Celebrate 2011 AquaticAfrolic, Oct 24-Nov 2: Reserve Now for the Fantasy Fest Flotilla through the Fantastic Florida Keys

Local yacht managers in South Florida enthusiastically present the first annual Fantasy Fest Flotilla, featuring all-inclusive crewed luxury charter yachts. En route to Fantasy Fest, Key West`s infamous annual island extravaganza, enjoy world-class diving, snorkeling, fishing, dining and extreme partying in the spectacular Florida Keys.

Monday, October 24: Coconut Grove, Miami – Key Largo
Embark from Coconut Grove, the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood of Miami, Florida, and a charming urban center of upscale restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Cruise around Biscayne Bay with a stop to swim and snorkel on the reef before sailing down Hawkes Channel to spend the night in Key Largo.

Tuesday, October 25: Key Largo – Marathon
Key Largo is the first island of the Florida Keys. The 1948 film Key Largo, starring Humphrey Bogart, brought early notoriety to the island. A popular beach bar today, the Caribbean Club provided the locale for a number of the movie’s scenes. The vessel of another Bogart American movie epic, The African Queen, is docked at the Key Largo Marina. Cruise down Hawkes Channel under sail to Duck Key to anchor for the night.

Wednesday, October 26: Marathon
Depart Duck Key for the leisurely two-hour sail to Sombrero Key Light, an excellent spot for snorkelers and divers to explore fantastic living coral reefs teeming with fish. Fishing enthusiasts will want to sail just south of the tower in the Gulf Stream to fight Mahi, Spanish mackerel, and other game fish. In the evening anchor off Boot Key Channel or spend the night at Burdine’s Waterfront or Marathon Marina and enjoy the vibrant nightlife onshore.

Thursday, October 27: Marathon – Little Palm Island Resort and Spa
Boot Key Harbor to Looe Key is a scenic half-day sail. Here the reef provides spectacular snorkeling and diving for an unforgettable afternoon. In the evening sail into the charming marina at Little Palm Island Resort and Spa. This private island is the posh retreat of presidents, high profile celebrities and savvy travelers. Dine on a terrace perched above the beach where key deer and songbirds visit, or at tables strewn along the beach. Sometimes, the revelry goes on all night by a roaring bonfire on the beach.

Friday, October 28: Little Palm Island – Key West
Depart Palm Island and arrive in Key West in the afternoon with plenty of time for exploring, shopping and sight seeing. This historic city is a fascinating crossroads of diversified cultures and lifestyles that coexist with colorful harmony.

Saturday October 29: Key West
Join in the fun of Fantasy Fest. Cool down at the Garden of Eden, clothing optional rooftop bar, dance at the Vampire Ball, which takes place at the spine tingling Haunting of Fort Taylor, watch the pet masquerade parade, join the celebrity look alike contest or any of dozens of other scheduled events that culminate with the grand parade down Duval Street followed by an all night party throughout downtown.

Sunday, October 30: Key West
Enjoy a perfectly prepared Bloody Mary on deck before setting off for a meander through the recovering town. Stroll, bike or rent a scooter to explore the narrow streets dotted with small yet elite restaurants, artisan shops tucked in entryways, signature architecture and subtropical flora and fauna.

Monday, October 31: Key West – Bahia Honda
This morning say farewell to Key West and sail up Hawkes Channel to an anchorage at Bahia Honda State Park. Swim or snorkel in the balmy water or dinghy ashore to hike one of the nature trails, learn about Florida wildlife, or simply relax in the evening sun.

Tuesday, November 1: Bahia Honda – Key Largo
Depart Bahia Honda for nearby Key Largo, which features a maritime museum, eco-tours, dolphin encounter programs, nature trails and a rehabilitation center for wild birds. Spend the last night aboard surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the upper Florida Keys.

Wednesday, November 2: Key Largo – Coconut Grove, Miami
A pleasant day sail up Hawkes Channel and into Biscayne Bay brings you back to Bayshore Landing near Dinner Key. Back in the city of Miami, take the opportunity to see what this thriving multi-cultural urban center has to offer, from arts and entertainment to international cuisine. Sit at a sidewalk cafe and savor the enjoyable memories of a superb experience. Then take time to ponder where you would like your next yachting adventure to begin.

This ten-day sailing itinerary is available on board the Beneteau 46 or the Hunter 41 DS, each with accommodations for four guests in two spacious cabins. A five-day Fantasy Fest itinerary is available on the high performance, two-cabin 48 Sundancer. Rates per cabin are $5,200 all-inclusive. Customary crew gratuity is not included and is at the discretion of the charterer.

For comprehensive information about these and other luxury bareboat yachts available worldwide please visit  Bareboat Yacht Charter.

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John Wayne`s Superyacht WILD GOOSE Nominated for National Register of Historic Places

136-foot WILD GOOSE is a vessel with an illustrious career to date, and she continues to enthrall charter guests cruising out of Newport Beach, California. WILD GOOSE, originally built in Seattle in 1943 as a minesweeper for the US Navy, was decommissioned from military use in 1946 and entered into private ownership from that time forward.

John Wayne purchased the vessel in 1962 for $116,000 and converted her into an opulent private yacht. He had long been passionate about the sea, even once having applied to, and been rejected by, the US Navy. From the time he purchased the yacht until shortly before his death in 1979, John Wayne spent as much time as possible on board.

John Wayne was a devoted family man and enthusiastically adventured up and down the Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico, often with his third wife and three daughters. Berthed at his private dock in Newport Beach, WILD GOOSE served as the platform for glittering celebrity events as well as informal gatherings with friends such Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.

Just weeks before he succumbed to stomach cancer, John Wayne sold the yacht to Lynn Hutchins, a local attorney. Almost immediately after his death, Hutchins reported seeing his ghost on board WILD GOOSE to the National Enquirer. A psychic explained that his spirit remained deeply attached to the vessel and corroborated the apparitions.

Previously certified by the California Office of Historic Preservation, WILD GOOSE has just received eligibility for entry into the National Register of Historic Places because of the long-term association with the iconic Hollywood actor. Documents submitted and approved cite the importance of the yacht “as an expression of John Wayne’s personality and outsized image.”

Please follow this helpful link for information on Luxury and Superyacht Charter.

 

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US Newcastle Shipyards 180ft HARBOUR ISLAND To Debut At Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 27 – 31

The trend toward ever larger yachts is not abating. Newcastle Shipyards announced the launch of its largest build to date, the 5500 Series 180 foot superyacht HARBOUR ISLAND.

Yacht Spotters along the east coast of Florida may catch a glimpse of the unmistakable HARBOUR ISLAND as she makes the journey from St Augustine, where she is undergoing dock tests and sea trials, to Rybovich Superyacht Marina and Refit in Palm Beach.

Notable features on HARBOUR ISLAND include a custom layout with two king master suites and a VIP king guest suite below. Additional amenities include an infinity pool on a split-level sundeck, raised veranda on the main aft deck and a built-in seating area aft of the alfresco dining on the skylounge aft deck.

HARBOUR ISLAND will make her world debut at the Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 27-31.

Follow these links for information on Superyacht Charter worldwide.

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Charter Yachts MARAZUL, SOGNO, and PANACHE: Smooth Sailing on the Sea of Cortez

The Sea of Cortez is a yachtsmen`s paradise of sheltered coves, secluded beaches and teeming marine life. Charter one of three outstanding yachts from La Paz, Mexico, and bask in luxurious surroundings with world-class service and five star cuisine while exploring a region unlike any other on earth.

Everywhere in Baja the landscape is exotic, from the drama of the desert to the remote islands in the Sea of Cortez. Estimated at five million years old, the Sea of Cortez is the youngest sea in the world. Here, 37 exquisite islands produced by volcanic eruptions afford sandy beaches and sheltered anchorages of breathtaking beauty. Biologically, the Sea of Cortez is the richest body of water on earth, with more than 900 varieties of fish and more than 2000 species of marine invertebrates.

98’ MARAZUL, is an excellent charter option for first time Baja fisherman in the Sea of Cortez. Sport fishermen can brace themselves in the yacht`s fighting chair and prepare to make their wildest fishing dreams come true. The area hosts many world-class sportfishing championships and is an international destination for the amateur enthusiast and professional competitor alike.

Off the coast of La Paz, the Island of Espirito Santu is an unparalleled charter destination. Charter SOGNO to discover the island environs, home to more than 271 species of fish, 98 species of birds and 31 species of marine mammals, some unique to the islands. SOGNO features an extended swim platform, perfect for launching explorations above or below the water line.

Baja beckons active explorers and offers bird watching, hiking, surfing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling in an environment like no other. When it`s time to relax, sip a designer cocktail and recount the adventures of the day, there is no better spot than high up on the flybridge of PANACHE, a perfect yacht for whale and porpoise watching by day, or al fresco dining beneath millions of stars by night.

Baja California Sur truly offers something for everyone, including shore excursions to charming cultural centers with vibrant nightlife. This magnificent region insures a phenomenal charter experience for families, groups of friends, or as a remote and romantic destination.

Follow this link for Mexico Charter Yachts and Destination Overview.
Explore this Loreto to La Paz Yacht Charter Itinerary

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Superyacht F45 MY HELIX Emerges from Feadship Royal Van Lent Shipyard

Wednesday, August 16, the Feadship Royal Van Lent shipyard launched HELIX, the fifth hull in the F45 series. The interiors on this magnificent yacht feature an appropriately nautical theme with an air of the traditional classic yacht updated to suit a contemporary European aesthetic. The modern mix of light fabric covered walls in rich mahogany wooden frames and highly contrasting textiles and materials adds exciting visual interest. Designed by De Voogt Naval Architects and Sinot Yacht Design, HELIX is a superb example of the ingenuity, sophistication, and innovative technology that has long been synonymous with the brand. Notable features include a non-traditional layout that locates the guest staterooms and the master suite on the main deck for extraordinary views from every compartment. HELIX will cruise to the Mediterranean in time to make her public debut at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show, held from September 21 to 24. The Feadship stand is number QT3 is on the central T-Jetty. Here visitors can view the 2011 Feadship Future Concept Model that incorporates new eco-conscious ideology with more emphasis on leisure and less on formality of space. Greater speeds, reduced fuel consumption, lighter interiors, higher ceilings, more watersports and new-generation technologies and design are the end product of cumulative research. Please follow this link for further information about Feadship and Feadship Charter Yachts. The best way to view yachts at the Monaco Show is via the water. Here is some useful information for Chartering a Yacht in the French Riviera.

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