Lionfish: Dangerous, Dramatic and Delectable

If you are planning to dive or snorkel the reefs on your next charter voyage to the Caribbean, Bahamas or Florida Keys you may encounter the astonishingly beautiful lionfish. Beware, the graceful profusion of colorful fins belies venomous spines that, although not known to be fatal, are extremely painful and can (rarely) come with severe complications. In addition, some scientists consider them as one of the top 15 threats to biodiversity worldwide.

Lionfish are native to the Indo-Pacific region but in recent decades have invaded the waters of the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the east coast of the Americas as far north as Rhode Island, and as far south as Columbia. Their infiltration is likely the result of releases from tanks of saltwater hobbyists. With few known natural enemies, lionfish present a major threat to coral reef ecosystems as predators and competitors for food.

Humans are becoming the most lethal threat to date, as the fish emerges as a gourmet delicacy. Facebook groups promoting lionfish consumption include œI Spear Lionfish, œLionfish Derby and œEat the Lionfish. According to an article published by the Washington Post, July 7, 2010, chefs, spear fisherman and seafood distributors are plotting to eat the fish out of non-native existence. The REEF Environmental Education Foundation, a leading organization in the research and development of lionfish control programs, is preparing to publish a cookbook this fall on how to prepare the lionfish, described with a flavor between snapper and grouper.

What you should you do if you see the foot-long lionfish? They are glamorous and peaceful creatures, so use the photo opportunity. Otherwise, unless you are a savvy fisherman, or have the proper training and equipment, leave it alone but report the sighting location to the local island authorities and/or REEF when you surface.

Photo credit: REEF

Visit REEF Environmental Education Foundation: www.reef.org/lionfish

Lionfish Recipes: www.lionfishhunters.org/Recipes.html

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/06/AR2010070601003.htm

Posted on August 18, 2010 by admin — No Comments ↓

Peter Island Resort’s Unique Programs Welcome Charter Yachts

Peter Island is traditionally a very popular destination on every BVI charter itinerary. This season Peter Island Resort features two exceptional opportunities; photo documentation of your snorkel or dive adventure and professional cooking classes. Both will let you cherish a bit of the island color and flavor long after your return home.

Peter Island has some of the most awe-inspiring reefs in the BVI. Hundreds of brilliantly colored species of fish, coral and numerous shipwrecks set the stage for an extraordinary underwater quest. Armando Jenik is available to escort charterers undersea and professionally photograph their experience.

Armando is a highly acclaimed underwater photographer and cinematographer, with published images in Geo Magazine, GQ and others. His work has appeared in commercials, documentaries and feature films and he was honored with the Mobius award for best commercial in 1990. He will organize the optimum snorkel or dive adventure and create a personalized photo document that captures your experience as a work of art.

October 24-31 is the resort’s first Guest Chef Program of the season, with Corporate Executive Chef Jason Drysdale of the Norwegian Caribbean Line. Jason is the Culinary Trainer for NCL America and a genius at preparing trendy gourmet cuisine. Jason, along with the resort’s executive chef, Lisa Sellers, offer this creative, intimate cooking class limited to ten couples. The class will ferry to a working farm on Tortola to select produce, then return to the kitchen at Falcon’s Nest to create signature items that will be featured on the restaurant’s menu. This is an ongoing program so if you are interested please inquire as to future dates.

To participate in either the underwater photography experience or the Guest Chef Program at Peter Island Resort charter guests are not required to be guests of the resort but should consider program registration in advance, especially during peak periods, due to very limited space. Please read more about Peter Island in our Peter Island Yacht Charter Guide.

Posted on August 11, 2010 by admin — 1 Comment ↓

Future Destination: Tel Aviv Port to Reopen After 45 Years

Tel Aviv, with two overly congested marinas at the Jaffa Port and Atrium Square, has developed a fast-paced, two-year construction plan to ease the situation. The construction of a third marina at Tel Aviv Port, located within steps of numerous stimulating venues, will introduce an exciting new alternative for luxury yachts.

The first ships arrived in the Tel Aviv port in 1938, which remained a bustling hub of naval activity until its closure in 1965. Now Israel’s Transportation Ministry recognizes both the pressing need and economic viability of renewing marine activity at the old port.

Plans are in place to construct a new luxury marina able to accommodate smaller yachts in slips, with anchorages for larger yachts located just outside the marina. Plans include dredging the harbor to increase depth and construction of a new breakwater and docks.

Otzar Mifalei Yam and Atarim companies infused new energy into the old port about ten years ago with commercial development that today houses numerous restaurants, retail shops, offices and nightclubs. To further enhance facilities at the port plans for a major hotel and supermarket are also in the works.

Tel Aviv is a unique destination situated on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline. For architecture enthusiasts, Tel Aviv’s White City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprises the world’s largest concentration of more than 4,000Bauhaus or Modernist buildings built in the 1930s by immigrant German Jewish architects.

Tel Aviv is the wealthiest city in the country and evidences a very cosmopolitan lifestyle. Its beautiful beaches (ranked ninth-best among world beach cities by National Geographic), upscale shops, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs keep the city vibrant 24 hours a day. For information on charter yachts worldwide visit Boatbookings.com yacht charter.

Posted on August 9, 2010 by admin — No Comments ↓

Turkey’s Ã‡esme Marina: New Alluring Destination for Luxury Yachts

Located just eight miles from the Greek Island of Chios at the western tip of Turkey’s Izmir Peninsula on the shores of the Aegean, Ã‡esme Marina is fast becoming a priority destination for international yachtsmen. A yacht charter bound for destinations on the Aegean Sea offers an experience of spectacular beauty as well as inspiring cultural and historical significance. Plus, onsite customs and immigration offices at Ã‡esme Marina facilitate smooth sailing between Turkey and the Greek Islands.

Ã‡esme Marina, located in a naturally protected harbor, can moor 350 yachts with a 200’ LOA. Marine facilities include a full-service boatyard with 80-ton travel lift and ships store. The marina also features a boutique hotel and yacht club, and an enticing selection of restaurants and retail outlets. Incorporating architectural elements that reflect Turkish civilization within an upscale context gives the marina an overall ambiance of exotic luxury that is aesthetically delightful.

Highlights of the area include some very beautiful, white sand beaches and nearby Ã‡esme Hot Springs. The calm shallow waters of the beaches are ideal for families and the hot springs are said to cure just about anything that ails you.

For more information on chartering in Turkey – please see our Turkey yacht charter guide.

Posted on August 8, 2010 by admin

Sunreef Yachts 114′ CHE: The Biggest Sloop Catamaran to Prowl the Seas

Sunreef Yachts announces the launch of their largest custom-built superyacht catamaran, the Sunreef 114 CHE, the third largest catamaran in the world. Although details have not yet been made public the sloop-rigged catamaran promises to be an extremely popular option for chartering in the Caribbean this winter. An open architecture floor plan allows for unobstructed central social areas plus three staterooms and two crew cabins nestled comfortably within the hulls. CHE benefits from expansive and beautifully appointed exterior space ideal for sun worship, dining al fresco, or having fun on one of two trampolines. CHE will be completed at the Sunreef docks in Gdansk, Poland, within the next couple of months.

Sunreef 102' Double Deck IPHARRA, the second largest build launched from the yard last April, has successfully completed sea trials, achieved systems certification by Bureau Veritas and has set sail. Most notably, her double deck flybridge brings this yacht to a whole new level, comfortably furnished for dining, relaxation, or taking a turn at the helm. IPHARRA can currently be spotted in the Eastern Mediterranean prior to making her way to the Caribbean for the winter charter season.

Click here for more about Sunreef Luxury Catamaran Charters.

Posted on July 31, 2010 by admin