Just viewed this fabulous 98′ notoe yacht at the Ft. Lauderdale show last week — bright cheerful, open layout with modern styling and plenty of areas for people to seperate on different levels. The guest accomodation are generous for groups up to 8 and the value at $45,000 a week plus all expenses. Obrigado will be in the Caribbean this winter & the Mediterranean next summer — friendly crew round off this first rate package!

The stylish and seaworthy Private Lives arrives in the Cariibean to begin her winter season — a dark blue hull, huge open aft deck and multi lvevels for a variety of public spaces make her a great choice for corporate entertaining or a multi generaltional family yacht charter. This crew is on top of all the details but are used to guests who want luxury but not stiffness & formaility. For a personal get away where you set the program, Private Lives is just the ticket!

The one bright spot in the yacht sales & charter world is that US companies are finding that they are very popular with the international set.  This is especiall true for the mega yacht sector. Why? Becuase our low dollar value compared to the euro and other currencies makes our shipyards, our used yachts and charter yachts owners by US companies to be a steal! Look at the savings from the euro — it is like getting an automatic 30% discount. So brush up on your language skilles — this year it appears that yacht chartering is more global than ever!

This is the time of year that the crews arrive back at the shipyard from their fall break and get down to the dirty work. Bottom paint is renewed, hulls polished, painted, scrubbed & buffed to be all ready to go for a busy winter season. Charter yachts great brokers on board the first week of November in the Virgin Islnads and again in December in St. Maarten & Antigua. They put their best foot forward to show they are ready of the most discerening client. All that preperation pays off — effortless relaxation for the charter guest!

Captain Owen and his chef/mater Mary charter Fideltity, a lovely 46′ Jenneau, to groups form two to 4. They especially like showing those who are a bit uncertain how to sail and can do so in a variety of ways. From a full on ASA certification so you can try your hand at bareboating to gentle encouragement for the spouse who has been intimidated by all those lines & winches, both Mary & Owen have an easy going informativce manner. This former physics professor knows all the theory if you are interested or is just happy to sit back and trade ’sea stories’. Sail Fidelity!

Try sailing off the beautiful green coastline of Belize. This English speaking counrty has miles of reefs and islands just offshore — perfect for sailing on the catamaran Legacy. Captain Lisa knows all the best dive spots and places with miles of beach. Or try hiking and exploring Aztec ruins on the mainland. Exotic and yet close to the USA, Legacy is a wonderful choice for a special cahrter vacation for up to 12 guests.

Most familes are accustomed to planning well in advance for their vacations plans — everything must be co-ordinated around school schedules including yacht charters! For those of you who are a couple, your advantage is that you can do some last minute ‘let’s go’ trips! Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year weeks still have availability for yachts that cater to smaller groups — so surprise your spouse and charter in the warm sunny Caribbean!

St. Maarten is an easy hop by plane for many people and a great spot to start your charter. The major difference between the Leewars and the BVIs is that there are not as many calm anchorages to choose from. The up side is that there is plenty of evening entertainment in both St, Maarten and St. Barths — and stopping in Anguilla gives you miles of beach. So embrace the differences & try chartering in the Leeward Islands. Perfect for a power yacht charter where you can dash quickly between these close islands.

But if you plan to vsit Saba, St. Kitts or Nevis then made sure you leave plenty of cruising time and have a larger yacht for this more distant islands in the chain — worth the effort but at least a 4-8 hours journey.

 Discuss among your charter group what suits you all best and make a plan to get out on the water!

Excitement is rising as we get close to the October 25th date os the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. With floating docks added to the miles of canal waterfront, there will be almost three miles of docks strung together and packed with boats, boats, boats! Big ones and small ones there will be plenty to see. For charter or sale, there is something for everyone — or just a chance to dream a little! I’ll be at the Northrop & Johnson dock — hope to see you there!

For those who are looking for more ‘hands on’ experience, try a Captain Only charter — the values are great and you get a chance to educate yourself about a new cruising area with an expert. Plus these knowledgeable Capatains know their yachts inside and out and are happy to talk with you about the every day procedures you should use to make your sailing time fun and hassle free. Captain Only can give you (and your family) the confidence you need to solo charter or even purchase your own yacht!