RockResorts Management of Bimini Bay Resort and Marina: Big Plans Get Green Guidelines

Located just 48 nautical miles off the coast of South Florida, Bimini is the westernmost island in the Bahamas chain. Bimini boasts a balmy subtropical climate, a surrounding ocean that is renowned for big game fishing, and superb diving at numerous shipwrecks.  The Shark Lab, a world-renowned research and conservation facility, is located on South Bimini Island. Bimini, part of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, also has several intriguing sites with mystical properties, including the The Bimini Road and The Healing Hole.

Despite these natural wonders, megayacht owners and charterers have not considered the island an alluring destination because of an acute lack of infrastructure and the absence of high-end shops, restaurants and resort facilities.  However, Bimini Bay Resort and Marina, now managed by RockResorts, is poised to change this perception, by offering accommodations and services on a par with other international five star properties.

To date, Bimini Bay Resort and Marina boasts 350 residence units and the largest deep-water marina in the Bahamas. Future growth plans for the property include the development of a RockResorts boutique hotel with 80 to 100 rooms, additional restaurants and other projects, including the RockResorts Spa and beach club set to open as early as this summer.

RockResorts also has instituted an Eco corporate responsibility program at Bimini Bay Resort and Marina that integrates environmental and sustainability projects. Initiatives include the Water on the Rocks program, with a goal to eliminate plastic water bottle usage by guests, a progressive sustainable cuisine program, a green guest room program, and the soon-to-be launched “Go Green, Get Green” meeting and event program.

The development of a world class property so close to South Florida provides charter clients and yacht owners a new and exciting destination. Although Bimini is just a couple of hours by yacht from Miami, or twenty five minutes by plane, the island launches guests into such a totally different environment that they may imagine themselves to be a million, carefree miles away.

Here are some helpful links for information about Yacht Charter in the Bahamas and Green Chartering.

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2011 Ida Lewis Distance Sailing Race in Newport, Rhode Island

Due for its seventh edition in 2011, the Ida Lewis Distance Race is now a classic on New England sailing calendars. The race, which starts Friday, August 19, features a 177nm and a 150nm race course over some of the most storied and beautiful sailing grounds in the world.

With a spectacular start off Fort Adams in Narragansett Bay, the race includes turning marks at Castle Hill, Brenton Reef, Block Island, Montauk Point, Martha’s Vineyard and Buzzards Tower on its way to a signature champagne finish inside Newport Harbor off the historic Ida Lewis Yacht Club.

Classes are for IRC, PHRF (including Cruising Spinnaker and a Youth Challenge division), One Design and Double-Handed boats of 28 feet or longer. It is a qualifier for the New England Lighthouse Series (PHRF); the Northern and Double-Handed Ocean Racing Trophies (IRC); and the US-IRC Gulf Stream Series. For race information contact Dirk Johnson at  [email protected], or telephone 401-965-9189.

Click here for a comprehensive list of Upcoming Yachting Events, Regattas and Boat Show Dates worldwide or to Charter a Yacht for a Regatta or Sailing Event. Or contact us at [email protected], 954 376-3711, to discuss yacht availability.

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Cruising Club of America’s 2010 Award Winners

The Cruising Club of America (CCA) honored the extraordinary accomplishments of three intrepid sailors at the annual Awards Dinner on March 4, 2011, at the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan. CCA Commodore Sheila McCurdy acted as presenter with Awards Chair Bob Drew.

Alex Whitworth 2010 Blue Water Medalist

The Blue Water Medal was presented to Alexander Whitworth of Sydney, Australia, for his circumnavigation of the world via the Northwest Passage West to East.

The Far Horizons Award was presented to William E. Cook of Hyannis, Mass., for a series of meritorious voyages to the far north of the globe including cruises to Greenland and Baffin Island, Canada.

The Rod Stephens Trophy was accepted by Alessandro Di Benedetto of Rome, Italy, for his resourcefulness in jury rigging Findomestic, a 21-foot monohull, upon his approach to Cape Horn in 2010 during his solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe.

Photo Credit: Dan Nerney/ Cruising Club of America

Experience the thrilling world of sailing by following this link for comprehensive information on Chartering a Luxury Sailing Yacht.

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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.

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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 32nd 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.

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