Every week here on CharterWave, we comb the worldwide yacht charter industry to find the 10 Best things in any given category.

September 1, 2008
10 Best Local Dishes to Eat in Popular Charter Destinations

Broker Sherry Yates of Yates Yachts has us drooling this week with no fewer than five recommendations from the southern Caribbean alone. First up is a dish called doubles that she discovered in Grenada: “A fellow cruiser gave us directions to a small, carry-out window where people were lined up out into the street for these tasty treats. They consist of a warm, puffy bara (lightly fried dough) that is folded over a filling of curried chana (chickpeas) sautéed with onions, garlic, and curry spices. A touch of hot sauce, and you’re in business.” 

Next on Sherry’s list is a roti known as the buss up shot: “It’s named because of the way it crumbles to resemble a busted up shirt. The fillings ranged from meat to chicken to goat, and we weren’t sure exactly what was in ours, but with enough hot sauce, they were all delicious.”

Third on Sherry’s list is lobster pizza: “I grew up on the Connecticut shore, and Grandpa had lobster pots in front of the summer house, and there was always a bountiful table for the extended family. Still, no one could have convinced me I’d one day eat a lobster pizza, but Mac’s on Bequia is the place I learned about this amazing meal.”

The fourth recommendation from Sherry is accra, which she learned about in the Grenadines: “Accra resembles conch fritters, but the ones we tasted were much lighter and made with saltfish. Served with hot pepper sauce, these make great appetizers.”

Last but not least on Sherry Yates’ must-eat list is shark n’ bake: “That’s what’s for lunch on a Sunday afternoon at Maracas Bay in Trinidad. This very popular beach is the family gathering place for swimming, partying, and dining on this relatively simply concoction of fried dough and seasoned fried fish. It is the condiments that make shark n’ bake so special. The beach is a parade of fish stands, each touting their finest accompaniments, including tamarind sauce, mango chutney, homemade mustards, and fiery hot sauces. My favorite stand offered spicy pickled onions. The fish was so fresh, and the flavors were heaven!”

Broker Rebecca Riley from Anything on the Water is also a fan of the shark n’ bake in Trinidad. As she describes it: “A bake is dough – dropped in grease and fried – it balloons up and then they use that as a bun  They take fresh shark, caught that morning, and deep fry that too. It gets put on the bake and served at roadside stands.  People drive an hour just for the sandwiches. “

The team at CharterWorld.com has three suggestions for great dishes to try while on charter. First is Bouillabaisse at L'Ane Rouge in Nice: You must order this dish 24 hours in advance.  It’s quite an event. The meal takes about four hours and includes around 12 different types of fish. “

CharterWorld.com’s brokers also like Kokoda for charters in Fiji: “This is the Fijian version of Cerviche, raw fish marinated overnight in coconut, lime and chili. It’s sensational!”
Last from the team at CharterWorld.com is conch anywhere in the Caribbean. As long as it’s fresh, it’ll be good.

Broker Jim Araiza from 1800Sailaway.com says the Scampi del Golfo is not to be missed when cruising northern Italian ports such as Portofino: “It’s broiled local lobster and scampi served with grilled vegetables. If you don't like lobster, substitute sea bass or catch of the day. The seafood comes in fresh every day, and the veggies are seasonal and grown locally.


August 25, 2008
10 Best Charter Yacht Dinghies

The team at International Yacht Collection loves the teak-decked, 31-foot Novurania that comes with the 146-foot motroryacht Balaju (see the photo below). It’s a good bit more stylish than the typical, rubber-and-plastic interiors that you often find on motoryacht tenders.

Brokers at The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals suggest four yachts for top-dollar dinghies. First up is the 143-foot motoryacht Starship, whose arsenal of water toys includes a 38-foot Intrepid that itself has triple 225-horsepower engines. If you’re looking for a fishing machine in addition to a luxury yacht, then this is a good one.

Also suggested by the Sacks team is the 172-foot motoryacht Big Eagle, whose tenders include a 32-foot Regulator with twin 300-horsepower engines. Again, for go-far, go-fast fishing, this type of boat is an excellent addition to the main yacht.

The 97-foot motoryacht Hooter Patrol IV tows a 37-foot tender with triple 275-horsepower engines (winters only) as well as carrying a 16-foot jet boat that’s great for getting anglers, scuba divers, and snorkelers through the shallowest of areas.

Last but not least from the Sacks team is the 130-foot motoryacht Arms Reach, whose owner is a fishing fanatic and thus offers a 31-foot tender and a 17-foot flats fishing boat as part of the charter package.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few favorite tenders of her own. First up is the 24-foot catamaran that the 153-foot motoryacht Argyll uses as a tender. The yacht is handicapped accessible, and so is that dinghy, which, because of its catamaran design, is able to accept a wheelchair straight off the larger yacht’s swim platform.

Kim also likes the flying dinghy that’s part of the water sports program onboard the 140-foot motoryacht Berzinc. It’s the only one she’s seen available as part of a charter package onboard a yacht of any size, anywhere in the world.

The 130-foot Lady Zelda has an owner who loves to fish, and thus offers a 31-foot tender decked out for angling in addition to the larger motoryacht.

If it’s classic style you want, then check out the wooden tender (one of many dinghy options) aboard the 295-foot motoryacht Lauren L. The owner spotted similar tenders being used as water taxis in Venice and, though less than a dozen are reportedly built each year, simply had to have one for his own yacht. The proper name for the day boat is Cantiere Motonantico Serenella, if you’re interested in trying to acquire one yourself.

Last on this week’s list of the best charter yacht tenders is the personal submarine onboard the 164-foot motoryacht Mine Games. She remains the only charter yacht in the world to offer such a tender as of this writing.


August 18, 2008
10 Best Owner-Operated Charter Yachts

Broker Rosemary Pavlatou of A1 Yacht Trade Consortium suggests the 56-foot sailing yacht Shibumi: “Alan and Sue Meredith have been sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean for more years than I care to remember. They know the area, they are some of the best hosts I can imagine, and Sue cooks wonderfully well. The philosophy of the yacht, explained to me by Alan, is to produce what clients want before they realize they even want it.”

Jim Araiza at 1800sailaway.com likes the 110-foot motoryacht Island Time: “If Red Bull energy drink had legs and arms, it would be named Peter Vasquez.  Peter owns and operates Island Time, based year-round in the Bahamas.  From creating theme parties on the beach to local island guided tours, Peter's endless enthusiasm for life and adventure is hypnotic and contagious!”


CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few favorites of her own. Mark and Sally Duncan (shown hamming it up in the photo at right) brought the 46-foot sailing catamaran Viking Dream into the British Virgin Islands charter market in late 2007 and dominated the region their first year aboard, doing a full 15 weeks of charter to rave reviews from brokers and clients.


The 47-foot sailing catamaran Tachyon entered the Virgin Islands charter market in the fall of 2006 and has had a great first two years of charter under the watch of owner-operators Eric and Jacque Stahl. They continue to invest in the boat, which is why brokers continue to book them.

Three Moons is a 72-foot sailing yacht in the Virgin Islands whose co-owner, Shelly Tucker, used to own a land-based spa. Thus, Three Moons is one of the only “small” charter yachts in the world where you can enjoy a manicure and pedicure in between snorkeling and swimming.

Vince and Linda Stracener bought the 72-foot sailing yacht Drumbeat nearly ten years ago, after running it for a couple of years as crew. They’re pretty well fully booked with repeat clients each season in the Virgin Islands, which says quite a lot about how well they run their charter program.

Belline II is one of those charter yachts that seems to win rave reviews from adult and child charter guests alike. Owner-operators Walter and Lela Wegmann are longtime players in the Virgin Islands charter market, and year after year, they continue to earn business aboard their 46-foot sailing catamaran from top brokers.

At 55 feet long, the Virgin Islands sailing catamaran Breanker is a yacht whose owner-operators, Marianne Rasmussen and Kristian Sondergaard, put a lot of elbow grease into fixing up as well as running. She’s not just a good charter yacht, but one that this couple worked hard to bring back from a previous uncharterable condition.

The 62-foot sailing yacht Zarik II is one of the only performance sailboats available for charter in Turkey. The Frenchwoman who has owned and operated yachts in those waters for years is among the favorites of brokers from the United States and Western Europe.

It’s hard to think of a 228-foot motoryacht as owner-operated, but Sherakhan is just that, with owner Jan Verkerk living aboard and serving as part of the crew. You’d never know he was the boat’s owner unless you asked him while he serves you champagne on a pristine beach!


August 11, 2008
10 Best Charter Itineraries for History Buffs

Broker Missy Johnston of Northrop and Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters has a few suggestions. First is a New England charter she calls “In the steps of a Patriot,” which can include dockage inside Connecticut’s Old Mystic Seaport, a historic setting unto itself. From there, you can visit historic Massachusetts towns including Boston, Salem, and Plymouth (see this article for a firsthand view from this type of charter).

Missy also suggests a charter up New York’s Hudson River, an area that was home to writer Washington Irving, who penned the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” You can visit that village as well as Irving’s home and museum, and make other river stops including homes owned by the Roosevelt family and the West Point military museum.

Last but not least, Missy says history buffs will enjoy a charter in Turkey. Your itinerary can include sites featured in the Bible for religious history, or a visit to sites that highlight ancient cultures such as Greek, Roman, and Lycian. The coast is along the ancient trading route, with many archaeological sites both seaside and on land, and the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is a must-see. 

The team at Virgin Island Sailing recommends the northern Caribbean island Statia (shown in the photo at right, which they supplied).  During its heyday in the 17th and 18th centuries, Statia welcomed more than 3,000 ships per year as the international  trading center for the western hemisphere.  During the 1960s and 1970s, the locals realized the cultural value of their heritage and decided to preserve it.  Today, you can explore everything from the restored 1629 Fort Oranje to the the remains of one of the oldest synagogues in the Caribbean (built in 1739). There also are an estimated 400 shipwrecks around Statia, many reachable for exploration by diving and snorkeling

Broker Rosemary Pavlatou of A1 Yacht Trade Consortium says any history buff would enjoy a charter in Turkey that includes the neighboring Greek Dodecanese Islands. Both are steeped in history, including Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. Hippocrates’ birthplace is here, along with and the first “‘hospital,” Medieval fortifications, and underwater archaeological museums.

Broker Diana Mares of Camper & Nicholsons International also suggests Turkey for charterers interested in history, but recommends an itinerary that includes the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, “the cradle of civilization.”

In Greece, Diana suggests that charter clients make an effort to move from temple to temple, working their way through the Greek mythology of Apollo, Diana, and Zeus.

For history buffs who also appreciate architecture, Diana suggests a charter around Italy’s Sicily island. As she puts it, “Where else can you find the convergence of Italian, French, Greek, Turkish and Moorish influences?”

Last but not least, Diana suggests a charter in either the Caribbean or along the United States East Coast, but only after reading James Michner’s Chesapeake so you can “see how strong of an influence the Caribbean islands had on the Americas.”

Finally on our 10 Best list this week, broker LeAnn  Morris Pliske of The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals suggests that history buffs charter in Italy’s Naples and the Amalfi Coast, including a visit to Pompeii. Much of the city was destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted, but the excavation of the remains since 1748 has unearthed a great deal of exceptional sites.

August 4, 2008
10 Best Charter Yachts for Scuba Diving

The team at CEO Expeditions says that the 120-foot motoryacht Kayana is has eight sets of dive gear, an onboard compressor, a crew member who is a dive master, and a 30-foot Boston Whaler tender for taking guests to the best reefs and rocks. This winter, the yacht will be in Mexico for any guests who want to dive in the Sea of Cortez.

Broker Ann Landry at Northrop and Johnson, along with the team from International Yacht Colleciton, told us they recommend the 135-foot motoryacht Atlantica, whose tenders include a 37-foot Intrepid center console for getting to all the best dive spots. There’s a dive instructor onboard, as well as a compressor for easy tank refills.

Barbara Stork, a broker at The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals, likes the 130-foot motoryacht Charisma for scuba diving. She says it tows a 29-foot Stamas tender for getting to the dive spots (and for fishing, if guests prefer that activity).

Barbara also recommends the 115-foot motoryacht Surprise for scuba diving in its home waters of Fiji. We here at CharterWave wholeheartedly agree, with editor Kim Kavin having experienced that yacht’s dive operation in the islands firsthand. The crew are outstanding.

Two reputable brokers—LeAnn Morris Pliske of The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals and Katie McPherson Wray of International Yacht Collection—recommend the 118-foot motoryacht Shalimar for scuba diving. Its owner and crew are so serious about the sport that there’s a Nitrox system onboard in addition to all the regular scuba gear you would expect.

Katie also likes the 116-foot motoryacht Muchos Mas for scuba diving. At least one crew member is a certified dive instructor, and the yacht carries all the gear and tanks that guests will need to enjoy safe, fun descents.

The charter management team at The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals suggest the 172-foot motoryacht Big Eagle, which has six sets of gear onboard for certified divers, as well as a Brownie’s Third Lung.

The Sacks Group team also recommends the 97-foot motoryacht Hooter Patrol IV, which carries scuba gear and tanks that guests can use for rendezvous diving that the crew will arrange with local companies wherever your charter takes place.

Broker Jim Arazia at 1800sailaway.com suggests the 48-foot sailing catamaran Belline II, which offers scuba during charters in the British Virgin Islands. “We often forget kids love diving as much as adults. Few yachts have dive gear for children, but Belline II is a wonderful exception. They've created a special 'Bubble Maker' dive program for children as young a 6. There's plenty of gear for the adults as well, and dive courses from basic to advanced. Two of the three crew members are certified dive instructors.”

Last but not least, CharterWave editor Kim Kavin recommends the 170-foot expedition motoryacht Latitude, whose crew took her diving this year off the west coast of Panama. The yacht carries multiple tenders, including a 43-foot powercatamaran that makes speeding to great dive sites and getting in and out of gear as comfortable as possible. The crew are well trained for diving, too, since the yacht’s owner enjoys the sport.

July 28, 2008
10 Best Books to Read During a Charter Vacation

1421. The subtitle of this book is “The year China discovered the World”—long before Christopher Columbus or Ferdinand Magellan. A master seaman uses historic charts and his knowledge of ocean winds and currents to retrace the course of a great Chinese fleet whose discoveries were all but formerly lost to history. Sure, you’re not mapping the world during your charter, but it’s nice to know just how much meaning an itinerary can have.

Devils on the Deep Blue Sea. This book will make you feel good about the fact that you chose private yacht charter over big cruise ships. It details “the dreams, schemes, and show-downs that built America’s cruise ship empires.” It’s good reading about not-always-so-good people.

A Voyage for Madmen. Author Peter Nichols recounts the effort of nine men to circumnavigate the globe in the age before GPS. As Publisher’s Weekly said, this book is “a riveting account of the triumphant human spirit.” And it will make you appreciate all those blinking gizmos in your charter yacht’s pilothouse.

Mediterranean Summer. If you want to know what life is like for your charter yacht crew, then this book by former yacht chef David Shalleck is a must-read. He takes you inside the galley to show how the other half lives (and, more to the point, works) while the rest of us are on deck partying.

The Ocean World. This classic by Jacques Cousteau is a photo-filled exploration of everything beneath your charter yacht’s waterline. Whether you want to know about ocean currents, fish species, or the health of coral reefs, this gorgeous, encyclopedic tome will not disappoint.

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage. Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 attempt to cross Antarctica ended with his boat being crushed in the ice—and his crew struggling to survive in the barren wasteland for months. This riveting account will make you appreciate not just what explorers went through onboard boats in days gone by, but also just how lucky you are to have a charter yacht with a hot tub.

National Audubon Society Field Guides. These books come in geographic sets and will help you identify every species of fish and coral that you see while snorkeling or scuba diving during your charter.

This Fine Piece of Water. If you are chartering in New England, then this book about Long Island Sound is a must-read. It’s written by a former environmental reporter about the effects that on-shore development have had on what was once a healthy, teeming-with-life cruising ground—and about what people everywhere can do to ensure that cruising grounds worldwide remain as pristine as possible.

Chapman Piloting and Seamanship. Should the boating bug catch you while you’re out chartering, then this “bible” of maritime rules-of-the-road will come in handy. You can learn about everything from nun cans to dead reckoning, and all that other stuff your charter yacht’s captain knows.

Dream Cruises: The Insider's Guide to Private Yacht Charter Vacations. Okay, so we’re pumping CharterWave’s own editor here, but if you find yourself thinking about your next charter before you finish your current one, then you’ll need Kim Kavin’s guide to getting the most for your yacht charter budget.


July 21, 2008
10 Best Tips for Chartering in Alaska

Charter broker Diana Mares from Camper & Nicholsons International suggests ending your charter in Glacier Park. “As with a good concert, you end on a high note!” She also says to remember your bathing suit. Alaska has many natural hot springs, so even if it’s cool outside you can slip into a natural hot spring and relax.

Broker Missy Johnston of Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters has several suggestions for Alaska charters. First is to book a charter yacht that visits Alaska each year, so the crew know the area well and can keep track of the wild and marine life movements throughout the summer—thus allowing you to see as much of the wildlife as possible. “Plus, these yachts that are based in Alaska summer after summer will have the necessary gear such as rain gear, heavy boots, fishing gear, sea kayaks, binoculars, and reference books.”

Johnston also suggests timing your charter based on what you want to see. “The charter time in Alaska is June through August, with some charters available at the end of May and some at the beginning of September. If seeing bears is a must, the better time is June as the bears tend to be along the shoreline fishing for dinner.  By August, the bears generally have moved up into the streams fishing for salmon.  Be sure to check as well for specific fishing months, too, since the seasons change throughout the summer.”

A third tip from Johnston is broadening your overall itinerary to include western Canada. “Many yachts located in Alaska for charter in the summer will accept a charter on the way up and the way back through lovely British Columbia, which is also an excellent charter location.”

Last but not least, Johnston says to pack well. “The weather in Alaska changes constantly throughout the day. It can be 50 degrees and raining and 80 degrees and sunny in the same day. Pack lots of thin layers to put on or take off, and good hiking boots for shore access. Swimsuits, sarongs and other beach wear can be left at home.”

Charter broker Ann-Wallis white says the same thing about layers. “The climate is a lot like Newport, Rhode Island. It’s hard to get comfortable with that dense humidity.   When I went the first time, it was the first time I ever had anything made of what was then called "polar fleece,” and it was the first time I ever noted any product so well suited to its job!”

Broker Michael Sawyer of Orca Yacht Charters suggests chartering the 72-foot motoryacht Advantage—which can be booked along with the owner’s two 34-foot tenders. That means you have not one yacht but three to entertain your charter party with exploring, fishing, sightseeing, or just relaxing, all at the same time if people’s interests differ.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few charter tips based on her own time spent cruising in Alaska. First: If you have the wherewithal to book a yacht with an outdoor hot tub, then go for it. There is no more amazing feeling than sitting on deck in a hot tub while surrounded by glaciers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, for sure.

Second tip from Kim: If you visit during the salmon spawning season, be sure to get onshore in wading boots. You can stand in rivers so full of salmon that you won’t be able to see your own feet. All the color and movement are reminiscent of an Impressionist painting, yet again another once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Last tip from Kim: If you go salmon fishing and take in a good-size catch, have your charter yacht’s crew send it to the local smoke house to be preserved. Candied and smoked salmon can be shipped back to your home freezer for you to enjoy for months to come. Boy they’re delicious!


July 14, 2008
10 Best Tips for Booking a Last-Minute Summer Charter

Broker Kathleen Mullen at (CharterWave sponsor) Regency Yacht Charters says it’s ideal to plan a last-minute charter seven to days out. “Any less makes it hard to get a boat in position. You will need to work with an experienced broker who knows you are serious, because last-minute bookings take much more broker work.”

Kathleen also recommends keeping your expectations realistic. “Yachts are not like a cruise ship where they have 20 rooms free, and adding two more people does not cost them anything more. For yachts, it is more cost effective to stay at the dock rather than drop their price by 40 percent to accommodate an unrealistic demand from a potential client.”

The team at CharterWorld.com says you should make sure you choose one dedicated yacht broker to work with. “If you contact five different brokers, this may actually be counterproductive to securing your ideal yacht.  Your inquiry may not be taken seriously by the few yachts available at last minute when the manager fields the same five inquiries from different sources.”

Broker Diana Mares at Camper & Nicholsons International suggests being flexible with your dates and the location. “If a client is flexible with their ports and willing to do a three-to-five-day charter, they can help with redelivering of a yacht that is between charters, perhaps exploring an area you always thought of, but never made it to. More owners are also willing to include a free day or two for a last-minute seven-day charter.”

Missy Johnston at Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters says the devil is in the details when it comes to last-minute charters. “The charter must be fully paid in cleared funds and contracted before boarding. Therefore, understand that finances must be settled quickly, generally by wire for cleared funds, and be prepared to receive and transact charter contracts.”

Missy also suggests having your preferences ready to discuss, to help the crew prepare the yacht to your standards on short notice. “Be prepared to provide food and  beverage interests and discuss itinerary and boarding interests. Providing full information for the crew with as much time ahead to prepare as possible helps for a more successful charter.”

Broker Sandy Carney of Sanderson Yachting says it’s important to be specific and honest about your preferred dates and number of guests. “By letting us know your exact requirements, we can save everyone time and only offer suitable yachts.”

Sandy also says it’s important that you make yourself available to the broker and yacht captain by phone and e-mail to answer questions quickly—faster than you otherwise might during a regular charter booking.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has two tips for booking last-minute summer charters. First, listen carefully to what your broker tells you about weather patterns in various locations. A reputable charter broker will know what’s happening weather-wise in popular destinations at the last minute.

Last, Kim suggests scanning the CharterWave Editor’s Blog for discount opportunities. As the summer presses on, yachts with remaining availability from New England to the Mediterranean tend to offer deals and options that were not promoted earlier in the season. We typically post a deal or two of this nature on the Editor’s Blog every week during the last few weeks when summer bookings are still possible.


July 7, 2008
10 Best Fuel-Efficient Charter Yachts

Broker Kathleen Mullen at Regency Yacht Charters (a CharterWave sponsor) recommends the 60-foot motoryacht Shining Star, which was built as a slow-cruising trawler-style yacht and thus burns less fuel than other motoryachts her size. She’s available for charter at an all-inclusive rate—which means that even if the price of fuel rises, your weekly fee will remain the same as when you booked your vacation.

Broker Tim Clark at Ocean Independence points out that the 233-foot Haida G still uses her original engines—from 1928—and they are still more efficient than the engines on most other yachts her size. One newly launched yacht of similar size, he says, burns about 110 gallons per hour at 12 knots, while Haida G burns just 66 gallons per hour at 11 knots.

The team at Neptune Group Yachting suggests the Fleming 55 motoryacht Fabiola II for saving money on fuel. She burns just 8 gallons per hour at 10 knots, and no more than 4 gallons per hour at a speed of 7 knots.

Sandy Carney, the broker who owns Sanderson Yachting, suggests the 65-foot sailing catamaran True North: “She’ll get guests wherever they are going in New England this summer fast and in comfort with minimal fuel usage.”

The team at CharterWorld.com suggests booking any sailing yacht instead of any motoryacht if you want to have fuel savings. In particular, though, the team recommends sailing catamarans, which are typically the most fuel efficient because they have no keel beneath the waterline (like traditional sailing yachts do) and have engines that are comparatively small and thus more fuel efficient. 

Broker Diana Mares at Camper & Nicholsons International agrees with that sentiment, saying that sailing yachts are ideal for saving money on diesel: “Pick any one and you have the most fuel-efficient charter!”

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin suggests the 240-foot Hanseatic Marine motoryacht Silver, whose Swiss owner is a friend of the environment and thus had her built with fuel efficiency in mind. She is light for her size and has an aerodynamic design that helps to reduce fuel consumption to just 130 gallons per hour at 18 knots.

Any expedition motoryacht is also likely to be fuel efficient, Kim says, as they are built to cruise some 4,000 to 6,000 miles at a time without refueling. There aren’t too many out there for charter, but look to builds like the 170-foot Latitude as an example. 

The skippered (but without full crew) 43-foot powercatamaran Cattitude, which charters in the Virgin Islands, claims to burn just 2 to 4 gallons of fuel at cruising speeds of 10 to 12 knots. That means a whole week in the islands can be done on less than 100 gallons of fuel--a nice savings, indeed.

Last but not least, Kim says, if you can’t find a fuel-efficient motoryacht, then you might consider booking one that uses biodiesel. That’s the case onboard the 100-foot Cristalex, whose entire charter program is designed to be environmentally friendly.

June 30, 2008
10 Best Tips for Chartering in the Western Mediterranean

Charter broker June Montagne of Northrop & Johnson recommends planning your charter vacation early.  July and August in the Western Mediterranean are as popular as the New Year week in the Caribbean.  To avoid disappointment and to have the best choices of yachts and crew, the earlier you can book, the better. 

Broker Ann-Wallis White, who owns an eponymous booking agency in Maryland, suggests avoiding the crows altogether and chartering during the months outside of July and August. “Even the busiest ports and most-visited towns are not crowded as early as Labor Day weekend. September is often the loveliest time to cruise, with milder water and air temperatures, and the crowds drop off like a cliff-face.”

Ann also suggests working with a reputable charter broker to find a yacht with a crew who know the out-of-the-way spots in the Western Med—and who are as eager as you are to go visit them.

Broker Ann E. McHorney of The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals also suggests doing your own thing. “Don't try to only focus on the biggest, most famous ports. Go to some of the smaller isles and villages. Take the Amalfi Coast by Naples and the neighboring Pontine Islands, for example. Of the islands, famous Capri is a must-see, but Ischia with the salt baths, historic Ventotine, and friendly, beautiful Procida and Ponza are really special. Along the coast, take time to linger in the square in Amalfi, walk the steps at Positano, and see Pompeii.”

Broker LeAnn Morris Pliske, also of The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals, urges her clients to try the local wines. “Sure, your favorite 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon can be purchased through a purveyor, but there are fantastic local French and Italian wines that can be bought at a fraction of the price, that can enhance your local experience.”

Pliske also recommends checking to make sure your charter yacht’s captain is staying on top of any local agent fees that are paid for fuel, provisions, and dockage. “Using agents is almost unavoidable, but the captain and your charter broker can scrutinize the bill to ensure that you are not overbilled.”

Jim Arazia of 1800Sailaway charters recommends attending a summer festival. “They’re a great way to experience European culture and enhance a yachting vacation. Many take place in small towns and villages, easily accessible by yacht, especially in Italy. They offer a great chance to sample regional food and celebrate life with the local residents.”

The team of brokers at CharterWorld.com offer three suggestions for chartering in the Western Mediterranean. First: Book your marina berths just as early as you book the charter yacht itself. Harbors like St. Tropez, Portofino, Porto Cervo, and Capri fill up fast.

Be aware that air travel around the Mediterranean can be time intensive and expensive. Consider this along with your charter yacht’s itinerary, and embark and disembark at towns with good airports.

Last from the folks at CharterWorld.com: Don’t try to cruise too far or have an itinerary that is too hectic. A charter is usually more enjoyable if there is a modest amount of cruising per day. And remember: You may need to make up time for bad weather.


June 23, 2008
10 Best Charter Itineraries for Hiking

The team at CEO Expeditions suggests a charter from Juneau to Sitka, Alaska. The itinerary includes several uninhabited islands where the hiking areas pass by waterfalls, salmon spawning streams (bring your fishing rod), hot springs, pristine lakes, and amazing wildlife. One highlight for hiking is Brothers Island, which has so many old-growth trees, the CEO team says, “it looks like it was the original home of the Ewoks from Star Wars.”

Broker Liz Howard at Fraser Yachts Worldwide says that any level of hiker will enjoy a charter along the western coast of Italy, including the Cinque Terre region and the section of mainland from Amalfi to Ravello. There is a mountain range that follows the coastline, she says, with about 13 refugios, or camping/dining lodges, along the way. They are rustic and gorgeous.

The team at The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals suggests a guided around Italy’s Stromboli volcano (while it is inactive, of course). Unguided tours are also an option if you’re a more adventurous charterer, and can include an overnight stay in a sleeping bag.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has done some terrific hiking during charters all over the world. One of her favorite spots is Marlborough, New Zealand, which is known the world over for its wines, but also has beautiful trails—called “tracks” in this part of the world—that run along the coast. Your yacht can drop you off at one end, then meet you at the other so you never have to retrace your steps.

Another great hiking charter location is the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest, between Seattle and Vancouver. Some of the islands, such as Sucia, are dotted with picnic tables along the beaches so that you’ll have a place to enjoy a scenic lunch and swim after a day of hiking through the woods.

Acadia National Park is easily accessible during a charter in Maine, whether your yacht stops in Bar Harbor, Southeast Harbor, or Northeast Harbor. The park includes the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast of the United States.

If you charter in the New York City area, you can cruise up the Hudson River to Bear Mountain State Park, which has a dock for small craft (including your charter yacht’s dinghy). Harriman State Park is nearby, as well, allowing for several days’ worth of hiking in the region if the mood strikes you.

Menorca is arguably the most pristine of Spain’s Balearic Isles, offering a beautiful landscape for nature walks with sparkling views of the sea.

The Burgundy River in France is a place where you can find charter barges, as opposed to yachts. There is a path along the canal that is flat, making for excellent “fast walk” hiking or even bicycle riding.

Last but not least, the Greek Isles aren’t known for the hiking paths, but they are well known for their tall, winding stone staircases that lead from virtually every harbor up to the mountainsides where local residents dwell. It’s not hiking, per se, but you’ll get a fantastic burn in your thighs nonetheless!

June 16, 2008
10 Best Charter Yacht Sundecks

The team at Edmiston & Company loves the sundeck onboard the 193-foot motoryacht Outback—whose owner made the sundeck nearly half the length of the entire yacht. The teak almost looks like a sandy beach, there’s so much of it.

Edmiston & Company’s brokers also recommend the 201-foot motoryacht Absinthe, whose helipad (previously used to ferry snow worshipers for heliskiing in Alaska) is being converted into a sunbathing area with large mattresses and umbrellas that will be a welcome addition in her new Mediterranean cruising ground.

Last but not least from the Edmiston team is the 163-foot motoryacht My Alibi, whose sundeck is not only great for ray worshipers, but also a full dining area for al fresco meals as well as a nicely outfitted gymnasium for working off the calories.

The folks at Robert J. Cury & Associates love the sundeck onboard the 147-foot motoryacht Aquasition, which has a hot tub, plentiful seating, a wet bar, and a barbecue.

Brokers at The Marine Group love the sundeck aboard the 154-foot motoryacht Ohana, which has two U-shaped teak bars with a total of 12 bar chairs for ultimate cocktail parties. There’s also a hot tub and sunbathing areas, for pre- and post-party relaxation.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few favorites of her own. First up is the 173-foot motoryacht Elisabeth F, whose proper sundeck is actually quite small, but whose bridge deck sunning area is connected to the interior sky lounge by a wall that is completely removable, thus creating a truly superb indoor-outdoor party venue.

Kim also likes the sundeck onboard the 146-foot motoryacht Party Girl, which is the only charter yacht we here at CharterWave know of that has a sundeck cocktail table that converts to a granite dance platform.

Another charter motoryacht with a great sundeck is the 233-foot Haida G, a classic build whose top deck is so private, you can host a party for 50 people without anyone at the dock realizing they’re missing the fun.

The 173-foot motoryacht Latinou has a lovely sundeck that’s accessible via a glass elevator that bursts right through her top level, a unique design feature as far as charter yachts go.

Last but not least is the 170-foot motoryacht Midlandia, whose hot tub is surrounded by sunpads so big and inviting, they’re practically a playpen for bikini-clad adults (see the photo above).

June 9, 2008
10 Best Charter Yacht Master Suites

The team at Edmiston & Company offers a few suggestions this week. First up is 178-foot sailing yacht Tiara, whose master suite extends the full width of the yacht, is filled with leather and plush fabrics, and has a huge bathroom with spa-quality shower.

Second from Edmiston’s brokers is the 173-foot sailing yacht Drumbeat. She, too, has a full-width master stateroom with a separate seating area and a top-notch entertainment system.

The folks at Northrop & Johnson are keen on the master stateroom aboard the 145-foot motoryacht Aghassi. It’s all the way forward on the yacht’s main deck, offering spectacular views. Plus, there’s a private office for any work that needs doing, along with his-and-her walk-in closets—and “hers” has its very own personal washer and dryer for unmentionables.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has more than a few favorites of her own. First up is the 177-foot motoryacht Maraya, whose private master suite balcony drops out of the side of the yacht the way hydraulic swim platforms lower onboard other motoryachts. Incredibly cool.

The master suite onboard the 156-foot motoryacht Azzura II has several rows of windows that climb straight up the walls and into the ceiling (see photo at right). Talk about a view: You can stargaze from the king-size bed.

Lady Sheridan (the new 190-footer, not her predecessor by the same name) not only has a stunning master suite, but also a “quiet cabin” adjacent to it for anyone who is a light sleeper and needs an absolutely silent area of their own.

The 168-foot motoryacht Lazy Z has a two-level master suite, so anyone dressing or using the bathroom area will have privacy from a companion sleeping in the bed or watching television.

Also with a split-level master suite is the 164-foot motoryacht Mine Games. This suite pushes the bed all the way forward on the main deck, offering terrific views of the outdoors, while allowing for a sitting area and office with terrific privacy a few steps down.

The 230-foot motoryacht Reverie devotes an entire deck to the master accommodations. It’s called the owner’s deck, and it includes three cabins in case you want to keep staff, small children, or good friends close by. There’s also a private sundeck with hot tub, as well as a private saloon with flat-screen TVs for leisurely rainy-morning movie watching.

Last but not least, the 83-foot Unforgettable has a lower-deck master suite with a picture window that is massive for the boat’s size. It makes you feel more like you’re in a master suite onboard a 100-footer (for a fraction of the charter rate).


June 2, 2008
10 Best Tips for Chartering in New England

Broker June Montagne of Northrop & Johnson in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers two tips. The first is to plan early to ensure not only the best yacht, but also dockage in your favorite ports of call. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, in particular, get booked up very early in the year.

June also says you should expect dockage at prime locations such as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket to be expensive, with extra expenses along the way for things such as gratuities for the dock masters and help at the marinas. 

Missy Johnston of Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters in Newport, Rhode Island, has a few tips of her own. First: Be sure to ask for a New England lobster bake or boil, either onboard or onshore. You’ll enjoy local lobster, clams, mussels, corn on the cob, sweet and white potatoes, and some include onions and the Portugese sausage Chourize. Shoreside bakes are done in the sand in a fire pit on heated stones, all layered and topped with seaweed.  The boils are layered in as well, and cooked in clean ocean water with layers of seaweed. 

Missy also suggests keeping time in your itinerary for exploring the quaint fishing villages on islands such as Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.  New England is chock-a-block with of Colonial history, architecture and museums, including a living museum of a Colonial seaport at Old Mystic Village in Connecticut.  If dockage reservations are made early enough, you can dock right inside Old Mystic Village, surrounded in a Colonial time capsule, while enjoying the modern amenities of your yacht. 

Last but not least, Missy urges putting time aside for whale watching. While whales are a wild mammal and migrate where ever they choose, there are certain areas off the tip of New York’s Long Island and Massachusetts’ Cape Cod where whales like to congregate in the summer with their baby whales, called calves. Watching them in close proximity from your yacht is a true experience. 

Jim Arazia at Sailaway Yacht Charter Consultants recommends exploring New England’s coastal wine trail. It’s along the Sakonnet River in Rhode Island and is a good alternative for anyone who has already done the tour of mansions in Newport. The driving trail winds through the heart of the southeastern New England wine-growing appellation and features five estate wineries.  At least one or two wineries offer jazz every Saturday from Memorial Day through October. 

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few suggestions of her own. For starters, if you’re chartering with kids, consider turning your vacation into an American history experience. You can spend an entire week in and around Boston, Massachusetts, visiting everything from a replica of the Mayflower (see photo at right) at Plymouth Rock to a museum highlighting the era of the Salem Witch Trials.

Another option in New England is to get off the coast altogether, going inland along waterways such as the Portland River in Maine. It’s especially scenic during the fall landscape changeover, when leaves turn gorgeous oranges, reds, and yellows.

One must-see event for music lovers is the Newport Jazz Festival, held every August on the shore of the harbor in that Rhode Island city. You can hear the music from your charter yacht if you get a prime mooring, and it’s a piece of cake to take your dinghy in for all the fun onshore—without all the hassle of road traffic.

Last but not least—especially for charters who appreciate maritime history—Kim recommends a stop at the International Yacht Restoration School (aka IYRS) in Newport, Rhode Island. Admission is free, and you’ll get to see a lot of yachting’s past in living color. This summer, for instance, the school is working on an 1885 schooner sailing yacht called Coronet.


May 26, 2008
10 Best Gyms Onboard Charter Yachts

Tim Nelson at Seven Seas Yacht Charters says it’s hard to beat the workout and post-gym experience onboard the 204-foot motoryacht Force Blue. “In addition to a large and well-equipped gym, after your workout you could use the steam room, jet bath, spa, and then of course you could end the whole process with a movie in your own private movie theater!"

Barbara Stork at The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals tells her workout-ready clients to consider motoryachts such as the 157-foot Lady Joy and the 269-foot Alfa Nero, both of which carry a Power Plate onboard. “It was originally designed for the Russian space team. You can do free weights, yoga, pilates, massage and more on the plate. It increases bone density, fights cellulite, and increases your circulation. Only 20 minutes a day, three times a week.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin was impressed with the new gym that was part of the refit onboard the 295-foot motoryacht Lauren L. It’s on the same deck as the oversized, teak-encased hot tub, so you can get a good soak after your workout.

The 289-foot sailing yacht Maltese Falcon has a full gym adjacent to the master stateroom, so if you’re the primary charter client, you can get a good sweat going without ever having to leave your suite.

Onboard the 228-foot Sherakhan, the gym is in the same area as a cold-water dip pool and sauna, so you can cool down or heat up your body’s temperature before or after a workout on the elliptical.

The 141-foot Emerald Star has an air-conditioned gym all the way aft on the bottom deck, directly across from the yacht’s drop-down swim platform. You can literally step off the treadmill, then off the boat for a cool-down swim.

Reverie, a 230-foot motoryacht, not only has a gymnasium but also a full-service hair salon onboard, so you can have your ’do fixed up post-workout.

Onboard the 280-foot motoryacht Alysia, you can combine your workout with a massage in the yacht’s full-service relaxation area.

The 205-foot motoryacht Apogee has a glass-enclosed, air-conditioned gymnasium on her top deck, so you can enjoy a view of the yacht’s surroundings while pumping iron or walking on the treadmill.

Last but not least, the 245-foot motoryacht Leander has not only a gym, but also a counter-current swimming pool. So if the actual current around the yacht is too strong for a swim, you can do your “laps” right there on the boat.


May 19, 2008
10 Best Charter Itineraries for Golfers

Broker Diana Mares-Brody at Camper & Nicholsons International has four recommendations. First up is chartering in Anguilla, where the Greg Norman-designed Temenos Golf Club is the first and only golf course on the island.

Farther south in the Caribbean, Diana suggests charters near the small island of Canouan, where there is a Jim Fazio-designed golf course owned and operated by Trump International.

Along the East Coast of the United States, Diana says there is a good itinerary for golfers who begin their charters in Miami, Florida, and head north. Indian Creek Golf Club has a par-72 course, as do Seminole Golf Club and The Bear’s Club.

Up the East Coast, Diana recommends playing at the famed Augusta National Golf Club before picking up your charter yacht in Savannah, Georgia, for an Intracoastal Waterway cruise.

Daphne d’Offay at Chamberlain Yachts International recommends the Lemuria Resort Golf Course in Praslin, in the Seychelles Islands. It’s a par 70 with a view that Daphne says can’t be beat.

Missy Johnston of Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters says a good itinerary for golfers runs from Jacksonville, in northern Florida, up the U.S. East Coast to Savannah, Georgia. Hilton Head Island and its various golf courses can be as big of a part of this itinerary as you’d like.

Missy also recommends golf charters in Nova Scotia, particularly Cape Breton,  including the Bras d’Or Lakes, which is home to a number of Canada’s best courses.  Highland Links is surrounded on three sides by water—talk about a great view from the tee! 

The team at Fraser Yachts Worldwide says golfers can’t beat the Cote d’Azur, whose best golf courses include Royal Mougins and the Monte Carlo Golf Club.

At The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals, golfers are urged to try a charter in the Bahamas, where Paradise Island and Great Exuma Island both have golf courses to play.

Sexy sells. The 150-foot, express-style Palmer Johnson motoryacht Hokulani, part of the International Yacht Collection fleet, made her European premiere with a brand-new crew who have never before chartered. Even still, her Batman-esque champagne gold hull with black accents and top speed of 29 knots have her already fully booked for July and August in the Mediterreanean.

Motoryachts can be eco-friendly. The 100-foot Azimut Cristalex, part of the Ocean Independence fleet, has organic sheets onboard, uses as many bio-friendly supplies as the crew can find, and even cruises on biofuel when it's available in the local marinas.

The great glass elevator is real. Remember the scene in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" where the great glass elevator busts through the factory's roof and flies out over the town with Willy Wonka and young Charlie inside? There's a similar-looking glass elevator that busts right through the sundeck on the brand-new, 173-foot Benetti Latinou, part of the fleet at Fraser Yachts Worldwide. The elevator (see photo at right) runs from the sundeck straight down five decks to a massage room.

Carnival rides rule. The 295-foot-high mast onboard the sailing yacht Mirabella V, part of the MIrabella fleet, is the tallest in the world, and her crew gave rides halfway to the top in the crow's nest "basket" that lets them work the sails. Talk about a great view! No wonder charter guests love it for events such as the Monaco Grand Prix.

Private balconies are all the rage. As evidenced by the new, 177-foot CRN Maraya, part of the fleet at Camper & Nicholsons International, private balconies that open into the fresh air from secluded master staterooms are becoming a must-have feature on the newest charter motoryachts.

Big ain't big enough. Liveras Yachts, which was promoting the recently extended 295-foot motoryacht Lauren L at the Genoa show, announced plans for a soon-to-be-built pair of sisterships that will each be a whopping 354 feet long, taking somewhere from 28 to 40 guests apiece.

Charter continues to go global. There was a company in Genoa promoting the 157-foot expedition motoryacht Hanse Explorer, which is going to do its first yacht-style charter soon in the wilds of Antarctica.

Everyday dinghies can get wild. The 140-foot motoryacht Berzinc, part of the Ocean Independence fleet,  has turned its water-skiing dinghy into a contraption the crew calls a "flying dinghy," complete with an airboat-style propulsion system and a hanglider-style sail.

Classic is cool. The stunningly restored 233-foot Haida G, originally built in 1929 and now part of teh Ocean Independence fleet, is operating for charter with the world's oldest working diesels on a commercial vessel. They're the original engines, and yes, they still function quite well as the boat's propulsion system.

Tea parties can be super. The 155-foot sailing yacht MITseaAAH, part of the Burgess Yachts fleet, hosted a rollicking fun tea party during which the crew, dressed as everyone from Superman to Wonder Woman, passed out spectacularly sweet treats along with properly chilled raspberry tea.

May 5, 2008
10 Best Charter Yachts for Marine History Buffs

Broker Patricia Saks at Fraser Yachts Worldwide suggests the 120-foot motoryacht Pacific Yellowfin, which was originally built as a coastal freighter for the U.S. Army during World War II. She’s been everything from a from spy ship to a research vessel and was painstakingly refit in 2003 to incorporate all the amenities of a luxury charter yacht. 

Pat also is a fan of the 193-foot motoryacht Seawolf, which was originally launched in 1957. She was converted to a yacht in 2002 and now takes 12 guests with 15 crew.

The team at The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals like the 121-foot Benetti motoryacht Quivira, which launched in 1979. She still has a dark, rich interior of mahogany, giving her the kind of gentlemen’s club ambience that is hard to come boy on today’s newer launches.

Brokers at Edmiston & Company recommend the 149-foot motoryacht Eden (previously known as Fulmara). She originally launched in 1930 and was refit in 1992 to update her systems for charter.

The brokers at Chamberlain Yachts International are fans of the 114-foot motoryacht Polycarpus, which began life as a river tug boat in 1949. Her refit just after the turn of this decade was more of a complete gutting and rebuild, leaving her interior as comfortably elegant as any newer design (see the photo at right).

Broker Tim Clark at Ocean Independence suggests the 218-foot sailing yacht Haida G. She launched in 1929 and underwent a refit in 2005 with an eye toward pleasing charter guests.

Broker Fiona Maureso at Peter Insull’s says: “You cannot run your feature on the 10 Best Charter Yachts for Marine History Buffs without including the 258-foot steamship Delphine! Built for Horace Dodge in 1921, she had a fascinating and sometimes tragic history before being lovingly and painstakingly restored by a European art historian from 1998 to 2003.“

Over at The Shipyard Group, the brokers recommend the 61-foot Trumpy motoryacht Sea Tabby. She was built in 1938 and then rebuilt entirely from 1999 to 2003 to include all the modern amenities charterers require, including stabilizers.

Broker Diana Mares at Camper & Nicholsons International is a fan of the 85-foot sailing yacht Romola, which originally launched in 1903 as an Edwardian gentleman’s yacht. One of her former owners was the commodore of Britain’s Royal Yacht Squadron, who would no doubt appreciate the care that went into Romola’s recent restoration.

Diana also suggests the 151-foot sailing yacht Lulworth, a 1920 launch that once competed in races against legendary sailing yachts including Shamrock V and Britannia. (Lulworth beat Shamrock V—several times.) Lulworth was refit in 2006 with special attention paid to maintaining her traditional good looks.

April 28, 2008
10 Best Charter Yacht Chefs in the British Virgin Islands

Broker Ann-Wallis White—one of the original charter yacht culinary competition judges from years ago—responded to our inquiry about favorite BVI yacht chefs with nearly an entire Top 10 list of her own.

First up is Sarah Munro on the 67-foot catamaran Marmot. “She is absolutely wonderful.  We have guests who have chartered much bigger boats and still rave about Sarah's cooking. These are people who have chartered 20 times, and who dine well daily. She’s a Paris-trained chef who lives in France when they are off charter.”

Ann also likes chef Margaret onboard the 71-foot sailing yacht Elinda. “She first learned to cook in Sardinia, for an Italian prince or count they were working for, and is gifted. She does a fusion of Asian,  Italian, and Australian. We have one client, a doctor, who swoons over her rack of lamb.”

Also on Ann’s list of favorites is chef Ronnie aboard the 76-foot catamaran Akasha: “So many of the VI cooks are best described as dinner-party cooking, but hers is just lighter and well presented. We recently had clients aboard for a 70th birthday party—clients who have been with us since their 40th birthday party and travel frequently onboard much larger yachts, including Feadships—and they loved it so much they are going back for birthday 71!”

Not to be outdone, Ann says, is chef Ann Hasted onboard the 45-foot sailing yacht Corus: “She is Cordon Bleu trained and used to cook in an elegant country hotel in England. I recently put a longtime client aboard who used to own a 65-foot yacht whose own chef won the first industry cooking contest, and he raved about Ann’s classic cooking.”

Ann also recommends chef K.C. Clements onboard the 63-foot sailing yacht Stenella: “We have very demanding—I mean discerning—clients who told us that 23 out of their 24 meals onboard Stenella were right on the money.  These are clients who were not very impressed with a 130-foot motoryacht in Mediterranean.” 

Also in the BVI, Ann has heard good things about chef Marianne Rasmussen onboard the 55-foot catamaran Breanker: “She has a good spice rack, good knives, everything is always fresh, and there is always the smell of baking.”

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few favorite BVI charter yacht chefs of her own. First up is Emily Williams onboard the 47-foot catamaran Swish. Williams took home the grand prize at the most recent Virgin Islands cooking competition, and Kim loves any chef who keeps top-quality European chocolates onboard.

Kim also likes chef Lori Cady, who works half-year on, half-year off the 58-foot catamaran Sabore. Lori is great not just because she cooks well, but also because she has written an extensive cookbook for charter guests to take home and enjoy on their own.

That’s also true of chef Shelly Tucker onboard the 72-foot sailing yacht Three Moons, which is based in the U.S. Virgin Islands but charters in the BVIs. Shelly’s cookbook is a hard-cover featuring recipes that her charter guests enjoy, as well as those that have won her awards during cooking competitions.

Last but not least on Kim’s personal list of Virgin Islands charter yacht chefs is Sally Duncan onboard the 47-foot Viking Dream. “I haven’t personally tried her cooking,” Kim says, “but she wowed some of the hardest-nosed brokers I know during a recent day cruise in the BVI. All I heard about for days on end was Sally’s fresh fish terrine. I can’t wait to try it myself.”

Broker Diana Mares-Brody at the Palm Beach, Florida, office of Camper & Nicholsons International offers a few tips for Eastern Med charters. First is to book your charter for September or October: “That’s the best time of the year to charter there, the most inventory of yachts, light winds, warmer water, and less tourists.”

Diana also says charter guests should be open to a gulet charter in Turkey: “They are roomy, and the service is excellent. I recommend that you hire a guide for all or part of your trip.”

Last but not least from Diana: “Don’t forget to take the day before a charter in Turkey to rest and explore Istanbul and fly down to Ephesus. From there, it’s only a three-hour drive to Bodrum, where many charters begin or end.”

Maryland-based broker Ann-Wallis White, who has been booking charters on the Aegean Coast in Turkey since 1979, suggests booking a yacht like the 62-foot Zarik II: “This is one of the best bets in Aegean Turkey for many reasons. I have worked with the owners, Ghislaine and Mus, for more than 25 years. The rates and terms on the boat are perfect for Americans.”

Ann, like Diana above, also suggests chartering in September or October, as well as between mid-May and June to avoid the crowds: “The water is warmer in September and October, but people who enjoy cooler temperatures and blooming flowers will love Turkey in the spring.”

She also says to consider doing a charter longer than one week: “Give yourself plenty of time. One can barely scrape by in 10 days.”

Broker Ann E. McHorney of Select Yachts suggests working with a broker who has strong contacts in the region, be it Greece or Turkey, so that you will have local assistance if you need it during your charter.

She also says it will really pay off if you learn a few words in the native tongue of whichever nation you visit during your charter. “It brings a smile to everyone’s face.”

Broker Missy Johnston of Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters suggests paying special attention to historical and archaeological opportunities: Take a moment or two before your charter to research and ask about possible sites to visit in the area where you are cruising. Often, if organized in advance, private, local, English-speaking guides can be arranged to really enhance the visit and learn the history of the area. If there are historic or archaeological sites that you might want to see that are not part of the cruising area, it is usually easy to arrange a side trip or a visit before or after the charter.  For instance, to see Ephesus in Turkey, you may want to fly from Istanbul before the charter to Izmir, be met by an arranged private guide and driver, and taken for a tour of Ephesus, the new terrace house excavation and the House of the Virgin Mary. You can then driven on in the same day to your port of embarkation for an evening boarding on your charter yacht.

CharterWave Editor Kim Kavin has one last tip of her own, having chartered several times in Greece and Turkey over the years: Be adventurous in what you eat. The locals in the western Greek islands, for instance, love grilled octopus and tiny, fried fish that you pop into your mouth whole, heads and all. It may sound unusual, but it’s quite tasty.


Monday, April 07, 2008
10 Best Yachts for Easy Water Access

Broker Louise Dailey of Jubilee Yacht Charters says: “I can't think of a better yacht for easy water access than Stenella. For a 60-foot sailing yacht, ease of entry to a dinghy or to the sea for swimming rivals a large motoryacht.  A section of the aft deck opens to real stairs that provide stable access. We have had charter guests in their 70s and 80s who maneuvered them with ease.”

Broker Diana Mares of Camper & Nicholsons International likes the 177-foot sailing yacht Parsifal III for easy water access. The yacht has a hydraulic swim platform that lowers at the touch of a button.

The team at Edmiston & Company suggest the 178-foot sailing yacht Tiara, which has stairs that lead from her aft deck to a fold-out “beach” where guests can board the tender, take a swim, or play with the yacht’s water toys.

From the European office of Camper & Nicholsons International comes two suggestions: the 177-foot motoryacht Maraya, and the 183-foot sailing yacht Selene. They offer different types of water access, but in both cases make taking a swim easy.

Broker June Montagne at Northrop & Johnson and broker Ann E. McHorney of Select Charter Yachts both suggest the 120-foot motoryacht Paladin, which has a drop-down swim platform that converts to a virtual wading pool about two feet beneath the water’s surface. (See the photo at right.)

Broker Jim Arazia at SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants suggests the 134-foot go-fast motoryacht Dragon, which has large, teak steps leading down both sides of her aft deck to a wide swim platform.

CharterWave Editor Kim Kavin likes the 52-foot powercatamaran Phoenix, which, like virtually all catamarans, has two sets of steps leading down both sides of the yacht to the water’s edge.
 
Kim also likes the 141-foot motoryacht Emerald Star, whose fold-down swim deck is directly across from an air-conditioned gymnasium. That’s not just easy water access, but conveniently located water access for a post-workout swim.

Last but not least, for easy water access of a different kind, Kim likes the 173-foot motoryacht Elisabeth F. She has a proper diving board on her bridge deck, making an exciting leap into the crystal blue beyond as easy as can be.

Charter broker Nicolas Benazeth at Yachting Partners International likes the Molokini ClearBlue Hawaii transparent kayaks onboard the 126-foot motoryacht Gladius. “Being able to see the world underneath as you glide over the water is a surreal experience giving an unimaginable insight into the mysterious wonders that lurk beneath the surface,” he says. That’s especially true in Turkey, where Gladius will be chartering this summer—and kayakers will be able to see archaeological ruins beneath them as they kayak around.

The team at Edmiston & Company says the 173-foot sailing yacht Drumbeat has two brand-new Topaz Race X sailing dinghies for anyone who wants to take the helm themselves. The yacht also carries a windsurfer, two sea kayaks, and two underwater Seadoo scooters.

Daphne D’Offay at Chamberlain Conboy International likes the 120-foot motoryacht Silent World for water toys, which include a 30-foot Intrepid center console boat, a 20-foot Caribe tender, two Wave Runners, two mountain bikes, two kayaks, and two underwater scooters.

Charter broker Tim Nelson at Seven Seas Yacht Charters points out that the 164-foot motoryacht Mine Games will begin offering a private submarine for guests this summer in the Mediterranean. The two-person submersible is certified to take guests as deep as 1,000 feet below sea level.

CharterWave Editor Kim Kavin has a few favorite charter yacht water toys of her own. First up is the 65-foot sailing trimaran Promenade, which carries what can only be described as a floating social pit. It’s an inflatable ring of chairs with cup holders that is perfect for a relaxed cocktail hour.

The 50-foot sailing catamaran Sea Chateau has a hammock-style chair that you can sit in while dangling above the water—and then jump off when you need a refreshing swim.

The 76-foot sailing catamaran Akasha offers its guests a unique above-water toy: a Bladerunner 35 high-performance powercat that zooms around the Virgin Islands as fast as 75 miles per hour.

If you want to combine your in-water fun with off-road excitement, then check out the land-sea ATV that the 82-foot motoryacht Twisted carries in its dinghy garage.

The 120-foot motoryacht Paladin has a swim platform that doubles as a water toy of its own. It drops down hydraulically to about two feet underwater, so it becomes, in essence, a lounging pool attached to the waters around the yacht.

Last but not least, the 173-foot motoryacht Elisabeth F has a water toy a full two decks above the water: a diving platform on the yacht’s sundeck. Talk about a fantastic way to get into the water and have fun!


Monday, March 17, 2008
10 Best Reasons to Charter a Yacht Instead of Booking a Cruise Ship Cabin

You get to cruise without the crowds. Charter yachts go to quiet coves and beaches where cruise ships simply cannot fit, so you are never just one person among thousands. It's you and your family or friends, and nobody else.

A private chef creates a menu just for you, based on your personal tastes. No more "Mexican Night" bean mix if you don't want it!

Most water sports are free onbaord charter yachts, with everything from snorkeling to water skiing to Wave Runners built into the price of your vacation. Using the boat's equipment is not an extra cost, as it is on cruise ships.

You can change your itinerary every day, if you wish. There is no fixed route. If you like a place, you can stay. If you want to make an adjustment because of weather, that's fine too.

Charter yachts are safer than cruise ships. Period. (See our Special Report for more.)

The cabins onboard charter yachts are typically nicer--and often much larger--than those on cruise ships. Think mahogany versus plastic, and you'll get the idea.

Charter yachts are more environmentally friendly than cruise ships. Waaaay more environmentally friendly, actually. (See our Special Report for more.)

Free drinks! On some charter yachts, weekly rates are all-inclusive--and yes, that means ship's bar, typically with wine and beer.

No 5 a.m. wake-up calls on the last day of your vacation. Cruise ships do same-day turnarounds, forcing you off the ship early in the morning to make room for the next group of passengers. Charter yachts typically operate on your schedule, instead, so you can enjoy a good night's rest on your last day of vacation.

Charter is simply a better vacation for the money. And onboard yachts up to about 80 feet long--including those with crew--you often will pay the same amount per person for a charter yacht as you would for a cruise ship cabin.


Monday, March 10, 2008
10 Best Charter Itineraries for Great Snorkeling

Broker Missy Johnston of Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters sent us four great suggestions for itineraries that snorkelers will love:

First up is Belize, home to three of the four atoll island formations found in the Atlantic and Caribbean Seas, including Lighthouse Reef with the Blue Hole made famous by Jacque Cousteau.  While the Blue Hole is a dive rather than snorkel site, the Blue Hole is part of an shallow reef formation with extensive coral formations and marine life.  Closer inshore are additional reefs with coral formations and lots of marine life. 

In French Polynesia, the Society Islands are a series of volcanic atolls with the surrounding coral reef creating a lagoon environment around steeply rising mountainous islands.  Snorkeling is great along the surrounding coral reef, and even better inside the lagoon, where the waters are calmer. This is also a home of the giant clams with neon-striped mouths. 
 
Also in French Polynesia, the Tuamotus are atolls where, in many instances, the center of the area has sunk, leaving a warm, shallow, huge lagoon surrounded by coral reef.  The interior lagoon is a huge aquarium for snorkeling with coral and marine life, all in about 6 feet of water.. 
 
Last but not least from Missy is a suggestion of chartering in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest coral formations in the world. It’s excellent for diving and snorkeling alike, with miles of reef. 

The team at Edmiston & Company suggests Southeast Asia, in particular Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia. The company has a 150-foot powercat called Moecca based in Singapore and offering such itineraries.

Donna Wolfson at V.I. Sailing says there are more than 10 great snorkeling spots in the Virgin Islands alone. Here are five of her favorites:

Leinster Bay, on the north coast of St. John, is a well-protected, picturesque bay that has Watermelon Cay on one end and the Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins on the southwest corner.  The grass flats right off shore are home to sea horses and a variety of hamlets. Schools of grunts, trunkfish, flounder and parrotfish call the reef home. The bay is very calm and thus perfect for the novice snorkeler.

The Norman Island Caves off Treasure Point offer schools of friendly yellow tails, blue tangs and sergeant majors.  Bring a flashlight to truly experience the Caves, which shimmer with a pastel coating of orange cup coral and red covering sponge. 

Buttonwood Bay, on the western end of Great Harbour, Peter Island, offers seclusion. A shallow coral reef begins about 20 yards offshore, beginning in 8 feet of water, then slopes gently to about 18 feet, and then drops vertically to 40 feet.  There is a marvelous array of small marine life, plus a large variety of coral and huge, deep purple sea fans.

The Wreck of the RMS Rhone off Salt Island is primarily a diving site, but snorkelers can also enjoy it because the ship’s decking, rigging, steam engine and propeller are visible in the section closest to shore. Before she sank during an 1867 hurricane, the Rhone was the pride of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. Her steel wreckage has become home to many species of fish and is gilded with colorful sponges and flourishing corals.  The Rhone is perhaps the most impressive shipwreck in the entire Caribbean.

Last but not least from Donna is Alice’s Backside, on the northwestern tip of Ginger Island. What makes this site unique is that it is a huge sand patch dotted with enormous brain coral and mushroom coral heads. The size and beauty of the coral is spectacular.

The team at Ocean Independence sent us no fewer than five suggestions of charter yachts with layouts that suit couples who want to split the bill:

The fast-cruising, 73-foot Momas has two double-bed cabins and a lowest weekly base rate of 24,000 euros.

The 95-foot Virginia Mia has two almost equal-size cabins and a lowest weekly base rate of 34,000 euros.

The Turkey-based, 97-foot sailing yacht Taronga has two equal-size double-bed cabins, plus two equal-size convertible cabins, and a lowest weekly base rate of 26,000 euros.

The 116-foot motoryacht Phoenix has almost equal-size master and VIP cabins, plus two equal-size twin-bed cabins, and a weekly base rate of 73,000 euros.

Last but not least from Ocean Independence, the 134-foot motoryacht Ladyship is ideal for four couples plus four single travelers. The lowest weekly base rate is 80,000 euros.

The folks at Peter Insull’s suggest the 135-foot motoryacht Blind Date (whose own Eduardo Garcia is the featured Chef of the Month on CharterWave right now). The yacht has two cabins with king-size beds.

Edmiston & Company offers six yachts that it feels are ideal for groups that want to split the bill. (Yes, that puts our list at 12 best boats this week instead of 10—a little bonus for you readers!):

The 167-foot motoryacht Alibi as one twin-bed cabin plus five double-bed cabins—a rarity on the worldwide charter market, for sure.

The 95-foot sailing yacht Margaret Ann has three twin-bed cabins, offering ultimate flexibility to groups of all kinds.

And four yachts in the Edmiston & Company fleet—the 105-foot motoryacht Heavenly Daze, the 81-foot motoryacht Twisted, the 98-foot motoryacht Medusa G, and the 82-foot motoryacht Samana—each have two double-bed plus two twin-bed cabins, an ideal setup for two families wanting to split the bill.


Monday, February 25, 2008
10 Best Charter Itineraries for Ultimate Shoppers

Missy Johnston at Northrop & Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters says shoppers will love the southern coast of Turkey and Turkish bazaars: This is a whole new world of shopping, a total experience in itself, of shopping, learning, entertainment, negotiating.  Rugs are the No. 1 shopping item. For the interested, at least an evening or part of a day should be put aside simply for the rug shopping cultural experience,’ as a good rug merchant will show you all aspects of rugs, weaving, rug dyes, local differences, wool, cotton, and silk difference, and what means what in the world of hand woven rugs.  Sit back enjoying a rug merchants hospitality sipping apple tea, or chai, or even a local wine or raki, while rug after rug is brought out for your review and consideration. Turkey is also well known for leather goods, brass and copper, and even sterling silver. As you cruise the southern coast, each reasonably sized town, such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kas, will have a bazaar full of winding alleys and shops (as shown in the photo above).

Ann E. McHorney of Select Yachts sends her shopaholic clients to the French Riviera.

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International suggests the upscale clothing boutiques on St. Barth’s in the Caribbean.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a half-dozen or so favorite shopping spots, too. Like Missy Johnston, Kim also likes Turkey, but for the hand-carved backgammon sets inlaid with mother-of-pearl detailing.

In the San Blas Islands as well as the Las Perlas Islands off Panama, you can find colorful batik-style cloths that are perfect for framing.

Should you charter near Nice on the coast of France, you mustn’t pass up the chocolate shops. Just don’t eat all of your souvenirs before you get home!

The British Virgin Islands have countless stores where you can find great sarongs for wearing to the beach.

Chartering in the San Juan Islands and the Canadian city of Victoria means access to some of the most beautiful jade jewelry in the world.

In Thailand, you can find spectacular silk scarves for less than $10 apiece. Back in New York or London, they would go for at least $50.

When you charter in Maine, you can ship cases of fresh lobster to all your friends and family back home


Monday, February 18, 2008
10 Best Charter Yachts for Die-Hard Sailors

Louise Dailey at Jubilee Yacht Charters suggests the 63-foot Stenella, which earned an excellent review here on CharterWave just over a year ago.

Ann E. McHorney at Select Yachts likes the 65-foot Lone Fox: “She celebrated her 50th anniversary last year. She was built for Colonel Whitbred as his personal yacht. She just got first in class and first overall in the St Maarten Classics regatta and was voted best charter yacht for Antigua Classics for three years in a row. The boat is an original—a step back in time to the days when gentlemen could even sail to windward!”

CharterWorld.com likes the 151-foot Lulworth: “She offers the rare opportunity to charter and experience classic grandeur and class.”

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International, as well as independent charter broker Sandy Carney of Sanderson Yachting, recommend the 114-foot Sojana. As Camper’s marketing department puts it: “She is as speedy on the race course as she is comfortable cruising the Caribbean seas. Her performance under sail is undeniable while below decks, Sojana speaks of an age of opulence and sumptuous quality.”

Churchill Yacht Partners offers two ideas: the 92-foot Irishman and the 97-foot Odysseus.

Last but not least, Tina Hinckley of Hinckley Yacht Charters has a half-dozen sailing yachts that she recommends to her die-hard clients. (We know there’s room for only four more on this week’s list, but we’ll give you all six of Tina’s recommendations, since a lot of her clients are, in fact, die-hard sailors): the 74-foot Runaway Bunny, the 72-foot Bonnie Lynn, the 57-foot Bandera, the 60-foot Extraordinary, the 76-foot Amneris, and the 76-foot Annagine


Monday, February 11, 2008
10 Best Destinations to Charter Away from the Crowds

Charter broker Beverly Parsons at Interpac Yachts suggests Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, with stops in La Paz, Isla Espiritu Santo, Isla Partida, Los Islotes, Isla San Francisco, Isla San Jose, Bahia Amortajada, San Evaristo, Isla San Diego, Isla Santa Cruz, Bahia Agua Verde, Puerto Escondido, Loreto, and Bahia Concepcion.

Charter Broker Sherry Yates, the owner of Yates Yachts, says one of her favorite “away-from-the-crowds” itineraries is a circumnavigation of the island St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

CEO Expeditions says that to get away from the crowds in Alaska, clients onboard their 120-foot motoryacht Kayana cruise from Juneau to Sitka, stopping everywhere in between (like the tip of the iceberg shown in the photo at right).

Charter broker Ann E. McHorney at Select Yachts likes the Jumentos islands, which are the southernmost portion of the Exumas chain in the Bahamas. She says: “It is shoaly and barely populated, and boats generally don’t go, but it has that true Bahamian beauty and loads of untouched sea life!”

The team at CharterWorld say New Zealand is the newest place for the rich and famous who want to cruise away from the crowds. New Zealand’s summer is America and Europe’s winter. Recent vacationers who took advantage of the swapped seasons include a Google founder and actor Johnny Depp.

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International says its 84-foot motoryacht  Anne Viking will be cruising off the beaten path this coming summer in the Norwegian fjords, including a visit to Stavanger during the “Open Port” festival featuring local cuisine, music, art, and more.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a few favorite off-the-beaten-course itineraries of her own, based on charters she has personally done. First up is the Galapagos Islands, some 600 miles west of Ecuador. You will find crowds of sea lions and blue-footed booties, but not people on this chain’s uninhabited islands.

The Las Perlas Islands near the Panama Canal on that nation’s Pacific Ocean side are also good for getting away from the crowds. They offer fishing and scuba diving, along with pristine beaches and rocky hiking trails.

The Fijian islands offer countless itineraries for cruising away from the crowds. Kim likes the Mamanucas chain, where she once cruised for a week without seeing another charter yacht.

Last but not least, consider a charter in Southeast Asia, which is starting to open up to yachts. Kim spent a few days in the area near Phuket, which is popular with tourists, but which quickly becomes a charterer’s paradise after a day or so of cruising away from the main resort areas.


Monday, February 4, 2008
10 Best Charter Yachts with Elevators

The team at Peter Insull’s suggests the 192-foot motorsailer Islander, which not only has an elevator, but is “wheelchair friendly” throughout.

Broker Mark Elliott at International Yacht Collection likes the 155-foot motoryacht One More Toy, which he says “has a great elevator.”

Both the marketing team at Northrop & Johnson as well as charter broker Ann E. McHorney of Select Yachts suggest the 153-foot motoryacht Argyll, which not only has an elevator, but is handicapped accessible in virtually every way.

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International likes the 185-foot motoryacht Galaxy, which has a glass cabin elevator that goes up to the gym on the sundeck.

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a half-dozen favorite yachts with elevators. First up is the brand-new 157-foot motoryacht Lady Joy, whose elevator services all decks.

There’s also the 230-foot motoryacht Reverie, which has seven passenger decks, thus making her elevator a feature you won’t want to live without.

Also consider the 170-foot motoryacht Dream, which has an elevator as well as several other handicapped accessible features.

The 223-foot motoryacht Kismet—star of the fall 2007 Fort Lauderdale boat show—has an elevator to help guests get around her massive interior volume.

At 280 feet long, the motoryacht Alysia is the kind that truly needs her elevator, since guests could get a real workout simply walking around the yacht.

Last but not least is the 205-foot motoryacht Apogee, whose elevator connects all four of her decks, including the sundeck with air-conditioned gymnasium.


Monday, January 28, 2008
10 Best Yachts for Parties and Events

Charter broker Liz Howard in the San Diego, California, office of Fraser Yachts Worldwide likes the 195-foot motoryacht Beluga, which offers charters in Turkey. In LIz's words: "Picture a meeting for 16 comfortably sitting around the large table in the sky lounge, cruising on the Bosporus Sea."

Liz also suggests the 177-foot motoryacht Seagull II, abo