The brand-new Moonen 97 began sea trials on the North Sea and thus far the results are impressive. This is the fourth hull of the series, which has a four stateroom layout based on the popular Moonen 84, but with notable added volume.
To keep the profile low and maintain the series image, designer René van der Velden replaced the raised pilothouse of the 96 with a longer flying bridge and sun deck. With a handsome flared bow, gently sloping stern and graceful sheer, the Moonen 97 retains the essence of the brand.
Contemporary interiors juxtapose sensual curves against subtle geometrics. The pleasing result is serene and sophisticated. Spacious crew accommodation makes the Moonen 97 easily adapted to chartering.
The Moonen 97 was given an excellent performance rating by several leading yacht journalists who were on board during a sea trial. The yacht is now completely finished and available for delivery
Click here to see the shipyard video of a Moonen 97 sistership.
Reaction, a very popular yacht for very good reasons
Memorialize your special event with a romantic charter on board an elegant luxury yacht. Here is a selection of yachts with dreamy layouts and delightful crews that are ideal for your celebration. For an intimate, exciting and memorable honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic getaway, share with your loved one an experience that will create memories well worth passing down.
DOUBLE EXPOSURE Cruise the Florida Keys on this all inclusive yacht, air conditioned yacht that
Double Exposure is a sail and power catamaran perfect for the Florida Keys
is as ideal for sunning as relaxing in the shade.
Discover the pristine and secluded Bahamas aboard Dream Ketcher
DREAM KETCHER is a 41 foot ketch in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas. Rate is all inclusive with bar and up to 1 dive per day for certified divers.
REACTION is all inclusive 55 foot catamaran that will thrill divers with up to 5 dives per person per week in the amazingly clear waters of the Virgin Islands.
SANDCASTLE is a seaworthy 72 foot ketch in the Virgin Islands. The all
Sandcastle "The ranking went 1 to 10. We rate this yacht a 12"
inclusive special honeymoon package includes two spa treatments or two scuba dives.
Sayang "A fantastic sailboat, a superb captain and a lovely hostess"
SAYANG is a 55′ foot cutter that sails in the Virgin Islands. SAYANG is one of our top picks for honeymooners, a lovely yacht with a very fastidious crew. Celebrate all inclusive, with complimentary fruit basket, bottle of champagne, $100 towards dinner ashore or spa treatment.
5 STAR, of all the monohulls in the Virgin Islands, has the classiest ambiance and a crew that accommodates clients in a 5 STAR manner with superb hospitality. Very romantic master suite in the forpeak with excellent amenities including terry robes, slippers.
SOULS CALLING is an owner version layout of the Lagoon 500 and has an elegant master suite with dressing area, large bathroom, and true privacy. Amenities, like the hammock and center console tender, make this a very upscale yacht.
5 Star, a fantastic Benateau for couples looking to get away to paradise
Circumnavigating Sicily is an experience of a lifetime. The captain and crew of YUK, a Hallberg-Rassy 62 foot sailing yacht, invite guests for an intimate journey into this land of extraordinary art and culture, fantastic landscapes and renowned cuisine. Sail 500 miles around Sicily while sampling the finest local food and wine both on shore and on board your luxury charter yacht. Explore the most interesting places on the coast and islands while sailing upon the crystal waters of three seas: the Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean.
Day 1: Depart from the capital city of Palermo to San Vito Lo Capo, a small town nestled between spectacular mountains, famous for the international Cous Cous Fest and dotted with charming seaside restaurants. Enjoy a classic dinner of fish couscous San Vito washed down by a fine local wine.
Day 2: Sail from San Vito to the historic town of Erice located 750 meters above sea level. There are two castles and impressive ancient ruins worth visiting. Savor luncheon al fresco at anchor before navigating to Favignana, popular for diving and snorkeling. Dive into the ocean in the afternoon then prepare to explore the town and anchor for the night.
Day 3: Favignana is famous for bluefin tuna caught using ancient Arab techniques, and caves of calcarenite rock. Visit the tuna factory, do a bit of shopping and play in the sparkling sea. In the afternoon depart for Marsala, a short distance of 10 miles. Drop anchor in Marsala Lagoon and visit the windmills of Mozia Aperitif. Visit the old town at sunset for spectacular views and explore the ancient market of Marsala.
Day 4: The cruise from Marsala to Porto Empedocle passes 66 miles of spectacular coastline. There are several port towns and lovely beaches that are perfect for shore excursions. Moor in Porto Empedocle that lies on the coast of the Strait of Sicily and is steeped in culture and history.
Day 5: This morning visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The Greek pre-socratic philosopher Empedocles
was a citzen of this ancient Greek colony. Sail to Cala dei Turchi with its sweeping sandy beach and towering cliffs in a picturesque cove, the place of ancient Arab pirate landings in Sicily. The surrounding sea is incredibly transparent and offers superb grotto diving. Cocktails and dinner on board the yacht and a night transfer to reach Marina di Ragusa.
Day 6: Ragusa is listed with seven other cities in the Val di Noto as a UNESCO
RagusaWorld Heritage Site. The city is a thrill for history, art and architecture enthusiasts, with origins that can be traced back to the 2nd millennium B.C. From the noteworthy collections of the Hyblean Archaeological Museum to fabulous Baroque and Rococo architecture, Ragusa is an extraordinary destination.
Day 7: Depart Ragusa for Siracusa via Portopalo di Capo Passero, due to its location a crossroads of civilization and culture for seafarers that have challenged the Mediterranean Sea. Continue to Syracuse for a romantic dinner at a harbor restaurant in Ortigia.
Day 8: Syracuse, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an amazing repository of Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and is mentioned in the Bible because the Apostle Paul spent time here. There are also wonderful museums, shops and restaurants offering far more to do than can be done in a day.
Day 9: Navigate to Taormina
where the yacht will moor in the picturesque Bay of Giardini Naxos, a popular seaside resort. The village of Taormina is perched on a cliff overlooking the warm waters of the Ionian Sea. Visit the ancient Greek theatre, remarkable for its state of preservation and location. Stroll among buildings and churches centuries old, lively bars, fine restaurants and antique shops, all of which contribute to Taormina’s allure. Taormina is approximately a forty-five minute drive away from Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna.
Day 10: Depart for Messina, the third largest city on Sicily. Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Messina is characterized by landmarks, museums, restaurants, shops, beautiful fountains and splendid squares at every turn.
Day 11: Embark upon the 35 mile passage
through the Straits of Messina to Capo di Milazzo, a thin peninsula that extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is the site where several civilizations have settled beginning in the Neolithic age, and the site of Ulysses shipwreck and fated meeting with Polyphemus. The port of Milazzo is a departure point for ferries to the Aeolian Islands and Naples.
Day 12: The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea and a very popular tourist destination. Here the weather will help decide which islands to visit and what adventures to pursue. Visit the fascinating pumice quarry and plan for an excursion to Capofaro Malvasia Resort, situated under the lighthouse from which it takes its name, on Salina, the Aeolian Island with the greenest and most luxuriant vegetation. The Regaleali Estate is renowned for Tasca d’Almerita award winning wines and a restaurant offering typical Sicilian dishes prepared with estate grown produce.
Day 13: Depart the Aeolian Islands for the 55 mile journey to Cefalu. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board while docked in the Bay of Cefalu. The town is one of the major tourist attractions in the region with a young atmosphere and lively nightlife. The villages are attractive for artistic, cultural and historic reasons. Dinner can be enjoyed at a local restaurant on the sea.
Day 14: Time to return to Palermo and bid your captain and crew farewell. If possible plan to spend at least a day here in Sicily’s cultural, economic and tourist capital. Visitors delight in the extraordinary restaurants, splendid Romanesque and Gothic architecture, palaces, museums and theatres and fine shopping.
The Multihull Section of the 2011 Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes, September 6 – 11, is a popular venue for all those who love cruising multihulls. Whether sail or motor, these yachts incorporate cutting edge technology, impressive stability and energy efficiency without sacrifice to power.
Many of the largest shipyards around the world plan to reveal their newest models again this year. The Multihull Section will be set up right in the heart of the Vieux Port, along the central pontoon, accessible from either the Pantiero esplanade or the Quai Saint-Pierre footbridge; a unique area accommodating a very wide range of sail and motor vessels from 8 to 36 meters.
The Multihull Section attracts visitors in continually increasing numbers, who are interested in sailing these types of vessels, whether for private or charter use worldwide, and especially in the Mediterranean.
Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes Dates: Tuesday 6 – Sunday 11 September 2011 Daily hours: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm Late evening: Friday 9 September, open until 10.00 pm www.salonnautiquecannes.com
Russell Coutts, the CEO of defending champion Oracle Racing, was racing skipper Jimmy Spithill as part of a media day to publicize the U.S. debut of the new AC45 catamarans. His boat was bearing away during the prestart maneuver when the bows buried in a wave and the cat lifted into the air and flipped over, forcing Grinder Shannon Falcone through the wing sail and into the chilly water along with another crewman.
The AC45 catamarans that raced around San Fransisco Bay debuted earlier this year in New Zealand where two capsized. The high tech, ultra light and extremely fast catamarans were expected to create gripping drama due to the inevitable risks involved in racing the boats.
Although dangerous, promoters of the AC World Series and the Americas Cup could not have orchestrated a more effective promotional stunt. With the video going viral, the AC World Series, in which the AC45s will compete in locations around the globe, and the 2013 America’s Cup, which will be sailed in even faster and more powerful 72-footers, are now more highly anticipated events than ever before.