Heesen Order Book Boasts Two Stunning Megayachts: YN 16551 and YN 15850

Heesen shipyard in the Netherlands signs two new orders for megayachts designed to be even more powerful, elegant and faster than their predecessors. YN 16551, with architectural styling elements

Heesen YN 16551 Profile

that are a progression from the award winning Heesen superyachts MAN OF STEEL and SKY, is a 167 foot full displacement, long range vessel with a steel, round-bilge hull-form and aluminum superstructure. YN 15850 is the newest design in Heesen’s 164 foot semi-displacement all-aluminum series and features reduced weight and 2.720kW MTU engines for extraordinary speed, range and fuel economy.

Like MAN OF STEEL (now INCEPTION), YN 16551 has a breathtaking owner’s suite aft on the bridge deck that opens fully onto a private deck with personal Jacuzzi. Above, on the upper sun deck, an exquisite social space offers guests options for shaded cruising and al fresco dining protected by an enclosure of rounded windows. The upper aft deck is open to the sun and stars and features a huge, rectangular Jacuzzi.

The Owner of YN 16551 has retained Mojo Stumer Associates to collaborate with Heesen for the interior design. Mark Stumer comments, “The upcoming project will explore the limits of modern yacht interiors, while affording the comforts of a luxury residence. Our avant-garde client is passionate about creating a distinctive design…”

YN 15850 incorporates innovative architecture and cutting edge interiors to produce a seamlessly integrated design statement. This floating residence features meticulous handmade wood paneling on the walls, custom sculptured furniture and a private owner’s deck with a library and bronze fireplace.

Voluminous open deck spaces include the 65 foot split-level sun deck with Jacuzzi forward and partially shaded bar and sunbathing area with steamer chairs aft. The upper deck features an alfresco dining table for up to 16 guests and an extravagantly glazed circular sky lounge with breathtaking 270º panoramic views.

YN16551 YN15850

LOA: 167 ft. LOA: 164 ft.

Beam: 31.5 ft. Beam: 29.5 ft.

Draft: 10.6 ft. Draft: 8.2 ft.

Fuel: 21,000 gal. Fuel: 18,900 gal.

Fresh water: 5,3000 gal. Fresh water: 4,280 gal.

Maximum speed: 15.6 kts Maximum speed: 23 kts

Engines: 2 x MTU 20V4000 M53 Engines: 2x MTU 16V 4000 M990

Range @ 10 knots: 5.400 nm Range @ 11 knots: 3.200 nm

Photo Credits: Dick Holthuis

More about Heesen Yachts for Charter. Here is a link to Boatbookings.com information and contact details for many of the world’s most prestigious marine Shipbuilders and Manufacturers.

Posted on February 8, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Boatbookings Meg Toppa Reports on Sailing Yacht AQUARIUS: Delivery to Victory in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

Boatbookings regatta expert Meg Toppa is keeping her fingers crossed for her highly skilled charter client and his race crew who will be racing to win in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta on board charter race yacht AQUARIUS.

AQUARIUS is a Nauter Swan 601 high performance sailing yacht with lightweight design for sailing at top racing speed. AQUARIUS classic lines and meticulously handcrafted interiors belie the most advanced building techniques and materials used in construction. AQURIUS features custom interiors and deck layout while maintaining hull shape and rig configuration that comply with one-design class rules.

Meg explains that AQUARIUS’ charter client has an impressive history of previous race participation aboard his own yacht, but this will be the first time he will be racing the superb charter Swan 601, AQUARIUS. He will set the agenda, although the captain of AQUARIUS will be on board (as per insurance requirements), and is sure to lend a most valuable hand to the team.

In a recent press release, AQUARIUS, a middle range contender, was described as “a dangerous presence” in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, the first of three competitions that the AQUARIUS team will undertake. Prior to the Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas, March 25-27 and the Tortola BVI Spring Regatta, March 28-April 3, a between race cruise week is scheduled for March 17-23, when the charter client onboard AQUARIUS will get a little respite.

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is scheduled from March 3-6, which puts AQUARIUS in the delivery mode at present. Toppa explains, “there are three modes that the race yacht can be in; delivery, cruise, or race modes. Each of these three modes requires changing the sheets, halyards and sails.”

The delivery mode entails lots of logistics, shipping the container with gear, and hotel and flight arrangements for the crew of six, required by any transit exceeding 300 miles. This allows two watches of three crew; one navigating, one helming and one trimming.

This is also a critical time of preparation, which the Captain of AQUARIUS, ChrisRingdahl, describes as very labor intensive. In fact just a couple of days ago, he and his wife were still sanding the keel past midnight. This is all part of playing to win.

Coming up is racing mode on AQUARIUS, when on each exhilarating race day the yacht is stripped to reduce weight and the forward berth becomes the sail locker. At day’s end, numerous chores include removing the drums from each of the nine winches for cleaning.

Keep checking Boatbloggings for AQUARIUS updates from Boatbookings racing expert Meg Toppa. She will be reporting up to the minute news (hopefully from the rail) throughout the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

Here is an informative link with valuable information on chartering a racing yacht and regatta information: Regattas and Sailing Events, Charter Racing Yachts

Posted on February 4, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

Luxury ARIA YACHT 56 and 65 Flybridge: New Semi Custom Design from Proship

Proship introduces a new brand with a range of three new models, specifically conceived and designed for a Chinese boatyard. The fleet comprises semi-custom models of 40, 56 and 65 feet.

Styling and design target the burgeoning upscale Asian market. Dominating the profile of the ARIA are panoramic windows running the length of the superstructure from bow to stern. These are particularly captivating when illuminated at night. ARIAs streamlined, exterior presence and contemporary open floor plan are aimed to create a timeless appeal.

The drawing board of designer Antonio Luxardo, a co-founder of Proship, has revealed numerous cutting-edge yet functional yacht designs. These imaginative renderings manage to incorporate enough conservative elements to keep them in line with market demand.

Luxardo states his aim is to “compose a complete and enchanting symphony where each model is not designed as an individual yacht but as a component of an harmonic unique and where Italian style, quality and on going innovation will be recognized as the added value of this new Chinese brand.

Layout for both the 56 foot and 65 foot models include three ensuite cabins with six berths and a maximum of 20 people on board. Specified engines are twin Volvo Penta IPS 900 and 1200 respectively, although range and speeds have not been estimated. The engineering project of ARIA YACHT models will be fully managed by the other co-founders of Proship, Luca Cima and Massimo Angelotti.

Boatbookings.com has an excellent and varied selection of charter yachts of all sizes available in destinations world wide. Here is a link to access information: Luxury Crewed Yacht Charter

Posted on February 3, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓

DYT Meets Growing Demand for Luxury Yacht Transport in the South Pacific

Whether you are witnessing the disembarkation or embarkation of private luxury yachts from a DYT (Dockwise Yacht Transport) vessel it is an amazing sight. Onlookers at the docks in Brisbane, Australia, were treated to the spectacle as DYT’s trademark bright orange semi-submersible ship, SUPER SERVANT 3, arrived in port this week.

Jason Roberts, President of Aurora Global Logistics and DYT’s exclusive commercial agent for Australia believes that the strength of Australian currency is stimulating the Australian yacht market and increasing demand for services within that sector. “Being market leaders, DYT and Aurora are working hard to service the South Pacific market for yacht transportation in relation to this large influx of yacht movements,” says Roberts.

SUPER SERVANT 3, with an impressive LOA of 456 feet, makes a striking entrance piggy-backing her precious multi-million dollar cargo. The vessel uses a unique float-on/float-off loading method that allows yachts of any size to be safely floated on and off as cargo. Captains, owners and crew, who may or may not elect to accompany their yachts on the DYT crossing, arrive for disembarkation, piloting their yachts off under their own power. It’s an amazing process,” said Roberts, “and no other shipping company has this ability to deliver boats in such a manner.”

Dockwise owns a total of four yacht carriers including the 686-foot super ship YACHT EXPRESS. The carriers submerge themselves by pumping nine million gallons of water into their ballast tanks; the vessels are floated into place one-by-one, then sea-fastened before the ship pumps dry to prepare for boat transport. The process is reversed to allow the yachts to safely disembark once they reach their final destinations.

SUPER SERVANT 3 will head from Brisbane to Auckland and return to Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in late February, via Ensenada, Mexico. DYT’s second “float-on/float-off” voyage to the South Pacific of 2011 will begin in Port Everglades in early July, with stops in Golfito, Costa Rica, Brisbane, Australia, Auckland, New Zealand and return via Ensenada, Mexico to Port Everglades in time for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. This particular voyage is ideal for those who want to attend the Rugby World Cup, which takes place in Wellington, New Zealand, in August 2011.

Photos Credits: Onne Van der Wal

Please use the link provided here for further destination information: South Pacific Yacht Charter

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

Our Charter Brokers Onboard Luxury Yacht AQUASITION: Superlative Seaworthiness, Style and Service

Luxury Motor yacht AQUASITION is a stunning 124ft Broward launched in 2007 that comfortably accommodates 10 guests in five staterooms. Our charter brokers were delighted to have the opportunity to view her elegant interiors, chat a bit with the delightful crew, and taste some delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by the chef.

Entering through the double glass doors on AQUASITIONs aft deck the main saloon is spacious and welcoming. Everywhere we look the design details are impressive. Daylight floods through large panoramic windows and glistens on the high gloss cherry woodwork.

AQUASITIONs main deck salon and dining area are defined by elegant furniture groupings that feature goose down cushions, cashmere silk blend upholstery, and suede leather. The cozy L-shaped sofa surrounds a large cocktail table made from exotic Madagascar ebony wood and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the 52 inch flat screen TV/DVD/stereo.

Moving forward we pass the elegant stairway in the foyer, and the galley of delightful aromas courtesy of Chef Mike, to reach the spacious, contemporary master stateroom. Here, and throughout AQUASITION, seafaring design details, from the undulating carpet to the marine themed artwork, emphasize the splendor of yachting.

Four ensuite staterooms are positioned on the lower deck of AQUASITION around a central foyer with refrigerator. Each is roomy and well appointed with plenty of storage and deluxe amenities.

Motor yacht AQUASITION has a well-designed sundeck that features a sprawling sunbed and Jacuzzi with magnificent views. Forward under cover is a dining area with plush banquette seating and a full bar with stools, making this area an excellent gathering spot.

Indeed, many brokers visiting AQUASITION lingered here, sampling the gourmet wizardry of Chef Mike. Everything was superb, from the delicate salmon canapés to the tuna tartar. We were also treated to luscious sangria, the secret recipe of Chief Stew Breanna, so laden with fruity antioxidants that charter guests could, with relatively little guilt, drink a glass or two for breakfast.

Captain Jay Roberts and his experienced crew are talented, gracious and entertaining. They are very attentive but with an ease that make guests of all ages immediately feel at home. This stylish yacht and personable crew make a winning combination for a superlative family charter or a getaway with friends.

AQUASITION is presently based in the Bahamas with a New England itinerary scheduled for this summer. Here are some helpful links for information on these destinations and outstanding yachts available for charter: AQUASITION, Florida and Bahamas Yacht Charter, New England Yacht Charter, Super and Mega Luxury Yacht Charter

Posted on January 27, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓