Every week here on CharterWave, we comb the worldwide yacht charter industry to find the 10 Best things in any given category.

May 12, 2008
10 Best Lessons Learned at Last Week's Genoa Charter Show

Sexy sells. The 150-foot, express-style Palmer Johnson motoryacht Hokulani, part of the International Yacht Collection fleet, made her European premiere with a brand-new crew who have never before chartered. Even still, her Batman-esque champagne gold hull with black accents and top speed of 29 knots have her already fully booked for July and August in the Mediterreanean.

Motoryachts can be eco-friendly. The 100-foot Azimut Cristalex, part of the Ocean Independence fleet, has organic sheets onboard, uses as many bio-friendly supplies as the crew can find, and even cruises on biofuel when it's available in the local marinas.

The great glass elevator is real. Remember the scene in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" where the great glass elevator busts through the factory's roof and flies out over the town with Willy Wonka and young Charlie inside? There's a similar-looking glass elevator that busts right through the sundeck on the brand-new, 173-foot Benetti Latinou, part of the fleet at Fraser Yachts Worldwide. The elevator (see photo at right) runs from the sundeck straight down five decks to a massage room.

Carnival rides rule. The 295-foot-high mast onboard the sailing yacht Mirabella V, part of the MIrabella fleet, is the tallest in the world, and her crew gave rides halfway to the top in the crow's nest "basket" that lets them work the sails. Talk about a great view! No wonder charter guests love it for events such as the Monaco Grand Prix.

Private balconies are all the rage. As evidenced by the new, 177-foot CRN Maraya, part of the fleet at Camper & Nicholsons International, private balconies that open into the fresh air from secluded master staterooms are becoming a must-have feature on the newest charter motoryachts.

Big ain't big enough. Liveras Yachts, which was promoting the recently extended 295-foot motoryacht Lauren L at the Genoa show, announced plans for a soon-to-be-built pair of sisterships that will each be a whopping 354 feet long, taking somewhere from 28 to 40 guests apiece.

Charter continues to go global. There was a company in Genoa promoting the 157-foot expedition motoryacht Hanse Explorer, which is going to do its first yacht-style charter soon in the wilds of Antarctica.

Everyday dinghies can get wild. The 140-foot motoryacht Berzinc, part of the Ocean Independence fleet,  has turned its water-skiing dinghy into a contraption the crew calls a "flying dinghy," complete with an airboat-style propulsion system and a hanglider-style sail.

Classic is cool. The stunningly restored 233-foot Haida G, originally built in 1929 and now part of teh Ocean Independence fleet, is operating for charter with the world's oldest working diesels on a commercial vessel. They're the original engines, and yes, they still function quite well as the boat's propulsion system.

Tea parties can be super. The 155-foot sailing yacht MITseaAAH, part of the Burgess Yachts fleet, hosted a rollicking fun tea party during which the crew, dressed as everyone from Superman to Wonder Woman, passed out spectacularly sweet treats along with properly chilled raspberry tea.

May 5, 2008
10 Best Charter Yachts for Marine History Buffs

Broker Patricia Saks at Fraser Yachts Worldwide suggests the 120-foot motoryacht Pacific Yellowfin, which was originally built as a coastal freighter for the U.S. Army during World War II. She’s been everything from a from spy ship to a research vessel and was painstakingly refit in 2003 to incorporate all the amenities of a luxury charter yacht. 

Pat also is a fan of the 193-foot motoryacht Seawolf, which was originally launched in 1957. She was converted to a yacht in 2002 and now takes 12 guests with 15 crew.

The team at The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals like the 121-foot Benetti motoryacht Quivira, which launched in 1979. She still has a dark, rich interior of mahogany, giving her the kind of gentlemen’s club ambience that is hard to come boy on today’s newer launches.

Brokers at Edmiston & Company recommend the 149-foot motoryacht Eden (previously known as Fulmara). She originally launched in 1930 and was refit in 1992 to update her systems for charter.

The brokers at Chamberlain Yachts International are fans of the 114-foot motoryacht Polycarpus, which began life as a river tug boat in 1949. Her refit just after the turn of this decade was more of a complete gutting and rebuild, leaving her interior as comfortably elegant as any newer design (see the photo at right).

Broker Tim Clark at Ocean Independence suggests the 218-foot sailing yacht Haida G. She launched in 1929 and underwent a refit in 2005 with an eye toward pleasing charter guests.

Broker Fiona Maureso at Peter Insull’s says: “You cannot run your feature on the 10 Best Charter Yachts for Marine History Buffs without including the 258-foot steamship Delphine! Built for Horace Dodge in 1921, she had a fascinating and sometimes tragic history before being lovingly and painstakingly restored by a European art historian from 1998 to 2003.“

Over at The Shipyard Group, the brokers recommend the 61-foot Trumpy motoryacht Sea Tabby. She was built in 1938 and then rebuilt entirely from 1999 to 2003 to include all the modern amenities charterers require, including stabilizers.

Broker Diana Mares at Camper & Nicholsons International is a fan of the 85-foot sailing yacht Romola, which originally launched in 1903 as an Edwardian gentleman’s yacht. One of her former owners was the commodore of Britain’s Royal Yacht Squadron, who would no doubt appreciate the care that went into Romola’s recent restoration.

Diana also suggests the 151-foot sailing yacht Lulworth, a 1920 launch that once competed in races against legendary sailing yachts including Shamrock V and Britannia. (Lulworth beat Shamrock V—several times.) Lulworth was refit in 2006 with special attention paid to maintaining her traditional good looks.

April 28, 2008
10 Best Charter Yacht Chefs in the British Virgin Islands

Broker Ann-Wallis White—one of the original charter yacht culinary competition judges from years ago—responded to our inquiry about favorite BVI yacht chefs with nearly an entire Top 10 list of her own.

First up is Sarah Munro on the 67-foot catamaran Marmot. “She is absolutely wonderful.  We have guests who have chartered much bigger boats and still rave about Sarah's cooking. These are people who have chartered 20 times, and who dine well daily. She’s a Paris-trained chef who lives in France when they are off charter.”

Ann also likes chef Margaret onboard the 71-foot sailing yacht Elinda. “She first learned to cook in Sardinia, for an Italian prince or count they were working for, and is gifted. She does a fusion of Asian,  Italian, and Australian. We have one client, a doctor, who swoons over her rack of lamb.”

Also on Ann’s list of favorites is chef Ronnie aboard the 76-foot catamaran Akasha: “So many of the VI cooks are best described as dinner-party cooking, but hers is just lighter and well presented. We recently had clients aboard for a 70th birthday party—clients who have been with us since their 40th birthday party and travel frequently onboard much larger yachts, including Feadships—and they loved it so much they are going back for birthday 71!”

Not to be outdone, Ann says, is chef Ann Hasted onboard the 45-foot sailing yacht Corus: “She is Cordon Bleu trained and used to cook in an elegant country hotel in England. I recently put a longtime client aboard who used to own a 65-foot yacht whose own chef won the first industry cooking contest, and he raved about Ann’s classic cooking.”

Ann also recommends chef K.C. Clements onboard the 63-foot sailing yacht Stenella: “We have very demanding—I mean discerning—clients who told us that 23 out of their 24 meals onboard Stenella were right on the money.  These are clients who were not very impressed with a 130-foot motoryacht in Mediterranean.” 

Also in the BVI, Ann has heard good things about chef Marianne Rasmussen onboard the 55-foot catamaran Breanker: “She has a good spice rack, good knives, everything is always fresh, and there is always the smell of baking.”

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few favorite BVI charter yacht chefs of her own. First up is Emily Williams onboard the 47-foot catamaran Swish. Williams took home the grand prize at the most recent Virgin Islands cooking competition, and Kim loves any chef who keeps top-quality European chocolates onboard.

Kim also likes chef Lori Cady, who works half-year on, half-year off the 58-foot catamaran Sabore. Lori is great not just because she cooks well, but also because she has written an extensive cookbook for charter guests to take home and enjoy on their own.

That’s also true of chef Shelly Tucker onboard the 72-foot sailing yacht Three Moons, which is based in the U.S. Virgin Islands but charters in the BVIs. Shelly’s cookbook is a hard-cover featuring recipes that her charter guests enjoy, as well as those that have won her awards during cooking competitions.

Last but not least on Kim’s personal list of Virgin Islands charter yacht chefs is Sally Duncan onboard the 47-foot Viking Dream. “I haven’t personally tried her cooking,” Kim says, “but she wowed some of the hardest-nosed brokers I know during a recent day cruise in the BVI. All I heard about for days on end was Sally’s fresh fish terrine. I can’t wait to try it myself.”

Broker Diana Mares-Brody at the Palm Beach, Florida, office of Camper & Nicholsons International offers a few tips for Eastern Med charters. First is to book your charter for September or October: “That’s the best time of the year to charter there, the most inventory of yachts, light winds, warmer water, and less tourists.”

Diana also says charter guests should be open to a gulet charter in Turkey: “They are roomy, and the service is excellent. I recommend that you hire a guide for all or part of your trip.”

Last but not least from Diana: “Don’t forget to take the day before a charter in Turkey to rest and explore Istanbul and fly down to Ephesus. From there, it’s only a three-hour drive to Bodrum, where many charters begin or end.”

Maryland-based broker Ann-Wallis White, who has been booking charters on the Aegean Coast in Turkey since 1979, suggests booking a yacht like the 62-foot Zarik II: “This is one of the best bets in Aegean Turkey for many reasons. I have worked with the owners, Ghislaine and Mus, for more than 25 years. The rates and terms on the boat are perfect for Americans.”

Ann, like Diana above, also suggests chartering in September or October, as well as between mid-May and June to avoid the crowds: “The water is warmer in September and October, but people who enjoy cooler temperatures and blooming flowers will love Turkey in the spring.”

She also says to consider doing a charter longer than one week: “Give yourself plenty of time. One can barely scrape by in 10 days.”

Broker Ann E. McHorney of Select Yachts suggests working with a broker who has strong contacts in the region, be it Greece or Turkey, so that you will have local assistance if you need it during your charter.

She also says it will really pay off if you learn a few words in the native tongue of whichever nation you visit during your charter. “It brings a smile to everyone’s face.”

Broker Missy Johnston of Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters suggests paying special attention to historical and archaeological opportunities: Take a moment or two before your charter to research and ask about possible sites to visit in the area where you are cruising. Often, if organized in advance, private, local, English-speaking guides can be arranged to really enhance the visit and learn the history of the area. If there are historic or archaeological sites that you might want to see that are not part of the cruising area, it is usually easy to arrange a side trip or a visit before or after the charter.  For instance, to see Ephesus in Turkey, you may want to fly from Istanbul before the charter to Izmir, be met by an arranged private guide and driver, and taken for a tour of Ephesus, the new terrace house excavation and the House of the Virgin Mary. You can then driven on in the same day to your port of embarkation for an evening boarding on your charter yacht.

CharterWave Editor Kim Kavin has one last tip of her own, having chartered several times in Greece and Turkey over the years: Be adventurous in what you eat. The locals in the western Greek islands, for instance, love grilled octopus and tiny, fried fish that you pop into your mouth whole, heads and all. It may sound unusual, but it’s quite tasty.


Monday, April 07, 2008
10 Best Yachts for Easy Water Access

Broker Louise Dailey of Jubilee Yacht Charters says: “I can't think of a better yacht for easy water access than Stenella. For a 60-foot sailing yacht, ease of entry to a dinghy or to the sea for swimming rivals a large motoryacht.  A section of the aft deck opens to real stairs that provide stable access. We have had charter guests in their 70s and 80s who maneuvered them with ease.”

Broker Diana Mares of Camper & Nicholsons International likes the 177-foot sailing yacht Parsifal III for easy water access. The yacht has a hydraulic swim platform that lowers at the touch of a button.

The team at Edmiston & Company suggest the 178-foot sailing yacht Tiara, which has stairs that lead from her aft deck to a fold-out “beach” where guests can board the tender, take a swim, or play with the yacht’s water toys.

From the European office of Camper & Nicholsons International comes two suggestions: the 177-foot motoryacht Maraya, and the 183-foot sailing yacht Selene. They offer different types of water access, but in both cases make taking a swim easy.

Broker June Montagne at Northrop & Johnson and broker Ann E. McHorney of Select Charter Yachts both suggest the 120-foot motoryacht Paladin, which has a drop-down swim platform that converts to a virtual wading pool about two feet beneath the water’s surface. (See the photo at right.)

Broker Jim Arazia at SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants suggests the 134-foot go-fast motoryacht Dragon, which has large, teak steps leading down both sides of her aft deck to a wide swim platform.

CharterWave Editor Kim Kavin likes the 52-foot powercatamaran Phoenix, which, like virtually all catamarans, has two sets of steps leading down both sides of the yacht to the water’s edge.
 
Kim also likes the 141-foot motoryacht Emerald Star, whose fold-down swim deck is directly across from an air-conditioned gymnasium. That’s not just easy water access, but conveniently located water access for a post-workout swim.

Last but not least, for easy water access of a different kind, Kim likes the 173-foot motoryacht Elisabeth F. She has a proper diving board on her bridge deck, making an exciting leap into the crystal blue beyond as easy as can be.

Charter broker Nicolas Benazeth at Yachting Partners International likes the Molokini ClearBlue Hawaii transparent kayaks onboard the 126-foot motoryacht Gladius. “Being able to see the world underneath as you glide over the water is a surreal experience giving an unimaginable insight into the mysterious wonders that lurk beneath the surface,” he says. That’s especially true in Turkey, where Gladius will be chartering this summer—and kayakers will be able to see archaeological ruins beneath them as they kayak around.

The team at Edmiston & Company says the 173-foot sailing yacht Drumbeat has two brand-new Topaz Race X sailing dinghies for anyone who wants to take the helm themselves. The yacht also carries a windsurfer, two sea kayaks, and two underwater Seadoo scooters.

Daphne D’Offay at Chamberlain Conboy International likes the 120-foot motoryacht Silent World for water toys, which include a 30-foot Intrepid center console boat, a 20-foot Caribe tender, two Wave Runners, two mountain bikes, two kayaks, and two underwater scooters.

Charter broker Tim Nelson at Seven Seas Yacht Charters points out that the 164-foot motoryacht Mine Games will begin offering a private submarine for guests this summer in the Mediterranean. The two-person submersible is certified to take guests as deep as 1,000 feet below sea level.

CharterWave Editor Kim Kavin has a few favorite charter yacht water toys of her own. First up is the 65-foot sailing trimaran Promenade, which carries what can only be described as a floating social pit. It’s an inflatable ring of chairs with cup holders that is perfect for a relaxed cocktail hour.

The 50-foot sailing catamaran Sea Chateau has a hammock-style chair that you can sit in while dangling above the water—and then jump off when you need a refreshing swim.

The 76-foot sailing catamaran Akasha offers its guests a unique above-water toy: a Bladerunner 35 high-performance powercat that zooms around the Virgin Islands as fast as 75 miles per hour.

If you want to combine your in-water fun with off-road excitement, then check out the land-sea ATV that the 82-foot motoryacht Twisted carries in its dinghy garage.

The 120-foot motoryacht Paladin has a swim platform that doubles as a water toy of its own. It drops down hydraulically to about two feet underwater, so it becomes, in essence, a lounging pool attached to the waters around the yacht.

Last but not least, the 173-foot motoryacht Elisabeth F has a water toy a full two decks above the water: a diving platform on the yacht’s sundeck. Talk about a fantastic way to get into the water and have fun!


Monday, March 17, 2008
10 Best Reasons to Charter a Yacht Instead of Booking a Cruise Ship Cabin

You get to cruise without the crowds. Charter yachts go to quiet coves and beaches where cruise ships simply cannot fit, so you are never just one person among thousands. It's you and your family or friends, and nobody else.

A private chef creates a menu just for you, based on your personal tastes. No more "Mexican Night" bean mix if you don't want it!

Most water sports are free onbaord charter yachts, with everything from snorkeling to water skiing to Wave Runners built into the price of your vacation. Using the boat's equipment is not an extra cost, as it is on cruise ships.

You can change your itinerary every day, if you wish. There is no fixed route. If you like a place, you can stay. If you want to make an adjustment because of weather, that's fine too.

Charter yachts are safer than cruise ships. Period. (See our Special Report for more.)

The cabins onboard charter yachts are typically nicer--and often much larger--than those on cruise ships. Think mahogany versus plastic, and you'll get the idea.

Charter yachts are more environmentally friendly than cruise ships. Waaaay more environmentally friendly, actually. (See our Special Report for more.)

Free drinks! On some charter yachts, weekly rates are all-inclusive--and yes, that means ship's bar, typically with wine and beer.

No 5 a.m. wake-up calls on the last day of your vacation. Cruise ships do same-day turnarounds, forcing you off the ship early in the morning to make room for the next group of passengers. Charter yachts typically operate on your schedule, instead, so you can enjoy a good night's rest on your last day of vacation.

Charter is simply a better vacation for the money. And onboard yachts up to about 80 feet long--including those with crew--you often will pay the same amount per person for a charter yacht as you would for a cruise ship cabin.


Monday, March 10, 2008
10 Best Charter Itineraries for Great Snorkeling

Broker Missy Johnston of Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters sent us four great suggestions for itineraries that snorkelers will love:

First up is Belize, home to three of the four atoll island formations found in the Atlantic and Caribbean Seas, including Lighthouse Reef with the Blue Hole made famous by Jacque Cousteau.  While the Blue Hole is a dive rather than snorkel site, the Blue Hole is part of an shallow reef formation with extensive coral formations and marine life.  Closer inshore are additional reefs with coral formations and lots of marine life. 

In French Polynesia, the Society Islands are a series of volcanic atolls with the surrounding coral reef creating a lagoon environment around steeply rising mountainous islands.  Snorkeling is great along the surrounding coral reef, and even better inside the lagoon, where the waters are calmer. This is also a home of the giant clams with neon-striped mouths. 
 
Also in French Polynesia, the Tuamotus are atolls where, in many instances, the center of the area has sunk, leaving a warm, shallow, huge lagoon surrounded by coral reef.  The interior lagoon is a huge aquarium for snorkeling with coral and marine life, all in about 6 feet of water.. 
 
Last but not least from Missy is a suggestion of chartering in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest coral formations in the world. It’s excellent for diving and snorkeling alike, with miles of reef. 

The team at Edmiston & Company suggests Southeast Asia, in particular Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia. The company has a 150-foot powercat called Moecca based in Singapore and offering such itineraries.

Donna Wolfson at V.I. Sailing says there are more than 10 great snorkeling spots in the Virgin Islands alone. Here are five of her favorites:

Leinster Bay, on the north coast of St. John, is a well-protected, picturesque bay that has Watermelon Cay on one end and the Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins on the southwest corner.  The grass flats right off shore are home to sea horses and a variety of hamlets. Schools of grunts, trunkfish, flounder and parrotfish call the reef home. The bay is very calm and thus perfect for the novice snorkeler.

The Norman Island Caves off Treasure Point offer schools of friendly yellow tails, blue tangs and sergeant majors.  Bring a flashlight to truly experience the Caves, which shimmer with a pastel coating of orange cup coral and red covering sponge. 

Buttonwood Bay, on the western end of Great Harbour, Peter Island, offers seclusion. A shallow coral reef begins about 20 yards offshore, beginning in 8 feet of water, then slopes gently to about 18 feet, and then drops vertically to 40 feet.  There is a marvelous array of small marine life, plus a large variety of coral and huge, deep purple sea fans.

The Wreck of the RMS Rhone off Salt Island is primarily a diving site, but snorkelers can also enjoy it because the ship’s decking, rigging, steam engine and propeller are visible in the section closest to shore. Before she sank during an 1867 hurricane, the Rhone was the pride of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. Her steel wreckage has become home to many species of fish and is gilded with colorful sponges and flourishing corals.  The Rhone is perhaps the most impressive shipwreck in the entire Caribbean.

Last but not least from Donna is Alice’s Backside, on the northwestern tip of Ginger Island. What makes this site unique is that it is a huge sand patch dotted with enormous brain coral and mushroom coral heads. The size and beauty of the coral is spectacular.

The team at Ocean Independence sent us no fewer than five suggestions of charter yachts with layouts that suit couples who want to split the bill:

The fast-cruising, 73-foot Momas has two double-bed cabins and a lowest weekly base rate of 24,000 euros.

The 95-foot Virginia Mia has two almost equal-size cabins and a lowest weekly base rate of 34,000 euros.

The Turkey-based, 97-foot sailing yacht Taronga has two equal-size double-bed cabins, plus two equal-size convertible cabins, and a lowest weekly base rate of 26,000 euros.

The 116-foot motoryacht Phoenix has almost equal-size master and VIP cabins, plus two equal-size twin-bed cabins, and a weekly base rate of 73,000 euros.

Last but not least from Ocean Independence, the 134-foot motoryacht Ladyship is ideal for four couples plus four single travelers. The lowest weekly base rate is 80,000 euros.

The folks at Peter Insull’s suggest the 135-foot motoryacht Blind Date (whose own Eduardo Garcia is the featured Chef of the Month on CharterWave right now). The yacht has two cabins with king-size beds.

Edmiston & Company offers six yachts that it feels are ideal for groups that want to split the bill. (Yes, that puts our list at 12 best boats this week instead of 10—a little bonus for you readers!):

The 167-foot motoryacht Alibi as one twin-bed cabin plus five double-bed cabins—a rarity on the worldwide charter market, for sure.

The 95-foot sailing yacht Margaret Ann has three twin-bed cabins, offering ultimate flexibility to groups of all kinds.

And four yachts in the Edmiston & Company fleet—the 105-foot motoryacht Heavenly Daze, the 81-foot motoryacht Twisted, the 98-foot motoryacht Medusa G, and the 82-foot motoryacht Samana—each have two double-bed plus two twin-bed cabins, an ideal setup for two families wanting to split the bill.


Monday, February 25, 2008
10 Best Charter Itineraries for Ultimate Shoppers

Missy Johnston at Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters says shoppers will love the southern coast of Turkey and Turkish bazaars: This is a whole new world of shopping, a total experience in itself, of shopping, learning, entertainment, negotiating.  Rugs are the No. 1 shopping item. For the interested, at least an evening or part of a day should be put aside simply for the rug shopping cultural experience,’ as a good rug merchant will show you all aspects of rugs, weaving, rug dyes, local differences, wool, cotton, and silk difference, and what means what in the world of hand woven rugs.  Sit back enjoying a rug merchants hospitality sipping apple tea, or chai, or even a local wine or raki, while rug after rug is brought out for your review and consideration. Turkey is also well known for leather goods, brass and copper, and even sterling silver. As you cruise the southern coast, each reasonably sized town, such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kas, will have a bazaar full of winding alleys and shops (as shown in the photo above).

Ann E. McHorney of Select Yachts sends her shopaholic clients to the French Riviera.

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International suggests the upscale clothing boutiques on St. Barth’s in the Caribbean.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a half-dozen or so favorite shopping spots, too. Like Missy Johnston, Kim also likes Turkey, but for the hand-carved backgammon sets inlaid with mother-of-pearl detailing.

In the San Blas Islands as well as the Las Perlas Islands off Panama, you can find colorful batik-style cloths that are perfect for framing.

Should you charter near Nice on the coast of France, you mustn’t pass up the chocolate shops. Just don’t eat all of your souvenirs before you get home!

The British Virgin Islands have countless stores where you can find great sarongs for wearing to the beach.

Chartering in the San Juan Islands and the Canadian city of Victoria means access to some of the most beautiful jade jewelry in the world.

In Thailand, you can find spectacular silk scarves for less than $10 apiece. Back in New York or London, they would go for at least $50.

When you charter in Maine, you can ship cases of fresh lobster to all your friends and family back home


Monday, February 18, 2008
10 Best Charter Yachts for Die-Hard Sailors

Louise Dailey at Jubilee Yacht Charters suggests the 63-foot Stenella, which earned an excellent review here on CharterWave just over a year ago.

Ann E. McHorney at Select Yachts likes the 65-foot Lone Fox: “She celebrated her 50th anniversary last year. She was built for Colonel Whitbred as his personal yacht. She just got first in class and first overall in the St Maarten Classics regatta and was voted best charter yacht for Antigua Classics for three years in a row. The boat is an original—a step back in time to the days when gentlemen could even sail to windward!”

CharterWorld.com likes the 151-foot Lulworth: “She offers the rare opportunity to charter and experience classic grandeur and class.”

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International, as well as independent charter broker Sandy Carney of Sanderson Yachting, recommend the 114-foot Sojana. As Camper’s marketing department puts it: “She is as speedy on the race course as she is comfortable cruising the Caribbean seas. Her performance under sail is undeniable while below decks, Sojana speaks of an age of opulence and sumptuous quality.”

Churchill Yacht Partners offers two ideas: the 92-foot Irishman and the 97-foot Odysseus.

Last but not least, Tina Hinckley of Hinckley Yacht Charters has a half-dozen sailing yachts that she recommends to her die-hard clients. (We know there’s room for only four more on this week’s list, but we’ll give you all six of Tina’s recommendations, since a lot of her clients are, in fact, die-hard sailors): the 74-foot Runaway Bunny, the 72-foot Bonnie Lynn, the 57-foot Bandera, the 60-foot Extraordinary, the 76-foot Amneris, and the 76-foot Annagine


Monday, February 11, 2008
10 Best Destinations to Charter Away from the Crowds

Charter broker Beverly Parsons at Interpac Yachts suggests Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, with stops in La Paz, Isla Espiritu Santo, Isla Partida, Los Islotes, Isla San Francisco, Isla San Jose, Bahia Amortajada, San Evaristo, Isla San Diego, Isla Santa Cruz, Bahia Agua Verde, Puerto Escondido, Loreto, and Bahia Concepcion.

Charter Broker Sherry Yates, the owner of Yates Yachts, says one of her favorite “away-from-the-crowds” itineraries is a circumnavigation of the island St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

CEO Expeditions says that to get away from the crowds in Alaska, clients onboard their 120-foot motoryacht Kayana cruise from Juneau to Sitka, stopping everywhere in between (like the tip of the iceberg shown in the photo at right).

Charter broker Ann E. McHorney at Select Yachts likes the Jumentos islands, which are the southernmost portion of the Exumas chain in the Bahamas. She says: “It is shoaly and barely populated, and boats generally don’t go, but it has that true Bahamian beauty and loads of untouched sea life!”

The team at CharterWorld say New Zealand is the newest place for the rich and famous who want to cruise away from the crowds. New Zealand’s summer is America and Europe’s winter. Recent vacationers who took advantage of the swapped seasons include a Google founder and actor Johnny Depp.

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International says its 84-foot motoryacht  Anne Viking will be cruising off the beaten path this coming summer in the Norwegian fjords, including a visit to Stavanger during the “Open Port” festival featuring local cuisine, music, art, and more.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few favorite off-the-beaten-course itineraries of her own, based on charters she has personally done. First up is the Galapagos Islands, some 600 miles west of Ecuador. You will find crowds of sea lions and blue-footed booties, but not people on this chain’s uninhabited islands.

The Las Perlas Islands near the Panama Canal on that nation’s Pacific Ocean side are also good for getting away from the crowds. They offer fishing and scuba diving, along with pristine beaches and rocky hiking trails.

The Fijian islands offer countless itineraries for cruising away from the crowds. Kim likes the Mamanucas chain, where she once cruised for a week without seeing another charter yacht.

Last but not least, consider a charter in Southeast Asia, which is starting to open up to yachts. Kim spent a few days in the area near Phuket, which is popular with tourists, but which quickly becomes a charterer’s paradise after a day or so of cruising away from the main resort areas.


Monday, February 4, 2008
10 Best Charter Yachts with Elevators

The team at Peter Insull’s suggests the 192-foot motorsailer Islander, which not only has an elevator, but is “wheelchair friendly” throughout.

Broker Mark Elliott at International Yacht Collection likes the 155-foot motoryacht One More Toy, which he says “has a great elevator.”

Both the marketing team at Northrop & Johnson as well as charter broker Ann E. McHorney of Select Yachts suggest the 153-foot motoryacht Argyll, which not only has an elevator, but is handicapped accessible in virtually every way.

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International likes the 185-foot motoryacht Galaxy, which has a glass cabin elevator that goes up to the gym on the sundeck.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a half-dozen favorite yachts with elevators. First up is the brand-new 157-foot motoryacht Lady Joy, whose elevator services all decks.

There’s also the 230-foot motoryacht Reverie, which has seven passenger decks, thus making her elevator a feature you won’t want to live without.

Also consider the 170-foot motoryacht Dream, which has an elevator as well as several other handicapped accessible features.

The 223-foot motoryacht Kismet—star of the fall 2007 Fort Lauderdale boat show—has an elevator to help guests get around her massive interior volume.

At 280 feet long, the motoryacht Alysia is the kind that truly needs her elevator, since guests could get a real workout simply walking around the yacht.

Last but not least is the 205-foot motoryacht Apogee, whose elevator connects all four of her decks, including the sundeck with air-conditioned gymnasium.


Monday, January 28, 2008
10 Best Yachts for Parties and Events

Charter broker Liz Howard in the San Diego, California, office of Fraser Yachts Worldwide likes the 195-foot motoryacht Beluga, which offers charters in Turkey. In LIz's words: "Picture a meeting for 16 comfortably sitting around the large table in the sky lounge, cruising on the Bosporus Sea."

Liz also suggests the 177-foot motoryacht Seagull II, about which she says: "There is no better venue or crew for large parties. The master cabin even has its own dining salon for private meetings."

Karen O'Connor at Gaspard Yachts in France suggests the 110-foot motoryacht Bulldog W. "This converted tugboat is ideal for entertaining. She can entertain parties of up to 100 guests, has great deck spaces, and a professional galley."

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International suggests the 280-foot motoryacht Alysia, which has a helipad that converts into a massive dance floor.

CNI also suggests the 228-foot motoryacht Sherakhan, which has a stunning two-level formal dining room with an overlooking balcony.

Kathy Lefakinisat Valef Yachts in Greece likes the 237-foot motoryacht RM Elegant, which has sprawling outdoor decks as well as large indoor entertaining spaces.

Kathy also likes the motoryacht Ouranos Too, which has a professional-quality sound mixing board in her sky lounge for guests who are musicians and want to keep the party going.

Gail Hartman at V.I. Sailing likes the 65-foot trimaran Wanderlust for smaller parties, which has an on-deck projection screen for events that include movies.

Gail also likes the 65-foot sailing trimaran Promenade, which offers charters in the Virgin Islands. It carries so many water toys that there will be something for every age and personality at any party.

Last but not least, CharterWave editor Kim Kavin can't help but think of the brand-new 146-foot motoryacht Party Girl, which has an indoor-outdoor sky lounge plus a sundeck with a cocktail table that converts into a full-on stripper platform. If that's your kind of party, then this charter yacht is the one for you.


Monday, January 21, 2008
10 Best Tips for Chartering in the Southern Caribbean

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International in Europe suggests visiting Grenada: With the current flurry of development taking place in Grenada, this stunning spice island is set to become the St Barth’s of the Windwards. Relatively undeveloped, Grenada has been spared the negative impact that mass-tourism has brought to some of its neighbouring islands. Instead, Grenada has welcomed sustainable and sophisticated development. There is talk of a new Four Seasons resort, and rumor has it that Ritz Carlton is looking into areas for development, but it is British entrepreneur Peter de Savary who is spearheading the island’s future. De Savary is in the early stages of an ambitious project whose flagship is the grand marina Port Louis, billed as the Caribbean’s answer to St Tropez. (Editor's note: Camper & Nicholsons Marina Investment division recently signed a deal to help develop and manage Port Louis.)

Camper & Nicholsons broker Diana Mares, in the Palm Beach office, has a more immediate tip: Remember to bring good hiking shoes. Many of the smaller islands have great trails that will require more than your flip-flops.

Broker Ann Landry at Merrill-Stevens Yachts sent us a whopping seven tips for chartering in the Southern Carribean (talk about insider knowledge of the area):
 
For winter charters, wait until at least March for more settled weather.

The Windward Islands (St. Lucia to Grenada) are the best place to charter in the summer months in the Caribbean. In general, the lower Caribbean islands are to the south of the main hurricane/tropical wave path.

The ideal charter would be 10 nights, starting at St. Lucia and ending at Grenada. This is the lush, tropical Caribbean, blessed with more rainfall than the drier Virgin Islands and Northern Leewards.

Don’t miss the spectacular Pitons at St. Lucia. With recent luxury hotel and resort developments, St. Lucia now appears on The New York Times list of the “53 places to visit in 2008.” St. Lucia also offers what is perhaps the world's only drive-through volcano at Suffriere.

Each island has its own flavor. I think of St. Lucia as verdant, lush, gracious and feminine in character, while undeveloped St. Vincent is wild, rugged and very masculine in flavor. Grenada at the southern end of the Windwards itinerary is famed as the Spice Island–and just about all of them are grown here, so stock up!!

The picturesque Grenadines, a string of small islands and cays between St. Vincent and Grenada, offer glorious cruising from one beautiful bay to the next. Your first port of call is Bequia, with its charming village and active small-boat whaling fleet. Next are the dream-like Tobago Cays with brilliant, clear turquoise waters (pinch yourself to prove the view is real!) and great snorkeling. Mustique is a must-stop, with its villas of the rich and famous, as is a to visit Basil’s Bar, the famous watering hole at the island’s only anchorage. On down the chain you will visit Cannouan, offering “original Caribbean” flavor.

The Windwards offer an entirely different view of the Caribbean than do the more popular Northern Leeward Islands. If you love beautiful beaches, charming villages and an escape from the pressures of the ever-faster world in which we live, give the Grenadines a go!

Last but not least, CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has this tip for chartering in the Southern Caribbean: Go with a crew who have been in the area before. There are a good number of tourist traps, especially near places where cruise ships dock. A charter yacht crew with local knowledge can keep you happily off the beaten path.


Monday, January 14, 2008
10 Best Charter Yacht Theme Nights

Broker Missy Johnston at Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters suggests the 98-foot sailing yacht Caldera, which offers “cooking in company” with chef Gisele Lannamann. You can enjoy a cooking class—complete with hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting—before sitting down for a proper multicourse dinner.

Camper & Nicholsons International recommends the CharterWave favorite 228-foot motoryacht Sherakhan, whose stewardesses dress up in Minnie Mouse costumes for theme parties during children’s birthdays.

International Yacht Collection suggests the 125-foot motoryacht Milk ’n Honey, whose captain dresses as a gladiator while the stewardesses wear feather headdresses (see photo at right).

Broker Patricia Saks in the Fort Lauderdale office of Fraser Yachts Worldwide suggest the 130-foot motoryacht Lady Zelda, which won “best theme” at last month’s St. Maarten charter show for its “Brokeback Mountain” barbecue theme night.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few favorites of her own. The 120-foot motoryacht Kayana does a pirate night theme that includes an onshore treasure hunt for the kids, leading to a chest full of T-shirts and other take-home goodies.

The 156-foot CharterWave favorite motoryacht Azzurra II puts on a fantastically spooky “Phantom of the Opera” theme night, complete with masks on all the male crew members.

The 108-foot motoryacht Askari does a safari-style buffet theme night, including zebra-striped flatware and all the roasted, wild meat you can stand.

All the crew onboard the 115-foot motoryacht Surprise bring their local culture onboard during Fiji night, when guests drink kava and sing along to local songs played on guitars and ukuleles.

The 115-foot motoryacht Harmony, part of the fleet at The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals,  puts on a swanky soiree complete with dancing girls in beaded headdresses and bikinis.

Looking for gangsta wraps? The 173-foot motoryacht Passion, part of the fleet at Fraser Yacht Worldwide,  does a G-man-style theme night that has the crew passing out tasty hors d’oeuvres in one hand while holding fake uzis in the other.


Monday, January 7 , 2008
10 Best Yachts for Beginner Budgets
(Actually, we have 13 suggestions this week. Bonus!)

The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, office of Fraser Yachts Worldwide recommends the 111-foot motoryacht Sudami. It can take as many as 12 people (as long as a few are children), at a lowest weekly base rate of $65,000--one of the least expensive boats in the Fraser fleet.

Diana Mares-Brody, a longtime broker with Camper & Nicholsons International in the Palm Beach, Florida, office, suggests catamarans for beginner budgets. As she puts it: "You get all-inclusive rates, lots of toys, and a relaxed, fun atmosphere."

Kathleen Mullen at CharterWave sponsor Regency Yacht Vacations likes three sailing yachts in the Virgin Islands: the 41-foot Antiquity, the 45-foot Corus, and the 46-foot Fidelity. She calls them all "less expensive and easy."

Denise Baker at The Shipyard Group suggests the 70-foot motoryacht All My Girls, which comes with two super-size water-sports tenders (a 24-footer and a 17-footer), all for a base rate of $15,000 per week.

The team at International Yacht Collection suggests these three motoryachts from the entry-level price range in its fleet: the 78-foot Party Girl, the 82-foot Dramaless, and the 106-foot Caribbean Sparkle.

Camper & Nicholsons International over in Europe has five yachts that it suggests for beginner budgets in its fleet. The motoryachts are the 73-foot Cheeky Tiger, the 89-foot Asha, and the 121-foot Java (a CharterWave favorite). Among sailboats in the fleet, Camper recommends the 88-foot Opium and the 90-foot Boo Too.


December 31, 2007
10 Best Yachts for Busy Businessmen

The European team at Camper & Nicholsons International says the 177-foot sailing yacht Parsifal III recently installed VSAT broadband with WiFi, which will be available to charter guests this summer around the Baltic Sea.

Camper & Nicholsons' European office also suggests the 168-foot motoryacht Lazy Z, which has not only onboard WiFi, but also an office/study in the two-level master suite with panoramic views of the scenery outdoors.

Meanwhile, in Florida office over in the States, Camper & Nicholsons broker Diana Mares suggests the brand-new, 177-foot motoryacht Maraya. It has a private balcony that converts into an office--and then back again into a fun space when the workday is done.

International Yacht Collection tells us that the 161-foot motoryacht Lady Michelle has a guest deck with laptop computer and Internet access--right next to a wet bar, should the market take a turn that's not to your liking.

International Yacht Collection also suggests the 155-foot motoryacht One More Toy, which has a beautifully finished office that's the size of regular cabins onboard some other yachts.

Broker Tim Nelson at Seven Seas Yacht Charters suggests the 96-foot motoryacht Serenity Now, which has high-speed Internet access with dual computer monitors for keeping track of multiple things at once.

Broker Maggie Vale at Rikki Davis Yachts at Churchill Yacht Partners likes the 123-foot sailing yacht Axia, which has a large private office not too far from all the main guest action in the main saloon.

And CharterWave Editor Kim Kavin has three favorites of her own. First up is the 58-foot sailing catamaran Sabore, which is one of the only yachts in her size range to offer WiFi with high-speed internet access.

Kim also likes the 228-foot motoryacht Sherakhan, which has a spectacular private study with fireplace and Internet access.

And last but not least on Kim's list is the 230-foot motoryacht Reverie, which boasts a fully equipped conference room complete with projectors, erasable white boards, and enough comfortable leather seats to suit an entire board of directors.


December 24, 2007
10 Best Reasons to Book Your 2008 Holiday Charter Now

You'll get to enjoy swimming in warm Caribbean waters and lounging on sandy beaches instead of shoveling snow back home.

Your charter yacht's crew will put up and take down all the Christmas decorations, so you can stay out of those big boxes in your basement.

Want a turkey with all the trimmings? Just ask your charter yacht's chef. No need to even turn on an oven.

Instead of your kids wanting the latest video game from Santa, they'll ask a deckhand for water-skiing lessons. That's a much healthier option!

You can only fit 12 people onto a proper charter yacht, so no need to worry about inviting that crazy uncle who drives everybody nuts.

The ultimate New Year's Eve party with the rich and famous is along the quay at St. Barth's, and your yacht can dock there for front-row seats.

If you're hung over come New Year's Day, your yacht's crew will bring you breakfast in bed along with a couple of Tylenol and a "hair of the dog" Bloody Mary.

Most charter yachts will only accept two-week bookings during the holidays, so you'll get to spend more time than usual with your workaholic spouse and busy college kids.

Your Santa hat will take on a whole new look when you wear it with a smashing new red bathing suit.

The best boats book up fast--so selecting your holiday charter yacht a year in advance is truly the only way to ensure that you'll get it.


December 17, 2007
10 Best Tips for Chartering in the South Pacific

Sandy Carney, owner of Sanderson Yachting, says: Several years ago I cruised in Fiji. On several occasions, we were invited ashore to meet the villagers and even once the chief.  I would suggest that guests plan to bring a few simple things to barter or give the villagers and children. Ideas include: fishing hooks and fishing line, sewing kits, safety pins, clothes pins, small balls, scissors (blunt nosed and regular), string, etc. These are all simple items that the villagers really appreciate.

Veerle Verbeeck at Edmiston & Company says: I just came back from Tahiti where I spent a fantastic week onboard the 226-foot motoryacht Tia Moana, cruising around French Polynesia. It was truly amazing with excellent crew and service, delicious food, and every day different decorations and little details to make you feel at home. They also organize these great experiences where they have meals, cocktail hour or tea time on a deserted beach. We also did a three-hour jet ski trip with a guide. I am usually not a jet ski person but this was truly fantastic! We even jumped off the jet skis to do some snorkeling. We could just let ourselves drift with the current and admire the coral and the many colorful fish. As the yacht is based in French Polynesia year-round, the crew have excellent knowledge about the best cruising, fishing and diving grounds, the best local operators, what activities can be done that you will not find elsewhere in the world.  This is a great asset to charters as it makes the charter very original and an unforgettable experience.
 
And the team at CharterWorld sent in the following eight tips (WOW!)  for chartering in the South Pacific:

Take advantage of duty-free alcohol at the airport (especially for Tahiti where alcohol can be quite expensive to buy locally).

If you are chartering a crewed yacht, submit your preference sheet well in advance.  Many provisions need to be flown into the islands, and plenty of notice is required to secure special wines or specific brands.  

Take plenty of cash. Many remote islands do not have modern facilities such as ATMs, and if they do, they commonly don’t work!

Ensure that your crew stock plenty of bug repellent and sunscreen onboard

Learn some basic phrases in the local language. The locals will love you for it!

Pack lightly. Casual attire is all that is needed when dining ashore.  Formal outfits are not required.

Go with an “island time” attitude. Things tend to move more slowly in the South Pacific, so just try to relax and go with it!

Invest in an underwater camera. Some parts of the South Pacific offer excellent diving, and these are moments you’ll want to remember.


December 10, 2007
10 Best Lessons Learned at Last Week's Antigua and St. Maarten Charter Shows

Little things can make a big difference. That's true onboard the 130-foot motoryacht Lady Zelda, part of the Fraser Yachts Worldwide fleet. She has custom bath products for all the guests. The 134-foot Blind Date, part of the Peter Insulls fleet, offers personalized candies and mementos.

"Brand new" does not always mean "best boat." The brand-new, 271-foot Oceanfast motoryacht  Alfa Nero had a captain who was downright rude to some of the professionals at the Antigua show, while the 1979-built, 173-foot Elisabeth F, part of the fleet at Kaukonen & Kaukonen, had many people on the docks raving with praise.

Spa service is a hot trend. The 230-foot motoryacht Reverie (Cavendish & White fleet) and  the 146-foot motoryacht Balaju (International Yacht Collection fleet) each have stewardesses who serve double duty as massage therapists.

Mother of pearl is "in." The 200-foot motoryacht Secret (Burgess Yachts fleet), the 157-foot motoryacht Lady Joy (Sapphire Seas fleet) and the 190-foot Lady Sheridan (also Burgess Yachts fleet) all use the shimmery design element in their interior decors.

Small boats can have big features. The 120-foot Paladin (Neptune Group Yachting fleet) has one of the best swim platforms for any motoryacht of any size. Added on at a cost of about $900,000, it creates a walk-up teak beach that's about two feet underwater, so you can lounge in cool comfort without leaving the yacht.

A yacht can be down, but that doesn't mean it's out. The 158-foot Noa VII (Burgess Yachts fleet) and the motoryacht Watercolours (Northrop & Johnson fleet) underwent spectacular refits that made them competitive with some of the brand-new builds on the docks.

You can't judge a boat by its exterior. The 110-fpoot sailing yacht Toto (Ardell Yacht & Ship fleet) and the 174-foot sailing yacht Drumbeat (Edmiston & Company fleet ) both have beautiful, classic exteriors. Inside, though, they are as contemporary as can be.

Strong women rule. The 90-foot motoryacht Trilogy (Bartram & Brakenhoff fleet) has a woman serving as engineer. Canadian Sherry Hudson also does double-duty as a stewardess. As she says, "Some people have outright told me that it's not a job for women, but that's not going to change what I do with my life."

You can charter while racing across the Atlantic Ocean. The England-based company On Deck racing opened an office in Antigua about a year ago. Its Farr 60 sailing yachts are available for transatlantic charters that include races lasting as long as two weeks.

You can (and should) be proud of who you are. The 87-foot sailing yacht Jess-Sea (Northrop & Johnson fleet) has nothing but twin beds inside--which is just perfect for the single mother who has an upcoming charter with her three sons. Meanwhile, the 160-foot motoryacht High Chapparal (Camper & Nicholsons International) will accept children on charter, but prefers adults--because the yacht specializes in five-star cuisine and service.


December 3, 2007
10 Best Dock-and-Dine Restaurants to Visit While on Charter

Barb Hansen at Southwest Florida Yachts suggests Cabbage Cay, the funky restaurant-bar and cottages at marker 60 on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Pine Island Sound. It's accessible only by boat, and you can order Barb's favorite dishes: the cheeseburger in paradise, and the grouper topped with crabmeat.

Donna Wolfson at V.I. Sailing likes the Sisters Sea Lodge in Prince Rupert Bay, Dominica. The German couple who run the restaurant-bar have an organic garden right behind it, and they specialize in serving their fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole, fresh fish "in magnificent portions on banana leaves."

The team at CharterWorld.com likes Blood Mary's Bora Bora in Tahiti. There's a board at the front of the restaurant that lists all the celebrities who have visited, and you eat the seafood while sitting on stools atop a floor made of sand. A true island experience!

Camper & Nicholsons International brokers suggest the Victory Bar and Restaurant at the new Port Louis Marina on Grenada. "This will become the in place to hang out, as this island is is set to become the St. Tropez of the Caribbean."

Ann E. McHorney at Select Yachts likes Le Select on St. Barths--home of what she says is "the original cheeseburger in paradise."

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few favorites of her own. On Tortola, British Virgin Islands, she suggests docking at Village Cay and then walking a few blocks to the Virgin Queen Restaurant and Pub, which makes fantastic pizza with interesting toppings.

In Newport, Rhode Island, Kim suggests the Newport Blues Cafe, just across from the marinas on Thames Street. Not only can you get some good grub, but you can listen to fantastic live music at the same time.

And speaking of great music, don't miss The Dune Preserve on Anguilla, where Kim goes to chow on basic burgers while listening to Bankie Banx rock the house. He's a cross between Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, singing great island songs like "Busted in Barbados."

In the San Juan Islands off the coast of Seattle, Kim always cruises in for a meal at Roche Harbor Resort--which is spectacularly picturesque. The main dining room windows overlook the harbor and the great landscape of sea and trees beyond.

And on the Greek island Poros in the Saronic Gulf, Kim can't decide which one of the waterfront restuarants is the best. She likes to walk along the sidewalk in front of the marinas, sampling a Greek salad here, a waffle topped with ice crea there...



November 26, 2007
10 Best Yachts for Spa Lovers

Broker Gina Robertson of Yachtstore.com likes the 121-foot motoryacht Meditation, which offers charters in Southeast Asia and whose crew includes Thai massage therapists from the holistic hospital in Bangkok.

The team at Edmiston & Company recommends the 226-foot Tia Moana, which has two onboard hot tubs as well as separate spa services that are available all over the yacht on an a la carte basis.

Camper & Nicholsons suggests two large yachts for spa lovers. First is the 228-foot motoryacht Sherakhan, which has an outdoor, glass-bottom hot tub for 12 as well as an indoor sauna, spa and gymnasium.

Also on the Camper & Nicholsons list is the 325-foot motoryacht Christina O, which has a Six Senses Spa onboard that rivals many first-rate spas on land.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a half-dozen favorites of her own. First is the 207-foot motoryacht Force Blue, whose owner turned a former storage room into a full-on spa complete with massage room and sauna room.

Kim also likes the 280-foot motoryacht Alysia, which has a white marble spa with hot tub, ice tub, and more inside as well as an open-air hot tub outside, on deck.

The 134-foot powercatamaran Seafaris has a complete hydrotherapy spa--and is perhaps the only motoryacht based in Australia with such a feature.

The 100-foot Burger Katania doesn't have a complete onboard spa, but she does have a fantastic hot tub all the way forward on her bow--where you can enjoy a soak while watching the glaciers go by in her home cruising waters of Alaska.

That's also true onboard the 75-foot sailing yacht Bahamian Rhapsody, though the view will be of the aquamarine Caribbean waters instead of the frigid arctic.

Last but not least--and not to be outdone by all those big motoryachts--is the 72-foot sailing yacht Three Moons, which doesn't have an onboard hot tub or spa, but does have a chef who used to work in a beauty saloon. She'll perform manicures and pedicures as requested while the charter yacht sails through the British Virgin Islands.


November 19, 2007
10 Best Tips for Chartering in the Virgin Islands

Ann Landry of Merrill-Stevens Yachts says not to think of the Virgins as just a winter destination: "You can cruise the Virgin Islands anytime except the peak hurricane months of August and September."

Ann also says to make sure you stop in at more than a few islands that are close by each other, because at each, you'll find different but  beautiful beaches, great snorkeling and terrific scuba diving. "You will be under way less than two hours per day unless you choose to just go for a sail."

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International suggests chartering in the Virgins between January and April, which is the peak season. The CNI folks also suggest choosing a sailing yacht in this destination, thanks to the balmy climate and steady, easterly tradewinds.

The crew onboard the sailing yacht Three Moons suggests remembering to get a pedicure. Theirs is the only Irwin 72 available for charter in the Virgins with a former spa expert working onboard fulltime.

The crew onboard the sailing catamaran Chef de Mer says not to miss the latest scuba diving hot spot, called Jacuzzin. It's about halfway between the Bitter End Yacht Club, on Virgin Gorda, and the island of Anegada. A 600-pound jewfish apparently loves to welcome divers--but beware of the occastional bull shark.

ReAction, another sailing catamaran, offers this tip for prospective charterers: "Don't judge a boat by its age. There are a lot of newer boats than ours, but that also can mean new crew. We've been here two years. We're still enthusiastic, but we are also well experienced."

Ask how many weeks of charter your prospective yacht is doing each year. The crew onboard the sailing catmaran Bliss, for instance, say they do as much as 32 weeks of charter each year--while similar-size yachts are doing about 25 weeks and getting more rest in between each charter.

Think about adding golf into the mix. Tim Schaaf, who owns and runs the 45-foot sailing catamaran Jet Stream, used to be the coach at Stanford University. He now arranges charter itineraries for anyone wanting to golf while cruising around St. Croix and beyond.

Learn the area's history. The crew onboard the 57-foot sailing catamaran  Ad Astra say telling guests about long-ago pirate hideouts and shipwrecks is half the fun of pulling into every new anchorage along the Virgins chain.

Last but not least, CharterWave editor Kim Kavin suggests starting your charter in either Road Town, Tortola, or Red Hook, St. Thomas. Both are excellent starting points for quick cruising to the best islands in the Virgins chain.


November 12, 2007
10 Best Charter Yachts from the Virgin Islands Boat Shows

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin spent all of last week at the annual, industry-only boat shows on the islands of Tortola and St. Thomas, in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. Here's a look at the ten charter yachts that impressed her the most:

Swish  Chef Emily Williams took home the "best in show" award at Tortola's culinary competition. The judges loved her appetizer: a plantain-encrusted mahi-mahi with mango rum salsa and lime aioli. Look for our exclusive interview with Emily in the CharterWave crew interviews section next month.

Aldebaran  Our First Impression review of this sailing catamaran (whose main saloon is shown in the photo at right) left us loving her last year. We like her even better this year, since she has new sails, a new bimini, a new flat-screen TV in the main saloon, a fabulous "hamster ball" water toy, and the same great crew. Aldebaran is part of the fleet at Regency Yachts.

Viking Quest  The couple who own and run this sailing catamaran retired from their day jobs specifically to adopt the charter lifestyle. They host "Viking Olympics" water games for their guests, and the chef impressed at least a few reputable charter brokers with a lunch she prepared called "fresh fish terrine."

True North  This 65-foot sailing catamaran, part of the fleet at Nicholson Yachts, put on a cocktail party that really showed off chef Lauren Mackin's talents. Her fig-prosciutto-goat cheese hors d'oeuvres were especially tasty. Look for our video interview with Lauren soon in the CharterWave audio-video section.

Sabore  The 58-foot sailing catamaran Sabore was already one of our favorites here on CharterWave, thanks to crew Mike and Lori Cady. Now, we are told that they're splitting the annual charter duties with another terrific and experienced couple, Colin and Penny Moors. The arrangement gives both couples time at home, and is keeping them in the business instead of pushing them toward retirement. Brilliant!

Ad Astra  The crew onboard this 57-foot sailing catamaran seem downright terrific. Both are sailors, both are dive masters, and they go the extra mile to help guests understand the history of their chosen cruising area. The yacht is part of the CharterPortBVI fleet.

Three Moons  This 72-foot monohull sailing yacht was new to us, but her owner-operators have been chartering for a decade now. They offer something hard to find onboard sailboats in the Virgins: an onboard spa menu including on-deck pedicures. Three Moons is part of the Flagship fleet.

Sublime  We loved this 72-foot monohull sailing yacht last year, when we wrote our First Impression review. We love her even more this year, since her terrific owner-operators (shown in the photograph at right) are planning to spend July through September cruising in the Grenadines.

Akasha  One of the biggest sailing catamarans in the boat shows, this 76-footer has instituted a crew rotation program that gives the captains and chefs four months on, then four months off to recoup their energy. That's great for setting hig service standards. The boat is part of the fleet at Nicholson Yachts.

Breanker  The couple who bought, gutted, and restored this 55-foot sailing catamaran to her previous glory are simply fantastic. Look for our exclusive interview with Capt. Kristian Sondergaard next month in the CharterWave crew interviews section. The boat is part of the fleet at CharterPortBVI.



November 5, 2007
10 Best Charter Yachts for Families with Young Children

Catherine Ambrogi at Yachting Partners International loves the 142-foot motoryacht Kingfisher for families with young children because a few of the cabins have extra twin and Pullman beds that can accommodate two or three kids in a single stateroom. Plus, there are plenty of toys onboard, including Wave Runners, kayaks, a windsurfer, slalom and junior-size water skis, a kneeboard, a wakeboard, fishing gear, and karaoke to keep the kids busy.

Ann Landry at Merrill-Stevens Yachts suggests the 135-foot Christensen Atlantica, which actively seeks charters for families. "They did a great job for my client with two adults and five children ranging from nine months to 16 years of age--thankfully, with a nanny!"

Patricia Saks at Fraser Yachts Worldwide likes the 120-foot motoryacht Pacific Yellowfin, which offers family charters in the Pacific Northwest United States and Canada. The crew keep a lot of area-specific toys onboard, including eight mountain bikes, four motorbikes, a water trampoline, two wooden sailing dinghies, fishing gear, and prawn-trapping equipment.

Deb and Wayne Adeo at Jolly Mon Sailing suggest the 58-foot motoryacht McGregor in the Virgin Islands. "We like the crew, Tim and Julie. They love kids and have a whole arsenal of water toys including squirt guns for the kids."

Louise Dailey of Jubilee Yacht Charters loves the 53-foot catamaran Can Can. "It has a remarkable, enthusiastic and patient crew. Last spring they entertained a family group of a mother, father, adult family friend, 8-year-old boy, 5-year-old girl, and 3-year-old girl. Marko took the kids tubing, snorkeling, and kayaking. Meanwhile, Robyn was cooking up mac 'n' cheese for the kids and salmon en croute for the adults. Later, while Marko worked his blender magic, Robyn taught the girls to cha cha...

Charter broker Ann-Wallis White recommends two yachts for families with small children. First is the 67-foot sailing yacht Marmot, which Ann says is run by Sara Munro, "a former au pair and trained nanny who is fluent in French, and husband/captain Alastair is every mother's perfect skipper. Several of our clients have looked high and low, but always returned to sail with Al and Sara with their children.

Ann also likes the idea of two families chartering together onboard the 57-foot sailing catamaran Quest or the 55-foot sailing catamaran Breanker. "We convinced the new owners of these two boats to have a summer special, applicable from April through August, where two children ages 6 to 12 sail for free with two adults. For two families sailing together, this is a value which is hard to beat!"

Last but not least, Nicole Caulfield, a mother of two young boys who works for Robert J. Cury & Associates, has three yachts in her fleet that she recommends for families with kids. First, she says, is the 105-foot motoryacht Independence 2, which has a captain who is also a father of two himself. Both he and the crew are well-versed with children of all ages.

Nicole also likes the 124-foot motoryacht Murphy's Law, which has many families as repeat charter clients. Some comments from past charter guests: "It was wonderful to be back on Murphy's Law again this year with my family. My children enjoy the whole experience, and it makes my summer time vacation with the kids the best!" ...  "We have chartered several larger yachts over the years and were a bit hesitant at first with Murphy's Law, but both the crew and the yacht exceeded our expectation and we will charter her again in the future. She is the perfect size for the Bahamas, very well maintained with a professional charter crew that went above and beyond for my children and whole family. I would highly recommend this yacht as one of the best in her size and price range. "

Finally on Nicole's list is the 142-foot Aquasition. It keeps a Pack-and-Play stored onboard, along with a portable high chair and children's movies, games, and welcome baskets. The crew will provision children's food, diapers, and anything else that guests don't want to have to bring onboard themselves, and several crew members are certified in infant CPR and first aid in case of the rare emergency at sea.


October 29, 2007
10 Best Big-Money Charter Yachts

Charter broker Tim Nelson at Seven Seas Charters likes the 160-foot motoryacht Te Manu, which goes for a base rate of $210,000 per week. "I've had one client book her three times now. Why book one week onboard a $400,000 yacht when you can book two weeks on Te Manu instead?"

The team at Edmiston & Company has two favorites. First is the brand-new to charter, 192-foot motoryacht Outback, which has a weekly base rate of $399,000. The second is the $475,000-per-week, 233-foot motoryacht Utopia.

Over at Camper & Nicholsons International, there are also two favorites. First is the 164-foot motoryacht Odessa, which is so new to charter that she doesn't even have a weekly base rate yet. The second is the 213-foot motoryacht Callisto, which has a weekly base rate of $485,000.

Charter broker Liz Howard of Fraser Yachts Worldwide suggested three top-dollar motoryachts that she likes because she's booked them successfully in the past, and because they have good histories of bringing back repeat clients. They are the 173-foot Passion at a weekly base rate of $245,000, the 163-foot High Chaparral at a weekly base rate of $2420,000, and the 178-foot Starfire at a weekly base rate of $250,000.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin saw two brand-new motoryachts at last week's Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show that also belong on this list. First is the 164-foot Mine Games, which will charter for $200,000 per week plus expenses through International Yacht Collection. Second is the 125-foot motoryacht Perle Bleue, which is aiming to be one of the most, if not the most, expensive boat in its size range at a weekly rate of $145,000. It's part of the fleet at Fraser Yachts Worldwide.


October 22, 2007
10 Best Tips for Chartering in the Northern Caribbean

The folks at International Yacht Collection say to look under the Northern Caribbean Sea as well as on its surface. They just welcomed the 164-foot motoryacht Mine Games into their fleet, and it carries a personal submarine for charter guests to use.

Ann E. McHorney of Select Yachts says to pack lightly. Most places are casual, and you don't want huge suitcases filling up the boat. "One of the more clever things I've seen is the sailing yacht Ayacanorya," she says. "The crew sends charter guests a nice duffel bag with the boat's logo before their arrival along with a list of what is already onboard. That way, they can travel light!"

Kathleen Mullen from Regency Yacht Vacations advises booking at least six months in advance to get the best yachts--or even farther in advance if you want to charter during peak holiday times like Christmas and New Year's.

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International agrees on the idea of booking early, but for larger motoryachts and sailing yachts recommends booking a year in advance--especially for holiday charters.

Kathleen Mullen from Regency Yacht Vacations also suggests thinking about off-season charters in the Northern Caribbean. "May has consistent strong winds and the start of summer prices, but it's not yet hurricane season. That's a win-win-win!"

The folks at Camper & Nicholsons International have a bit different take on the best time of year to cruise the Northern Caribbean: "It is a year-round destination, however, for yachting the best time to visit is during the cool, dry winter months of December to mid-April, when temperatures average 28 degrees Celcius (82 degrees Fahrenheit)."

CharterWave Editor Kim Kavin has a few tips of her own. First: Start or end your December charters on the islands Antigua and Sint Maarten. Many yachts are headed there anyway for annual boat shows, so you might be able to negotiate delivery fees out of your contract.

Kim also suggests considering itineraries that stay around one island instead of cruising long distances, especially for long-weekend charters. Islands like Antigua and Sint Maarten have more than enough different beaches and towns to keep you busy for a few days without running up a huge fuel bill.

Another suggestion from Kim is to visit off-the-beaten-course islands during longer charters. Islands like Saba and Anguilla might be new names to you, but they have fantastic sights to see, from tropical rainforests to funky rasta bars.

The last tip Kim has for Northern Caribbean charters is to fill out  your preference sheet completely, and well in advance. If you want Korbel champagne on the boat, the crew can order it before you leave the dock, but they're going to have a heck of a time trying to find it on an uninhabited island where you've just spent the day sunbathing.


October 15, 2007
10 Best Charter Itineraries for Beach Buffs

Missy Johnston of Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters sends her charter clients to a few of her favorite island beaches in Fiji, including Taveuni, Matangi, Nabavatu and Wakaya.

Louise Dailey of Jubilee Yacht Charters says: "After sailing in the British Virgin Islands for 30 years, we've found a wonderful new spot on Jost Van Dyke, a "bubbling pool" that's a bit of a hike from the beach but worth it!"

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International also recommends the British Virgin Islands for beach buffs, starting an itinerary on Tortola and then cruising to Norman Island, Salt Island, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.

Ed Hamilton from Ed Hamilton & Co. recommends the Exumas section of the Bahamas, starting at Staniel Cay and working your way north. "If there's anyone around, move on to the next glorious beach!"

Broker Ann-Wallis White says her favorite beach itinerary is a circumnavigation of the Caribbean island Antigua. "It has 365 beaches, and many are accessible by boat. This is a great island especially in spring and fall as opposed to winter, when you do not have as much access" because of typical winds and currents.

Kathleen Mullen from Regency Yacht Vacations likes the virtually undeveloped Turks & Caicos Islands: ""Water and beach is all there is!"

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few favorite beach itineraries of her own. One that many people overlook is the Galapagos Islands, where the beaches aren't just beautiful, but they're also filled with playful sea lions.

Kim also loves the Seychelles, which she visited onboard the motoryacht Teleost. The rock formations on the beaches are among the most interesting in the world.

Just last month, Kim discovered the beaches off of Phuket, Thailand, where yacht charter is just starting to become an option--and where the beaches are virtually empty of tourists.

And last but not least, Kim shares the aforementioned Ed Hamilton's passion for the Exumas section of the Bahamas, which she most recently visited onboard the motoryacht Joanne. Not only are the beaches gorgeous, but one has a friendly pig living on the sand!



October 8, 2007:
10 Best Charter Yachts for Movie Buffs

Charter broker Ann-Wallis White raves about movie night onboard the 58-foot sailing catamaran Sabore. There's an outdoor screen as well as an indoor flat-screen TV.

Broker Ann E. McHorney of Select Yachts loves  the 173-foot motoryacht Passion. "The stewardess closed the blinds electronically, sat me down, and I fell in love with Sting all over again on the big screen!"

Ann from Select Yachts also likes the 85-foot sailing yacht Taboo for movie fans. "She has a huge screen in her dining salon, and the crew are not shy about turning up the volume."

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International points out that the 183-foot sailing yacht Selene has a movie theme throughout her interior decor. Each room has photographs of movie stars such as Humphrey Bogart, Charlie Chaplin, and Greta Garbo. There's also a large, flat-screen cinema
in the main saloon, right near three oversized leather sofas.

Camper & Nicholsons also recommends the 170-foot motoryacht Midlandia for movie buffs, since she has both an indoor as well as an outdoor cinema.

And last but not least, the Camper & Nicholsons team recommends the 188-foot motoryacht Excellence III for movie buffs, since her entire sky lounge converts to a cinema complete with surround-sound stereo effects.

Broker Ed Hamilton says: "You don't have to rent a megayacht to have an entertainment room. The 45-foot Leopard catamaran Two if By Sea has a projection TV and huge screen right in the cockpit, so you get open-air movies just like the drive-in days."

The folks at Valef Yachts over in Greece love the 132-foot motoryacht Ouranos Too for movie junkies, since she has a movie screen that drops down from the ceiling in the main saloon, plus DVD setups in every guest stateroom.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin  has a few favorites of her own. First is the 177-foot sailing yacht Parsifal III, whose main saloon has arc-shaped couches that rotate around a giant tub that's custom made for filling with popcorn. Not a bad way to watch a movie at all!

Also on Kim's list is the 57-foot sailing catamaran Double Feature, which is owned by a bigtime Hollywood producer who stocks the main saloon with all the best new releases to watch on the flat-screen television.