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January 2, 2012
In this issue we highlight some of the superb charter yachts from the 2011 Antigua Charter Yacht Show that took place earlier this month, look at some of our top rated yachts, and discuss the yacht charter outlook for 2012.
As we start the new year, we want to thank you all for your business and readership in 2011, and look forward to a 2012 where we can all get on the water as often as possible!
Happy New Year!
Hot Antigua Crewed Yachts
Favorites from the Antigua Yacht Charter Show
 For 50 years, the Antigua Charter Yacht Show has been the best place for brokers to see the latest and greatest crewed yachts in the Caribbean. From cozy sailing yachts to crewed catamarans to palatial megayachts, the charter options for this season in the Caribbean are more exciting than ever. (And many of these yachts will be in the Mediterranean this summer if you can't make it to the Caribbean!).
More than 100 yachts were on display at the show giving our charter brokers the opportunity to view exterior styling, architectural layout and interior design. In addition to touring the yachts and taking copious notes about the yacht and its amenities, we interviewed crews and talked with chefs to develop an intimate relationship with the yachts we recommend for you. This assures that we can match you, our clients, with the perfect yacht and crew.
A few of our favorites from the Antigua Charter Show....
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PANTHALASSA
184ft Perini Navi - 6 Staterooms
Her name in Greek means `all the seas` and she is as adept at transoceanic sailing as she is at ocean racing. She is Perini Navi at it's best - a combination of super yacht and sailing machine with a James Bond touch.
PANTHALASSA Charters from $200,000 per week. More about PANTHALASSA. |
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CALLIOPE
139ft Holland Jachtbouw - 5 Staterooms
This chic yacht is an excellent charter option for corporate retreats, or families and friends that demand five star service and luxurious accommodations aboard a prestigious vessel.
CALLIOPE charters for $160,000 per week. See more about CALLIOPE. |
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LIONSHARE
130ft Heesen - 5 Staterooms
Handsome and serene, this is an ideal yacht for discriminating guests who require the utmost in service and appreciate nautical tradition with a contemporary aesthetic.
LIONSHARE Charters from $110,000 per week. See more about LIONSHARE. |
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EAGLES NEST
This is an ideal yacht for family charter in the Caribbean and features an on-deck Jacuzzi and plenty of toys. Three queen cabins for adults and 1 twin cabin with built-in bunks that is perfect for four children.
EAGLES NEST is on special $38,000, 15% off the weekly charter rate. See more about EAGLES NEST. |
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Concours de Chef and Table Setting Competition
This year was the 50th anniversary of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, which served as the underlying theme for both competitions. Chefs were instructed to prepare a Caribbean Celebration Banquet and Stews/Stewardess had to incorporate the number 50 and a bottle of Piper Heidsieck, a sponsor of the event, in the centerpiece arrangement of a table setting suitable for a 50th anniversary.
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First Place Winners 2011 Concours de Chef:
Yachts 160ft and over: Tim Macdonald, HUNTRESS (pictured right).
Yachts from 101 to 159ft: Emma Beckett, LADY J (pictured left).
Yachts Under 100ft: Rene Kappetein, WORLDS END. |
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Table Setting Competition:
Yachts 160ft and over:
Theone Penn, TROYANDA.
Yachts 100 to 159ft:
Hilary Gibbson, ANDROMEDA LA DEA (pictured left).
Yachts up to 99ft:
Julia Fluhrer, MATAU (pictured right). |
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Please be sure to visit our Facebook page where we have loaded lots of images of the attending yachts, crews and events.
For a full write-up of the yachts and events from the Antigua yacht show, visit the Antigua pages on our award winning blog - boatbloggings.com.
4 and 5 Star Yachts!
Four and Five Star Customer Rated Yachts:
Last issue, we began featuring some of our best yachts as rated by you, the charterer. Not surprisingly, it was the most clicked on section. We will establish top customer rated yachts as a regular feature going forward, and you can always see our top rated yachts wordwide by clicking here!
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PUPA 2 - Sunseeker Portofino 53 - Split Croatia
Customer feedback:"We had an amazing time on the Portofino 53. The yacht was immaculate, perfect for our needs in size and specification. We said many times that we think we had the best looking motor yacht on the Adriatic! Our skipper (Mario Pavlovic) was very knowledgeable, extremely helpful, very attentive to our needs and great to spend time with. We went to some amazing destinations including Vis, Hvar, Skradin and Sribenik.
Thanks again for your help in selecting the yacht and arranging the booking. It was one of the best vacations we’ve ever had!"
PUPA 2 charters for between €13,500 and €15,500 per week, depending on the season. See more about PUPA here.
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LITTLE CASTLE - Marquis 60 - Miami, Bahamas
Customer feedback: "We had a wonderful time and I highly recommend Captain Jean-Guy Lalonde and First Mate Marlene. They were the most knowledgeable hosts and extremely generous in having us as guests on their wonderful yacht Little Castle. Everything was exactly as described and as we had requested. They went to extreme lengths to make our trip memorable. Since we were also very lucky to have excellent weather in spite of the rain predicted, were are all very happy. Thank you all very much for a trip that we will not forget."
LITTLE CASTLE charters for between $15,000 and $17,500 per week, depending on the season. See more about LITTLE CASTLE here.
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2012 Outlook
Charter Outlook for 2012 - Trends and Opportunities
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As 2012 dawns, we're often asked about what we see for the new year. Having been at several shows, seen hundreds of yachts, and spoken to Captains, CAs and Owners - here are some of the trends we see for 2012.
Wellness: Whereas once it was a novelty to have exercise equipment or a massage table on a yacht, we're now seeing yachts that rival even the best land-based Spas. Wet and dry Saunas, masseuses and wellness crew members, aroma therapy and yoga classes are all common now on many of the top yachts. More about Wellness Chartering.
Green Chartering: Environmental awareness has become a big issue in the charter business. Using Water Makers instead of bottled water, avoiding plastics wherever possible, sailing instead of motoring and buying carbon credits are all trends. More about green chartering.
Exotic Locations: More and more yachts are circling the world, and offering charters in locactions such as Vanuatu, Tahiti and SE Asia. This is often at the owner's desire, but when the yachts are in the regions, they are normally available for charter as well.
Focus on Service: The customer is king in 2012 - yachts are doing whatever they can to make the charters a great experience. Extra attention is being paid to all parts of the charter experience, from cuisine to onboard amenities to water toys. You can expect service with a smile in 2012 on any crewed yacht charter you're interested in! |
For all the best in Charter in 2012 we're here for you!
We've become the world's leading online yacht charter company by being able to meet your needs for virtually any quality yacht, worldwide. Contact us for whatever your boating vacation needs may be, we'll be happy to assist with one of the 8000 yachts we represent. We look forward to getting you on your dream charter soon! To find out more, visit us online at www.boatbookings.com or email us at: [email protected]
The Boatbookings.com Team
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[email protected]
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USA: +1 954 584 0026 |
UK: +44 (0)20 7193 5450 |
France: +33 (0)7 86 17 25 09 |
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