Category Archives: Destination Information

Post about great (or not so great) places to charter and see

Bitter End Yacht Club in North Sound, Virgin Gorda, Unveils their Brand New, State-of-the-Art, Quarterdeck Marina this July

The Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC) in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda is an exceedingly popular destination in the British Virgin Islands for both charter and private yachts. To accommodate ever-larger charter catamarans, monohulls and power yachts, top-of-the-line sportfish and private megayachts, BEYC is set to open the full service Quarterdeck Marina this July.commercial inflatable bouncers

The new installation, built from the ground up, will have wider slips, improved decking surfaces, enhanced skirting, upgraded power, and best of all a better dockage layout to accommodate a wider variety of boat sizes and shapes.

The state of the art facility will be able to accommodate yachts up to 235 feet LOA with drafts of 15 feet or

From left: Richard Starkey, CEO/Managing Director of Meridian Construction Company; Marland D'Augiar, Foreman and Supervisor; Sandra Grisham, COO Bitter End Yacht Club; James Meade, Construction Manager at Bitter End; Carine Locher, Quarterdeck Marina Manager; Robert Smith, Director of Engineering; and Mary Jo Ryan, Resort Manager

more. Tender docks are larger, catamaran docks are wider, and electricity is easily accessed.

Richard Starkey of Meridian Construction Company is the General Contractor on the project.  Noted architect Peter Brill penned the designs. Both worked closely with ownership and management to fulfill their goals. According to Starkey, “the project here at Bitter End will fit the needs of the clientele perfectly. It’s such a lovely location, and the new facility will blend in nicely.”

Here is a link to access comprehensive information about the British Virgin Islands.

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Our Charter Experts Onboard Luxury Yacht HERA-C: Retro Elegance in a Modern Context

HERA-C is truly a gentleman’s yacht, reminiscent of a period when well-heeled aristocrats dedicated time to the pleasures of cruising for business and pleasure. HERA-C perfectly recreates this era, yet in a modern context.

HERA-C is an ideal charter yacht for the important events season in the South of France. This luxury yacht is an excellent option for discreet charter clients who require lots of space for business meetings and cocktail parties, without breaking the bank.

Luxury yacht HERA-C is totally refit to accommodate the requirements of today’s charter clientele without sacrifice to Old World elegance. Updated interiors are designed to compliment an abundance of rich mahogany. A soothing pale color palette of golden tones, Tiffany turquoise, deep sea blue and crisp white, contrast pleasantly with glossy wood finishes and spotless fixtures.

HERA-C is a veteran at MIPIM, MIPTV, and Cannes, featuring seven distinct meeting areas that can be configured to suit any guest requirement, even in inclement weather. In fact, we visited the yacht during a downpour and can attest to the level of comfort despite the rain. The spacious main deck opens to a well-protected aft deck creating an extensive social space. HERA-C has hosted cocktail affairs of up to 50 guests and dining is available for up to 40 guests with seating for 24 on the upper level and 16 in the main dining area.

HERA-C is a tranquil, comfortable and steady yacht; with a knowledgeable British Captain whose experience navigating the Mediterranean Sea dates back to the launch of this Dutch built, steel hull, displacement yacht. He is very relaxed and delighted to oblige charter clients at any time and most willingly books his time accordingly.

We found the crew to be extremely solicitous and utterly charming, although additional staff will be required for any large-scale social event. The crew is easygoing and particularly skilled with children. On our visit the Chef, who hails from Malta, treated us to a delicate fish with asparagus and a mixed zesty aubergine puree with tasty sun-dried tomato layers. We also indulged in a lovely Piper Heidsick and an excellent white wine pared perfectly with the fish.

HERA-C is a yacht that assures a relaxed yet dignified atmosphere to guests in attendance at the prestigious events scheduled in the South of France. This stylish and seaworthy vessel is still available but, given her previous charter history, is likely to book quickly.

Brochure for HERA-C

2012 MIPIM Charter Yachts in Cannes

MIPTV featuring MILIA Yacht Charter Opportunities

HERA-C is truly a gentleman’s yacht, reminiscent of a period when well-heeled aristocrats dedicated time to the pleasures of cruising for business and pleasure. HERA-C perfectly recreates this era, yet in a modern context.

HERA-C is an ideal charter yacht for the important events season in the South of France. This luxury yacht is an excellent option for discreet charter clients who require lots of space for business meetings and cocktail parties, without breaking the bank.

Luxury yacht HERA-C is totally refit to accommodate the requirements of today’s charter clientele without sacrifice to Old World elegance. Updated interiors are designed to compliment an abundance of rich mahogany. A soothing pale color palette of golden tones, Tiffany turquoise, deep sea blue and crisp white, contrast pleasantly with glossy wood finishes and spotless fixtures.

 

HERA-C is a veteran at MIPIM, MIPTV, and Cannes, featuring seven distinct meeting areas that can be configured to suit any guest requirement, even in inclement weather. In fact, we visited the yacht during a downpour and can attest to the level of comfort despite the rain. The spacious main deck opens to a well-protected aft deck creating an extensive social space. HERA-C has hosted cocktail affairs of up to 50 guests and dining is available for up to 40 guests with seating for 24 on the upper level and 16 in the main dining area.

HERA-C is a tranquil, comfortable and steady yacht; with a knowledgeable British Captain whose experience navigating the Mediterranean Sea dates back to the launch of this Dutch built, steel hull, displacement yacht. He is very relaxed and delighted to oblige charter clients at any time and most willingly books his time accordingly.

We found the crew to be extremely solicitous and utterly charming, although additional staff will be required for any large-scale social event. The crew is easygoing and particularly skilled with children. On our visit the Chef, who hails from Malta, treated us to a delicate fish with asparagus and a mixed zesty aubergine puree with tasty sun-dried tomato layers. We also indulged in a lovely Piper Heidsick and an excellent white wine pared perfectly with the fish.

HERA-C is a yacht that assures a relaxed yet dignified atmosphere to guests in attendance at the prestigious events scheduled in the South of France. This stylish and seaworthy vessel is still available but, given her previous charter history, is likely to book quickly.

Brochure for HERA-C

2012 MIPIM Charter Yachts in Cannes

MIPTV featuring MILIA Yacht Charter Opportunities

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Beyond Outstanding Dives: Sea Saba, Alluring Caribbean REEF Field Station

 

REEF, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research and conservation, would like divers to know about their field station, Sea Saba, a top-notch dive operator located on a small Caribbean island devoid of beaches, but abundant in spectacular dive sites! The island of Saba, located southwest of St. Barths, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and lack of development, the island has fewer than 2,000 residents. Dive shop owners, Lynn and John, have made scuba diving, travel, and photography their life for well over two decades.

Working with the REEF program, Sea Saba continues to improve the knowledge base of their dive instructors. Dive staff members are all qualified as REEF Level 3 surveyors. “It’s a win/win/win. We’re making a concerted effort to ensure a great dive experience is had by all our visitors but also by our staff. If we can engage each guide to be more aware and knowledgeable and share this information with our diving guests, dive guides avoid burnout. The enthusiasm is contagious.” says Lynn.

Sea Saba understands and shares REEF’s mission to educate, enlist, and engage divers in marine conservation efforts. In Lynn’s words, “Fish identification skills are a stepping stone in understanding our underwater environment. By sharing knowledge, we not only create better surface interval conversations, we can hope each diver is also an advocate to use what power he/she has to protect this realm: the coral, the fish, the reef, the ocean…our planet.”

Sea Saba hosted the first REEF Field Survey of the year in March and participants confirmed over 150 species sightings during the week, including rare finds such as yellowcheek basslets, punk blennies, and a hammerhead shark. Divers, led by excellent divemasters and staff of Sea Saba, many of whom are active surveyors throughout the Saba Marine Park surrounding this petite island, were thrilled with the natural beauty of Saba, the perfect setting for diving and hiking adventure.

REEF has fascinating dive programs throughout the world that allow divers to learn and participate in marine conservation.

Here is a helpful link for further information on Caribbean Yacht Charter

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Maldives Itinerary: Ancient, Modern and Altogether Breathtaking

The Maldives is a long and narrow country formed by 26 natural atolls in the Indian Ocean. Satellite imagery reveals these atolls to be some of the most beautiful on earth. Superb diving has made the Maldives a premier destination for scuba divers, and since the early 1970s peerless spa resorts have attracted a chic international clientele. A luxury yacht charter is ideal for guests who want to experience everything the Maldives has to offer above and below the waterline.

Maldives Ten-Day Itinerary

Day One: Male’atholhu Uthutuburi to Baa Atoll

Arrive in the capital city Malé on North Malé Atoll, considered one of the most beautiful atolls on the planet.  Here you will board your yacht and set sail on aquiline waters, past lush palm islands, white sand beaches, and villages endowed with traditional charm. Anchor outside a lagoon in one of the beautiful islands in Baa Atoll. Take a leisurely swim or an awesome snorkel to view parti-colored fish.

Day Two: Baa Atoll

Baa Atoll is an administrative division of the Maldives made up of three separate atolls. Explore Kihaadhuffaru Thila where graceful stingrays and nurse sharks glide through the crystal clear water. Cruise to Gemendhoo, an uninhabited island with verdant vegetation and a powdery white sand beach. Thulhaadhoo Island is traditionally well known for its lacquerwork handicrafts. In the village of Kudarikilu learn about Maldivian island life, visit the mosque and local shops where Thundukunaa, the traditional craft of mat weaving can be observed. Anchor outside Kudarikilu lagoon and relax against the backdrop of endless ocean and scarlet sunset.

Day Three: Baa Atoll to Raa Atoll

Northern Maalhosmadulu Atoll or Raa Atoll is the next atoll in the archipelago. Visit Ugulu and the heritage site of Redhinge Usgandu. Anchor outside Ugulu, renowned as an excellent fishing spot. Cruise to Voadhoo Faru for breathtaking diving. Discover Alifushi, a village famous for traditional boatbuilding.

Day Four: Raa Atoll to Shaviyani Atoll

Enjoy an authentic Maldivian breakfast before heading towards Haa Dhaal Atoll with a stop at Shaviyani Atoll enroute. Visit Maroshi to see the historic Kaani Tree (Cordia Subcordata) that dates back to the 16th century struggle against Portuguese rule.

Day Five: Shaviyani Atoll to Haa Dhaal Atoll

Cruise to Dhaal Atoll where guests may anchor outside the lagoon for lunch. Explore Maamakunudhooo Atoll to the southeast, the site of several shipwrecks including the English ship Persia Merchant, destroyed in 1658, and the Hayston, which ran onto a reef in 1819.

Day Six: Haa Dhaal Atoll to Haa Alif Atoll

Haa Alif Atoll is the northernmost Atoll of the Maldives. Here visitors may explore the historical island of Utheemu, the birthplace of Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu. Utheemu Ganduvaru is the site of the historic residence of this legendary hero attributed with freeing the nation from the Portuguese. Visit Kelaa Island, a British military base during World War II. The mosque here dates from the end of the 17th century. The island is known for the production of yams and cadjan, a mat made of coconut palm leaves. After lunch visit Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi. This luxury boutique resort is on the privately owned, uninhabited island of Dhonakulhi.

Day Seven: Haa Alif Atoll to Lhaviyani Atoll

Pass by Ekulivaru, an untouched, uninhabited island with a delightful reef for snorkeling and lovely beach for a picnic lunch. Visit Naifaru, a local island where visitors can spend an evening in a local home and experience local delicacies.

Day Eight: Lhaviyani Atoll to Baa Atoll

Angu Faru is an amazing dive site that is home to schools of barracuda, the breeding ground for grey reef sharks, and a common habitat for turtles. Visit Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, featuring the only resort based astronomical observatory of its kind in the world. Divulge in sumptuous gourmet cuisine offered on the dinner menu at the resort.

Day Nine: Baa Atoll to Malé Atoll

Cruise to Male’ Atoll where visitors may select from a variety of activities including a scenic photo flight, a city tour, or a visit to Huvafen Fushi, managed by Per Aquum Resorts and Spas, which features a unique, world class under water spa.

Day Ten: Malé Atoll to Malé International Airport

Bid your Captain and Crew a fond farewell and begin the journey home. While enroute, envision destinations for your next spectacular luxury yacht charter vacation.

For comprehensive charter and destination information please visit The Maldives Yacht Charter and Sailing Vacation Guide. Follow this link to view an exciting selection of Maldives Charter Yachts.

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Available for Charter: Brand New Leopard 44 in the British Virgin Islands and Jeanneau 54 DS Flagship in Newport, Rhode Island

A dazzling 2011 Leopard 44 will be available for charter out of Tortola, BVI beginning this November. This innovative sailing catamaran features a powerful engine, excellent electronics package, bimini hard top, high capacity water and fuel tanks, electric windlass and more.

The acclaimed brand won the Cruising World Boat of The Year and Sail Magazine Best Boats awards in the Cruising Multihull and Overall Import Boat of the Year categories. The Leopard 44 is ideally designed to delight bareboat charterers with excellent seaworthiness, cruising performance and spacious accommodation.

The most significant modification on the new Leopard 44 is the addition of the open forward cockpit with direct access from the saloon. This feature offers increased visibility, ventilation, and increased living space in an ergonomic and safe design. This lounging area has a fixed overhead bimini for protection against the elements. The forward door with large portlights in the windscreen allows for through ventilation in the saloon, even during a tropical downpour, where the forward bimini prevents water entry.

Jeanneau 54 DS 2010 just entered the charter market and now is available out of Newport R.I. The Jeanneau 54 is a stunning luxury yacht designed as the flagship of the Jeanneau fleet. This beautiful, spacious yacht is fully air-conditioned and features contemporary interiors of rich woods, teak, sumptuous leathers and first-class amenities.  This seaworthy monuhull accommodates eight guests in four cabins.

Jeanneau 54 DS Slideshow

Here are some helpful links about Bareboat Yacht Charter and spectacular destinations in the British Virgin Islands and New England.

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