Our Charter Experts Onboard SERENITY: A Beloved Charter Yacht and Crew

Autumn is the current theme on board SERENITY, and we are greeted with potentially dangerous Pumpkin Spiced Martini shots as we board the aft deck. Through the sliding glass doors the cocktail and coffee tables of the main saloon are laden with enticing appetizer platters of figs, goat cheese and prosciutto crostini, crab cakes with orange cranberry relish, mini beef wellingtons and many other delectables.  The Chef, Jeff Ciucevich presents

Chef Jeff Ciucevich

temptations hard to resist, that somewhat belie his credo of “fresh and light cuisine with lots of veggies, fruits, seafood and local ingredients”.

SERENITY, a 116-foot Lazzara, is at once soothing and energetic, high spirited and harmonious. The décor brings in hues of the Caribbean Sea; woven into the gently undulating rug, echoed in the upholstery, accent pieces, and artwork. Guests feel at ease and at home everywhere on board.  Notable features include an elegant bar with magnificent views in the main salon, a welcoming country kitchen with sunny skylight, and an open flybridge with protective hardtop and sizeable Jacuzzi.  A floor plan designed for complete wheelchair accessibility makes circulation effortless. Modifications to this semi-custom design create an expansive swim platform and extra storage for a plethora of watersports toys and gear.

SERENITY accommodates up to ten guests in five staterooms but conversion options make this elegant yacht especially optimal for couples and charter families with children. One twin converts to a queen stateroom and also has two Pullman berths that are ideal for children.  A removable wall between adjacent port and starboard staterooms reconfigures to become a second master stateroom or a suite perfectly suited to the nanny and children.

“Thank you so much for a perfect vacation – from beautiful and delicious meals, to impeccable service, and over-the-top entertainment! Each and every crew member on the SERENITY is the absolute best of the best! We could not have had a more fabulous trip on any other ship without each of you…We have now set sail with all of you on SERENITY for two years in a row – many, many more trips together to come! Our deepest appreciation & gratitude for all each of you do! See you next summer-“

We have testimonials from guests who have actually been brought to tears of sadness when their charter draws to a close.  SERENITY maintains a loyal repeat charter clientele for obvious reasons; she’s the quintessential charter yacht with the consummate crew.  SERENITY is available for charter this winter in Florida and the Bahamas.

Here are helpful links for further information about SERENITY and Super Yacht and Luxury Yacht Charter.

Acclaimed Marine Artist Guy Harvey Collaborates to Produce Documentary Film of REEF Grouper Moon Project

Grouper are normally solitary and territorial, yet during the winter full moons grouper travel together to spawn. Wherever spawning aggregations sites have been recorded throughout the Caribbean fishermen have also aggregated, resulting in endangerment to the species and the present dormancy of one-third to one half of these sites.

In the winter of 2002, REEF launched the Grouper Moon Project in the Cayman Islands to observe the Nassau grouper spawning aggregation off the western tip of Little Cayman. Renowned marine artist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey, with videographer George Schellenger, joined the Grouper Moon Project team in 2011 to document ongoing research. They spent seven days in the field with scientists from REEF, the Cayman Islands Department of the Environment, and Oregon State University.

This September, their documentary “The Mystery of the Grouper Moon”, premiered at the Harquail Theatre on Grand Cayman. Inspired by his time underwater with the grouper, Dr. Harvey also created a painting of the aggregation that is featured on the documentary promotional poster. The original artwork will soon be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to REEF to support the Grouper Moon Project.

REEF is a non profit organization dedicated to grassroots marine conservation programs. REEF partners with dive shops, dive clubs, individuals, and other organizations worldwide.

For information on dive charters to destinations hosting REEF field stations please follow this informative link to Caribbean Yacht Charter.

FLIBS 4th Annual Perfect Setting Challenge 2011: Wow is the Factor

OLGA: Chef Claire Villemure and Chief Stew Sara Herrera

This annual event at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show highlights the extraordinary talents of individual crews in creating a lavish presentation that demonstrates their unique skills and creativity in table dressing.

This year the theme of the formal interior setting was to capture the unique and luxurious elements of a global destinations that inspires. The informal category was based on the beauty and brilliance of color. The event took place on Friday, October 28, with crews on 14 yachts participating in the contest, which provided an especially delightful experience for those of us who toured the yachts that day.

OHANA

MIA ELISE won Best in Show with a romantic Victorian gothic setting created by Chief Stew Coty Strabley and 2nd Stew Ashley Kendall. Second place in the formal category was awarded to Chief Stew Antonika Chanel and the crew of MARY ALICE II, who dressed in whimsical Alice in Wonderland costumes. Third place in the formal category brought the Great Barrier Reef to the table on board LAUREL. The imaginative theme included live fish in centerpiece vases.

OHANA was awarded first place in the uplifting informal category based on splashes of color. The People’s choice awards went to MIA ELISE in the

NEWVIDA

formal category and to OHANA in the informal category.

The other participating yachts all created fantastic settings that impressed everyone fortunate enough to view their artistic endeavors. Chief Stew Olivia Joseph, 2nd Stew Sarina Pearl, and 3rd Stew Cindy Bekkedam on board NEWVIDA cooled guests down with an arctic theme complete with chilly clouds of dry ice.

Chief Stew Sara Herrera, an accomplished mariachi singer, performed a magnificent song at her informal Mexico place setting that gave the onlookers gathered on OLGA goose bumps. With a magically quick costume change she joined the rest of the crew to present the formal Africa-themed table.

Needless to say, all of the place settings were spectacular and all deserve congratulations.

Follow this link for information on chartering elegant superyacht OHANA in the Bahamas and available for Thanksgiving charter.

Follow this link for information about elegant megayacht NEWVIDA,

OLGA

available for Caribbean charter this season.

Follow this link for details on chartering luxury yacht OLGA in the Bahamas this season.

Find extensive information on chartering these and other luxury yachts at Super and Mega Luxury Yacht Charter

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Opens to Enthusiastic Crowds

Some of the world’s most prestigious yachts along with all things nautical, from marine themed jewelry to a Triton submarine, are on display for viewing until Monday, October 31, at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

The show spans six sites and features more than $3 billion worth of boats, yachts, super yachts, electronics, engines and thousands of boating accessories from every major marine manufacturer and boat builder across the globe, as well as exotic cars, clothing and jewelry. Other activities at the boat show include marine seminars, fishing clinics, live musical entertainment and an International Food Garden.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show takes place at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, the Las Olas Municipal Marina, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, the Broward County Convention Center and the Sails Marina. Hours are from 10:00am to 7:00pm except on Monday when the show will close at 5:00pm.

Follow this useful link for detailed information on Super Yachts and Luxury Yachts currently available for charter.

Place settings include water glasses with live fish
Hot New Water Toys

Nordhavn 86 Expedition Yacht Debuts at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Oct. 27-31

The transoceanic Nordhavn 86 explorer will make her public debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this week. The N86 is the first superyacht launched by Pacific Asian Enterprises Inc. (PAE). According to the company, it is the success of the hull that has served as a catalyst in the design and forthcoming launch of the Nordhavn 120, which will place PAE into a firmly competitive position in the expedition and superyacht market.

Expedition yachts are designed as long range, ocean-crossing vessels. For the Nordhavn 86 to be successful in today’s competitive market, the design must prove to be seaworthy, safe, eco friendly and luxurious. PAE built the N86 using exotic woods, stone and materials, handcrafted in house by skilled artisans. Each hull is customized to incorporate the owners’ unique vision and state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

During the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 27-31, the Nordhavn 86 will be open for viewing at the Las Olas Marina, slip 123. The N86 on display is built for fun, optimized to carry toys with custom storage for SCUBA equipment, fishing gear and Jet skis. The layout features two VIP suites with an aft-facing master suite on the bridge level complete with sliding doors, which lead out to a private balcony. A second VIP stateroom is located on the main level.

Showcased alongside the 86 at Fort Lauderdale will be the Nordhavn 64, currently one of PAE’s top selling models. Both yachts will be at the Las Olas section of the show. Additionally, a Nordhavn 55 will be in Fort Lauderdale at the main section of the show on B Dock slip #230.

CaryAli is a Nordhavn 86 built in 2007 that is available for charter in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. CaryAli offers luxury accommodations, outstanding features, electronics and toys.

Here is a useful link for comprehensive information about Super Yacht and Luxury Yacht Charter.