Mersin Marina: The Largest Yachting Center, City Port and Urban Attraction on Turkey’s Eastern Shore

Mersin Marina is the largest marina on Turkey’s east Mediterranean shores with a capacity to service 500 boats in water and 500 boats in drydock.  The Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim proudly inaugurated the facility on November 28 with the goal to promote Mersin as a gateway to Caucasus, Middle East and Africa.

Mersin Marina is designed by Öncüoglu Mimarlik as a city port as well as an urban social center to appeal to residents not directly involved in the marine industry. Public areas include an amphitheater with a capacity for 2,000 people and a Sports Center and Yacht Club with indoor and outdoor facilities including a spa, tennis courts, basketball field and children’s 1,000sqm entertainment park.

Sports International sports centerIn additional to divers social facilities, Mersin Marina offers boat services including electricity, fresh water, sewage removal, wireless Internet, cable TV, laundry, shower, first aid, professional divers, fuel stations, a tourism agency, a car rental center, supermarkets, banks and ATMs, yacht brokerage, and maintenance and repair facilities equipped with a 100 ton travel lift.

Mersin is an important center of tourism and trade with a population of 1.602.000 people living in the city center and surrounding area. The region is presently serviced by Adana international airport while a new international airport is under construction in Tarsus, just 30 km outside Mersin.

Follow this helpful link for comprehensive information to explore Charter Yachts and Destinations in Turkey.

Antigua Charter Yacht Show: A Bird`s Eye View from the Crows Nest

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.

Marvelous Yachts on Display at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show

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.

More than 100 Spectacular Luxury Charter Yachts in Attendance at the 2011 Antigua Charter Yacht Show

It is the 50th anniversary of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show and reasons for the longevity of the popular event abound. The show sets the stage for charter agents to view the stunning array of availabilities for the forthcoming Caribbean charter season, to meet with captains and crews, and to sample the delicacies of the many remarkably talented chefs.

The attending yachts, which range in length from 46 feet to 245 feet, are berthed in three marinas, Falmouth Harbour, English Harbour and Nelson`s Dockyard. Our charter experts have been on board several of the yachts in all three locations.

At English Harbor top yachts included the magnificent 184ft. Perini Navi, PANTHALASSA, a high-performance sailing yacht with a James Bond flare. BLISS, a striking 121ft. Dubois features stunning interiors embellished by exotic elements such as stingray skin and glass-embedded metal. The attractive crew of BLISS ranks highly for enthusiasm and charm.

The week-long annual event also features the popular Concours De Chef and table-setting competition. This year chefs are asked to prepare a Caribbean banquet celebrating the Antigua Charter Show’s 50th anniversary.

Piper Heidsieck is sponsoring the Steward/Stewardess Table Setting Challenge with a prize for the most imaginative and elegant Caribbean-themed anniversary table decoration incorporating the number 50.

Check back for continuous updates about top yachts and show events!

Follow this link for excellent information about Antigua and Caribbean Sea Yacht Charter and to launch your charter adventure through these breathtaking islands.

Tropical Lemon Crash Cocktail Courtesy of The Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda, BVI

The Bitter End Yacht Club, North Sound, Virgin Gorda, shares their secret to stimulating holiday cheer.  Celebrate the season with one of their favorite (and famous) 16 Sounders, the Lemon Crash:

1 ½ – 2 oz Mount Gay Rum

1 – 2 whole lemons cut up

½ ounce lime juice

2 oz simple syrup

Ice to fill glass

Blend all the ingredients together. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry. Enjoy!

They would also like to remind you that neuroscientists have concluded that the best naps take place in a hammock.

Here is a useful link to launch your exploration of Yacht Charter in the British Virgin Islands

Follow this link for information and nautical chart of Virgin Gorda, BVI