We Will Power the Whole World: Florida’s Clean Energy and Ocean Energy Technology

Admittedly the concept of powering the whole world seems far fetched. Yet researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering are making that claim.

The relatively new field of ocean engineering is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to developing new technologies to explore and harness the ocean’s resources. Ocean engineers design, build, operate and maintain ships, offshore structures, submarines, sailboats, tankers, tugboats, yachts, oil rigs, underwater robots, and acoustic sonar.

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University are adopting existing green energy applications, such as hydrogen, wind and thermal renewable energy resources, and converting the engineering principles to harvest the power of the ocean. Ocean engineers are designing ocean turbines, that operate much like wind turbines, to produce electricity that is transmitted to shore. Ocean thermal energy is a resource that can be produced by driving warm surface water to colder ocean depths. Underwater electricity can be generated to produce hydrogen that will be pumped to waiting tankers at the surface for transport to shore.

Will Florida power the world? Unlikely. But global dissemination of green ocean engineering research promotes a greener world armed with alternatives.

Our companies and the yachting industry strongly encourage conservation of environmental resources by promoting Green Chartering for Low Carbon Emissions.

Our Experts Experience a Caribbean Charter Aboard Stunning Luxury Yacht CHE

Our charter destinations are St. Maarten and St Barths, both renowned for fabulous nightlife, beaches, shopping and cuisine. Although these islands are considered top charter destinations in the Caribbean, when you’re chartering CHE, a stunning 114-foot Sunreef catamaran, staying on board and simply relaxing can be as alluring as going ashore.

Step on board CHE and a wave of calm washes over you. CHE is very spa-like. It has bamboo walls and floors that create a tranquil feeling of relaxation. The wife of the owner created a space that reflects her lifestyle of meditation, macrobiotic diet and overall balance.  An aura of peace permeates throughout the yacht, enveloping guests with a sense of well-being.

In contrast to the pervasive sense of tranquility at anchor, the rush of exhilaration you feel as soon as CHE gets underway is thrilling. It is quite spectacular to be on board and feel this yacht surging over the waves, the voluminous capacity of the sails propelling her with seemingly extraordinary speed over the water.

For those of us prone to seasickness, the topmost feature is that this yacht is such a huge platform of stability on the ocean, which enhances the joy of the experience. Despite rough seas with some huge swells in a wind blowing at 20-25 knots the yacht handled the surf remarkably well.

In all fairness, it was also the Captain’s ability to deal with the seas and approach the ocean with this particular yacht. His acumen surpassed any other professionally navigated catamaran we have ever been on. In fact, one of the most outstanding aspects of the entire charter was the crew. They worked flawlessly together as a team and are so synchronized that everything really happens seamlessly.

One example, the evening the Captain and two crewmembers sprang into action to save a 40-foot Beneteau that was dragging anchor. They managed to fend off CHE, jump into the dinghy and, although we were quite far out, tow the Beneteau back into the anchorage and secure it.  The guests onboard CHE were peacefully unaware of any activity, as the entire rescue was accomplished without panic, without flap, without noise, without commotion, without drama.

Luxury Yacht CHE is currently available for charter in the Caribbean with an exiting Mediterranean itinerary scheduled for the summer.

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.

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.

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.