Nicole Caulfield is licensed, bonded, and a longtime member of FYBA and AYCA. She brings a unique perspective as a broker, having worked aboard yachts for nearly 10 years. Email Nicole
Ed Hamilton has worked in every part of the charter industry over the last 37 years and heads one of the largest, most respected charter brokerages.
Liz Howard joined Fraser Yachts as a charter broker in 2002 after more than 15 years in the maritime industry. E-mail Liz.
Beverly Parsons has been chartering since 1969. She is a licensed, bonded broker and a founding member of the professional groups AYCA and CYBA International. Contact Beverly.
Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon
Sharon Bahmer is an expert at booking charters in the Americas, from Alaska to Brazil. She's also a member of FYBA and CYBA. E-mail Sharon
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
Michael Sawyer of Infinity Yacht Charters has unique access to charter yachts and crew from Alaska to Mexico. Contact Michael.
| 10 Best Charter Yachts for Romantic Getaways |
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The team at The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals recommends two yachts for romantic getaways. First up is the 120-foot custom motoryacht Touch, which has a master suite with a private entrance on a deck that is secluded from the rest of the guest cabins. The master suite’s private deck includes a hot tub, too, which is a great place for a romantic champagne toast. Also recommended by The Sacks Group is the 172-foot motoryacht Big Eagle, which just completed a $3 million refit and is “looking better than ever.” She’s big for a single couple, but if you want to spend Valentine’s Day with a few favorite friends, Big Eagle offers beautiful accommodations. CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has some favorite “romantic getaway” yachts of her own. First up is the 48-foot Swan sailing yacht Victoria, which is ideally sized for a two-person charter. The food is great, too, with chef Martha Cabada having won the November 2008 Tortola charter show chef’s competition. The 62-foot sailing yacht Zarik II is also a good one for lovers to enjoy. Based in Turkey, it is owned and operated by a charming French woman who knows a thing or two about romance herself. Sayang, a 54-foot sailing yacht in the Virgin Islands, is also a lovely choice for a single couple. It’s run by a couple who started out as charter clients themselves, and who therefore understand exactly the kind of pampering that makes people want to return to the islands every Valentine’s Day. The 54-foot sailing yacht Margaux is made by the same builder as Sayang, and thus offers similarly cozy accommodations for two. It’s also based in the British Virgin Islands, at a price that won’t break the bank for a long-weekend romantic getaway. Pride, a 58-foot sailing catamaran, is a good choice for romantic couples of “a certain age.” Owner-operators Jack and Susan Boye have been around boats for decades, and they are always pleased to welcome “fellow adults” who prefer a pace more leisurely than what you typically find aboard charter yachts with fresh-out-of-college crew. If you want to splurge on a romantic getaway in the Greek Isles, then consider the 124-foot sailing yacht Aello. She’s a classic yacht whose cabins are small—as all cabins aboard sailboats used to be. With only two people onboard, though, her guest areas will feel quite large, and the romance of their Old World décor simply can’t be beat. Also in the romantic splurge department is the 135-foot motoryacht Blind Date. You guessed it: She’s named for the way that her owners met, and they have filled the interior décor with charming little heart symbols and goodies that will keep any couple happy. Last but not least for a great romantic getaway is the Fleming 55 Fabiola II. She’s one of the few motoryachts in her size range that is available for crewed charters, and her owners are foodies who insist on having excellent chefs aboard. If you want to wine and dine a lover in motoryacht style without having to pay megayacht bucks, then this may be the charter yacht for you. |