Experience The Panama Canal On A Charter Yacht!

The Republic of Panama, which is more commonly known as simply Panama is the southern most country of Central America. It borders Costa Rica to the west, Columbia to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south.

One of the most intriguing pieces of Panama and perhaps the most popular, is the world famous ?Panama Canal?. The Panama Canal is a passageway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the country of Panama. Panama was chosen for this because it is the narrowest landmass between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The Panama Canal is about 50 miles long and during the approximately 80 years that the canal has been in use, over 800,000 ships have taken advantage of it. Nearly 40 ships each and every day are passing through the Canal and the numbers are continuing to rise more and more each year.

Some of the big highlights that Panama has to offer are enchanting wildlife, dazzling rainforests, colorful underwater adventures, and charming white sandy beaches! What better way to enjoy all of these wonderful sites than by taking a charter yacht vacation. These tours give you a great feel for not only the Canal but Panama itself, as well as the many beautiful islands it has to share that are virtually uninhabited.

Cebaco Bay is located on the southern end of Isla Cebaco which is an uninhabited island made up of pristine, white sandy beaches and literally thousands of coconut trees. They offer trilling white water rafting, superb scuba diving, and big game fishing with some of the largest fish in the world. Not only are Panama?s islands well known for its deep sea fishing, but many world records have either been set or broken within these waters!

As always, almost all charter yacht vacation tours around Panama are all-inclusive. This includes all your gourmet meals and fine foods, beverages and open bar, along with your water sports. Scuba gear and state of the art deep sea fishing equipment are also available; if that?s the type of charter yacht you?re looking for. Remember, this may vary slightly from broker to broker so it is always a good idea to do your research first, depending on what activities are the most important to you and your family. The Pacific side of Panama is home to a wealth of tropical islands from the palm tree speckled beaches of the Archipelago of Las Perlas, to the notorious colony located on the pristine island of Coiba! Coiba to this day remains a prison for the country?s most hardened criminals and is comparable to America?s Alcatraz. This adds a bit of island adventure to the trip and is an amazing, historical site to see.

Panama?s islands are home to a wealth of beauty, history, vegetation and wild life. In the past, this destination was primarily used as a stop over and not really considered a destination to visit by travellers. These days, people who are wanting a relaxing and unique vacation experience are starting to realize just what Panama has to offer. So if you are looking for something exotic and fascinating that will give you an unforgettable experience to treasure for a lifetime, then behold the islands of Panama!

At Tropical Beach Destinations we share the secrets of Specialty Travel that your travel agents wish they knew. Learn exclusive travel tips, ideas and ways to save money from REAL experienced world travelers!

Yachts for the Rest of Us

Yachts are the pinnacles of boat ownership. Owning a yacht, or even sailing on one, is a true luxury experience. A yacht is something that most people only dream of owning. Some yachts are so large and magnificent that they are indistinguishable from luxury cruise liners. The sizes, designs and amenities of yachts range so widely that the price ranges for yachts do as well. High-end yachts can sell for $60 million or more, and even the least expensive yachts will sell in the hundreds of thousands range. Bigger and more expensive yachts are often owned by private companies who use them to throw parties, entertain clients and reward successful executives.

Yachts are like floating mansions. Normally a yacht will include several rooms, and luxury models can include many bedrooms, a family room, office, den, library and a theater room. Only the view from the windows lets you know you are on the ocean.

Even though yachts can be expensive to purchase, they are often available for rental. Yacht rental companies allow customers to use their yachts for an hour, day, week or even longer. This can be a great opportunity to have the yacht experience without breaking the bank. Many people rent a yacht for cruising on the ocean or lake for a few days as part of their vacation.

If you rent a larger yacht, you will normally have an experienced boat captain and perhaps a crew to pilot the ship for you. This can allow you and your family and friends to relax and enjoy the water and the yacht experience. These crewed yacht vacations allow you to live in comfort and style during your vacation. Normally you will have full amenities on the lot, and even a few fun extras like scuba diving equipment or kayaks to enjoy the ocean.

Cookgroup Marketing LLC - All Rights Reserved. This article brought to you by http://www.Your-Boat-Portal.com/ . You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice, author name and URL remain intact. Jason Albright is a contributing editor at Cookgroup Marketing LLC. His background is with lifestyle topics including: Gardening, Outdoor Living, Home Decor & Travel Destinations

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.

Yacht Charter in the Southern Ionian Sea

The Southern Ionian also known as the inland sea includes the islands of Levkas, Meganisi, Ithaca, Cephalonia and Zakinthos

Levkas is a popular, lively and windy island. It is the only island linked to mainland Greece, a swing bridge providing access by road. The airport at Preveza is only a 30 minute ride away. Lefkas Town lies a short distance down the canal, at the point where the canal turns to run SE. The buildings of the town are easily seen and the harbour is not difficult to locate. There is a marina here or you can use the town's harbour. Both provide good shelter in all weather conditions .The Lefkas canal enables sailors to pass along the east side of the island, which has most of the anchorages. The northern entrance can be found by locating the Santa Mauro Fort. The canal proper starts after Lefkas Town and is marked by red and green poles and by red and green buoys when the canal turns south.

Nidri is lively, the quay self provides water, fuel etc. but places you in the middle of yacht charter bases, tripper boats, ferries etc. A little further south he landlocked Vlikho Bay provides good all-round shelter the bottom is mud

On the southern end lies the sheltered bay of Sivota with several waterside bars and tavernas. On the southwest coast, Vasiliki has quayside bars, cafes and non-stop nightlife. Vassiliki was a sleepy little fishing village. It is now one of the islands main resorts The port is located in the south-east of the large bay. It offers good shelter although the prevailing wind tends to blow into the harbour making conditions uncomfortable at times. The bottom holds well. There are no anchorages on the west coast but you will find beautiful beaches where you can watch stunning sunsets.

Also worth a visit while on Levkas: The ancient city Nirikos was the first capital of the island from 2BC. Excavations have shown that Nirikos enjoyed significant economic growth. The collection in the Archaeological Museum of Levkas includes findings dating from the Proto-Hellenic period to the Roman era, including ceramics, pots, statues, signs, ecclesiastic pieces and photographs from the excavations in Nidri. Lefkata Cape is situated at the southern part of Lefkas and offers a majestic view. Originally, sacrifices to the gods and spirits took place here. Convicts were forced to jump from the rocks and attempt to fly using feathers tied around their bodies. The monastery of Panayia Faneromeni is the most significant religious monument on the island. It is situated 2 km east of the capital outside the village of Frynio and stands on the site of an ancient sanctuary for Artemis or Hera.

Meganissi has the magnificent inlet at Port Athene on the north coast. This is the perfect place for snorkelling and swimming and makes a good overnight stop. Vathi is the islands main port. It is a pleasant relaxed place with good walks through the olive groves to the bays on the east. The high village of Spartohori on can easily be seen from the north and west. Once you are in the bay the small harbour will be seen. Good shelter but the depth often exceeds 15m. The anchorage near the tavern is the best location in the bay. The village of Spartahori is an absolute must, walk up the hill for a warm local welcome and an incredible view out over Nidri, Madhouri and Skorpios and over to the mountains on the mainland to the east. The island has a number of picturesque bays where you can anchor and take a line ashore. Facilities are at best limited and usually non existent

Ithaca - Steeped in legend of Odysseus the island has beautiful bays and attractive anchorages. The island is essentially two heavily wooded mountain tops rich in flora and fauna, which protrude steeply from the Ionian sea, joined in the centre of the island by a thin stretch of land. It offers gentle green uplands in the south and rugged limestone hills in the north. Frikes is a small harbour and village in the north east of Ithaca set in the bay that it takes it's name from. A lovely place at the bottom of a steep wooded valley. There are several old windmills standing on the rocks above the village. Kioni lies just to the south of Frikes. The village is stunning with buildings dotted around the steep slopes of the bay. The bottom is mud and weed and care must be taken to get the anchor holding. Shelter is generally good but there are often gusts from the north west. There are shops in the village and tavernas on the waterfront.

Further to the south is Vathi, the island's capital and main harbour. It's red-roofed houses set among enchanting scenery at the end of the closed bay of Molosmeans Vathi means deep and that's what you will find. The bottom is a combination of mud and weed and care is needed to make sure the anchor is holding. There are plenty of shops and tavernas in the town. Three kilometres to the northwest lies the Cave of the Nymphs where, according to legend, Odysseus hid the gifts bestowed upon him by the Phaeacians who delivered him to his home after his many adventures. The bay of Polis on the west coast, near the village of Stavros, is the site of Loizos' cave. A couple of interesting finds have been made here: Shards on which were carved inscriptions testifying to the worship of Artemis, Hera and Athena and twelve tripods similar to those which the Phaeacians gave to Odysseus.

Cephalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands covering some 700 sq. km. It is renowned for its wine and more latterly for the novel Captain Corellixs Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres. For the walker there are acres of forest covered limestone mountains to explore. 10 peaks rise above 5000 feet. The limestone rock results in remarkable caves and caverns as can be seen at the underground lake complex at Mellisani. Most of the mountains fall steeply to the sea and the you will be sailing at the foot of these peaks, in places this means the boat will be subjected to strong gusts of wind so care is needed.

Fiskardo is an enclosed bay and harbour on the north eastern tip of Cephalonia. It is an extremely popular stop for yachts and in the summer months the quay is normally packed. If there is no room anchor in the north of the bay and take a line ashore. The harbour provides good all round shelter. The village is picturesque and was one of the few places on the island that escaped the terrific destruction of the 1953 earthquake. Hence 19th century houses set amid green pine groves remain pretty much original and a historical preservation order should keep them that way. There are a number of shops in the village as to there are tavernas some serving excellent food. There are several anchorages on the coast between Fiskardo and Ay Eufimia to the south. Ay Eufimia is a small harbour in the north west corner of a large bay. Most provisions can be found and there are a few tavernas. Sami to the south of the same bay is the island's main ferry port. It was developed after the earthquake and is nearly all modern buildings. There are good walks along the coast to the north east of the harbour. Still further to the south is the small harbour of Poros. This is not the most comfortable harbour in the Ionian with the prevailing winds creating a chop in the harbour. It is uncomfortable rather than unsafe. Most provisions are available in the village. There are several tavernas with a good one by the harbour.

The capital of the island is Argostoli the SW. The earthquake in 1953 bought almost total devastation, all that remained intact were a couple of houses, the arched bridge stretching across the lagoon and the obelisk at it's centre. Sadly the rebuilding has produced a rather soulless place. There are plenty of shops and tavernas in the town.

Lixuri is a town with a small harbour opposite Argostoli on the western side of Kolpos Argostoliou. Unfortunately the harbour is situated next to the main sewer outlet and is extremely smelly during the summer months. Assos, on the western side of the island, should be used only in calms or when the wind is light from the west. There are numerous tavernas in the village and limited provisions can be found. The village is particularly picturesque set under the high cliffs and mountains and just across the peninsula from the ruined Venetian fort.

Zakinthos is the southernmost of the islands in the Ionian. A horseshoe shaped mountain range surrounds a rich fertile plain. Half of the island's cultivated land is given over to the currant vine which was originally transplanted from the Peloponnese by the Venetians.

In the north east of the islands lies Ormos Ay Nikolaos. You can anchor in the bay in about 5m depths or go stern to the outside of the breakwater and take a long line ashore. Strong gusts can be expected in the afternoon and most yachts leave after lunchtime and head south to the capital. A visit to the Blue Caves is a favourite in this part of the island. Join one of the local caiques as visit with a yacht is not advisable as the area is unprotected from north westerlies and the waters to deep to anchor in. The underwater rocks are covered by a mauve coloured seaweed. The seaweed together with the white sandy bottom of the caves reflect the incoming sunlight producing a blue hue.

To the south lies Limin Zakinthos, he capital of Zakinthos and most of the island's 35,000 population live here. The town surrounds a large harbour. It was devastated by the earthquake in 1953 but an attempt has been made to rebuild in the original style. When inside the harbour care is needed of the semi-sunk stone breakwater which protrudes from the north mole. Yachts should make for the designated yacht quay within the harbour. There are several museums in the town devoted to the islands history.

Porto Roma lies in the south east corner of the island. This is a wonderful anchorage in calm weather. There is a taverna on the beach.

The southern coast and beaches are host to the last and most important concentration of Loggerhead turtles' nesting sites in the Mediterranean. From May to November this area is subject to restriction regarding access by vessels. It is advisable to check with the authorities in the capital what restrictions are currently in place if you are planning to sail in this area. Ormos Keri lies at the western end of the restricted area. Anchor either side of the stone mole and take a long line ashore. Be aware of the underwater ballasting protruding out from the mole. Ormos Vroma is the only anchorage on the western side of the island. Anchor on the northern side and take a line ashore.

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

Ken Jones runs a http://www.sail-the-net.com/marinas/marinas_intro.html

Buying Your First Yacht

The Luxury of Your Own Yacht

Not many of us can afford to own a luxurious yacht. Most of us see it as a symbol that someone has made it big financially. If you are someone who expects to make millions of dollars, you've probably been planning on buying a yacht.

It is extremely expensive to buy most yachts. You can expect to pay thousands of dollars, if not millions, if you are looking for a brand new yacht. A luxury yacht can cost more than what most people earn in a lifetime. It is probably far out of our reach to owning a yacht, such as the types that many famous celebrities and socialites own.

There are ways to buy a gorgeous yacht more reasonably. It would mean going without the hot tub, sauna, and bar. A truly workable idea is to buy a yacht with friends, family, or business associates. By sharing the costs, you have a much better chance of attaining your goal.

If you intend on sharing the cost of a yacht with several other people be sure to establish how it will work when two people want to use the yacht at the same time. You may want to establish at the beginning of each year, or even years in advance, what days, weeks, or months each person can use the yacht. This will give everyone a good chance to plan vacations around the schedule.

It probably sounds fine in the beginning to just make verbal agreements since you're all friends. When it comes to money though disputes can arise abruptly. It would be far better to draw up a legally binding contract that will state how much each party is paying, how the scheduling will be done, and any other legal issues that might come up. Once everyone has signed, settling disputes will be much easier.

If a yacht isn't in your future, think about buying a sailboat in its place. They can be a lot less costly and you can still take long sea excursions. Most of them have some type of sleeping quarters and kitchens. Luxury sailboats can also be very expensive, so again you may want to think of a sharing arrangement.

Alternatively, you can always rent a yacht for a few days. You can rent yachts for anywhere from $300 to $1000 a day, although sometimes it can cost even more. Renting a yacht is a great idea for events such as a birthday party, anniversaries, big company events, and even weddings. What a great way to turn an average party into an elegant, grand affair.

If you are interested in renting a yacht, take a walk around the marina in your area. There most likely be signs indicating which yachts are for rent. You can learn more about it by talking with other boat owners or people employed there.

It would be wonderful to own a yacht, so if it's feasible for you, you should definitely buy one. You will love it and have many exciting voyages over the years.

Glyn Wilsons is the owner and operator of Star Yacht, the best place on the internet for information about yachts. For more articles on yachts why not visit:
http://www.staryacht.com/articles
http://www.staryacht.com

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