Select Yachts Charter Yacht Show Calendar is Busy!

Posted on September 27, 2011 by ann

Charter Yacht lineup in Genoa - one of three docks to visit!

As I know we have mentioned before, a big part of our job as Charter Yacht Agents is visiting International Boat Shows. Generally there are two types, those open to the public and those exclusive to yacht charter agents. Summer this year found Ann E (me!) traveling to Europe for the big exclusive Genoa show, hosted by MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) and filled with luxury charter yachts. The show was stretched out over 3 marinas and time was short so one had to pick and choose what to see . Just touring a megayacht can be an hour of “hard work”, haha. No, seriously, there is so much to observe and note and remember that your head really is spinning.

Modern and Sleek Greek Charter Yachts

My next stop this summer was Poros, Greece. I had the time and decided to push it to see all the entries – wow, glad I did, some stunners and the Captains weren’t bad either! The Greek hospitality and my post show sail on catamaran Annasis really helped to make this a special show that stands out in my mind, I got to enjoy a luxury charter for myself!

I had to get back to work so missed the Marmaris show in Turkey, I really hope to get there next year, meanwhile I can consult with a few favorite associates fortunate enough to have gone. Once again, reports of a great fleet ever improving and, of course, the famous sun-kissed cruising grounds and intriguing Turkish culture and food…

Still having to make choices, I am missing the Monaco Yacht Show that is taking place right now. I went a few years back and saw amazing Mega and Super Yachts for charter and sale. Monaco is one of my favorite places on the planet, it feels magical and I find the show navigable and comfortable. Most super yachts are so international there is a good chance I will see some of these same Med yachts on our Western Hemisphere side for the winter Caribbean season.

Ft Lauderdale International Boat is the largest in the World

What else is happening this fall? Well of course the biggest show - Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – we call it FLIBS…it is a lively fun madhouse of yacht buyers and charterers, agents from all over the world, yacht product vendors, crews working and looking for work, and folks there as tourists with kids in tow. Not a show for the light hearted, one can see and accomplish much and perhaps meet up with a few clients to discuss their next great choice. It’s a good idea to pick and choose the yachts that you know will be chartering for the upcoming winter…. that is, if they do not sell in the show! With their multi-million dollar yacht price tags there is a decent chance we will still be presenting them as your next luxury yacht charter vacation. The show is mostly all Power Yachts, I’ll be there touring, showing, selling…workin’ it!

Charter Catamaran Priorities features lots of Water Toys

Onwards to the Caribbean shows, we next have, in November, the St Thomas and the BVI shows, then the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in early December. Select Yachts will have featured yachts in the Tortola and Antigua shows, so our whole staff will definately be there. Tortola is mostly sailing charter yachts both monhulls and catamaran. Antigua is the most eclectic, from huge megayachts arriving from their Atlantic passage to owner/operator regulars that sail up from down island, all to see and be seen. I try to meet them all, new ones on the scene, those I know well and have chartered for my clients… Boats change, sometimes the crews change…getta keep up with it all!

As final note, this year is the 50th anniversary of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show. We can all anticipate great things this year and are really looking forward. I think Antigua is worth a future blog…so many great things to say about it, very exciting! Watch this space!

Free Diving in the Grenadines on Shaitan of Tortola

Posted on September 18, 2011 by ann

Free Diving in the Grenadines !!

Charter one week or more on Sailing Yacht “Shaitan of Tortola”

Shaitan is a Ron Holland designed performance sailing yacht

Horseshoe reef at the Tobago Cays Grenadine Islands

Dive the beautiful horseshoe reef at Tobago Cays Gerenadines

Shaitan of Tortola organizes the diving with “Grenadines Dive”, a first class dive company. A certified Divemaster, equipment if needed, and also a 150HP dive boat are included in this rendezvous dive offer for Tobago Cays, Mayreau, Palm Island, Union Island only

Shaitan can easily stay for three days in the Tobago Cays as the boat has two household freezers and a household fridge. Most yachts need to re-provision with ice, bread etc….. Shaitan has chartered multiple times in the Tobago Cayswith a group of eight for 4 days.

What's cookin'? Great local fare and international cuisine from Shaitan's prolific galley!

This offer does not apply to Xmas and New Year.

Charter Catamaran Amazing Grace to the Rescue!

Posted on September 7, 2011 by ann

We just got the following feedback from a charter where Amazing Grace did a last minute sailing charter because Hurricane Irene blew away a client’s luxury vacation villa – see below:

“We’re now back in NYC. We wanted to thank you for helping organize our trip last minute and to let you know we had a superb time on board Amazing Grace.

Amazing Grace - beautiful Bahamas anchor

From the moment we stepped on board to leaving at Governors Harbour/Eleuthera 6 days later, Captain Craig and Andrew were everything we expected and more. They were simply fantastic and come highly recommended. This was the first time our 3 boys had been on a boat so we weren’t sure how they’d take to the open seas (one is 6 years old) and especially given Hurricane Irene’s visit days before. Let’s just say we were all captivated by the sheer beauty of the islands and very impressed with the excellent service we received from the crew. Both Craig and Andrew have a ‘special talent’ with boys. More than anything I wanted you to know that. In particular Craig’s navigation skills (he really know’s the Exumas and Bahamas very well), his abundant knowledge of marine life and his cooking really rubbed off on all of us. Cooking for 5 guests and 2 crew for 6 days straight while manning the boat takes some serious talent. He was 100% right on. The food was hearty and just kept on coming and coming. Fresh catch daily, lobster omelets, Cornish hen, salads, gob stoppers, you name it. All there. I think the most important thing we learned from this trip as a family was we could trust Craig in any situation at any given time. The boys warmed up to him instantly as well as Andrew (Boy Scout leader) with his knot tying tricks and general coolness. The highlight of the trip for me was when Craig caught 4 fresh lobster after a very special visit to Shroud Cay. A wonderful birthday present. Every day had its own little adventures. Too many to pin down in an email. In general we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and will have some very fond memories of this trip. Thank you Craig!

Now I have to get back to work…Best Regards, T and family”

Sunrise and Sunset – Select Yachts Moves Yacht Charter Office

Posted on September 5, 2011 by ann

Looking forward to the dawn and saying goodbye to a great venue...

Since I can’t send pictures of our new yacht charter office on Sint Maarten yet (still need the new signs and a bit more organizing!), I picked this beautiful picture as an analogy to how I feel right now about our move from Plaza del Lago to Puerta del Sol at Simpson Bay. I think it is interesting that one can see see this as a sun rising or setting… Boat leaving port or arriving…

Having spent the last four years in a great space close to Simpson Bay Marina, the decision to move did not come easily. But in the end it felt almost like too much space, so now we are in a brand new streamlined complex that is modern, elegant, and more efficient. We have very upscale neighbors – Au Temps des Fleurs, Mooi Restaurant, the huge Carima Day Spa, and that fabulous Wine Bar at the entry to name a few. Earl from Seagrapes, one of the top Yacht Support and Chandlers, is setting up there now too, so we are truly in good company, additionally there are high end boutiques, offices and even residences in the complex.

More talk about location, location, location…We are half way between Isle de Sol Marina and Simpson Bay Marina with an easy walk to Palapa marina. There are plenty of little docks our yacht’s tenders can get to if needed. There is a fantastic new grocer – Market Garden – that is excellent for yacht provisions just across the street. So the yacht owners and crew, as well as yacht charter clients, are going to love this new space and all of the services nearby. Please come see us on your next trip to St Maarten. Or better still, book your favorite catamaran, sailing or power yacht here on St Maarten through Select Yachts and let us meet you to show you the new office and then on to your yacht!

Charter Catamaran Nexus ready to build their first charter season

Posted on August 24, 2011 by ann

One of the next-us great charter catamarans…NEXUS!!!

Sometimes a yacht comes along that you just know is going to be special. I was so happy to meet crew Sheldon and Vanessa on a new build catamaran out of South Africa a few months back. Ummm, this might be a bit confusing but the build of the catamaran is called a NEXUS. And the name of this #1 first made cat is called NEXUS. So it is Nexus the Nexus…
But the notable thing is that this is a strong package and this yacht will do well in charter because it has the right formula. A wonderful crew just bursting to do some charters. You just KNOW they are going to do it all right! And the boat…it is spacious. It reminds me a bit of a Voyage Cat (also made in South Africa), but the difference is that it seems a bit more upgraded. I loved the solid bamboo flooring and table and counter tops - warm and inviting, the light bamboo/wood tone is bright and cheerful. Another great feature is the aft seat. You can sit facing backward or forward. Just one of those little details that makes a yacht “liveable” for a precious week’s vacation…
Then there is Sheldon and Vanessa – they are stars. Experience, great attitude, they keep the boat impeccable and love hosting people on board! yipee!
To get started, they have offered reduced rates. Please ask, they will work with you. Once this boat gets rollin’ the opportunity may not be there, but for now they are so eager to go!
By the way, Nexus is not for sale, but you can order a Nexus. Try this one, try before you buy, what a great opportunity. Call us at Select, we are here to help.

Charter Yacht Crews Require STCW Training

Posted on August 17, 2011 by ann

Mega Yachts lining the dock at Isle de Sol, St Maarten

As a Charter Client or as a Charter Agent, we can sometimes get a feeling of being over regulated. I think it is important to remember, however, from the Megayacht industry, all the way through smaller charter catamarans and sailing yachts, safety is, and should always be, a number one priority.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) out of London, in conjunction with the US Coast Guard, has always been concerned with the safety of vessels, looking to quality of construction and availability of required safety products on board. In 1995 the bar was raised to consider the Human Factor. It only makes sense that crews on vessels in any commercial endeavor, including a charter, need to be well trained and prepared for anything and everything. While vessels are safe and built to high standards, the creation of STCW95 (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) has further provided training for First Aid, Social Responsibility, Fire Fighting and a host of other needs. Crew, as well as licensed Captains of course, must comply with the course objectives set forth. Part of the popularity of STCW is that destination ports are able to require that vessels cruising their waters for charter or other commercial endeavors require STCW training, the British Virgin Islands being on the scene recently in joining this effort.

We at Select Yachts consider this to be an excellent way to help to guarantee the safety and comfort of our clients, as well as the existing crew, and to keep an awareness of “one eye open” in this fun but sometimes challenging business!

Charter Yacht Takapuna now for discount!

Posted on August 6, 2011 by ann

Sailing Yacht Takapuna under sail

Takapuna has a great aft deck

Sail Takapuna – Book now for a great rate reduction!!!

I had the opportunity to go aboard a new yacht for charter called Takapuna.

There is a great deal proposed to get Takapuna set up for their introduction into chartering. The normal rate for Takapuna is $50,000 plus all expenses (expenses are estimated at 20% of the charter rate). BUT, book by September 1 (hurry!) and you will get a reduction of about $10,000 USD!!! That’s right, a 112′ Sailing Charter Yacht that can accommodate 8 guests for $39,900 plus expenses. (Sorry, the Christmas/New Years Holidays are excluded from this offer – it is $60,000 + for those weeks!)…

This sailing charter yacht, built by Valdettaro Shipyards in Italy, has just been through some nice refitting under the present new Owner and Crew. The crew is headed by Marco and Robin, who have come from the Motor Yacht Texas Star, previous to this they were on a catamaran based in the BVI’s. Off they have gone for a tour through France before the start of the 2011-2012 Yacht Charter Season here in the Caribbean. No doubt Robin will come back with lots of great ideas for new French Cuisine!

Welcome to the Select Yachts Fleet!!!

Posted on July 28, 2011 by ann

Take the helm!

Coral of Cowes, built 1902, a real stunner...man I hope I look that good at her age!!

Select Yachts has been getting some amazing new yachts to promote for charter lately. I mean, really, WOW, amazing!
We are so very happy to welcome the magnificent schooner CORAL OF COWES. The owner is a well know charter skipper who has found some great crew until he can come back on board maybe in a few years..you know R.O from E.M…I never knew he had the Classics Sailing Yacht bug…maybe just blindsided by beauty…can’t blame him…
Anyway, we will send a flyer around for some of the other new listings, believe it or not we have a bigger classic coming…I MEAN BIG…so stand by…
meanwhile, for a few more shots of Coral click here, we have her on our site and should have her on the Worldwide Charter Agents sites soon. Coral is presently lying in Grenada and is available NOW for photo shoots and ready to start her term charter life as of mid November. She has already gotten a few booking scheduled just by word of mouth so call ASAP to secure your dates!

Yacht Charters – Comparing Price to Value

Posted on July 20, 2011 by ann

Shaitan of Tortola is excellent value

: How Do I Choose for my next Yacht Charter?

Ever wonder why charter rates on vessels seem to vary so much even if they appear to be the same size?

Here are some points to consider when looking to charter:

SIZE – A posted length of a yacht is important but not always the most telling factor to true size. Recent developments have resulted in a larger beam in some of the newer design for both sail and power. Older boats tend to be narrower, though not always the case. Even if you look at the beam of a boat that is posted, note if it carries the width of the beam aft or if it flares in the middle. Does it have “walkaround” decks or is the cabin the width of the vessel? How much is interior or on deck space? A “trideck” motor yacht with an enclosed sky lounge gives different interior space than one with a sundeck only. Note that in power yachts, some of the newer designs with planing hulls have less interior space, the sleek effect looks great, the speed is great but the cabins will be smaller than some of the “good ole gals” posting the same length.

Now you get the picture…this is just one factor…How about …

AGE OF THE VESSEL – pretty obvious, but keep in mind that an older vessel may have undergone extensive refitting and tweaking and essentially have all the same amenities and services as a new yacht, sometimes even more and better!
CHARTER HISTORY – let’s face it, experience counts for a lot. A very caring owner that is serious about having his yacht charter and do it well will provide the best toys, crews, availability, and creature comforts, as well as a high level of maintenance and compliance to all safety regulations.
MAINTAINENCE – Hard to discern from a boat’s brochure…a very good reason to use a professional yacht charter broker. A good broker will visit as many yachts as possible at boat shows, the difference in what is visible is pretty staggering; not all yachts look the same as when the brochure was photographed! A keen nose is crucial. I know a very good lady broker who, upon walking onto a yacht, asks to see the engine room. If it is not impeccable she walks off … Further to that, knowing the Captain, engineer, owner etc can put one’s mind to rest.

It's great to meet the crew on board

CREW – Crucial. Make or break a charter…A great crew that have all the requisite skills as well as how to optimize your vacation with the right attitude and service level are the true heart and soul of the occasion. I had a client who insisted to me for his charter that the age and size of the boat were all he cared about. I put him on a yacht to his specs with great crew as well…at the end of the charter he said “the crew is the really important thing to making the charter great!”. Lesson learned.

Bankie Banx at Red Piano Bar

Posted on July 16, 2011 by ann

Bankie Banx to play at the red piano Bar tonight, July 16th.

Dune Preserve - now that's a Boat Bar!

Ann E of Select Yacht with Bankie on Anguilla at The Dune Preserve

Bankie will play a free concert before embarking on his yearly North American tour.
Thanks Bankie for your Dune Preserve, keeping in character with Anguilla’s stunningly beautiful beaches. Oh, and your music is awesome, I think Island Boy is my favorite. I cannot find the concert schedule anywhere, but here is more info on Bankie Banx, one of the Caribbean’s treasured artists, can’t put my finger on it…not Raggae, not Calypso, not Soca, just pure Bankie! Click here for Bankie’s site.

Welcome to The Dune Preserve - Designed by Nature!

The Viceroy ~ Anguilla's wave of the future...?

News