Richard Sauter, Leader In Eco Friendly Yacht Design, Launches Bali Net Zero Hotel Resort & Spa

Richard John Sauter, a long time visionary in the design of the technologically evolved, environmentally responsible superyacht, is diversifying. At the recent RINA Conference held in Genoa he made a presentation emphasizing the ’10 basic steps that will place the Post Carbon Superyacht at the forefront of mankind’s inevitable Post Carbon Future.’ Sauters innovative superyachts harness “the collective maritime resources derived from the sun, wind, waves and currents at sea.”

Sauter has come ashore to tackle sustainability issues with the prototypical Bali Net Zero Hotel, with solar panels numerous enough to collect more than double the amount of energy required to run the hotel. By generating and selling this surplus electricity by day, the Hotel is able to offset the electricity they will consume from the grid by night. The Solar Energy generated by the Hotel complex will be sold to the local community with the profits used to cover the cost of laying down, maintaining and further expanding the systems infrastructure.

Richard Sauter founder of Sauter Carbon Offset Design commented “Building Net Zero Green Power Resorts instead of a coal fired power station is a realistic, cost effective alternative for Bali. The Chinese Coal Fired power station proposed for Bali is what made China the number one environmental polluter on the planet today. Green Power from Net Zero Hotel Resorts like this one will show that collectively, the Tourist Industry in Bali can provide enough Solar Power to establish the island of the Gods as the number one Eco Tourist destination in the world”.

The Bali Net Zero Hotel Resort & Spa generates 2.5Mws of electricity a day from its solar cell array to maintain a Zero Carbon status. Solar panels which have a 25 year warranty will be deployed as an integral part of the cascading roof on 4 floors.

Being a renewable and sustainable power generation station will qualify the Bali Net Zero Resort as a Certified Carbon Offset Project allowing for the sale of Carbon Offset Credits to guests in the form of a 5% surcharge on Hotel facilities. The cost of the entire Solar Power Generating System may be recovered in less than 3 years. As a Certified Carbon Offset Project the Bali Net Zero Hotel & Seminyak Solar Power Station will offset over 5,000 tons of CO2 per year.

Please use these links for information on Green Chartering and Carbon Offset Credits.

Posted on May 31, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

A Cure with a View: Stretch Ship Board Sea Legs on Panoramic Hiking Trails from Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda, BVI

There are over five miles of intertwining hiking trails at the Eastern end of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, that offer gentle climbs and spectacular views. Guy’s Trail, named for Bitter End’s resident bushwacker and primo photographer, is a 1.5-mile (approximately 45 minute to 1 hour) tour that starts at the Northeast end of the Bitter End property, casually climbs the 455-foot hill behind Bitter End, traverses North to South, and then descends near the pool at Bitter End, or if one chooses to, continues to connect with trails to Deep Bay, Oil Nut Bay, Biras Creek, and on up the 630-foot “Great Hill.”

It’s great exercise, great fun and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Strap on some sneakers or sturdy treads, grab a water bottle or a sports drink at the Club’s Emporium and hit the trails. After hiking, head for the on-site world-class spa to indulge in a soothing treatment, visit the Bitter End Pub for a refreshing beverage, or simply lounge on the beach.

Here is a helpful link for comprehensive destination and charter information about the British Virgin Islands.

Posted on May 25, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Bitter End Yacht Club in North Sound, Virgin Gorda, Unveils their Brand New, State-of-the-Art, Quarterdeck Marina this July

The Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC) in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda is an exceedingly popular destination in the British Virgin Islands for both charter and private yachts. To accommodate ever-larger charter catamarans, monohulls and power yachts, top-of-the-line sportfish and private megayachts, BEYC is set to open the full service Quarterdeck Marina this July.commercial inflatable bouncers

The new installation, built from the ground up, will have wider slips, improved decking surfaces, enhanced skirting, upgraded power, and best of all a better dockage layout to accommodate a wider variety of boat sizes and shapes.

The state of the art facility will be able to accommodate yachts up to 235 feet LOA with drafts of 15 feet or

BEYC — From left: Richard Starkey, CEO/Managing Director of Meridian Construction Company; Marland D'Augiar, Foreman and Supervisor; Sandra Grisham, COO Bitter End Yacht Club; James Meade, Construction Manager at Bitter End; Carine Locher, Quarterdeck Marina Manager; Robert Smith, Director of Engineering; and Mary Jo Ryan, Resort Manager

more. Tender docks are larger, catamaran docks are wider, and electricity is easily accessed.

Richard Starkey of Meridian Construction Company is the General Contractor on the project. Noted architect Peter Brill penned the designs. Both worked closely with ownership and management to fulfill their goals. According to Starkey, “the project here at Bitter End will fit the needs of the clientele perfectly. It’s such a lovely location, and the new facility will blend in nicely.”

Here is a link to access comprehensive information about the British Virgin Islands.

Posted on May 12, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Maldives Itinerary: Ancient, Modern and Altogether Breathtaking

The Maldives is a long and narrow country formed by 26 natural atolls in the Indian Ocean. Satellite imagery reveals these atolls to be some of the most beautiful on earth. Superb diving has made the Maldives a premier destination for scuba divers, and since the early 1970s peerless spa resorts have attracted a chic international clientele. A luxury yacht charter is ideal for guests who want to experience everything the Maldives has to offer above and below the waterline.

Maldives Ten-Day Itinerary

Day One: Male’atholhu Uthutuburi to Baa Atoll

Arrive in the capital city Malé on North Malé Atoll, considered one of the most beautiful atolls on the planet. Here you will board your yacht and set sail on aquiline waters, past lush palm islands, white sand beaches, and villages endowed with traditional charm. Anchor outside a lagoon in one of the beautiful islands in Baa Atoll. Take a leisurely swim or an awesome snorkel to view parti-colored fish.

Day Two: Baa Atoll

Baa Atoll is an administrative division of the Maldives made up of three separate atolls. Explore Kihaadhuffaru Thila where graceful stingrays and nurse sharks glide through the crystal clear water. Cruise to Gemendhoo, an uninhabited island with verdant vegetation and a powdery white sand beach. Thulhaadhoo Island is traditionally well known for its lacquerwork handicrafts. In the village of Kudarikilu learn about Maldivian island life, visit the mosque and local shops where Thundukunaa, the traditional craft of mat weaving can be observed. Anchor outside Kudarikilu lagoon and relax against the backdrop of endless ocean and scarlet sunset.

Day Three: Baa Atoll to Raa Atoll

Northern Maalhosmadulu Atoll or Raa Atoll is the next atoll in the archipelago. Visit Ugulu and the heritage site of Redhinge Usgandu. Anchor outside Ugulu, renowned as an excellent fishing spot. Cruise to Voadhoo Faru for breathtaking diving. Discover Alifushi, a village famous for traditional boatbuilding.

Day Four: Raa Atoll to Shaviyani Atoll

Enjoy an authentic Maldivian breakfast before heading towards Haa Dhaal Atoll with a stop at Shaviyani Atoll enroute. Visit Maroshi to see the historic Kaani Tree (Cordia Subcordata) that dates back to the 16^th century struggle against Portuguese rule.

Day Five: Shaviyani Atoll to Haa Dhaal Atoll

Cruise to Dhaal Atoll where guests may anchor outside the lagoon for lunch. Explore Maamakunudhooo Atoll to the southeast, the site of several shipwrecks including the English ship Persia Merchant, destroyed in 1658, and the Hayston, which ran onto a reef in 1819.

Day Six: Haa Dhaal Atoll to Haa Alif Atoll

Haa Alif Atoll is the northernmost Atoll of the Maldives. Here visitors may explore the historical island of Utheemu, the birthplace of Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu. Utheemu Ganduvaru is the site of the historic residence of this legendary hero attributed with freeing the nation from the Portuguese. Visit Kelaa Island, a British military base during World War II. The mosque here dates from the end of the 17^th century. The island is known for the production of yams and cadjan, a mat made of coconut palm leaves. After lunch visit Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi. This luxury boutique resort is on the privately owned, uninhabited island of Dhonakulhi.

Day Seven: Haa Alif Atoll to Lhaviyani Atoll

Pass by Ekulivaru, an untouched, uninhabited island with a delightful reef for snorkeling and lovely beach for a picnic lunch. Visit Naifaru, a local island where visitors can spend an evening in a local home and experience local delicacies.

Day Eight: Lhaviyani Atoll to Baa Atoll

Angu Faru is an amazing dive site that is home to schools of barracuda, the breeding ground for grey reef sharks, and a common habitat for turtles. Visit Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, featuring the only resort based astronomical observatory of its kind in the world. Divulge in sumptuous gourmet cuisine offered on the dinner menu at the resort.

Day Nine: Baa Atoll to Malé Atoll

Cruise to Male’ Atoll where visitors may select from a variety of activities including a scenic photo flight, a city tour, or a visit to Huvafen Fushi, managed by Per Aquum Resorts and Spas, which features a unique, world class under water spa.

Day Ten: Malé Atoll to Malé International Airport

Bid your Captain and Crew a fond farewell and begin the journey home. While enroute, envision destinations for your next spectacular luxury yacht charter vacation.

For comprehensive charter and destination information please visit The Maldives Yacht Charter and Sailing Vacation Guide. Follow this link to view an exciting selection of Maldives Charter Yachts.

Posted on May 5, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Available for Charter: Brand New Leopard 44 in the British Virgin Islands and Jeanneau 54 DS Flagship in Newport, Rhode Island

A dazzling 2011 Leopard 44 will be available for charter out of Tortola, BVI beginning this November. This innovative sailing catamaran features a powerful engine, excellent electronics package, bimini hard top, high capacity water and fuel tanks, electric windlass and more.

The acclaimed brand won the Cruising World Boat of The Year and Sail Magazine Best Boats awards in the Cruising Multihull and Overall Import Boat of the Year categories. The Leopard 44 is ideally designed to delight bareboat charterers with excellent seaworthiness, cruising performance and spacious accommodation.

The most significant modification on the new Leopard 44 is the addition of the open forward cockpit with direct access from the saloon. This feature offers increased visibility, ventilation, and increased living space in an ergonomic and safe design. This lounging area has a fixed overhead bimini for protection against the elements. The forward door with large portlights in the windscreen allows for through ventilation in the saloon, even during a tropical downpour, where the forward bimini prevents water entry.

Jeanneau 54 DS 2010 just entered the charter market and now is available out of Newport R.I. The Jeanneau 54 is a stunning luxury yacht designed as the flagship of the Jeanneau fleet. This beautiful, spacious yacht is fully air-conditioned and features contemporary interiors of rich woods, teak, sumptuous leathers and first-class amenities. This seaworthy monuhull accommodates eight guests in four cabins.

Jeanneau 54 DS Slideshow

Here are some helpful links about Bareboat Yacht Charter and spectacular destinations in the British Virgin Islands and New England.

Posted on April 28, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓