Meg Toppa, who is our Sailing Yacht Expert for the US and Caribbean, just attended the Oakland Boat Show last week. Here is her report:
I just attended the West Coast’s only all-sail show, which was held at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. “Big deal” you say, “just another boat show”. Well in some respects, that’s correct. There are monohulls and catamarans, sail makers, riggers and everything else that makes a boat show. The thing about this show is that it is in the back yard of the new home of the America’s Cup! The actual cup was on display from 12-6 today and show attendees were encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to view the America’s Cup.
This past February, BMW Oracle Racing became the first American team to win the cup since 1992. Larry Ellison and skipper Russel Couts have decided to take the cup on the road to promote the sport of sailing in the U.S. The event includes sailing and design team members in an open and interactive Q & A session. Video highlights of the winning campaign for the 33rd America’s Cup were shown.
Seeing the cup gave me goosebumps! Growing up in Newport, RI, where the cup was contested for years, I have sailed on a 12 meter and worked for one of the syndicates during the 1983 campaign. BUT I had never seen the cup until today and it was pretty cool.
Besides ogling the cup, Meg did find some great new yachts for charter in San Francisco and the San Juan Islands, as well as learning all about new models on the market that will soon be chartering in the BVI, Bahamas, Grenadines and the rest of the Caribbean. Feel free to give her a call in our Ft Lauderdale office for any questions you may have about a sailing charter.
Exterior elegance, interior sophistication and spacious open architecture characterize this stunning 2007 Benetti Tradition. French designer Michel Sagbini juxtaposition of pale fabric, paneling and upholstery against richly toned woods impart an airy modernism throughout. Relax with friends on the ample L-shaped couch in the main salon, delight your senses with a gourmet meal served on the bridge deck, or soak up the sun reclining on a top deck lounge. New to the charter market this year, Quid Pro Quo offers sumptuous accommodation for up to 10 guests in five cabins including full beam master suite, and a VIP double cabin with adjacent twin, a perfect solution for families with young children. And whether the mood is formal or playful, the highly skilled crew of six takes meticulous care of all guests, to insure a most memorable charter experience.
This gorgeous yacht provides luxurious accommodation for six guests featuring a spacious master, VIP and twin cabins. While the roomy main salon beckons relaxation, the flybridge, equipped with a large rise and fall dining table, is the ideal spot for dining, socializing and enjoying the breathtaking Mediterranean views. Turn on the ultra high-tech entertainment system and launch any gathering into high gear.
Due to the austerity measures being implemented in Greece at the moment – the VAT rate on yacht charters has risen from 4.5% to 5.0%. But we certainly hope that won’t discourage charterers from visiting this Mediterranean charter paradise. In fact Greece is putting out the welcome mat more than ever to attract visitors.
Expedition Yachts tend to be sturdier and have a longer range than typical charter yachts, and may contain scientific equipment and tenders designed for exploration. But this doesn’t mean that you have to be “roughing it” on this type of charter. Quite the contrary, many expedition yachts have plush interiors with all the amenities including internet, a vast array of entertainment options, water toys, saunas, etc.