Heesen`s 164ft. Superyacht YN 16750: Swift, Efficient, All-Aluminum, Transoceanic Explorer

YN 16750 is a swift, lightweight all-aluminum explorer yacht under construction at the Heesen shipyard and scheduled for delivery in 2015.
The revolutionary Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDFH) developed by famous Dutch naval architects Van Oossanen and Associates allows significant improvements in fuel efficiency.

Thanks to the FDHF’s low resistance characteristics, YN 16750 can reach a maximum speed of 18.5 knots powered by two 1.000kW MTUs. Hence an ocean-crossing range is achieved with minimal fuel capacity; only 45.000 liters are required to comfortably transit the Atlantic, leaving plenty of reserve.

Perry van Oossanen, naval architect at VOA, comments: “Modest propeller tunnels have been defined allowing for 1.5m diameter propellers. The hull will be fitted with Quantum XT zero-speed fins, and bilge keels, allowing for a maximum reduction in roll angle when at anchor. The design of the hull, the appendages and the propulsion arrangement have been focused on obtaining the best fuel efficiency possible, without sacrificing performance and comfort when running in waves.” Carrying less fuel also means that the yacht is lighter which further improves efficiency.

Exterior styling and general arrangement has been entrusted to Frank Laupman from Omega Architects & AB Studios. They describe the elegant lines emphasized by contrasting bands of wraparound glass as “complex simplicity” the parallelism of line is in fact an illusion.

The cozy and inviting interior décor will be based on the color contrast between swamp oak paneling and dark joinery details. Ten guests can be accommodated in five cabins. 61 square meters are dedicated to the master suite, traditionally located forward on the main deck. The four guest cabins (two VIP and two twins) are positioned on the lower deck.

Guests will enjoy 237 square meters of outdoor living space. The main and rescue tenders are placed on the fore deck under way, while the toys are stored in the forward garage. This configuration allows the aft part of the yacht to be used as a large beach club equipped with sauna and hammam.

The design of YN 16750 proves that high speed cruising can be achieved without sacrificing either luxury or efficiency.

Follow this link to view Heesen Yachts for Charter worlwide.

Please visit Super Yacht and Luxury Yacht Charter to explore the possibilities of a superb yachting vacation.

10 Day Dive Itinerary through the Turquoise Waters of Belize on 156′ Luxury ISA Trideck AXIOMA

Day 1: Belize City to Rendezvous Cay

After embarkation in Belize City, cruise east to Rendezvous Cay for lunch. A blue fish camp and coconut palms greet guests at Rendezvous Cay.  Take pleasure in a purely relaxing afternoon on board with time to play on the yacht’s exciting array of toys.  This evening a beach barbecue dinner sets the pace for your luxurious Caribbean charter.

Day 2: Turneffe Atoll (Southern End – Big Cay Bokel)

Sail to Turneffe Atoll, the largest of Belize’s three atolls that spreads over 30 miles north to south. The islands consist of hundreds of mangrove cays rimming both the east and west side of a shallow reef-fringed bank. The southern part of Turneffe is well known for fishing and diving. For many, the Elbow is the most exciting dive (for advanced divers only). Often hampered by strong currents, it is these same currents that make it so spectacular. Large predatory sharks, big groupers, eagle rays and sea turtles are often seen. Spend the day diving and fishing and savor gourmet lunch and dinner on board.

Day 3 & 4: Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Lighthouse Reef Atoll is a must see. It’s exceptionally clear water of aquamarine blue is adorned with numerous jewel-like beads of reef. The beaches are beautiful and miles of virgin coral reefs offer great snorkeling and scuba diving.  In the morning board the tender to the world-renowned Blue Hole for the first dive. After lunch cruise to Half Moon Cay, a nature reserve where 4,000 red footed booby birds have made their home. Take the well marked trail to the observation platform for spectacular views.

Day 5: Glovers Reef Atoll

In the morning cruise to Glovers Reef Atoll, the southernmost atoll that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Glovers Reef Atoll is a circular stretch of coral islands surrounding a shallow lagoon that closely resembles a South Pacific atoll. A few minutes away are more than 600 coral pinnacles and patch coral heads reaching toward the surface. Sheer walls beginning at 25 feet plummet vertically in a dramatic 2,700-foot drop.

Day 6: Queens Cay and Laughing Bird

Queens Cay is a pristine island with gleaming white beaches and fabulous turquoise waters.  Anchor in about 20 feet of water surrounded by coral reefs, an excellent spot that is home to more than 80 species of fish. Dive along sheer walls, grottos, and canyons, with wall dives that start at 35 feet then drop off plunging into an abyss of 3,000 feet. Enjoy a noontime cruise to Laughing Bird and lunch ashore. This spectacular snorkeling location is also known as a corridor for migrating whale sharks.

Day 7 & 8: Sapodilla Cay

Sapodilla Cay, the southernmost Cay on the Belize Cay barrier reef, is an ideal spot for a daytime anchorage. Head north from Sapodilla Cay to reach Nicholas Cay and an exploration of the renowned gap locally known as “the Aquarium”.  Spend the afternoon enjoying numerous water sports and games. In the evening the chef prepares a sumptuous beach barbecue.

Day 9: Monkey River and Placencia

Drop anchor at the mouth of Monkey River. An expert guide will escort guests on a tour to explore the amazing and abundant flora and fauna onshore. Later, depart for a serene anchorage off the quaint town of Placencia. Have lunch at the five star Francis Ford Copolla Resort’s Turtle Inn Restaurant.  Spend the afternoon exploring the unique shops, bars and sites of Placencia. In the evening dine at the French Connection restaurant, voted best cuisine in Belize. To enjoy an evening of local culture, Garifuna dancers and drummers may be hired to perform on board or guests may view a performance at one of the local resorts.

Day 10: Middle Ground Range and Belize City

Enjoy a delightful morning swim with the dolphins at Middle Ground Range. Cruise north to Belize City for disembarkation. Time for a few final photos and a fond farewell to your Captain and crew.

Please follow these informative links for further information on chartering AXIOMA and details on Superyacht Yacht and Luxury Yacht Charter.

WIDER 150: This New Build is Bold, Beautiful and Eco-Friendly

WIDER 150 is a yacht with a captivating profile and extraordinary proportions. The aim, according to the manufacturer, is to capture the aesthetic of the elegant vessels of the early twentieth century in a thoroughly modern context characterized by clean lines and taut, smooth surfaces. In addition, WIDER 150 is designed to be as environmentally friendly as available technology allows.

The yacht design has been calculated to dissolve the barrier between indoor and outdoor space. Access to deck spaces through virtually full beam exits and the oversize array of windows keep interiors light and airy. The position of the master suite on the upper deck allows the owner to enjoy a beautiful private terrace as well as privileged access to the flying bridge. The sundeck, accessed by means of a convenient internal stairway, offers a magnificent panoramic area for outdoor living.

WIDER 150 features diesel and electric power options that allow for maximum speeds of up to 20 knots, an ecological speed of 11 knots, and a range as great as 7100nm.

For comprehensive information about charter vessels worldwide please visit Superyacht and Luxury Yacht Charter

Our Charter Experts Onboard SERENITY: A Beloved Charter Yacht and Crew

Autumn is the current theme on board SERENITY, and we are greeted with potentially dangerous Pumpkin Spiced Martini shots as we board the aft deck. Through the sliding glass doors the cocktail and coffee tables of the main saloon are laden with enticing appetizer platters of figs, goat cheese and prosciutto crostini, crab cakes with orange cranberry relish, mini beef wellingtons and many other delectables.  The Chef, Jeff Ciucevich presents

Chef Jeff Ciucevich

temptations hard to resist, that somewhat belie his credo of “fresh and light cuisine with lots of veggies, fruits, seafood and local ingredients”.

SERENITY, a 116-foot Lazzara, is at once soothing and energetic, high spirited and harmonious. The décor brings in hues of the Caribbean Sea; woven into the gently undulating rug, echoed in the upholstery, accent pieces, and artwork. Guests feel at ease and at home everywhere on board.  Notable features include an elegant bar with magnificent views in the main salon, a welcoming country kitchen with sunny skylight, and an open flybridge with protective hardtop and sizeable Jacuzzi.  A floor plan designed for complete wheelchair accessibility makes circulation effortless. Modifications to this semi-custom design create an expansive swim platform and extra storage for a plethora of watersports toys and gear.

SERENITY accommodates up to ten guests in five staterooms but conversion options make this elegant yacht especially optimal for couples and charter families with children. One twin converts to a queen stateroom and also has two Pullman berths that are ideal for children.  A removable wall between adjacent port and starboard staterooms reconfigures to become a second master stateroom or a suite perfectly suited to the nanny and children.

“Thank you so much for a perfect vacation – from beautiful and delicious meals, to impeccable service, and over-the-top entertainment! Each and every crew member on the SERENITY is the absolute best of the best! We could not have had a more fabulous trip on any other ship without each of you…We have now set sail with all of you on SERENITY for two years in a row – many, many more trips together to come! Our deepest appreciation & gratitude for all each of you do! See you next summer-“

We have testimonials from guests who have actually been brought to tears of sadness when their charter draws to a close.  SERENITY maintains a loyal repeat charter clientele for obvious reasons; she’s the quintessential charter yacht with the consummate crew.  SERENITY is available for charter this winter in Florida and the Bahamas.

Here are helpful links for further information about SERENITY and Super Yacht and Luxury Yacht Charter.

Acclaimed Marine Artist Guy Harvey Collaborates to Produce Documentary Film of REEF Grouper Moon Project

Grouper are normally solitary and territorial, yet during the winter full moons grouper travel together to spawn. Wherever spawning aggregations sites have been recorded throughout the Caribbean fishermen have also aggregated, resulting in endangerment to the species and the present dormancy of one-third to one half of these sites.

In the winter of 2002, REEF launched the Grouper Moon Project in the Cayman Islands to observe the Nassau grouper spawning aggregation off the western tip of Little Cayman. Renowned marine artist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey, with videographer George Schellenger, joined the Grouper Moon Project team in 2011 to document ongoing research. They spent seven days in the field with scientists from REEF, the Cayman Islands Department of the Environment, and Oregon State University.

This September, their documentary “The Mystery of the Grouper Moon”, premiered at the Harquail Theatre on Grand Cayman. Inspired by his time underwater with the grouper, Dr. Harvey also created a painting of the aggregation that is featured on the documentary promotional poster. The original artwork will soon be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to REEF to support the Grouper Moon Project.

REEF is a non profit organization dedicated to grassroots marine conservation programs. REEF partners with dive shops, dive clubs, individuals, and other organizations worldwide.

For information on dive charters to destinations hosting REEF field stations please follow this informative link to Caribbean Yacht Charter.