Yachting - Luxury Boating at its Best

When people see a yacht cruising by in the ocean, on a lake, or down a river, the usual reaction is a series of "oohs" and "aahs". There is nothing that quite says "the good life" like a yacht. A yacht is something that most people only dream of owning; most are happy to simply be able to ride on one at least once in their lives.

Some yachts are so large and so luxurious that you can barely tell them apart from cruise liners. There really is no "average price" when it comes to yachts; their sizes, designs, and amenities vary so widely that their price ranges are vast. A top-of-the-line yacht can sell for as high as $60 million or more, and the least expensive yachts will still run in the hundreds of thousands. The bigger and more expensive yachts are often owned by companies for throwing parties, entertaining clients, or rewarding successful executives with luxury trips.

What exactly is it about a yacht, other than its size, that so enraptures people? For one thing, yachts are like floating mansions, or at the very least, very nice floating homes. For example, an upper-end yacht can have a living room, family room, several bedrooms, a den, office, library, bar, party room, and even a theater room. When riding on one of these, only the view from the windows, going out on deck, or the occasional rocking would betray the fact that you were actually on a boat.

Though it is true that most people, even those who are fairly successful, cannot afford a yacht, that doesn't mean that that they can never have a chance to ride on one or maybe even pilot one. Fortunately, for those who are not blessed with enough disposable income to purchase their own yachts, these luxury cruisers can be rented by the hour, by the day, by the week, or for even longer. Many people will rent a yacht for cruising in the ocean or on a lake for a few days and consider it a complete vacation. If you rent the right kind of yacht, there may never be a reason to disembark from it while you're using it, even if you'll be on it for several days. Though experienced boaters can often pilot their own medium-sized or smaller rented yachts, when renting one of the larger models it is usually best, and often required, to have an experienced boat captain pilot it for you. When renting one of the much larger, upper-end luxury yachts, the rental usually includes a boat captain. Though renting one of the upper-end luxury yachts may still be out of many people's price ranges, most people can still enjoy all the amenities and enjoyment that a smaller rented yacht offers. After all, if you are cruising on a yacht, no matter what the size, you are still going to get those admiring glances!

John Gibb is the owner of boating sources , For more information on boating check out http://www.boating-guidesforu.info

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

Monaco - Luxury Yacht Show Fights Global Warming

The world's leading luxury yacht show in Monaco is to pay for 55 wind turbines in New Zealand - enough to generate power for 45,000 homes - making the event 'carbon neutral'.

Under the watchful eye of Prince Albert, the yacht show is part of Monaco's new stance on global warming, and comes shortly after Prince Albert himself travelled to the North Pole in April to highlight the damage he believes global warming is having on the environment.

'Since Prince Albert came to the throne last year' comments Henri Boulanger of Monte Carlo travel guide http://www.yourmonaco.com, 'Monaco has changed her policy from one of the few countries not to sign the Kyoto Protocol to not only signing it but taking a lead in the battle against global warming. Prince Albert has personally taken steps to show how concerned he is, and by setting the example of going to the North Pole has shown the leadership necessary to encourage Monaco companies to become environmentally friendly, and the Monaco Yacht Show is an example of this'.

The Monaco Yacht Show has bult a reputation over the years as the place for the wealthy to view potential purchases, and this year there will be nearly a hundred yachts on display to those able to afford it.

In total 22,000 visitors are expected to attend with over 500 exhibitors from the yachting world exhibiting.

The mix of wealth and Monte Carlo also means that real estate agents in Monaco will be on full alert. In previous years the Monaco Yacht Show has often proved more beneficial for the realtors than the Monaco Grand Prix .

The Monaco Grand Prix attracts tens of thousands of Formula 1 fans annually to the principality at the end of May, but with some Monte Carlo streets closed, showing property in Monaco can be more problematic than during the Yacht Show.

Monte Carlo real estate specialists Tribune Properties say that the more relaxed atmosphere of the Yacht Show allows potential property buyers to view properties.

'If someone is visiting Monaco for the Yacht Show and has several million Euros available, it's a pretty safe assumption that those buyers will have a few million for a property too, and a luxury yacht and Monaco Real Estate appeal to the same type of buyer', claims Roger Munns, Tribune's Managing Director.

Typical of Monaco Real Estate prices is a two bedroom two bathroom apartment in Seaside Plaza, close to where the Yacht Show is located, at 3,700,000 Euros.


Monaco Hotels

The emergence of the Yacht Show has helped the Monaco economy by drawing the world's wealthy to the principality for four days in September.

Until recently the Monaco Grand Prix in May and the Monte Carlo Masters tennis the month before have been the two main events of the year which boost the occupancy levels of the hotels in Monaco .

With the Yacht Show in September filling the hotels at premium rates, it has proved to be a welcome addition to the calendar of events for both residents and businesses alike, and the Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo will be the scene of many deals being signed over the four days.

This year also saw the first Monaco Flower Show, which it is hoped will also be a tourist magnet in future years.

'In the past Monaco has had the highlights of the Monaco Grand Prix and the tennis, with consistent numbers of visitors the rest of the year,' state http://www.yourmonaco.com, 'but Monaco is becoming much more diverse in what it offers throughout the calendar year. The Yacht Show has been a success, and given a little time the Monaco Flower Show will appeal to a different type of tourist, and might be as popular as the Hampton Court and Chelsea Flower Shows are in the UK. Diversity is the key to sustained tourism, and Monaco is doing it very well.

Despite being the second smallest country in the world, Monaco has attracted many of the world's top business and entertainment people to live there due to her income tax free status, and with Prince Albert at the helm it seems that the principality is beginning to punch above her weight in world politics as he takes the lead on environmental issues', conclude YourMonaco.

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