Update: 2011 Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami

The Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach is the venue to head to for viewing the largest power yachts during the Miami Beach Boat Show. Located along Miami Beach’s Collins Avenue, the display includes yachts and superyachts from the world’s most extraordinary custom boat builders. The show is free and open to the public.

In addition to the spectacle of superb yachts, the Yacht Equipment Pavilion and Sportfishing Pavilion will showcase the latest in marine gear, electronics and gadgets and host International Game Fish Association seminars. Other highlights include the Aquariva Gucci, a product of the collaboration between Gucci, Riva and Officina Italiana Design, which marks Gucci’s 90th anniversary year in 2011. New to the show layout is Megayacht Row, 20 slips featuring a collection of the biggest boats in the show, boasting the latest technology and design from the world’s premier yacht builders.

More than 500 new and pre-owned vessels valued at more than a billion dollars will sprawl over a mile-long strip of the Indian Creek Waterway along Collins Avenue (S.R. A1A) from 41st to 51st Streets, situated directly across from landmark hotels such as the Fontainebleau, Eden Roc and Miami Beach Resort and Spa. Parking, which fills up early, is available around the show area between 64th and 85th Streets and Collins Avenue. Valet parking will be available from the east side of Collins Avenue in front of the city parking lot on the 4600 block. There are also free shuttle buses linking the Miami International Boat Show sites at the Miami Beach Convention Center and the Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center.

BOAT SHOW SCHEDULE:

Thursday, Feb. 17                  10am – 7pm

Friday, Feb. 18                       10am – 7pm

Saturday, Feb. 19                   10am – 7pm

Sunday, Feb. 20                     10am – 7pm

Monday, Feb. 21                    10am – 6pm

The Yacht and Brokerage Show is free to the public. Admission is charged at other show sites.

Boatbookings.com has comprehensive information on many of the builders whose yachts will be featured at the show at  Shipbuilders and Yacht Manufacturers.

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Alluring Alaska: Luxury Yachting Destination of Breathtaking Beauty and Awesome Adventure

Alaska has a longer coastline than all the other United States combined, which makes it an unparalleled yachting adventure with endless possible itineraries and ports of call. Captain Josh Kaberon, of the classic Burger 68’ LONGHORN, has lived in Alaska for decades and is intimately familiar with the region. He shared with us his favorite destinations for a weeklong yacht charter embarking from Ketchikan. Here, an overview of his Alaska itinerary reveals some highlights.

Ketchikan is both an air and marine transportation hub for Southeast Alaska, and facilitates international travelers with numerous convenient flights. Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island, 90 miles north of Prince Rupert, British Columbia. It is a charming point of embarkation, known as the Salmon Capital of the World and boasting the most standing totem poles on the planet.

Ketchikan is also the gateway to the Misty Fjords National Monument, one of the areas major attractions. The protected area spans over two million wilderness acres of Tongass National Forest and is called “The Yosemite of the North” for its similar geology. Pale granite, 50 to 70 million years old, sculpted by glaciers, forms glacier valleys and natural canals filled with seawater. Here, near vertical walls soar an astonishing 3,000 feet above sea level.

Captain Josh’s itinerary includes time spent hiking around picture postcard Hugh Smith and Ella Lakes, where wild animals are ever-present and trout fishing is renowned. By day four, yacht charter guests have reached the spectacular destinations of Rudyerd Bay and Punchbowl Cove that are notable for dramatic sheer rock walls and breathtaking landscapes. Day five reveals spectacular waterfalls along the lake trail at Manzanita Bay.

The day prior to departure, Josh advocates a soothing soak at Bell Island Hot Springs where yacht charter guests will enjoy first class resort facilities and the opportunity to relax and share their experiences with other travelers over hors d’ oeuvre and cocktails.

Boatbookings.com features numerous exceptional itineraries, normally written by Captains who know the regional waters intimately and are experts at local attractions and intriguing points of interest both above and below the waterline at Yachting Itineraries

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Boatbookings Onboard Broward 120 SOVEREIGN: A Yacht that Rules!

Luxury motor yacht SOVEREIGN may have been launched in 1993, but by all accounts she has an ageless beauty. Meticulous maintenance and a recent complete refit contribute to her continuing popularity, and on this elegant charter vessel the reputation of the outstanding crew also plays a role in attracting numerous repeat clients. Boatbookings was delighted to step onboard and experience their charming hospitality in such welcoming surroundings.

SOVEREIGN is a luxury charter yacht where the Old World ambience of a European boutique hotel compliments modern architectural features, furnishings and whimsical details in stainless and glass.

SOVEREIGN features six posh staterooms to accommodate 12 guests. The décor in varying tones of Sov-Masterbrown and beige is soothing and creates a warm, inviting ambience. The main deck master features a king bed positioned against a mirrored wall that augments a sense of volume, as does the cut-away ceiling with center mirror. Plenty of built in storage is available as well as a state-of-the-art entertainment system. Five additional guest staterooms are positioned on the lower deck.

The cozy upper deck sky lounge with overstuffed furniture is perfect for watching the latest release or writing postcards to friends at a desk with a superb view. The sundeck features plush banquette seating and dining al fresco for nine guests. The covered aft deck provides a lovely protected dining area and steps lead down to the swim platform where guests may launch a variety of toys including two Jet Skis and high-pressure dive gear.

SOVEREIGN is a luxury yacht that will please discerning adult charter guests yet is comfortable and cozy, making families with children feel right at home. The highly professional crew is skilled at pampering guests of all ages and are dedicated in making a charter onboard SOVEREIGN a most rewarding and memorable experience.

Boatbookings.com is an excellent source of information on chartering the perfect yacht to cruise around top destinations worldwide. These links will help get you started: SOVEREIGN , Super and Mega Luxury Yacht Charter, Yacht Charter Destinations

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Luxury Superyacht 144 ft. OCEAN EMPIRE LSV: Uber Green SuperCat

Sauter Carbon Offset Design, dedicated to advancements in alternative energy for the marine industry, presents OCEAN EMPIRE LSV, a solar hybrid, totally self sufficient, zero carbon, luxury superyacht.

OCEAN EMPIRE LSV has a streamlined, dark and stealthy superstructure straddling dual hulls and supporting an impressive exoskeleton of photovoltaic cells. Although solar power is the primary energy source that propels OCEAN EMPIRE LSV and runs her operating systems, the superyacht is also equipped with a SkySail for wind propulsion, and a third source of kinetic energy derived from wave motion.

Energy from the sun powers solar cells that cover the entire surface of the vessel, illuminate two innovative hydroponics farming systems and power high tech fish “harvesting” equipment on board. Wind powers an auxiliary automated SkySail, capable of driving the OCEAN EMPIRE LSV to speeds in excess of 18 knots, while charging her GM ESS2 batteries through power sailing KER.

A third energy source is derived from the motion of the waves and is captured through Motion Damping Regeneration (MDR). The MDR system is basically an ATMD (Adjustable Tuned Mass Damper) more commonly utilized in skyscrapers to reduce their swaying motion. Essentially, the weight of 16 tons of batteries create a resistance to the rocking motion of waves that channels power to linear generators that produce up to 50 kws of electricity as they dampen the motion of the vessel.

Richard Sauter, head of design commented “The OCEAN EMPIRE life support superyacht liberates the superyacht community from its strict dependence on unsustainable resources by harnessing the renewable collective power ever present in the Earths Biosphere”.

OCEAN EMPIRE LSV is competitive in terms of cost, operation and features, with conventional superyachts. The hybrid design offers guests every luxury yet boasts a range from a 50% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to Ultra Green Carbon Neutral and Zero Carbon cruising capability. As a charter, a plugged in OCEAN EMPIRE LSV is capable of feeding 360+Mwh of electricity to the grid, or enough energy to make up to 12,000 nautical miles of chartered carbon neutral voyages every year.

LOA: 144.3 ft.

Beam: 51 ft.

Draft: 2.62 ft.

Cruising speed: 12 knots

Maximum speed: 18 knots

Guests: 10

Crew: 8

Follow this link Green Chartering – Low Carbon Emissions Charter for Boatbookings.com pertinent information about environmentally friendly yacht charters.

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Boatbookings Onboard Johnson 103ft HUEY’S ISLAND: Getting Marooned with Style

HUEY’S ISLAND, a Johnson Yachts trideck model launched in 2009. Dixon Yacht Design was responsible for architecture, exterior styling and interior design, which successfully creates the feel of a casual yet supremely elegant island retreat. Boatbookings was invited onboard to get a personal feel for being castaway on this luxury motor yacht.

Lovely and convenient walk around decks on HUEY’S ISLAND do not noticeably usurp spacious interiors thanks to the 23 ft. beam. Lengthy custom couches in the main salon lead to the dining area that can easily make the transformation from casual to formal. The décor throughout features a warm golden sand palette against wood paneling and cabinetry with subtle yet intricate motifs.

HUEY’S ISLAND has an enviable main deck master suite with plush king size bed that faces panoramic windows. What an extraordinary place to lounge with a gourmet breakfast tray and a mimosa while cruising in to port. Should entertainment be desired the cabinet at the foot of the bed conceals the AV system. Just a few steps down takes guests to the private dual master bathroom that features both shower and Jacuzzi tub.

On the lower deck of HUEY’S ISLAND  are two additional king guest staterooms, one of which also features his and her facilities with shower and tub. All of the guest staterooms have fine linens with delicate tropical patterns, first class amenities, and thoughtful touches such as gentle recessed lighting above the headboard.

The flybridge of HUEY’S ISLAND has it all, a Jacuzzi hot tub, a shaded spacious full service bar, and a roomy dining table with U-shaped banquette seating, perfect for dining al fresco. Airy lounge chairs with adjustable face shades beckon relaxation with a great book.

Toys include two Segways, perfect for zipping around the numerous charming towns of the Bahamas and Caribbean. For guests that love to while away an afternoon fishing, the 35’ Marlago Center Console open fisherman is well equipped.

Boatbookings.com has extensive information on charter yachts and destinations worldwide. Here are a couple of helpful links:  Super and Mega Luxury Yacht Charter,  Yacht Charter Destinations

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