Moonen 124 NORTHLANDER Luxury Charter Yacht Wins ISS 2010 Best Power Award at FLIBS

At the 20th Anniversary of the International Superyacht Society (ISS) Awards Gala Moonen Shipyards was awarded the prestigious Best Power trophy for NORTHLANDER, a superb charter yacht that is a tribute to the design and engineering teams of the Dutch yard.

NORTHLANDER made her first Atlantic crossing to participate at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and, according to her captain Peter Davey, “handled the very challenging seas and weather conditions exceptionally well”.

Styled by Rene van der Velden with naval architecture by Stolk Marimecs, NORTHLANDER is a luxury charter yacht that offers guests superior styling, stability and seaworthiness. Interior design by Art-Line is contemporary European and supremely elegant, utilizing a repetition of curvilinear elements to define spaces throughout. The effect is both stately and soothing.

NORTHLANDER accommodates 10 guests in one master, two double and two twin staterooms. Twin MTU 16V 2000 M60 engines propel the yacht to a maximum speed of 14 knots, with a cruising speed of 11 knots. To date she is the largest build to launch from Moonen Shipyards. However, the yard has an even larger yacht in the works scheduled for delivery in 2012, the first Moonen 133, designed to carry a submarine onboard.

Boatbookings.com is an excellent resource for information on luxury charter yachts and destinations worldwide. Here is a link to begin your exploration: Super and Mega Luxury Yacht Charter

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Ft Lauderdale Boat Show Recap

The 2010 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) by all accounts was a grand success. The show is an important indicator of industry trends for the season and overwhelmingly positive feedback came from all factions of the yachting industry.

Many spectacular charter yachts were on display. Some ofBoatbookings favorites included the edgy and awesome BIGFISH, a 164-foot expedition yacht with destinations in Antarctica, Tahiti and the Northeast Passage, the exceedingly popular and playful168-foot Oceanco LAZY Z, the breathtaking Delta 154-foot MR. TERRIBLE, and two recent TRINITY launches, the 190-foot MI SUENO and the 164-foot MIA ELISE. Please check back for details about our experience and impressions touring these and other magnificent yachts.

Dealers and distributors reported a substantial increase in refit projects underscored by a reinvigoration of owner enthusiasm for upgrades. On the docks there were many reports of new yacht sales from numerous boat builders including; Ferretti, Marquis, Tiara, Viking and Westport, to name just a few.

Boatbookings scoured the vendor booths to report on cutting edge devices, services, toys, and gadgets that promise to enhance both the bareboat andcrewed yacht charter experience. Also on display were several new properties with facilities for luxury charter yachts in the Bahamas, Caribbean, the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, as well as pertinent information for charter cruises to Antarctica from Last Border logistics, details to follow.


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Luxury Charter Yachts BLIND DATE and JEMS Receive Gold Neptune Awards for Yacht Design

Heesen Yachts is the proud recipient of two Gold Neptune trophies awarded October 26 at the 2010 ShowBoats Design Awards ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida. BLIND DATE was awarded the trophy for the acclaimed expanding burl elm dining table designed by Keech Green.

Although the ingenious geometrical design has inspired many versions since the 19th century patent was awarded to Robert Jupe, the Keech Green interpretation is simply stunning. The judges were impressed by the intricate artistry, hand craftsmanship, and ingenious engineering that allow the table to expand to seat 12 by turning the top through 90 degrees. BLIND DATE accommodates 10 guests in five cabins and is currently available for charter in the Caribbean.

Heesen 4400 JEMS received an award for Exterior Recreational Area that is cleverly designed by Eric Benque with space-saving furniture pieces including switchable table tops that raise or lower, seating that converts from bar stools to dining chairs, sun pad cushions that convert into multiple seating and lounging arrangements, and a sophisticated entertainment system that includes a retractable outdoor movie screen.

This luxury superyacht features ultra modern interiors and can accommodate 10 guests in 3 doubles with a VIP that converts to two twins. Swift, voluminous and stylish inside and out, JEMS, is a perfect charter yacht for families and friends.

Boatbookings has extensive information on superyacht charters and destinations throughout the world. Use this link to explore the possibilities:  Super and Mega Luxury Yacht Charter

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Boatbookings Onboard 4MAL: An Elegant and Entertaining Luxury Yacht Adventure

4MAL is an excellent charter yacht for friends and families that require elegant surroundings, a casual atmosphere, and a serious dose of fun. This deluxe 87-foot Johnson yacht is the perfect antidote for overstressed executives and everyone else that needs a vacation that combines pampering, partying and play.

4MAL features exquisite contemporary décor in a soothing color palette of earth tones that compliments an abundance of high gloss wood paneling and furniture. A delightful expanse of windows flood common areas with daylight and offer magnificent vistas.

On 4MAL the main deck salon and formal dining arrangement is warm and inviting. Unobstructed by partitions, the area has excellent circulation as well as panoramic views. The unusually large galley is also an enticing place to gather. This room is a popular option from casual meals to midnight snacks enjoyed at the expansive U-shaped seating beneath an arc of forward facing windows.

Ensuite accommodations on luxury yacht 4MAL include a king master stateroom, VIP queen stateroom, a guest suite with double bed and a guest suite with twin beds. Plenty of built-in storage and first class amenities make these plush staterooms as practical as they are elegant.

From banquettes to barstools, 4MAL has an expansive flybridge with plenty of seating for the entire group. Additional seating on the aft deck provides a pleasant alternative for dining al fresco. Head to the swim platform to take a dip, launch an inflatable. or embark on a snorkeling adventure.

Should guests require anything, from pointers on the best reefs to tips on local entertainment, Captain Chris Edenfield, a native Floridian, has nearly inexhaustible insights and abilities. Besides his extensive experience as a charter captain navigating the waters of the Bahamas, Caribbean, South Florida, Maine and Mexico, and being an avid fisherman, surfer and diver,  with a degree in criminology, he claims to juggle, fire breathe, perform card and magic tricks, play the guitar and enthusiastically lead a sing-along. (He has an especially humorous pub song repertoire.)

4MAL offers guests all that is desirable on a charter yacht, elegant surroundings, seaworthiness and stability, and an accomplished crew that caters to the needs and desires of every charter guest. 4MAL frequents numerous destinations in

Florida and the Bahamas, from the well known to the virtually unknown, and is a superb venue for a truly personalized and rewarding yacht charter experience.

Boatbookings.com is an excellent online resource for charter yachts and destinations in Florida and the Bahamas. Follow these links 4MAL,  Florida and Bahamas Yacht Charter and begin your adventure!

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Luxury Custom Ferretti 72 Ft. FORTUNATA: Built By Yachters For Yachters

Boatbookings.com recently had the pleasure of an onboard invitation to luxury charter yacht FORTUNATA, a Ferretti designed to offer charter clients an Italian-style yachting experience. This beautifully appointed yacht guarantees an unforgettably romantic getaway, yet is equally suited to fun with friends or family.

FORTUNATA was custom designed by her owners to be a yacht comfortable to live on. A direct line of sight between forward and aft decks creates a spacious first impression. Entering the main salon, built-in two-tone wood cabinetry and soft Italian leather couches surrounding a coffee table beg cozy conversation.

The forward dining area is set apart, raised by two steps, and is a lovely, private area to enjoy fine cuisine prepared by multi-talented chef Jessa Pereira. (According to Captain Graham Cove, she can also keep the boat in a pretty straight line.) Wonderful aromas issued forth from her kitchen-style galley that tempted all of us to linger a bit longer there.

Rich Italian décor characterizes four ensuite guest staterooms, each furnished with ivory silks and fine linens. Accommodations are for up to eight guests in the full-beam master, VIP queen and two twins.

Spacious exterior areas on FORTUNATA beckon soaking up the sun or relaxing in the shade. Our favorite spot for great views and sun worship is the large sunpad located on the bow just forward of the helm. The aft deck features al fresco dining for eight and is particularly alluring at night when the sea appears magical, illuminated by underwater lights.

Personable Captain Graham Cove lived in the Bahamas for 10 years, has family there, and knows Florida and the Bahamas intimately. Because FORTUNATA cruises at a speedy 25 knots, with a mere 6-foot draft, the Captain, on a whim, can leave Key West at breakfast, cruise to explore the Dry Tortugas, and be back to catch the famous Key West sunset.

He also likes to drop a line off the back “because you never know when the mahi mahi or tuna might be running.” The Captain thinks FORTUNATA is a great boat for families who just want to get away and have fun, and he knows all the best spots to do that!

FORTUNATA is a stunning Ferretti charter yacht with destinations in Florida and the Bahamas, and clearly the crew has plenty of insider tips to help create a personalized vacation experience of the highest caliber.

Boatbookings.com has numerous informative links to launch you on the adventure of a lifetime. Please see FORTUNATA and Florida and Bahamas Yacht Charter to get started.

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