Splendid QUINTA ESSENTIA: Largest Yacht Launched by Heesen Shipyard To Date is Available for Summer Charter in Monaco

Heesen Yachts recently launched the first of its highly anticipated 55-meter semi-displacement series from the shipyard at Oss, The Netherlands. The head turning QUINTA ESSENTIA clearly displays, in both form and function, her esteemed Heesen pedigree.

Heesen naval architects in collaboration with Van Oossanen Associates have created a sophisticated and highly efficient hard-chine hull, while Frank Laupman from Omega Architects developed the dynamic and supremely graceful exterior lines.

The arresting exterior color striping plan alternates custom metallic dark red Awlgrip paint and oyster white. The inspiration for the plum red tone is taken from Montemaggio Merlot and reflects another of the owner’s passions – fine Tuscan wines. The dapper limousine tender, designed by Vripack and custom built in New Zealand by Vaudrey Miller, repeats the color scheme in miniature.

Renowned designer Ken Freivokh with Michela Reverberi, are responsible for cutting edge interiors that are at once artful, posh and beckoning. Commenting on this design co-operation, Nakhimov’s principal, Sergei Dorboserdov explained: “Ken was asked to create a futuristic interior in the minimalist style and while this resulted in an extremely attractive and conceptual design, the owners felt that the modern style was too stark. For this reason the owners introduced the Italian designer, Michela Reverberi to the QUINTA ESSENTIA project with a brief to make the atmosphere more intimate…Michela created a completely new interior style incorporating the color palette and atmosphere that met the owners’ taste and wishes.”

Michela Reverberi explains, “The inspiration for my work was ‘Quinta Essentia’ – the fifth element – which is the highest synthesis of the four elements. These four elements – Earth, Water, Air and Fire – are represented in the four guests’ cabins, while the owners’ suite synthesizes them all. The theme is integrated in the design thanks to details, colors, patterns that are displayed against an absolute and pure white background. Their presence is subtle and discrete. For the owners’ stateroom I chose the color silver, which reflects all the other elements, and therefore encompasses them all.”

The yacht has notable features that include a voluminous master stateroom, two double guest cabins that convert to a VIP compartment, a main deck swimming pool with lush waterfall, full gym and spa facilities on the sundeck, and a technologically innovative tender bay that can be flooded to allow easy launching and recovery of the tenders.

Yacht spotters are keeping an eye out for QUINTA ESSENTIA, a vessel certain to make a powerful impact on the luxury superyacht charter circuit in Monaco this summer.

LOA: 180.5ft.

Beam: 34ft.

Draft: 9.8 ft.

Fuel Capacity: 33,022 gal.

Water Capacity: 2,642 gal.

Maximum speed: 24 kts

Range: 4,500nm at 12 kts

Engines: 2 x MTU 20V4000M93L, each 4.300 kW

Please follow this link for comprehensive information on Luxury Superyacht Charter worldwide.

Posted on March 21, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Kingship’s Ocean SUV Series: Luxury and Functionality are not Mutually Exclusive

Kingship introduces the new Ocean SUV Series that incorporates sleek upscale design features with expedition style yachting capabilities.

The somewhat unconventional, eco-friendly design is the work of Sergio Cutolo at Hydro Tec of Varazze, Italy, and is available in 90 foot, 116 foot and 150 foot models with 5000 nm, 7500nm, and 9500nm ranges respectively. The SUV Series is long range, transoceanic, and suitable for world cruising without frequent stops to restock.

Interiors are fashioned to reflect an aura of high end luxury and insure supreme comfort. Even the smaller 90 foot is deceptively spacious, with accommodations for 10 guests and four crew. The 116 and 150 models have a full beam, main deck master, and an optional elevator connects all decks. Passengers enjoy a lofty superstructure from which to view the passing scenery. Voluminous, uncluttered exteriors are safer in heavy seas and easier to maintain.

Kingship, a Hong Kong based company, is the first builder in Asia that specialized in steel hull yacht construction. The company was awarded Best Asia Motor Yacht Builder in 2010. Kingship submits that ” With Ocean SUV, adventure doesn’t have to mean roughing it. It is a yacht that combines luxury yacht styling with expedition yacht functionality, while minimizing maintenance requirements and keeping operating costs low.” The Ocean SUV Series would seem to be impeccably dressed for any occasion, whether in Antibes or Antarctica.

Please follow this link for a comprehensive selection of the world’s most magnificent Luxury Charter Yachts.

Posted on March 17, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

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.

Posted on March 15, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

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.

Posted on March 14, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

2011 Ida Lewis Distance Sailing Race in Newport, Rhode Island

Due for its seventh edition in 2011, the Ida Lewis Distance Race is now a classic on New England sailing calendars. The race, which starts Friday, August 19, features a 177nm and a 150nm race course over some of the most storied and beautiful sailing grounds in the world.

With a spectacular start off Fort Adams in Narragansett Bay, the race includes turning marks at Castle Hill, Brenton Reef, Block Island, Montauk Point, Martha’s Vineyard and Buzzards Tower on its way to a signature champagne finish inside Newport Harbor off the historic Ida Lewis Yacht Club.

Classes are for IRC, PHRF (including Cruising Spinnaker and a Youth Challenge division), One Design and Double-Handed boats of 28 feet or longer. It is a qualifier for the New England Lighthouse Series (PHRF); the Northern and Double-Handed Ocean Racing Trophies (IRC); and the US-IRC Gulf Stream Series. For race information contact Dirk Johnson at [email protected], or telephone 401-965-9189.

Click here for a comprehensive list of Upcoming Yachting Events, Regattas and Boat Show Dates worldwide or to Charter a Yacht for a Regatta or Sailing Event. Or contact us at [email protected], 954 376-3711, to discuss yacht availability.

Posted on March 10, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓