa, tennis courts, basketball field and children’s 1,000sqm entertainment park.
Sports International sports centerIn additional to divers social facilities, Mersin Marina offers boat services including electricity, fresh water, sewage removal, wireless Internet, cable TV, laundry, shower, first aid, professional divers, fuel stations, a tourism agency, a car rental center, supermarkets, banks and ATMs, yacht brokerage, and maintenance and repair facilities equipped with a 100 ton travel lift.
Mersin is an important center of tourism and trade with a population of 1.602.000 people living in the city center and surrounding area. The region is presently serviced by Adana international airport while a new international airport is under construction in Tarsus, just 30 km outside Mersin.
Our most daring charter expert climbed 45 meters up to the crows nest on board charter sailing yacht MARIE to capture bird`s eye images of the 2011 Antigua Charter Yacht Show. MARIE is one of our favorite sailing yachts, the crew are delightful and most accommodating, for example, letting us shimmy up the mast for a photo op.
MARIE is an elegant and distinctive vessel with a treasure trove of great stories, such as the fact that the owner`s wife is often inspired to deliver an operatic aria from the balcony above the main salon, which sports a grand piano. In short, we believe that the crew are great, the cuisine is excellent, and the yacht itself is unique.
MARIE will be heading to the South Pacific after the Caribbean season.
Luxury sailing yacht VAIMITI is a very popular charter yacht for many great reasons. VAIMITI is a gracious vessel with clean, contemporary styling and architecture that provides plenty of space to relax indoors or out, in sun or in shade. The stern stairway and swim platform create a perfect beach area for easy water access. The spacious master suite features four overhead hatches in addition to side portholes that flood interiors with cheerful light. VAIMITI, a 39m Trehard, accommodates up to eight guests in four cabins.
Here is a link to explore an amazing selection of Caribbean Charter Yachts and research destination information.
The Bitter End Yacht Club, North Sound, Virgin Gorda, shares their secret to stimulating holiday cheer. Celebrate the season with one of their favorite (and famous) 16 Sounders, the Lemon Crash:
1 ½ – 2 oz Mount Gay Rum
1 – 2 whole lemons cut up
½ ounce lime juice
2 oz simple syrup
Ice to fill glass
Blend all the ingredients together. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry. Enjoy!
They would also like to remind you that neuroscientists have concluded that the best naps take place in a hammock.
The crew of JAMBALAYA invite charter clients aboard to discover Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an island country in the Lesser Antilles chain. This alluring Caribbean region offers exciting adventures, captivating land and water activities, outstanding natural beauty and very friendly and welcoming people.
DAY ONE: Young Island to Bequia
Set sail from Young Island to Bequia, the largest island in the Grenadines and an easy 1.5-hour run. There are several wrecks and shallow caves accessible to advanced divers. Besides many species of parti-colored fish, snorkelers can view Hawksbill turtles, lobsters, even spot a moray eel. Swim in the sparkling, turquoise sea then relax on deck for cocktails and dinner. For nightlife ashore, visit the Frangipani and dance to the rocking rhythm of steel drums.
DAY TWO: Princess Margaret’s BaySwim and breakfast while anchored off the pristine beach of Princess Margaret’s Bay. Dingy ashore to explore this exquisite little island with its shops and bars encircling the harbor front, strung together by a beach and a path. Enjoy a superb lunch on board and then spend a relaxing afternoon of swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling or canoeing.
DAY THREE: Princess Margaret’s Bay to Mustique
Depart from Princess Margaret’s Bay on a delightful two to three hour sail to Mustique, a famously idyllic island with magnificent beaches and several coral reefs. Mustique has attracted many celebrities over the years from Queen Elizabeth II to Amy Winehouse. Traverse pristine beaches and hilly woodland on foot or horseback, or laze under a coconut palm hut at Macaroni Beach, #14 of the World’s 21 Sexiest Beaches according to The Travel Channel. Then go for cocktails at the internationally renowned Basil`s Bar, or the Firefly, or Cotton House.
DAY FOUR: Mustique to Tobago Cays
Sailing to the Tobago Cays entails a captivating four-hour, off wind ride that passes Canouan along the way. This is an excellent opportunity for the fishing enthusiasts on board to bait a line. Drop anchor in the arms of the horseshoe reef surrounding the Jewels of the Grenadines and spend a thrilling afternoon snorkeling over brilliant corals teeming with fish. Take a dinghy expedition to Jamesby to bask on the pristine white sand beach.
DAY FIVE: Tobago Cays
Jambalaya at anchor
Spend a leisurely day relaxing in the Tobago Cays, an intimate cluster of five uninhabited cays. This idyllic yachting anchorage is a dream for scuba divers, a paradise for beachcombers, and a film location for Pirates of the Caribbean. Tobago Cays Marine Park is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring island destinations. Swim with the turtles off Baradel, or snorkel on the south side of Petit Bateau among fantastic coral and really big fish. Kite surfing enthusiasts who usually launch from Petit Rameau and sail upwind to the inner edge of Horseshoe Reef revere these cays. Back on the yacht, the chef will prepare a gourmet selection of local produce and fresh seafood for a sublime dinner pared with a perfect wine.
Jambalaya anchored in Petit St. Vincent
DAY SIX: Tobago Cays to Petit St. Vincent
In takes just an hour sailing time to reach the private island of Petit St. Vincent. En route stop at miniature Mopion Island to do a bit of beachcombing and indulge in a refreshing swim. Most visitors to Petit St. Vincent come for the tranquility. Yet, if you are feeling energetic there are walking trails, superb fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. The Petit St Vincent Resort features a spa as well as a lush garden bar with adjacent wine cellar, perfect for a celebration of the sunset.
DAY SEVEN: Petit St Vincent to Union Island
Happy Island, a man-made island in Clifton harbour
Sail to the final destination of Union Island, passing close to scenic Palm Island. Union Island is a breathtakingly beautiful place to swim, snorkel, dive, sea kayak, sunbath, read or stretch your legs on a hike. Dinghy over to Happy Island that is entirely made of conch shells. Then head back to the yacht to relish an amazing Creole dinner, a chef’s specialty.
DAY EIGHT: Union Island to Young Island
Peter & Sylvie
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then an excursion to visit to the town before bidding a fond farewell to Clifton Harbour, Union. Set sail for Young Island capturing final memories of the beauty that surrounds you to treasure until your next charter vacation in the spectacular Grenadines.
Follow this link for details about chartering JAMBALAYA.
The high-tech racing yachts, with an estimated value of US$100m, will be
The boats left Cape Town yesterday on the race`s second leg to Abu Dhabi, which requires navigating exceedingly dangerous waters off the Eastern African corridor. The solution is to transport the vessels under armed guard to the waters of Sharjah, UAE and an undisclosed safe port somewhere in the Indian Ocean, where they will be less than a day’s sail from Abu Dhabi.
“Once unloaded, race management will decide where exactly to re-start the race for a short competitive sprint into Abu Dhabi, which is hosting the event from December 31 to January 14,” said a statement “The sailors will not be on board the ship.”
