Ho Ho Holiday Gifts that Help Sea Turtles!

The gift of an adopted sea turtle makes a great stocking stuffer for kids, a unique gift for that hard to buy for friend, or the person who has everything. This special gift will spread feelings of good will in keeping with the true spirit of the season. Adopt a satellite-tagged sea turtle, or other endangered animal, in the name of someone you love and your loved ones will take pride in helping ensure the survival of these magnificent animals.

Sea turtles have been on the earth for more than 300 million

Leatherback hatchlings

years, but now face conditions that threaten their existence like never before because of man’s activities. Adopting a sea turtle helps fund research into caring for and protecting these magnificent creatures by supporting Sea Turtle.org and its partners in tracking their movements and behavior.

When you adopt a satellite-tagged animal, you can track their movements through the Sea Turtle.org website.  This nonprofit and their partners have fitted more than 400 animals from 100 projects around the world with high-tech data transmitters that will relay information about their location via satellite. Tracking their movements helps researchers to better understand animal behavior and improve laws and regulations that protect sea turtles and other endangered species. Visit the wildlife adoption web page to find out which tracked animals are available for adoption.

To ensure delivery by Christmas, submit orders by Friday, 16th December for US deliveries and Saturday, 10th December for deliveries outside the US.

Be an environmentally savvy yachtsman. Follow this informative link to learn about Green Chartering for Low Carbon Emissions.

Here is a useful site to explore Luxury Yacht Charter Worldwide.

Awards Dinner at Tortola`s Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina: New Options for Yachtsmen at Upscale Marina

Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, located on a 230-acre private island east of Tortola a couple of miles from Tortola Airport, hosted the Tortola Charter Boat Show Awards Dinner for yacht crews and brokers. The buffet was laden with excellent food and despite the crowd of about 200 guests there was more than enough for seconds and thirds.

The property opened for business in mid-2010 with resort accommodations and residences for purchase. Due to the BVIs strict development controls, and despite what became years of controversy, this private island resort is the first to open in the BVI in more than 15 years.

Private Dining Room

The Scrub Island staff kindly took those interested on a tour of the property, which offers a new, upscale destination for yachtsmen and vacationers. The marina boasts dockage for five megayachts with an LOA of up to 170 feet and 53 deep-water slips available for short or long term docking.

On site, the Marina Village shops include the Scrub Island Boutique, the well-equipped Dive BVI shop and the Gourmet Market & Café, with offerings that include a tempting deli counter and fine wine selections. The most opulent crew bathrooms we’ve seen to date are in this area, decorated in marble they house multiple sinks and huge glass showers.

Charter guests will enjoy stretching their sea legs on a bit of shore leave at the multi-level pool, the lovely terrace restaurant with great sea views, the spa with an impressive menu of treatments, or perhaps a work out in the fitness center or hike on a nature trail.

Accommodations are available in one bedroom or two bedroom suites handsomely decorated with an island flare, with impressive full kitchen, large living room and lovely balcony. These condominium apartments are also for sale starting at $1.5 million. Contact the resort for details.

For comprehensive information on the BVI access the following links:

Tortola Yacht Charter and Beach Guide

BVI Sailing Itineraries

BVI Yacht Charter

 

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.