Yacht Guide



             


Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Buying A Cruising Yacht

Have you ever dreamt that you would one day own a yacht of your own? I think everybody dreams of one day owning a shiny new boat. If you do get to the stage where you find yourself in a position to buy a new yacht, which being an accomplishment in itself, you should spend with-in your budget and be able to take it anywhere. When you buy a yacht, always look at what comes with the boat and decide if it's everything you want. There are many types of construction and we summarize them below for you:

1. GRP - Almost all cruising yachts out there today are made of GRP construction. GRP material is long lasting, strong, and easy to repair. Osmosis is the only real problem here, as the blisters it leaves can be sometimes costly to repair.

2. Steel - Steel is always a great a idea, as it is by far the strongest material. There have been steel boats ran into reefs and banks and received just a few mere scratches. Even though steel has many advantages, rust is the true enemy here. You must keep all surfaces thoroughly painted, primed, and ready to avoid all types of rust.

3. Aluminum - Although rare in the normal cruising market, aluminum is very popular with the construction of top quality custom built yachts. If you are looking for an aluminum constructed yacht, always make sure that it wasn't constructed by an amateur yacht builder - as this can cause major problems later on down the road.

4. Wood - Even though it's the most traditional building material, wood still has a lot to offer. If you get the right kind of wood, it can last just as long as any other type of material. The maintenance costs are very high with wood, especially if you do your own painting.

5. Ferro-cement - Concrete type boats have been around for a long time. A cheap method of hull construction, it was very popular in the 70's. If done properly, it can be a very strong method of yacht construction.

6. Rigs - The most popular choices of yacht rigs include sloop, cutter, and ketch - in that particular order. Sloop has the virtue of simplicity, while ketch and cutter rigs will split the sail plan into more easily managed areas. A ketch rig can sail under mizzen and headsail alone, while cutter rigs can offer a simple twin headsail with downwind option.

The main question you should ask yourself is "what is essential" and "what is desirable", it is a good idea before you begin looking for a yacht, to make a list of what you must have then make a list of what would be nice to have. There are many additions and add - ons you can get for yachts, although they can get very expensive if you do not plan carefully and purchase in a hurry. It is strongly recommended that when you shop for a yacht, you should always plan out your budget before you even start looking. A nice yacht can cost a lot of money, which is something you may need to save up for. Yachts are great to sail on, especially for those who have a lot of money to spare, so, in conclusion, good luck in your quest and we hope the above comments assist you in your search.

Author: Jenny Gill is an international author with vast experience in a diverse range of subjects, for more information visit www.recreationforallsyte.com

Jenny Gill is an international author with an immense range of knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas. Jenny is a mother and a grandmother and devotes a lot of her time supporting the aged in her community

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Yacht Charter in the Central 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.

Serifos is barren in the main but there are several green valleys around Livadhi on the east coast of the island. Go bow or stern to the jetty in the SW of the bay. If the Meltemi is blowing the S side of the jetty is preferable. There is reasonable protection from the Meltemi. There is water on the jetty and fuel can be delivered by mini tanker. Most provisions can be obtained in the village. The natural surroundings are pleasant, the bay lined with trees and the view up the hill to the whitewashed buildings of the Chora. Koutala is an open bay on the S coast of the island and provides good protection from the Meltemi. Anchor in the north of the bay just to the E of the village. There are foul chains immediately in front of the buildings.

Sifnos lies 7 miles to the SE of Serifos. It is a hilly island with the highest peak, Mount Ayios, rising to 694m. The west coast is barren but the east coast is greener and cultivated in places. In the past Sifnos was rich thanks to its gold and silver mines. A geological catastrophe, still not understood, destroyed the mines and led to the island's decline. Today the island has become known for itxs whitewashed settlements, its remarkable cleanliness and its superb beaches. Yeoryios is a narrow inlet in the NW of the island. It is exposed only to the W and offers good shelter from the Meltemi. Anchor fore and aft at the head of the bay as there is no room to swing. There are a couple of tavernas ashore. Further south is the bay of Kamares. Berth bow or stern to the quay between the two moles. The bottom is hard sand with weed and rocks. Holding is fair at best. Alternatively anchor at the head of the bay. There is good shelter from the Meltemi although wind fro the W produces some swell. There is water on the quay. Most provisions can be obtained subject to delivery by ferry. There are a number of decent tavernas. Vathi is a landlocked bay further south down the western coast. This is the best all round shelter on Sifnos. Anchor in the N of the bay, good holding on sand and weed. Water is available and there are several tavernas. The setting is very attractive, the waters a translucent turquoise. Fiikiadha is on the island SW tip. Anchor to the N of the inlet with a long line ashore or go bow to the pier below the chapel. Apart from the chapel the place is quite deserted. Plati Yialos is a bay on the SE coast. Anchor in the NE corner, the bottom is sand and rock and the holding patchy in places. There are tavernas and hotels on the beach. Faros is a little further to the NE and provides good shelter from the Meltemi. Anchor at the head of the bay off the village or in one of the coves either side of the entrance to the bay. The bottom is sand and weed and provides good holding once through the weed. There are limited provisions and a few tavernas in the village. This is another lovely setting with hills surrounding the bay. The waters are good for both swimming and snorkelling. Kastro is an open bay lying under a medieval village. It is only usable in calm weather. If you cannot get to it by yacht it is worth a bus trip from other locations on the island.

There is a deserted anchorage on the south side of the uninhabited island of Dhespotico offering good shelter from the Meltemi. Ormos Dhespotico lies between the islands of Dhespotico and Andiparos. The two islands provide good all round shelter. Anchor in the north in 2-4m where sand and weed provide good holding. There are several tavernas on the Andiparos side. To the NE of Andiparos is a narrow channel. Anchor in the cove of the village. There are several tavernas and some provisions can be found in the village.

Paros is a large oval island mainly barren. It remains a tranquil destination with some of the most charming villages and best beaches to be found in the Greek islands. The island was in the hands of the Cretans when the Ionians arrived in about 1100 BC from mainland Greece subsequently destroying the Cretan civilisation. One hundred years later Arcadians arrived on the island, under a leader known as Paros. The mix of Arcadians and Ionians produced a race that developed the island's agriculture and expanded on the neighbouring island of Antiparos, which was then called Oliaros. Paros became into a major maritime power controlling sea communications in the Aegean. In the 6th century, the neighbour island of Naxos replaced Paros as the centre of power in the Cyclades. It was only natural that war should break out between the two islands and continue for many years.

Paroikia is the main port and care is needed in the approaches with a number of rocky outcrops and reefs. Berth bow or stern to in the inner harbour. If the harbour is crowded it is possible to anchor in one of the two bays to the north, the one to the NE providing better shelter from the Meltemi. Good holding in sand and weed one through the weed. There is water on the quay and fuel can be delivered by mini tanker. All provisions can be obtained from the town. There are numerous tavernas to choose from and other restaurants catering to more cosmopolitan tastes. A visit to the old quarter around Kastro is rewarding. Naousa is a large bay on the N end of Paros with a choice of anchorages. The village of Naousa has a small but busy harbour. Yachts should go on the outside of the mole. There is water on the quay. The village will be able to supply most provisions and there are several good tavernas. On the E coast is Piso Livadhi. Go bow or stern to the breakwater with a long line. It is open to the SW and becomes untenable with strong winds from this direction. There is water one the mole and limited provisions from the village. The tavernas around the waterfront have wonderful views across the harbour. Aliki is a bay on the SW coast of Paros. Anchor in the bay, the piers have insufficient depths for a yacht. There is a hotel and a taverna ashore.

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades. It is mountainous island but has numerous green plains, fertile valleys and long sandy beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. According to mythology Zeus, king of gods, grew up in Naxos, as did his son Dionysus, god of wine and feast. Dionysus loved Naxos so much that he made it a fertile land, full of vineyards, producing a wine of excellent taste and fine quality. There are several possibilities for mooring in Naxosxs harbour, under the breakwater in the NE corner, the bottom is sand, rock and weed. Go bow or stern to in the new basin, really only suitable in calm weather, the bottom is sand and rock with poor holding in places. Anchor and take a long line ashore On the NE side of the isthmus. Good holding and shelter from southerly winds but open to the Meltemi. Water and fuel are available in the harbour. Showers. Most provisions are obtainable in the town and there are many good tavernas. Naxos is the safest harbour on the island and should be used as a base if exploring inland. The anchorages of Ayios Prokopiou, Kouroupa and Kalando offer some shelter but there are no facilities ashore. Apollonia is near the NE tip of Naxos. Go bows to the outer part of the breakwater taking a long line to the shore. There is reasonable protection from the Meltemi. There are tavernas in the small village and some provisions can be found.

Dhenoussa lies 9 miles to the east of Naxos. Ormos Roussa is a bay on the E coast. Anchor in the N corner for the best shelter from the Meltemi. Limited provisions can be found ashore. Dhendro is on the south coast and offers good protection from the Meltemi. There are no facilities. Stavros lies just to the west, less protection but some provisions can be found ashore as can a taverna.

Iraklia lies 3 miles to the south of Naxos. Ayios Yeoryios is a deep inlet in the NE of the island. Go bow to the short mole or anchor off. Good holding on sand and rock. There is a taverna ashore in this very attractive setting. Pigadhiin is in the SE. It should only be used in calm weather when it too is an attractive setting.

Skhinoussa is a small island one mile to the NE of Iraklia. Mirsini is the ferry port. Go bow to the quay north of the ferry berth or anchor of. The bottom is sand and weed with poor holding in places. There are several tavernas ashore. A walk up the hill to the Chora is a must. There are a further 2 bays to the south of Mirsini that should only be used in calm weather.

Koufonisia is actually two islands, upper and lower. There is a bay on the NE tip of the upper island that is open to the E and provides some shelter from the Meltemi. Koufonisia village is on the south coast. There is some protection from the Meltemi but the constant swell makes the place very uncomfortable. There are provisions and tavernas ashore. Parianos is a small harbour just to the west. There is better shelter here and the village of Koufonisia is a 20 minute walk.

Amorgos lies to the east. It is mountainous with vertical cliffs dropping to the sea in places. Katapola is on the NW coast. Go bow or stern to the quay to the E of the ferry berth, good holding on sand and weed. Sewage is pumped into the harbour and it is smelly in the summer heat. As an alternative anchor in one of the three bays to the north or in the cove to the W of Katapola. There is water on the quay. Most provisions can be obtained. Good tavernas along the waterfront. The bay is a fine setting with steep cliffs dropping into the sea. Both the Chora and the monastery at Panayia should be visited. Ayios Annas lies of the village of Yialis. Go bow or stern to the mole or the quay keeping clear of the ferry berth. The bottom is mostly rock and poor holding. There is limited protection from the Meltemi. Despite the problems the surroundings are wonderful and the place is well worth a visit. Water is available as are some provisions. There are tavernas on the waterfront. There are further anchorages at Kolofana, Akrotiri and Kalotiri. There are no facilities at any of these

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Friday, February 29, 2008

Caribbean Yacht Charters ? Take The Sailing Vacation Of A Lifetime

When you choose Caribbean yacht charters for your next vacation, it will be almost like having your own exclusive luxury hotel on the water. If you choose the crewed option for your sailing vacation, you won?t have to lift a finger. If you already have experience in sailing, you can charter a yacht on your own to sail the Caribbean, but you won?t have the luxury of having someone attend to your every need. Caribbean yacht charters are not just for the rich and famous. If you can afford to spend a vacation at a tropical resort, you can afford to take a sailing vacation.

The advantage of booking a Caribbean sailing charter is that you can choose the islands you want to visit. Although the company for Caribbean yacht charters may suggest a sample itinerary for you, you decide where and when you want to stop and for how long. You can also decide what kind of food you want to eat. Of course, if you choose one of the bareboat Caribbean sailing vacations, you will have to cook for yourself. On a crewed sailing vacation, you will have your own chef to prepare exotic delights for every meal.

Take a look at the many options available to you in Caribbean yacht charters. You can leave all the decisions up to the captain, who knows all the best locations among the islands. You can also do your own research to find out what kinds of activities are open to you on the various Caribbean sailing vacations so you can select all your favorites. You can spend your time at sea sunbathing on deck while reading a book. You can also enjoy diving, swimming or snorkelling among the tropical fish. One of the highlights of a Caribbean sailing charter is that you can go ashore on the islands and partake of the culture and shopping that only the Caribbean can provide.

You will have to demonstrate experience in sailing in order to book one of the bareboat Caribbean yacht charters. The yacht charter companies have a responsibility to make sure that all the passengers on the yacht with you will be safe. You don?t necessarily need to have a sailing certificate ? experience is valued more than a license. If you choose the crewed option for a Caribbean sailing vacation, you will have an experienced captain at the helm. The crew are knowledgeable about all kinds of watersports and will be able to provide you with instruction if you need it to make the most of the Caribbean sailing charter.

Chartering a yacht for Caribbean sailing vacations is the perfect opportunity for families and groups of friends to get together for a short period of time. It is possible to book Caribbean yacht charters for day trips as short as an hour or two or for week long excursions to the islands of the Caribbean. Choosing to spend a week cruising the Caribbean waters is one of the best ways to experience the best of what this part of the world has to offer. Check out the many options of Caribbean yacht charters and get started on making memories to last a lifetime.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Enjoy Life On The Atlantic Aboard A Miami Yacht Charter

When you charter a boat in Florida, you?re treating yourself to the ultimate in vacation experiences. Whether you choose a sailboat, yacht, motor boat or catamaran, there?s nothing like feeling the spray of the Atlantic on your face as you cruise around the eastern coastline, looking for just the right place to dock for a bit of fun.

If this sounds like your idea of the perfect vacation, then you?ll be happy to know that there are several establishments who are in the business of offering luxury yacht charters in and around the Miami, Florida area. After you?ve experienced one, you might just find yourself in the market for companies that offer luxury yacht sales, or sales of other types of water vessels.

Miami Yacht Charter Companies

? Water Fantaseas ? Servicing the areas of Ft. Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami, this facility offers a variety of cruise options, including corporate charters, and an accommodation for special events. Among the many vessels that they offer, you?ll find luxury sport yachts, luxury motor yachts, party yachts, power boats, fishing boats, luxury mega yachts, luxury sailing vessels and catamarans. In addition to half and full day charters, they also provide term charters ? all of which can be seen by visiting their website at www.waterfantaseas.com. This outstanding organization offers the best in top-quality sea-going excursions for those who want something more out of their next vacation.

? Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters ? Found online at www.biscaynelady.com, this boat chartering company will put you in the lap of luxury when you book a vacation on one of their charters. Whether you?re interested in something for a corporate or social event, wedding or ? perhaps ? something a bit smaller, they have what it takes to outfit you with the latest in style at Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters. Among the amenities that their luxurious yachts include are three grand decks, the ability to accommodate up to 400 passengers, catamaran designed twin hulls, state-of-the-art interior and exterior design and lots more.

? Florida Yacht Charters and Sales ? Serving Miami Beach, Key West and the Bahamas, the folks at this establishment offer charters and instruction, in addition to sales and service. For those who are interested in a more consistent yachting experience, they even provide the opportunity for boaters to join a fractional yacht sharing program, called ?SailTime Miami?. Their full line of vessels, including yachts, sailboat, catamarans, trawlers, bareboats and motor yachts, offers a wide variety of crafts from which to choose, with amenities that will please even the most discerning of sailors. Visit their website at www.floridayacht.com for more information.

? Carrousel Yacht Extraordinaire ? Whether your intention is to host a holiday party, reunion, anniversary, wedding, graduation, birthday party, business dinner ? or simply charter a yacht for your own personal get-away ? Carrousel Yacht Extraordinaire can accommodate your needs in a grand style. Cruise the Florida coastline to Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Aventura, Miami and Miami Beach in one of the most luxurious chartered yachts of the day. Based in Miami, this chartering company offers a virtual tour of their top-of-the-line yachts by visiting their website at www.carrouselyacht.com.

By performing an online search, you?ll be able to find the right chartering service for you in virtually any waterside location around the world. Until you?ve experienced the luxury of a chartered yacht, you?re missing the vacation of a lifetime. Whether you want to get away on your own, or with family, friends, business associates or former classmates, there?s a vessel out there that?s right for you, and a company that will do its best to meet the needs of your ocean-going party.

Ken Morris reveals for the information source at http://www.luxury-yacht-charters-guide.com. The writer is publishing about miami yacht charter.

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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Beachfront Villas, Yachts, All-Inclusive Packages Make Great Caribbean Vacations

The Caribbean, also known as the West Indies, is the common term given to a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea. Located from the southeastern areas of Mexico to the northwest of Venezuela in South America, these Islands are organized into 25 territories including sovereign states, overseas departments, and dependencies. There are at least 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cayes in the whole Caribbean region.

Because of their location and their natural beauty, the islands in the Caribbean region have become favorites to tourists, due to the many things they offer like style, seclusion, niche gifts, and nightlife.

Planning a trip to the Caribbean soon? Read the tips below to make the most of your vacation.

Rent or buy a beachfront villa If you have the money, the best way to totally enjoy the Caribbean is to rent or buy a Caribbean villa. The prices of Caribbean villas range from the cheap to the outrageously expensive. The prices depend in the location but almost all villas are beautiful.

In general, beachfront villas in the Bahamas area are expensive while beachfront property in the Dominican Republic is more affordable. Both locations are beautiful but the Bahamas is frequented by significantly more tourists than the Dominican Republic.

IF you are planning to stay for just a few days or a few weeks, it is highly advisable that you rent a beachfront villa instead of staying in a hotel. There are many advantages to doing it this way. It is more private and beautiful than a crowded hotel. Another advantage of a rented beachfront villa is the fact that you can cook your own meal there. In a hotel your choices are to all meals, in a restaurant. You can even hire someone to cook for you in a beachfront villa.

Rent a Caribbean Island But if you want to have a really perfect Caribbean vacation then rent a whole Caribbean Island for yourself or for you and your friends or family. That's right! You can rent a whole Island in the Caribbean. You can truly live like a king on the island because it comes with staff and everything you need to spend a luxurious vacation. Renting a whole Caribbean island is also a very nice idea for a wedding or any party.

Charter a Yacht If the island is too much activity for your tastes, you could just charter a luxury yacht. There are many Caribbean yacht providers that will surely be able to meet your needs and budget.

Get in touch with a Caribbean holiday specialist Of course you can simply go online and start searching and learn everything there is to do in the Caribbean and the places to go when you get there. But it is definitely a lot easier to simply employ a Caribbean holiday specialist to help you plan the perfect Caribbean vacation. Getting the services of a Caribbean holiday specialist will save you a lot of time and energy. You could also save money with this method because they know different discounts and preferred rates. They have insight and knowledge and many years experience booking Caribbean vacations so you don't have to do serious work and effort to plan the vacation yourself.

David Arnold Livingston loves to travel with his family
and a favorite spot for vacation is the Caribbean.
As a resource, he recommends: Ultra Kool Caribbean

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Friday, November 30, 2007

Have a sailing vacation with yacht charter

 

Planning to have a sailing vacation with yacht charter? Well, it is indeed a good idea. A sailing yacht charter could be most exciting, peaceful and altogether relaxing way to

have your vacation with. Sailing yacht is a perfect solution to sail without the cost of owning your own boat. Moreover, for many former yacht traders, bare boating has turned

into an alternative to owning the boat. A yacht rental is becoming more and more renowned and the market is filled with various companies that promise to offer you with the

best vacation possible.

Today there are different types of yacht charter exist on the market, such as, mega yachts, cruiser yacht, trawler yachts, crewed yacht charter, and many more. A luxury

yacht charter is the most essential of all sailing vacation. Even on a bare boat charter, you are offered with a fully equipped boat and detail information when you collect the

boat at the start of the charter. The brief detail would include safety on board, information on the various system works on the boat and some local knowledge of the

proposed cruising area.

There is no doubt that you would be able to find the correct chartering service for you in almost any waterside location around the world. Until you have skill the luxury of

yacht salvage, you are missing the holiday of a lifetime. Whether you desire to get away on your own, or with family, friends, business associates or could be with former

classmates, there is a boat out there, which is right for you, and a company that would do its best to meet your requirements on the ocean-going party.

Bareboat could be found in a wide variety of shapes and sizes in most huge cruising areas across the world. However, one thing is for certain: whatever kind of vessel you

prefer, there are many ends to select from each of them offering eye-catching landscapes and shiny waves by day and exhilarating and memorable views by night.

To conclude, if you seek a yacht charter with complete self-government and ultimate freedom, then, a bareboat is ideal for you. Giving you the freedom to sail at your own

pace, a bareboat would permit you the change to sail around the worlds’ most stunning locations, to take pleasure in eye-catching sceneries and to explore the exotic

coastlines entirely on your own.

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

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