197’ Arkley Wins Motor Yacht of the Year 2010

The LÃ¼rssen shipyard, founded in north Germany in 1875 by Friedrich LÃ¼rssen, to date has launched more than 13,000 vessels. Many of these storied yachts are a familiar sight at charter destinations worldwide.

Arkley now joins their elite ranks, taking the coveted Motor Yacht of the Year Award at the World Superyacht Awards 2010. Arkley, launched in 2009, is a long-range cruiser that features exterior styling by Espen Oeino and interior design by Mark Berryman.

Notable features include a sun bed that converts to a stage, an impressive collection of tenders and toys, voluminous deck spaces and a crew that includes two dive instructors. This award-winning yacht accommodates 12 guests in six suites and is currently available for charter.

Posted on June 2, 2010 by admin — 1 Comment ↓

Heesen Yachts Scores a Double Win at Superyacht Awards

Neptune Trophy — Heesen Wins Superyacht Award Trophy

Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts proudly received two Neptune Trophies on May 22nd at the 2010 World Superyacht Awards hosted by Boat International Media at London’s Guildhall. The 154-foot Celestial Hope won the ˜Semi-displacement or Planing Motor Yacht of over 40-metre Length’ category. Built in 2008, this custom yacht has exterior styling by Omega Yachts and interiors by Intarya Design. Celestial Hope, a fast yacht built of lightweight aluminum, reaches a maximum speed of 22 knots. Members of the Jury, largely comprised of superyacht owners, based their winning selection on construction quality and interior layout and design.

The 153-foot semi-custom Heesen Blind Date won for ˜Displacement Motor Yacht Below 500 Gross Tons’. Blind Date, which launched in August of 2009, features exterior design by Heesen and Frank Laupman and interior design by Keech Green in collaboration with the Owner. The Judges were impressed by the construction, engineering, and interior layout and design, especially noting spacious decks and functional circulation. Blind Date is available for charter and accommodates 10 guests in five elegantly appointed suites. The yacht features many stylish social spaces, an impressive selection of water toys, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, and is outfitted with zero speed stabilizers to insure maximum comfort.

Photo Credits: Mark Sims Photography

Posted on June 2, 2010 by admin — No Comments ↓

Charter yachts now allowed to stay 90 days in the Maldives (up from 30)

The Maldives Ministry of Tourism has extended the period that a visiting yacht is allowed to stay in the Maldives with a cruising license from 30 to 90 days, effective 1st of June 2010. The full regulations are as follows:

All foreign vessels categorized as yachts must pay an entry permit fee of MRF 5000.00 to the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture

A Captains Declaration describing the crew and passengers onboard must be submitted to the Ministry

A Government Passenger Tax is charged for each passenger on a charter yacht in the Maldives

Fees for Charter licenses are the following:

Vessels less than 25 m in LOA – USD 15.00 per day
Vessels from 25 meters to 35 meters in LOA – USD 200.00 per day
Vessels from 36 meters to 46 meters in LOA – USD 350.00 per day
Vessels from 46 meters to 75 meters in LOA – USD 450.00 per day
Vessels above 75 meters in LOA – USD 600.00 per day

Read more in our Maldives Yacht Charter Guide.

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Tom Virden — 1 Comment ↓

154′ IMAGINATION; Benetti’s Newest Superyacht Launch

The stunning super yacht Imagination has launched from Benetti’s Pisa Shipyard. Exterior designer Stefano Natucci gives classic Italian styling a playful edge embellishing oblong windows striking slashes of blue, which lend a sense of motion to the profile that is both commanding yet irreverent. Interiors by the renowned Francois Zuretti, Zuretti Interior Design, are still under wraps awaiting some finishing touches. The yacht will be completed at Benetti’s Livorno facility and delivery is scheduled for July.

Despite it’s size, this semi-displacement yacht is predicted to have a maximum speed in excess of 20 knots. Benetti, a favorite brand of charter clients, has a prolific history of boatbuilding that stretches back to 1873, when Lorenzo Benetti opened the shipyard near Genoa, Italy. Boatbookings is pleased to offer many Benetti charter yachts for the discriminating client that appreciates Italian elegance and sophistication.

LOA: 154.20
Beam: 28.87
Draught: 8.86
Guests: 12
Crew: 9
Engines: 2 MTU 16V 4000 M90
Max Speed: 23.5 knots
Cruise Speed: 22.5 knots
Fuel: 15,852 Gal.
Water: 3,963 Gal.

Posted on May 26, 2010 by admin — No Comments ↓

Turning your next luxury yacht charter into a floating Spa and Wellness Holiday

Spa and wellness on your next luxury yacht charter Luxury Yachts normally offer the finest cuisine, excellent crew service, water toys, entertainment systems – pretty much all the amenities required to make your stay aboard your yacht the vacation of a lifetime. However, only a few offer complete Spa and Beauty services, as a crew person needs to be specifically trained in this area.

Almost any luxury yacht, no matter the size, can accommodate these services. There is no need for a private or separate treatment room – there are many areas on yachts that can be used to offer these personalized services that can be transformed to have the feel of a true wellness center. Therefore, many yachts can be turned into a floating five-star health retreat with minimal effort!

If your charter yacht does not specifically offer Spa and Beauty services, but you’d like them included, just request these when you contact us and we can normally arrange with some of the best in the business. It will make your charter holiday complete in every way!

Posted on May 26, 2010 by Tom Virden — No Comments ↓