The high-tech racing yachts, with an estimated value of US$100m, will be
transported under guard through the dangerous Indian Ocean leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. Organizers of the 39,000km race said pirate attacks prompted its decision to protect the crew and six racing yachts.
The boats left Cape Town yesterday on the race`s second leg to Abu Dhabi, which requires navigating exceedingly dangerous waters off the Eastern African corridor. The solution is to transport the vessels under armed guard to the waters of Sharjah, UAE and an undisclosed safe port somewhere in the Indian Ocean, where they will be less than a day’s sail from Abu Dhabi.
“Once unloaded, race management will decide where exactly to re-start the race for a short competitive sprint into Abu Dhabi, which is hosting the event from December 31 to January 14,” said a statement “The sailors will not be on board the ship.”
Organizers said the scoring system on this leg would be different from previous legs. Eighty per cent of points will be accumulated through the safe haven port, and the other 20 per cent will be gained in the final race from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi.
Our most daring charter expert climbed 45 meters up to the crows nest on board charter sailing yacht MARIE to capture bird`s eye images of the 2011 Antigua Charter Yacht Show. MARIE is one of our favorite sailing yachts, the crew are delightful and most accommodating, for example, letting us shimmy up the mast for a photo op.
MARIE is an elegant and distinctive vessel with a treasure trove of great stories, such as the fact that the owner`s wife is often inspired to deliver an operatic aria from the balcony above the main salon, which sports a grand piano. In short, we believe that the crew are great, the cuisine is excellent, and the yacht itself is unique.
MARIE will be heading to the South Pacific after the Caribbean season.
Luxury sailing yacht VAIMITI is a very popular charter yacht for many great reasons. VAIMITI is a gracious vessel with clean, contemporary styling and architecture that provides plenty of space to relax indoors or out, in sun or in shade. The stern stairway and swim platform create a perfect beach area for easy water access. The spacious master suite features four overhead hatches in addition to side portholes that flood interiors with cheerful light. VAIMITI, a 39m Trehard, accommodates up to eight guests in four cabins.
Here is a link to explore an amazing selection of Caribbean Charter Yachts and research destination information.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the big difference. With more than 100 yachts open for viewing the details become paramount in choosing which of these stunning yachts and skillful crews to highlight. Here are some of the favorites thus far:
MELINKA is a classic Sparkman & Stevens 80ft. sailing yacht that is an ideal choice for friends who really enjoy sailing together. The crew on board MELINKA makes this yacht really stand out from the crowd. They share a synergy that is infectious and a team spirit that is reflected in the soul and spirit of MELINKA.
DONA LOLA, named for the family’s much-adored grandmother, is a stunning Westport 130. When we stepped on board we were immediately impressed with the oversized windows that flood the main salon with daylight. White furnishings enhance the cool, contemporary style that is soothing to the soul. Captain Adam Crooks is looking forward to a fabulous yacht charter season in the Caribbean and confided that when DONA LOLA returns to the Mediterranean for the summer season he would love to do a Monaco Grand Prix (May 24-27, 2012) charter.
Lunch on board DAMRAK II, a sleek and stylish Sunreef 70 power catamaran, gave guests the delightful opportunity to experience the amazing culinary creations of Chef Sharon “Shaz”, who is well known for her gourmet talent. The first course of delicately seasoned scallops was accompanied by a savory banana chutney and pared with a crisp Pouilly Fuisse, which also complimented the sumptuous main course of Caribbean lobster tails.
More inside views aboout the participating charter yachts at the Antigua show will be available shortly. Please follow this link to explore all aspects of Caribbean Yacht Charter.
Green Marine has been building many of the world’s best known racing and performance cruisers for 28 years, including the Volvo Round the World Race contenders, America’s Cup challengers, and cutting-edge performance superyachts. Their newest build, the 100ft Wally Cento, is on schedule with the hull completed and released from its female mould last week.
The black hull was turned upside down and moved into a long build oven at a new facility in Hythe, UK. The Judel Vrolijk hull design is built to a very high specification exclusively using materials and processes that are typically applied for Grand Prix racing yachts. Green Marine has earned a world-wide reputation as a leading specialist in advanced carbon fiber molding techniques.
The boat will now be faired outside while the boat builders carry on installing secondary structures inside the hull. Marcel Müller, Managing Director of Green Marine said: “All our build ovens have the extraction system and air filtration of a spray booth. This way we can provide the optimal and safe work environment for both teams working on the boat.”
The system and interior fit out will start before Christmas. This Green Marine high performance racer-cruiser is built under the WALLY Cento class rules. As the first boat of its class hitting the water it will be the pace setter for this new generation of exiting and extremely power full race yachts.
The crew of JAMBALAYA invite charter clients aboard to discover Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an island country in the Lesser Antilles chain. This alluring Caribbean region offers exciting adventures, captivating land and water activities, outstanding natural beauty and very friendly and welcoming people.
DAY ONE: Young Island to Bequia
Set sail from Young Island to Bequia, the largest island in the Grenadines and an easy 1.5-hour run. There are several wrecks and shallow caves accessible to advanced divers. Besides many species of parti-colored fish, snorkelers can view Hawksbill turtles, lobsters, even spot a moray eel. Swim in the sparkling, turquoise sea then relax on deck for cocktails and dinner. For nightlife ashore, visit the Frangipani and dance to the rocking rhythm of steel drums.
DAY TWO: Princess Margaret’s BaySwim and breakfast while anchored off the pristine beach of Princess Margaret’s Bay. Dingy ashore to explore this exquisite little island with its shops and bars encircling the harbor front, strung together by a beach and a path. Enjoy a superb lunch on board and then spend a relaxing afternoon of swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling or canoeing.
DAY THREE: Princess Margaret’s Bay to Mustique
Depart from Princess Margaret’s Bay on a delightful two to three hour sail to Mustique, a famously idyllic island with magnificent beaches and several coral reefs. Mustique has attracted many celebrities over the years from Queen Elizabeth II to Amy Winehouse. Traverse pristine beaches and hilly woodland on foot or horseback, or laze under a coconut palm hut at Macaroni Beach, #14 of the World’s 21 Sexiest Beaches according to The Travel Channel. Then go for cocktails at the internationally renowned Basil`s Bar, or the Firefly, or Cotton House.
DAY FOUR: Mustique to Tobago Cays
Sailing to the Tobago Cays entails a captivating four-hour, off wind ride that passes Canouan along the way. This is an excellent opportunity for the fishing enthusiasts on board to bait a line. Drop anchor in the arms of the horseshoe reef surrounding the Jewels of the Grenadines and spend a thrilling afternoon snorkeling over brilliant corals teeming with fish. Take a dinghy expedition to Jamesby to bask on the pristine white sand beach.
DAY FIVE: Tobago Cays
Jambalaya at anchor
Spend a leisurely day relaxing in the Tobago Cays, an intimate cluster of five uninhabited cays. This idyllic yachting anchorage is a dream for scuba divers, a paradise for beachcombers, and a film location for Pirates of the Caribbean. Tobago Cays Marine Park is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring island destinations. Swim with the turtles off Baradel, or snorkel on the south side of Petit Bateau among fantastic coral and really big fish. Kite surfing enthusiasts who usually launch from Petit Rameau and sail upwind to the inner edge of Horseshoe Reef revere these cays. Back on the yacht, the chef will prepare a gourmet selection of local produce and fresh seafood for a sublime dinner pared with a perfect wine.
Jambalaya anchored in Petit St. Vincent
DAY SIX: Tobago Cays to Petit St. Vincent
In takes just an hour sailing time to reach the private island of Petit St. Vincent. En route stop at miniature Mopion Island to do a bit of beachcombing and indulge in a refreshing swim. Most visitors to Petit St. Vincent come for the tranquility. Yet, if you are feeling energetic there are walking trails, superb fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. The Petit St Vincent Resort features a spa as well as a lush garden bar with adjacent wine cellar, perfect for a celebration of the sunset.
DAY SEVEN: Petit St Vincent to Union Island
Happy Island, a man-made island in Clifton harbour
Sail to the final destination of Union Island, passing close to scenic Palm Island. Union Island is a breathtakingly beautiful place to swim, snorkel, dive, sea kayak, sunbath, read or stretch your legs on a hike. Dinghy over to Happy Island that is entirely made of conch shells. Then head back to the yacht to relish an amazing Creole dinner, a chef’s specialty.
DAY EIGHT: Union Island to Young Island
Peter & Sylvie
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then an excursion to visit to the town before bidding a fond farewell to Clifton Harbour, Union. Set sail for Young Island capturing final memories of the beauty that surrounds you to treasure until your next charter vacation in the spectacular Grenadines.
Follow this link for details about chartering JAMBALAYA.
The high-tech racing yachts, with an estimated value of US$100m, will be
The boats left Cape Town yesterday on the race`s second leg to Abu Dhabi, which requires navigating exceedingly dangerous waters off the Eastern African corridor. The solution is to transport the vessels under armed guard to the waters of Sharjah, UAE and an undisclosed safe port somewhere in the Indian Ocean, where they will be less than a day’s sail from Abu Dhabi.
“Once unloaded, race management will decide where exactly to re-start the race for a short competitive sprint into Abu Dhabi, which is hosting the event from December 31 to January 14,” said a statement “The sailors will not be on board the ship.”
