SKY LIMO: Voted Best Plane in Show!

Sky Limo Corporation is a classy company with a sense of humor. Proof was evident in the whimsical display the company presented at the 2011 Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show. A somewhat incongruous 48-foot long, eight passenger, twin-engine Sabre 60 jet aircraft drew much attention wedged in amongst the big white yachts that lined the floating docks along Collins Avenue. The jet, mounted on an island themed barge, was flanked by a compliment of attractive flight attendants who cordially invited guests to hover about the tropical bamboo bar and enjoy pre-flight cocktails. The award winning barge was conceived by CEO Tom Conlan as a float for the 2010 Winterfest Boat Parade.

Sky Limo Corporation, a full service aviation company, is more than meets the eye. Yes, they are experts at air charter, aircraft management, aircraft maintenance, and whole and fractional aircraft sales, but they also exhibit those old fashioned values of a near bygone corporate America. The capricious barge entered in the Winterfest Boat Parade provided a platform for employees and execs to celebrate the holidays. The company is also involved in important national and local charities that included the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots fundraiser, where the Sabre 60 made a delightful appearance with a haul of hundreds of toys.

For our luxury yacht charter clientele bound for the islands of the Bahamas and Caribbean who prefer to arrive at a local airport or more remote destination, mitigating time constraints while avoiding the hassle of international airports, Sky Limo Air Charter offers personalized solutions. The company’s location at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport is convenient for both national and international passengers flying in to Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach. Another charming perk at Sky Limo Air Charter is their pet friendly policy, which allows your best furry friend to fly in the cabin right next to you.

Visit these links for information on both the very popular and the very remote charter destinations in the islands of the Bahamas and the Caribbean Sea.

Posted on March 7, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Meg Toppa: 31st Heineken Regatta Finale

The final day of the regatta was probably the most challenging, characterized by light, shifting winds that demand their unique type of combative expertise. There were a few squalls about but the afternoon saw clear skies. At the end of the day AQUARIUS came in fourth place. Given that they finished first in both the first and fourth races, the crew is justified in feeling that if they hadn’t had trouble with the main they very likely would have won the regatta. Although frustrated, the unfortunate event also fires the competitive spirit and inspires determination to win the trophy next time. Despite not winning, the crew of AQUARIUS and all the other competitors sailed magnificently and had great fun.

Thanks to the sponsors and the gracious people of St. Maarten for hosting such a spectacular event with such grace and generosity. Beautiful Kim Sha Beach on Simpson Bay was the site of the final party and awards ceremony. All the teams attended and cheered jubilantly, whether in celebration of their own achievements or for those of other award recipients. There was a great sense of camaraderie amongst the crowd. Once again the food was phenomenal and the music was fantastic. The featured performer was Wyclef Jean, who despite the midnight hour had everyone on their feet dancing.

Each year the Heineken Regatta brings different challenges to skilled participants. This year was characterized by light winds and occasional squalls rather than the reliable trade winds that usually prevail. Now, with the conclusion of this year’s races, the teams already contemplate the 32^nd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and the unforeseen obstacles that will undoubtedly materialize to test their skills.

Click here for a comprehensive list of Upcoming Yachting Events, Regattas and Boat Show Dates Worldwide. Wish you could be a spectator or on the race team like the fortunate competitors on AQUARIUS? Click here to Charter a Yacht for a Regatta or Sailing Event.

Posted on March 7, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Meg Toppa From the Rail: Heineken Regatta Day 3

Three races took place yesterday and the competition was fierce in a light breeze of 8 to10 knots. Once again, AQUARIUS proudly finished first in her class in the first race. But tragedy struck in the second race when the main ripped and forced the disappointed crew to return to the dock for the replacement.

Although moral remained high AQUARIUS was only able to garner a fourth place position in the third race, which brought them to a fifth place standing for the day in their class. I was fortunate to be able to visit AQUARIUS where she was moored thanks to the SNSM (Societe National de Sauvetage en Mer), the national search and rescue team on the French side of St. Martin, and reached the yacht bouncing over the waves via one of their imposing orange rescue inflatables. After an all too brief stay I rode back to the dock accompanied by several of the exhausted crew to prepare for the evening events.

This evening a gala affair took place in the delightfully charming harbor town of Marigot, in French St. Martin. The town is much admired for fine French wines, gourmet French cuisine and a variety of shops selling everything from French novelties to high fashion. It is an incredibly picturesque harbor and on this night the Heineken and rum were flowing freely! Of course the lively banter was focused on the trials and tribulations of the day, with several boats strategizing prior to their convergence on the protest room in an attempt to resolve some “issues” occurring on the race course. Again, competitors, spectators and locals were treated to huge video screens broadcasting the highlights of the day’s racing. The biggest difference in the crowd of party goes this evening? Sunburns!!!

Today’s race, Sunday March 6, is the final day of racing, with a course from Marigot back to Simpson Bay where the awards ceremony and final big bash is scheduled to take place at Kim Sha Beach.

Posted on March 7, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Meg Toppa: Heineken Regatta Day 2

Today was a picture perfect for both competitors and spectators. I am watching all the excitement from a graceful Jenneau Sunfast43. An array of majestic parti-colored spinnakers billowing on a breeze, much gentler today than on day one of the races, propel these magnificent boats downwind. AQUARIUS was a spectacular sight out on the water and we are elated to learn that she finished first in her class.

Posted on March 5, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Regatta Expert Meg Toppa Reports Live from the Heineken Regatta

Thursday saw the crew on board charter yacht AQUARIUS having a great first day of sailing, in which they valiantly defied a 90 minute morning squall. By the time of my evening arrival everyone was in fine form to party, having already finished taking the winches apart and cleaning them after this challenging day of racing.

The party, located at Dutch Sint Maarten’s Port de Plaisance on picturesque Simpson Bay, was tremendous fun, featuring rockin’ music and delightful cuisine. The eclectic crowd included jubilant local families, whose little children danced energetically about the grounds. Not to mention of course, the yacht crews, finally able to relax, drink lots of Heineken and eye the many local beauties. Big screens broadcast videos with highlights of the races.

I had dinner on board an elegant Jeanneau 43, which was moored out in Simpson Bay (a bit of a rolly polly place) and gliding on the water from the marina to the mooring on the dinghy the dense forest of glittering masthead lights was truly breathtaking. I am delighted to report that the number of boats in the harbor has easily doubled from last year, including an array of imposing mega yachts. I anticipate a brilliant day of events tomorrow and will keep you posted, with luck right from the rail!

Posted on March 4, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓