Category Archives: Yacht Manufacturers and Brands

Steve Jobs Custom Luxury Yacht Charter Feadship Unveiled

Just over a year after his death, the luxury motor yacht that Apple founder Steve Jobs commissioned and helped to design has finally been completed and launched in the Netherlands.Described by some as looking like a “floating Apple Store”, the custom built 80m (260ft) Feadship is named VENUS, after the Roman goddess of love.

Job’s biographer, Walter Isaacson, suggests that Jobs became almost obsessed with the yacht in the months leading up to his death. Jobs is quoted as saying “I know that it’s possible I will die and leave Laurene [his wife] with a half-built boat. But I have to keep going on it. If I don’t, it’s an admission that I’m about to die.”

Designed in collaboration with French product designer Philippe Starck, VENUS is now a posthumous testament to the sleek and crisp white designs that became synonymous with Apple during Job’s time as head of the company. While Starck denies that there is any relation between the design of this yacht and Apple (he insists that the electronics company and a boat of this size are completely different), he does admit that VENUS “is a Steve Jobs work”.

Jobs had asked the chief engineer of the Apple Stores to design a special glass that would allow 10-foot-high windows while also providing the necessary structural support. Apple also provided 7 24-inch iMac’s to be set up on the bridge of the yacht, among other Apple equipment.

The Jobs’ family reportedly attended the launch of the yacht and gave a customised iPod Shuffle to everybody who helped with the build, as a thank you for their ‘hard work and craftsmanship.’

With their ability to custom build yachts to exacting owners specifications, Feadship has been a major force creating the super yacht market as we know it today. The company has built over 200 yachts since it was founded in 1949, releasing an average of just 4 or 5 new yachts a year.

In addition to the Apple founder, Feadship has built a 200-foot yacht for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 1996 as well as custom yachts for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic, founder of the Ford Motor Company Henry Ford, and Malcolm Forbes of Forbes magazine.

If you are interested in chartering a Feadship yacht (or any other type of yacht) then please see here or email [email protected].

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Seven Luxury Sunseeker Charter Yachts in the Last Four Bond Movies!

When you think of James Bond, you think of a suave, sophisticated man, yet at the same time, the Bond movies are synonymous with action and endless streams of luxurious gadgets. The gadgets don’t just stop at Bond’s watch, or his car, they roam to the seas, in the shape of the Sunseeker.

Sunseeker is one of the world’s most prestigious luxury yacht manufacturers, and in keeping with the Bond theme, directors have placed seven Sunseeker yachts in four of the last Bond movies. In The World is not Enough (1999), a Sunseeker Superhawk 34 made it’s appearance, speeding down the River Thames in London as a pre-title scene. Following this, in Pierce Brosnan’s last movie, Die Another Day (2002), a larger Sunseeker Superhawk 48 sailed onto our screens, when Halle Berry climbed on board.

In the new era of Daniel Craig playing the role of Bond, Sunseekers have become even more frequent. In Casino Royale (2006), two Sunseekers were used. The focus of these was the Predator 108, with cameo roles from both the XS 2000 and the Sportsfish 37. Following this, in the last Bond movie to date, before the release of Skyfall, in Quantam of Solace(2008), a further three Sunseekers were utilized. A Superhawk 43, a smaller Sovereign 17, and a 37m M4.

Whilst we all wait on the release of the newest Bond movie, which has anJeel-II initial release date of the 22nd October 2012, we can’t help but look at all the gossip we know. In Skyfall, REGINA, a Pruva 56m sailboat, will be used. Her large sails and contemporary yet elegant interior would make for a fantastic charter, especially for those who are Bond lovers.

For those who are interested in chartering a fantastic Sunseeker, look no further than JEEL II, a Sunseeker 80, available for charter on the French Riviera. Her bright interior and large deck space are fantastic, complete with ample amounts of sunbathing area, enough for all passengers on board to enjoy the surroundings from the most luxurious of yachts.

If you’re interested in chartering a yacht, please go to boatbookings.com or email us at [email protected].

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WILD THYME, a luxurious Benetti Classic Charter Yacht and the Benetti Innovation Project!

Benetti have initiated a new design competition known as the Innovation Project. The prestigious yachting brand has  partnered with 16 design firms, a mix of newcomers and established artisans, to present 27 different mega yacht designs, with a view to some being put into production. Benetti left styling and interior arrangements up to each creative team to fashion as they wished, as long as the designs were based on the builder’s existing platforms, which ranges from 164 to 295 feet (50 meters to 90 meters). Marco Casali has just released three designs, which take inspiration from previous Benetti designs, bringing them into the 21st Century. Casali, “Our study was inspired by the impending anniversary of 140 years since the founding of the shipyard.” One of our favourites is the Cloud 90, a beautiful motorboat, which features both a helipad and a swimming pool.

The Cloud 90 is 295 feet in length (90 meters) and with a 55-foot beam (16.82-meter).  Marco Casali described the Cloud 90 as a mega yacht of the future, but pays respect to traditional styling and aesthetics, which have made Benetti’s  immediately recognizable. The “Cloud” part of Cloud 90 comes from the rounded, eyebrow-like glass section in the superstructure. Casali and his team mimicked the shape of clouds as well as that of the famed Yas Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Highlights of the layout include an owner’s deck with an alfresco lounge, as well as a balcony overlooking the foredeck sunning area and swimming pool. There are floor-to-ceiling windows along the main deck, three tender garages along the hull. There is a heavy emphasis on outdoor living and relaxing. The Cloud 90 will provide accommodation for up to 16 guests, with 28 crew, making a good crew-to-guest ratio.

Cloud 90 is a very exciting prospect and epitomises the importance of schemes such as Benetti’s Innovation project for the future of yachting designs. If you are looking to charter a mega yacht, we have a great selection available from a variety of prestigious ports in the world. We have a great Benetti Classic WILD THYME, which is available for charter anywhere along the French Riviera and Corsica, and would be the perfect yacht charter for MIPIM 2013. She is a 120ft super yacht which features a beautiful top deck with Jacuzzi, as well as a very luxurious interior. Alternatively, why not charter RM ELEGANT, a luxurious 237 foot super yacht with 15 cabins, accommodating up to 30 guests. She would be a great choice for large events, such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Monaco Grand Prix or a special birthday celebration.

If you would like to enquire about chartering a super yacht along the French Riviera, Italian Riviera or in the Caribbean, please enquire through the yacht page on our website or send an email to [email protected], where one of our experienced charter brokers will be delighted to assist you. Please watch this space for the latest news on Super Yacht releases, as well as futuristic designs and show information.

 

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Luxury Yacht Charter for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2012

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is widely renowned as one of the most exciting and fascinating races in the World Tour. This year will be no different. Will Sebastian Vettel be able to knock Fernando Alonso off his top spot by the time this race comes around, or will the Abu Dhabi race at the Yas Marina circuit prove to be the most important race of the year, only time will tell.

The emirate of Abu Dhabi is much larger than the others, making up some 87% of the country’s total area. With oil said to be a resource which will run out by 2100, it is no surprise that the emirate is making the most of this priceless resource, creating what only can be described as a mecca for the most luxurious of lifestyles. Unlike Dubai, Abu Dhabi remains a distinctive Arab city, as well as being green and lush. There is also a lack of traffic jams compared to Dubai, making it a much more pleasant and appealing place to live. After closely watching Dubai’s phenomenal growth, Abu Dhabi has chosen its development projects wisely, and while the laid-back feel might eventually change, the local Emirate flavour of the capital appears certain to remain!

One of our favourite yachts available for charter during the Grand Prix is JAMILA, a beautiful Sunseeker 50, which has a great flybridge, perfect for watching the race from. Another yacht, which would be ideal for charter during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is SPIRIT OF ZEN, a Pershing 88.  SPIRIT OF ZEN has a tremendous blend of warm cherry wood and cream leather interior, making for a homely yet contemporary feel. On board, there are four spacious cabins, all ensuite, with televisions installed and a top of the range entertainment system at your fingertips throughout.

Please see here for information about chartering a yacht during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. If you’re a fan of Formula One, why not take a look at our page dedicated to the Monaco Grand Prix, taking place on 26th May 2013.

If you’re interested in chartering a yacht, please email us at [email protected].

 

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Fort Lauderdale International Yacht Show 2012

Coming up in the next few weeks is another of the greatest yacht shows around. Fort Lauderdale is widely considered to be one of the central hubs of the yachting world, and we’re sure that the yacht show this October won’t disappoint.

The show will run from Friday 26th October until Monday 29th October, with a preview day on Thursday 25th. On top of the fine yachts on display, there will be a variety of yacht builders, and even some exotic cars. Split over six locations, water-taxis and shuttle buses will make sure visitors are able to easily access all parts of the yacht show, which covers 3 million square feet.

Benetti and Palmer Johnson are amongst the manufacturers on show. WILD THYME is one of our Charter Broker’s favourite yachts, available for charter. She is a stunning 120ft Benetti, with 5 luxurious cabins, and a fantastic crew. For more information, please see here.

Also on show at the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Show is the world renowned manufacturer Feadship. LA MASCARADE is a beautiful 98ft yacht, with 4 spacious cabins, and a bright interior and lots of outdoor space to enjoy whilst on board.

For more information on chartering a yacht, please enquire via our website or send an email to [email protected].

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