Super Yacht Blogger

Iconic Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc Reopens This Spring

2011-03-16T12:52:00.000Z

Overlooking one of the worlds top superyacht anchorages, one of the world’s most iconic and luxurious hotels, in the south of France, will re-open on 15th April after a four-year restoration project.

The Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes has been the subject of a €45million refurbishment project, the first major since the 1950s. Designed to restore the hotel to its original quality, it has been authentically restored to showcase the original features first seen by guests in 1870 when the former owner of Le Figaro newspaper, Auguste de Villemessant, built it.

Dramatically positioned on the southern-most tip of the Cap d’Antibes, Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc has been the ultimate place to stay on the Riviera for the luxury traveller, and is the choice for royalty, celebrities and VIPs when staying in the region.

The owner, Mrs. Oetker, along with leading architect Luc Svetchine, has carried out the restoration with the focus being the utmost respect for the heritage of the property and the history of the hotel.

They have ensured that no detail has been left untouched and whilst the hotel has been totally restored and modernised, the soul and spirit of the hotel have been left unchanged.

The restoration project, initiated in 2007, includes the refurbishment of all rooms and public areas in the main building of the hotel; a new grill restaurant with sushi bar; a new swimming pool and beach area; a new restaurant and terrace; and a new kitchen area to service the famous Cabanas, where time has stood still.

New suites, with balconies, will each have a lounge, dressing room, bathroom and separate shower room.

All one-bedroom and two-bedroom have sea views, a private bar, LED TV screen with iPod player and sound proofing in all rooms facing the Cap Boulevard.

The jewel in the hotel’s crown, the Eden-Roc Suite, has also been completely renovated. With completely new décor and furnishings, the suite will now feature its own beautiful wooden pergola and an outside Jacuzzi on a 250m2 terrace offering magnificent views of the Lerins Islands.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has two villas – Villa Eleana, which opened in 2010 and Villa les Cedres – which combine the first-class facilities of the hotel with the exclusivity and privacy afforded by a private villa.

Visiting Oceanco to see Y708

2011-02-19T17:40:00.000Z

It may have been cold and grey in Holland but there was great excitement in the air as we stood among the owner's VIP party watching the hull of a brand new superyacht see light of day for the very first time.

We were very privileged to be the only journalists invited to witness the occasion when the hull of the new Oceanco project Y708 was moved slowly from the builder's shed at Krimpen.

She was loaded onto a heavy lift barge using a Self Propelled Module Trailer (SPMT) itself weighing 252 tons. Onto it was the hull weighing 950 tons and it, was sitting inside shipping cradles weighing 80 tons. The weight of the entire contraption was spread over trailers possessing between them, a total of 224 wheels.

The barge moved its precious cargo to the Oceanco facility at Alblassendam. Here the aluminium superstructure sat, in two parts, on the quay waiting to be fitted to the hull.

Once done the yacht was then moved inside the covered sheds to lay alongside her sister ship Y707.

Y708 is 86.6 metres overall. Her exterior is the inspirational work of the young Russian designer Igor Lobanov while the interior will be completed by industry veteran Albert Pinto the genius behind Alfa Nero

With Oman Air Flying is almost a Pleasure

2011-02-01T09:47:00.000Z

Do you remember the time when flying long haul in economy class was not an experience to be forgotten? Do you remember when all the cabin crew were helpful, polite and friendly?

Remember the hot towel, the printed menu and the little comfort pack with socks, mask, earplugs, a toothbrush and toothpaste.

All gone now, swept away by a brigade of money pinching accountants who think passengers are cattle and should be treated that way. Well not quite! At least not on Oman Air.

We have just flown out and back to Oman with the airline and it was a revelation, a step back in time. The courteous and ever helpful staff are even under 60 and heaven help us, they gave service with a smile! The seats were comfortable and the legroom adequate. Even the TV screen in the back of the chair in front was big enough to actually enjoy watching the on demand films.

Eat your heart out British Iberia Airways these aircraft have WiFi Internet from Inmarsat and you can use your mobile phones to call home or send text messages.

How very refreshing to learn that there is still one airline who values the custom of the economy class traveller. There has been so very little in the past to differentiate one airline from another to the point that as travel writers we could not make a recommendation as to who to fly. Now we are not so sure.

Flying will never be fun in the back of the plane but Oman Air ensure the experience is the best it can be.

What is business and first class is like? Sadly we did not have the chance to find out for ourselves on this trip perhaps next time……..

The Wave Muscat Marina

2011-01-31T11:45:00.000Z

We sailed majestically into The Wave Marina on the coast of Oman at the end of our brief cruise to the Dimaniyat Islands. Our Oman Charter trip to the country was organised by the Ministry of Tourism for the Sultanate of Oman

Now it has to be said that the Marina is far from finished and we were privileged to be among the very few yachts that have docked there.

Following a meeting with those responsible for its development we can report that when finished this is going to be a most wonderful port in which to moor a superyacht. Kempinski and Fairmont have each signed up to build Five Star hotels and Superyacht owner Greg Norman has designed the soon to be built golf course.

The marina, like much of the development, is being opened in phased stages and will eventually have 500 berths. Currently it is a hive of activity as workers prepare The Wave for the start of the Extreme Sailing Series in Oman at the end of February.

Mourjan Marinas part of IGY have been retained to oversee the planning marketing and operation of the marina as a whole. They are work together with Oman Sail to ensure that the complex is not just for visiting yachts but also for the people of Oman. The aim is to promote sailing and encourage local people of all ages to discover the joy of water sports.

Yachting Where Fuel Oil is Cheaper than Water

2011-01-30T18:53:00.001Z

At anchor off Kharabah Island in the Damaniyat Islands ©Frances Howorth

“Fill her up,” says Simon the yacht’s skipper. At less than 23 pence a litre for fuel oil he can be forgiven for not being to specific on the exact quantity to take on board.

He was a little more careful with bottled drinking water and counted it carefully on the quayside before loading it on the yacht. Water does after all cost a lot more than the diesel being pumped into the fuel tanks in Oman.

We were sailing aboard a catamaran that is brand new to the Oman Charter fleet. We left the somewhat flat and featureless mainland coast behind us as we motored away from the Marina at the Millennium Resort at Mussanah and raised the sails.

Sand, palm trees and mosques dominate the vista as we sailed along the coast of Oman. Leaving the mainland behind we headed offshore to cruise among the Damaniyat Islands.

Here in crystal clear waters we were the only yacht in the area and the anchorages were beautiful and breathtakingly tranquil. These islands form part of a nature reserve set aside by Oman some 20 years ago to preserve the habit of turtles and coral reefs.

Some islands are bird sanctuaries, home to kingfisher and heron others are preserved for the growth of endemic and threatened fauna. Waders, shorebirds and some species of waterfowl seek refuge here and breed in significant numbers.

Underwater the coral and fish were so rich and abundant we were astounded and we were only snorkelling in shallow water. No wonder the area is a secret haven for divers.

High speed along the coast of Oman

2011-01-26T06:12:00.000Z

We hurtled down the coast of Oman on board a 65 metre high speed catamaran reaching speeds of 50 odd knots. We left Port Sultan Kaboos not as you might expect sailing aboard a SuperYacht but instead on Shinas, a high speed ferry. It was chartered in to take visiting journalists on a short demonstration cruise

The ferry is one of a two in the world's fastest diesel-powered passenger ferry fleet. It normally links the capital Muscat with Khasab in Musandam Peninsula from Wednesday.

"The high-speed ferries were introduced on this route basically to promote remote areas, providing services and easing movement of equipment without going through borders," Mehdi Al Abduwani, Chairman of the National Ferry Company (NFC), told members of the BGTW.

He also revealed that NFC would eventually run five such ferries.
"There would be two ferries in the north (linking Khasab with Muscat), two in the South (linking Halniyat Island with Salalah) and the third ferry would link Masirah Island with Shannah in the east.

Shinas has clocked a top cruise speed of 51 knots (100km/h) while her sister ship Hormuz has clocked world-record 56 knots.

Facilities on board these ferries are all located on a single deck. A helicopter landing pad on the bridge deck can accommodate a medium-class helicopter. The vessels are built at an estimated cost of $70 million by Australia-based Austal, who are the world's largest builder of fast ferries

The unrivalled performance of the two 65 metre vehicle-passenger catamaran ferries showcases the world-class ability of the Austal design team. They have successfully developed a new, customised, high efficiency hull design capable of delivering record-breaking performance, while Austal’s construction team managed to meet demanding weight targets.

Millenium Resort in Oman

2011-01-25T03:25:00.000Z

We arrived safely in Oman touching down at Muaskar Al Murtafa'a, the international airport that serves Muscat, the country’s capital after a pleasant flight with Oman Air.

We transfered to Millennium Resort - Mussanah a hotel so new it has not yet officially opened.

It is located in the South Batinah region of the country, a 45 minute drive from the airport nestled along the Gulf of Oman.

From the hotel balconies we have panoramic views of the resorts own private 54 berth marina and in the distance the Hajar mountains.

Facilities include 234 hotel rooms as well as the resorts 74 fully furnished branded serviced studio as well as one and two bedroom duplex apartments.

Hotel guests will benefit from lavish restaurants and water sport facilities in phase one of its handover.

In addition to the sleeping accommodations, state of the art conference and banqueting facilities ideally lend themselves with the resorts ballroom and outside private garden as well as three dedicated meeting rooms with their private terraces over-looking the marina.

The resort offers a dedicated team of event planners to ensure that any event or meeting is a memorable one.

In what, in the trade is called a soft opening, the hotel is opening its doors especially to host the AGM of the British Guild of Travel Writers. This means we will be the first organisation ever to use the meeting rooms.

Phase two of the resort leisure facilities coming on line throughout the first half of the year

Heading to Oman

2011-01-23T15:06:00.001Z

We are off to Oman travelling there with a view to writing about cruising the Country’s dramatic and seldom visited coastline and off shore islands. The trip has been organised for the British Guild of Travel Writers a body we are proud to serve as members of the executive committee.

Getting to Oman could not be easier with our travel hosted by Oman Air, the only airline to offer daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Muscat

In the last two years, Oman Air has undergone dramatic and highly visible change. It has been transformed from a small regional carrier into an award-winning international airline, offering the essence of Omani culture and hospitality.

Just two years ago, airline was a regional Middle East carrier with a fleet of ageing Boeing 737s, a network of just over 20 destinations and a reputation as the poor relation of other Gulf operators. Two years on, the airline has a fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft, a refreshed B737 fleet, an international network of over 40 destinations and a growing reputation as a pioneering carrier.

During our journey, we were able to enjoy the redesigned menus, surprising amounts of legroom and all the latest technology, including mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity – a world first.

Believe it or not it is now possible to use the Internet to find out more about your destination - and to book your onward flights - whilst you are flying there.

The introduction of full in-flight connectivity now offers the same range of communications opportunities in the air as we have come to expect on the ground.

The in-flight entertainment system is rather superior offering music, movies, games and live satellite TV. You can also plug your own iPod, iPad, laptop, games console, smart phone or camera into the seatback monitor for a personalised IFE experience that kept everyone entertained for hours.

Birds are not the only things that can tweet in the sky. With Oman Air's inflight connectivity, those members so inclined, kept their followers updated on travel progress.

Oman Air is the only airline to offer daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Muscat, with prices starting from £351 return, including all taxes. Tickets can be booked, online at www.omanair.com and offers online check-in for added convenience.

Sinbad the Sailor Never Had a Superyacht

2011-01-18T19:18:00.001Z

Many believe that Sinbad the Sailor was a character invented by scriptwriters for the film of the same name released in 1947 and staring Douglas Fairbanks Junior and Anthony Quinn.

Legendary he may be and even possibly fictional but it is said that he was from Sohar in Oman a once important port and even when it was known as Majan the Capital of Oman. Now it is a must-see sight on a tour of Oman that takes in the forts of:

Suwaiq
Rustaq
Nakhl.

After its destruction in the 10th century the city of Sohar never quite regained its former glory, but in the past 30 years it has developed again and is now one of the most important economic centres in Oman.

So Sinbad or not we plan to sail the coast of Oman and will write about it in forthcoming blogs beginning next week.

So as they say: Watch this space.

Despite Superyacht Presence, has the Boat Show in London Lost its Way?

2011-01-17T19:13:00.001Z

Rebecca Ferguson, X Factor finalist, performing at the Sunseeker launch at the Show

The Tullet Prebon London International Boat Show has seen, we are told, a seven per cent visitor increase over the figures for 2010 with nearly 110 thousand attendees. This figure was still two per cent below that of 2009 and begs the question have event organisers National Boat Shows (NBS) done enough to secure the show in yachting’s calendar of important events.

This year they tried a different format in an enlarged venue and tied the event together with the Outdoors Show and London Bike Show, but even then the total combined attendance only reached 140,164.

NBS says that the rejuvenation of the show helped to broaden its appeal and attract a more diverse range of visitors with the new layout including a Water Sport Action Pool, a new Boardwalk Area and a Used Boats Marina.

Regular attendees we spoke to were disappointed claiming that the show is loosing its original attraction. One said, “Sir Max Aitken originally launched the after Christmas show so that Fathers and sons went to look at boats while Mothers and daughters visited the London Department Store Sales before they all joined together as a family to see Pantomime in London’s West End.” He mourned the loss of the old setup adding, “All the attractions were together and this was spoiled when the Boat Show moved to a shed in the East End suburbs of London.”

Another told us “Earls Court was tacky yes, but with its fake seagull sounds and stylised village around a pond with boats afloat, it was a real show. When the music started and the fashion show began everyone stopped to look interested in cloths or not. That was showtime and this is nothing more than an exhibition of boats.”

One visitor who has travelled from the north of the country for every London and Southampton show told us that this was his last ever London show. Southampton is great but I think I will give Liverpool a chance next time. London has lost its way.”

Yet others heaped praise on the new idea of the used boat marina. According to NBS, more than 50 per cent of the used boats on display in the marina were sold at the show, with sea trials booked for the remaining craft.

Chris Cleverly, managing director at Princess Motor Yacht Sales, said “It’s well reported that the industry is experiencing challenging times, but this show has certainly given us a great sales and promotional platform,”

He reported having sold several boats to new, walk up, never-seen-before visitors adding “Our new 32 metre superyacht inside the hall added an extra dimension to our presence.”

The Zero Speed Superyacht

2010-12-22T16:44:00.000Z

Equip a superyacht with Zero Speed Stabilisation and a Dynamic Positioning device and you have in fact a yacht that stays in one spot and does not roll or pitch.

Estate Agents and Realtors have names for that sort of thing and they generally sound like: Villas by the Sea, Second Homes or Country House Estates.

When it comes to superyachts and luxury villas there is in fact a lot more in common than at first meets the eye.

Take for example some of the newly built Estate Homes on Jumby Island and idyllic haven off the coast of Antigua. There, homes are for sale or rental through resident agents whose work more resembles that of a superyacht broker than anything else.

Like yachts, homes come with their own crew or staff. A housekeeper instead of a chief steward, gardeners and handymen instead of deckhands. The chef remains the same but there is no real equivalent for a Captain shore side.

When we toured the island with Realtor Andrew Robson we were shown two splendid examples of homes to buy along with many others available to rent. Or should we call that Charter?

White Night BBQ at Jumby Bay

2010-12-20T10:10:00.000Z

Off to the BBQ

On Sunday wait until it gets dark, put on something white and make your way down to the beach. Take off your shoes and let the soft sand massage your feet as you walk barefoot across the white beach to the sounds of Da Vibz, a local steel drum band playing calypso music.

Its BBQ night at Jumby Bay and attendees are in for a delightful gastronomic treat.

Of the many beach BBQs we have eaten this was perhaps the best we have eaten since we were at Soneva Ghili in the Maldive Islands. Believe us when we say there have been a fair few BBQs between then and now!

Among the delights on offer from three separate serving stations were:

Seafood Salad of Clams, Shrimp and Tuna
Platter of King Crab and Crevettes

For the main courses there were plates of:

Mahi Mahi served in a Creole Sauce
Chicken Curry with Coconut and Spinach Rice.

On the Grill there were

Pork Spare Ribs
Lamb Racks
Fillet Steak
Shrimp Kebabs
Local Lobster
Chicken

But perhaps the highest praise must go to the resort's pastry chefs who produced a desert table to die for. In fact our recommendation is to check it out first and then pace your self at the first two serving stations!

Sense Spa at Jumby Bay

2010-12-19T13:35:00.000Z

One sure way to relax and unwind is to enjoy a spa treatment. Sense, the Rosewood Spa at Jumby Bay, fulfilled this perfectly.

I love a massage but for total indulgence it has to be a proper facial.

I chose the Neem Healing facial as it is perfectly designed to soothe and purify even the most delicate skin.

Extracts of the neem tree, which grows on Jumby Bay Island, are combined with soothing oils. It is designed to heal, hydrate, restore and firm sensitive or irritated skin and balance its youthful glow.

I am not sure about looking more youthful but I certainly felt great afterwards, properly relaxed and unwound too.

Revelling in luxury in Jumby Bay

2010-12-17T17:33:00.001Z

Look on any official map issued by the Antigua Barbuda Tourism Authority and you will see it is called Long Island.

To well heeled travellers and the cognisant it is better known as Jumby Bay Island, home to one of the most palatial and luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. It is also a naturalist's haven noted for its lush landscape, stately palm trees, protected nesting site for the endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle and three superb beaches.

Nestled two miles off the coast of Antigua, set on a 300-acre private island, the resort run by Rosewood casts a spell of serene enchantment. It is the most perfect place to repair to after an exhausting week exploring superyachts available for charter.

The island has been claimed by royalty, possessed by smugglers, and in 1915, owned by an unusually free-spirited, pipe-smoking woman. Now it is a secluded and all-inclusive hideaway accessible only by private boat from the mainland or by superyacht.

The resort has just 40 beautifully refurbished rooms and suites, each suite an oasis of luxury embodying the island's stylish good taste. The rest of the island has small collection of privately owned luxury villas and estates some available for rent through Jumby Bay.

We revelled in luxury in a Rosewood Estate Suite.  This gorgeous one-bedroom suite is huge, light, bright and airy with fabulous views across its own private infinity-edge pool to the Caribbean Sea.

A private courtyard, with pottery fountain and separate office, leads into the vaulted ceiling, spacious and comfortable living room. The huge and very comfortable bed in the master bedroom begs to be enjoyed for long luxurious lie-ins.

A dressing area and large bathroom with indoor shower lead off here and in to the garden in a secluded walled courtyard. This outdoor area includes a large rain shower and our favourite feature, a deep pedestal tub for wallowing under the stars.

With your own pool, big comfortable sun loungers, huge flat screen TV, iPod dock, fridge filled with drinks, a Nespresso coffee machine and in-room dinning you need never leave your private haven.

Forget the World, Find Hermitage Bay

2010-12-16T13:01:00.000Z

A view from our suite in the early morning

Avid environmentalist, Andy Thesen and his business partner, Jamaican born Andrew Michelin, set out to build the most beautiful of secluded hideaways in Antigua. They embarked on a project, which has created a perfect all inclusive haven hotel.

As the name suggests, Hermitage Bay is truly a place of peace and tranquillity. Here man-made noises are minimized so that the natural noises prevail: the waves on the beach, the breeze in the trees, and the chatter of the birds. Add a location well off the beaten track on Antigua and you have the perfect antidote to modern, hectic life.

The hotel practises a "reduce, reuse and recycle" policy. It also makes a conscientious effort to use natural detergents and beauty products, employ solar energy technologies, and source locally grown, organic fruits and vegetables.

SuperYacht Exuma at anchor off Hermitage Bay

Hermitage Bay ensures that the comforts of home are readily available, ultimately providing the best of both worlds. The hotel has just twenty-five suites. They truly feel enchanting and mix essential Antiguan style with understated elegance. Eight Beachfront Cottages are located on the edge of the white sand beach and in the gardens just beneath the hillside.

The remaining seventeen cottages are Hillside Pool Suites where we stayed. Scaling four tiers of the hillside, each of these suites has truly awe-inspiring panoramas of the Caribbean Sea and lush landscapes that surrounds Hermitage Bay.

The dense foliage and flowering vines that entwine our suite’s dark lattice fencing shield the private sundeck, seating, double day bed and plunge pool from neighbouring suites and passers-by. But it is the view we love best.

The luxurious bedroom includes a huge bed covered with an enchanting mosquito net. An essential additional if, like us, you leave the suite open onto the terrace, to enjoy the magical view from the bed, when you awake in the morning.

Add abundant cupboard space, fridge filled with a personalised selection of drinks, an iPod dock, ensuite bathroom with huge bath and outside shower and you have an ideal spot for lovers to enjoy

Leaving our suite is difficult, but the private beach and the warm Caribbean waters beckon. Add a very talent chef who mixes Caribbean cuisine in an inspired fusion, a barman who knows how to mix a mean cocktail and you have a hotel that is even more difficult to leave.

Antigua Charter Yacht Show Sailing Day

2010-12-15T13:51:00.000Z

Maltese Falcon and Necker Belle leaving Falmouth Harbour

This year the Antigua Charter Yacht Show has been extended by one day. It gives charter brokers and yachting journalists the opportunity to sample a mini or micro charter.

On Saturday morning we drove back to Falmouth. Frances joined the four masted Phocea and Michael boarded the catamaran Necker Belle. We both set sail from Falmouth Harbour onto a well behaved sea and 15 knots of wind.

Captain Chris Gartner of the three masted Perini Navi Maltese Falcon was away ahead of us, hoisting his square sails at the harbour entrance. One by one he rounded on departing yachts circling each of them in a wonderful demonstration of what a superb sailing machine she is.

Necker Belle approaching Carlisle Bay

Richard Kellett, Captain of Necker Belle lost little time in hoisting her main and headsail. She was creaming along at nearly 10 knots herself when Maltese Falcon shot past under full sail to starboard and cheekily crossed ahead.

Phocea made a slower departure, her deep draught demanding caution in the shallow waters around her berth. With consummate skill Captain Juergen Mais took us off the dock and into deeper waters to raise the sails. We might have been last to leave but we were first to arrive in Carlisle Bay .

No sooner was the anchor down than everyone was in the water for a pre-lunch swim. The diving board on Necker Belle was put to good use with guests gleefully, and at times gracefully, entering the warm blue water.

Phocea departing Carlisle Bay and raising her sails

Lunch in the sun aboard Phocea was a five course feast, splendidly presented by Chef Alexander Frey and sous Chef Rogelio Gantuangco. Aboard Necker Belle it was a more casual, but no less delicious buffet. After lunch all the yachts sailed back to Falmouth and we returned to Hermitage Bay.

Maltese Falcon and Necker Belle charter through Burgess, and Phocea through Fraser Yachts.

Staying at Hermitage Bay Hotel

2010-12-13T14:42:00.002Z

It is time for us to move from our rented apartment on Horsfield Hill to the wonderfully all-inclusive resort at Hermitage Bay.

This five star resort is in the north east of the island. It is best visited by SuperYacht or a four wheel drive vehicle as the approach road is “unadopted”.

At anchor off the hotel’s beautiful golden beach, illuminated like a fairy castle, was St Ekaterina, the 60 metre Benetti built as Xanadu. She is still available for charter through Camper & Nicholsons International.

The resort consists of luxury chalets on the beach and the hill side. It is definitely amongst the top hotel on the island and of special note is the food.

Far too many Caribbean hotels and restaurants ignore island cuisine, fearing that visitors might not like Callaloo or Salt Fish and Aki. Here at Hermitage they show no such reluctance, fusing Caribbean flavours, cultures and ingredients into meals fit for five star restaurants around the world.

Add to that the well trained attentive staff, whose discreet service is a model for others to follow and you have a recipe for a perfect all-inclusive hotel

Fifth Day of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show

2010-12-12T12:17:00.003Z

Silver Cloud at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show

One of the more intriguing of yachts here at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show is Silver Cloud the 41 metre SWATH yacht built by Abeking Rasmussen.

Built for world exploration. She is the complete opposite in style, looks and characteristics of Exuma the Picchiotti yacht reviewed by us in a recent edition of SuperYacht World.

Where Exuma is long lean and slippery Silver Cloud is wide and chunky. The hull of Exuma is finished to a silvered sheen in which you can see your face. The dark blue hulls of Silver Cloud are an unfared finish, reminiscent of the commercial craft she was built to mimic.

Both are however the pride and joy of their respective owners and both were here at the show with their yachts. Despite having so very much in common with each other, neither had met the other and we very, very honoured to make introductions.

Exuma is available for charter through Fraser Yachts whilst Silver Cloud can be chartered through Camper & Nicholsons International

Fourth Day of Antigua Charter Yacht Show

2010-12-10T12:48:00.002Z

From the Crow's Nest aboard Marie

The day begins well with an invitation from Fraser Yachts for breakfast aboard the 75 metre Phocea, the long skinny sailing yacht with 4 masts.

It is only when you get on board do you realise quite how wrong you have been to classify this beautiful yacht in such a nonchalant way.

Her interior is so well done it is almost timeless in design and execution. Light and airy with limed oak bulkheads she is a delight with all accommodation on the main deck.

The Master cabin is enormous and forward of it a walk in wardrobe with enough shelves for shoes to satisfy Imelda Marcus.

On deck the crew were fighting a loosing battle with those trying to sit down to a sumptuous looking breakfast. It was a case of first there stayed there leaving others to walk away somewhat enviously.

Lunch for Frances was deliciously, served by the attentive crew aboard 66 metre Natita (ex Dilbar) where she was the guest of Burgess. The 72 metre Kogo another yacht managed by the same agent was the subject of an afternoon tour. The crew of this boat really know and understand the meaning of service. They have taken it to a whole new level.

On display with Peter Insull Yacht Marketing, the 58 metre Islander became famous as a motor sailer. She is likely to become an equally famous motor yacht now that she has had her mast removed. Her Captain and crew hosted a delightful cocktail party for guests in Falmouth Marina. After leaving her we walked down to English Harbour for that marina’s Yacht Hop.

Stars of the evening included the 55 metre Feadship Illusion from Edmiston and Solemates from the Luxury Yacht Group. The upper deck of this brand new 60 metre Lurssen superyacht converts from a gymnasium by day into a disco at night and it was put to very good use. Be sure to see our feature on the beautiful yacht in the next issue of SuperYacht World

Third Day at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show

2010-12-09T12:04:00.003Z

Alice in Wonderland came to Lazy J last night

Walking the docks today we make another very special find. Diamond A is the new name for a new 57 metre yacht.

Except she is not new at all and was in fact built as Ultima III by Abeking Rasmussen in 1998 for the US investor Ron Perelman the very, very secretive superyacht owner who became renowned for not allowing access to his yacht to any but his very close friends.

Well now brokers can board her and walk her newly refitted interior, because the yacht is for charter through Hill Robinson.

We get many invitations to take lunch aboard superyachts at shows. Most come from brokers, but it was a special honour to learn that we had been invited to lunch aboard Exuma by her Owner. He loved our article about the yacht in a recent edition of SuperYacht World. Over lunch he told us of his plans to take the yacht far and wide and throughout her two year plus circumnavigation. She will be available for charter through Fraser Yachts. As the owner said “Travel, travel, travel” especially off the beaten track.

Wednesday was Yacht Hop night at Antigua Yacht Club Marina and many of the yachts have decorated in a special theme to make their yacht special.

Highlights included: Sweet Escape and Lazy J from Northrop and Johnson, Teleost and Tiara from Edmiston with Silver Cloud and Panthalasa from Camper and Nicholson. Time for Us a beautiful classic lined sailing yacht from Ocean Independence was very busy but we simply did not have time to visit them all.

Second Day of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show

2010-12-08T12:38:00.002Z

The heavens opened and poured tropical rain on to the sunshine isle of Antigua on day two of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show.

With the morning dampened there was a slow start to broker activity on the docks. But we braved the rain and started to explore the many yachts berthed on the Falmouth Marina Docks.

Necker Belle the catamaran now owned by Richard Branson and marketed for charter through Burgess Yachts was our first port of call. Her crew taking pity on two somewhat drenched journalists, showed us around this newly refitted yacht. Her permanent, year round, base will be Necker Island in the BVI.

Maltese Falcon is on the same dock and is as splendid as ever. Today Islander the former motor sailing catamaran made her appearance sans masts. She now boasts the distinction of being one of the very few yachts to have had the gender change from sailing yacht to motor yacht.

Lunch was aboard the magnificent ketch Marie hosted by Fraser Yachts with an all-star cast of top brokers. Ten of us sat around for a spectacular lunch that only goes to prove how many talented chefs there are in the Super Yacht World.

Afternoon visits included our boarding Eros. Built in 1937 she has an amazing history including a long restoration with many years in pieces on the floor of a Californian shipyard. Now fully restored to her former glory this yacht once owned by Stavros Niachos is available through Camper& Nicholson.

Andreas L the former Amnesia was named after the famous charter yacht owner Andreas Livereas. His equally charismatic son Dion was our host for a wonderful cocktail hour.

Frances was privileged to enjoy a wonderful 5 course dinner served aboard Solemates the newest charter launching from Lurssen. The crew, led by Captain Glynn Smith, perfectly demonstrated the top level of service found on a charter of this calibre.

Michael meanwhile was in Falmouth Harbour particicpating in their Yacht Hop hosted by IYC and Nicholson Yachts. Among the more popular yachts there was the famous Casino Royale and Atalantica both managed by IYC and the Cari Ali from Nicholson Yachts. Maltese Falcon put on a head turning show by turning a lower sail into a huge movie screen showing Avatar at a mind boggling size.

First Day at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show

2010-12-06T22:47:00.006Z

On the Dock, Antigua Yacht Club Marina

The first day of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show was mainly overcast and once or twice we even had some "liquid sunshine" - rain to anyone not from the Caribbean. Still it failed to dampened the enthusiasm of the crew aboard any of the participating yachts.

We were at the Show bright and early to register and visit English Harbour. Here larger than usual motoryacht are alongside among them Soulmates from Luxury Yacht Group and Andreas L the former Amnesia.

Clearly this is an attempt to spread the charter brokers among the three Marinas hosting the 100 odd yachts here at the show.

The weather in Europe has played havoc with the arrival of yachts and indeed of brokers. Among the yacht is not attending are:
Cocktails
Mirabella III
Natita II
Odyssey
Resilience
Stop the Press
Northlander.
The list of boats we did not expect to see however is much larger and among the new entries are
Blind Date
El Jefe
Go
Islander
Lady Joy
Newvida
Ocean Emerald
Perseverance II
Sun Ark
Silver Cloud
Lunch on board the 40 metre Sweet Escape, managed by Northrop and Johnson, was delightful and the highlight of today.

Captain Paulo is young charismatic and bounding with energy. It is so easy to see why he has a staggering percentage of repeating clients. Over 80% of them return time and time again to charter with him and his very loyal well trained crew.

Pre Antigua Charter Show

2010-12-06T11:42:00.004Z

The view from our apartment

Flying to Antigua with British Airways from Gatwick Airport at those times when major boat shows are taking place around the world is never an easy task.

The plane is always full, spare seats are few if not unavailable. But the up side is that on getting to the departure lounge you discover you know about 30% of the rest of the passengers. Networking begins early!

Landing in Antigua we joined the impossibly long immigration queue. It zig-zaged its way lazily towards the desk giving us the perfect opportunity to meet and greet old friends - brokers, managers and other superyacht professionals from around the world.

Yes in the usual airport mess up the international flights from USA and UK all landed at exactly the same time. The airport handling facilities were completely overwhelmed, lucky everyone was cheerful.

One hour later we were clear of the airport having collected rental car. We made our way to Horsefield Hill where we have rented an apartment with stunning views over the Falmouth Harbour and part of the Show.

We went to sleep listening to the delightful sounds of the Caribbean fauna night. We woke with the dawn light to a glorious sunrise ready to enjoy the Antigua Charter Yacht Show.

Touring Bermuda

2010-10-20T17:30:00.004+01:00

St George's

The roads in Bermuda are narrow, you cannot hire a motor car and the only alternative is to rent a motorscooter. Dicing with death by renting a strange machine and driving on unfamiliar busy roads seems daft to us. Madder still if you place a beloved one on the back.

Better by far to hire a taxi and since the authorities strictly govern advertised rates, you cannot get ripped off. Cruise ship passengers beware, this safeguard does not apply to you if you buy your taxi tour on board the ship.

It pays to do your research before you spend $40 an hour. If like us, you find a guide who not only enjoys his job, but is himself a local historian then you are in for a treat.

Don’t just take our advice. Duke our guide for the day, comes highly recommended by users of the Web site Cruise Critic folks who seldom mince their words!

Duke took us all around the island visiting all nine parishes. Without him we would never have found the tiny chapel dating from before 1620 that is tucked away inside a park guarded by a property trust. Nor would we have known where to see spotted eagle rays and turtles.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, a fort or two, the smallest drawbridge in the world and the picturesque village of Flats were all the subject of Duke’s informative tour. We drove through Tuckers Town and the pretty harbour of Castle Point and down into St George’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It was here that we visited St Peters Church, an edifice that dates back to 1619. The oldest Anglican church outside the British Isles and the oldest Protestant church in continuous use in the new world.

St George’s is also a place to linger with museums, gift shops and historical artefacts on display throughout the town.

To get hold of Duke e mail him at bdashortz@hotmail.com or call his cell phone: +1-441-535-3465.

Four New SuperYacht Marinas for Bermuda

2010-10-16T16:15:00.005+01:00

Front Street, Hamilton

Bermuda is just twenty-one square miles of land set some 700 miles off the East Coast of the USA. It has been a quick place for yachts to stop, take fuel, fill up with fresh provisions and the crew to enjoy the occasional Dark ‘n Stormy drink.

In the short time we have been here in Bermuda researching for an article for SuperYacht Business, we can see things are changing. We have uncovered information about several new marina developments, which could, in years to come, change the way sailors view these Sommers Isles.

No less than four new dockage schemes for Superyachts have been drawn to our attention.

The first, the subject of our previous blog, is a new enhancement to the existing facilities at St Georges run by Captain Mark Soares of Bermuda Yacht Services.

The second we heard about is an ambitious plan conceived by the Corporation of Hamilton. They have grand plans that involve reclamation of land and a new marina and superyacht dock in the heart of the capital.

The scheme could breath new life into the once vibrant city's waterfront where cruise liners used to dock. The new generation of huge passenger ships calling at Bermuda need the deeper water found off the West End of the island.

Their departure has not only left the docks seldom unused but has contributed to the slow decline of the shops on Front Street. Gone is Trimminghams that quintessentially Bermudan department store; gone are the horse drawn carriages; and gone are the policeman dressed in Bermuda shorts on point duty.

The city streets are comparatively quiet now that the click of the tourist camera has been transferred elsewhere. News that super yachts could soon take to the now desolate docks is going to be welcome news.

Visiting the West End and the dockyard at Somerset we learned they are also enthusiastic about welcoming large yachts. They too have a planned development that will see Superyachts being offered berths. A soon to be constructed dock will potentially have 15 spaces for yachts up to 70 metres.

After our conversations with local marina representatives had been reported in the Bermuda daily newspapers another group contacted us. They are planning a fourth SuperYacht marina. We will write more about Morgan’s Point Marina when we have visited the proposed site and met with the developers.

Stay tuned.

New Developments in St Georges, Bermuda

2010-10-16T15:58:00.002+01:00

Mid ocean stopover it may be, catering solely to the needs of the transient yachts but there are now signs that Bermuda has set it's sights on becoming a SuperYacht destination in it's own right.

In St Georges, the official port of entry for all yachts entering and clearing Bermuda, Captain Mark Soares is leading the way, spearheading his mission of turning what was a sleepy backwater into a SuperYacht haven.

Having created Bermuda Yacht Services, he has set about turning what was a passenger ship terminal into private dockage for Superyachts. Facilities now permit the stern to docking of between four and five Superyachts there his friendly staff have created a crew lounge with free Internet services and a help desk that can assist any visiting yacht find what they need while they stay.

If they stay longer than it takes to bunker, then Soares and his team are delighted. Their enthusiasm is infectious and with minutes of talking to this local seafarer who has chosen to return home after years of sailing as Captain aboard yachts, you simple crave to take his advice and drop anchor in some of the islands more secretive coves.

Passionate about Bermuda, he has gone a stage further and has recently persuaded a team of developers to consider creating a purpose built SuperYacht marina inside St Georges. The project unveiled by the Mayor while we are visiting the island, will incorporate a small Boutique Hotel and also dockage for up to 100 smaller yachts.

At Tucker Point Hotel

2010-10-13T11:35:00.002+01:00

Flying in a British Airways Boeing 777 that must be on the point of drawing it's pension we left Gatwick and landed on time in Bermuda.

If Superyachts were this old they would have been through several major refits. Cabin crew try and tell us it is just twelve years old but twenty might be nearer the mark.

A quaint video screen the size of a cigarette box and no winglets on the wings all point to an aircraft well past it's sell by date. It's even got ash trays in the armrests!

Anoraks can look it up, it's registration letters are G-VIIA! Still the important stuff, like the engines, all seemed in perfect order and that after all is what is really important.

From the airport in Bermuda were transferred by limousine to the Tucker Point Hotel, our hosts for the next two days. The hotel resort and residence complex is great deal more stylish and a lot cleaner than the battered 777. It is the height of luxury set in 200 acres of waterfront land, offering breathtaking views of Castle Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean. Not that we play but it comes complete with it's own championship golf course.

Our room is superb, the view magnificent and the welcome warm. The huge bath cried out for a refreshing wallow and the bed definitely beckoned.

Tomorrow we begin work interviewing those in Bermuda involved in the SuperYacht industry. Our report will be published in issue 19 of SuperYacht Business magazine

Transport to and from the island from the has been graciously provided by Prestige Holidays on our press trip organised by Rooster PR the consultants to the Bermuda Tourist Authority who are our hosts

Bermuda Beckons

2010-10-11T19:09:00.001+01:00

As part of our ongoing series of articles in which we feature the Flag States of the British Red Ensign Group we are off to Bermuda. We arrive tomorrow and will stay until the end of the week. Hotel Internet willing (and hopefully free) we plan to update our blog as we move around this superyacht hub in the Atlantic Ocean

While we are there, we will conduct in depth interviews with:

Bermuda Department of Tourism

Bermuda Radio

Bermuda Yacht Services

Department of Maritime Administration

Fairmont Southampton Hotel

Fairmont Hamilton Princess Marina

Meyer Agencies

Ocean Sails

Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

Tucker’s Point Hotel and Spa

West End Development Corporation

Our report will be published in a future edition of SuperYacht Business magazine

In order that you get every issue please allow us to offer, completely free of charge your very own subscription: To get this go online and register at: http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/syb/index.htm

Free Train Tickets from the Airport

2010-10-08T11:06:00.001+01:00

We just received an email from METS, the Marine Equipment Trade Show at Amsterdam RAI. The exhibition centre is offering a free NS single return ticket between Schiphol Station and Amsterdam RAI Station.

It is also offering visitors a single NS [Dutch Railways] return ticket for only € 9.50, valid from any train station in the Netherlands.

The aim is to stimulate the use of public transport during tradeshows as part of the exhibition centre’s corporate social responsibility programme.

Why does this never happen in the UK?

ExCel London, NEC Birmingham and rail companies please note.

Celebrities who own Superyachts

2010-09-17T16:25:00.002+01:00

We are compiling a list of celebrities who currently own superyachts. Here are some we thought of immediately:

The Aga Khan
Bill Joy
Sir Donald Gosling
Eddie Jordan
Johnny Depp
Paul Allen
Sir Richard Branson
Tiger Woods

Who would you include on the list?

Farewell to a super SuperYacht

2010-07-28T10:23:00.003+01:00

Our beautiful last night sunset over Corfu

By the time you read this the 56 metre sailing yacht Montigne will be hard at work on another charter, this time in Croatia. Having spent time aboard her, being spoiled by her wonderfully attentive crew, we know that the lucky guests who have chosen to charter this magnificent SuperYacht through YPI will have a great time and will, like us by hard pushed to drag themselves away when it comes to the time when they have to leave.

But that is the way of SuperYacht business. We have returned to our desks, reality has returned and we are hard at work writing the article that will appear in a future edition of SuperYacht World magazine.

We had a wonderful time and want to thank the owners, managers, crew and charter brokers Ocean Independence for making the trip such a success

Montigne carries up to 12 guests and is available to charter through Ocean Independence this summer in the Mediterrean at a rate of 140,000 euros per week.

Our Cruising Area aboard Montigne

2010-07-26T07:33:00.006+01:00

Montigne at anchor off Corfu

Corfu is one of seven islands in the Ionian Sea and lies just 70 miles across the Straits of Corfu from the heel of Italy

The Ionian derives it's name from Io, a one time mistress of Zeus who, to protect her from his wife Hera, turned her into a beautiful white cow. Jealous of the relationship Hera sent a gadfly to torment the cow who in a bid to rid herself from it jumped into what is now the Ionian Sea.

The islands of the Ionian do not fit the Greek stereotype of sunburned rocks dotted with whitewashed houses and multi-sailed windmills.

Instead it is a melting pot of French and Italian style mixed with a healthy dose of British interference. Believe it or not, locals on Corfu play cricket, sell current buns and drink Ginger beer.

The best time to visit are between May and October, but in July and August the area can be blighted with strong afternoon winds that do not die down until after dinner. This fact can make an evening anchorage a little uncomfortable unless chosen with care based on experience and local knowledge. Fortunately for us sailing aboard Montigne, Captain Richard Felton has both of these attributes by the hatful.

Montigne carries up to 12 guests and is available to charter through Ocean Independence this summer in the Mediterranean at a rate of 140,000 euros per week .

The Syvota Islands aboard Montigne

2010-07-26T07:23:00.002+01:00

The three islands are in fact some distance from the town of Syvota on the Greek mainland and because of their position in the Bay of Mourtu they are often given the name of the Mourtu Islands. They are popular because they offer a plethora of sheltered anchorages.

Ashore the area has grown as a tourist hotspots with all the good things that brings mixed in with all the bad. It pays to study the charts, read the sailing directions and learn what you can from the tourist information brochures.

The town of Mourtu has a newly built harbour used mostly by local craft. The town and Harbour front has been developed in a sympathetic fashion but ares of what must have been pretty beaches have become over developed. Sand Bar Bay being just one such example.

Montigne anchored in End Bay an anchorage separated from others by a golden but somewhat over crowded sand spit.

Montigne carries up to 12 guests and is available to charter through Ocean Independence this summer in the Mediterranean at a rate of 140,000 euros per week .

Playing with super yacht Montigne's toys

2010-07-25T16:49:00.003+01:00

We left our anchorage after a splendid breakfast of fresh fruits and freshly baked breads and sailed south down the western side of Corfu. Discreet pockets of tourist development splatter this coast where the terrain permits but otherwise from the sea the island looks as it must have done for centuries, lush green slopes falling down to the shore and ending with forbidding grey rocky cliffs. The Colour of this cliffs changes from grey to white the further south we steam.

Our destination is one of the two off lying islands immediately south of Corfu. They are called Paxoi and the smaller of the two carries the diminutive name Antipaxoi. We sail the full length of Paxoi and turn to port to pass north of Antipaxoi and then to port again as we head up to the islands main town of Gaios on the islands east coast.

We anchor in Limin Paxon, a pretty cove in front of the town. The cove is divided into two by Nikolaos an island and the narrow shallow channel that connects is just crying out to be explored using kayaks carried abroad Montigne.

The island of Paxoi is five miles long by just two wide lies seven miles south of Corfu. It is famous as the island that supplied olive oil to the London store Harrods for exclusive sale under their own lable. More recently day trip boats have delivered tourists and the small Harbour has expanded to cater for an increasing fleet of island hopping cruising folk.

One mile further south is Antipaxoi whose main attraction lies in the fact that it is hard to reach except by private yacht and therefore the islands small beaches and tiny Tavernas attract an attractive crowd especially at the weekend.

Montigne carries up to 12 guests and is available to charter through Ocean Independence this summer in the Mediterranean at a rate of 140,000 euros per week .

Eating aboard SuperYacht Montigne

2010-07-24T16:32:00.003+01:00

Did we mention the food? Christophe the Chef on this wonderful superyacht is from France what more needs to be said?

Seriously, he is so good that we have decided to feature him in a story we are writing for publication in The Financial Times that will appear in that newspaper to coincide with the Monaco Yacht Show.

It is no secret that the owner of Montigne is from Asia and in a bid to brush up on his Asian cooking skills Christophe recently flew to Hong Kong to learn the finer points from masters of the art out there.

For dinner last evening he served a tatar of fresh crab with preserved Ginger. He followed this with a main course of lobster in a champagne sauce with citrus fruit, truffle oil and aged Balsamic vinegar, served with jasmine rice scented with saffron.

Dessert was too wonderful and part of the reason for that was there were two of them. One was a plate of warm fresh red fruits in minted syrup, the second delight was spring rolls stuffed with a warm chocolate truffle with a rich caramel dipping sauce. This man can COOK

Montigne carries up to 12 guests and is available to charter through Ocean Independence this summer in the Mediterranean at a rate of 140,000 euros per week

Our First Day aboard Montigne off Corfu

2010-07-23T19:36:00.003+01:00

Montigne sailed from the Gouvia Marina, north of Corfu town early this morning, heading North for the narrow gap that divides the island from the mysterious country of Albania still a tricky place to charter.

The Albanian coast is shrouded in mist, giving it an almost sinister feel that merely adds to secrecy that has surrounded the country for so very long.

The wind is sadly missing and the three tall and elegant masts of this 57 metre yacht stand tall and barren as we make our way round the top of Corfu and pass the off lying islands of Erikoussa, Mathraki and Othoni. Then leaving Matraki to port we moved south eastwards down the western coast of Corfu.

The breeze picks up, the sails are unfurled, the fully batterned Mizzen first, then the two furling mainsails, followed by three headsails. With all six sails set, the engines are shut down. Suddenly, we are at one with nature. The skies are blue, the Ionian, a deep azure topped with creamy crest lets and the wind is in our sails. This is luxury yachting at it was intended to be.

After a stop for lunch we went in the tender to take pictures of the yacht under way. Once they were captured we returned to the yacht and she made her way to Apila on the west coast of Corfu which is to be our over night anchorage.

Montigne carries up to 12 guests and is available to charter through Ocean Independence this summer in the Mediterranean from 140,000 euros per week

Stylish Travel to Corfu for Superyacht Trip

2010-07-22T07:41:00.003+01:00

We have arrived safely in Greece transferring smoothly through Athens and flying on to Corfu with Olympic Air.

Collected at the airport in superyacht fashion, we travelled to the yacht in style and were welcomed on board.

First impressions of Montigne are wonderful and even though we saw this yacht at the Genoa Charter Yacht show last May her new Captain Richard Felton has pulled out all the stops and made us most welcome.

We were installed in the most wonderful of staterooms quite easily the size of these found on motor yachts and we tumbled into bed exhausted after our flight.

Tomorrow our adventure begins.

Ocean Independence have this yacht and many more for charter

SuperYacht Montigne in Corfu

2010-07-21T16:22:00.002+01:00

The Assignment

Fly to the Greek Islands, board a three masted superyacht rigged as a schooner and cruise the area as the yacht and the crew are put through their paces, then write about the experiences in SuperYacht World magazine.

The SuperYacht

At 57 metres (187 feet) the three masted staysail schooner Montigne has been built for an experienced superyacht owner who is planning to use her both for private use and as a commercial charter vessel. Built to the MCA LY2 code and the owner's demanding levels of comfort, she is one of the largest sailing yachts available for charter through Ocean Independence.

The Location

Fly to Corfu, via Athens with Olympic Air the Greek national airline. Corfu, Kerkyra, Corcyra or as it is known locally Kerkyra is the northernmost Island in the Ionian sea and the westernmost part of Greece.

This most enchanting of islands, is densely covered in Olive groves and cypresses trees. It is fringed by secluded anchorages and sandy beaches with shingle coves, the perfect spot in which to drop anchor. We hope to visit marinas fishing harbours, tavernas, restaurants, hotels and all of the other tourist facilities and will report on this blog when the Internet permits us to do so. Stay Tuned!

Postcard App for Superyacht Use

2010-07-21T16:09:00.004+01:00

Superyacht guests lazing on the sundeck, jumping into the water or crews working on deck can now say ‘wish you were here’ with a brand new picture postcard service provided as a free download by eCards Media.

Whether cruising of the Cote d’Azur or passing through the Suez Canal, the Postcards app captures your image on iPhone and Android smart phones, sending it to the folks back home by conventional post.

Already one of the Apple website’s top 30 apps in their ‘free stuff’ travel section, the free ‘Postcards’ download lets users take a photo or upload from their library and input text to family and friends. It costs 99p to send second class and £1.49 to send first class postcards anywhere in the world, processed via PayPal.

The worldwide postcards are sent to a printing firm in deepest, darkest Dorset via file transfer protocol (FTP) at 4pm every day. They are then run off using state-of-the-art Xerox printers and collected for dispatch by Royal Mail at 5.15pm the same day.

eCards Media Managing Director Sam Heaton said: ‘Best of all, with next day delivery, the Postcard gets home before you do – no more waiting round for weeks for friends to read about what you got up to on holiday.

To download the Postcard application for your iPhone, head to the iTunes Store and search for ‘Postcards’ or click onto this.

The Latest Issue of SuperYacht World Magazine

2010-06-28T10:11:00.003+01:00

Issue 14 of SuperYacht World magazine has been released and once again the editors and art direction team have done a stunning job with the words and pictures that we give them.

In this exciting edition we have written the feature Best Refits. Here we look at some of the best treatments given to a space on board a superyacht. The Master stateroom in Eric Clapton’s Va Bene for example or the stunning new sky lounge on the Feadship Inevitable.

John Stalluppi’s Quantum of Solace gets a mention for the fabulous way in which designer Evan Marshall transformed a boring helideck into a great sundeck for hedonists. Dickie Bannenberg and Simon Rowell are so talented they managed two in our selection, the beautifully restored Blue Bird from Dickie and the treatment of the dinning saloon in Illusion from Simon.

Also check out the interior revamps of Eleanor Allen by Michael Kirschstien, and Elizabeth F from Design Unlimited. Another good reason to get hold of a copy of the magazine is to see how a British warship was converted to be come Titan by the designer Peter Sampson.

Also in SuperYacht World we wrote our yacht review of the 54 metre Turkish build Sequel P and got a great deal of help do that from Burgess Yachts who hosted us aboard her in Antigua last December.

Charter News is as always chocker full of interesting facts and figure all about what is new and hot in the world of superyacht charter and our chosen superyacht captain this issue is Aaron Clarke the master of Four Wishes available for charter through Fraser Yachts.

It’s a great magazine and not just because we write in it! You really should get a subscription to receive it regularly.

SuperYacht World is published six times a year. Make sure you never miss an issue and get free home delivery by taking a subscription. Order online or call +44 (0) 845 676 7778 and quote '20B' Individual copies can be ordered by phone or email. Contact +44 (0)1202 440 830 or e-mail tracey_warner@freelance.ipcmedia.com

In the next issue we produce our helpful guide on what to see at the Monaco Yacht Show this September and that is another reason why you should order yourself a regular subscription

MYBA Charter Yacht Show in Genoa: Day 3

2010-05-06T08:55:00.003+01:00

Cleaning again aboard Queen of Andaman

Once again the rain gods showered Genoa’s superyacht charter show with its damp delights. Crew with determinately good candour seemed to have leathers and water blades permanently welded to their hands and fought an uphill battle to keep the yachts look sparkling.

It is Day 3 of the MYBA Charter Yacht Show and there are one or two thick heads worn by those who enjoyed last night’s parties. Never the less yacht brokers are out in force trying hard to get to see everyone of the yachts here on in display.

It is a tough job, two docks are packed full with sail and motor yachts from 28 metres up to 90 and competition to gain the attention of charter broker is hard.

Today we have chosen to board H²ome a striking 44 metre, black hulled, yacht with a sleek dark brown superstructure and huge on deck areas. Built in Italy her exterior design is by Mario Grasso while her interior design is by Marina Grasso and Federica Giovannone of A-Lab Marine. She is here at the show straight from the yard and she must return to another for a short visit before she will be ready for charter. Her arresting appearance is the result of considerable input from the yachts owners.

Without doubt, this love it or hate it craft is going to be a success during her first charter season in the Mediterranean and her first charter will in fact be for VIPs toview the Monaco Grand Prix. She is available for more Mediterranean work through Primo Yachts

Another brand new yacht, seen for the first time at the show, is the 62 metre Bistango fresh out of the Benetti box and available for charter through Burgess. Built for the same owner who previously commissioned the same yard to build him the smaller Alibella she shares many of the same interior decoration effects. High gloss lacquer work, plenty of gold leaf, the yacht is finished with heavy accents of cream. Large cats provide an accent through the boat with animal statues and skins; it tastefully could be described as Bling goes Wild. The yacht has an internal layout similar to her stable mate the stunning Xanadu and the finished details show the mastery of the shipyard

Highlights not to be missed by charter brokers included the Yamaha Piano in the sky lounge that plays automatically and deep down inside the yachts garage a sleek looking Ferrari Testarossa is finished in bright red of course!

Cloud 9 the stunning yacht built as a sister ship to Slipstream is here at the show and available though Camper & Nicholson. She is a pleasing yacht with stacks of wide open space and a light and airy interior manned by a can do crew lead by Captain Colin Boyle.

Evenings entertainment came with parties hosted by among many others All Services the agency that can fix everything a charter yacht Captain needs doing and the Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting who host the Caribbean counterpart of this essential charter yacht showpiece

MYBA Charter Yacht Show in Genoa: Day 2

2010-05-05T08:16:00.002+01:00

Day two of the show and the skies had opened and it poured with rain very little relief all day. We felt so sorry for the crew who stood out in the rain all day to greet visitors and constantly having to wipe down every surface so that their yachts remained looking stunning even in the rain.

First yacht to catch our eye was one that was capitalising on just that feature of the show. Captain Heimo Tauern is both the master and manager of Anedigmi the wide bodied 50 metre yacht that was built back in 1993 as Achiever. He had chosen to use some of his charter marketing budget to hire two actors whose job it is to stage a live tableau on the stern swim platform in order to grab the attention of passing brokers. Yesterday they were dressed to enjoy the weather sunbathing and fishing today it was sou’westers and deck mops, as the tableau mirrored the job of the real life crew. Anedigmi is available for charter through Fraser Yachts.

Beside her Zoom Zoom Zoom is also commanded by a charismatic German speaking Captain. Heinz Krodel and his charming wife Marinella work aboard this yacht brought to the charter market by the International Yacht Collection. Heinz told us he already has three weeks of charter booked for this summer and thinks the season will once again be a long hard slog dominated by last minute decisions. He did however suggest that the dramatic discounting of last year might not be copied again. “The good yachts have learned that is not really necessary and maybe it is only the desperate who will repeat that folly” he says.

Our day continued in the rain with visits to the massive sailing yachts of Montigne available for charter through Ocean Independence and Queen of Andaman whose central agent is Thierry Voisin. Both offer extraordinary amounts of internal and external space more usual aboard motor yachts than super sailing yachts available for charter.

Jamaica, Cuba, Columbia and Brazil are not normally to be found as destinations of the average charter yacht but Golden Compass is not that average and she has just returned from all four. She will be based for this season in the Mediterranean starting in the west and making her way slowly through to the east from where she will head for the Indian Ocean for the winter. Catch her through the International Yacht Collection.

The premier social event yesterday was the by invitation only, MYBA Gala Dinner held, like last year, at the Villa Lo Zerbino.  With Captains, charter brokers, charter managers, exhibitors, media and other invited guests all in evening dress it was a glamour and successful event for networking and playing. Sadly with the rain predicted it had to be held mostly indoors, a shame, as the garden is spectacular. Some of us left before midnight but the young in age and heart will undoubtedly have continued to party into the wee hours.

MYBA Charter Yacht Show in Genoa: Day 1

2010-05-04T18:37:00.001+01:00

Dinner aboard Five Fishes

In Genoa the MYBA Charter Yacht show has opened its doors to the very select clientele it permits to view the worlds finest charter yachts. Once again the Molo Vecchio is crammed full of Charter Yachts whose crews have been hard at work polishing them and Charter brokers are drifting down to the quayside in eager anticipation of a successful MYBA Charter show. While today was fine the weather forecast for the rest of the week in the city looks set to remain miserably damp with heavy rain forecast throughout the week.

Registration for visiting brokers takes place from 0900 with yachts available for viewing from 0930 until 1700 but closed for lunch from 1230 until 1400. This evening there are no formal events but one or two of the trade exhibits threw private parties on the dock.

The stunning sailing yacht Lady Thuraya played host to a wonderful party in the early evening. Her owner, Jan Verkerk is the man who created Sherakhan has created another masterpiece of restoration. This time he has used the yacht that was built in 1982 as Borkumriff II. He has kept many of her original features and on deck she is little different to her original conception, it is down below decks that the real miracle has occurred. She has been converted into a beautiful classic sailing boat with a contemporary interior that is both comfortable and surprisingly spacious. She is now available for sale and charter through the Monaco offices of Camper & Nicholson.

Champagne and canapes aboard her was the perfect starter for what followed when we boarded the 35 metre motor yacht 5 Fishes a yacht on display through the International Yacht Collection. It was to this great yacht that we had been invited to dinner together with 8 top charter brokers. It was as we sat down to the evening meal and spotted the menu that we realised what a splendid feast we were about to partake. Seven courses of gastronomic pleasure followed one after another highlighting what a spectacularly talented chef they have on board.

MYBA Charter Yacht Show in Genoa

2010-05-04T08:56:00.001+01:00

First Day of the Show

From 3rd until 7th May 2010 Genoa is once again playing host the 22nd MYBA Charter Yacht Show. This is one of the most important international exhibitions dedicated solely to charter professionals and superyachts.

This annual show is held just before the start of the Mediterranean season begins in earnest with the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival. It is an event not to be missed, attended as it is by the most prestigious charter agencies and brokers globally who flock to see the world’s finest superyachts. The exhibition offers a select showcase for luxury charter yachts and the most exclusive display of ancillary services for the superyacht industry. The number and quality of the attendees who visit from around the globe every year highlight its continuing success.

If they all turn up the show will play host to 64 yachts with over 100 charter companies sending their top brokers to view the yachts. 54 leading suppliers to the Superyacht Business will display their wares at stands not open to the public thus ensuring the quality of the time they are able to spend with their potential customers. 34 members of the superyacht press from around the world have signed up to attend each seeking to bring you up to the minute reports of what is going on in the Super yacht world

The exhibition is owned by MYBA, now a worldwide yachting association. The organisers, the Pesto group, run an impeccably organised show. The numerous events surrounding the show and the splendid location along the Mollo Vechio in the Porto Antico (Ancient Harbour) of Genoa justify this event’s hard-won professional status

MYBA has chosen this year to once again to work with Yacht Carbon Offset, following the success of its partnership during the MYBA Selection in the South of France last September. Carbon savings from one of Yacht Carbon Offset's selected projects, in Nicaragua, have been allocated to match the estimated carbon emissions from electricity consumption at the event.

An Assignment in Gibraltar

2010-04-14T15:17:00.003+01:00

Gibraltar seen from the Top of the Rock

Working for SuperYacht Business magazine we have been writing a series of articles in which we look at the different territories around the world that offer superyachts the opportunity of flagging under the Red ensign. First off was the Isle of Man. The current edition (issue 15 April 2010) of the magazine carries the article we wrote about the British Virgin Islands.

Last weekend we were guests of the Gibraltar Tourist Board and flew to the rock on Saturday. The new issue of SuperYacht Business is expected to carry our report about the territory.

Our first assignment was to visit the Gibraltar International Boat Show, which ran from 8^th to 11^th of April. Now in its second year and held at the newly completed Ocean Village Marina, the event is shaping up well in its showcasing of leisure activities to local people.

We interviewed the Deputy Chief Minister, the Admiralty Marshall and the Maritime Administrator who told us of plans to create a single ship registry. This will combine the currently separate commercial ship registry and the pleasure yacht registry.

We met many of the top shipping lawyers who are hugely knowledgeable when it comes to explaining why and how to register a superyacht in Gibraltar. We visited the newly enhanced Queensway Quay Marina and toured some of the splendid new waterfront properties they have for sale.

If you would like to receive your own personal copy of SuperYacht Business magazine, do please drop us a line.

Visit the Galapagos before it is too late

2010-04-05T10:36:00.002+01:00

Having completed our trip aboard Queen of Galapagos, there is little doubt in our minds as to the magnificence of the destination because it is truly spectacular. The question is, for how long can these amazing little islands stand the onslaught of the tourist or indeed the islanders themselves?

500 Guides each can lead 16 tourists around these marvels of nature where animals allow themselves to be seen at very close quarters. Add to that the independent yachtsmen and those permitted to gain the islands inside the park without a guide and the number of visitors could reach 8,000+ a day or nearly 3 million a year.

Commercialism is creeping in quickly; attractions such as the habitat of the Giant Tortoise have entrance fees and the ever-present gift shop and café.

In town, bars and restaurants jostle for business each offering bargain prices and happy hours that seem to last an afternoon and it can surely only be a matter of time before the Golden Arches of the giant fat food joint are seen downtown.

Even the iconic Charles Darwin Research Station and National Park attractions come complete with gift shops and snack bars and while it is possible to see some of the achievements these organisations have made over years most of what they do is hidden from the visitor.

Plastic bottles float where sea lions play, island homes have no mains sewerage and yacht operators pump their chemically treated effluent into the sea. Townships are sprawling, teenage pregnancy is apparently rampant and the local population is expanding at an alarming rate but there are few good schools or places of higher education. Compared to mainland Ecuador though the standard of living is high making it the islands a desirable place to live.

Yet the destination is one of the modern wonders of the world and undoubtedly the way to see it is from the deck of a yacht with your own guide as we did. Trying to do it on down market tourist boats is like joining the lines in Disneyland. Endeavouring to visit islands by small local boats using land-based hostels is a pastime only for the young who are prepared to carry the world inside a rucksack.

Visit the Galapagos as soon as you can, as despite the best efforts of the authorities, we fear it may not remain a wonderful, unique, pristine, environment. Go now before it is too late.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Goodbye to Queen of Galapagos

2010-04-04T11:33:00.003+01:00

We disembark and tour San Cistóbal Island

The port of Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galapagos but not the largest town. It is prettier and less hectic than the larger Puerto Ayado on Santa Cruz, where we spent our first night. It is time to leave our comfortable home aboard Queen of Galapagos and become landlubbers again.

After breakfast, we say a sad good bye to our crew, fellow travellers and JC our amazing guide and disembark. Our first stop is to check into the Casa Blanca a delightfully simple guest house overlooking the harbour. We climb to the very top to the dome shaped penthouse, called the Cupola because of its distinctive shape. We enjoy the spectacular view across the anchorage for a few minutes before returning to terra firma to explore the island.

Our first stop is the Interpretation centre to learn a few more details about the history of the islands. Then Diego a helpful and very willing cab driver takes us to the highlands. Our first stop is El Junco to see the unique landscape. Sadly the clouds are too low for a good view and it is misty with light rain. Just as we are about to leave the clouds lift and offer a glimpse across the island.

From there we go to another Giant Tortoise Breeding centre and then on to some really beautiful bays and beaches where snorkelling is nothing short of spectacular. There is a great deal to do on the island of San Cistóbal even without a yacht. While you do not need to employ the services of a guide from the National Park Services we certainly missed JC and his expert knowledge. Reading signs is definitely not the same.

Back in town and replete after a splendid dinner we followed local custom and strolled around town enjoying the warm weather and gentle breeze. Though it was still early not everyone in town was awake, the beach was wall-to-wall sea lions sleeping after their strenuous day swimming. Not everyone was on the beach and you have to be very careful where you walk or sit on to the promenade so as not to disturb the well earned rest.

Sadly it is time to say goodbye to the islands themselves. It has been a great experience and we believe we have enough in the way of notes and photographs to write a great article in SuperYacht World magazine. We hope you enjoy it when it is published and in the meantime you will comment in the spaces below.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

The Boy’s Club on Plaza Sur The Galapagos

2010-04-02T09:36:00.003+01:00

Michael interviews one of the girls

We disembarked from Queen of the Galapagos using our panga and land on South Plaza Island one in a group of low-lying islands of the east coast of Santa Cruz. Our yacht has, over lunch sailed around the island passing north-about between Seymour and Baltra.

South and North Plaza are again uplifted islands and home to the cliff dwelling Galapagos Shearwater and the by now, to us, usual cast of other characters.

As we approach the rocky shoreline, we see the lava rocks are positively heaving with wet black sea lion climbing in and out of the water.

The beach is clearly demarked by the sea lions into areas and it is easy to spot the crèche for the babies and the sunbathing spots for the mums. Further along the beach, a huge male bull acts as beachmaster guarding his harem of basking ladies. He growls at and even chases off some would be contenders and there are many of these here on this island. But he does not mind us at all and following rules, look but never touch, we are able to get really close.

The old, infirm or defeated bulls have their own bachelor’s section of the beach: The Boys’ Club. It is here that, together with the young potential challenger bulls, they come to rest, relax, recuperate or is some cases die..

Ashore and inland, large yellow coloured land iguanas munch away happily on the vegetation enjoying the sunshine, completely ignoring us. They are particularly fond of the yellow flowering fruit of the Giant Cactus tree and are quick to reach one when they see it fall to the ground.

Their way of dealing with fallen fruit is fascinating to watch. First the flower is pulled away from the fruit and quickly devoured, this is clearly their favourite part. Then, using their front feet, they roll the fruit in the soil in an attempt to rid its surface of prickly spikes, once that task is completed they tear into the fruit.

We climb to the top of the ridge and there on the other side of the island, we watch red footed tropic birds swooping around with Frigate birds and of course the Galapagos Shearwater. It is here that we see Nazcar Boobies, a close relative but a different species of the Masked Boobie found elsewhere in the world.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Santa Cruz Island and the Pink Flamingo

2010-04-01T11:39:00.002+01:00

White Sand Beaches, Turtle Eggs and Pretty Flamingos

The Queen of Galapagos has moved again overnight and we awake at anchor off the island of Santa Cruz, in the northern part. We are alone, no other yacht can be seen anywhere and we have a special expedition ashore planned.

The white sand expanse of beach here cannot be reached by road or footpath, the only way in or out is by boat. The isolation makes this the perfect spot for the Pacific Green Turtle to lay her eggs at night and as soon as we reach the shore we see evidence that last night was just one such evening.

Large tracks made as if by a 4 x 4 off-roader lead the way from the water to a mound in the sand. Here one large female has clearly laid and buried some of her clutch of what could be up to 200 eggs. Galapagos is the only place in the world where this species of turtle lays her eggs, though the seagoing reptiles can be found all over the Pacific Ocean.

Each turtle returns to the same beach, on which she herself emerged from inside a leathery like shell no bigger than a ping pong ball, to perpetuate the species. The eggs incubate in the sand under the hot equatorial sun, females will be born if the ambient temperature stays higher than 31^o centigrade. Make it 27^o or less and chances are all the babies will be boys.

A little further along the beach we see the Lava Gull with his distinctive black hood and grey ash coloured body. He is just of 400 of these birds thought to exist in the world and all of them here in the Galapagos. Beside him the Wandering Tatler with his distinctive yellow legs chases the same food in the seawater pool.

Behind the beach are lagoons filled with brackish water and it is here that the Greater Flamingos feed in small groups. They are seeking a shrimp like krill that develops well in this type of water. It takes them around 12 hours each day to get enough to eat.

Here in the Galapagos, the pretty flamingo is an endemic sub species of the bird most people recognise instantly but these are more pink than their cousins. The total number of birds in this sub species is thought to number just 500 but since each year the hen bird will lay one egg and there are few predators this number is showing signs of remaining steady. Nearby feeding in the same waters there are Black Necked and Common Stilt Herons.

Thinking of food, we are reminded that despite the hearty breakfast eaten before we came ashore, it is nearly lunchtime. The panga comes into the beach and we are whisked off the sand and transported back to Queen of Galapagos where our ever helpful crew help us on board and hand us glasses of freshly pressed fruit juice. It is so nice to be spoiled.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Stars Gazing aboard Queen of Galapagos

2010-03-31T09:50:00.001+01:00

In a peaceful anchorage, waiting for the sun to set

The loungers have been taken to the upper deck, the clear night sky is proving to be an attraction to those on board. It is not what you think; JC is going to give a lecture on the stars.

The upper most deck of Queen of Galapagos makes the perfect place from where to view heavenly bodies especially on such a balmy night. There is of course no air pollution in the Galapagos and very little in the way of light pollution save for the deck lights of the yachts anchored nearby.

JC, complete with his laser pointer, starts pointing into the sky outlining Orion, his club and the belt pointing to Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. He explains the Greek mythology and tells the stories that man has built around the constellations. He points out the two famous stars in that constellation: the first and brightest is Rigel at his foot; the other is Betelgeuse on his opposite shoulder distinctive because of the yellowish red colour, the sign of a dying star.

The Southern Cross and what is called the false cross because it is often confused with the real thing, are both visible as are the heavenly twins, Castor and Pollux. In the north the most familiar constellation is Ursa Major often called the Big Dipper or the Plough, which provides a useful pointer to Polaris or the Pole Star. But at this latitude it lies unseen by us on the horizon.

It is a well-presented lesson and we turn in that night replete with good food company and a feeling of having achieved a great deal in what was a perfect day.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

The Barren Volcanic Galapagos Island of Bartolomé

2010-03-30T15:39:00.002+01:00

While we are eating lunch Queen of Galapagos has moved from North Seymour to Bartolomé Island. To get there she sailed between the islands of Daphne Minor and Daphne Major, the second of which has been made famous by the publication of Beak of the Finch by Jonathan Weiner. This book tells the fascinating story of how and why an English couple, Peter and Rosemary, Grant have been regularly returning for 25 years to this tiny island. They have been researching the many different species of the famous Darwin’s finches to be found here.

We reach Bartolomé Island at around 3pm and shortly after the anchor has fallen into the water the yacht’s efficient crew have launched the pangas (tenders to you and I!).

This island is possibly the most photographed landscape in the whole of the Galapagos and it is easy to see why. It rises starkly from the ocean, a barren volcanic upthrusting onto which very little in the way of vegetation has settled.

The island maybe barren but the waters around it are teaming with sea life and we are quickly rewarded when we spotted our first of the Galapagos Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world. It is bizarre that here on the Equator is a species of the flightless bird whose usual habitat is Antarctica.

We land on the rocks and begin our trek up to the island’s peak atop of which is a small lighthouse.

JC still fastidiously dressed in freshly pressed shorts, neatly trimmed beard, gold rimmed aviator sunglasses and the ubiquitous Panama hat is in his element. What he does not know about volcanic eruptions and the complex landscape it creates is simply not worth knowing.

He shows us Spatter Cones where lava leftovers have been thrown into the air, cooling as they fall to the ground. He points out Tuff Cones created when copious quantities of ash as opposed to lava are deposited by eruptions. He explains the way lava falls down the mountainside leaving a trail of that looks like the mountain has been smeared in liquid caramel.

On the moon like landscape one plant that is serious about survival is the Lava Cactus. This plant produces prickly green tubes which turn first a golden yellow then brown and finally grey before they drop off to create fertiliser for the new life. Another hardy plant, this time must smaller and one that flowers is the Galapagos Petunia.

Reaching the top, the view is stunning, far below us, Queen of Galapagos lies quietly at anchor in the bay as the sun sets behind her. We all scamper down the mountainside, someone has mentioned the chance of a cool beer back on board and with this thought in mind we make our way back down the arid slopes.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Frigate Birds and Blue Footed Boobies

2010-03-29T09:28:00.004+01:00

Look at my Feet!

North Seymour Island is home to a wide variety of wildlife but it is the birds that are special on our visit.

Our favourite is the Blue Footed Boobie. They are so comical and we are entranced as we watch one male put on a wonderful display as he attempts to attract a watching female. He is clearly proud of his huge, brightly blue coloured webbed feet and he seems to be oblivious to the fact that they are not unique as the female is wearing similar coloured footwear.

He uses his feet to try to attract her attention, raising first one then the other, high into the air in a matching on the spot exercise, occasionally spreading his wings and throwing back his head to emit a shrill whistle. We can easily understand how this stupid looking bird got his name.

There are two species of Frigate birds in the Galapagos: the Frigate Bird Minor whose origin was Asia and the Frigate Bird Magnificent hailing originally from the Caribbean Islands. While there are differences that are easy to spot when pointed out, they are for the most part very similar and both are here on North Seymour.

It is breeding season and in the trees the males are puffing up their gular sacks in the hope that the female will notice their bright red throats. The females fly in to inspect the nesting spot the male has chosen. If the nest has what the female considers "good potential" she will stay, if not the male must stay inflated until he finds a lady who is impressed.

Lightweight and aerodynamically shaped, these birds have wingspan of up to 250 centimetres. They are so agile in the air with their magnificent scissor shaped tail but they are hopeless on the ground and landing can make very amusing watching.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Swallow Tail Gulls, Marine Iguanas and Sea Lions

2010-03-28T12:27:00.003+01:00

North Seymour Island is home to a wide variety of wildlife.

We leave Queen of Galapagos using one of the yachts powerful tenders, to walk on Seymour Island. North of the larger Baltra, it is an uplifted island, meaning that volcanic action has pushed it above the surface of the sea.

Once ashore, right by our landing spot, we watch enchanted, a male and female Swallow Tail Gull perform a courtship ritual right in front of us. Like almost all the birds and mammals we see here in the Galapagos they seem oblivious to their human watchers.

Here, just a couple of feet away, the male has invited the female to partake in a meal by regurgitating one that he prepared earlier, feeding her from his beak. Clearly birds are not like us! She is not put off and they huddle together. We decide to give them a little privacy and move off.

Around us, so close we could touch them (but we never do), are sea lions of every size. Mothers with pups at their breast, other pups on their own squeaking loudly in the hope that mummy won’t be gone long before she brings home a nice fish supper. It may be as long as four days before she return to feed them, but a mother’s job is never done, as it is common for feeding to continue well into adulthood.

Elsewhere on the beach are Marine Iguana by the score. They climb from the sea their strong legs propelling them across terra firma. In the ocean it is their powerful tail that they use to get to the underwater rocks. In the sea their blunt snout is used to harvest algae and sea grass and they often spend up to an hour below the surface before coming up for air.

Scuttling across the rocks, brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs liven up the otherwise drab black colours. These red crabs know few predators and therefore can afford to display themselves so flamboyantly. When young however, they are prey to birds, so the juveniles are black and can hardly be seen walking across the lava rocks by the shore.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

The Charles Darwin Research Station

2010-03-26T09:45:00.003Z

An enthusiastic mate for Lonesome George?

Perhaps the most famous institution in Ecuador is here in the Galapagos. It is a must see for every visitor and for those travelling aboard Queen of Galapagos it is the highlight of our first day.

The Charles Darwin Foundation was inaugurated in 1959 and five years later the first of sprawling complex of buildings was built that is now the Charles Darwin Research Station. Today it houses some 200 or so scientists from all around the world, here to study the unique environment of the Galapagos.

There is a programme for replanting indigenous plants. A building houses what looks like a garden centre with pots of indigenous plants but there are no price labels. Instead local inhabitants can take what they like, for free, to replace foreign species of plants in their gardens.

Another and perhaps more famous activity of the station is the breeding of tortoises. National Park Rangers gather up freshly laid eggs from various islands and bring them to the station. Hatching takes place in specially adapted incubators and controlled temperature ensure a higher number of females are born. Pampered for five years the babies grow rapidly and securely before being returned to live in the wild on their native islands.

One programme is devoted to the most famous tortoise of all. Lonesome George is thought to be the very last of his kind from the island of Pinta. Now he lives with two lady tortoises’ each with similar genes, though not exactly the same it is hoped to preserve something of his kind. At 90 some years of age a lot of future history is resting on the shoulders of poor old Lonesome George and we wish him well.

Giant tortoises can live up to 150 and reach around 250 kilos in weight. Size is not an indicator of age but another of the programmes at the station is the re-homing of unwanted and rescued tortoises’ and among these is Popeye a huge mammal whose shell was shot up badly by soldiers in an army base. Fierce and unfriendly at first due to his cruel life, he has recovered his equilibrium and become docile and content.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Touring the Island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos

2010-03-25T15:30:00.003Z

We meet one of the islands top guides

Juan Carlos Sosa, or JC as he prefers to be known, is one of those wonderful characters it is a delight to meet and converse with. Witty, charismatic and hugely knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects. He is an award-winning guide with the Galapagos National Park authorities here in the Galapagos and will accompany us as we embark upon a charter aboard the 29 metre yacht Queen of the Galapagos.

First however he leads us for an afternoon tour of Santa Cruz. We set off to the Highlands to visit Los Gemelos (the Twins) a pair of almost matching pit craters sitting side by side. These volcanic craters were originally created just 1.5 million years or so ago when lava bubbled up from the earth. When that bubble burst the crust subsided back into the space left leaving the crater open to the atmosphere.

Here we met our first endemic bird, unique to these islands, the Galapagos Dove. Somewhat reluctant to fly, it prefers instead to stalk about using its distinctively red legs. Sounding the craters are fine examples of the towering Giant Daisy, whose tree like trunk supports a flower bush at the top, which plays host to many varieties of lichen and moss.

A short bus ride down a dirt track brings us to Rancho Primica. Amidst the wetlands, a wild colony of Giant Tortoise lives in their natural habitat. They love to wallow in the abundant muddy water hoping to rid themselves of troublesome parasites. These particular Tortoises are unique to Santa Cruz and they grow to a large size on the island because they have no predators.

Moving on we explore inside a lava tube. This subterranean tunnel was left behind when molten lava flowed from a crater but did so underground. They can run underground for many kilometres and over the years many have caved in leaving large ruts in the earths surface. This particular tube runs for about 250 metres, 25 metres underground.

Back in our bus we headed towards the Charles Darwin Research Station and the headquarters of the National Parks Service, the controlling body governing the activities inside the National Park.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Galapagos Beaches

2010-03-23T23:53:00.002Z

Miles of deserted beach occupied only by sleeping Iguanas

A little way outside the town of Puerto Ayora a small pedestrian pathway leads into the National Park and, once clear of the registration hut, runs for 3 kilometres through woods towards one of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches.

The Pacific swell causes waves to curl and crash onto the shore making this a great surfing spot and not a shack in sight!

Those who have carried their board on the 40-minute walk from town are rewarded with a great ride when the surf is up.

For others the beach provides an uninhabited and almost deserted walk beside the sea. Marine Iguanas move twixt surf and shore where they pile up into great heaps to bask in the sunshine. Asleep they appear lifeless, save for the occasional snort as they clear the excess salt form their bodies in a spray of brine like miniature whales spouting.

These are the only sea going lizards in the world and can only be found in these islands. If numbers here on this beach at Tortuga Bay are anything to go by they are not endangered.

Towards the end of the beach a twist of nature has allowed the sea to force its way into the island forming a beautiful and very peaceful lagoon with sandy beaches, cactus plants and plenty of pelicans. This quiet beach with its calm waters is the complete opposite to its near neighbour and proves again what a fascinating group of islands are here in the Galapagos.

We are here to voyage aboard the superyacht Queen of Galapagos as she undertakes a charter visiting just a small selection of islands. We hope to share with you some of the excitement of undertaking such a trip. Please follow our adventures and feel free to comment below.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Puerto Ayado, The Galapagos

2010-03-23T15:11:00.000Z

Where the sealions come to lunch

We flew into the Galapgaos with Aerogal directly from Guayaqul in Ecuador and are on our way to join the yacht Queen of the Galapgos whose cruising area is one of the world’s most famous preserves of nature.

We landed on the small island of Baltra, just off the north coast of Santa Cruz. During the Second World War it was a US military base but now it just houses an airport. The narrow channel separating us from Santa Cruz Island (Indefatigable) is crossed by a flotilla of blunt bowed ferryboats.

We hire a taxi, a four-door pick-up truck, and drive for 45 minutes south across the island to the town of Puerto Ayaro and our hotel Solymar.

Our welcome drink on the patio overlooking the sea was interrupted by the arrival of, first, a rather large Pelican who ambled over towards us as if in a greeting. He posed for photographs and then waddled off on his large webbed feet across to where an American family were having a drink. There sleeping like a Labrador dog at his master’s feet lay a sealion basking in the sun, eyes closed and gently snoring. The camera click, and she opened an eye and we will swear we heard her say: “Do you mind? I am sleeping!”

The sealion was tagged with the number 659 and it was obvious that she had chosen the hotel patio because of the shade the covered veranda offered from the midday sun. What was amazing however was that she co-existed with man without interaction. She was not begging for food nor was she being fed!

We lunched at The Rock were we ate fresh tuna cooked to perfection washed down with a bottle of excellent local beer.

Queen of Galapagos is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Farewell Atmosphere, Goodbye Chile

2010-03-22T20:56:00.000Z

The hardest word to use aboard a luxury charter yacht is goodbye

There comes a time on every superyacht charter when we have to use the G word. It is always a sad occasion especially when, as been aboard Atmosphere, we have been looked after so very well. The excitement of being on board a discovery yacht as she explores unfamiliar waters is one of the best possible ways of enjoying luxury yacht charter and having Chile as the destination has been the icing on the cake.

Yes we have had fun, every day has been exciting as we have adventured through just small part of the waters that keep this country’s coastline wet.

The yacht is by nature of where she operates and what she does, somewhat different from the three decked white yachts that lurk off Saint Tropez during the summer and St Barths during the winter. She is different in construction and in areas does not display what some would call a superyacht finish but that, if anything, is an added attraction to what it is she offers to the discerning charter guest.

Cabins with their ensuite bathrooms on board are comfortable and kept spotless by the crew. The main saloon, dinning room and sociable bar area work together in complete unison on one single deck. Sensible amenities include a wet room where boots and outdoor wear can be stored, while luxury facilities include on deck spa pools and a sauna room.

The Captain and his crew run a tight ship that is clean and tidy at all times but as is so often the case aboard charter yachts it is the interior crew who make life onboard so pleasing. Here aboard Atmosphere that rule remains unbroken with chefs in the galley producing an edible masterpiece for each and every meal. Service is exquisite, both at the bar, at table and in keeping the cabins immaculate.

Would we recommend this yacht? Very defiantly yes, she is the perfect antidote to the luxury charter yacht on the milk run and is one that is sure to get the adrenaline really pumping. Go on contact Robert Shepherd at Edmiston and tell him that Frances and Michael Howorth suggested you do so. We are quite certain you will enjoy it.

Atmosphere is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

The Tic Toc Islands

2010-03-19T19:48:00.000Z

Whale Watching in Chile’s Bay of Tic Toc

We are not hiking today, instead we plan a day of on-water exploration using Atmosphere as our base. We launch the big Zodiac Hurricane 920 RIB and get ready to set off for a day of excitement afloat in which we plan to circumnavigate the uninhabited islands in the bay of Tic Toc.

But, as so often happens when plans are made, something happens that brings about a change of mind. It is this ability to so quickly alter plans that sets apart luxury yacht charter from those more formalised itineraries of mini cruise liner.

Francisco our helicopter pilot was returning to the yacht having dropped off Brent and Sally for a full day of trout fishing on a mountain-top lake at Miragualay when, as he approached the yacht, he saw whales in the channel outside our sheltered bay. Acting as our eye in the sky, he quickly noted their position some 3 miles north west of the island of Horadada reporting the fact to officers on the bridge of the yacht who plotted the latitude and longitude onto the navigation chart. The VHF radio on the RIB crackled into life as we heard Atmosphere calling us to pass the information.

With Pablo at the helm of the powerful RIB we abandoned our sightseeing expedition and shot across the waves to the coordinates cameras at the ready. We were not disappointed, and saw the plumes of the whales venting when we were some three miles off.

Slowing down so as not to frighten them we approached with caution. As we did so and came closer, we were able to see them jumping clear out of the water, barrel rolling so as to show us their white bellies and giving us the positive identification that we have found a pod of Orcas or Killer Whales.

We counted nine or so including a mother and calf and a very much larger, dominant male. They showed little fear and seemed to assume the dark grey and black RIB was a distant cousin and came in for a closer look. They performed their routines in front of us, first to port then to starboard blowing plumes of air and seawater from their blowholes each time they surfaced.

Frequently they surfaced so close to the side of the boat as to be inside touching distance. On several occasions they ploughed through the water heading straight for the side of our boat only to dive below the boat and appear on the other side, an action that pt hearts into mouths as we pondered what would happen if the manoeuvre were to go pear shaped.

The convoy comprising of boat and whales moved westwards towards a very small out crop of rocks that were frequently awash as the Pacific swell broke over them. It was as we studied the rocks that we suddenly realised why it was the whales were hanging around in the vicinity. There, clinging perilously to the rocks, were a female and couple of young sea lions who, to the Orcas looked somewhat appetising.

We watched as the sea swept the baby sea lions from their rocky perch, we felt their mothers panic as the babies scrambled to regain their hard ground. Adept and agile in the water they maybe when they are seeking their own prey, these sea lions, on this occasion, clearly felt that safety was rock shaped.

We leave you to make up your own ending to the story giving you the choice between happy and otherwise. Safe to say that eventually, having entertained us for nearly two hours, the whales made one last spectacular series of jumps attempting to touch the sky and then dived deep into the ocean leaving us to turn the RIB around and head back towards the yacht for our own lunch.

Walking in the Bonsai Forest in Chile

2010-03-19T14:51:00.003Z

On the side of the volcano it pays to be small

Overnight Atmosphere has moved around 22 miles from Piti Palena to the Bay of Tictoc into which the Tictoc River flows. Here she anchored off Punta Escondido deep inside Bahia de Pescadores. We wake from our sleep surrounded by seabirds feeding from the fish rich waters while sea lions swim lazily around. Two of our group chose to fish and are flown by helicopter to a river where brown trout are said to run wall to wall and we wait until the machine returns at 9am before we set off on what will be a daylong hike across the volcano at Paramo.

Today we are joined by Osvaldo the yachts expedition manager who tells us we are pioneering a brand new never been trekked part of the mountain and that it is highly likely that no man has never walked at this sport before.

We land on a plateau at 2,800 feet alighting onto a soft, tundra like carpet of moss that feels as if you are walking across a soft deep pile woollen carpet.

It is a land where it pays to bring along a loop that very small magnifying glass so beloved by diamond dealers. Get down on your knees and use the loop to look at the tiny flowers, plants and grasses and immediately, it is as if you have entered a different world. Tiny plants adopt perfect geometric shapes and among then are minute carnivorous plants that use a sweet sticky secretion to trap micro sized insects into its gaping mouth were it is digested.

These mountaintops are normally subject to fierce winds that sweep across this exposed mountainside ripping away anything large. It is for this reason that trees and plants in the area have realised that it is futile to develop beyond a size that is absolutely necessary for survival. This means trees have evolved and adopted the appearance of well-cultivated Bonsai trees from Japan.

Gnarled trunks, substantial root systems and tiny leaves on perfectly formed miniature branches are everywhere and with so many trees, fighting for the same space the area is reminiscent of a trees surrounding a Lilliput village with its own Bonsai Forest if such a thing were to exist.

We split into two groups of three and set off on our climb. We have chosen the lower but longer route leaving Margot, Osvaldo and Ignacio to conquer new heights as the attempted to reach the snow line. Together with Pablo we have chosen the longer more picturesque and truthfully less strenuous version in which we have more time to take pictures using macro lenses to capture the tiny pants and trees. We even have time to pose for silly pictures of us standing beside miniature trees in which we look like Gulliver on his travels.

We camp in between two pristine lakes at 2500 feet and eat our picnic lunch of steak sandwiches made from Wagu beef, which despite their perilous journey inside our back packs taste so good when washed down with water drawn from the water fall on the river that feeds the lakes. The sun is hot, the air so clean it actually smells strangely and because this is South America and it is the custom to do so, we take a short siesta. It seemed rude not too!

Later we trekked across a ridge or three and found a smaller lake inhabited by dragonfly who were clearly in the throws of courtship routines. The males flitted from bank to bank deftly landing on and taking off the water in front of the watching females, each male trying to out perform is opposition. In the same pond we spot tadpole and finally get our first sighting of the very rare Patagonian frog a rather small ochre and burned amber amphibian.

We have had a wonderful day and as we wait at 2000 feet for our pick up we have proved that there are two ways to trek in an untouched by human country. The hard way is to walk all the way up and all the way down. The alternative is the Atmosphere way. Hitch a ride on a helicopter, it’s the only way to travel here in Patagonia.

Atmosphere is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Small Boats at Peti Palena, Chile

2010-03-19T04:14:00.003Z

Was it Mr Toad, in Wind and Willows who said, “There is nothing quite like messing about in boats on the river”? Here in a quite and sheltered part of the Palena River is a stretch of water quite literally littered with islands just waiting to be messed with and the abundance of kayaks carried by Atmosphere are the very best of boats to go exploring in.

We have again chosen a two man kayak as our mode of transport and set off with Ignacio as our guide and teacher and we hop from island to island closely watching the Rock Cormorants that either fishing or standing in the sun with their wings outstretched drying off. We beach our craft on a sandy island and explore the surroundings and then take to the water again and visit somewhere fresh.

Inside one pretty cove we encounter Jaimie a local fisherman who is cultivating mussels to sell at market.

Learning we are from the big yacht with the bright red helicopter Jaimie makes us welcome and invites us into his home built entirely using his own hands and local woods. He had fashioned the hanging shingles tile by tile hacking each one using his machete and the house is where he lives during the summer months. Inside a wood-burning stove supplies the heat and means of cooking his meals.

The kettle is on and he offers to take yerba maté with us which given the protocols involved is rather like being invited to take part in a Japanese tea ceremony. Boiling hot water is poured onto the green grass like leaves and stems which have been shredded to become powder like and taking care not to stir the mixture, it is passed around from person to person who each sip the mixture and pass it on. It is important to drink most of it and hand it back to the server who fills it with more hot water and hands it to the next person. It is really important not say thank you, to do so suggests that you do not want any more and can be taken to mean you do not like the way the maker has made the brew. When everyone has taken mate, the server drinks his own portion and the ceremony is complete.

Bidding farewell to Jaimie, we take to our kayaks and begin the long paddle back toAtmosphere. As we approach the helicopter flies in with the fishermen from Trebol its rotors clattering as it drops down onto the helideck.

Atmosphere is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Glaciers and Swimming with Icebergs at 3000 feet

2010-03-17T23:29:00.002Z

Early helicopter flights ferry those seeking to catch yet more trout off to the lakes of Trebol. Two of our group leave the yacht as soon as dawn breaks and the helicopter returns to take a second group of four out to a lake at Rodriguez where they have chosen to camp overnight in what can only be called an attempt at male bonding and recreating days of when they were all Boy Scouts.

We use the bright red wasp-like machine lifting of the helideck on the stern of Atmosphere at a much more civilised 0900 and head off over the low lying River Palena where we had earlier dropped anchor after a short southward journey of just 18 nautical miles.

Our pilot flies us off across the muddy estuary and heads for the hills. Ahead of us is the Volcano of Melimoyu with its snow-capped peak. Far below us, the clouds clump together like soft cotton wool to create a white fleecy blanket. Wearing headphones into which Francisco pipes the contents of his iPod we cannot hear the cameras clicking, both of the guides and Frances are busy shooting the scenery.

In the days of film there would have been many changes of film cassette during this flight. The Bell 407 can take off and land at altitudes of up to 12,000 feet and can when flying reach an altitude of 22,000 feet so we are well within its limits as we skim across the peaks.

We are dropped off onto a natural landing pad of flat ground right at the foot of a Glacier some 2,200 feet above sea level. This is only the fourth occasion that a helicopter from Atmosphere has landed here and the area is so remote it is highly unlikely that any others have ever done so and standing upright once the aircraft has taken off and left us we get a real feeling of being a pioneer.

There is a deep ravine on one side of us gouged out of the earth by centuries of ice erosion. On the other side of over valley is a high cliff that is heavily forested. In the middle however is the formidable glacier that is so spectacular that you immediately begin to winder where Big Foot is or at the very least, a polar bear!

The icy face of the glacier, thousands of years old, blue with age is riddled with caves caused by the erosion at the point where the face meets the lagoon. Around us the ice cracks like thunder, chunks of white rock fall into the lagoon and shuttle off to join the other mini icebergs that litter the surface.

Despite water temperatures well below freezing the call of he water and the extreme sense of adventure is too much for Ignacio one of our guides who strips off and jumps in using icebergs like a surfer uses boards.

We explore our surroundings and learn from our guides all about the Nalcas, which we are told, are the sacred plant of the Mapuche the tribe of indigenous Indians who originally inhabited the central and southern parts of Chile. Pablo explains how they can be used as a foodstuff and building material.

The sun is up, layers of clothes worn just in case it was cold and windy up here have been discarded and the only fly in the ointment so to speak is the dreaded Tabano horse fly, seemingly the size of a fight aircraft which buzz around our ears incessantly pausing only to sink its long drill like stalk into your skin as they try to suck up your blood.

We discard the contents of our bottles of so called natural water and reuse them filling with the real thing from a bubbling stream. Leave them on the ice for a few minutes and low and behold Mother Nature has looked after us yet again.

How Not to Watch Whales in Chile

2010-03-17T23:12:00.005Z

We get in close to Dolphins and Sealions but the Whales stay away

The Gulf of Corcovado is a wide stretch of Pacific between mainland Chile and Chiloe one of the county’s largest offshore islands and one made famous by the fifteen different species of exotic potatoes it exports around the world. This Gulf is the acknowledged breeding ground of many whale types including Hump Back, Killer, Sperm, and the Blue Pigmy, which despite its diminutive name is hardly small with the word pigmy describing the animal’s dorsal fin.

The area is also home to White Shark, Sea Lion and the Peals Dolphin a white-bellied smaller cousin of the Bottlenose and is endemic to this part of the South American coast. Normally an ocean dwelling fish preferring the deeper off shore waters, this part of Chile seems to attract the Peals close inshore.

Atmosphere carries a huge adventure RIB built by Zodiac packing twin 250hp Yamaha outboards and equipped with shock absorbing seats and a enough navigation equipment to rival the average super yacht. This ocean going craft is our chosen means of transport to explore the Gulf and chance a brief encounter with the whales.

We left the security of our mother ship and were, within minutes, surrounded by a pod of Peals dolphin who wanted to play. Maintaining a speed of around seven knots this playful creatures swooped in and out of our bow wave leaping into the air and smacking down onto the water with a loud crack as it to say “come on then lets see you do that!” When they bore of us they slope off to feed somewhere and we put on the power and head for a point mid channel some 10 miles off the shore. With

Pablo at the helm and the throttles pushed well forward, this did not take long at speeds of over 40 knots. We cut the engines and deployed the RIB’s on board hydrophones and set back to wait the arrival of the massive marine mammals, while at the same time, keeping our yes well peeled for the spouting of water or the breaching of a tail fin.

Sadly today was not going to be the day we see whales and after futilely wallowing in the Pacific swell for an hour or so we decide to move on in search of other animals. We are not disappointed.

The rare red footed cormorant is shopping for fish in great numbers and we see the caves in which they live. The Chilean Navy has blown many of these caves up on this coast to prevent smuggling and the illegal growing of molluscs and this has had a dramatic adverse effect on the number of these birds that survive in the wild. The more common rock cormorant is not quite so fussy and we see them in great numbers as well.

High above the rocks red headed turkey vultures swoop and dive and are a clear indicator that sea lion are close by and sure enough as we close the shore we see colonies of them basking in the sun. Huge fat males growl at each other protecting their territory and slim-line mother versions look after the young nearby.

We are careful not to spook them. In the past it has been noticed that in their haste to get into the water and become instantly more agile, the large males have lumbered over the innocent babies squashing them flat. They get into the water for us in an organised fashion and duck and weave in the pacific swell and their antic more than make up for the fact that we have failed to find the whales.

Atmosphere is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Superyacht in Explosive Territory

2010-03-17T02:56:00.002Z

Atmosphere sails silently through the night. Navigating in such sheltered waters she has little need for her Quantum Zero Speed stabilisers with which she is fitted. Smooth seas and roll free anchorages each night seem to be the success of this exciting voyage along the Patagonian coast of Chile.

We have arrived in Auchemo an anchorage in the shadow of the volcano Chaiten, which last erupted on 1st May 2008 when, what everyone thought, was just a hillside, exploded spewing out ash onto the nearby town and causing over 2000 people to flee their township and relocate the homes when the river began to flood.

Volcanoes dominate the activities today. The fishermen among our group are off to fish in lakes high in the volcanic areas of Cesar and Quitachurrines. The helicopter makes two sorties to get them and their gear into the area they are going to fish. They are gone all day and with them goes their lunch, gas stoves and even the tables from which they eat it under specially carried tents. At each of the fishing locations the yacht has stashed boats that are used for the activities.

We, on the other hand, are to fly into the crater of the Volcano at Corcovado, which has not erupted inside the last two hundred years. Francisco packs us into his aircraft and takes off, whisking us across terrain that is so wild and majestically bleak. We skirt snow-capped peaks flying so close you swear the rotors are going to clip the rock. High above the clouds we fly to the very top of the Corcovado Volcano and then swoop down into the plateau at 3000 ft from where we will trek down to the Corcovado Lake, which fills what was a former crater.

Once the helicopter leaves us at the top of the mountain the complete silence is eerie broken only by the sound of our own breathing. Standing there on the rocks it is hard to fully comprehend the fact that we are probably the first humans to be standing on that exact spot and as we set off it was almost conceivable that we could hear the voice of Captain James T Kirk use that split infinitive from the Star Trek TV series to boldly go where no man has gone before.

Now all we have to do is descend to our own pick up point some 700 feet below us on the shore of the lake that looks so close. Easy right? Wrong! It is, as we stand there looking at the most obvious path down that we first hear the sound, quickly followed by the sight of hefty rocks as they cascade down onto what would be our route down.

Our guides Ignacio and Pablo quickly change their names to Caution and Prudence and after a short conference decide to split in attempt to discover a new and safer route down. Ignacio is to take what looks like being the shorter and we set off with Pablo on the flatter looking trek around a hillside and we agree to meet on the other side. Little did we know it at the time it was the last we were to see of Ignacio until we meet up with him at the lakeside.

What we thought was a hill, turned out to be a ridge and that offered no chance of circumnavigation. Both parties were now boldly going where no man had been before. Our own course followed the dried up river bed whose roughly strewn boulders made progress difficult. We climbed into the forest and the wet trees together with our need to push through them, made sure we were soaked inside minutes. Such is the fate of the explorer! At one point we found our way blocked by what would have been a waterfall! There was no way down so we had to climb back and navigate around the obstacles.

Eventually we found the Volcano’s main lava flow that stretched down to the lake and the last half-mile was done in double quick time. We found Ignacio waiting for us in the decimated former forest of trees whose tops just poked above the lava rock.

We had a few minutes to wait for the helicopter and Pablo chose that time to scratch out a picture of the map of South America. On this he sketched the position of the various tectonic plates which have caused this volcano and in fact the recent earthquakes here in Chile. “The two dominant forces collide at this very point of the continent here,” he said as he planted a stick into the sand. We observed that was exactly where we were now stood and this was confirmed by Ignacio who neatly stepped to the other side of the map in the sand and said, “Its safer on this side, come over to Brazil.”

Atmosphere is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

In Chile Paddling Kayaks up the River Petrohu

2010-03-17T00:52:00.002Z

In Chile Paddling Kayaks up the River Petrohu

The superyacht Atmosphere is loaded with toys and fun facilities

We have chosen to go kayaking today and given that we have never done that before that is quite daring of us. Our confidence bolstered by the fact that both Pablo and Ignacio say it is easy and that they will be there to help we decide to give it a try. 6 miles later our arm muscles are not so sure it was a good idea but we feel righteous having burned off just a few of the extra calories we took on board eating a delicious lunch.

When we returned we were able to sample other facilities the superyacht has to offer. Up on the sun deck are three hydro-thalassic spa pools two of which are filled with heated seawater and the third with hot fresh water. We soaked in the bubbling water bringing life back to our tired limbs and then absconded into the sauna followed by a powerful shower.

The fishermen returned with tales of mixed fortune that mostly revolved around that the fish got lucky even if the humans did not.

With the evening light drawing to a close and the setting sun illuminating the snow caped mountains, Atmosphere weighed anchor at around 8.30 in the evening and began to motor back down the Reloncavi Esturay. We have a 12 hour voyage of around 140 miles to make over night that should see us at anchor off Auchemo in the morning.

Atmosphere is available for charter through Robert Shepherd at Edmiston

Every Super Yacht Should Have its Own Helicopters

2010-03-12T20:21:00.004Z

Atmosphere with one of her helicopters on board

The two bright red Bell 407 helicopters carried aboard the superyacht Atmosphere each carries six passengers and a pilot, which means, with nine guests on board, we have to decide what each of us would like to do. The problem is, we are spoiled for choice as to what to do. The wilderness of Chile is beckoning and the helicopter is there for our complete disposal. Sally, Brent, Bruce, Benny, Alex and Patrick are all keen fly fishermen and the lure of the brown trout is just too much for them to turn down the opportunity to catch it. They split into three groups and each with its own local expert guide and set off for Rio Negro. After two helicopter trips to drop them off with all their fishing gear, it is our turn, and Francisco our helicopter pilot, gives us our safety briefing.

We are to fly off for a trekking expedition through the forest that traces the trails created by Jesuit priests years ago when they came from Spain to covert the local population to Catholicism. The trail leads through thick woodland, along fast running rivers to a point beside Lake Cayutue. Our two guides, Pablo and Ignacio are a mine of wonderful information on eco tourism and on the way they point out Parrots and Chucao, a small tubby little bird with a distinctive call. We see wild fuscia, the plant from where all domestic varieties originate. We are shown Coicopihue trees with their orange coloured trunks and learn how it is, that the white blossoms of the Ulmo trees, in bloom now, make such deliciously tasting honey.

Despite the fact that we had been wafted into this wilderness from the skies, we suddenly come face to face with a local family on travelling on horse back using the same trail to move from their home in the hills to Relonca, the nearest town to deliver their son to the point were he can catch a boat to school. This is a journey they make every Sunday to ensure he gets to school in time for its start each Monday.

After an exhilarating hike of some three hours, we come to a clearing beside the lake and with perfect timing, Fernando swoops in from sky to pluck us out of the wilds and transport us swiftly back to Atmosphere where we enjoy a splendid lunch at which Victor our Captain joins us.

The fishermen are making a day of it and eat lunch where they are. With a half a day left for us to fill we opt to take out the yachts kayaks accompanied by our ever helpful crew who are all chosen for their local knowledge of the flora and fauna and are able to act as expert guides.

Atmosphere is available for Charter through Edmiston.

The Super Yacht Atmosphere

2010-03-06T20:10:00.001Z

At Santiago Airport in the Tent on my iPhone

Joining a superyacht in Puerto Montt via Santiago, Chile

Joining Nomads of the Seas’ superyacht Atmosphere in Chile entails a long journey by air from the UK, in fact we were travelling more than 24 hours. In the week leading up to our great adventure the trip was on, then off and finally on again. The problem was the awful earthquake that struck the country and left devastation in its wake and Santiago Airport closed for a few days.

It took a total of three flights, starting first with an evening flight from London Heathrow to Madrid with the Spanish carrier Iberia then the longest part of the journey, Madrid to Santiago and finally the short hop south to Puerto Montt.

The best thing about the South American airline LAN? Undoubtedly the power supply in every seat even in the very back of the plane on their Airbus 340. In the front part of the plane a thirteen hour overnight journey from Madrid to Santiago is a pleasant experience. Sadly we were in the back where endurance is the name of the game, but the stewardesses were pleasant, the seats were reasonable, the leg room was definitely better than average and even the tiny baby in the seat beside us was remarkable quiet. Our South American saga was off to a good start.

Arriving in Santiago we expected to find an airline terminal flattened a la Charles de Gaulle because we heard the airport had been re-housed inside tented marquees. In fact from the outside, the terminal building looks untouched. Inside apparently it is another story, but we never found out, because we were shuttled in and out of tents as we made our way through customs, immigration and then onto domestic departures.

We were met at the airport by our guide Daniel who drove us to the Marina where Atmosphere is berthed. There, in a especially built guest house, we were entertained by local musicians while we ate a much needed splendid late lunch.

Our trip aboard this very special yacht is being organised by Edmiston who have set up a special division to handle explorer yachts that are available for exclusive charter.

What will this very special yacht and her expert crew have in store for us and the other six passengers aboard? We do not know. Save to say we are excited and hope to allow you to share in that adventure over coming days. Do not expect a posting every day, we are sailing into the wilderness! Catch us if you can!

Go Faster around the British Virgin Islands

2010-02-18T13:29:00.007Z

The British Virgin Islands seen from Peter Island

War Horse is a super speedy charter yacht based in the BVI

One of the more unusual ways of seeing the British Virgin Islands is from the cockpit of one of the fastest charter yachts to be based in the area.

She carries the name War Horse and has over of 950hp of power supplied by three giant Yanmar motors, which give this 14 metre Kevlar hull superboat a top speed of over 44 knots.

Available for island tours, offering the chance of seeing 40 islands in a day, she can also be hired for fishing trips or even, for those who hate to hang about, Airport Transfers.

When fishing she can take up to ten guests searching for Marlin, Tuna and Dorado from atop the 8 metre high tuna tower. When chartered by those seeking to go kite surfing she can get form Gorda Sound where she is based at the Bitter End Yacht Club in under an hour.

Gorda Sound is a Super Yacht Spotters Paradise

2010-02-15T18:23:00.004Z

Super Yachts in Gorda Sound

The BVI attracts superyachts to action packed anchorage

Anyone who wants to capture photographs of super yachts would do well to blow the dust off the Nikon and hang out at the Bitter End Yacht Club or Biras Creek Resorts both of which front on to the Gorda (sometimes called North) Sound.

Today dominating the skyline is the 119 metre Blohm & Voss superyacht A and in close attendance are, among others: Amnesia, Big Aron, Dream, Hilarium, Never Enough, My Little Violet, Harle, Parsival III, Lady Georgina, Odessa, Tigre d’Or and Resolute.

This time next year there could well be more superyachts here the sound with news that the North Sound Yacht Club has got the go ahead from the Government to proceed with their plans to create a marina offering 38 slips for mega-yachts from 100-350 feet, surrounded by a quaint village complete with upscale retail boutiques, fine dining and private villas. Club membership will also include membership to the Oil Nut Bay Club and use of the Biras Creek Resort facilities.

The numbers of Superyacht using Gorda Sound has grown significantly and steadily over the past 12 years, and finding berths in the area designed to meet the unique requirements of these vessels is extremely difficult, particularly in the BVI where very few facilities currently exist.

The Bitter End Yacht Club is currently the only facility able to take very large yachts on the dock and has in recent months accommodated the 70 metre Martha Ann that was built in 2008 by the Lurssen shipyard

Resorting to the Bitter End Yacht Club

2010-02-14T18:30:00.003Z

The Bitter End Yacht Club and one of their Hobbie Cats

We leave Aerie and Arrive at Virgin Gorda’s Top Sailing Resort

It is always sad to leave a yacht and especially so when the crew have made us so very welcome.

Greeting us on the dock as we disembarked from Aerie was MaryJo Ryan, Resort Manager for the Bitter End Yacht Club Resort who showed us to our beachfront villa, one of the resorts newly refurbished properties.

We get a sense of feeling as we have come back home so relaxed is the atmosphere here. Much of the BEYC is how remember it, but much of it has been improved since Sandra Grisham-Clothier arrived here from the Peter Island resort to take over as Chief Operating Officer here. She has built upon the resorts strengths, cut away the weak spots and what is left is a vibrant fun resort that is the perfect venue for any family keen to enjoy themselves on the water.

The resort has an abundance of yachts that guests can use starting with sailboards and working up through optimists, hobbie-cats, lasers and even a fleet of keel sailing boats. Motorboat enthusiasts are looked after with a fleet of self drive Boston Whalers and Bradley 22’s which are 6.7 metre long power boats with large powerful outboards and handy bimini covers to give plenty of shade.

In fact it is a wonder to us why more sailing clubs, based in the colder climes, do not set up sail-in-the sun programmes and come down in groups to enjoy the boats at the resort allowing the BEYC to set up organise and even run regattas for them.

We Eat Well Cruising on Superyachts

2010-02-13T19:16:00.002Z

A plate full of local Lobster aboard Tenacious

Did we mention the food?

There can be no doubt that what distinguishes one great charter yacht from another is the standard of the food served onboard.

It is quite possible to charter a superyacht with every amenity and water toy known to man on board but if the food served by the chef is not up to scratch, the charter seems to fall flat no matter how hard the other crew try to save the day.

So much responsibility lies on the shoulders of the chef it seems hardly fair on them but over the past few days we have had the very great privilege of eating the finest of foods at the tables aboard the charter yachts we have been sailing aboard.

Take for example, the lobster supper served on the foredeck of the sailing yacht Tenacious complete with corn dribbling in a spicy ginger and coriander butter served with crunchy potato wedges. Gloriously simple food cooked using the finest ingredients by chefs working in small galleys whose task it is to feed hungry charter guests. It is they who are the true superstars of superyacht charter. Other memorable meals aboard the sailing yacht included Grilled Wahoo steaks served on lemon pasta and a rack of lamb served on acorn squash and sweet potato puree. Quite delicious, this was followed by the most mouth watering Caramel Pear Tart topped with boat made vanilla ice cream.

The food on Aerie was equally good but created in a completely different style by the hugely talented Tracy Ireland a Canadian chef with over 20 years of professional cooking experience on yachts. Recently qualified Chef de Cuisine, Pro-Chef Level II from the Culinary Institute of America and the Culinary Federation, Tracy finds super yachting the perfect complement t her health oriented spa cuisine. She gave our taste buds a real kicking which started the moment we tasted her Bouillabaisse and the Pissaladière Niçoise, a caramelised onion tart which was topped with olives and anchovies. Boy was it good! Tracy also served us lamb but hers was cooked inside a herb and mustard crust and was perfectly pink inside, just the way we like it. She followed that masterpiece with caramelised pineapple sautéed in rum topped with vanilla ice cream, quite delicious.

Many chefs offer to cook Eggs Benedict for breakfast and generally we refuse, simply too many calories for little reward but boy, are we glad we took up the offer for breakfast on board this yacht! Tracy has given her sauce a mouth watering twist, other than that I am keeping quiet on the subject. You will have to charter the yacht to taste her secret.

Lunch that day included freshly baked Challah bread with a Turkey Cob Salad followed by sumptuous oatmeal cookies baked by Charlotte, the yachts stewardess.

Dinner was Caribbean Lobster served out of the shell on a carrot emulsion with roasted asparagus not only was the plate a picture to look at but the taste was devine.

Both Aerie and Tenacious are avail for charter in the British Virgin Islands through Fraser Yachts

Goodbye Tenacious, Welcome aboard Aerie

2010-02-12T15:47:00.004Z

Motoryacht Aerie and sailing yacht Tenacious at anchor together from Marina Cay

We leave a super sailing yacht and join a super powerboat

Smartly dressed in their white uniforms captain Keith Talasek and his happy crew of five stood on the swim platform of the motor yacht Aerie to welcome us aboard.

We left the sailing yacht Tenacious to board the power yacht that is to be our home for the next few days as we continue to enjoy the waters and the islands of the British Virgin Islands. Cold towels are offered and accepted, a freshly made mango smoothie is pressed into our willing hands and we are immediately made to feel welcome.

Aerie charters through Fraser Yachts for $75,000 on AYCA terms.

The yacht built by Delta in 2001 has been given a facelift in 2009 and is in excellent shape. To take your own personal virtual tour click here.

Finished in soft earth tones with highlights of ocean colours her designers have made good use of stone in her make up.

Curves and angles distinguish the passenger accommodations, which have room for eight guests in comfort. Staterooms are illuminated by sculptured cast glass portlights that pass natural light through origami shoji screens to great effect.

And yes we are in the master stateroom, which has a stunning super large double bed and two bathrooms. Mine (of course I have the bigger one) has a huge bathtub and even a high definition TV that can be viewed while I laze in a bath of bubbles. Trust me it did not take long for me to try that one out!

Michael has a powerful man sized shower in his bathroom.

Leaving Marina Cay, the tiny island made famous by the book and the subsequent movie starring Sydney Poitier and John Cassavetes we moved first to Cooper Island and then onto Deadmans Bay.

There we went snorkelling, the water is calm, the wind slight and on the surface turtles bask in the sunshine while on the beach tourists from colder climbs roast to a golden tan. I can not wait to go diving tomorrow with Dan, the first mate who has thousands of dives under his weight belt.

Super Yacht Tenacious Goes Bang

2010-02-11T01:48:00.003Z

Captain Duncan Hipkin fires the cannon

Old Naval Traditions Kept Alive at Sundown

Tinfoil, gunpowder and ingenuity goes into making the charge for a bronze cannon that is fired every night aboard the superyacht Tenacious as the sun goes down.

Each day Craig Rehaume the engineer aboard the sailing yacht makes a fresh charge that is loaded into the cannon mounted onto the leeward side of the yacht.

Then as the sun slowly sets below the horizon Captain Duncan Hipkin lights the fuse and deckhand Will Morris stands by to lower the ensign as the cannon lets out its mighty roar.

That’s the signal for stewardess Kristen Rust to serve her Mojitos or indeed any other cocktail a charter guest would care to order.

It is a Navy tradition that continues aboard Tenacious brought about by the owners passion for all things that go bang and as one who has been on the receiving end of the Mojito I think it is a very good tradition indeed.

All this on top a stonking sail to windward up the Francis Drake Passage in the BVI which started in Deadmans bay off Peter Island and finished in Long Bay off Virgin Gorda. On the way Tenacious stopped at the Baths, a really scenic, if somewhat touristy spot. There we had a splendid lunch before sailing onto Virgin Gorda where we went diving again just as night fell.

Dinner on deck was lobster washed down with fine Sancerre. There is no doubt that chartering aboard Tenacious through Fraser Yachts is a very classy act and sailing in the British Virgin Islands the perfect location in which to sample it.

Read all about our adventures in a future edition of SuperYacht World magazine.

Goodbye Panache, Hello RMS Rhone and Hello Tenacious

2010-02-09T22:29:00.002Z

Photographing Tenacious from her tender

Hopping from one Superyacht to another in the BVI

Little Harbour an anchorage on Peter Island in the British Virgin Islands was the location chosen by the Captains of Panache and Tenacious as the ideal spot for us to transfer us from one yacht to another.

Before that however, I needed to visit an old friend lying underwater off the neighbouring island of Salt Island. The wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer (RMS) Rhone lies in two parts having been destroyed in a hurricane that swept through the islands in October of 1887. The deeper part lies in 25 metres and is a splendid dive for the moderately experienced diver. It was used as the backdrop to the movie "The Deep", starring Nick Nolte and Jacqueline Bissett.

The dive boat belonging to Blue Water Divers collected me and transported me to the site for a two tank dive. The deeper bow section first and the stern section complete with ships boilers and massive propellers as our second dive.

During the dive I was lucky enough to see turtles, lobsters, grouper, large yellowtail snapper and an assortment of other fish living in the wreck.

While I was diving, Michael was affecting a seamless transfer from one boat to another. It is always sad to leave a boat and bid farewell to a crew who have looked after us so well but our welcome aboard Tenacious was nothing short of delightful.

Captain Duncan Hipkin and his crew of four are a young and enthusiastic team whose sole desire seems to revolve around the wishes of the charter guest and making them as happy as anyone can be here in Paradise.

Tenacious is beautiful and was built to the designs of Ted Hood and Andrew Winch, talk about pedigree! She is a sloop 35 metres overall and charters through Fraser Yachts for $60,000 per week.

The yachts four staterooms each have flat screen TV, DVD player and Direct TV, intercom and phone service.  The  very comfortable Master Stateroom aft in which we are staying has a King bed, private access to aft deck, two heads – one with shower and one with bath each finished with a beautiful white marble tile and gold accents.

On deck casual cushioned seating with a generous awning transforms for alfresco dining around a portable table for eight guests. The covered cockpit where we ate our lunch has seating for 8 at 2 tables. These convert from coffee tables to dining tables.

Forward of the cockpit in the raised pilothouse is the spacious full width salon with cocktail tables, casual upholstered chairs a full entertainment system and a concealed helm station. The area is filled with natural light from the large windows, which offer us an 180^o view.

A concealed day head is forward of the salon near the winding stairway leading to the den and the dining room.   The den to starboard provides a quiet area where we can relax on the soft leather sofa and read, watch TV and play games or work on our computers.

The dining room on the port side is accessed through the French doors leading from the den or from the main entrance off the spiral staircase. Soft lighting, a leather bench along the wall and cushioned chairs provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Super Yachts, Villas and Spas on Peter Island

2010-02-08T23:03:00.003Z

Falcon's Nest, the perfect place to stay ashore

Lifestyle and Wellness with all the style of a Superyacht

When it comes to comparing superyachts and luxury island resorts they have a lot in common. Never it seems is this more true than here in the British Virgin Islands where we have been invited to visit some of the more up market resort hotels.

Today we left Panache tucked away inside the pretty Little Harbour Anchorage after breakfast and headed off to the Peter Island Resort.

There we were greeted by the resorts general manager and whisked away by wonderfully cheerful staff for a tour of the property. Highlight of this was a visit to two of the most spectacular villas high up on the islands hills each with the most spectacular of views.

Crow’s Nest is a four bedroom villa that has a master stateroom very much along the lines of a superyacht and then three further double bedrooms. A swimming pool and a shallow pool for the children are adjacent and just for the use of guests staying inside the villa.

Falcon’s Nest is even more spectacular with its own infinity pool, water-fall, plunge pool and open air hot tub. This magnificent villa has six glorious bedrooms and comes with its own private chef, valet, chauffeured vehicle and housekeeper. At $18,500 a night for the entire villa and supporting entourage it pays to have thought about who among your nearest and dearest friends you would care to bring along with you.

Should those same friends prove to be a distraction then head over to the spa or call the well trained staff to your villa and choose from one of their extensive list of well-being treatments. If I can be so bold as to make a recommendation then I suggest you opt for the Tropical Lime and Ginger Buff. For this they combine local salt island salt with fresh lime, juniper, ginger and lemon grass which they scrub onto your skin. Washed off with a Swiss full body shower you are then anointed with an almond oil moisturiser. My skin has never felt so good and Michael says I taste pretty good too!

Snorkelling from a Superyacht

2010-02-08T00:33:00.002Z

Just Below the Surface

One of the greatest joys of super yacht sailing in warm waters is the ability to jump over the side of a superyacht, sink below the surface and then with nothing more than a snorkel, mask and a pair of fins watch in awe as a whole new world unfolds.

The British Virgin Islands offers crystal, clear, warm waters at swimming temperatures the whole year round. Swimming from the super yacht Panache we have snorkelled at: The Caves, The Indians and in Benures Bay

All of which are close by Norman island in the western end of the chain.

Fish here in the protected waters of a national park are protected and as a result wonderfully numerous by comparison to other areas of the Caribbean. They swim in and out of corals and rock formations from which sway purple coloured sea fans and tufts of green sea grass.

Brave little black Durgon dart about protecting their territories precious because of the eggs lying there waiting to be hatched. Larger Parrot fish chomp away at coral, while Sergeant Majors, resplendent in their yellow and black striped uniform waft in and out of view. Electric Blue Tangs add to the kaleidoscope of underwater colour in the company of: Cromies, Squirrel Fish, Goat Fish, Damsel Fish, Butterfly Fish and Angel Fish.

Of the larger fish we have seen are in these waters are: Grouper, Filefish and even the occasional Barracuda whose snarling grin and evil looking teeth give him the menacing look he hardly deserves.

For me the highlights so far this trip has been the sighting of a small stingray enjoying the attention of the tiny fish that operate the cleaning stations and a turtle disturbed from eating sea grass by the noise my bracelets made as I duck-dived down deep. Once he realised I meant no harm he stopped at what he thought was a safe distance and we each contemplated the other until the weaker lunged of us had to head for the surface.

We are enjoying the delights of sailing aboard the motor yacht Panache, being spoiled rotten by her ever attentive crew who watch over us while we swim and stand by with white fluffy towels for the moment we step out of the water.

Motor Cruising with real Panache

2010-02-06T17:53:00.003Z

Captain Gareth at the wheel in the Sir Francis Drake Channel

Sailing in Style through the BVI

We are sailing aboard the 26 metre motoryacht Panache, pampered by a crew of four we dropped anchor last night off Jost Van Dyke, one in a string of fabulous islands that make up the chain of British Virgin Islands.

The islands are a yachtsman’s paradise, short sheltered passages between islands, quite anchorages, unused by others, clear blue sky, sumptuous sunshine and warm Caribbean seas all combine to make this one of natures little secrets and a great place to sail.

They become even more enjoyable when as a guest on board you have an attentive crew to look after you acting as tour guides and keeping you in a style that many of us would wish could last forever.

Our great crew served a BBQ steak dinner last night which we ate al fresco on the sun deck. This morning breakfast of fresh fruit set us up for the start of the day, which began with a hike to the bubbly pools.

We began at Foxy’s Taboo, a bar right down on the shoreline in Diamond Cay. An easy walk along the beach, past the mangrove trees and through a copse of Machineel brought us to a rock U shaped pool on the islands north coast. Here, when the conditions are right the Atlantic swell crashes through the small rock gap bubbling and frothing into a creamy lather of frenzied seawater.

Up anchor and away we go our powerful wake carving a white trail across the deep blue water, we are bound for Norman Island and an anchorage called the Bight.

Often referred to as Treasure Island, Norman Island was mentioned in a letter written in 1750 as being the location of treasure buried after being taken from the Spanish Galleon Nuestra Señora

From this tranquil spot it is a short hop in the tender to see the Indians a small outcrop of rocks famous as a beginners dive site and a wonderful spot for snorkelling. Equally wonderful are the caves on Norman Island where is easy to swim inside and see the myriad of fish that make them their home.

Fancy a drink? Try the Willy T a 28 metre replica of a topsail schooner and now a floating bar and restaurant or wander ashore to the top of a sandy bay and sup a rum punch at Pirates Bight

We are sailing aboard Panache and you can do so as well for around US$29,000 a week. There is room for eight on board and at US$3625 a head all inclusive that’s vacation value that is hard to match.

British Virgin Islands - Natures Little Superyacht Secrets

2010-02-04T22:20:00.002Z

View from our gorgeous room at the Mariner Inn

British Virgin Islands Set to Shake up the Super Yacht Sailing Experience

The British Virgin Islands or as sailors the world over call them, The BVI are often referred to as Natures Little Secrets. Now as the island shipping registry becomes a grown up achieving the high accolade of category one status things are set to change.

As travel journalists whose speciality is writing about superyachts we are here on location to write a series of in depth articles for magazines published by the IPC group. Catch our stories here as we tour the islands aboard the superyachts Panache, Tenacious and Aerie.

We will visit isolated anchorages, cruising hotspots and top resort hotels. Get the low down on new and existing superyacht marinas and join us as we find fun in the sun aboard some of the best crewed charter yachts in the area

Superyacht Blog Gives Americas Cup News

2010-01-21T09:38:00.000Z

Valencia Based Specialists Give up to date Cup Information

A new and interesting blog has turned up on the Internet and is of special interest to those seeking to stay in touch with what is going on in Valencia with regard to the sailing superyachts that will compete there for the Americas Cup.

Valencia Yacht Management has set up the Blog that will each day leading up to the cup offer one tip for Cup Visitors.

The current focus is to give information on the cup and the city of Valencia from a visitors point of view with the aim of informing people about them as a company and Valencia as a destination for superyachts. The idea being to convince people that the area is a good place to come and get yacht work completed quite apart from it being a nice region to visit.

Sunseeker Yacht Management

2010-01-14T11:58:00.001Z

Former Superyacht delivery Captain now turned entrepreneur Ben Young caught hold of us as we made a brief foray out to see the boats afloat. Ben created Sunseeker Yacht Management especially for Sunseekers owners this time last year and already has an impressive list of yachts under full management.

This year, he was using the show to launch two new services the first of which was a new crew finding service

Aimed at both owners and crew alike, the new Sunseeker Crew website makes crew selection and recruitment a seamless process.

For crew seeking jobs, information is provided regarding CV tips, current vacancies and job descriptions, and includes an option for potential candidates to register on the database so that when new suitable vacancies arise they can be notified.

For owners, the website assists with the recruitment process and, due to advanced candidate profiling, it ensures that when hiring personnel, candidates are not only suitably experienced and qualified but, even more importantly, fit in well with the owner and their family.

Ben says he can also provide hand-over and familiarisation training to new captains as well as continuing operational support whilst the vessel is cruising, undergoing maintenance or in emergency situations.

He also outlined an innovative online service that he calls ‘Virtual Yacht Management’ (VYM) He describes it as a system that ensures the smooth-running and control of all operational administration for a Sunseeker superyacht, while relieving yacht owners, managers and captains of the potential administrative burden associated with yacht operation. As well as improving management and efficiency, the system is expected to also generate financial savings in the day-to-day running of the vessel.

Believed to be one of the first of its kind, the new VYM system is a secure management system which offers instantaneous online access to up-to-date documents and information relating to the operation and administration of a Sunseeker yacht on topics including financial administration, chartering, crew, certification, inventories, safety records and procedures, and work lists.

All information posted and accessed on VYM is encrypted and is only accessible by authorised users. It can be accessed at any time of day – from anywhere in the world.

We will be looking at this new management tool in greater depth and will feature it in a future article for publication in one of the magazines we write for.

Ben is not just the founder and Managing Director of Sunseeker Superyacht Management – he is a Class IV, 3000 tonne certificated captain – told us: “We are committed to the continual development and enhancement of our core services and are leading the industry with these new systems, which have been designed to offer significant benefits to our customers.”

Tullett Prebon London Boat Show 2010

2010-01-11T18:58:00.003Z

News and Views of the LBS from the Superyacht Point of View

While superyachts are not the focus of the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, we went along to see what the show had to offer the large yacht enthusiast.

Despite the adverse weather conditions affecting the country, exhibitors put on a brave face on Friday, the first of ten days of London’s biggest nautical event. The halls of ExCeL were hardly bustling but with almost 1,000 boats and products from over 500 exhibitors including 80 product launches there is certainly plenty to see. Sunseeker, Princess and Oyster were among the exhibitors with offerings of interest to super yacht lovers.

Continuing their investment in new craft, Princess Yachts International revealed their new Princess 72 Motor Yacht with a low-key launch. She is the entry level into their superyacht range. The company showcased models of their other new superyachts that will be built in Plymouth, on the site inside the Royal Dockyard formerly occupied by Devonport Yachts.

We toured this boat and will be writing a full report on her for publication in Ocean a magazine published in Australia.

Sunseeker launched their new Portofino 48 with the resounding aid of the Royal Marine Band. This baby motorboat has all the hallmarks of Sunseeker: flowing interior lines, lively performance and clever features throughout. The company also introduced the much larger one off 108 Predator Sports Flybrige, a special edition of the popular line which is being phased out by the company

CEO of Sunseeker International, Robert Braithwaite CBE, said: ‘An incredible amount of work went into getting these boats ready to meet our high standards for the show. I think everybody will agree it’s all been worthwhile.” He was in fine form and generously found time to give us an exclusive interview for a profile we are writing all about him.