Category Archives: Expert Commentary

On Board 143 STARSHIP: A Rarefied Atmosphere

It is no wonder that STARSHIP, a 143 ft Van Mill luxury yacht has long been a popular yacht on the charter circuit. Stepping onboard STARSHIP feels so welcoming, like visiting the estate of a friend. The rich, dark tones of makore and mahogany wood throughout the yacht impart an Old World dignity. Objets d’art, well worthy of pause; add a dash of lightheartedness to every space. A décor that manages to be beautiful, refined and comfortable makes guests feel at once esteemed and embraced.

The salon on STARSHIP has plush overstuffed chairs and sofa grouped for conversation. There is also a full bar, game table and plenty of entertainment options to be enjoyed on the 52 inch flat screen.

Moving forward through the beautifully decorated foyer we reach the alluring private formal dining room with panoramic views. The circular dining space is unusually positioned below the helm, with a surround of windows overlooking the bow. While many guests prefer al fresco dining, the draw of this gracious room is powerful.

The staterooms on STARSHIP are located on the lower level and seem quite vast on this beamy yacht. The master has a king bed, walk in closet, bathroom with multi head steam shower, and his and hers vanities. The lovely sitting area with sofa, chairs and coffee table is perfect for a leisurely scan of the paper over continental breakfast. The VIP stateroom has a queen bed, a Pullman and sofa bed, making it an ideal nanny cabin.

The helm on STARSHIP features a very astonishing floor, a mosaic of wood pieces that create a spectacular period map of the continents with ancient mariners on watch. It is these, and similar details, that make this yacht so delightfully surprising.

STARSHIP is currently based in Fort Lauderdale and is available for charter locally and in the Bahamas. STARSHIP is a very popular option for day charters cruising the Intracoastal Waterway and Biscayne Bay. But be forewarned, there is a level of comfort and relaxation on board that is so enveloping that time slips away. One day on board will hardly be enough.

Visit these links for information on chartering in Florida and the Bahamas, and to view a comprehensive selection of Luxury Charter Yachts.

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Leek, Mushroom and Feta Filo Rolls: A Favorite Recipe from the Galley of Charter Catamaran NAUTICAT OF FOWEY

Leek, Mushroom and Feta Filo Rolls

  • First make your filling.
  • Wash and finely slice 3 leeks and a handful of Mushrooms.
  • Gently sauté these in a pan in a little olive oil with a couple of sprigs of Thyme and seasoning to taste.
  • Mix in 3 – 4 oz of crumbled Feta cheese or you can use goats’ cheese if you prefer and allow mixture to cool while you prepare your filo.
  • Take one packet of filo and carefully open out the sheets and lay them on a board and cover with some cling wrap to keep them moist.
  • Melt one stick of butter in the microwave.
  • Take a sheet of filo and lay it on your work board – brush it carefully with the melted butter. Lay a second sheet on top. Cut the two sheets into three sections to give three oblongs and brush around the four edges of each one. At the top end of each place a small tight bundle of your leek mixture and fold in the top and the two sides all the way down. Roll these up into cigar shape parcels and place onto a baking sheet with the seam underneath.
  • When all complete – brush the tops with beaten egg and chill down in the fridge of an hour or so. Then cook in a hot oven for about 20 minutes or until the tops have gone golden brown.
  • Variations – you can make much bigger ones to make as a main veggie dish and you could use any combo of cooked /leftover veg and herbs and cheese – maybe Brie or Mozzarella to make them a little bit gooey – Enjoy!

 

NAUTICA OF FOWEY is a stylish and seaworthy Leopard 47, perfect for three couples and available for charter in the Caribbean Sea. Please visit these links for further destination information and to view a comprehensive selection of stunning Charter Yachts.

 

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Officials Promote New World Destination: Forum to Boost Yacht Tourism in Colombia

Colombia shares maritime borders with Venezuela, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, so it is no wonder that government officials are enthusiastic about integrating the country’s coast into existing Caribbean maritime routes. Recent efforts have created much excitement, particularly among cruising and racing sailors, who feel the development of a marine infrastructure, is long overdue.

According to Colombia’s Ministry of Trade, Industry andTourism, “the country aims to develop its nautical tourism industry to bring more tourists to its Caribbean coast.” A joint forum between public and private entities in the fields was held in the popular tourist destination of Santa Marta last Friday with the aim of including the Colombian coast in maritime routes between the Caribbean islands, Central and South America.

Although not mentioned during the forum by the Ministry, one of the most alluring yachting and diving destinations in Colombia is the Sea Flower Marine Protected Area in the Archipelago of San Andres and Providence. The site encompasses numerous islands and about 10% of the Caribbean Sea, amounting to a vast marine area of 120,000 sq mi. In 2000 it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to ensure that the large biodiversity of the ecosystem is well preserved and conserved. The region, located approximately 470 miles from the Colombian main land and about 140 miles east of Nicaragua, is a paradise of picturesque beaches, coral reefs, pristine cays, lush greenery and towering native trees.

Here are some useful links to our Guide to the Caribbean Sea and comprehensive information on Luxury Yacht Charter.

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Our Charter Experts On Board CRESENT 120 IMPETUOUS: Appealing, Sophisticated, and Family Friendly

Everyone who visited IMPETUOUS on the day we were there was truly impressed by this custom 120’ Crescent yacht, built in 2004, and her delightful crew. IMPETUOUS is a superbly maintained yacht that warmly welcomes guests of all ages and is ideally equipped for charter families and friends.

Captain Jim Lynn explained that IMPETUOUS is constantly being upgraded by a conscientious owner and it shows. The furniture is newly upholstered, newly varnished tables glisten and fresh wallpaper adds a contemporary flair. The AC is fully upgraded and there is iPod accessibility throughout the yacht with interfaces (within cellular range) for wireless Internet accessibility.

The gracious main salon is designed in golden tones with plush furnishings that beckon relaxation. We proceed past the formal dining area to reach the spacious eat in galley equipped with both counter stools and generous banquette seating. This is a great place for the kids to help make the pizza or gathering together for a late night snack.

Marvelous aromas are in the realm of Paul Stevens, Chef extraordinaire, who is endowed with gourmet cooking talents and a keen sense of humor.  He busily prepares a selection of delicacies that include delectable dates wrapped in bacon stuffed with goat cheese.

A handsome spiral banister of braided leather leads to the staterooms on the lower deck. The stately master features ample built in storage, a huge shower and aromatic walk-in cedar closet. The guest staterooms are luxurious and the forward V-berth is placed comparatively low for comfortable access. Cedar closets fragrance the rooms and ensuite facilities are lovely and Impetuous-Twinspacious. This very kid friendly yacht also has an adorable twin stateroom to delight any child.

IMETUOUS has a pocket exercise room with a story. Here the wall features a meticulously hand painted photo reproduction of the Owner in his race car. Captain Jim Lynn explains, “he was one of the first Americans to race with the Porsche racing team back in the 1950s. Shortly after the picture was taken he drove into the wall doing 170mph and miraculously walked away from it. He won a lot of huge races across Europe, he placed second in Le Mans, he was first in Sebring, he won the Mille Miglia in Italy, and he won the Nuremburg Ring in Germany.

About fifteen years ago he went around and found all of his old (race) cars, had them completely restored, and maintains them in one of his garages. He is also doing vintage races, two years ago at the Porsche race reunion. We took the yacht up there and it was quite amazing. He won first place best in show, racing the same car that he raced back in the day.”

His story left little mystery as to the name IMPETUOUS, and indeed there is an infectious aura of spontaneity and excitement on board this superb yacht, which is presently available for charter in New England.

Please use these links for insights and information on New England Yacht Charter and Chartering a Luxury Yacht.

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WATCH AN ONLINE SCREENING OF ALIEN INVADERS TONIGHT – JUNE 2ND

By Alecia Adamson, REEF Field Operations Coordinator

Changing Seas, an original production of Miami’s public television station WPBT2, will host a live online screening event of Alien Invaders, the series’ latest episode focusing on the lionfish invasion in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic. Alien Invaders will be screened live on the Changing Seas website www.changingseas.tv/webcast on Thursday, June 2nd at 7:30 p.m. EST. During the screening, dive enthusiasts will have the opportunity to join an online chat with producers and the experts featured in the program. REEF’s Lad Akins and researcher Stephanie Green will be be online to answer questions live during the event.

The Reef Environmental Education Foundation is a grass-roots organization that seeks to conserve marine ecosystems by educating, enlisting and enabling divers and other marine enthusiasts to become active ocean stewards and citizen scientists.

Please visit the Caribbean or Florida and the Bahamas to explore the wonderful options that are available for dive charters.

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