Caribbean Yacht Charter

A yacht charter in the Caribbean has so much to offer. So many different countries, islands, cultures, food and so much more. Perfect sailing conditions in picture postcard surroundings. The scent of fresh coconut and the sound of steel drums carried on a warm breeze. A Caribbean vacation is a truly tropical experience, it?s the ultimate romantic escape with long, sandy beaches and tiny desert islands. The main sailing season in the Caribbean runs from November to July with the period December to March as the busiest when escapees from the winter weather of North America and Europe arrive. The Caribbean is affected by hurricanes from late July to mid October although they are rare in the southern Caribbean along the coast of South America. Hurricanes are prevalent in the nortern Caribbean each year and have been more numerous in the last few years. It is best to avoid the central and northern Caribbean up to Florida and the Bahamas during the hurricane season. April to July is a nice time to charter a boat as there are less visitors in the area with some nice settled weather with a warm but steady breeze.

The Caribbean is made up of many different multi-nation (and multi-cultural) islands. There are amazing sailing grounds stretching from Cuba and Jamaica in the west, through the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, The Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands, finishing with Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba and Curacao off the coast of Venezuela. Due to the scale and diversity of the different yacht charter areas of the Caribbean we have covered the major charter locations individually.

The Caribbean is the truely the king of yacht charter locations. It is an ocean laden with history and treasures, from tiny beach ridden coral atolls to substantial mountainous islands exuding rich and colorful cultures. You will be sailing over waters once sailed by pirates, buccaneers and Spanish treasure fleets which now offer wonderful locations offering so much choice to sailors and vacationers. Thriving bars and Caribbean nightlife; first rate cuisine; spectacular beaches; lush tropical rainforest; cloud-fringed mountain peaks; exotic birdlife; amazing diving and snorkeling and a serene blend of European sophistication and warm Caribbean hospitality. Yes it truely is a wonderful area to sail.

As the most popular charter ground in the world the types of boats available in the Caribbean include all the main types. Motor, sailing, bareboat charter, skippered, crewed yachts, catamaran, luxury yachts and the ever increasing super yacht charter. Both beginner and expert yacht charterers alike are drawn to the Caribbean for its warm winds, protected waterways and beautiful anchorages that lie snug and safe within the tropical island chain. A caribbean yacht charter is a truely wonderful experience for experienced and novice yacht charterers alike.

Bruce Walls is an author and webmaster. Read this article and more at CaribbeanYachtCharter

The World's First Star Trek Yacht

It may not be considered a megayacht in size, but the Trilobis 65, a four level, 20 meter floating object-of-desire would still turn heads at any marina. Gianacarlo Zema Design Group (GZDG) of Rome in collaboration with Canadian company Underwater Vehicles are working hard to have one of these futuristic babies floating soon in a marina near you. This floating luxury home will sleep 6 and is described by the company as "ideal for living in bays, atolls, and maritime parks." Considering it is nonpolluting because it uses hydrogen fuels, perhaps even the rangers at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the nation's first underwater park south of Miami and east of Key Largo, will cut it some slack and let it drop anchor over the reefs.

Trilobis 65's fourth level is 3 meters below sea level. The "observation bulb" looks like something Captain Kirk would be comfortable in commanding and its design is entirely fitting with the yacht's overall "Star Trek" appeal. Although none of us will live long enough to see space exploration on the level found in "Star Trek," the few earthlings who can afford the estimated $4 million price tag of the Trilobis 65, will undoubtedly "explore strange new worlds" above and below the sea.

But wait, there's more! GZDG has designed a floating house called the Jelly-fish 45. Granted the name needs a little work, but priced at $2.5 million, it's a steal. It's ten meters high, sleeps 8, and has five levels connected by a spiral staircase. Any good entrepreneur could rustle up a couple of these floating homes, dock 'em at a marina, and lease them out for 3, 4, or 7-day vacations that include a leisurely cruise and anchorage over a reef. "Scotty, beam me down!"

D.C. Copeland is a writer and award-winning artist. When visiting Copeland's personal website and blog http://www.miamivisionblogarama.blogspot.com/, you will discover that Wayne Cochran is the Patron Saint and that many people consider it to be "The Rodney Dangerfield of Blogs."

BVI Yacht Charters ? The Only Way To See The British Virgin Islands

With BVI yacht charters you can choose to take a diving charter and learn to scuba dive in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. You can choose to take a yacht charter where you will learn to sail or even choose a luxury charter where you will have your own floating resort with amenities of all kinds at your fingertips. Flying to the British Virgin Islands is not expensive and when several couples book one of the BVI yacht charters it is only about the same as staying at an all-inclusive tropical resort.

BVI diving is rated as one of the best diving experiences in the world. There are over sixty dive sites you can visit with one of the yacht charters. BVI charters will take you to many unexplored reefs or if you want you can dive in one of the National Parks, where there are buoys for yacht charters to use. With the many vertical walls and shipwrecks, by booking one of the BVI yacht charters specializing in diving you might just discover a sunken treasure ship.

The year round temperature in the BVI is suitable for swimming and diving all the time. The seas are calm and there are no currents to worry about when you book one of the BVI yacht charters. The dive sites are all located in sheltered coves and if you have sailing experience, you don?t have to hire a captain or a crew. You can enjoy bareboat sailing with your yacht charter. BVI charter companies have all types of yachts from bareboats to luxury yachts capable of carrying 8 or more passengers.

You can have the ultimate honeymoon with BVI yacht charters. With its quiet pristine beaches, you can be alone in paradise with fabulous accommodations and dining on board the yacht. With honeymoon yacht charters, BVI companies can plan to meet you on any of the islands, except St. Croix, if you decide that you want to spend a few nights at a hotel before you get on board the yacht. With crewed yacht charters, you will have the perfect honeymoon where you have a crew ready to wait on your hand and foot.

BVI yacht charters offer discounts for families looking for the perfect vacation. You can choose captain only yacht charters or one with a full crew. If you have young children, you might think that a yacht charter might be dangerous, but it is perfectly safe. The only thing you need to keep in mind when booking family yacht charters in the BVI is that the crew does not look after the children for you. You have to do this yourself. BVI yacht charters have all the information you need available online so you can browse the many charters and choose the one that best meets your needs

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

Where Can You Travel With Yacht Charters? ? Greece Is Waiting For You To Explore

In the world of yacht charters, Greece is one of the most exotic destinations you can choose. Enjoy bareboat sailing on the Ionian Sea along the west coast of Greece where the islands are bound together by a unique culture. Another yacht charter that Greece offers is a chance to see the varied landscape of the islands in the Saronic Gulf. Take trip back to the place where civilization began when you choose one of these yacht charters. Greece has so much to offer that you will hardly know where to begin.

The Saronic Gulf offers exciting ports of call for yacht charters. You have the opportunity for you to charter a yacht on your own and enjoy bareboat sailing. Greece also offers luxury yachts with a full crew to pamper you as you sail along. Whatever your penchant for yacht charters, Greece will meet or beat your expectations giving you a vacation like none other. In addition to the Ionian Sea and the Saronic Gulf, with yacht charters along the coast of Greece, you can sail to the Cyclades Group of islands, the Dodecanese, the Sporades and the Samos area.

For those interested in bareboat sailing, Greece has many types of yachts available, such as sailing yachts and motor yachts. In order to book one of these yacht charters, Greece requires that there be two qualified skippers on board. This is because if one should have an accident, the other can handle the yacht. Greece also requires that skippers be licensed for sailing and you have to mail a copy of your sailing license to the yacht charter company when you make your booking. Don?t forget to bring your original contract for the yacht charter. Greece regulations require this for departure clearance.

Yacht charters in Greece begin on Saturday afternoon and end on Friday evening. The yacht charter company that you choose will also arrange for transfer for you from the airport to the yacht and provide the same service when the charter is complete. With a yacht charter in Greece, you will have to choose an itinerary from a list provided. It is unlikely that you will be able to change the schedule of ports of call.

When you book yacht charters, Greece regulations require that the yacht be full of fuel and water you will need for the trip. There are refuelling stations in the various ports and you must return the yacht in the same way you receive it. The charter company can advise you on what type of clothing to bring with you for yacht charters. Greece can get cold when you are on the water and at night. This is why it is recommended that you bring heavy clothes.

Visibility ETO ERP Conference to Include a Yachting Adventure

Visibility Corporation (www.visibility.com) is a leading developer and supplier of business software solutions designed for the unique needs of project-based, engineer-to-order and to-order manufacturers. Visibility's Enterprise Application solutions help midsize manufacturers of complex products operate their businesses effectively. At the 2006 users' conference there is a special treat; participants of the conference are invited for an evening cruise on a 142' luxury yacht through Fort Lauderdales' scenic Intracoastal Waterways, the Venice of America. Climb aboard the richly decorated yacht where we will have cocktails, appetizers and a sumptuous 5-star cuisine prepared for us by world class chefs. Musical entertainment will keep us energized and dancing throughout this four hour exploration.

April 5 through 7, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Visibility Corporation will be holding their annual users' conference titled, "Optimizing Your Technology Investment." Break out sessions including VISIBILITY.net Basics, Workflow, and Configuration will be conducted. Similarly, VISIBILITY 6 Track sessions will include Database Tuning, Optimize V6 Business Processes, and Business Intelligence. There is also an Executive Track that includes Managing Global Enterprise, Business Differentiators, and Financial Consolidation. The event is geared to both current and potential users of the ETO (Engineer-to-Order) ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) technology.

VISIBILITY.net is an integrated ERP solution and more. Offering unparalleled functionality and integrated workflow, this browser-based solution cost effectively delivers the power of .NET-based Web services for use with either a Microsoft SQL Server? or Oracle? database. Conducting business any place, any time, any where is a reality, deployable with unprecedented flexibility.

Visibility www.visibility.com Jaclyn Aldrich marketing@visibility.com 978-694-8000

Take a Wine-Tasting Tour While Yachting

Just think of it, the world of opulence and leisure: Youre on a luxury yacht. Youre sailing the ocean blue, not a care in the world. Youre being served a taste of different varietals of fine wines by waiters wearing white gloves and tuxedos with tails. Youre catching the scintillating scent of fresh sea air from your overstuffed chaise lounge on the yachts deck. Strawberries dipped in chocolate and truffles glide by on gleaming sterling-silver trays.

And guess what? Its not a dream! This can really happen to you! A wine-tasting tour on a luxury yacht is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities any true wine connoisseur surely wouldnt want to pass up.

From the bright, sensuously sweet taste of chardonnay to a fuller cabernet blanc (for white wine aficionados) to a full-bodied, cherry-and-oak flavored merlot or pinot noir (for those who favor the reds,), youll enjoy sailing while dreamily sipping succulent wines on a special wine-tasting yacht tour set up to make you feel freshly pampered and safe.

Your yacht captain and crew will be fully trained in specialty tours like this one, and theyll be on hand to cater to your every whim, allowing you to sample wines from all over the world, testing your taste buds to the limit. Youll also learn how different varietals are made, processed, and stored until they reach their best-aged perfection. The delicacy of wine-making will be an education from start to finish, usually complete with a tour through the yachts wine cellar.

Usually, parties of 20 to 50 guests are on board most yachts specializing in wine-tasting, and you can be sure your meals will be well-coordinated to match the wine offerings.

The only questions you need bother answering are where and when you want to take your wine-tasting yachting trip. The Baltic, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean will definitely beckon, while some will want to stay closer to home base, just off the California coast.

For anyone whos ever wanted to book a decadent, theme-packed cruise on a luxury yacht, this just skims the surface of all the indulgent experiences youll remember for years to come and youll likely make several friends who are along for the ride!

For more information, see www.onlyforyachts.com.

David Dunlap is the owner and founder of Only For Yachts, an online resource for everything related to yachts. Visit http://onlyforyachts.com to get information on yacht charters, yachts for sale and also sign up for the free yachting newsletter.

newlink@onlyforyachts.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

Custom Wall Mural for Your Yacht

 

Once upon a time, a 75 foot yacht cruising by would inspire awe. Today however, you might hardly give this boat a second glance. Boats are indeed becoming bigger and bigger. What to do with all this extra space? Decorate!

The boating industry seems to have an infatuation with the color white. It encompasses everything from the exterior gel coat to interior decorating. White interiors are traditionally hard to maintain, but that is a personal preference, of course. Bold and lively, or warm contemporary color schemes are definitely more desired and popular these days. Many of us spend a lot of time inside our boats. Therefore, the effort you put into decorating the interior of your yacht will be well worth it.

A custom wall mural is a fresh and fun choice for your nautical interior decorating. Your yacht's interior décor reflects your individuality. The sky is the limit when it comes to image options for a custom wall mural. Where you have your mural installed is a highly individualized issue as well. For example, you may prefer to hang your custom wall mural design within the privacy of your master quarters . Or you may want your original image displayed in the galley, bar or other entertaining space.

If you would rather leave the wall mural image to the experts, you may prefer to purchase a high quality wall mural from an online gallery. This is a perfectly acceptable choice and is a time saver too, because all the guesswork on color, composition, and subject matter is already done for you.

Just remember some friendly advice. Your money will be well spent if your wall mural purchase is indeed a high quality product, freshly printed and on durable new wallpaper material This will help ensure that your wall mural is seaworthy and can withstand peeling, fading, and mildew build up.

You can get bargain basement wall mural prices from hundreds of websites, but be wary of this. The very attractive pricing is in large part due to the fact that these “suppliers” buy in bulk from the manufacturers. The murals are then stored, often in suboptimal conditions.

When it comes to wall mural options for your yacht, would you rather make a moderate to substantial decorating investment from a purchase at a Sam’s Club or a small boutique that specializes in wall murals and custom wall murals? Think about it!

Cruise through our quality wall mural gallery at http://www.artistichomeowner.com