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Yachting Industry News

Project KHARIMA 81’ Luxury Motor Catamaran from Pro Ship

Catamaran yachts are rapidly gaining popularity for their inherent stability, expansive exterior space and roomy interior layout. They are also notable for superior energy efficiency. One of the newest models to emerge from the drawing board is 81’ KHARIMA, designed by Antonio Luxardo of Pro Ship and under construction at a boatyard in Qingdao, China.
Innovative architectural features on the yacht include a main deck salon that encompasses 1,184 square feet and a foredeck owner’s suite with 180-degree panoramic views. Two VIP ensuite staterooms and two crew cabins are positioned on the lower deck. The spacious flybridge is the perfect spot for guests to enjoy magnificent views in sun or shade, or cocktails and dinner al fresco.

KHARIMA 81 incorporates significant new trends in catamaran construction beyond the apparent. To further enhance exterior space two concealed side platforms open out when desired to generously expand options for sun and fun. Ample storage space for tenders and toys is equipped with an interior crane for launching. The high performance hull is designed for greater speed, stability and energy efficiency. All things considered, KHARIMA 81 is shaping up as a very competitive build in an aggressively expanding sector.

Boatbookings.com has a superior selection of luxury catamaran motor yachts available for charter – feel free to visit our Catamaran Yacht Charter and Sailing Vacation Guide.

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Boatbookings Hosts Central Charter Agent Appreciation Event

n Wednesday, July 28, Boatbookings.com hosted their Second Annual Food and Wine Paring at Hugh’s Catering in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event is a “thank you” for all the hard work and extra efforts the Central agents go to to assure our clients have flawless charters on the agents' yachts.

Sharon Bahmer, the Caribbean andUSACharter Director, flawlessly organized the event. Regional Central Charter Agents in attendance were delighted to have the opportunity to meet Tom Virden, Boatbookings Founder and Managing Director based in Cannes, France, and Sean Fawcett, Boatbookings Vice President based in Boston.

The appreciation event featured Sommelier Francis V. Sullivan, who made an informative presentation with each pairing to reveal the complexities and nuances of the wines being served. Chef Hugh and his staff of experts welcomed those interested to watch the on-site preparation of the five-star, five-course menu. Chef Hugh took timely advantage of the local lobster mini hunting season, diving himself for the lobster that provided a delicious first course of Lobster Fra Diavlo.

The evening culminated in a grueling contest that tested the wine palate of guests with yet more tastings. Winners happily accepted bottles of wine that were awarded as prizes. Everyone

agreed the event was a superb success!

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Turkey’s Çesme Marina: New Alluring Destination for Luxury Yachts

Located just eight miles from the Greek Island of Chios at the western tip of Turkey’s Izmir Peninsula on the shores of the Aegean, Çesme Marina is fast becoming a priority destination for international yachtsmen. A yacht charter bound for destinations on the Aegean Sea offers an experience of spectacular beauty as well as inspiring cultural and historical significance. Plus, onsite customs and immigration offices at Çesme Marina facilitate smooth sailing between Turkey and the Greek Islands.

Çesme Marina, located in a naturally protected harbor, can moor 350 yachts with a 200’ LOA. Marine facilities include a full-service boatyard with 80-ton travel lift and ships store. The marina also features a boutique hotel and yacht club, and an enticing selection of restaurants and retail outlets. Incorporating architectural elements that reflect Turkish civilization within an upscale context gives the marina an overall ambiance of exotic luxury that is aesthetically delightful.

Highlights of the area include some very beautiful, white sand beaches and nearby Çesme Hot Springs. The calm shallow waters of the beaches are ideal for families and the hot springs are said to cure just about anything that ails you.

For more information on chartering in Turkey – please see our Turkey yacht charter guide.

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154’ Heesen Project YN 15747: Imaginative Design for a Luxury Yacht

The newest project from Heesen Yachts, in build for Mr. And Mrs. Heesen, is a steel-hull, full-displacement yacht designed for transoceanic adventure. The general arrangement and interior design of the yacht present an exciting departure from the norm. While guest suites occupy their traditional position on the lower deck, the Owner’s suite is secluded on the upper deck for privacy and tranquility, especially important when cruising with younger members of the extended family. To the delight of the children, forward on the main deck is a dedicated media and games room with panoramic views.

The design firm of Bannenberg & Rowell employs an imaginative combination of styles that result in strikingly modern interiors. The company is known for merging various styles and materials for an eclectic effect that while ultra contemporary is practical and inviting. Influenced by 20th Century industrial Dutch design and optical geometrics, interior spaces impart an urban futuristic flair that is a clean departure from traditional yacht interiors. Boatbloggings will continue to track the progress of this yacht, scheduled for delivery in spring of 2012, which promises to be well worth watching!

LOA: 154’

Beam: 29’

Draft: 9.3’

Maximum speed: 15.5 knots

Range at 12 knots: 4,000 Nm

Engines: 2x MTU 8V 4000 M70 diesel

Exterior Design: Omega Architects

Interior Design: Bannenberg & Rowell

Photo Credit: Heesen Yachts

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Sunreef Yachts 114′ CHE: The Biggest Sloop Catamaran to Prowl the Seas

Sunreef Yachts announces the launch of their largest custom-built superyacht catamaran, the Sunreef 114 CHE, the third largest catamaran in the world. Although details have not yet been made public the sloop-rigged catamaran promises to be an extremely popular option for chartering in the Caribbean this winter. An open architecture floor plan allows for unobstructed central social areas plus three staterooms and two crew cabins nestled comfortably within the hulls. CHE benefits from expansive and beautifully appointed exterior space ideal for sun worship, dining al fresco, or having fun on one of two trampolines. CHE will be completed at the Sunreef docks in Gdansk, Poland, within the next couple of months.

Sunreef 102' Double Deck IPHARRA, the second largest build launched from the yard last April, has successfully completed sea trials, achieved systems certification by Bureau Veritas and has set sail. Most notably, her double deck flybridge brings this yacht to a whole new level, comfortably furnished for dining, relaxation, or taking a turn at the helm. IPHARRA can currently be spotted in the Eastern Mediterranean prior to making her way to the Caribbean for the winter charter season.

Click here for more about Sunreef Luxury Catamaran Charters.

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