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Written by Kim Kavin
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Monday, 30 June 2008 02:22 |
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One of the motoryachts I saw last week at the industry-only Newport charter show was the 55-foot Fabiola II. She had a smart, kid-friendly feature onboard that I've never seen anywhere else, even on yachts three times her size.
It's called a Raymarine LifeTag Wireless MOB System (the MOB stands for man overboard). As you can see in the photo above, it's small enough to attach to a child's life jacket, or to stuff into a child's pocket. The LifeTag operates on the same wavelength as a master unit that is mounted in the center of the boat, so that any time the LifeTag--or the child carrying it--gets more than about 30 feet from the center of the boat, a loud beep sounds onboard.
Thus, should you be docked at a marina, a child could not wander off without you knowing it. Perhaps more seriously, should a child fall off the boat while it's under way, you would know within seconds so that the captain could stop the boat and get the child back onboard immediately (that would be a rarity on this boat, I think, as it is well-outfitted with a child gate on the top deck, but it's nice to know the system is in place nonetheless).
What a nifty feature, especially onboard a charter yacht whose weekly base rate is just $11,000 for four guests. The $600 price tag for this unit at West Marine is less than most larger, crewed charter yachts spend on champagne for the week. There's absolutely nothing, to my thinking, that should prevent this device from becoming standard equipment onboard all charter yachts that welcome families with young children.
Kudos to Fabiola II for leading the way. She's part of the fleet at Neptune Group Yachting. Learn more about the boat, or about how to book a week onboard, from any reputable charter broker."
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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
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
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
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
