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SOUTH FLORIDA FREEDIVERS TO HOST BISCAYNE BAY LIONFISH SMASH WITH THE HELP OF SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

On October 29th, 2011 the South Florida Freedivers are hosting the first Biscayne Bay Lionfish Smash at Rickenbacker Marina on Virginia Key with proceeds going to the University of Miami’s Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. This event has the goal of bringing awareness to the Lionfish invasion in Biscayne Bay and educating the public on how to harvest and handle these venomous but tasty invaders.

The Lionfish are an invasive and venomous species that hail from the Indo-Pacific Region, threatening the biological diversity of the western Atlantic. The South Florida Freedivers hope to work in conjunction with other local and national organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation to help slow lionfish invasion and educate people on how to safely kill and handle these fish.

The format is as follows: Divers will compete as two person, with more than 1 team allowed per boat. Entry fee is $60 per team. Teams must be signed up no later than the Captain’s meeting which will take place on October 27th at the Rickenbacker Fish Company. A representative from each team must sign in at this location between 7-9 am the day of the tournament. Once signed in the team can fish wherever they like in U.S. waters but must have their cooler or bucket at the dock no later than 4pm.

PRIZES:
Largest Lionfish taken $500
Smallest Lionfish taken $200
Most Lionfish by a team – A case of fine Rum

“I’m very excited to assist in increasing awareness of the negative effects of the lionfish here in my home waters. By getting the word out and working together we can combat this invasion, ” mentioned Tom Ralph, chairman of Broward Surfrider Foundation.

The South Florida Freedivers is a grassroots organization focused on bringing together free divers, scuba divers, fishermen, boaters, and all who utilize the ocean as their playground. Meetings are held every 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM at Scotty’s Landing in Coconut Grove – Miami, Florida. The purpose of these meetings is to put together a group of likeminded individuals who respect and honor the best of the sport; local fishing regulations and practices, selectivity and conservation, and above all diver safety.

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Our Charter Experts On Board 121ft. OLGA: A Super Yacht with a Mission to Spoil! See OLGA at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 27-31

For discerning charter guests accustomed to unsurpassed seaworthiness and the finest level of formal service, OLGA will exceed expectations. Designed by Jack Sarin to deliver an enchanting yachting experience, every element about OLGA is thoughtful and inviting. OLGA`s interiors by Robin Rose combine a traditional tone with a contemporary flair. Elegant hard wood interiors of Sapele and Pomele Mahogany are complimented by upscale furnishings and first class amenities.

Chef Claire

We started our tour aboard OLGA, a 121-foot Crescent motor yacht, in the spacious country kitchen where amazing aromas from the ovens of Claire, the Cordon Bleu Chef, wafted throughout the main deck. Sara, the talented Chief Stew, massage therapist, beautician, Mariachi singer and guitar player extraordinaire, busily served these enticing appetizers and greeted guests.

The VIP stateroom aboard OLGA is nicely positioned forward of the galley and romantically remote. The master suite and guest staterooms are located on the lower deck amidships. Adjacent to the master suite is a small cabin with upper and lower bunks, perfect for small children that need to stay within parental earshot. We are told that this cabin is rarely sold because, despite the fact that OLGA can accommodate 10 guests, they will not charter to more than eight guests so as to maintain an optimum level of service.

This is a great yacht for couples but also for families. Chef Claire and Captain Bernard are very family-oriented, in fact their son Rafael was home schooled and worked on board OLGA as a youth. He was apparently quite a heartthrob with the young ladies. (Now he’s turned 18 and has a real girlfriend in Montreal, so he’s staying

First Mate Clem

ashore.) Captain Bernard`s strict policy is not to hire any crew who do not smile. First mate Clem from St. Vincent displays an expansive grin. His cruise ship experience endowed him with the whimsical ability to create terry towel pets that are enjoyed by all.

Venture out on OLGA`s upper deck to find the water toys and a massage table, draped in luxurious white linens and strewn with orchids. The Chief Stew and the Second Stew are both licensed massage therapists and offer manicures and massages on an as available basis, depending on the demands of the charter.

OLGA is equipped for certified divers to scuba dive right off the yacht and the Captain knows where to find lobsters the size of a man`s forearm!

OLGA is a superb option for chartering in the Bahamas this winter with no delivery fee for week long charters. For fishing enthusiasts OLGA is available in tandem with AMBUSH, a 61′ 2009 Garlington Sportfishing Yacht that charters at an additional rate and can accommodate two guests.

During the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show OLGA will be available for viewing on the Face Dock at the Hall of Fame Marina.

Click here for information on chartering OLGA.

Also on display ar FLIBS:

DESTINATION FOX HARB’R TOO 161’ Trinity, Hall of Fame Marina – Face Dock, Slip 42

MISS MICHELLE 130’ Westport, Hall of Fame Marina – Face Dock

UNFORGETTABLE 100’ Inace, Hall of Fame Marina – Face Dock, Slip 45

TIGERS EYE 98’ Hargrave, Las Olas City Docks – A-Dock

Please follow this useful link for information about Super Yacht and Luxury Yacht Charter worldwide.

 

 

 

 

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Super Docks for Superyachts in the Exumas at Staniel Cay Yacht Club

The island of Staniel Cay is nestled midway along the magnificent chain of Bahamian Islands called The Exumas Cays.  This island is ideal for friends and families who enjoy boating, beaches, snorkeling, diving and fishing. Staniel Cay lies approximately 75 miles south of Nassau and 250 miles of southeast of Florida. The island itself is small and remote, less than 2 square miles in area. A tiny Bahamian village lies on the western shore a short walk south from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers berths for superyachts of up to 185 feet and has recently expanded and upgraded dock facilities with increased electrical supply and a dedicated fuel dock with high-speed pumps. Staniel Cay is a favorite destination for yacht charter guests wishing to explore the pristine Exumas, and remote locations such as the Plana Cays, renowned as one of the most spectacular regions for diving and fishing anywhere in the world.

Many yacht charter guests with personal aircraft utilize the airstrip on Staniel Cay. For yacht charter guests without private air transport, Watermakers Air, the airline of the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, offers both private charter flights and a rate-per-seat for shared-charters departing from Fort Lauderdale executive Airport. Flights may clear customs in South or Central Andros making this a very convenient option for passengers destined for the southern islands in the Bahamas chain.

Please follow this informative link to view a Yacht Charter Guide to the Bahamas.

Here is a selection of extraordinary luxury crewed yachts for Bahamas Yacht Charter.

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YACHTONUS – FREE ONLINE SAILING and MOTOR YACHT MANAGEMENT

YACHTONUS.com is a new international online platform for yacht management that allows owners to input data and create an individualized maintenance plan, with the additional option of inviting providers and other users to assist in the process.

It is difficult to remember when various components on your yacht will require servicing, oil and battery changes, life rafts, flares, first aid kits, etc. YACHTONUS.com offers a simple format to create an online profile complete with images.

Sailing yacht and motor yacht registration is free for any boat owner. The user creates an online boat profile in their chosen language that includes all components on board and their state of repair.  Owners develop a maintenance plan and safely give service suppliers access to their online boat profile enabling them to update the configuration, the corresponding maintenance plan and schedule essential tasks in the future. A brief overview of the boat can be shared easily via an email link.

Users can review the highest rated advice for items on board; raise questions with fellow boat owners and specialists as well as accessing required products or services with the click of a mouse.  The service is currently being expanded to offer an online comparison against predefined profiles for boat safety and offshore racing regulations.

Alex Dowdalls

Alex Dowdalls is the founder and managing director of YACHTONUS.com. Born and raised in Hamilton Scotland, he is currently based in Amersfoot, Netherlands. YACHTONUS.com, Dowdalls’ vision for an international online platform, is currently available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch.

Discover the latest in boating technology through this helpful link to Yachting Events and Boat Show Dates Worldwide.

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View 154′ OHANA at FLIBS: The Qintessential Family Charter Yacht

In Hawaiian Ohana means family, and family means no-one gets left behind or forgotten. A family charter onboard OHANA provides an unforgettable experience that will thrill guests of all ages.

OHANA is a superbly elegant yacht with the comfort and charm of a Cape Cod seaside estate. This 154-foot superyacht of contemporary classical style was designed by the renowned Donald Starkey and built by Admiral Marine Works, Inc. OHANA is an ideal yacht for charter families, equipped with an amazing array of water toys and a very child friendly crew.

Enter the main deck lounge onboard OHANA and feel immediately relaxed. Sumptuous creamy carpeting and upholstery offset by rich wood paneling and nautical works of art inspire the seafaring spirit. A surround of panoramic windows allows for magnificent views and flood interiors with daylight.

Aft of the dining room OHANA has an elegant veranda deck and entertainment center. Here an excellent view out of the main aft deck through double glass doors further expands the sense of space. This is an ideal room for children and games, with easy access to water sports.

The subtle nautical theme throughout OHANA transitions with a more casual attitude in the upper lounge, where plush, overstuffed furniture beckons repose. Aft, double stainless steel doors access the protected dining deck on OHANA, with ample seating for 12 guests.

The full beam master compartment on OHANA is at once voluminous and cozy, decorated in a casual cottage style, it includes a lounge and office area and enchanting his and hers facilities. Two guest cabins are furnished with queen beds and two with twin beds, each with stunning ensuite bathrooms. Combining two adjacent staterooms, an excellent option for families with small children, can configure VIP accommodations. All staterooms are equipped with their own safes, entertainment centers and computer network access. OHANA has many notable features, including a handsome circular staircase to provide access from the sundeck to the lower decks and a sundeck staircase with accesses through all decks. The sundeck features a six person Jacuzzi with sun lounging pads and a BBQ grill, with circular settees surrounding teak cocktail tables. An optional tent awning is available for guests who prefer shade.

OHANA has a well-deserved reputation as being a fun charter yacht. The near endless array of watertoys includes four waverunners and a thrilling waterslide. The highly skilled crew of 10 is adept at pampering charter guests of all ages, and take great pleasure in unloading the grand toy chest for a day of excitement above or below the waterline.

Photo Credits: Marc Paris

Be sure to view these magnificent charter yachts at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 27-31:

OHANA is available for viewing at the Hall of Fame Face Dock, Slip 41.

NEWVIDA 160′ Delta Marine, Hall of Fame Face Dock – Slip 43

MR. TERRIBLE 154′ Delta, Hall of Fame Face Dock – Slip 40

SEA LOAFERS III 112′ Westport, Hall of Fame Face Dock – Slip 39a

Here is a useful link for further information on Super Yacht and Luxury Yacht Charter.

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