Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Caribbean Yacht Charter

Caribbean Yacht Charter

Yacht Charter in Antigua and Barbuda

by ken jones
Christopher Columbus landed on Antigua in 1493 and named the island Santa Maria de la. Early Spanish settlement was replaced by English rule from 1632, with a French interlude in 1666. The islands were granted independence from British rule on the 1st November 1981. They remain members of the British. Commonwealth.

Reliable trade winds throughout the season, which runs from December to May, make Antigua and Barbuda a great yacht charter destination. Coral reefs and abundant marine life make for great snorkelling and scuba diving.

Antigua offers all the types of yacht charter; bareboat charter, skippered and crewed yachts, catamaran, sail and motor and super yacht charter.

Antigua has an international airport, with daily flights from many cities throughout the world. The East Caribbean dollar is the official currency but both US Dollars and Euros are used and major credit cards may be accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops.

Creole cusine predominates on the islands. The national dish of Antigua is fungie and pepper pot. Fungie is a dish almost entirely made from cornmeal and very similar to the Italian polenta. Other local dishes include ducana, seasoned rice, saltfish and lobster from Barbuda. There are also local confectionaries which include: fudge, peanut brittle, raspberry and tamarind stew and sugarcake. Good international cusine is also widely available.

Antigua is home to the famous English Harbour that lies on the island’s southern coast. Nearby Shirley Heights is famous for "Jump Up", BBQs and punch parties with live music and dancing.

To the east of English Harbour is Falmouth Harbour, major yachting centre in its own right. Home to Nelson's Dockyard, the only working Georgian dockyard in the world. There is a museum dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson who used English Harbour as his Caribbean base in the late 18th century. Nelsons Dockyard is an active yachting centre and the bay now has three large marinas and the Antigua Yacht Club.

Green Island, at the mouth of Nonsuch Bay on Antigua's east shore, offers an unspoilt anchorage.

St. John's is the capital of Antigua and lies on the islands west coast. Here you will find good provisioning. Five Island Harbour, just south of St. John's, offers a choice anchorages in which good shelter can be found whatever the winds direction.

Jolly Harbour, on the south coast is a large complex of boatyards, marinas, restaurants, and shops.

Redonda, Antigua's out-island, lies 30 miles to the southeast. It is completely uninhabited

Barbuda lies 20 miles to the north of Antigua and offers good sailing and a number of lovely anchorages on its west and south sides. Codrington Lagoon is on the west side and is seven miles long with pink sandy beaches. Codrington, Barbuda's largest town is worth a vist while here. Many other pleasant beaches can be found on the island often covered with shells.

Every April sees the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club. And in May there is the Rolex Antigua Sailing Week. This local sailing week has grown into an international event attracting competitors from the world over and combines top quality yacht racing and an unforgettable social scene.

Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide.
Follow this link for more info on Yacht Charter Antigua.
See our marine directory for Yacht Surveyors

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Friday, January 25, 2008

Florida Yacht Charters

Florida Yacht Charters

Florida Yacht Charter; Top Five Marinas to Dock Your Yacht

by eYachtCharter.com
Today’s upscale marinas are offering more than just dockage, they are now providing a full range of amenities that enhance the yachting experience. With new acquisitions, multi-million dollar renovations and some of the finest amenities, most upscale marinas are making the Florida Yacht Charter into a grand experience.

Since Labor Day has passed, the majority of luxury vessels will be migrating south to the Florida Region. For those booking a Florida Yacht Charter, some of the ports of call are just as important as the boat itself. Listed below are the top five marinas in the state that cater to the most elite ships on the water.

Rybovich Marina, Palm Beach FL

The Rybovich name has been a cornerstone in the South Florida luxury sport fishing industry since the 1940’s. The name has been synonymous with some of the sport’s most innovative vessel construction and design. The facility located in Palm Beach has been a pillar in the Palm Beach & Riviera Beach community for decades.

The facility has recently completed a $100 million dollar renovation that built a state-of-the-art mega-yacht service facility and marina. The marina will boast a 600 Ton Marine Travelift making it the only one of its kind on this side of the hemisphere. The lift has the capability of hauling vessels up to 240’ feet in length. It is largest transient dock in Florida with high-speed fuel. The marina also has a waterfront restaurant, retail shops and available commercial office space for lease.

The marina features floating concrete docks up to 230’ feet with dockage for vessels up to 250’ feet. The facility is open 7 days a week and is secured by a staff 24 hours a day. There are concierge, laundry, restroom and shower facilities on site as well as trade shops, which feature the latest technology. This marina is the ideal location for travelers, captains and crewmembers to relax.

Sunrise Harbor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Westrec is one of the largest owner operators of marinas in the U.S. It has an impeccable proven track record when it comes to efficient marina management, and Sunrise Harbor in Fort Lauderdale is no exception. Sunrise Harbor offers the mega yacht community a state-of-the-art marina with amenities, services and leisure activities for the entire family. This upscale marina includes several areas for families to kick back and relax poolside. The health center includes top of the line fitness equipment with sauna and therapeutic massage facilities.

Once you dock at this marina you are within steps of Fort Lauderdale beach, first class resorts, luxury shopping on Las Olas or the Galleria Mall and fine dinning at five star restaurants such as Seasons 52, Capital Grille and the Blue Martini. This marina has everything you’ll need on land or sea to enjoy your Florida Yacht Charter vacation.

The Galleon Resort & Marina, Key West, FL

The Galleon Marina is one of the finest places in the keys to dock. The resort and marina offer exclusive amenities for their guests including a pool, private beach, sauna and exercise room. This marina is also located in one of the most highly protected harbors in the Keys. The Galleon Marina is breakwater shielded and provides specially engineered docks for maximum protection.

This facility is proud to host some prestigious races such as the World Championship Power Boat Races, the Clearwater to Key West Yacht Race, and Audi/Yachting Race Week. For those who want to be in attendance for the action may charter and book to dock during one of the race weeks or any other festivities that Key West has to offer.

Old Port Cove Marina & Yacht Club, Palm Beach, FL

Old Port Cove Marina is one of the major marinas in Palm Beach, Florida. The Marina recently went under major renovations to its facility that allow it to accommodate vessels from as small as 30-feet to mega-yachts up to 190 feet in length. The marina is reopening this Fall for dockage. The renovation plans for the marina include the replacement of all current docks, piers and pilings with beautiful new state-of-the-art hard wood decked floating docks. The marina features new power pedestals with electric, cable, phone, WIFI, and the convenience of in slip pump-out. It is located just off Coast Guard Channel north of the Palm Beach Inlet, the marina is minutes from some of the finest fishing and cruising grounds in Florida and is an excellent "jumping-off" spot to the Bahamas.

In addition to the phenomenal dockage facilities the Old Port Cove Yacht Club is ideal for guests to dine and be entertained. This five star establishment has first class service that hosts formal evenings on a regular basis.

The Harborage Yacht Club & Marina, Stuart, FL

This marina is located in one of Florida’s most serene locations. There are over 150 yacht slips available. Complimentary valet service is provided for guests from their slip to the yacht club or spa. This stunning facility combines beauty and elegance with necessity and security. Located in Florida’s Sailfish Capital, the Harborage provides a complete suite of luxury amenities that cater to the most discerning yachtsmen.

Noted as one of the gems along the Treasure Coast, this marina attributes to the ultimate Luxury Yacht Charter experience. For those looking to couple luxury with the adventure of Florida’s lively waters. The Harborage is an optimum retreat from life on the water.

eYachtCharter.com is a full service Luxury Yacht Charter firm with travel and yachting news, resources and a comprehensive directory of sail and motor yachts located in exotic destinations worldwide.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Caribbean Yacht Charter

Caribbean Yacht Charter

Tips for a Cayman Islands Yacht Charter in the Caribbean

by eYachtCharter.com
The thriving economy and exotic diving destinations in the Cayman Islands have made this a viable luxury yacht charter location. These islands offer luxury, fun and adventure to international travelers. The information listed below provides you with tips to help your Cayman Islands Yacht Charter run smoothly.

Yacht Entry & Clearance
For passengers planning to charter a yacht to the Cayman Islands, have your charter broker or directly contact an on shore agent and provide them with all of your group’s personal information at least one week before the vessel’s arrival. The onshore agent will make sure that all of the paperwork will be ready when the yacht arrives at port. Quick processing with advanced notice will allow the group to have more time enjoying their vacation.

Currency
For travelers from Europe and the US, the Caymans are affordable but there is an exchange difference in currency. Both the Cayman Island Dollar and the US Dollar are accepted in all locations although the exchange rate is fixed.
.82 = $1.00 USD

Inter- Island Travel
If your vacation is going to be based out of Grand Cayman, consider chartering a plane or helicopter to visit the other Cayman Islands in record time. Have your agent or broker get into contact with Grand Cayman Island Air or Caymanhellis. Depending on your vessel, it may be feasible to have the helicopter pick you up directly from a launch pad on the yacht.

Private Helicopters
Helicopters may be approved by the Cayman Island Civil Aviation Authority to clear in and prepare for guest arrivals and departures.

Provisioning and Supplies
One of the major benefits of traveling aboard a Cayman Islands Yacht Charter is that while you are tucked away in an island oasis, the proximity to the United States allows provisioning requests for food and supplies to be fulfilled within less than 24 hours.

Tides
The maximum tidal range in the Cayman Islands during the year is about 18 inches. The seas are notably flat calm for 95% of the year. The serene waters make this Caribbean escape the optimum located for cruising, fishing or skiing from a tender that launches from the luxury yacht. Optimum conditions contribute to an enjoyable yacht charter vacation with less seasickness and the ability to do more activities than in rough waters.

Resources
The Cayman Islands offer numerous benefits to Caribbean yacht charter adventurers. If you are looking to book a charter to these islands for the first time, two great resources to utilize for information are the Cayman Islands Tourism Authority Guide as well as Boats Wain’s Beach.

Most yacht charter firms will provide their clients with all of the travel information they need and take care of the details such as provisioning and yacht entry. It is still to the vacationer’s benefit to know more about their destination in order to get the most from their yacht charter experience.

eYachtCharter.com is a comprehensive directory of luxury sail and motor yachts for charter to exotic destinations worldwide.

In addition to yacht charter marketing services, EYC is the leading resource provider of luxury travel destination and yachting news from around the world.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com