Charter yachts now allowed to stay 90 days in the Maldives (up from 30)

The Maldives Ministry of Tourism has extended the period that a visiting yacht is allowed to stay in the Maldives with a cruising license from 30 to 90 days, effective 1st of June 2010. The full regulations are as follows:

All foreign vessels categorized as yachts must pay an entry permit fee of MRF 5000.00 to the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture

A Captains Declaration describing the crew and passengers onboard must be submitted to the Ministry

A Government Passenger Tax is charged for each passenger on a charter yacht in the Maldives

Fees for Charter licenses are the following:

Vessels less than 25 m in LOA – USD 15.00 per day
Vessels from 25 meters to 35 meters in LOA – USD 200.00 per day
Vessels from 36 meters to 46 meters in LOA – USD 350.00 per day
Vessels from 46 meters to 75 meters in LOA – USD 450.00 per day
Vessels above 75 meters in LOA – USD 600.00 per day

Read more in our Maldives Yacht Charter Guide.

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Tom Virden — 1 Comment ↓

Impressions of CATALONIAN SPIRIT – 112 ft Inace Explorer Yacht

Friday evening, Sharon and Meg from our Ft Lauderdale office had the privilege of viewing the CATALONIAN SPIRIT. Built in the Brazilian yard Inace, this 112 ft 5 stateroom explorer yacht is a floating penthouse. Unlike most yachts that will head to the Med or New England for summer charters, CATALONIAN SPIRIT will be in the Caribbean and still has a few weeks available for charter.

And the crew! The service was exemplary and there was a gorgeous selection of hors d’oervres for us to enjoy. The captain and crew will make sure that you are wonderfully pampered, as were we.

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Tom Virden — No Comments ↓

Genoa Yacht Show Featured Charter Yachts – KATYA, 2009 DELTA MARINE 151′

Katya represents one of those rare instances in which collaboration between the owners, their designer Jean-Claude Canestrelli, and the Delta Design Group, produced a yacht that is superbly luxurious, regally elegant, yet calming and comfortable. The stunning crÃ¨me color of the ceilings and floors present a sinfully rich backdrop for dark figured khaya veneers, amboina and maple burls, and crotch mahogany woods.

The Owner named the yacht after their adopted Russian daughter, whom the crew adores, and portraits of her are hung throughout the yacht. Her beautifully feminine ensuite cabin is decorated in shades of pink with a bathroom of finely veined green marble, a space to delight any child. Outside areas beckon relaxation; lounging on the bow is a popular pastime with guests, or a leisurely luncheon at the outdoor table for twelve. Families will especially appreciate the well-stocked toy chest that inspires guests of any age to have fun on the water.

Katya accommodates 12 guests in five staterooms and, despite her stately presence, welcomes children onboard.
Length: 151′
Beam: 31′
Draft: 9′ 6″
Stabilizers at Anchor: Yes
Deck Jacuzzi: Yes
Max Speed: 15.5 knots
Cruising Speed: 12.5 knots

Posted on May 12, 2010 by admin — No Comments ↓

Genoa MYBA Charter Show – New Luxury Destination Recommendations

The main lecture at the MYBA Yacht Charter Show on Tuesday featured knowledgeable captains discussing some of their favorite destinations. Their recommendations:

Corsica to Sardinia.

Corsica Luxury Yacht Charter By capt James Pitman, HEAVENLY DAZE

These two amazing mediterranean islands offer great beaches, chic and glamorous restaurants and nightlife for where celebrities and the rich and famous hang out. They also offer incredible beauty and solitude. And, because they are in close proximity to the French and Italian Coasts, they are easy to get to and offer a full array of luxury yachts.

See our Corsica Yacht Charter Guide and our Sardinia Yacht Charter Guide for further information and itinerary ideas.

Greece – Kalamaki to Kithira

Kalamaki Yacht Charter Everyone has heard of Santorini, but for a different experience featuring ancient history and quiet beaches, try Kalamaki to Kithira. Simplicity is the key word says captain Berdos Evangelos, SUNCOCO, meaning relaxation, beauty, and calm.

We have an excellent itinerary for this area starting in Kalamaki.

Turkey

Turkey has vast shoreline and charter areas. Here’s an extended luxury yacht tour of the highlights.

Istanbul and the famous Bosporus is great for larger yachts. Atakoy marina is just 8km from airport.Make sure you have some time to spend exploring famous Istanbul.

Cesme offers white beaches nightlife.

Bodrum on the southwest tip of Turkey is hot spot for charterers, especially luxury Gulets for Blue Cruises. It offers nightlife, good restaurants and history. Bodrum features a classic wooden Gulet regatta 19 – 24 Oct 2010 – Bodrum cup – a sight to behold!

Delikada has mud baths and sea turtles only local tenders are allowed in the area.

Gocek quiet unspoilt 12 islands in the area. Simple local restaurants for essence of Turkish culture.

Fethiye. Rafting and river fishing as well as the Butterfly valley

Kalkan. Three ancient sites to visit.

Kas. Fishing village. Best diving in the region.

Kekova. Sunken city take a boat drop anchor. Glass bottom boats take you to see the sunken city. No diving or snorkeling without escort.

Finike. Home of St Nicholas. Santa claus.

Ending Antalya. Beautiful resorts. 40 mins from marina to city. Preserved antique theatre for 1500 people.

Boatbookings has experts on all of the above charter regions, and shares the captain’s love for them! We’d be happy to discuss a luxury charter in any of these regions.

Posted on May 5, 2010 by Tom Virden — No Comments ↓

MYBA Charter Show – first look at BISTANGO – 62 meter Benetti Luxury Yacht

We visited the impressive BISTANGO yesterday under cloudy and rainy conditions at the MYBA Charter Show Bistago is a 62meter Benetti Motor Yacht, making its first appearance out of the shipyard.

BISTANGO is a state of the art superyacht – sumptuous in every way possible. The word opulent also comes to mind but does not begin to decribe this amazing yacht. She offers rich luxurious fabrics including leather walls and counter tops stamped in crocodile motif. Interior design by Mauro Izzo and the owner himself. Colours are black, gold, browns and creams. Black and gold leaf trim throughout the yacht with often hand painted gold. This yacht will be appreciated by guests who want the best of the best, as the designers of both the hull and interior have not left out any details and offer creature comforts in every way.

BISTANGO has 5 decks in total with elevators throughout. The upper sun deck has at a 14 person Jacuzzi. The gym has the features of a professional workout room, with a Power Plate, eliptical and treadmill machines and free weights.

The Skylounge has baby grand piano. The theme has African influences and is described by the crew as “Versace on Safari”. The outdoor dining table on this deck seats 16.

The Master suite is on the main deck, and offers the most spacious closets we have ever seen on a yacht. It has his and hers bathrooms with a Turkish bath/shower in “his”. The master bed faces the bow with a 180 degree view.

BISTANGO has 6 cabins accomodating 12 guests, and is staffed by a crew of 14. Her captain and chef are Australian. Overall, an amazing yacht!

For further details – feel free to contact us.

Posted on May 4, 2010 by Tom Virden — No Comments ↓