Maldives Itinerary: Ancient, Modern and Altogether Breathtaking

The Maldives is a long and narrow country formed by 26 natural atolls in the Indian Ocean. Satellite imagery reveals these atolls to be some of the most beautiful on earth. Superb diving has made the Maldives a premier destination for scuba divers, and since the early 1970s peerless spa resorts have attracted a chic international clientele. A luxury yacht charter is ideal for guests who want to experience everything the Maldives has to offer above and below the waterline.

Maldives Ten-Day Itinerary

Day One: Male’atholhu Uthutuburi to Baa Atoll

Arrive in the capital city Malé on North Malé Atoll, considered one of the most beautiful atolls on the planet.  Here you will board your yacht and set sail on aquiline waters, past lush palm islands, white sand beaches, and villages endowed with traditional charm. Anchor outside a lagoon in one of the beautiful islands in Baa Atoll. Take a leisurely swim or an awesome snorkel to view parti-colored fish.

Day Two: Baa Atoll

Baa Atoll is an administrative division of the Maldives made up of three separate atolls. Explore Kihaadhuffaru Thila where graceful stingrays and nurse sharks glide through the crystal clear water. Cruise to Gemendhoo, an uninhabited island with verdant vegetation and a powdery white sand beach. Thulhaadhoo Island is traditionally well known for its lacquerwork handicrafts. In the village of Kudarikilu learn about Maldivian island life, visit the mosque and local shops where Thundukunaa, the traditional craft of mat weaving can be observed. Anchor outside Kudarikilu lagoon and relax against the backdrop of endless ocean and scarlet sunset.

Day Three: Baa Atoll to Raa Atoll

Northern Maalhosmadulu Atoll or Raa Atoll is the next atoll in the archipelago. Visit Ugulu and the heritage site of Redhinge Usgandu. Anchor outside Ugulu, renowned as an excellent fishing spot. Cruise to Voadhoo Faru for breathtaking diving. Discover Alifushi, a village famous for traditional boatbuilding.

Day Four: Raa Atoll to Shaviyani Atoll

Enjoy an authentic Maldivian breakfast before heading towards Haa Dhaal Atoll with a stop at Shaviyani Atoll enroute. Visit Maroshi to see the historic Kaani Tree (Cordia Subcordata) that dates back to the 16th century struggle against Portuguese rule.

Day Five: Shaviyani Atoll to Haa Dhaal Atoll

Cruise to Dhaal Atoll where guests may anchor outside the lagoon for lunch. Explore Maamakunudhooo Atoll to the southeast, the site of several shipwrecks including the English ship Persia Merchant, destroyed in 1658, and the Hayston, which ran onto a reef in 1819.

Day Six: Haa Dhaal Atoll to Haa Alif Atoll

Haa Alif Atoll is the northernmost Atoll of the Maldives. Here visitors may explore the historical island of Utheemu, the birthplace of Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu. Utheemu Ganduvaru is the site of the historic residence of this legendary hero attributed with freeing the nation from the Portuguese. Visit Kelaa Island, a British military base during World War II. The mosque here dates from the end of the 17th century. The island is known for the production of yams and cadjan, a mat made of coconut palm leaves. After lunch visit Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi. This luxury boutique resort is on the privately owned, uninhabited island of Dhonakulhi.

Day Seven: Haa Alif Atoll to Lhaviyani Atoll

Pass by Ekulivaru, an untouched, uninhabited island with a delightful reef for snorkeling and lovely beach for a picnic lunch. Visit Naifaru, a local island where visitors can spend an evening in a local home and experience local delicacies.

Day Eight: Lhaviyani Atoll to Baa Atoll

Angu Faru is an amazing dive site that is home to schools of barracuda, the breeding ground for grey reef sharks, and a common habitat for turtles. Visit Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, featuring the only resort based astronomical observatory of its kind in the world. Divulge in sumptuous gourmet cuisine offered on the dinner menu at the resort.

Day Nine: Baa Atoll to Malé Atoll

Cruise to Male’ Atoll where visitors may select from a variety of activities including a scenic photo flight, a city tour, or a visit to Huvafen Fushi, managed by Per Aquum Resorts and Spas, which features a unique, world class under water spa.

Day Ten: Malé Atoll to Malé International Airport

Bid your Captain and Crew a fond farewell and begin the journey home. While enroute, envision destinations for your next spectacular luxury yacht charter vacation.

For comprehensive charter and destination information please visit The Maldives Yacht Charter and Sailing Vacation Guide. Follow this link to view an exciting selection of Maldives Charter Yachts.

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Available for Charter: Brand New Leopard 44 in the British Virgin Islands and Jeanneau 54 DS Flagship in Newport, Rhode Island

A dazzling 2011 Leopard 44 will be available for charter out of Tortola, BVI beginning this November. This innovative sailing catamaran features a powerful engine, excellent electronics package, bimini hard top, high capacity water and fuel tanks, electric windlass and more.

The acclaimed brand won the Cruising World Boat of The Year and Sail Magazine Best Boats awards in the Cruising Multihull and Overall Import Boat of the Year categories. The Leopard 44 is ideally designed to delight bareboat charterers with excellent seaworthiness, cruising performance and spacious accommodation.

The most significant modification on the new Leopard 44 is the addition of the open forward cockpit with direct access from the saloon. This feature offers increased visibility, ventilation, and increased living space in an ergonomic and safe design. This lounging area has a fixed overhead bimini for protection against the elements. The forward door with large portlights in the windscreen allows for through ventilation in the saloon, even during a tropical downpour, where the forward bimini prevents water entry.

Jeanneau 54 DS 2010 just entered the charter market and now is available out of Newport R.I. The Jeanneau 54 is a stunning luxury yacht designed as the flagship of the Jeanneau fleet. This beautiful, spacious yacht is fully air-conditioned and features contemporary interiors of rich woods, teak, sumptuous leathers and first-class amenities.  This seaworthy monuhull accommodates eight guests in four cabins.

Jeanneau 54 DS Slideshow

Here are some helpful links about Bareboat Yacht Charter and spectacular destinations in the British Virgin Islands and New England.

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Luxury Yacht Charter in Greece: Seven Day Itinerary through the Saronic Islands

The Saronic Islands or Argo-Saronic Islands are an archipelago in Greece, named after the Saronic Gulf in which they are located, just off the Greek mainland. Due to their close proximity, these islands are very popular destinations for Athenians.

Visitors here can have a diversified experience ranging from exciting urban bustle to laid-back island flavor. Be prepared to go with the flow and enjoy each remarkable destination for its unique offerings.

Saronic Islands Seven Day Itinerary

1st day: Marina Alimos – Poros Island

Sail through the narrow channel of the Peloponnese to reach the lush green island of Poros, where old pine forests still stand in the south and center of the island and the landscape is fertile and mountainous.

The town of Poros features neo-classical architecture, enticing tavernas and a variety of shops. Scattered throughout the island are archeological sites and historical points of interest.

2nd day: Poros Island – Spetses Island

Spetses, the southernmost of the Saronic Islands, is a popular weekend destination where visitors find lovely beaches and quaint restaurants and shops. Cars are not allowed in the main town and transport is on foot, by bicycle, motorbike and horse carriages.

Spetses is ideal for a walking tour along traditional narrow streets lined with beautiful Venetian buildings that attest to a wealthy past. For hikers, there are many monasteries connected by trails through a lush gentle landscape that is green and beautiful.

3rd day: Spetses Islands – Leonidio and Plaka

Near the ancient city of Prasiae on the Peleponnese coast, the town of Leonidio emerges from a breathtaking landscape. The second century geographer Pausanias declared the fertile area “the garden of Dionysus.” This god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, of ritual madness and ecstasy, according to Greek mythology was found on a Leonidio beach.

Four kilometers from town, the picturesque port of Plaka beckons visitors to enjoy any of several tavernas and bars immediately adjacent to the sea. In August, Plaka hosts the “Tsakonian Eggplant Festival”, where chefs from across Europe compete in an event that grows increasingly popular with participants and spectators alike.

4th day: Leonidio – Hydra Island

Hydra is one of the most impressive islands of the Saronic Gulf and has long attracted photographers and painters who love its quaint, little, crescent shaped harbor.

Clustered here are an intriguing assortment of restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries that cater to tourists and locals alike.

5th day: Hydra Island – Aegina Island 

Aegina, located just 27 kilometers from Athens, was a rival and a great sea power in ancient times. Aegina has a long and very colorful history with roots in Greek mythology, as a center of trade, of strategic importance, of war, slavery and even as a pirate headquarters.

It also has the distinction of being the first place in Greece where the Greek flag was raised at the end of the War of Independence. The traditional fishing village of Perdika welcomes yachtsmen to the island. The town is a busy place, especially popular on weekends with Athenians.

6th day: Aegina Island – Marina Alimos, Athens

For the final time we cast off, bound for mainland Greece. Visitors to Athens will find dozens of museums, galleries and historic sites, in addition to superb gourmet restaurants, elegant designer shops, numerous theaters and other entertainment venues. Visit The National Archaeological Museum, which ranks among the top ten museums in the world. Then take your queue from the locals in this crowded, cosmopolitan urban center. Stroll arm in arm along the busy streets, do a bit of window shopping, then relax at one of the many coffee shops and observe the world passing by, just as Athenians have done for centuries.

7th day: Athens – Airport

Today you have to say goodbye to your captain and crew, reflect upon your memorable sunny holiday, and begin planning your next trip to Greece.
Please visit Greece Yacht Charter and Sailing Vacation Guide for comprehensive charter and destination information.

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Kingship Marine Luxury Eco Yacht Green Voyager: A Keel Laying Ceremony with Asian Panache

Green Voyager

Kingship Marine Limited celebrated the keel laying ceremony for their much acclaimed hybrid yacht Green Voyager last Tuesday at the Zhongshan yard.

Green Voyager is an innovative yacht design that combines luxury and style with the ability to tread lightly. With transoceanic capability, the Green Voyager appeals to a new generation of global adventurers who consider environmental responsibility a priority.

Mr. Horacio Bozzo, designer of Green Voyager, explained that the luxury yacht is the end result of a 360-degree approach that sought to provide multiple solutions to reduce her environmental impact.

Mr. Mauro Boni, RINA’s (Registro Italiano Navale) Asia Pacific Yachting Line Manager, further recognized Horacio and Kingship’s effort. Kingship’s Green Voyager project demonstrates that Chinese shipyards have the potential to set trends for the superyacht industry with regard to environmental protection.

Kingship created a uniquely Asian influenced keel-laying ceremony. Mr. Roger Liang, Managing Director of Kingship, lead his fellow staff in an incense burning ceremony, asking the gods to bless all Kinship’s staff to be safe throughout the construction.

Kingship prepared two new lions for the lion dance, a tradition incorporated into the ceremony. The history of lion dancing dates back more than a thousand years and the lion is regarded as a guardian creature to drive away evil spirits and to summon luck. The lions dance and show different emotions. The lions usually perform the “Picking the Green” act, tying the keel laying plate to assure an auspicious business. Also their mission was to bless Kingship’s technicians and workers for a safe and peaceful construction. After the lions successfully picked the green together with the keel laying plate, they passed it to the Kingship welder who then welded the plate onto Green Voyager and completed the ceremony.

Green Voyager is the first motoryacht in the world of less than 50 meters to have true hybrid propulsion. The vertical plumb bow is an advanced displacement hull, with underwater main parameters and geometry that have been studied and tank tested to achieve exceptional performance, reduce wave-making resistance, minimize slamming and assure a smoother passage through the waves for improved fuel efficiency and speed. Green Voyager is scheduled for delivery in 2013.

Please visit “Green Chartering” for Low Carbon Emissions for information on environmentally responsible charter options.

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Transatlantic Race 2011: Catch the Live Panel Discussion Broadcast April 26 at 5:50 PM EST

In late June and early July anyone fortunate to be quayside in Newport R.I. can witness the awesome spectacle of 32 ocean-going yachts set sail in the Transatlantic Race 2011, which charts 2,975 nautical mile course from Newport to Lizard Point, South Cornwall (UK). The Royal Yacht Squadron, New York Yacht Club, Royal Ocean Racing Club and Storm Trysail Club organize the event.

The fleet includes sleek traditional designs, such as the 94’ William Fife-designed Sumurun, and sophisticated super yachts, such as the 289’ custom Perini Navi clipper sailing yacht Maltese Falcon. The Atlantic Ocean crossing can potentially challenge these renowned racers and their teams with fierce storms, testing seas and even icebergs.

Robert Towbin, owner/captain of Sumurun, who won two previous transatlantic races, is currently preparing his classic yacht, which was built in 1914, to endure this first challenge of the 2011 sailing season. “If you have an older boat, a race of this complexity takes a lot out of it, so we are putting a lot of work into it to get it up to date,” said Towbin.

Three separate starts will “stagger” yachts of different sizes and ability so that they will arrive in England in proximity to each other. The larger boats hope to finish the race in 8 to 12 days, while the smaller boats estimate 18 to 22 days to finish.

Maltese Falcon

The final race group of legendary competitors includes the VOR 70 crewed by PUMA Ocean Racing Team, the Newport-based second-place finisher in the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race and entrant in the next edition as well; Rambler 100, George David’s maxi rocket ship that has been tearing up race courses since the beginning of the year, including breaking the record for the RORC Caribbean 600 and taking line honors at the Pineapple Cup-Montego Bay Race; and ICAP Leopard, which holds the current record from Ambrose Light to Lizard Point for monohulls using powered sailing systems.

A TR2011 Panel Discussion is scheduled for tomorrow, April 26, at 5:30 PM EST. Topics will focus on the history of transatlantic racing, the challenge and appeal of transoceanic racing, as well as the upcoming TR2011 and its entries. Panelists include George David, owner/skipper of Rambler 100; Chris Gartner, captain of Maltese Falcon; Larry Huntington, owner/captain of Snow Lion; Bob Towbin, owner/captain of Sumurun; Rives Potts, Rear Commodore of NYYC and owner/captain of Carina; and sailing historian and author John Rousmaniere.

Here are some useful links to Charter a Yacht for a Regatta or Sailing Event and a calendar of Upcoming Yachting Events, Regattas and Boat Show Dates Worldwide.

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