The Galeon 780 Crystal Debuts at the Cannes Boat Show: Sultry and Sensual Sparkle

Polish shipbuilder Galeon Yachts debuts their newest flagship model, the Galeon 780 Crystal, at the upcoming Cannes Boat Show. Exterior styling represents a collaboration between Tony Castro Naval Architects and the Galeon in-house design team, who have not compromised on amenities, despite an LOA of 78 feet. Sophisticated interiors define European 21st century modernism with bold contrasting design elements, high-end finishes, state-of-the-art-lighting and an open architecture layout.

The main deck features a seamlessly integrated social and dining area with broad side windows, large sliding doors and an automatic glass panel roof. Forward, the helm station includes a Böning integrated monitoring system, and plenty of room for guests on a comfy banquette sofa beneath a slide-down window.

The lower deck of the 780 Crystal houses four spacious en suite cabins. Notable features include a walk-in closet and alluring sofa with a massage function in the owner`s stateroom. The VIP has an innovative huge overhead skylight and LED panel imitating the night sky.

Visit the Galeon 780 Crystal, on display at the TPA 104 pontoon 1 Pantiero in the Vieux Port.

Here is a helpful link to Yachting Destinations in France and to Crewed Motor Yacht Charter, because the ultimate way to view the Cannes Boat Show is by sea.

A Spectacle by Sea and Air: Newport Bucket Regatta to Feature WWII Texas Flying Legends

Organizers of the Newport Bucket Regatta are counting on the spectacular display of vintage aircraft to attract the local community to the waterfront in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Bucket Regattas, held in Newport and St. Barth’s.

The ninth annual Newport Bucket Regatta, which will be held Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28, will include a grand finale of legendary WWII airplanes buzzing the skies from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. on both days.

The Texas Flying Legends, who are making a debut in Newport, will feature six rare WWII vintage aircraft including Last Samurai, one of only two Japanese Zeros still flying in the world; the FG-1D Corsair Whistling Death; the P-40K Aleutian Tiger; two P-51D Mustangs Dakota Kid II and Little Horse; and the Mitchell B-25 Bomber Betty’s Dream. A public viewing will be available at the Quonset Air Museum from noon to 7 p.m. both days of the Airshow and will include access to the planes and pilots along with a viewing of the launching (approximately 4 p.m.) and recovery (approximately 5 p.m.).

Newport Bucket 2010

The Newport Bucket is the sister regatta to the St. Barth’s Bucket held each spring and is known for a legendary combination of thrilling superyacht racing and memorable shore-side celebrations. With 20 yachts registered to compete in Newport, including J Boats Velsheda and Ranger, the 37 meter Dubois/Fitzroy Moonbird, 42 meter Frers/Royal Huisman Hyperion and 35 meter Fontaine/Holland Jachtbouw Whisper, the regatta will once again host some of the world`s finest racing yachts, fiercely competing for the highly-sought-after tin bucket award.

Follow this link to explore options to Charter a Race or Spectator Yacht and for an excellent Newport to Nantucket Itinerary.

Italian Shipbuilder Fincantieri Delivers 440 ft SERENE: Italy`s Largest Yacht

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has delivered 440 ft. SERENE, the largest yacht built in Italy to date, and one of the 10 largest yachts in the world.

The magnificent megayacht, designed by Espen Oeino, features seven decks with ample space for a helicopter hangar, two helicopter pads, a submarine capable of diving to 328ft and a large seawater swimming pool that can accommodate service vessels.

Interiors comprise 4,500 square meters and include opulent living and social areas designed by renowned Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design. The yacht boasts highly sophisticated and innovative technology that has launched the Fincantieri yard to the forefront of megayacht design.

“We entered with great humility into a sector that was for us completely new and we’ve demonstrated that we know how to satisfy the desires of the most demanding client, using the most avant-garde solutions the market can call for,” said the managing director of Fincantieri Giuseppe Bono.

Fincantieri in no novice at large scale production as builders of yachts, cruise ships, large ferries and naval vessels including submarines with facilities in Italy and the US, including 10 shipyards.

Please follow this link for comprehensive information on Superyacht Charter.

Savvy Sailors Enjoy Shore leave with the Kids at BEYC, Virgin Gorda

Sailing a charter yacht in the British Virgin Islands is a lot of fun for a family, a real adventure that everyone can participate in. But savvy repeat charter clients know that at some point during the cruise it’s time to let the kids get off the yacht and enjoy a dedicated beach day.

The Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC), on the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, is beautiful, remote and protected, 12 miles from Tortola and an excellent choice, welcoming charter yachts and offering great activities for both the kids and the adults.

BEYC has a watersports fleet of over 100 boats, small keelboats, kid`s training boats, kayaks, and Stand Up Paddle boards. Kids might enjoy Optimist or 420 sailing dinghies, while parents might take a Laser for a workout, and everyone can enjoy the Hobies.

Expand your knowledge by taking a course at BEYC. For non-sailors the Bitter End offers a Sailing 101 (half-day course) ideal for the novice who wants to learn the basics. For experienced sailors there is a Racing 201 Course that can prepare sailors for competition in the Sunday Regatta and Tuesday afternoon `Beer Can Racing.`

For the parents in need of quiet time away from the kids, BEYC has a very highly rated spa that offers a variety of treatments, as well as yoga and meditation sessions.

Follow these links for comprehensive information on Family Sailing Vacations – Chartering a Yacht with Children, Charter in the British Virgin Islands, BVI 7 Day Sailing Charter Itinerary.

Final Month to Nominate Your Favorite Sailor: The ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards

Nominations are now invited for the 2011 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards, the most prestigious award of recognition in the sport of sailing. Since the first Awards presentation in 1994, the nominees and winners have always included the highest achievers from all disciplines of the sport.

The accomplishments of the sailors nominated each year are an inspiration – from windsurfers and dinghy sailors to offshore specialists, a nominee’s achievements may be an exceptional series of regatta wins, a record breaking passage or a triumph against the odds.

Nominations may be made by anyone and the only criterion is `outstanding achievement in the sport of sailing` during the qualifying period of 1 September 2010 to 31 August 2011. Nominations should be sent to ISAF by 12:00 (UTC) on Wednesday 7 September 2011 using the Official Nomination Form, available at www.sailing.org/36404.php

A shortlist of nominations will be drawn up by ISAF from all those received by the deadline and those making the cut will go on to become the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year 2011 Nominees. The 137 ISAF Member National Authorities will then vote for one male and one female nomination who they believe should win the Award.

The winners will be announced at the Awards dinner on Tuesday 8 November in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the host city for the ISAF Annual Conference. The winners will be presented with the unique marble and silver trophy depicting the globe, crowned with five silver spinnakers representing the continents, together with a personalized Rolex timepiece.

Here is a link to a useful calendar of many Upcoming Yachting Events.