Yacht Guide



             


Monday, March 31, 2008

Bahamas Yacht Charter

The sun, sights and sounds you?ll experience on a Bahamas yacht charter will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed for years to come. A simple Google search of ?yacht charter Bahamas? is all that?s needed to prove the popularity of this kind of vacation as the number of search results is simply astounding. Whether a sail or power yacht best suits your preferences, there is much to be enjoyed. Indeed, more and more people are choosing to spend their vacations on a Bahamas yacht charter because of the terrific flexibility one has when compared to a land-based or cruise ship type of vacation.

700 islands and over 2400 cays make a Bahamas yacht charter one of the most fun and visually stunning. Bimini, which is located only 45 miles from Miami, Florida, marks the northernmost point of the Bahamian Island chain. Such proximity to the continental US makes getting to the Bahamas a surprisingly short and hassle-free trip.

In the Bahamas, there is such a wide array of attractions and types of places, you won?t be able to help having fun. Nassau, for example, is a busy town dedicated to providing you with the most entertaining nightlife you could ever imagine. From luxurious restaurants, to glamorous casinos, to truly wild nightclubs, if you love the nightlife, there isn?t a better place. Nassau is located on New Providence Island and plays host to the massive Atlantis resort and marina. While nearly anywhere you could decide to go on a Bahamas yacht charter will present you with powdery white beaches and turquoise water, the quality is not easily matched in Nassau.

If the nightlife isn?t your cup of tea or you just need to relax from the night before, there is still much for you to enjoy while on a Bahamas yacht charter. In Barbados, you?ll be able to find some of the most amazing natural wonders this world has to offer. In Harrison?s Cave, for example, expect to be amazed at the gargantuan stalactites hanging from the ceiling and equally large stalagmites jutting out from the water. Also, within this cave, you?ll see waterfalls that have been described as nothing less than magical as they descend from the heights and splash down into hauntingly green pools of water. Also located in Barbados is Orchid World and Andromeda Gardens. Between these two fantastic attractions, you?ll bear witness to some of the most rare and beautiful flowers you?ve ever seen.

Truly, a Bahamas yacht charter has too many benefits and attractions to mention. Intriguing architecture, first-class golf courses, lighthouses and miles upon miles of natural beauty makes a vacation in the Bahamas one of the most fun and memorable experiences you could have.

Bruce Walls is an experienced yachtsman. Read more articles at FloridaYachtCharter

Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Yacht charter Tobago

If you are looking for a great way to sail the ocean, you will want to have the Yacht charter Tobago. This is a great way to spend a great vacation. You will feel great and wonderful when you decide to take a trip on this great ocean liner. You will want to share your time with people that you love and let them experience the same fun and excitement that you are.

When it comes time to having a great time on a special boat, you need to see what the Yacht charter Tobago has in store for you. You will enjoy every inch of this great boat. You can set sail on the deck and watch the land get smaller and smaller as you drift away. You will appreciate the wonder of this great time. There is no better way to spend a great and enjoyable time.

If you are ready to have a great time on a special adventure, you need to get aboard the Yacht charter Tobago. This is something that you will love and appreciate with this package. If you are wanting to sail alone and meet new people or if you have a special someone to bring along, you will be impressed with all the enjoyable moments you are in store for.

If you are ready to have fun and games planned for your trip, you need to be on the Yacht charter Tobago. You will have something to do each second of the day and night. You will not have to worry about being bored, because this is a time when you can kick back and enjoy the time that you are getting alone or with your friends and family members.

When you want to get away for some peace and serenity, you will have to get to the Yacht charter Tobago. There is no better way to spend a relaxing vacation. You will find the views to be amazing, the food wonderful, and the activities and entertainment to be the best that you can have. You will not be disappointed in your choice to cruise along with this great boat.

Check out all of the great features that you can take advantage of on this cruise. You will have the options to have as much fun as you can without the high cost. You can find a way to make this ride fit into your budget. You can have the peaceful vacation that you deserve time and time again.

Lena Hilltorp

Lena Hilltorp is a freelance publisher based in Sweden. She publishes articles and reports and provides Mediterranean Rental Yacht resources on http://www.charter-yacht.org/mediterraneanrentalyacht.html Caribbean Rental Yacht http://www.charter-yacht.org/caribbeanrentalyacht.html

Labels: , , , , ,

Monday, March 17, 2008

British Virgin Islands Travel - Charter a Yacht For a Unique Vacation Experience

Did you know that the British Virgin Islands are home to one of the best sailing areas in the world and is the sailing capitol of the Caribbean? There are so many reasons as to why these Caribbean islands can lay claim to this and you'll soon learn why a British Virgin Islands vacation, is just what you need!

BVI weather is extremely consistent with perfect Caribbean trade winds that stay between 10-25 knots, sometimes a bit stronger during the winter months. You will find few places in the world that offer as many bays and anchorages to go exploring. You'll also find that the water temperature is just perfect for swimming with temperatures ranging from 76-85 degrees year round. The distances between the islands are quite short as well, which provides some benefits such as; the sailing areas are often protected from the open water, so you will find the seas are very calm. This is especially great if you're new to the world of sailing. Short distances also provide opportunities for many island stops and that means lots of exploring!

If you're ready for sunny days, pristine white sandy beaches, stunning coral reefs and for the water-sport enthusiast - an unlimited array of possibilities lay waiting for you to discover. One of the absolute best ways to discover the British Virgin Islands is by chartering your own private yacht! This brings us to another destination BVI famous fact. These islands are also home to the world's largest charter yacht fleet!

With more than 50 islands and cays, a BVI yacht charter may simply be one of the best ways to experience the magic that these islands have to offer you. The British Virgin Islands are also known as the Windwards and Leewards island group. They lie 1500 miles Southeast of New York and about 60 miles east from Puerto Rico. You'll find mountainous terrain, lush green valleys with rolling hills leading to spectacular beaches and serene coves.

A British Virgin Islands vacation will certainly not be like your 'typical' touristy islands, in the sense that you won't find any high-rise hotels, casinos or even traffic lights! What you'll learn on these islands is true peace and tranquility. You can discover an ancient tropical rainforest, irresistible land and beauty, even a rare inhabited coral island. These islands offer you a place in which you can truly discover yourself and this is what will make your British Virgin Islands travel really stand out.

They have worked extremely hard to achieve world-wide recognition with programs and workshops to study and protect the rapidly disappearing eco-systems of the Caribbean. With the National Parks Trust - a government department that was formed to protect the incredible beauty and infrastructure that lies under the sea, you'll find unique underwater parks that stretch all across the British Virgin Islands. Can you think of a better way to really explore this paradise than with a BVI yacht charter, one that can bring you to the heart and majesty that belongs to this incredible group of islands? After all, being in an area world-renowned for the best sailing and boasting the largest fleet of chartered yachts, why not make this vacation the most unique that you've ever experienced and charter a yacht!

If you liked what you read and would like to learn more about yachting vacations take a visit to Tropical Beach Destinations. Join your tropical adventure couple Jason and Sarah as they show you the ultimate vacation!

Labels: , , , , , ,

British Virgin Islands Travel ? Charter a Yacht For a Unique Vacation Experience

Did you know that the British Virgin Islands are home to one of the best sailing areas in the world and is the sailing capitol of the Caribbean? There are so many reasons as to why these Caribbean islands can lay claim to this and you?ll soon learn why a British Virgin Islands vacation, is just what you need!

BVI weather is extremely consistent with perfect Caribbean trade winds that stay between 10-25 knots, sometimes a bit stronger during the winter months. You will find few places in the world that offer as many bays and anchorages to go exploring. You?ll also find that the water temperature is just perfect for swimming with temperatures ranging from 76-85 degrees year round. The distances between the islands are quite short as well, which provides some benefits such as; the sailing areas are often protected from the open water, so you will find the seas are very calm. This is especially great if you?re new to the world of sailing. Short distances also provide opportunities for many island stops and that means lots of exploring!

If you?re ready for sunny days, pristine white sandy beaches, stunning coral reefs and for the water-sport enthusiast ? an unlimited array of possibilities lay waiting for you to discover. One of the absolute best ways to discover the British Virgin Islands is by chartering your own private yacht! This brings us to another destination BVI famous fact. These islands are also home to the world?s largest charter yacht fleet!

With more than 50 islands and cays, a BVI yacht charter may simply be one of the best ways to experience the magic that these islands have to offer you. The British Virgin Islands are also known as the Windwards and Leewards island group. They lie 1500 miles Southeast of New York and about 60 miles east from Puerto Rico. You?ll find mountainous terrain, lush green valleys with rolling hills leading to spectacular beaches and serene coves.

A British Virgin Islands vacation will certainly not be like your ?typical? touristy islands, in the sense that you won?t find any high-rise hotels, casinos or even traffic lights! What you?ll learn on these islands is true peace and tranquility. You can discover an ancient tropical rainforest, irresistible land and beauty, even a rare inhabited coral island. These islands offer you a place in which you can truly discover yourself and this is what will make your British Virgin Islands travel really stand out.

They have worked extremely hard to achieve world-wide recognition with programs and workshops to study and protect the rapidly disappearing eco-systems of the Caribbean. With the National Parks Trust ? a government department that was formed to protect the incredible beauty and infrastructure that lies under the sea, you?ll find unique underwater parks that stretch all across the British Virgin Islands. Can you think of a better way to really explore this paradise than with a BVI yacht charter, one that can bring you to the heart and majesty that belongs to this incredible group of islands? After all, being in an area world-renowned for the best sailing and boasting the largest fleet of chartered yachts, why not make this vacation the most unique that you?ve ever experienced and charter a yacht!

If you liked what you read and would like to learn more about yachting vacations take a visit to Tropical Beach Destinations. Join your tropical adventure couple Jason and Sarah as they show you the ultimate vacation!

Labels: , ,

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

International Yachtmaster Training Sailing Courses

The International Yachtmaster Training programme was introduced in 2001. This article looks at the first 5 sections: Introduction to Yachting Certificate, The International Recreational Crew Certificate, Radio Operator/Communications Certificate, Watchkeeper/Flotilla Skipper Certificate, International Bareboat Skipper Certificate

Module 1 is the Introduction to Yachting Certificate

The International Recreational Crew Certificate is divided into 6 modules, module 2 gets us under way and you will be learn about safety on board a boat and the use of the life raft and first aid kit, fire extinguishers, flares, life jackets and safety harnesses. What clothing and footwear is suitable for the varying conditions met while sailing. Seasickness and it's symptoms, cause and prevention. How various equipment works including: battery selector switch, bilge pumps, cabin lights, cooker & butane/propane gas, heads and water pumps together with general housekeeping rules. You will learn a very basic theory of how a diesel engine works and maintenance procedures such as checking the level of the oil, changing the oil, changing filters, ensuring the flow of cooling water to the engine and how to change impellors. You will be taught how to keep a good and effective lookout, which should be maintained at all times, while under way. You will take a look at basic navigation, course plotting, nautical charts, safe passage conditions, tides and currents and weather forecasts.

On the practical side, module 3, you will learn how to coil a line and secure it to a cleat, tie a number of knots and use the winches. You will learn how to secure the boat for sea and then how to leave a berth, once under way you will undertake the duties of a lookout, learn how to hoist and set the sails and while helming the boat go through tack and gybe routines. You will anchor the boat and go through man overboard recovery drill.

Module 4 is theoretical and you will look at the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance or the "rules of the road". Specifically looking at lights, shapes, and sound signals. You will look at some more sail handling techniques, there is more work with charts and compass and to conclude you will take a look at marine customs, etiquette and manners.

The next practical module includes safety checks and look at the through hull fittings, engine warning lights and alarms and the emergency fuel cut off. You will learn deck seamanship with more docking and mooring routines. More sail work, bending on, hoisting, lowering, reefing mainsails, handling sheets, lines, halyards, outhauls and sail trim. You will learn more skills at the helm, tacking, gybing, sailing a triangular course, sailing a compass course and heaving to.

Module 6 looks at both theory and practise of Dinghy/Tender handling. You will learn the different types of tenders, engines, spares and maintenance and safety equipment. On the practical side you will learn to row, how to move under power, launch and recover and transfer to and from the dinghy to the boat or dock.

This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained. At the of this course you will be a useful crew member on any small yacht.

The Radio Operator/Communications Certificate is a stand alone module. You will learn how to operate a radio including emergency calls, calling ship to ship, ship to shore, the types of marine radios available and the regulations governing it's use. An examination concludes the course.

The next 5 modules are the International Watchkeeper/Flotilla Skipper Certificate

Number 8 is theoretical and looks at the responsibilities of a watchkeeper, charts and chartwork, the compass, magnetism and concludes with a look at buoys and marks.

The next practical module concentrates on safety including a briefing that should be given to crew members when they join the vessel and looks at the galley area which if not used correctly can be a danger to all those on board. The rest of the section is devoted to boat handling and develops on the skills learnt in the International Recreational Crew Certificate course.

Back to theory in the next module with a look at basic first aid. More work is done with the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance. Finally you will take a further look at marine customs, manners and today's ever increasing legal requirements.

In module 11, the next practical stage you will prepare a passage plan, and while undertaking a short passage work still further on boat handling skills.

This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained.

You have now reached a level that entitles you to the International Certificate of Competence or ICC. It is suggested that the skippers of vessels are required to hold this by some European countries. I have never been asked for mine by the authorities and I know of no one who has. It is also suggested that some companies require it prior to allowing charter of a boat. Again I have not come across this in practise.

The next three modules make up the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate and the first looks at taking over a vessel and the necessary checks on hull and rig, machinery and systems, instruments, safety equipment, spares, tools, fuel, water and provisions. It looks at tides and currents and what causes them. You will learn how to use tide tables and gain an understanding primary and secondary ports. There is some more chartwork that includes position fixing and plotting a course to steer to counteract a current. The section concludes with a look at the responsibilities of the Skipper, their communication with and delegation to the crew.

On the practical side you will develop sailing skills with more general deck work, ropes, knots, splices, the care and use of lines. There is more vessel handling work including anchoring, berthing, mooring, handling in confined areas and handling with currents.

This section concludes with module 16 and includes a look at the weather and sources of weather information, personal observations, weather patterns, land and sea breezes, the different cloud formations, rain and fog. You will learn pilotage. There is an in depth look at passage planning including pilot books, almanacs, considerations for passage planning, coastal passages, passage strategy, port regulations, pilotage plans. Finally you will take a further look at the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance. The section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained

Sailing Site. More info about IYT Courses can be found here Information on other Sailing Courses can be found here.

Ken Jones runs a http://www.sail-the-net.com/marine_directory/marine_directory_a_z.html

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

The Luxury Of Traveling With Yacht Charter Companies

Luxury is something everyone deserves from time to time. Such an indulgence can make a vacation a truly rejuvenating experience. One of the best ways to get the luxury of the rich and famous to fit into your budget can be yours through yacht charter companies. These companies specialize in creating custom sailing vacations that redefine travel.

Planning Your Luxury Trip

With your budget in mind, it is easy to plan a chartered yacht vacation. Companies often have a fleet of sailing vessels that can accommodate parties of various sizes. You may want to make it a more intimate trip with only close family. There are charters that can be rented for as few as two people. These include either a sailboat or motorboat and can come with or without a crew and captain to sail the ship for you. If you choose not to hire a crew, you will have to show that you are knowledgeable of sailing and can handle the ship competently.

The next part of planning is to determine your starting and ending ports. This could be a place close to home and sail in one area or start and finish at two different ports. Generally, starting and stopping in the same port will save you money and is usually more convenient.

You can also fly to a destination far from home and then sail another exotic sea. There are luxury yacht charter companies that cruise the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas or around Alaska, the Panama Canal, or anyplace you can imagine.

Determining the type of cruise is another aspect of planning a chartered yachting trip. You can have as little or many crew members as the ship will hold. A captain takes all the worries out of navigating and onboard housekeeping services make it a real vacation that rivals the finest hotel services. You can also choose to have a chef and service crew as part of your vacation package.

If you like the idea of knowing what it is really like to sail, but don?t want to risk safety, you can charter a sailing cruise that puts you in the role of deck hand. A competent crew will direct you as to your ?chores? for keeping the ship in top shape and on course.

Destinations & Ports of important Charter Companies

One of the greatest benefits of choosing a chartered cruise as a vacation is the choice. You will most likely have a rough itinerary and that can be affected by weather. However, you are flexible in deciding how long you want to stay in a particular port and if you want to add or subtract stops along the way.

Your yacht is your hotel that travels with you. There is only one flight and one hotel to book! Then you take all of your luggage and unpack it just once to enjoy several days of new destinations.

If you have never experienced cruising before, a chartered experience is a great way to get your feet wet. It is different from cruise lines with thousands of guests because the people on your ship will be your friends and family. The personal touches of a chartered trip will help you develop your love for the sea with all the best benefits of commercial cruises.Clinton Maxwell writes often for http://www.luxury-yacht-charters-guide.com . He helps people finding yacht charter companies and sailboat charter.

Labels: , , , ,

Friday, January 4, 2008

An Introduction to Mega Yacht

Mega yacht charter is an ultimate picture of luxury. If you are looking for an excellent, and once in a lifetime vacation, mega yacht is just ideal for you. A mega yacht is a huge yacht charter, which accommodates a relatively small number of guests in total lavishness. A Mega yacht cruise calculates about 100-400 feet in length. It is also defined as a private luxury sailing vessel, the size of newer mega yacht models are more bigger surpassing more than 450 feet. The beautiful accommodations and hospitality areas of these super-vessels are perfect sites for special occasions like wedding party, birthday event, company celebration or any other important events.

A mega yacht charter allows you complete freedom to go almost anywhere you desire and promise to make your vacation a dear for lifetime. From Greece and the Mediterranean to Miami and the Virgin Islands, you could take pleasure in soaking up some amazing sunshine aboard your yacht charter with enjoying thrill and adventure in some wonderful destinations. The most popular yacht charter destinations consist of the Caribbean, Bahamas, New Zealand and even such extremely exotic destinations as Thailand in Southeast Asia.

A well-planned mega yacht charter features the most excellent toys money could buy. In addition to such taken for decided activities as swimming, sunbathing and other enjoying tasty meals and cool drinks in the shadow of the ring, spending excellent time in the company of friends and family, mega yachts offer a huge deal of extra leisure and entertainment facilities not available on any other types of yachts.

Some of the unique features on these luxury yachts comprise Jacuzzis on deck, helicopter pads, in house theatres, fiery swimming pools, wave runners, and brilliant sport fish fighting chairs. Everything you could just imagine could be found on one of these floating islands of luxury.

When you choose mega yacht charters you could rest assured that you would have the perfect vacation, combining the rest and recreation that you crave with the chance to see some stunning sights and enjoy a huge range of excitement. Overall, if you desire to wow your guests and family with royal treatment, an experience in a mega yacht charter is an ideal choice for you.

Mr.Monish is a Copywriter of Florida yacht charter. He's written many articles in various topics.

For more information visit: Boat trailer for sale.

contact him at yachtloop.marine@gmail.com.

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Thursday, December 20, 2007

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

Labels: , , , ,

Friday, December 7, 2007

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

Labels: , , , , , ,