Acclaimed Marine Artist Guy Harvey Collaborates to Produce Documentary Film of REEF Grouper Moon Project

Grouper are normally solitary and territorial, yet during the winter full moons grouper travel together to spawn. Wherever spawning aggregations sites have been recorded throughout the Caribbean fishermen have also aggregated, resulting in endangerment to the species and the present dormancy of one-third to one half of these sites.

In the winter of 2002, REEF launched the Grouper Moon Project in the Cayman Islands to observe the Nassau grouper spawning aggregation off the western tip of Little Cayman. Renowned marine artist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey, with videographer George Schellenger, joined the Grouper Moon Project team in 2011 to document ongoing research. They spent seven days in the field with scientists from REEF, the Cayman Islands Department of the Environment, and Oregon State University.

This September, their documentary “The Mystery of the Grouper Moon”, premiered at the Harquail Theatre on Grand Cayman. Inspired by his time underwater with the grouper, Dr. Harvey also created a painting of the aggregation that is featured on the documentary promotional poster. The original artwork will soon be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to REEF to support the Grouper Moon Project.

REEF is a non profit organization dedicated to grassroots marine conservation programs. REEF partners with dive shops, dive clubs, individuals, and other organizations worldwide.

For information on dive charters to destinations hosting REEF field stations please follow this informative link to Caribbean Yacht Charter.

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

Nordhavn 86 Expedition Yacht Debuts at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Oct. 27-31

The transoceanic Nordhavn 86 explorer will make her public debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this week. The N86 is the first superyacht launched by Pacific Asian Enterprises Inc. (PAE). According to the company, it is the success of the hull that has served as a catalyst in the design and forthcoming launch of the Nordhavn 120, which will place PAE into a firmly competitive position in the expedition and superyacht market.

Expedition yachts are designed as long range, ocean-crossing vessels. For the Nordhavn 86 to be successful in today’s competitive market, the design must prove to be seaworthy, safe, eco friendly and luxurious. PAE built the N86 using exotic woods, stone and materials, handcrafted in house by skilled artisans. Each hull is customized to incorporate the owners’ unique vision and state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

During the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 27-31, the Nordhavn 86 will be open for viewing at the Las Olas Marina, slip 123. The N86 on display is built for fun, optimized to carry toys with custom storage for SCUBA equipment, fishing gear and Jet skis. The layout features two VIP suites with an aft-facing master suite on the bridge level complete with sliding doors, which lead out to a private balcony. A second VIP stateroom is located on the main level.

Showcased alongside the 86 at Fort Lauderdale will be the Nordhavn 64, currently one of PAE’s top selling models. Both yachts will be at the Las Olas section of the show. Additionally, a Nordhavn 55 will be in Fort Lauderdale at the main section of the show on B Dock slip #230.

CaryAli is a Nordhavn 86 built in 2007 that is available for charter in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. CaryAli offers luxury accommodations, outstanding features, electronics and toys.

Here is a useful link for comprehensive information about Super Yacht and Luxury Yacht Charter.

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

Fabulous Feadships: Superyacht HELIX, Luxury Charter Yacht GO and Concept QI, Make US debut at FLIBS

The 146’6” superyacht HELIX and the 128’ charter yacht GO are head-turning yachts that should not be missed at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The brand-new Feadship HELIX is the latest in the successful F45 custom-series and features a superb nautical interior. She will be making her debut in the United States and private tours onboard are available by appointment.

Brand new luxury superyacht GO, now available for charter, offers guests an unsurpassed opportunity to experience high-end design and supreme comfort. An exceptionally flexible interior

layout ensures guests equal accommodation, for example by transforming two of the four guest suites into one full-beam VIP stateroom, complete with its own lounge. Exteriors focus on the al

fresco lifestyle with a voluminous sundeck and the lovely aft deck areas that offer a wide range of seating and dining options. Serene and stately interiors onboard GO feature all of the finest facilities and amenities to ensure an unforgettable experience at all times of the day and night.

Feadship will also be displaying the sixth Future Concept 184’ QI (pronounced chee, a word representing the Eastern concept of a circulating life force or energy flow that permeates creation.) QI is designed to generate a positive energy among owners and their family & friends as they reconnect with nature through inspiring surroundings. The ancient way of writing ‘qi’ in Chinese consists of three wavy lines. These curved lines are clearly visible in the shell above QI`s waterline and mirrored in the hull.

Follow this link for comprehensive information about Superyacht and Luxury Yacht Charter

Posted on October 24, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Bitter End Yacht Club Welcomes Yacht Charter Guests to Play Ashore

Charter families and friends vacationing in the BVI will enjoy going ashore at Bitter End Yacht Club, North Sound, Virgin Gorda. This destination offers kids and adults the opportunity to stretch the legs, relax on the beach, play on the fleet of small keelboats, training boats, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards, enjoy serene spa treatments, or hike amongst the flora and fauna.

The Bitter End also has a sailing school with a range of classes from half day Sailing 101 to a Racing 201 Course. Everyone is welcome to participate in the Sunday Regatta and Tuesday afternoon Beer Can Racing and awards parties that follow.

North Sound is an excellent deepwater anchorage and Bitter End has 70 surge-free moorings situated at the protected eastern end of the Sound, as well as the full-service Quarterdeck Marina.

There are wider slips to accommodate CATS and a protective outer bulkhead larger yachts and deep draft capabilities on the outer slips for deep crewed-charter keels.

To learn about chartering in the BVI use this comprehensive link: BVI Yacht Charter – Bareboat and Crewed Sailing Vacations, Motor Yacht and Catamaran Charters in the British Virgin Island.

Posted on October 23, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

SOUTH FLORIDA FREEDIVERS TO HOST BISCAYNE BAY LIONFISH SMASH WITH THE HELP OF SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

On October 29th, 2011 the South Florida Freedivers are hosting the first Biscayne Bay Lionfish Smash at Rickenbacker Marina on Virginia Key with proceeds going to the University of Miami’s Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. This event has the goal of bringing awareness to the Lionfish invasion in Biscayne Bay and educating the public on how to harvest and handle these venomous but tasty invaders.

The Lionfish are an invasive and venomous species that hail from the Indo-Pacific Region, threatening the biological diversity of the western Atlantic. The South Florida Freedivers hope to work in conjunction with other local and national organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation to help slow lionfish invasion and educate people on how to safely kill and handle these fish.

The format is as follows: Divers will compete as two person, with more than 1 team allowed per boat. Entry fee is $60 per team. Teams must be signed up no later than the Captain’s meeting which will take place on October 27th at the Rickenbacker Fish Company. A representative from each team must sign in at this location between 7-9 am the day of the tournament. Once signed in the team can fish wherever they like in U.S. waters but must have their cooler or bucket at the dock no later than 4pm.

PRIZES:
Largest Lionfish taken $500
Smallest Lionfish taken $200
Most Lionfish by a team – A case of fine Rum

“I’m very excited to assist in increasing awareness of the negative effects of the lionfish here in my home waters. By getting the word out and working together we can combat this invasion, ” mentioned Tom Ralph, chairman of Broward Surfrider Foundation.

The South Florida Freedivers is a grassroots organization focused on bringing together free divers, scuba divers, fishermen, boaters, and all who utilize the ocean as their playground. Meetings are held every 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM at Scotty’s Landing in Coconut Grove – Miami, Florida. The purpose of these meetings is to put together a group of likeminded individuals who respect and honor the best of the sport; local fishing regulations and practices, selectivity and conservation, and above all diver safety.

Posted on October 20, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓