Today was a picture perfect for both competitors and spectators. I am watching all the excitement from a graceful Jenneau Sunfast43. An array of majestic parti-colored spinnakers billowing on a breeze, much gentler today than on day one of the races, propel these magnificent boats downwind. AQUARIUS was a spectacular sight out on the water and we are elated to learn that she finished first in her class.
Thursday saw the crew on board charter yacht AQUARIUS having a great first day of sailing, in which they valiantly defied a 90 minute morning squall. By the time of my evening arrival everyone was in fine form to party, having already finished taking the winches apart and cleaning them after this challenging day of racing.
The party, located at Dutch Sint Maarten’s Port de Plaisance on picturesque Simpson Bay, was tremendous fun, featuring rockin’ music and delightful cuisine. The eclectic crowd included jubilant local families, whose little children danced energetically about the grounds. Not to mention of course, the yacht crews, finally able to relax, drink lots of Heineken and eye the many local beauties. Big screens broadcast videos with highlights of the races.
I had dinner on board an elegant Jeanneau 43, which was moored out in Simpson Bay (a bit of a rolly polly place) and gliding on the water from the marina to the mooring on the dinghy the dense forest of glittering masthead lights was truly breathtaking. I am delighted to report that the number of boats in the harbor has easily doubled from last year, including an array of imposing mega yachts. I anticipate a brilliant day of events tomorrow and will keep you posted, with luck right from the rail!
WHISPER is an extraordinary sailing yacht, launched in 2003, that features every classic detail you can imagine. This luxurious 116ft. sloop features naval architecture and styling by renowned Ted Hood/Ted Fontaine with supremely elegant interiors by Andrew Winch. WHISPER, built by Holland Jachtbouw, was the distinguished winner of the 2004 ShowBoats Award for Best Sailing Yacht Under 40 Meters.
WHISPER is an ideal yacht from which to view some of the Caribbean’s most exhilarating competitions. St. Maarten’s Heineken Regatta, March 3-6, St. Barth’s Bucket, 24-27 March, and Les Voiles de St. Barth, 4-9 April, pit award winning world class teams against each other to challenge the seas.
Guests on board WHISPER will thrill to magnificent views from the raised pilot house featuring L-shaped banquette seating and congenial bar area. This luxury sailing yacht also has a spacious cockpit that seats up to 10 guests.
WHISPER has a regular weekly rate of $80,000 but is being offered at the reduced rate of $69,000 per week. This supremely elegant yacht features a highly skilled crew of five that are dedicated to providing the ultimate charter experience.
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.
Our charter experts have had the pleasure of getting on board NEMO, a Nautitec 47, and have been extremely impressed by this very green, eco-friendly yacht, with a Captain who has taken many innovative and forward thinking measures to insure a minimal environmental impact.
Luxury catamaran NEMO is offering a special rate for eight guests to cruise through the spectacular and pristine waters of the British Virgin Islands from April 23 – May 1, 2011. Whether you are a charter family with children, or adult friends looking for a fabulous getaway, NEMO is an ideal yacht. The crew is dedicated those of all ages who want to improve their passion for sailing and learn the techniques of navigation as well as pamper guests who prefer to enjoy lazy days, snorkeling, fishing, listening to music with out a care.
The pick up on elegant sailing catamaran NEMO will be on Saturday 23rd April, at 5:00pm in Tortola, BVI, and the drop off will be on Sunday morning, May 1st. Esteemed charter guests will enjoy a sailing week among the islands together with NEMOs Italian crew who look forward to extending their personalized service and attention, sharing their energy and warmth, and above all Italian recipes and sailing lessons!
The all inclusive charter rate of $ 18.000,00 is for eight passengers and equals eight nights for the price of seven. The price includes: multi accessorized catamaran Nautitech 47’ foot NEMO, built in 2009, skipper, hostess, meals and beverages (excluding special requests and excessive consumption), towels and linens, biodegradable toiletries, outboard, water toys, snorkeling equipment, kayak, fishing rods and wake board.
