If you would like to gain first-hand experience of how the rich and the famous spend their leisure time, then why not opt for Cannes yacht charter. This is a great way of exploring the French Riviera and maybe even catching one of the great local events such as the Monaco F1 Grand Prix or the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival. Operators of yacht charters in Cannes are properly trained and competent in delivering top-notch service to travelers who want to enjoy a luxurious and once-in-a-lifetime sailing experience to Cannes and the French Riviera.

Most yacht charter operators normally suggest a packaged itinerary of the must-see sights. However, you can also make your own choice of places and sights that you want to visit. When making your plans for the places where you want to go while sailing, make sure that they have good anchorages. In this particular case, Cannes is tops and it is considered by many as one of the ultimate luxury holiday destinations and Cannes yacht charters are considered to be amongst the best.

Whilst investigating your holiday options, you will find that most charter companies will offer the choice of ‘crewed’, ’skippered’ or ‘bareboat’ charter. The term ‘bareboat’ essentially means ‘without crew’ and you can only take this option as long as you can prove that you have adequate sailing experience. With ’skippered’ yacht charter, you still get the chance to crew the boat yourself, but you benefit from the expertise of an experienced captain. This is a great option if you are looking to gain enough experience to ’skipper’ your own boat in future.

If you are doing this for the first time, Cannes yacht charter companies will recommend that you choose a luxury yacht charter, which is manned by an experienced crew, so that you can enjoy a hassle-free sailing experience. If you want to sail in style, then a crewed yacht charter can provide you with all the luxuries and amenities that the rich and the famous enjoy in their Cannes sailing experience. Amongst the conveniences that you can enjoy while on a luxury yacht charter are reliable internet access and on-board chef. This will ensure that you have an uninterrupted enjoyment of the Cannes flavor both on land and on board your chartered yacht.

Always consider Cannes when making your travel plans. Make it as one of your ports of call when you make arrangements with the yacht charter companies. Cannes offers all the ingredients and elements of luxurious living and if you want to enjoy your holiday to the fullest, then Cannes must be your first stop. It will be a great idea to be in Cannes when the action is at its peak.

You can check out the sights and sounds during the Cannes Film Festival. This is one of the best times to visit Cannes as it will give you the rare opportunity to rub elbows with known personalities of the international film industry and watch their best movies. If you are going on your Cannes sailing during this time, make sure that you book for your Cannes yacht charter well ahead of time.

Crewed Alaska yacht charters allow you to enjoy whale watching and the many other sights that Alaska has in store for you. With these yacht charters you can gaze in awe at majestic mountains that reach into the clouds and visit places that a cruise ship cannot enter. There are flexible itineraries to suit every individual taste so that you get to have the full experience that Alaska has to offer with a yacht charter. If you have sailing experience, you can handle the yacht yourself when you book one of the many Alaska yacht charters.

The abundance of wildlife that you can see with one of the Alaska yacht charters is astounding. Killer whales, black bears, mountain goats and the many species of birds that Alaska offers are just one of the reasons why an Alaska yacht charter is a popular vacation idea with so many people. If you are an avid fisherperson, then with yacht charters, Alaska will help your fishing dream to come true. The type of fish you catch depends on the time of year you book the yacht charter. From May to September, you can fish for different species of salmon, while halibut is present all through the year.

If you want to learn how to sail the waters of Alaska, you can take an educational Alaska yacht charter where you learn as you sail along. Then when you decide that Alaska yacht charters is the way you want to spend all of your vacations, you can save money by not having to hire a captain and crew. With bareboat yacht charters, Alaska has so much to offer that it will take several charters for you to see it all. You can be the captain of your own yacht when you have the proper qualifications and bring along your own food and supplies.

With Alaska yacht charters you can have your own private cruise to Alaska without having to share anything with strangers. This way you can have the run of the yacht and its spacious rooms and deck area. You don’t even need to bring your fishing rods with an Alaska yacht charter if you book one of the crewed yacht charters. Alaska is the perfect destination for any occasion, but honeymooning in Alaska is one vacation you will never forget. There are unnamed coves along the coastline of Alaska where you can see the majesty of the scenery in all its glory.

There are so many possibilities with Alaska yacht charters that it is difficult to list them all. Sightseeing and education are all rolled into one with this type of yacht charter as you get to see the sights up close that you saw in books and magazines. Dock in one of the small towns and explore the streets, stores and cafes. Take a helicopter trip to see polar bears in their natural habitat and to get a glimpse of the vast landscape. Once you book one of the Alaska yacht charters you will most definitely want to repeat the experience.

You have probably heard of Capri, and even Elba, which are both Italian islands. However have you ever heard of Giglio, Giannutri, or Ischia? These are just a few of Italy’s secret gems, waiting to be discovered by private crewed charter. You might be surprised at the actual number of Italian islands off of the west coast of Italy, stringing along the coast from the top of the boot to the toe about which we never hear. Let’s take a look at the islands of Giglio, Giannutri and Ischia, all relatively unknown delightful inclusions in a crewed yacht charter itinerary.

Off of the tip of the Argentario Peninsula and part of the Tuscan Islands, is the island of Giglio. Giglio has appeared in history for centuries, first mentioned by Julius Caesar in his “De Bella Gallico”. However the crowning glory of Giglio is the medieval walled village, Giglio Castello, which is perched at the very top of the island.

Giglio Castello, still an operating village, is surrounded by medieval stone walls complete with 10 towers. Take a trip up to the top of this island to wander the little winding streets of Giglio Castello, a village stopped in time. Have lunch in one of the restaurants offering simple local food, and sample the local amber colored wine called Asonaco. A town bus that toils up and down the switchback roads from the harbor to Giglio Castello throughout the day is available to all for a small fee. Any local can direct you to the bus stops at both the bottom and the top of the island.

Surrounding the main harbor, at sea level, is Giglio Porto, a charming fishing village with multicolored buildings. Giglio is known for crystal clear waters as is evident in the harbor, where the harbor bottom is easily seen. If there is room in the harbor for visiting yachts, your Captain can tie up stern to, otherwise, the Captain can anchor your yacht off of Giglio and you can take the ship’s tender into the main harbor. Giglio is an excellent overnight stop on a private crewed yacht charter itinerary. Near Giglio is the island of Giannutri, just south of the Argentario Peninsula, and the most southerly island of the Tuscan Island Archipelago. Giannutri and Giglio are joined together not only by proximity, but also by government for the two islands are part of the same Italian “frazione” or government territory.

This island, which is barely 5 kilometers in length, has now been declared a national park, and there are specific areas with mooring balls available for visiting yachts. The shoreline is full of caves and grottos worn into the cliff sides. Due to the remote unspoiled nature of the island, the surrounding waters are still home to whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Inside the caves and along the shoreline are urchins, sponges, starfish, and other underwater life. This is great spot for snorkeling, however fishing in this designated national park area, other than by island residents, is not allowed. During the Roman Period, the island belonged to the powerful Enobardi family who built a magnificent villa sheathed in marble. This villa was rumored to have had a pool filled with Moray Eels, kept as a visual reminder of family power. The outlines of this villa and pool are still to be seen today on the island. Take a picnic ashore and wander through the ruins of this Roman villa. Stop in Giannutri for a morning or afternoon, and enjoy an island that few have visited, and about which even fewer are aware.

Further south off of the coast of Naples, and part of the Naples Bay Islands, is the island of Ischia. This is a large island in comparison to the rest of the Italian islands along this coastline. Unlike neighboring islands, Ischia is volcanic in nature and still has active bubbling volcanic activity with many hot thermal mineral springs and the resulting volcanic mud. Long regarded as an island with healing waters, Ischia has been visited by many over the centuries hoping for the stated healing qualities of the thermal springs. Now the island survives on tourism oriented around the many health and beauty thermal spas and pools.

The Aragonese Castle is a landmark on the island built on a nearby islet, connected by a stone bridge, built in 1438. While a fortification has stood on this volcanic rock since 474 BC, the main castle seen today was largely built by Alfonso of Aragon in the 15th century. After the volcanic eruption on the island of Ischia in the early 1300’s, many of the inhabitants fled to live on this islet, which was home to over 1000 families for several centuries. While the Castle is now privately owned, certain parts of the fortifications, and the enclosed village built by the villagers over several centuries are open to visitors, including a small museum featuring instruments of torture. During this period of inhabitation, an active convent was located inside the castle walls from the 1500’s through to the 1800’s. Still standing within, is the Nun’s cemetery, where bodies of deceased nuns were perched on chairs that surrounded the living nuns as they said their prayers while meditating on mortality, a clearly evident lesson.

Through the centuries, the inhabitants of Ischia from the early Greek to modern times have also been active in viticulture, as the mineral rich volcanic soil is excellent for wine grape growing. Now a number of boutique wineries are operating on Ischia. Besides producing some award winning vines, several of these wineries welcome visitors. Winery Pietratorcia has a restaurant serving dinners with reservations only, where typical country style foods are served in compliment alongside their estate produced wines. These boutique wines are gaining recognition as Ischian wines have been long recognized over the centuries as a superior wine. Other island products include lemons, oregano and capers, all basics for southern Mediterranean cuisine.

A new marina has been built in Ischia, however there is also dockage in the main port, which is very busy, and anchorages around the island. Visit the Aragonese Castle, make a reservation for a healing spa or pool treatment, and enjoy fresh seafood in a local shoreside restaurant. Ischia also has the unique attraction of thermal parks. Within these parks, are a variety of pools with mineral waters from cold, warm, hot to very hot. Spend time inside a park rotating between the pools or relax in a natural sauna. If you have a strong interest in the suggested healing qualities of the various thermal mineral springs, all of island natural springs have all been examined and documented for the mineral contents of the waters. The minerals and proportions of minerals do vary from spring to spring, so check for the best spring for your particular interests. Spending at least a day and night in Ischia is a must and spending even two days during your crewed yacht charter is very easy to do.

As we predicted it, 2005, saw an unparallel number of developments, projects, new designs, new constructions, and completions. More space, stability, comfort, speed, better fuel economy are all the reasons for the increased activity. Our study shows an increase in the number of clients who had previously owned monohulls, are now looking at the Mega Catamarans as a better solution for their next boat. It is exciting that now people can see proof of quality finish, matched with function and performance in Mega Catamarans that are equal or even surpassing sailing monohulls, and power yachts.

January 2006, news clips

GEMINI, the 145′ VPLP design Super Catamaran; project is currently well under way, at Derecktor’s Shipyard with possible launching late 2007.

Blubay is ready to prove that they are a top notch design team who can create a superb 100′ Mega Catamaran.

Yapluka’s 70′ catamaran, hull # 3, is well on her way to completion, late spring launching is predicted. A new 62′ with fly bridge is also under construction. There is talk of an 85′ Mega Catamaran project to start soon.

Alliaura Marine just sent us photos of the 745, she is moving! And soon in to the water, launching date is planned for early February.

Exclusive Marine, ExclusivE 72, a top of the range cruising catamaran created by ExclusivE Marine, designed by the Gilles Ollier Design Team and built by Multiplast. Three months after the official presentation of the yacht at the Cannes International Boat Show in September 2005, ExclusivE Marine has just entered its first order for an Exclusive 72 in its books from a Caribbean based charter company.

Sunreef will have the new 60′ Mister T displayed at the Miami International Boat Show. It is also reported that the company is starting construction on a 67 ft power catamaran, with engines up to 2x 850HP, made of composite.

Matrix 76′ will be exhibiting a Silhouette 760 at Miami Boat Show.

“”Zingara”, our second Silhouette 760 departed from Cape Town bound for Miami. In the first 24hrs she logged 240nm and reached 20.3 kts. We are confident that she will break the 300nm barrier before reaching Miami.” Reported by Peter Wehrley company CEO.

For more information visit http://www.catamarans.com

The December, 2007 issue of South Florida CEO, The Business Magazine of Miami-Dade, Broward and the Palm Beaches, featured an article about Merrill-Stevens’ Miami River expansion and the future growth of the company. Merrill-Stevens CEO Fred Kirtland was interviewed for this article written by Jennifer LeClaire.

The Miami-Dade County Commission recently approved plans for a $55 Million expansion of Merrill Stevens Boat Yard that will facilitate yacht re-fits and repairs for luxury mega-yachts.

The yard located along the Miami River was pending approval from the Florida department of Environmental protection and two other government agencies. The shipyard has been on the river since 1923 and will soon be breaking ground for this expansion project set to begin in 2009. The firm is still waiting for final approval for the project.

This newly expanded facility is said to bring 500 + high paying marine trade jobs to South Florida. The state-of-the-art facility will refit yachts up to 250 feet, helping South Florida remain one of the most important regions for the global industry.

Facilities like this will continue to service existing boats since there is already such a high demand for new yacht builds. The overflow of those on the waiting list to have a yacht built will bring older vessels to refit shipyards and have them serviced to be put back into the water, will even draw additional revenue to South Florida if the yacht is chartered. The typical maintenance costs per year for a luxury yacht range from about 10-15% of the original cost of the boat.

A lot of cruises that traverse the Intracoastal Waterway can be booked by tourists who are at the Myrtle Beach for a vacation. Some of the famous boat cruises are the Lighthouse and Shelling Tour and The Plantation River Tour by Low Country Tours, the Riverboat Queen Mary II, casino cruises such as the Victori and Stardancer Casino Cruises and other cruising tours by Wallace Sailing Charters.

Low Country Tours offer two different and unique cruises from Georgetown. One is the Lighthouse and Shelling Tour which is perfect for nature lovers. This cruise will bring you around a barrier island where guests can enjoy and keep in touch with nature at its finest. Another is the Plantation River Tour which cruises the local rivers, allowing guests to see amazing views of historic homes and plantation sites. Private Charters are also available to those who wish to have the cruise all to themselves.

You can also enjoy a cruise in the day, during sunset or at night time with Queen Mary II’s cruises. It cruises the Intracoastal Waterway via the Riverboat Queen Mary II.

If you are on the other hand looking for some Vegas fun, casino cruises are perfect for you! Casino cruises such as the Stardancer Casino Cruise and the Victori Casino Cruise offer Las Vegas style gaming out beyond the limit! Stardancer Casino Cruise features casual dining and live entertainment while Victori Casino Cruise offers buffet style meals, a fun deck, live dealers and a daytime cruise.

To complete the list are the cruises offered by the Wallace Sailing Charters. Guests may choose which cruise to join, whether those that last half day or full day. It also offers overnight cruises for those who would like to stay in the cruise longer. This 40-foot yacht will bring you to deserted barrier islands to enjoy and at the same time explore. You will also have the chance to explore and observe old shipwreck sites and check out local marine life. You might also get to see different species of birds that inhabit the area, as well as marine beings like friendly dolphins and sea turtles.

In addition to all these, Wallace Sailing Charters also feature other activities the whole family will sure enjoy while they are on the cruise. Families will enjoy picnics and shelling as part of their cruising experience.

It’s not just the beach that you can enjoy when you are on a vacation to the Myrtle Beach. You can book cruises to islands where you can enjoy other activities such as shelling, viewing of marine life, picnic, and a whole lot more. Just make sure that when you get there, you have already done your research and as much as possible, have secured bookings to cruises you are to join. Planning and booking for cruises early on shall save you from any sort of hassle in the future and the risk of overspending. Take advantage of the available boat cruises in the Myrtle Beach and have fun!

Eleven hundred miles off the northeast coast of Miami, Florida lies the sub – tropical island of Bermuda. With its famous Pink Beaches and Blue – Green waters which are warmed by the Gulf Stream.

A mere two hour flight from Atlanta, Boston or New York Bermuda is known for its beaches and natural beauty. It has a number of corral reefs in clear shallow water which makes it an ideal vacation spot for scuba diving, snorkeling or just lying on the beach soaking up sun.

The Ultimate way to visit and enjoy Bermuda will be the cruise of a lifetime on a Private Charter Luxury Yacht, and for the next 3 to 5 days sail around the coastline in style. Board a luxury yacht on a Saturday afternoon and enjoy champagne cocktails, a dinner reception and after dinner drinks. Then moor (dock ) for the night at one of Bermudas many bays.

The next morning set sail and enjoy a full American, English or a Continental Breakfast. Or if you prefer, sleep – in and relax. All meals are prepared by a gourmet chef and dinners are 5 course meals.

These Luxury Yachts are equipped with a salon sitting area ( for relaxation ) Dining areas with Big Screen T.V. a home theater system, and a library with the latest DVD’s a P.C. with internet access.

If sun bathing is your choice try the Sun- Deck. Stateroom have individual room temperature controls and are large enough to move around freely and be comfortable, each has its own private shower and head (toilet ).

Booking a Private Yacht in Bermuda is by individuals staterooms and not the entire yacht. Five day charters are from Sunday to Thursday and are ALL Inclusive, and Inclusive includes EVERYTHING!!

From the excellent taste and presentation of the food, the drinks the snack the treatment EVERYTHING. ( except the tipping of the crew

There are three double suite staterooms, therefore couples are preferred over single guests. If you are flying into Bermuda arrangements can be made to have you picked up. Private Charter Yachts also offer a 3 day weekend getaway, with boarding anytime after 1p.m. on Friday and staying until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

With these 3 day packages the entire Yacht can be booked with a 4 person minimum. Couples who want to spend some private time together usually go for this option. Cost is a lot more reasonable than one would think, cost range from $750.00 (per person ) to $4200 (for the entire yacht for the weekend ).

Weather:

With Bermuda being a sub – tropical climate and warmed from the Gulf Stream the climate is Humid in the summertime and the Heat Index can be High.

Thins to Do and See:

Scuba Diving

Snorkeling

Carriage Rides ( reasonable and enjoyable )

Bicycles ( mode of transportation )

Scooters ( faster mode of transportation )

Kings Wharf at the Royal Naval Dockyards is a visitors dream with the art galleries, craft markets, museums restaurants and of course the shopping (expensive)

REMEMBER YOUR PASSPORT

Always watch for Cruise Specials you can get some GREAT DEALS

Let us start with the best and most simple offers of Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL): The weekend cruises. If you have had a tiresome week at work or just simply want to get away from it all then simply book yourself a ticket with NCL and head off to a lovely destination for a weekend cruise. We realize how tough life can get for our travelers and we wish to pamper them with our unadulterated and undivided attention. Our amenities offered show how good relaxation can be. With spa treatments, body massages and other beauty regimens, you are most likely to feel like a queen when you step out of the spa. A quick weekend get-away will not hurt at all. In fact it surely will help you relax and forget all the itsy bitsy things that get on your nerves. NCL will make sure that you forget that for the time being. Once you’re done with the weekend package, you are most likely to return home completely energized and ready to take all sorts of challenges.

Let any one of the NCL ships take you away for the weekend. This exclusive deal by NCL will win your heart. A simple weekend could be turned into such a lovely experience: We are sure you never knew that could happen. With this one or two day dinner and dancing weekend packages, the exclusive deal by NCL offers you the chance to save up and go out at the most affordable rate. NCL offers an array of options to pick from. In this concise guide, we will offer you the best information related to NCL deals and packages. Two travelers can never be alike; we believe in this self-created theory. Why? That is because monotony and boring amenities are easy to provide but not very enjoyable for the passengers. Every passenger has a distinct taste in food, entertainment and other activities. NCL takes much pride in offering each and every traveler his or her choice of amusement.

The One Nighters is one of the deals offered by NCL. You can book yourself a ticket in any one of the NCL ships and set off for a lovely journey to your preferred destination. Would you like to go to Miami for some sizzling fun and summer heat to beat? Or would you fancy setting foot on New York City and enjoying everything the Big Apple has to offer. Seattle also awaits you this weekend with its hustling city life. Vancouver, with its cold weather and pleasant breezes, would be more than happy to receive you as its guests. British Columbia would not be a bad option either for a quick get-away. These One Nighters cruises are available for one day only. But we can promise you one thing: That single day will be full of fun and amusement. You need not worry about the shortage of time. NCL knows how to handle it all.

Weekend getaways also provide two days off to your favorite destination. The only thing you have to do is get your stuff, book a ticket or reserve yourself a seat and step on board. You will be given royal treatment for the weekend. Is that not just a wonderful option to avail from? Two days of complete tranquil retreat from the cacophony of the world. NCL will make sure you take rest and enjoy every day of your stay. Life is hard but NCL wants to make it easy for you – even if it is for a few days only. Weekend cruises are offered to various destinations like the Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera and other points. Simply get your ticket and enjoy two days of complete bliss. It is possible with NCL.

St Lucia offers a good choice of yacht charter and includes bareboat yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter.

St Lucia was first visited by Europeans in about the year 1500 and first colonized successfully by France who signed a treaty with the native Caribs in 1660. Great Britain then took control of the island from 1663-1667 before going to war with France over it fourteen times. The British finally took complete control of the island in 1814. On February 22, 1979 St Lucia became an independent state of the Commonwealth of Nations. The island nation celebrates this every year with a public holiday.

St Lucia is a small, lush tropical island that is still relatively unknown. The twin Pitons soar over 200 feet from the sea and shelter the tropical rainforest below, they are located between Soufrière and Choiseul on the western side of the island. The diversity of white sand beaches and lush green mountainous terrain make the cruising ground of St Lucia a wonderful location for a yacht charter. St Lucia will enchants visitors with dramatic mountain scenery, tropical rain forests, waterfalls and secluded beaches. Further inland, the rain forests shelter wild orchids, giant ferns and birds of paradise. You can visit Soufriére, the world’s only drive-in volcano, or relax in the earth’s rejuvenating heat in the sulpher pools at Diamond Baths. Other tourist attractions include the Botanical Gardens and Pigeon Island National Park, which is home to Fort Rodney, an old British military base.

During the months of the summer winds in St Lucia prevail at 10 – 20 knots from the northeast. The winter will see 15 – 20 knots generally from the east. The trade winds are consistent and make a yacht charter at anytime of the year a pleasure.

The major airport on St Lucia is Hewanora International. It has daily flights from London and weekly Dusseldorf and the USA via Miami. US Dollars and the Euro are used. Major credit cards may be accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops. English is the official language and it is spoken widely throughout St Lucia

Marigot Bay offers a pristine and unspoiled landscape. You may recognize Marigot Bay from the 1960’s movie Dr. Doolittle. Although it has undergone significant changes since then, the beauty remains in tact. Marigot has 24/7 security and is a port of entry for the island. Located here are a first class resort and spa as well as many yacht charter companies. Opening onto the Caribbean sea, Marigot Bay is conveniently situated 20 minutes South of Castries, the Island’s Capital City, 45 minutes South of Pigeon Island National Park and 60 minutes North of the majestic Pitons.

Rodney Bay is a well protected lagoon and a good yacht anchorage. There are many opportunities for provisions, fuel and water, boat repairs and anything else a sailor could possible need. Even laundry drop-off service is available. Rodney Bay is also a customs checkpoint and the marina provides tie up for this purpose. The holding ground is not the best in the lagoon and many sailors have reported anchor dragging in the middle of the night. Some of the best beaches are located a just a short dinghy ride away. There is also a car rental agency for those who want to spend the day exploring interior St Lucia. Visit Pigeon Island National Park, which is home to Fort Rodney, an old British military base. Don’t miss the incredible Friday night “jump-up” at Gros Islet on Rodney Bay. The most popular local drink in St Lucia is Rum punch, also called “Rocket Fuel,” “Jungle Juice,” or “The Baby Maker.”

Vieux Fort is located in the most southern part of St Lucia. It is the second-largest town on the island and a popular anchorage for yacht charters. In recent years a new modern part of Vieux Fort has been erected, yet if you walk along Clark Street and its surrounding roads, you will still see what is known as “The Old Town”. On Fridays stroll through the open market where you can buy local goods such as fruits, ground provisions and spices. It also home to the largest fish market in St Lucia where you can buy some of the best and tastiest fish in the world, from coral fish to tuna.

One-way yacht charter options are available to Martinique, St Vincent and the Grenadines or Grenada. Check with your charter company for more details.

Diving: St Lucia’s warm clear waters and numerous spectacular reefs and marine life offer a perfect environment for both beginners and expert divers. Many hotels offer scuba diving facilities and snorkelling equipment and there are a number of independent dive centres offering short boat dives, night dives and a variety of scuba courses.