Yacht Management Made Simple

Yacht Management is a relatively new branch to the Yachting Industry. It has emerged through the ongoing popularity of sailing vacations, or chartering. Boat owners are opting out for the opportunity of placing their yacht in a charter fleet.

Yacht Management alleviates many of the activities that support the operations of a yacht. The responsibilities that are associated with the care of your yacht are made as pleasurable as possible, and less of a hassle. The role of yacht management is to bridge the gap between recreational and professional yachting. A “newbie”, intending to relieve their stress would benefit greatly from this. Yacht Management can make the difference of keeping a dream from becoming a nightmare.

Yacht Management & Chartering

Yacht Management is crucial when it comes to chartering a boat. Generating income with a boat isn't easy, but in almost all cases, success depends on treating a vessel as a business. Yes, of course a boat owner will attach only recreational purposes to their boat. This is normal, most of time that is the intention. Purchasing Yachts and immediately placing them into a charter program is a growing trend, though. According to many boat owners, one of the easiest ways to slip into chartering is to get the help of a yacht management company. The Catamaran Company has a division dedicated to these kinds of services.

These services include listing the vessel with yacht brokers nationwide or internationally, so the yacht owner does not have to spend their time on advertising and marketing. The most sophisticated services take care of everything from booking the yacht, collecting payments and coordinating maintenance and repairs. In return, the management company collects a percentage of the charter income. The boat owner collects on the larger percentage of course. The Catamaran Company client profits are in the higher side of the spectrum, when considering industry standards.

Allowing, a firm take care of the management of your boat will help you offset some of the costs of buying and maintaining a boat. One of yacht managements many functions are to protect the buyer’s investment. A team of professionals will have a greater chance of prolonging the life of the investment.

Typical Catamaran Company Maintenance Services

The Catamaran Company is dedicated to making every aspect of boat ownership and use pleasurable for you, your family and your guests. Our service department can help preserve and even enhance the long-term value of one of your most important investments. We will make sure that your yacht is ready to go whenever you are.. and all in top operational condition!

Typical services include:

• Complete Yacht Services

• Varnish & Bright Work

• System inspection on a regular basis with a written report of findings & recommendations to owner

• Administer an applicable Preventative Maintenance program

• Scheduled systems operation to ensure the preventative maintenance program is effective

• Structural repairs

• Fiberglass

• Engine Overhauling, re-powering

• Hardware & hand-hold restoration or replacement

Yacht Deliveries – Satellite Tracking

The Catamaran Company can help you arrange a delivery anywhere in the world. We have partnered with industry specialists who have excellent credentials in safely delivering your yacht to a number of international destinations.

Yacht owners can now log into our special satellite system to chart the position of their yacht anywhere in the world. The system is powerful - it allows you to zoom in on the boat via special illustrative charts. Not only does this give you piece of mind knowing exactly where your yacht is in the delivery stage, but its fun.

The system functions through two main components: they are the terminal, and satellites. The terminal is the only physical element that is needed to install on the boat. It contains modern GPS and sophisticated software to achieve bi-directional communication with Inmarsat geostationary satellites.

The satellites work through the Inmarsat Network (International Maritime Satellite). This system offers world-wide coverage excluding the world’s remote regions like the North and South Poles. The four geostationary satellites are located on top of the Ecuador at around 35,500 kilometers.

If you would like to view a short clip on the delivery of a Lagoon 44 go to

http://www.catamarans.com/catamaranco/video/lp_44_Delivery.asp?bhcp=1

Private Management in British Virgin Islands, Tortola

The British Virgin Islands and the Island of Tortola exists in one of the most beautiful, quite and well preserved natural environments rivaling just about anyplace in the world to visit. Over the course of the last few years this area has proved to be one of the most fertile grounds anywhere in the world relative to the generation of income for the charter industry.

In order for these services to be optimal quality control must be implemented. Control in the quality of service must be handled by both owners and customers in the preparation of each charter as well as understanding and maintaining the yachts in our care and custody.

For more details please visit http://www.catamarans.com/

Diesel Electric Yacht Propulsion

The all-new Lagoon 420 offers a new method of yacht propulsion, using a very old idea that has already proven itself in locomotives. In essence, a diesel electric power plant includes a diesel engine connected to an electrical generator, creating electricity that powers electric motors. Traditional electric propulsion systems have been heavy, and cumbersome. Diesel electric systems are now lighter, and less expensive. Due to the ongoing effects of pollution, environmentally friendly propulsion systems are being heavily evaluated. This type of power plant is the remedy for highly polluting traditional forms of yacht propulsion. This is one of the reasons why Lagoon has chosen to incorporate this system into one of their latest yachts.

Also, diesel electric propulsion is very reliable. Electric components have few if any moving parts. They can run for thousands of hours per year without having to be replaced or fixed. The Lagoon 420 only requires a bearing change after 20,000 hours. Since the engine is removed from the propeller shaft it is never under or overloaded. Spending less time maintaining your yacht will give you more time to enjoy it instead.

Very few moving parts also means that noise generation is minimal. Since the marine gears are completely removed you achieve noise reduction from the standard way of mechanical propulsion. Fuel economy is greatly increased with this system along with engine room space.

Turning the propellers with electric motors enhances slow-speed maneuverability by providing unrestricted minimum propeller speeds with 100 percent torque available to provide immediate power response at all times. Propeller synchronization is automatic and extremely precise. While the vessel is under way the electrical power required by can be supplied from the diesel electric propulsion system. Electrical power from the Lagoon 420’s genset can be used to propel the boat, providing a built-in backup. On the contrary the prolusion system can serve as a backup for the yacht’s gensets.

Moving into an environmentally conscience era, the Lagoon 420 is on the forefront of making a change. Since this type of propulsion system has been in existence for many years now, the concern of trying out an untested technology is eliminated.

For more information, please visit http://www.catamarans.com

An Introduction To Crewed Yacht Charter

Many of us dream of touring the tropical Caribbean, but there is no other warm and cherished way to experience it, than on a yacht. From the USVI all the way down to the Grenadines, each Caribbean island has its own diverse character and each time carries some thing different to offer. Added up with that crystal clear aquamarine waters, dolphins rolling around your boat and tropical sunsets on close beach and your sailing vacation would be a life time experience.

Crewed yacht charters are the yachts where the crew is completely devoted to any specific yacht. They take care of the maintenance, sailing, cooking, and cleaning and also with the other navigation services, and are usually experts in the region where you would be chartering. Do not misjudge the worth of the local knowledge – it could make a huge difference among efficiency and hassle when finding a mooring, restaurant, or moving with the local customs around.

Crews range from husband and wife people who own the boat and charter for a living/lifestyle as they just love it, to huge, competently trained crews on Super Yachts where each crew member has a detailed task, ranging from cooking to serving to navigating, and sometimes to rub and other hair dressing. On most of the large yachts, team members are certified in their roles by yacht training companies. All luxury yachts and about all the motor yachts come with an experienced crew that is familiar with both the boat and local water. They can take care of your every requirement and operate the boat like a 5 star floating hotel.

Mr.Monish is a Copywriter of Florida yacht charter.He written many articles in various topics.For more information visit:yacht design. Contact her at yachtloop.marine@gmail.com.

Yacht Winterization Service Business

If you own a boat maintenance business you need to be providing winterization services to your customers. Many boat owners who get to know you may trust you to help them winterize their boats. The best place to store a boat is under a cover in a controlled climate environment. This can be very costly and although there is debate on whether a boat should be "shrink-wrapped” for winter or not that too is very costly.

Since during the winter you will be requested to either halt services or curb washing to a frequency of every two months. Of course, the charge for these washings will be at double or triple the weekly price but you still lose a lot of weekly wash monies. If you charge $20 for weekly washing then that is $160 for two months of washes instead of $60 every two months for one wash. Including snow and debris removal.

Your solution is easy. Get the $60 for the washing every two months plus charge a $200 winterizing fee which includes weekly walk-byes for no additional charge. On those check-up days, cruise by the slip or dry storage and make sure the covers and tie downs are all secure. Boat owners seldom find time to get down and check on their boat during the four to six month ‘dormant period’. You would normally make $320 for washing a boat weekly for four months (4 months = 16 weeks), (16 x $20 = $320). During the winter if you wash the boat twice then that’s $120 plus $200 for your winterizing service. This equals the same amount of money.

Here are some of the services you can do as part of your ‘dormant period’ winterizing service. Now, before we list all these services, remember the obvious… a boat detail, window treatment coating, coating of metal parts (tuna towers, tie downs, horns, hooks, aluminum striping, propellers, etc.). If the boat is going into dry-dock how about an www.ADSIL.com coating. Hull only $30 per foot in Florida, $60 to $70 per foot in California, $50 to $60 per foot in the northeast. That can certainly add up on a 23 foot Sea Ray. And, of course, there are boat painters’ referral fees and even engine, canvas covers, etc. bird dog fees. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

Types of Yacht Insurance Coverages

A yacht insurance coverage is dependent on the policy of the insurance provider. A provider may have a better or less comprehensive yacht insurance policy. Here are some yacht insurance coverages that you may want to keep in mind when buying your own yacht insurance:

* All Risk Coverage
This type of yacht insurance coverage indemnifies you for any loss or "Peril of the Sea" that is not excluded.

* Agreed Value
Before signing up a yacht insurance policy, the value of your yacht is agreed upon. In the event of total loss, you are paid the agreed amount without deducting depreciation value of your yacht.

* Protection and Indemnity
Some yacht insurance coverage provides protection should you get sued for causing damage to properties, people or even the environment.

* Medical Coverage
A good yacht insurance pays for the medical expenses whenever someone gets hurt or injured while in your yacht, or near its premises.

* Personal Property Coverage
Other yacht insurance policies also protect your equipment or personal belongings that are in your yacht. Some yacht insurance provides coverage for the loss of fishing equipment, vessels, clothings. However, yacht insurance does not cover valuables such as money, jewelry or important documents.

* Towing
Yacht insurance policies also include towing coverage. This means that commercial towing services shall be available should your yacht becomes disabled in the middle of the sea and requires assistance to go back to safe harbor.

Though yacht insurance policies cover many of your concerns as a yacht owner, there are also other exclusions in their policies. Some of which are:

* Damages due to illegal, fraudulent or intentional acts by the insured
* Damages caused by war, seizures or nuclear radiation.
* Wear and tear
* Osmosis damage
* Design defects

Brenda Nicolson is an expert in yacht insurance and boat insurance needs. She has an extensive knowledge in the insurance policies, terms and coverages for boats, yachts, and other water crafts. To know more about the author and to gain further information about yacht insurance and boat insurance, visit her website at http://www.yacht-boat-insurance.com
 

For a more in depth information on yacht insurance or boat insurance and for a comprehensive list of boat insurance and yacht insurance providers worldwide, simply go to http://www.yacht-boat-insurance.com

A Look at Luxury Yacht Charters

Luxury yachts are floating hotels at your command. They vary in length from less than 100 feet to over 300 feet, and a week’s charter is priced between $ 50,000 and $ 250,000. They can accommodate up to two-dozen guests and half the number of crew.

Besides the lounge on the deck, furnished with comfortable chairs, sofa and table, a typical luxury yacht has spacious air-conditioned state rooms for the guests, each fitted with an independent bathroom. The yacht also has a kitchen and a well-stocked bar to cater to the palate of the guests.

Once you charter a yacht for your dream vacation, you will have direct contact with the chef and captain in advance of your trip that will let the crew know your favorite foods and beverages and your favorite things to do.

Living in style aboard the yacht, one can spend quality time with friends and family, read a book, listen to music, watch TV or just laze around. One can also take part in such pleasurable activities as swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, sunning or just sipping a cool drink in the shade of the cockpit.

The company that gives you the yacht on charter can also make arrangements on the islands you visit for other activities like fishing, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, jogging, mountain-biking, parasailing, picnicking on a secluded beach, jet-skiing, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing and so on.

You need not worry about getting lost at sea or running into rough waters while on a yacht charter vacation. You are in the safe hands of the captain, who is equipped with radio set, global positioning system (GPS) and a satellite phone.

A luxury yacht charter is ideal for a group of people that can be part of a family, a close-knit group, a special-interest group or an exclusive club.

Yacht Charters Info provides detailed information about yacht charters, including Caribbean and Mediterranean yacht charters, as well as luxury, crewed, motor, private, and corporate yacht charters. Yacht Charters Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Buying An Old Wooden Yacht

So you’ve decided to buy a boat? Congratulations! Each year people all over the World decide to do the same thing. However, a lot of these people will be experienced boat-buyers. On the other hand, there are many potential buyers who find no shame in admitting that they couldn’t find their way around a kayak armed with a million-watt searchlight on a sunny day. On a scale of one to ten, where are you?

A FEW GROUND RULES
Let’s presuppose a couple of things:
1. The boat you want is an elderly wooden sailing boat and;
2. You fall into the last category, about 9 on the scale.

My advice is ‘Spend money on a survey if you think you need to and spend money on a survey anyway.’

A professional survey is just that. You’re paying someone with experience and knowledge (the key word) to do something you can’t. You’ve got to pay for that.

BRING A LEARNED FRIEND
What if you really can’t afford a survey or that it’s just not practical? The next step is to bring along someone who does know something about the boat you want to buy. A yachtie friend or club member who owns a similar boat, for example. This reduces the chances of you (a novice) buying two and a half tons of soggy ply and twelve kilos of rusty nails masquerading as ‘The buy of the Century’.

ARM YOURSELF BEFORE YOU GO
There’s a bit that you can do to save yourself a wasted journey. A few questions on the phone could save you time and money. Get a pencil, make a list.
1. What was the date of the last known survey/insurance certificate? Beware of paper certificates… In this day of computers documents can be convincingly forged…Ask to see the originals wherever possible…Don’t trust photocopies. Surveys and insurance documents have a limited life-span.
2. Is the boat out of the water? If so, where?…How long has she been out? A wooden hull can dry out rapidly in a week or two and the planks will shrink leaving huge cracks. Be careful of a boat that has been out for months unprotected from the sun.
3. Can the seller prove the boat is his to sell? If not, why not? A broker has a responsibility to guarantee title on all boats that he sells. It must be in a safe, seaworthy condition unless otherwise specified. Remember, It could be stolen. Check with your local Department of Consumer Affairs about ‘Revs for Boats’…they can tell you, for a small fee, if there are outstanding debts and also the Police have lists of missing and stolen craft.
4. Try to have a little knowledge of the kind of construction the boat has. Buy, beg or borrow any books that can help you in your search… there are dozens of them. Bone up on the engine, gearbox and other gear that it may have on board.
5. Bring a torch.. handy for those dark corners!
6. Have a good idea what you will and won’t pay.

WHEN YOU GET THERE
If things aren’t as expected or you get evasive or very smooth answers about things which are obviously not right, ask a few pointed questions (politely, of course)…..Why is there concrete poured in the bilges?…….Why is the battery flat? If you get no joy, perhaps this is the time to point out that you have other boats to see.

Oh yes, another delicate subject. When searching for rot, don’t start hacking great lumps out of the paintwork with a pointy knife. The boat is not your property and you’ve not been invited on board to vandalise his boat at your leisure. You are likely to get chucked over the side and receive a damn great bill for repairs and damages… quite right too!!

Don’t be too critical! People can be sensitive about their boat (even if it isn’t up to much) Most wooden boats are not up to Lloyds A1 standards…nothing kills a deal more effectively than aggressive tyre kickers deliberately rubbishing the boat to knock down the price…Be subtle. A little compromise could get you a fair deal.

A FEW OTHER POINTS
If the boat is in the water, you won’t be able to see the hull. That is pretty important. If you want to inspect it you’ll have to pay for slipping fees unless otherwise agreed. If so, get it in writing!

The old argument rages on about ‘glassing’ or ‘sheathing’ wooden hulls. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I don’t believe in it unless it’s constructed like that from new! Now, I’ll tell you why.

Traditional wooden boats weren’t built to be glassed over. The way they are built dictates the way they move or ‘work’, especially sailing vessels. Glass ‘em over and different strains work the boat and eventually the glass breaks away partly from the hull….next thing, rain or sea water seeps inside and the boat has a death sentence on it from there on in.

A FINAL THOUGHT
If you think the purpose of this article is to frighten you, you’re right. Money is hard to come by but there are folks who’ll take it off you any way they can. What I’ve written is to keep you, the boat buying punter, firmly in possession of your hard earned cash until you are convinced that you are doing the right thing. After all, how many boats will you buy in a lifetime? You can’t really be an expert, especially on wooden boats. All is not doom and gloom, there are a great many honest boats and people out there and to buy a bargain for the right price can be a satisfying experience! Happy Hunting!

A CHECK LIST FOR A WOODEN YACHT

1. PLANKING
Cracks, splits and sprung butt ends suggest loose fastenings. Check for rot gently using a small knife or screwdriver, especially at the waterline.

2.SEAMS
Check for rotted caulking and for security. Re-caulking may be required.

3.PAINTWORK
Excess weed suggests poor maintenance as does smelly, diesel filled bilges inside the hull. Lack of antifoul can allow damage by marine growths especially ship-worm. Check carefully for signs of worm. They get in through pinholes, chew and chew until the planks become powder! If worm is suspected, get professional help!

4.PATCHES OR TINGLES
Copper, fibreglass or wood, they come in all shapes and sizes. They are there for a reason and your job is to find out why. They are temporary bodges really, what are they hiding? Plenty of patches mean plenty of room for discussion concerning a reduced price, there will be plenty of work to do, for sure.

5. PROPELLER AND SHAFT /BEARINGS
Check these all for electrolysis, splits and damage. Check the bearing for play by lifting it up and down. If water drips out then it’s getting in, definitely. Is the shaft worn to excess or even bent?

6. ANODES
How many? How good? If they are badly corroded they are doing their job. Have a good look on all other metal surfaces to see if a good corrosion job has been done on them too.

7. HULL FITTINGS
Metal or plastic, check them for security. Check filters for effectiveness, metal ones for corrosion. A favourite is to use household brass fitting to save money…. they fall apart as they dezinctify.

8. STEM, TRANSOM AND RUDDER
All of these component parts should be strong, secure and in fine condition. Check for worn pintles or rudder bearings and ensure they are not loose.

9. RIGGING
Check all rigging wire for rust, wear and worn fittings. Check ropes and sheets for mould and blocks for security and wear.

10. SAILS
Sails cost a fortune! Unfurl and check for strained or ripped seams, tears, mildew and general aging. Canvas can rot and Nylon becomes brittle with age and sunlight.

11. MASTS AND SPARS
Inspect carefully for splits (shakes) and rot behind fittings.

12. DECKS
Decks can leak and are often a major job. Check them out on a rainy day, if not hose ‘em down!! Look for loose fittings, cracked ‘paying’ in between the planks and damage around strained or loose deck fittings.

13. BELOW DECKS
Look for tell tale stains, watermarks and poor paint work. Has she been under?… You’ll see the ‘tidemark’ some where around the floor line if she has. Mildew, wet and dry rot and peeling woodwork can be traced with eyes and nose….

14. ENGINE
A tricky subject, too much for this article, but if in any doubt, bring a marine mechanic not a car one. Watch the owner's face when you casually suggest an oil analysis check

15. ELECTRICKERY
Once again, a subject for the experts. However, signs of problems can be cracked, burned and brittle wiring. Loose and floppy wiring shows lack of maintenance.

A vast and never ending subject, the care of wooden boats can fill volumes and takes many years of experience to learn. However, even the most knowledgeable amongst us would be the first to agree the golden rule is to: GET A SURVEY DONE!! As you will be paying, get a surveyor of your choice, don’t get talked into having ‘someone I know who’s really good,’ but then again that’s another story!

Remember, with the blind leading the blind someone’s going to fall in the ditch…..Will it be you?

Terry Buddell is a freelance journalist and a Marine surveyor, boat designer and shipwright, He lives on board his yacht "The Nicky J Miller' that he built himself in The Gold Coast Australia and has sailed his yacht up the East Coast to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. He is currently resident in Gladstone Queensland where he is building another boat for his collection! Terry can be contacted on arcus1@bigpond.com or http://www.dolphinboatplans.com

A Look at Corporate Yacht Charters

Going out to sea with top executives of your company can be a morale boosting experience -- especially if its aboard a yacht. Indeed, spending time together onboard, taking part in water sports, relishing an exquisite dinner and clinking of glasses at sea, or partying while you cruise along a vast stretch of ocean -- these activities generally tend to improve colleagues' relations.

Yacht charter companies have come up with a range of corporate yacht charters, which includes corporate sailing events, corporate yachting events, corporate hospitality and team building activities.

Yacht racing, onboard dinners and cocktail parties, team sailing events are some of the offerings meant exclusively for corporate entities to not just bolster the spirits of their employees but also to strike deals and sign contracts with business partners.

Luxurious interiors, a smart crew, sparkling lounges and deck, state-of-the-art cockpit and captain’s cabin all give a plush look to the yacht’s environment and add to the image of the corporate that charts the vessel.

Multi National Corporations (MNCs) are known to charter luxury yachts for cruises along enchanting routes with their senior executives as incentive for achieving their goals. Event management companies are engaged to organize special entertainment programs aboard yachts for MNCs to catch the attention of the world media and gain publicity mileage.

Movie production houses are also making use of luxury yacht charters increasingly to shoot at exotic locations near myriads of archipelagos, lagoons and islands.

Yacht Charters Info provides detailed information about yacht charters, including Caribbean and Mediterranean yacht charters, as well as luxury, crewed, motor, private, and corporate yacht charters. Yacht Charters Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink

Yacht Charter in the Northern Cyclades

The areas prevailing wind during the summer months is the infamous Meltemi blowing from the N-NW. It is first felt in June and becomes stronger through July, August and September when it can reach force 8. It dies down in October. In the spring and autumn gales are common from the N and the SE. The summer months are hot, average temperatures are 25 deg C and temperatures often reach 35 deg C.

Kea Island is very close to Athens, it is a mountainous island and small valleys, planted with fruit-trees and vines, break up its coarse beauty. This is quite holiday spot and its numerous bays and attractive villages offer quiet relaxation in contrast to the other more popular islands in the Cyclades. Hora is the capital of the island and home to the Archaeological museum which hosts a number of Cycladic period finds.

Greek mythology has it that Kea was the residence of the nymphs of the forest springs who embodied the "liquid element". The gods envied its beauty and sent a fearsome lion to persecute the nymphs who took escaped to Karistos. Then a long period of dryness began, water levels decreased and the vegetation withered. The islanders asked for the help of Apollo's son Aristaios. He came to the island and built a sanctuary to honour the Ikmaios Zeus, the god of rain. The gods were pacified and the draught was reduced allowing agriculture to thrive once more.

Korissia is the port of Kea and is situated at the southern end of the Limin Ay Nikolaou in the NW of the island. The houses of the port are built around a bay, on a small plain. You can moor stern or bows to the quay keeping clear of the ferry berth. As the Meltemi blows straight on to the quay ensure your anchor is holding. Vourkari further NW in the bay also has a quay that you can moor stern or bow to. There are several other possible locations to anchor in within the bay if the weather is calm. Fuel in available in Korrisa and provisions and tavernas can be found in both Korrisa and Vourkari. During the summer months the bay is more often than not crowded with yachts from nearby Athens with picturesque Vourkari being the most popular.

Loulis, the capital of Kea, is situated 5.5 km from Korissia. Many of the old mansions are built next to the ruined castle. The ancient acropolis of Loulis and the impressive sculpture of Kea's Lion are both worth a visit. As are the churches of Panayia Gamila and Panayia Revmatiani and the ruined monasteries of Agia Anna and Dafni.

On the coast further to the south there is an anchorage at Ormos Pisa, there are no facilities here. Further south still is the anchorage of Ormos Kavia, open only to the south it provides good shelter from the Meltemi. The taverna run by Manos can provide provisions, fuel, gas, water, ice and showers. Ormos Polais is in the SE of the island. This anchorage provides some shelter from the Meltemi but holding is not always good. There are ruins ashore including those of a temple. Khalidhoniki is a small cove in the NE of the island with good shelter from the Meltemi. The small village ashore has a taverna. Orgias is a small cove on the northern coast that should only be used to anchor in calm conditions. There are no facilities.

The barren, rocky island of Kithnos lies 6 miles to the south of Kea. Legend says that the Dryopes, who came from Eboea, settled on Kythnos in the 11th century BC. In classical times the island was a well organized city state praised by Aristotele. Excavations have found a site dating back to the Neolithic or even the Mesolithic period, making it the oldest habitation in the Cyclades. In more recent times, around 200 BC, the island was frequently attacked by the Romans although they never succeeded in taking it. The island is 19 km long and covers an area of about 80 square km. The only green shade in the heat of the summer is provided by many the fig trees. Today the island is popular with Greeks who head for its many Spas that are located in the NE of the island.

The capital of the island, Hora, stands inland on a hillside plateau, it is a typical Cycladic village with beautiful churches containing fine woodcarving, sanctuary screens and icons. On the western coast lie the bays of Apokriosis and Fikiadha. Good holding and shelter in attractive surroundings. There are good white sandy beaches. No other facilities. Further to the south lies the island's port Merika. Moor stern or bow to the quay inside the ferry berth. The SW end of the quay shallows and yachts should go bows to. Fuel is obtainable by taxi. Most provisions are available in the village. There are several waterfront tavernas. The anchorages of Kanala and Ay Nikolos can be found in the south east of the island. They should be visited in only calm weather. There are no facilities. Further to the north on the east coast are the anchorages of Stefanos and Ioannis. They offer good shelter from the Meltemi but holding is poor in places. A limited water supply is available at Stefanos. No other facilities. The village of Loutra is in the NE of Kithnos. Go bow or stern to off the quay. Water is available on the quay and most provisions are available in the town. There are several tavernas.

Siros is another almost barren island. The north is rugged and largely uninhabited while the south has gentler slopes and is cultivated towards the coast. Ermoupolis is on the east coast. Go bow or stern to the quay avoiding the ferry berth in the east of the harbour. Reasonable shelter except with winds from the SE when a large swell comes into the harbour making it at best very uncomfortable and at worst dangerous. Another hazard is the sewage that flows into the harbour making it very smelly in the summer. Non potable water is available on the quay. Drinking water comes via a tanker. There is good shopping within the town. Plenty of tavernas around the harbour and in town. As the past capital of the Cyclades the town has a certain grandeur with many fine buildings. The small island of Nisos Gaidharos lies just to the east. A small cove in the SE corner provides good shelter from the Meltemi. There are no facilities. Varis is in the SE of Siros. Good holding and shelter from the Meltemi. There are several tavernas on the waterfront. In the SW lies the sheltered bay of Finikas. Go bow or stern to of the pier or anchor off. Holding is good. There is water on the pier and electric can be connected. Showers and toilets on the pier. Some provisions are available in the village. This is a particularly place and well worth a visit. Further to the N is Galissas. There is a small mole to the south of the bay, depths are shallow so take a long line to it. There is a mini market and tavernas ashore. Kini lies further to the north. There is a taverna ashore and limited provisions are available.

Andros is the most northern island in the Cyclades. It is mountainous and heavily wooded with limited cultivation. Gaviron is on the NW coast. You can anchor in the north of the bay or go bow or stern to or alongside the quay. There is good shelter from the Meltemi. Water is available from the village and there is fuel on the quay. Most provisions can be obtained in the village. There are tavernas on the waterfront and in the village. Batsi is a small harbour 2.5 miles SE of Gaviron. Go bow or stern to the quay or anchor in the N or W of the bay. There is water on the quay. Fuel and most provisions can be obtained in the village. There are tavernas on the beach, around the waterfront and in the village. Further to the south is the open bay of Palaioupolis. Anchor to the north of the bay where the best shelter from the Meltemi is. The waters are crystal clear and surroundings impressive. Kastro is on the E side of the island. The harbour is open to the Meltemi and entry can be difficult. Go bow or stern to behind the mole. Water, fuel and provisions can be obtained from the village. There are tavernas around the waterfront and in the village. Kastro is the capital of Andros. The walk from the harbour, around the bay to the village will be rewarded as the maritime, archaeological and modern art museums are all worth a visit. 6 miles to the south of Kastro is the open bay of Korthion. It is possible to anchor in the bay but there is little protection from the Meltemi and the accompanying swell is at best uncomfortable and could be dangerous. There are several tavernas ashore and limited provisions can be obtained.

Tinos is yet another rugged mountainous island lying just to the south of Andros. The island is wooded and many of the slopes have been terraced there is extensive cultivation. The main port and capital is Tinos. Go bow or stern to the quay to the north of the inner harbour avoiding the ferry berth. There is good shelter in all but southerlies that produce some swell. Wash from the ferries can be uncomfortable. There is water on the quay and the locals claim it to be the purest in Greece - a claim made by several other places. Fuel can be obtained in the town, as can all provisions. There are plenty of tavernas close to the harbour. Panormos lies on the NE coast. Go bow or stern to one of the two piers, care is need with the smaller pier, as there is less than 2m depths except at it extremity. There is only limited protection from the Meltemi and it should be avoided when it is blowing.

Further to the south lies Mikinos. Perhaps the most popular tourist spot in Greece. It capital and port go by the same name and it is the town that is the island's main attraction. Go bow or stern to the quay in the NE of the harbour. The bottom is weed and it is difficult to get the anchor to cut through. There is limited protection from the Meltemi and some consider the harbour dangerous. Mini tanker can deliver water and fuel. There are many shops in the town and all provisions can be obtained. There are numerous tavernas varying in both quality and price. Just over a mile to the north there is a modern marina. This provides good all round protection. Ornos bay is on the south coast. Anchor in the north of the bay, the bottom is sand and weed and poor holding in places. There is a supermarket nearby and several beachfront tavernas. Kalafatis, further to the east provides good protection from the Meltemi but is open to the S and E. There is a taverna ashore. On the north coast is the large bay of Panormos. It cannot be used in the Meltemi season. There is a taverna ashore.

Rinia lies to the west. Skhinou is a bay on the E coast. Anchor either in the north on sand taking care of the rocks. There is good shelter from the Meltemi. Or in the south but there is no protection from the Meltemi here. There are further anchorages at Chapel Bay, South Bay and Miso. There are no facilities at any of these anchorages.

Ken Jones runs a Sailing Site. More information about Yacht Charter can be found here Find other Marine Services in Greece here.

Inflatable Dinghies For Yacht Owners

 

Inflatable dinghies work best as sailing boats or as a tender for a yacht. Yacht owners often prefer a dingy that will inflate because traditional dinghies are famous for scratching the side of a yacht. They are ideal as a tender because they are light weight and buoyant. They can be lifted on and off the yacht easily. An inflatable is best for both easy storage and preventing damage to the side of the ship.

A dinghy is a necessity on a sailing vacation. The best sailing dinghy is an inflatable model. The dinghy takes you ashore and allows you to find the best places to explore, places you couldn’t reach in a full sized sail boat. Better materials and construction methods make these dinghies as durable as non inflatable models.

Storing the dingy is easy with an inflatable model. You can deflate the dinghy and store it on the boat. If you will be using it frequently to go back and forth to the shore, it may be better not to keep inflating and deflating it. This can be a hassle, although it doesn’t take much time to accomplish. You can inflate the dinghy for the first trip ashore and then tow it behind the sail boat for the time you will be anchored near shore. They are as easy to tow as traditional sailing dinghies, and neither type should be towed far from shore because weather conditions can be unpredictable.

Because inflatable dinghies require little storage space when deflated, you can easily bring one with you on your next camping trip. Lightweight dinghies are made to fit in a backpack for easy traveling. The lighter weight boats are smaller and seat fewer people, but for a couple or three people, they work best as portable fishing boats or sail boats. The larger inflatables weigh up to fifty pounds, and are more difficult to carry on a camping trip where you will need to carry the dingy for larger distances.

Kevin Urban is the editor for Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com, a comprehensive resource on the best inflatable boats and kayaks, inflatable fishing boats, sailing catamarans and dinghies.

Nautical Holidays - Croatia Yacht Charter - I

Croatian waters are part of Adriatic Sea, witch extends northwest between 40° and 45° 45' and is part of a Mediterranean sea. Adriatic is surrounded by Mediterranean countries Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania.

The most beautiful part of Adriatic coastline for yacht charter is in Croatia. There are 5,835 kilometers of coastline, of which 1,777 kilometers are mainland and over 4,000 kilometers of coastline belongs to hundreds of beautiful islands, which are a perfect scene for enjoying your nautical holidays. Croatia yacht charter agencies offers a wide range of boats (sailboats, powerboats, luxury boats, gullets, super yachts) and many options of charter: bareboat charter, crewed charter, skippered charter.

The charter fee includes charter of a yacht with its equipment and full insurance for the yacht and crew. Fuel expenses, skipper or/and hostess and other extra services are not included in the charter fee. The chartered yacht with complete equipment can be used only after the payment was regularly settled:

• 30-50% of the charter fee (down payment) upon booking.
• 50-70% of the charter fee four weeks before commencement of the charter.

You also have to make a security deposit, when you are taking over the yacht. Security deposit can be made in cash or credit cards. The security deposit shall be refunded in its full amount, unless there is damage or a defect on the yacht or the equipment, and unless there are no claims filed or announced regarding you by third persons, which are connected to the usage of the yacht.

Charter agency is obligated to hand-over at yours disposal completely equipped, faultless, with full fuel and water tanks in the agreed time and place. If there is any reason that chartering company didn't fulfill above-mentioned conditions you have a right to ask for money refund, for the days he has not been using the yacht. Also if the charter agency cannot place the yacht at disposal at the agreed place 4 hours after the expiry of the time period for the takeover, or provide another, at least identical or better characteristics, you have a right to give up the contract and demand the total amount of the charter fee or demand the amount for as many days as he could have not disposed of the yacht.

After taking possession of the yacht, you shall bear all coast of the daily berth in the port, or in marina, coast of fuel, oil, water, cleaning and all other necessities. You are obliged to sail within the Croatian territorial waters. For leaving Croatian territorial waters you are obligated to ask charter company's special permission and certificate.

You undertake to respect custom and other regulations and rules, to take care of the yacht and its equipment and navigate it carefully and according to the rules of a good navigator. Number of persons aboard must correspond to the crew list. The keeping of pets (dogs, cats, birds and similar) on the yacht is not allowed, unless a previous agreement was reached in that regard.

The insurance is determined by the terms defined by the insurer with which yacht is insured. The yacht is insured against third person damages and fully insured for all the damages resulting from force majored up to the registered amount of the value of the yachts for the risks according to the insurance policy. The yacht crew is insured.

Insurance covers all the damages by franchise caused by weather or from the other natural disasters, but not the damages made on purpose. Charges for purpose made damages are not limited by deposit; in that case you must pay all expenses caused by damage made on purpose. The personal belongings are not covered by the insurance.

You have to take over the yacht in agreed time and place. When taking over the yacht, you are obliged to check and carefully examine the condition of the yacht and its equipment according to the inventory list. The chartering company reserves the right not to hand you over the yacht if in the judgment of their representatives you are not competent for any reason to operate the yacht.

I've got my navigating license and VHF station certificate at age of 16. Since than I've spend all of my holidays at sea with my friends. I also began working as a skipper during my holidays in 2001. So far I’ve skippered several sailboats and power boats. The biggest was a Ferretti 530. Because of my good experiences I decided to share some of my adventures with you on my website.

The Luxury of Renting Private Yacht Charters

You can relax on a private yacht and travel at your own pace, pampered all the way, for much less than what you end up paying for a crowded cruise ship. Private yacht charters are becoming increasingly popular for intimate and flexible vacations. And most yacht charters are just as attentive to your needs as any cruise ship.

The private yacht charter allows you the freedom to spontaneously change your mind and stay an extra night at your favorite island or to explore an uninhabited island close by.

Your location is the single most important point of your entire vacation. Pick a calm, protected location with many islands all within sight, with many gorgeous lagoon anchorages.

Private yacht charters are favored by honeymooners, family reunions or by close friends who want to spend their time together undisturbed. Buddies looking for an opportunity for fishing in tranquil waters, deep-sea diving, water skiing or just relax on a secluded beach can also find private yacht charter a fulfilling experience.

Generally, individuals who want to enjoy a quiet vacation prefer small motor yachts staffed by a crew. Such charters are easy on the pocket as they cost anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000 a week, depending on the size of the yacht.

Since it is a cheaper alternative, college youths can also afford to enjoy their dream vacation aboard a small boat, surrounded by the blue sea or a lagoon amidst a cluster of islands, particularly in The Bahamas, the Virgin Islands or the Mediterranean near Greece.

You have the freedom to choose a yacht, its route, anchorage and stopovers, cuisines that you would like to have for every meal, assortment of drinks and beverages and activities, such as water sports and sight-seeing on land during your vacation.

Yacht Charters Info provides detailed information about yacht charters, including Caribbean and Mediterranean yacht charters, as well as luxury, crewed, motor, private, and corporate yacht charters. Yacht Charters Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.