After visiting the Bahamas in January 2019, I was so impressed by the beautiful shores, incredible sailing conditions and sandy white beaches. The most striking part of the Abacos Islands are the beautiful people who call these islands home. The landscape, culture and sense of community make the Abacos Islands one of the most striking sailing destinations on this globe.
The effects of the Dorian
Devastatingly, the Abacos Islands of the Bahamas have suffered great loss and tragedy following the 185 mile an hour hurricane on the 1st of September that ripped away the lives and community of the Abacos Islands. Lives and jobs have been destroyed which risks in damaging the entire spirit and livelihood of many islands in the Abacos.
After visiting the Bahamas in January 2019, I was so impressed by the beautiful shores, incredible sailing conditions and sandy white-beaches however the most striking part of the Abacos Islands are the beautiful people who call these islands home. The landscape, culture and sense of community makes the AbacosIslands one of the most striking destinations on this globe.
Broker, Alice’s photographs of the Abacos and Marsh Harbour prior to destruction by the hurricane
When will it be back to normal?
Almost 90% of the infrastructure in the Abacos Islands has been destroyed in the force 5 hurricane. Not only homes, business and boats, but human life has also been lost due to the devastating hurricane Dorian.
The likelihood is that by April 2020 the Abacos infrastructure will be on its way back to normality. The best thing to do to support the people of the Abacos is to visit this destination to promote jobs and the economy to help save the Abacos Islands and the long-standing community within Bahamian paradise.
What is being done to help the situation in the Bahamas?
The USAID has reported to allocate $2.8 million in emergency supplies alongside the Red Cross. The UK Royal Navy will aim to evacuate Abacos sufferers to Nassau. If you are looking to fly to help this situation, the flight to Marsh harbor would be required.
How can you help the situation in the Abacos?
To support the Bahamas, do not stop visiting the island as the islands of the Exumas. They have not been greatly affected by hurricane damage and rely on tourism to thrive.
Pre-planning spared most of the boats in the Abacos and these boats were safely moved to the Exumas. Most of the Bahamas is safe to visit with minimalistic damage. The Abacos are the main sufferers of this natural disaster.
Based on the iconic Port Hercules in the principality of Monaco, the Monaco Yacht Show represents the height of exclusivity. Each year, the Monaco Yacht Show curates a display of more than 125 extraordinary one-off superyachts built by the world’s most respected and well-known shipyards and welcomes leaders from the yachting industry.
Yachts line the Harbour in Monaco – Monte Carlo
What’s at the Monaco Yacht show?
Here, around forty new launches are annually unveiled in a worldwide debut, attracting the yachting industry’s exclusive focus. 580 exhibiting companies and partners participate, with the show providing the ultimate showcase for industry influencers from the most reputable names in the yachting industry.
The MYS is the premier luxury event worldwide where visitors can discover the greatest aspects of superyachting against the glamorous backdrop of Monaco.
Here’s what we can’t wait to see!
BASH
BASH’s sophisticated black hull and cool beige superstructure exudes class. The elegant interior has a regal feel, showing traditional soft style furnishings in red and gold with ivory carpets and polished wood flooring.
The interior elevator gives access to all decks. BASH has spacious outdoor decks with shaded lounging areas and plenty of seating. The sun deck offers an outdoor cinema, Jacuzzi, sun pads and bar area with a beer tap. A teak beach club can be found at the swim platform allowing easy access to the water.
BASH presents a rare mixture of classical design with modern features both of which add to her exemplary status as one of Benetti’s finest productions.
ELYSIUM I is a breathtaking, brand new 2019 Riva Dolce Vita 110 crewed motor yacht.
The Riva 110 project, Riva’s new fiberglass flagship, is a promise of style, design, and performance to reach levels never seen before. The Riva 110 promises to be a magnificent and beautiful flybridge yacht, as well as larger than ever before.
The completely renewed hull design measures almost 110 feet in overall length, with a beam larger than 11 feet.
Characterized by a super sporty profile, the Riva 110 exhibits a large window in the hull with an integrated porthole. On deck, a long glass ceiling that stretches along the entire living room and it is formed by glass framed in stainless steel.
The aft is equipped with the innovative Submersible bathing platform, the exclusive movement system that Ferretti Group has patented, which has already convinced experts and triumphed during the Boat Builder Awards 2016 in Amsterdam.
Available for charter in the Balearics, we can’t wait to see this stunning yacht.
INCEPTION
The impressive ultra-modern interior features ebony wood with black steel accents and luxurious grey fabrics and brown leather.
Situated on the Main deck is a well-appointed study which converts seamlessly into a massage room, with the onboard masseuse available from 4pm onwards. There is also a formal dining on the Main Deck and further dining available on the spacious sun deck as well as a tiger’s eye stone bar with seating for four. The sun deck has a huge Jacuzzi for 12 people and a vast shaded area which is retractable over the bar area.
The Master cabin has a king size bed which rotates 360 degrees with panoramic views. The Owner’s deck has a private Jacuzzi, two hammocks which can be mounted either side, 4 sunloungers, an icemaker and fridge.
The full-beam VIP situated on the Main deck has a fold down balcony which sits directly over the water and gives exterior privacy to the guests. The views can be enjoyed from the chaises longues inside the cabin or from deck chairs on the balcony.
The forward deck has a seating area with a retractable canopy and incorporated surround sound speakers for when the 50″ tv is set up to make an exterior cinema.
80 SUNREEF POWER
The 80 Sunreef Power is a versatile yacht for long cruises in ultimate comfort, blending performance, autonomy and stability. Taking luxury and seaworthiness to a new dimension this exclusive multihull craft offers infinite options for a bespoke décor and layout. The vast alfresco relaxation areas of the catamaran include a full-beam forward terrace and an impressive flybridge. The power catamaran option will give an insight into the space available on 7X, a sailing 80 Sunreef available in Croatia.
Boasting huge volumes, with more than 340 square meters of living spaces and classically-inspired lines.
An expansive main saloon forms the heart of the yacht, as a gathering place to socialise, entertain and relax. The modern, minimalist décor includes teak paneling, backlit quartz, leathers, and chic styling. The main saloon is flooded with light and boasts stunning views out across the water, while large doors connect inside and out to create one huge living area. The saloon leads smoothly to the aft deck cockpit, which features an alfresco dining space, sun pads and easy stepped access down to the water.
Some up to date pictures of Nassau and Normans Cay. While not trying to detract from the awful state of the Northern islands such as the Abacos and Marsh Harbour area, we must bear in mind that the majority of the Bahamas is open for business. The more we continue to visit the country as normal, the quicker it will heal as a nation. It is a win-win!
Normans Cay 6th September 2019September 6th September 2019 Normans CayNormans Cay 6th September 2019 The BahamasNassau not overcrowded Nassau untouchedSunshine as normal Nassau, the capital has been completely untouched. Yachts rearing to get out!Airports are not overcrowdedBusiness as usual Airports not struggling with the diverted traffic
The Cannes Yachting Festival is around the corner and all the big European catamaran producers will be presenting their new models. Catamaran design has greatly evolved over the past years and now the new trends are bigger, more voluminous vessels. This translates to broader hulls, bigger main decks and a predominance of large fly bridges.
The ever-evolving catamaran design
The new generation of catamarans is certainly much more comfortable than previous designs, albeit at a cost in regards to sailing performance. Such is the demand for bigger, roomier catamarans, that even traditional performance-oriented brands, are branching out towards wide-bodied designs who offer space at the expense of sailing prowess.
The best example being BABALU, the new Bali 5.4 model which has been voted best multihull for 2019 and represents a great innovation upon the usual performance-oriented design pattern of the Catana Group (Catana being the mother company of Bali Catamarans).
The wider hulls are allowing manufacturers to equip the new catamarans with up to 6 cabins, something unheard of previously, particularly so as all cabins have their own private bathrooms. The 6 cabin design is ideal for charter, enabling large groups to enjoy the unique crewed catamaran charter experience! A great 6 cabin catamaran being LUCKY CLOVER, the Lagoon 52.
The joys of summer, overcrowded ports, expensive prices, stressed out waiters, delayed planes? These are surely the worst parts of a summer holiday or charter in the Mediterranean. Forget the worst aspects of a yacht charter and look at a charter for the Autumn.
Autumn sailing > Summer sailing
Sailing across the Mediterranean in Turkey, Croatia or Greece can be a better experience than a yacht rental at the peak of the summer season. These countries offer very mild weather in the Autumn and the wind tends to drop off from the high winds in August.
Warm waters and low season prices
The Mediterranean climate allows for warm September waters for swimming, private bays for swimming and more available yachts available last minute. The experience is different from that of the high season summer experience with a more relaxed atmosphere on every island. It is also easier to see a local way of life and to be able to make a reservation at your favourite restaurant on the day, rather than the week before!
Alice’s best places to charter a yacht this Autumn
Croatia
Split- Dubrovnik
This one-way itinerary provides the opportunity to see the two historically fuelled cities of Split and Dubrovnik. Sailing between the two cities has scope for everyone, from partying at all night clubs in Hvar to exploring the national park at Mijet near to Dubrovnik this itinerary has something in there for everyone. It is very difficult to get a one-way charter during the peak of the high season however during the Autumn, many owners take the boats from Split to Dubrovnik and would be very happy to accommodate a one way. Your broker will organise this bespoke yacht charter for you and plan your itinerary.
Greece
The Cyclades Islands
Contrary to popular opinion, the Cyclades are not the place to go to in the summer. The prevalent Meltemi wind dominates the Cyclades and often makes it very difficult to travel between islands. Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, and Ios are without a doubt the most breathtaking islands in Greece however it is difficult to get the right winds in summer to have an enjoyable charter. with the heavy winds in June, July and August. By late September, the winds have died down, the tourists have disappeared and the striking white roofs can be enjoyed from your yacht. Catamarans are widely available and are significantly less experience.
Sardinia
Known as one of the most glamorous places in the globe, the Costa Smerelda is the new place for the A-listers and yacht charters! Boutiques, 5* hotels and some of the finest Italian restaurants are available in Sardinia. You can also hop over to southern Corsica and visit the striking port of Bonifacio. This is a perfect Autumnal destination due to the quieter ports, less crowded beaches and extremely blue waters at this time of year. Sardinia converts into more of a traditional experience during the Autumn.
Contact one of our expert brokers to plan your Autumn charter today!
