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THE
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LIFESTYLE
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MAGAZINE
D E D I C AT E D
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YA C H T
www.YachtChartersMagazine.com
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4
Off the Beaten Path
Cruising Isolated Indian Ocean Atolls
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
A New Life for an Alaskan King Crab Fishing Boat
ADVENTURE CHARTER
Race Around the World in the Global Challenge
SOUTH PACIFIC
Dive with Threshers in Malapascua
Plus...
2006 Swimwear Q&A
Must-Have Tech Gadgets
Luxury Car Review: Audi A8
A KIRCAALI MEDIA PUBLICATION
VA C AT I O N S
2005/2006
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around the world in 80 ways
®
YACHT BROKERAGE | NEW CONSTRUCTION | LUXURY YACHT VACATIONS | CHARTER MARKETING
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 2005/2006
f e a t u r e s
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Off the Beaten Track
Cruising isolated indian ocean atolls
Oysters and Ice
A new life for an alaskan king crab fishing boat
that other voyagers seldom encounter
Marco Shipyard in Seattle built Norseman as one of their highly successful
Over 1,000 islands make up the Maldive Republic; they lie scattered, jewel-
and seaworthy crabbers. Designed to survive the North Pacific and Bering
like in the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, grouped in atolls each
surrounded by its own lagoon. Twenty-six of these coral atolls stretch down
almost to the Equator. Below the surface sea life is staggering, making scuba
diving here some of the best in the world.
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MegaYacht Phoenix
A 201-foot beauty with myriad irresistible attributes
Even before her 2004 launch, the Lürssen-built Phoenix was being spoken
of in reverent tones among the yachting set. Here our writer Scott Rose
details this 201-foot beauty’s myriad irresistible attributes.
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Ocean Bound
Do you have what it takes?
Sea, she was a seasoned veteran of the demanding winter crab fishery in far
northern waters, but in 2004 was bought out of the fishery with 24 other
vessels as part of a fleet-size reduction program.
MegaYacht Starfire
it’s no wonder you feel in your element
Seven-day charter: Palermo to Catania
Both the human body and the earth’s surface
We invite you to spend seven days of luxurious relaxation aboard the mag-
are approximately 70% water. We are perfectly
nificent Starfire. From the historic bay of Palermo, we will leisurely explore
attuned to water’s amazing properties of serenity
the enchantment of Sicily’s dramatic northern coastline. We will sail on to
and contentment. For the ultimate experience, call
experience more remote Mediterranean islands, such as Ustica, Lipari, and
The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals.
Stromboli, as we make our way to the northeastern coast of Sicily, visiting
We represent the world’s finest charter yachts,
the chic destinations of Portorosa, Taormino, and Messina.
offering exceptional crew and five-star service
in premiere destinations! Put your next vacation
or corporate getaway in the hands of our
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Charter Professionals. Call today for your copy of
Threshers Before Breakfast
Adventure charter in Malapascua
60-ft. wave, struggling to put a reef in the mainsail in a Force 9 gale and
The long whip-like tail, large eye, silver sheen on its side, and the ease
into your bunk for no more than three hours sleep at a time?
VOLUME:2 ISSUE:4 2005/2006
the yachting professionals
46
For your next charter, how about being swept the length of the deck by a
then enjoying your supper of a freeze dried meal before strapping yourself
4
34
our “2005 Charter Fleet Directory”.
with which it glides through the water little well prepare you for your first
thresher shark sighting.
www.sacksyachts.com
YACHTCHARTERSMAGAZINE.COM
1600 SE 17th Street • Suite 418 • Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316
9 5 4 . 7 6 4 . 7 7 4 2 • fax 954.523.3769 • info@sacksyachts.com
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Captain Profile: Tall Ship Tales
d e p a r t m e n t s
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Interview with Jarle Flatebo, Captain of the Sorlandet
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Gadgets: GPS
Navigating without it is like trying to maneuver without a rudder!
Resorts: Emerald Bay at Great Exuma Island
A hidden treasure in the Bahamas
The Riviera: “La Superba”Genoa
The maritime center of the Italian Riviera
Interview: Easing the Move from Charter to Ownership
An interview with Michael Lynch and George Shull of First New England Financial
Cruising Cigar Man
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Caribbean
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Event Photo Albums
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Dining: Top Tables
Gliding down the Eastern Seaboard can build an appetite!
Interview: Long-Standing Relationships with Their Clients
Editorial
Weather the Winter Weather
in Style and Comfort
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Dining: Chin Chin!
Break out the bubbly for any occasion – Champagne has become a versatile
drink all over the world
Recommended Yacht Charter Brokers
Recommended Air Charter Companies
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The Cigar Smoker’s Bible
Ladies’ Week in the BVIs
2005 ACYM
2005 SCYE
Gadgets&Things
Technology Products to
Splurge Your Green On!
Luxury Goods
Audi A8 L W12
An interview with Alex Braden, Managing Director of Yachting Partners International
Yacht Profile: Continental 80
A new concept from Cantieri Navali del Mediterraneo
Yacht Profile: Makani
Luxury catamaran in Hawaii
Dining: M/Y Alaska
Every type of yacht to suit every type of requirement
special: 2006 swimwear
84 Ask The Expert Q&A :
Brooke Winston, Public Relations Coordinator & Swimwear Fit Expert
Everything But Water is your one-stop shop. We accommodate sizes 2-24, Maternity, Mastectomy, Long Torso, Cup-size separates,
Cover-ups, Sandals and Sunglasses
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EDITORIAL
RECOMMENDED YACHT & AIR CHARTER BROKERS
Alpha Yachting offers crewed yacht charters in Greece, Croatia, Italy, France,
Turkey, Spain and the Mediterranean sea. We are proud to offer a wide selection
of luxury charter yachts for hire in Greece (group and private charter) to meet all
your needs. All our yachts are clean, fully equipped and well maintained, our crew
members are polite and can help you with all your travel needs, charter a crewed
mega motor yacht, motor sailer, sailing yacht, skippered sail boat, bareboat, catamaran and set sail from Athens Greece to the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini,
Corfu, Rhodes, Crete, Zakynthos, enjoy your sailing holiday cruises in Greece. Alpha
Yachting Greece is managed by Manos Komninos, an established Naval Architect
with over 20 years experience, who is not only a Yacht Broker, but who can suggest
the ideal yacht for your vacation in Greece.
Contact: Manos Kominos +30-210-968 0486
info@alphayachting.com | www.alphayachting.com
Angela Connery Yacht Charters ACYC offers you the finest selection in both
sail and motor yachts with full crew on a worldwide basis. If you’re looking for that
special charter vacation experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories
- let Angela Connery Yacht Charters help you with the details of your plans.
Contact: Angela Connery 877 741-4448
acyc@comcast.net | http://www.acyachtcharters.com
Bartram & Brakenhoff philosophy has been to provide unequaled integrity and
service to the yachtsman who is interested in unique, high quality yachts. Their
willingness to be a consultant and assist its clients in obtaining their yachting
requirements in all areas is one of their strongest attributes. This concept has been
successfully practiced throughout Bartram & Brakenhoff’s history and will continue
to be the mainstay of their operation. Today they are considered to be a leader in
the worldwide brokerage industry. Their firm specializes in the marketing, sales,
donation, and charter of high quality and high caliber sailing, power, and luxury
yachts, both new and used. Bartram & Brakenhoff prides its reputation as being one
of the most well-respected and ethical companies amongst our peers in both the
brokerage community and with new construction yards worldwide. Due to its locations, they are ideally situated to provide the highest level of service year round.
Contact: Pila Pexton 401 862-1977
pila@bartbrak.com | http://www.bartbrak.com
Beka Cornish Yachting Thinking about taking a luxury yachting vacation? Before
embarking on your search for the perfect yacht, it is important to decide what type
of ‘on the water’ experience you are looking for. In the ever growing charter yacht
section of our web site, we offer our visitors the choice between sail and motor
yachts of all sizes. If you have not chartered before we can help you decide which
type of luxury yacht best meets your needs. If you cannot find what you are looking
for, just let us know your requirements, and we will do the searching for you.
Contact: Sid Cornish +34 971213073
sid@beka-cornish.com | www.beka-cornish.com
Blue Water Yacht Charters was established in 1983. With over 20 years experience in bareboat and crewed yacht charter and management, we are uniquely
qualified to assist in the planning of the best vacation you ever had. Our high
percentage of repeat clients speak for themselves. Discretion and confidentiality
are guaranteed. CYBA
Contact: Karin Garrett 800 732-7245
yachts@bluewateryachtcharters.com | http://bluewateryachtcharters.com
Camper & Nicholsons International manages more large yachts for charter than
any other agent. The Camper & Nicholsons International team prides itself in providing the best inside knowledge on boats, destinations, and all travel arrangements.
Visit cnconnect.com for photos and details of boats and destinations and call us for
a tailored proposal.
Contact: 561 655 2121
info@media.cnyachts.com | http://www.cnconnect.com
Charter Brokers of Alaska Custom Charters... First class yacht and sportsfishing
voyages in pristine Southeast Alaska and Inside Passage waters. Wildlife viewing, sightseeing and fishing with captains with a wealth of local knowledge and
experience. Crewed or “Skippered Bareboat ” adventures on one of our fleet of well
appointed vessels - motoryacht or sail. We can tie your charter in with hunting trips,
visits to Denali, remote lodges and other magnificent places.
Contact: 1-888-530-2628
info@charterbrokersofalaska.com | http://www.charterbrokersofalaska.com
Delta Air Elite Fleet Membership. Fleet Charter. Fleet Management. Delta AirElite
offers a portfolio of helpful services for those who utilize and own business jets.
Whether you prefer on-demand charter services, require guaranteed availability on
a particular aircraft, or need a worry-free management solution for your own jet,
Delta AirElite has the infrastructure, resources, and know-how to make the business
jet experience a simple one.
Contact: 800-927-0927
Contact@AirElite.com | www.airelite.com
Dream Sailing specializes in luxury, crewed sailing yachts from 55ft. based in St.
Tropez, France and the British Virgin Islands. We offer a warm welcome and the
opportunity to taste the glamorous and exciting world of yachting on an affordable
scale. DreamCatcher is our flagship; other yachts are also available.
Contact: Michelle Blore + 33 6 64 03 70 20
info@dreamsailing.co.uk | http://www.dreamsailing.co.uk
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Executive Jet Management /NetJets Executive Jet Management’s charter
services team is dedicated to providing you with the attention you deserve and the
responsiveness you demand. A fleet of over 80 aircraft across the United States,
convenience and comfort, safety and security, ultra-personalized service and professionalism - air travel on your own terms. Executive Jet Management is a NetJets
company with 40 years of aviation expertise. (A Berkshire Hathaway company)
Contact: Jeff Cropper 877 356-5387
fly@ejmjets.com | http://www.ejmjets.com
Golden Yachts offers a fleet of seven luxurious motor yachts, including the 83m
megayacht m/y O’MEGA. Experience combined with concentration to the finest
details, along with highly trained crew is what has made Golden Yachts a leader in
the yacht charter market throughout the East and West Mediterranean.
Contact: Iro Orri +30 210 967-3203
contact@goldenyachts.gr | http://www.goldenyachts.gr
Jet Aviation Business Jets a division of the Jet Aviation Group of Companies,
provides private jet charter services. Worldwide, Jet Aviation is the largest international provider of executive aircraft charter services and offers a variety of services
to corporations and individuals. Three international coordination centers in Zurich,
Switzerland, Teterboro, New Jersey and Hong Kong, China arrange all planning and
reservation needs 24 hours a day.
Contact: +1 800 736 8538
charter_usa@jetaviation.com| http://www.jetaviation.com
Marcrista offers luxury cruising and relaxed sailing to remote pristine reefs and
tropical island destinations. Your fully crewed charter on Marcrista is personalised
and can include attention to your special interests – sailing, snorkelling, diving,
adventure cruises, romantic honeymoons, game fishing, marine photography, marine
biology, seabird life, isolated reefs, frontier wilderness locations, pristine sand cays,
lush tropical rainforested islands, coastal rainforests, the south pacific’s best reefs,
historical cultural aboriginal tours, outback wild life and fishing safaris.
Contact: Mobile 0418 339 753
sail@marcrista.com.au | http://www.marcrista.com.au
MLW Aviation The Ultimate B757 Now Available for Charter - Dallas Love Field
Request Charter Quote or Contact your preferred charter broker.
Contact: info@N801DM.com
Ocean Charters yacht accommodations are standard to five star deluxe. Boats
and yachts range in size from 35 feet to 200 feet, power or sail. This is the secret
alternative to the cruise! Crewed yachts provide vacations and a price range to fit
each and every budget. We personalize itineraries allowing the client to pick and
choose their stops. A crewed charter at any level allows for relaxation, basking in
the sun or cruising from island to island with the highest level of personal service
a vacation can offer.
Contact: Susan Wallace Whiteman 800 922-4833
susan@oceancharters.com | http://www.oceancharters.com
Ocean Cruise large yachts since 1985. Luxury Yachts Worldwide
Partners for a Yachting Life. Charter services: more than 300 yachts worldwide,
mostly personally inspected by us; cruising areas worldwide; selection of the most
suitable yacht and crew; preparation of contracts; stakeholders of your payments;
meticulous charter preparation (special requests, transfers, etc.); stringent check of
yacht chartered and performance check.
Contact: Capt. Rags Wheldon 954 524-9366
usa@ocyachts.com | http://www.ocyachts.com
Ocean Yachts is for all of you dreaming of a private cruise on a unique, and
crafted sailing yacht. The Ocean VIP Club has the perfect answer. Their team’s care
and superb service along with a fleet of new Ocean Star 51.2 (51ft.) and Ocean
Star 56.1(56ft.) “Elegance”, equipped with many extras, will make your wishes
come true.
Contact: +30 210 9855518
info@ocean-yachts.com | http://www.ocean-yachts.com
Paradise Yacht Charter specializes in locating private yachts for both corporate
and personal entertaining throughout the world. We spend weeks every year traveling throughout the world inspecting these yachts, meeting their crews and making
sure that they meet our standards for luxury yacht chartering. Whatever power
yacht or sailing yacht you choose and wherever you choose to charter - you can
be assured that we have seen the yachts we are recommending - and are not just
working from a picture book! Our experience and personal service will insure we
find the perfect yacht for your “Charter in Paradise”
Contact: Rebecca Riley
pycmail@bellsouth.net | http://www.paradiseyachtcharters.com
Peter Insull Yacht Marketing ensures that you have none of the cares yet all the
pleasure that comes with cruising on the world’s finest yachts. The success of a
charter depends upon matching the right yacht, the right crew and the right cruising
area to the differing requirements of individual clients. With many years’ experience
in the chartering of large yachts we are uniquely placed to help you with every
detail, from on-board entertainment and leisure facilities, food and drink, to help
and advise on co-ordinating flights and transfers and the planning of your cruising
itinerary. There is simply no substitute for experience.
Contact: Fiona Maureso +33 (0)4 9334 4455
charter@insull.com http://www.insull.com
SeaDream Yacht Club Twin, luxury megayachts, SeaDream I & II rated by Conde
Nast readers as best at sea for Service and Cuisine. The award winning yachts
accommodate up to 55 couples for special events such as incentives, meetings,
family reunions, birthdays or anniversaries in the Caribbean, Mayan Riviera or
Mediterranean!
Contact: Bob Lepisto 305 631-6100
info@seadreamyachtclub.com | http://www.seadreamcharter.com
South Seas International Yacht Broker In pochi anni e con l’aiuto di preziosi
collaboratori ne fa una delle società più quotate in Italia. Oggi l’ufficio, situato alle
spalle di uno dei più antichi borghi marinari del Mediterraneo, può far fronte ad un
vasto mercato, la società, infatti, si avvale della competenza e della professionalità
che i titolari, Danilo e Davide del Tufo, hanno ereditato dai lunghi anni di attività
svolti dal padre e grazie alla quale soddisfano le esigenze dei clienti, sia con il
brokeraggio che con il charter delle imbarcazioni gestite.
Contact: +39 081 245.24.01
ddt@southseas.it | http://www.southseas.com
Publisher Fuat Kircaali
fuat@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3001
EDITORIAL
Editor at Large Jeremy Geelan
jeremy@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3027
Managing Editor Seta Papazian
seta@sys-con.com | 201 802-3052
Stabbert Maritime offers expedition yacht charters for discriminating travelers
seeking first class adventure while enjoying the ultimate in luxury yachting. Stabbert
Maritime has over 50 years of experience in providing expedition charters around
the world. Take a look and see how they may accommodate your charter dreams.
They provide quality vessel management service for select yacht owners and have
undertaken numerous overhaul and refit projects. See what their engineering and
management expertise can do for you.
Contact: 212 541-6950
lindsays@stabbertmaritime.com | http://www.venture-pacific.com
Associate Editor Vasif Sayil
vasif@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3040
Contributing Editor Stevan Roberts
stevan@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3040
Assistant Editor Kim Hughes
kim@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3025
The Sacks Group The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals is a leader in luxury
yacht vacations worldwide on vessels from 60’ to over 200’. Choose from over 1,500
yachts and cruise to classic destinations or exotic locales. Services also include
charter marketing, yacht brokerage and new construction, call (954) 764-7742 or
visit www.sacksyachts.com.
Contact: 206 547-6161
http://www.sacksyachts.com | info@sacksyachts.com
ADVERTISING
National Sales Carmen Gonzalez
carmen@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3021
International Sales Miles Silverman
miles@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3029
Advertising Director Robyn Forma
robyn@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3022
Marketing & Sales Manager Jim Hanchrow
jimh@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3066
Europe & Mediterranean Belkis Alpergun
belkis@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3021
Trimarine We specialize in large groups of up to twenty. Most of our groups are
divers or contain divers, though some are not. There will always be scuba instructors on board. Large families, friends, YPO’s, clubs and affinity groups all come. We
also run some Headboat trips for individuals to join.
Contact: Annie 800 648-3393, or 284 494-2490
cuanlaw@surfbvi.com | http://www.BVIsailing.com
PRODUCTION
VP Production Jim Morgan
jim@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3033
Art Director Alex Botero
alex@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3031
Art Production Editor Abraham Addo
abraham@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3037
TSH One Aero We are cooperating with a selection of reputable and certified air
charter operators worldwide. They work with efficiency and discretion providing
our clients with the highest level of safety and comfort. As your charter broker we
arrange your trip making sure you get the best possible price and the best service.
Contact: Thierry S. Huguenin +1 242 677 8702
charter@smartaircharter.com | http://www.smartaircharter.com
Valef Yachting Valef Yachts offers the largest fleet of crewed yachts for charter
in Greece. There are more than 400 yachts, motor yachts, motor sailers and sailing
yachts, accommodating 4 to 49 passengers in comfort. We offer permanent fully
trained and experienced multilingual crews. Valef Yachts ensures excellent quality
and reasonable prices on all food and beverage orders. Ask for our “private jet”
charters.
Contact: 800 223-3845
info@valefyachts.com | http://www.valefyachts.com
Yacht Charter Group From world-famous celebrities to some of the world’s
most powerful and influential business people...Yacht Charter Group
caters to the Elite! You will be pampered like Royalty on “Our Fleet of Floating 5
Star Hotels! -- with Gourmet Chefs and World Class Crews...all created to fulfill
your every fantasy!
Contact: Lisa Kearns 561-835-0226
GaryYCG@aol.com | www.YachtCharterGroup.com
Yachting Greece has an extensive knowledge of Greek charter yachts that make
it the best choice when it comes to a yachting holiday in Greece. Understanding and
fulfilling charterers’ requirements is their chief goal.
Contact: +30 210 3233057
info@yachtingreece.com | www.yachtingreece.gr
YACHTING PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL can help make your dreams real when
it comes to luxury yachting. Founded in 1972, they are one of the world’s premier
yacht brokerage houses, with over 150 years’ combined experience in the marine
business. Their services embrace everything from yacht chartering, acquisitions and
sales to construction and management and are based on a meticulous, first-hand
knowledge of today’s luxury yachting world.
Contact: 800 626 0019 (UK) +44 0 1273 571722 (French) +33 0 4 93 34 01 00
ypi@ypi.co.uk ypifr@ypifr.co.uk | http://www.ypi.co.uk
YCO The YCO Charter Management division takes pride in understanding
what makes a successful yacht charter truly great. Our first-hand knowledge of the
world’s finest charter locations, coupled with access to the world’s finest yachts,
guarantees you a yacht and an itinerary that will perfectly suit your expectations
and desires. The YCO Charter Marketing division draws on our experience to manage your yacht’s calendar, maximizing charter potential to fully capitalize on your
expenditure without compromising your own yachting enjoyment. With our powerful
marketing campaigns, you’re safe in the knowledge that we’re reaching every
potential charter client, worldwide.
Contact: +377 93 50 12 12
charter@ycoyacht.com | http://www.ycoyacht.com
Weather the Winter Weather
in Style and Comfort
WRITTEN BY SETA PAPAZIAN
MANAGING EDITOR
seta@sys-con.com
International Editor Tami Beatty
tami@yachtchartersmagazine.com | 201 802-3040
KIRCAALI MEDIA
NOTE: THIS LIST IS PROVIDED AS AN ADDITIONAL SERVICE TO OUR READERS. THE PUBLISHER DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.
Alaska Charter Yachts is a consortium of ten small owner operated charter
yachts offering the best of customized charter cruises in Alaska. Cruising, whale
watching, wildlife, fishing, gourmet food, kayaking, hot springs, fishing, crabs and
shrimp. Come let us show you the REAL Alaska we know and love. The Cruise Ship
Alternative!
Contact: V. Joyce Gauthier 206 310-2309
info@alaska-charter-yachts.com | http://www.alaska-charter-yachts.com
President & CEO Fuat Kircaali
fuat@kircaalimedia.com | 201 802-3001
VP Marketing & Sales Carmen Gonzalez
carmen@kircaalimedia.com | 201 802-3021
VP Advertising Sales Miles Silverman
miles@kircaalimedia.com | 201 802-3029
President SYS-CON Events Grisha DaVida
grisha@sys-con.com | 201 802-3004
VP Production Jim Morgan
jim@kircaalimedia.com | 201 802-3033
VP Information Systems Robert Diamond
rob@kircaalimedia.com | 201 802-3051
SUBSCRIPTIONS
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MAILING ADDRESS
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EDITORIAL OFFICE
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Montvale, NJ 07645
Tel. 201 802-3000 Fax. 201 802-9600
International Yacht Vacations & Charters Magazine
(ISSN #1549-3830) is published quarterly (4 times a year) by Kircaali Media, Inc.
COPYRIGHT © 2005 BY KIRCAALI MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS
PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS,
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This issue of YV&C presents us with stories that range from the extraordinarily accommodating to accommodating the extraordinary.
M
ichael and Frances Howorth take us “off the beaten path” through the atolls of the Maldive
Republic. Here an adventurous spirit and a “jolly good pair of Polaroid sunglasses” will prove
invaluable to those who wish to take advantage of the services of Island Explorer. Straying
from the path more traveled does not involve a dearth of amenities; it does, however, afford those who
chance to take the trip with an opportunity to not only see extraordinary natural sites, but to also meet
a colorful array of local islanders.
Paula Farquharson speaks with Captain Jarle Flatebo of the Sorlandet about his passion for sailing
and the exhilaration of being at the helm of a Norwegian tall ship. The tall ship experience makes a
tremendous impression because those who come aboard the Sorlandet are coming to be a functional
part of the crew! The ship is not for passengers – it is specifically for those individuals who wish to “be
thrown into a real sailor’s way of life.”
Captain Paul Tate also takes us northward for a taste of “Oysters and Ice” aboard Norseman, a former
Alaskan king crab fishing boat. Adventure abounds in the Alaskan wild as bottles of Chardonnay purchase docking for a night; sumptuous oysters are indeed consumed, and when drinks required a bit of
ice, they received “centuries-old ice picked from the waters of the fiord.”
From the cold imagery of Norway and Alaska, Scott Rose transports us to the fiery realm of myth
with his examination of Phoenix. The ship is attired in Art Deco and is a beautifully embellished with
aesthetically stunning opulent materials and designs.
Michelle Blore and Alan Oliver continue the theme of adventure with “Ocean Bound,” which details
the Global Challenge. This international race is unique because its originator wanted to enable ordinary
people to participate in such an extraordinary type of event. Those who’ve risen to meet the Challenge
attest to the magnitude of the encounter, and report that the months of endurance spent at sea constitute a positive and life-changing experience.
If a resort is more your speed, Emerald Bay at Grand Exuma Island in the Bahamas will oblige you
with amenities such as a Spa Garden, oceanfront golf course, and Private Yacht Club. Jennifer Chestnut
takes us on a tour of the grounds and Diane Phillips presents the Grand Isle Villas, which occupy the
highest peak of Emerald Bay.
Yvonne Yorke explains why Genoa, Italy’s oldest port, is living up to its name “La Superba.” She
relates the sights, sounds, and tastes of this gorgeous location that has been a vital maritime center
since the Middle Ages, and that offers a profusion of present-day culture in addition to its aesthetics,
history, and irresistible charm.
Travel to the Philippines with Tony Karacsonyi, who presents a story of adventure charter in
Malapascua where one can behold an astounding assortment of tropical marine biodiversity, including
the illustrious thresher sharks of Monad Shoal.
Agha Khan describes some of the “Top Tables” at exemplary restaurants along the United States
Atlantic coast, in addition to a delectable article on the splendor and ubiquity of Champagnes. Agha
also provides a tech gadget guide. Gary Korb expounds on the most recent edition of a book that has
earned the moniker “The Cigar Smoker’s Bible,” Josh Max reviews the sensational Audi A8 L W12,
Captain Carl Sputh details Starfire’s seven-day charter from Palermo to Catania, YV&C’s Robyn Forma
interviews Michael Lynch, president of First New England Financial, and Brooke Winston shares her
swimwear expertise in the essential “Swimwear Q&A.”
Thus whether you are searching for a monumental adventure, a unique experience, or simply
supreme pampering, you’ll find what you need in the pages that follow. YC
V
FOR LIST RENTAL INFORMATION:
Kevin Collopy: 845 731-2684, kevin.collopy@edithroman.com
Frank Cipolla: 845 731-3832, frank.cipolla@epostdirect.com
INTERNATIONAL YACHT VACATIONS & CHARTERS® IS THE REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF SYS-CON MEDIA INC.
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YACHT VACATIONS & CHARTERS
Don’t forget to let us know what you think about YV&C: feedback@yachtchartersmagazine is the address to use.
9
THE MALDIVES
Off the Beaten Path
Cruising Isolated Indian Ocean Atolls
That Other Voyagers Seldom Encounter
Over 1,000 islands make up the Maldive Republic; they lie scattered, jewel-like in the clear
blue waters of the Indian Ocean, grouped in atolls each surrounded by its own lagoon.
Twenty-six of these coral atolls stretch down almost to the Equator. Below the surface sea
life is staggering, making scuba diving here some of the best in the world. Coral gardens
are only bettered by the colors and patterns of the wide variety of fish that you encounter.
However, below the water are just some of the better-known jewels in the Maldives crown
– the others are the outlying islands themselves.
WRITTEN BY
CAPTAIN MICHAEL HOWORTH
PHOTOGRAPHS
BY FRANCES HOWORTH
10
U
ntil recently the government had
determinedly restricted tourism to Male, the capital, and
another 80 or so hotel-developed resort islands. The locally
inhabited fishing islands are, as
a result, partly closed to non-locals to safeguard
the islanders’ devout Muslim lifestyle. It is only
now with the introduction of Island Explorer, a
new passenger ship operated by the Four Seasons
resort that visitors are, at last, able to visit some of
these fascinating outlying outposts.
Many islanders see just 10 or so boats a year
and there are some islands that have yet to
encounter the splashing of a tourist anchor. For
those who choose to voyage around these atolls
they offer pioneering stuff. Very little has been
published about these delightful “off the beaten
track” islands, and some of them remain even
still uncharted. Cruising here is not for the fainthearted – coral reefs lie just below the surface and
are scattered around the island chain. Many are
easy to see and appear exactly where the chart
states they will, though other smaller outcrops of
reef have built up around wrecks of former local
craft that long ago hit an isolated coral head and
sank. Cruising these waters calls for a sense of
adventure, and if you are at the helm: nerves of
steel and a jolly good pair of Polaroid sunglasses.
The fifth island to open as a resort within the
Maldives was Four Seasons on the island of Kuda
Huraa, and it remains both luxurious and definitely five star. This resort boasts an international
je ne sais quoi feel about it that is reflected in both
its décor and in the clients it attracts, suiting those
looking for high standards of comfort and service
within familiar surroundings. A high proportion
of visitors come as couples, many of whom are
on honeymoon. For those spending a few days on
the island it offers a variety of organized activities
each day that include cookery classes, ecology
lectures, or visits to other islands. For the more
active, there is scuba diving arranged through the
water sports centre where helpful staff and quality equipment make it just as easy to while away
the hours in the tropical sunshine playing in the
crystal blue lagoon with canoes, small sail boats,
wind surfers, and snorkelling equipment.
In today’s modern world most holiday island
resorts have their own spa, but somewhat conversely the spa at this resort has its own island.
No, I am not joking: out in the lagoon, a short
boat trip away, is a self-contained spa unit accessible only by a tiny dhoni, which operates a ferry
service on demand. Purely in the interests of
undertaking research for the discerning readers
of Yacht Vacations & Charters it became my duty
to put this sumptuous spa to the test. I chose to
have an aromatherapy massage, which is said to
appeal to all of the senses and is enhanced by the
choice of either of two essential oil blends. Solace
oil combines sandalwood, jasmine, and geranium
while Zeal oil comprises mandarin, neroli, and
palmarosa. Thinking I had enough zeal and not
knowing what either neroli or palmarosa were,
I chose to have a Solace oil massage. Wrapped
in a Japanese-style kimono and a down-to-theankles matching sarong, I looked very fetching as
I shuffled in matching slippers into a room full of
fragrance. Lying face down overlooking the water,
a tray of aromatic herbs was placed in front of my
face and the treatment began. The masseur used
deep, hard strokes and cross fibre massage techniques to say nothing of the occasional slapping,
beating, and pummelling, but 60 minutes later as
I recovered with my own cup of ginger lemon tea
I felt truly relaxed with a feeling of overall wellbeing.
The management team at Four Seasons is
environmentally aware and they have a responsible attitude towards the Maldivians they employ.
On a nearby local island of Bodu Huraa the hotel
sponsors small business projects and most important, the island school, to ensure all local children
are educated to a reasonable standard. Locals
are encouraged to seek advancement through
the hotel’s own highly evolved training system.
A full-time marine biologist is on staff to help
with conservation as well as educate the guests
with lectures and guided diving and snorkelling
tours. The hotel has invested in the creation of an
innovative reef restoration program and supports
a series of reef balls used as coral nurseries that
hatch polyps inside them on their house reef.
The hotel is justifiably proud of the latest
enhancement at Kuda Huraa: their new cruising catamaran called Island Explorer. This is an
unusual concept in which the notion of a luxurious dive boat is crossed with that of a small
cruise ship. Launched in early 2003, the ship’s
route takes in two seven-night cruise options:
the Northern Passage starting in Male Atoll, visiting Lhaviyani Atoll, and the Baa Atoll; whilst the
Southern Cross again starts in Male Atoll, and
visits South Male Atoll, Felidhoo Atoll, and Ari
Atoll. Guests who select one of the three- or fourday options will embark or disembark the ship en
route by seaplane.
This well thought out program allows avid divers, water enthusiasts, nature lovers, and Island
Explorers to discover distant atolls and rarely
visited dive sites, while at the same time enjoying
the same service, comfort, and style offered at the
home resort. Each day of the cruise has plenty
of activities for both divers and those who prefer
life above water. Underwater explorers can take
part in up to three dives each and every day. Live
Aboard dive boats are generally very basic affairs
and usually offer very little for a non-diver to do,
and price and the number of possible dives a day
far outweigh food and accommodation in importance. Island Explorer is very different because it
11
THE MALDIVES
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Island Explorere Catamaran
A cruising catamaran. This is an unusual concept in which the notion of a luxurious dive boat
is crossed with that of a small cruise ship.
is both comfortable and way beyond the standard dive boat.
With just 22 passengers the ship feels very
like a charter yacht rather than a passenger
ship, being an unusual hybrid of both these.
Truthfully I believe the ship would be better
crewed had the yachting industry been tapped
for its professional crew rather than the ethnically diverse team from differing disciplines
that was on board. The sleek three-deck catamaran features 10 spacious state rooms and
one beautifully appointed full-beam suite, two
sun decks with Jacuzzi, restaurant with an
indoor and outdoor dining area, bar, lounge
and small but comprehensive library. This 39meter catamaran has a beam of 12 meters and
a draft of 1.90 meters, and she cruises at 14
knots using twin MTU diesels and fixed-pitch
propellers. A sea-state motion-control system
further enhances the innate stability of the
vessel. All 10 staterooms are bright and airy
with large windows. The mood of the interior
is contemporary with teak wood grain complemented by cool, subdued tones and soft goods
from the subcontinent. All state rooms are air
conditioned and feature twin beds that can
convert to a king bed, couch, writing desk, mini
bar, satellite TV, VCD and music system, telephone, in-cabin safe, and en-suite bathroom
with bath tub/shower. The suite with its expansive panoramic windows offers a staggering 45
square meters of space and features a king bed,
daybed, and its own indoor dining area.
To ensure that guests view the most spectacular scenery and sites in these remote
waters, Island Explorer stops at preselected
anchorage sites. The alternative to diving is
to indulge ones self on the private shores of
tropical white sandy beaches, or relax in solitude under the shade of a coconut palm like
Robinson Crusoe. Try a massage on a deserted
beach that surrounds an uninhabited island
under the shade of a specially erected tented
gazebo. What luxury and how wonderful it is
to listen to the sea and feel the gentle breeze
whilst being massaged and pummelled into
tip-top condition. If water activity is on the
menu then try snorkelling, water skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, or even deep-sea fishing.
Non-divers can also join a discover scuba diving course or snorkelling excursions.
Diving, or playing on a beach, can be
achieved in many places on this planet, but it
is the especially arranged shore excursions that
make this adventurous voyage a cut above the
rest. Because this ship calls on islands seldom
visited by tourists, special arrangements have
been made with the island chiefs to enable
passengers to go ashore and visit these fishing
communities. It is a very great privilege to be
especially and uniquely entertained by local
dance and music groups on islands where
these ceremonies are still routinely practiced
for their own enjoyment rather than performed
as tourist shows. The islanders are very friendly, clearly as fascinated by us as we are by them.
Taking portrait shots with a digital camera
that can immediately show the subject the
picture has been taken was an endless source
of delight to people who have probably never
even seen a photograph of themselves before.
These trips ashore provided a wonderful
insight into the lives of these islanders where
coir rope is still hand woven by women sitting
on the beach tugging at tufts of coconut husk
and hand spinning it first into yarn and then
into string to become rope. We watched the
employment of age-old skills as the menfolk
built, by hand, dhonis, which are local fishing
boats from local woods using almost Iron Age
��
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� ��
12
THE MALDIVES
��
“Cruising these
waters calls
for a sense of
adventure,
and if you are
at the helm:
nerves of steel
and a jolly good
pair of Polaroid
sunglasses”
��
��
Start...
from
��
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��
��
��
Maldives by Air
The fifth island to open as a resort within the Maldives
was Four Seasons on the island of Kuda Huraa.
The Locals
The islanders’ devout Muslim lifestyle. It is only now with the introduction of Island Explorer, that visitors
are, at last, able to visit some of these fascinating outlying outposts and their people.
implements. The true skill of this is brought
home to the observer as you watch copper
nails made from scratch and wooden dowels
whittled away by hand by young men who
clearly learned their skills when they were very
small. The ability to walk around these islands
without feeling you are intruding is delightful. We watched in awe as the daily meal was
prepared in an outside-style kitchen that all of
the homes seem to feature. Spices were ground
using pestle and mortar hewn from stone
clearly passed down through generations of
daughters. We watched and were encouraged
to take part in an exercise where housewives
strip down coconut palm leaves to extract
the single wiry centre strand and discard the
remainder of the leaf. With a couple of hundred
of these cores you have the makings of a brush
with which the locals sweep their homes and
the pathway outside it clean each day. The
brush is of course bound together with coir
string freshly woven from the product of the
very same tree that produced the leaves.
The Dive Center on board is managed by
an international staff of dive instructors and
it is well equipped with Nitrox air as well as a
comprehensive selection of dive gear, including electrically driven sea scooters. Sunrise,
wreck, night dives, as well as PADI specialist
and educational dive courses are offered to
those who want them. Diving is well organized
with a specially fitted local dhoni acting as a
large dive boat and following the ship around,
which was therefore able to take divers off
to their sites while Island Explorer stayed at
anchor or travelled on to another stunning
location. One particular dive site will forever
be etched upon my memory. Because I am
an avid ship fan, I enjoy diving on wrecks.
Sometimes locating a sunken ship site can be
...to
Finish
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14
©COPYRIGHT 2006
FIRST NEW ENGLAND FINANCIAL© IS A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF NORTH FORK BANK©, A $60 BILLION INSTITUTION AND THE COUNTRY’S 16TH LARGEST COMMERCIAL LENDING BANK. WWW.NORTHFORKBANK.COM
THE MALDIVES
Sale & Purchase
New Construction
Dhonis
Local fishing boats from local woods using
almost Iron Age implements.
16
with portobello mushrooms, fresh sweet corn
on the cob, and campfire-baked potatoes were
served as our main course. Just as the dessert
course of fresh fruit salad arrived, we heard the
sound of distant drumming and then from out
of the darkness our multitalented crew from
aboard Island Explorer appeared with drums
and dance troop to serenade us at our table on
the beach.
With just a handful or two of like minded
souls as passengers, this cruise experience is
for people who enjoy privacy and seek a holiday that takes them cruising through isolated
Indian Ocean atolls that other Ocean Voyagers
will seldom encounter. This is well beyond the
normal beach escape. YVC
Yacht Charter
Charter Management
Yacht Management
Crew Placement
Credits
Frances & Michael Howorth were accommodated at Kuda Huraa and aboard Island
Explorer by Four Seasons. They travelled to
the Maldives from India courtesy of Indian
Airlines. Rates for Island Explorer are: for a
stateroom rates start at US$340 (Shoulder
Season – May 12 to July 14), US$380 (High
Season – July 15 to December 21, December
2 to May 11) and US$470 (Festive Season –
December 22 to January 4). The Explorer Suite
is available for US$700 (Shoulder Season),
US$880 (High Season), and US$950 (Festive
Season). All rates are priced per person per
night and based on twin share basis, including full board, all excursions, plus diving and
equipment. Alcoholic beverages are excluded.
These rates are subject to a US$20 service
charge and a Government Bed tax of US$16
per person per night. A single supplement of
US$200 is applicable. Children over the age of
10 years old are welcome.
About the Writer and Photographer
Frances & Michael Howorth have been travelling
together for the last 25 years, initially working aboard
cruise liners and then as crew aboard luxury private
and charter yachts. Latterly their trips have been confined to joint photojournalistic assignments aboard
ships and yachts. Their voyages of discovery have
taken them to Africa, North and South America, the
Caribbean, the Mediterranean, India, and a plethora of
islands in between with such diversity as to include
Tristan de Cunha, St Helena, and the Maldive Islands.
Information
To charter this trip or any yacht you
see in this issue of YV&C, please contact
any of the recommended charter
brokers listed on page 8.
C&N marks are registered trademarks used under licence by CNI.
Photos: Jérôme Kélagopian
Spa Ingredients
I chose to have an aromatherapy massage,
which is said to appeal to all of the senses and is
enhanced by the choice of either of two essential oil blends.
difficult, but finding this wreck is easy because
six meters of the bow protrude above the
surface! Lying on its keel at 45 degrees to the
reef wall, the ship Skipjack belonged to the
nearby Felivaru Tuna Fish Factory. In 1985,
having served her usefulness, she was towed
seawards to be scuttled. During the passage
sparks from a cutting torch set the ship ablaze.
Fearing an explosion, Skipjack was cut free
and she drifted onto the reef where she sank
stern first onto the seabed 30 meters below.
Her bow continued to burn for almost three
weeks. Below the surface this site is alive with
fish; the wheelhouse is filled with sweepers,
bigeye, and sizable groupers. Outside small
schools of surgeonfish, batfish, and emperor
hang in the lee whilst an ever-moving school
of silver jacks occupies the open water. An
old container near the stern is filled with life,
including stingrays and small sharks. This can
be a tricky site when the current is running
hard, so check the tides if you wish to avoid the
washing machine effect.
Akin to the mother resort, Island Explorer
also carries a resident marine biologist and a
highlight of any voyage has to be a fish talk followed by a guided snorkel trip for those wishing to learn and understand more about this
fascinating aquatic environment. Checking in
books after you have seen a fish on a dive can
be so difficult – having an expert point them
out and name each one is marvellous.
Food on board is good, but one evening
meal stood out amongst the crowd when we
were told to expect a beach barbecue. We had
expected more than plastic tables and chairs
on the beach but reality far exceeded our imaginations and we were truly impressed when we
were taken ashore by tender as darkness fell to
be greeted by a wonderful site. The beach had
been transformed; nightlights had been dug
into the sand, the excavations decorated with
palm fronds to create a bizarre yet beautiful
up-lighter effect. Coir matting had been used
to create a welcome table on which stood yet
more candles. The bar and the barbecue kitchen area were all decorated with palm fronds,
but the piece de resistance was our dining
table and seating area dug trench-like out of
the soft coral sand and decorated with Indian
fabrics of such myriad colors and laid out for
dining with such meticulous care. The whole
area was illuminated by flares, their flames
giving an airy, glowing, glimmering light by
which we ate supper. Dinner was truly excellent, with crab and fish cakes, our own freshly
caught job fish captured during an earlier fishing trip, salads, and seafood appetizers. Truly
delicious grilled local lobster and rib eye steak
www.cnconnect.com
• Monaco +377 9797 7700
• Antibes +33 492 912 912
• Cannes +33 497 041 050
• London + 44 207 491 2950
• Fort Lauderdale +1 954 524 4250
• Miami +1 305 604 9191
• Palm Beach +1 561 655 2121
• Mexico +52 55 56 31 40 29
• Palma De Mallorca +34 97 140 3311
feeldifferent
INTERVIEW: CAPTAIN PROFILE
Department of Culture. It has a colourful history
– it was formerly a navy training ship for young
cadets. In 1933 it visited the World Fair in Chicago
and in 1986 it crossed the Atlantic for the 100th
anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in New York.
She was damaged during World War II, and was
restored and set sail again in 1948. In 1958 she
was equipped with engine and propeller. She
was engaged in a film shoot in New York and has
performed many cruises between Bermuda and
Boston and throughout Scandinavia and Europe.
She is certified for worldwide travel. The most
versatile sailing ship in the world, she is chartered
out in the summer and in the winter months she is
either harbored in her hometown of Kristiansand
on the southern tip of Norway, or she cruises the
Caribbean waters.
A Heart of Steel
Tall Ship Tales
Interview with Jarle Flatebo, Captain of the Sorlandet
Tall, white, and beautiful! She has seduced a tall, dark, Norwegian captain.
F
WRITTEN BY
PAULA FARQUHARSON
Sorlandet
Sorlandet, the oldest functioning full-rigged tall ship in
the world.
18
iords, adventure, camaraderie, and treasure
islands (well maybe!) all await you when you
set sail on the Sorlandet, the oldest functioning full-rigged tall ship in the world, captained
by Jarle Flatebo.
Superyachts are awesome but a traditional
tall ship is as equally inspiring, evoking images of
Christopher Columbus exploring days. A glimpse
of the billowing square sails flapping on the three
masts of the Sorlandet, a full rigged ship built in
1927, will have your heart pounding for the old
days when Russell Crowe Master and Commander
types sailed awesome ships and swift clippers
through treacherous seas for Royal navies or traded in exotic merchandise from foreign lands.
With the desire nowadays to find more unique
charter vacations, a step down the historical lane
to the days of true “sails”-manship is a unique and
exciting option. Throw in a physical challenge and
new friends from around the world, and a tall ship
sailing experience on the Norwegian Sorlandet is
just what the different-vacation doctor ordered!
Whether single or with a young family, this yacht
trip with a twist is the ideal way to sail the seas and
visit exotic destinations – not to mention learning
the ropes and getting plenty of exercise!
I met with Jarle Flatebo, captain of the threemast full rigged ship the Sorlandet, in Monte Carlo
where he is based since 1989. A handsome, bearded man, he has the discreet and somewhat stern
air of someone in command. While chatting he
explains that as a captain it is important to appear
confident to your crew to instill confidence. “If you
are nervous the sentiment circulates around the
ship and that can be dangerous,” Jarle explains.
In the comfort of the lounge of the Monaco Yacht
Club in the Mediterranean Principality, he speaks
to me of his passion for sailing, particularly for the
tall ships and the thrill of being a guest crew on his
ship.
He immediately dispels the myth of heavydrinking sailors by ordering a sparkling water.
One golden rule on board his ship is no alcohol is
allowed while sailing for the safety of the crew. So
don’t expect fun in the form of cocktails, though
your entertainment comes in many other ways I
discover.
Tall Tales and Sails
The Sorlandet is one of three tall ships (and
the oldest) operated by a nonprofit foundation,
controlled and partly funded by the Norwegian
The ship is a powerful vessel made of solid,
heavy steel, which Jarle says never fails to make
him feel safe and secure while sailing her. This
security does not diminish the close contact with
nature’s forces, he explained. The strong tug of the
ropes as the wind sprays sea water on your face is
an invigorating feeling that people want to experience when they sign up for the trip. “It is a handson, traditional sailing experience they want.”
Shipped into Shape
The good thing is that you don’t even need any
sailing skills to climb the 35-meter high masts or
partake in other duties on board. They will train
you and as long as you’re motivated to work hard
as part of the crew you will enjoy it. There is no
upper age limit, although fit over 70-year olds
do need to provide a medical certificate, and
you must be at least 15 years old. “We have had
one 80-year-old gentleman sailing with us every
year for the last 20 years! It’s his annual vacation and he loves it,” Jarle recalls. Old or young
though, if you have a health problem it must be
signalled on your application accompanied by a
statement from your doctor – “the safety of the
crew is of utmost importance,” he emphasized. I
inquire about what the ship’s galley serves up to
keep the crew’s muscles in motion. “Good, solid,
nutritional food – international seaman fare,” Jarle
smiled in reply. So maybe pack a few chocolate
bars! One luxury is air conditioning; otherwise
she is in her original condition, ghosts and all! The
basic conditions have not deterred the likes of
American actor Billy Campbell from enjoying the
exhilarating experience. For the last four years he
hasn’t missed a single tall ship race and has vowed
to forfeit acting work if it interferes with his sailing
on the Sorlandet.
Captain Jarle Flatebo
Master Mariner O. Jarle Flatebo is Norwegian but has been based in Monaco since 1989. He is
registered in the Mediterranean Principality with a licence for “consultancy in the cruise industry,
commercial navigation, and other projects within the maritime field, including the purchase, sale
and construction, technical and commercial management, and chartering and financing of maritime constructions.” He holds a Master Mariner Class 1 certificate to the STCW ’95 Convention
and GMDSS, including the ISM code course. He is a long-term member of The Propeller Club, the
Monaco Yacht Club, and a Board member of the Monaco Marine Arbitration Chamber. While Captain
Flatebo served as Master on board the Sorlandet won the prestigious Cutty Sark Tall Ships race in
2003. Since YV&C spoke to Captain Flatebo he has jumped ship and is now serving as captain of
the Sorlandet’s sister ship the Skoleskipet Christian Radich.
“ They will train
you and as long
as you’re
motivated to
work hard as
part of the crew
you will
enjoy it”
19
INTERVIEW: CAPTAIN PROFILE
Extravaganc
��
Becka - Cornish
Bondage on Board
The wonderful thing about the tall ship community is how it creates natural bonds between
novice and seasoned sailors and tends to span the
different nationalities and age groups so you are
sure to find yourself in an interesting international
environment. The common language on board is
usually English or sometimes German, depending
on the mix of people, and the handbooks are in
English.
What Awaits You?
Hands-On
Learn about canvas and ropes, splices and knots,
stand sea watches, undertake rig deck galley work,
and sleep in a bunk in shared quarters.
Sorlandet Foundation
The Stiftelsen Fullriggeren Sorlandet foundation organizes trips for individuals as part of
a crew at a rate of 120€ per day. Students
under 25 benefit from a 10 percent discount,
as do families (minimum three persons). The
primary aim of the foundation is to promote
the heritage of the tall ships and to give participants an experience of traditional square
rig sailing and life at sea, while preserving
the ship through an active and purposeful
use. The Sorlandet has the capacity to sleep
70 guests. She is 65 meters long, weighs
499 gross registered tons, 560 HP, and has a
speed of 8 knots. She has a permanent crew
of 17 persons during the sailing season, a
figure that is reduced to two to four persons
during the winter season.
For information on the other two tall ships in
the foundation, see www.lehmkuhl.no and
www.radich.no.
Merit list of recent tall ship races
1980: Skagen-Amsterdam No 4
2003: Riga-Travemünde No 1 (Baltic Sea)
2004: Stavanger-Cuxhaven No 4
2005: Newcastle Gateshead-Fredrikstad No 5
20
You will be thrown into a real sailor’s way of life
– learn about canvas and ropes, splices and knots,
stand sea watches, undertake rig deck galley work,
and sleep in a bunk in shared quarters. Don’t forget your sleeping bag! There are three watches and
each sailor does four hours on and eight hours off.
Everyone must pull his weight and your effort is
essential to successful sailing maneuvers, which
makes it all so fulfilling. Don’t be put off by the
hard work because the experience has so much
to offer, and “Nine out of 10 participants express
a wish to return,” says Captain Flatebo. “People
come on board with the right attitude to have fun
and learn.” If you play a musical instrument bring
it along! Singing songs below deck is renowned.
The Sorlandet is not a passenger ship; you embark
as a trainee and take part in all duties on board
under command of the crew, from lookout to galley duty. For true sailors it’s a dream come true to
be helmsman on board the queen of the European
tall ships.
Harrowing Ship Stories
It really is the stuff of adventures stories. Jarle
told me of how he and his crew saved the lives of a
father and son, whom they found clinging to a life
raft, after 10 hours adrift and 10 emergency flares.
“I was scanning the sea, north of the entrance
to the British channel, and saw them. They were
very lucky they were not struck by a passing ship
because their boat had sunk in the middle of a
very busy passage used by hundreds of commercial vessels (800 average daily),” he recalled.
Jarle explained that they were not detected by the
modern ships, whose high tech radars and screens
failed to notice the tiny Dutch pair. “These instruments only interpret reality. In this case the old
fashioned but effective method of observation out
on deck was what saved them.” He is of the opinion that technology is valuable as long as the basic
sailing skills are learned first. “Feeling the wind
and watching the sea teaches you a lot and tunes
your intuition,” he says. Working with and in harmony with nature are skills guests on board can
expect to learn. “I have never had any problems or
serious accidents as captain of the Sorlandet,” he
adds reassuringly.
A Ship’s Salary
Relaxation
The Sorlandet earns her keep by means of
several activities, and chief among them are harbor festivals (approximately eight per year). Jarle
explained that these open days to the public are
an excellent way to gain publicity for the tall ships
in the foundation, but regretfully they take him
away from sailing because they are harbored in
ports around the world for weeks. Other moneymaking activities are chartering trips for individuals (she sleeps up to 70 guests) and also to private
companies, many of which use the sailing experience as a team-building exercise for their staff. For
parties in port or fair winds day trips, she takes 150
guests.
Voyages of the Future
Extravagance
You set the limit to the
you want to enjoy...
On parting I asked Jarle what other exciting
plans he had. The reply was no less adventurous
than I imagined for an old sea dog bitten by the
travel bug. “I leave from Monaco to Africa and
then I’m off to Brazil with my son to captain a
crew,” he smiled. It seems tall ship sailing is an
addiction fathers don’t mind their children having. YVC
If you wish to sail the Sorlandet check the Web site
for the 2006 summer sailing schedule at
ww.fullriggeren-Sorlandet.no
Related web sites:
www.travelwithachallenge.com
www.sailtraininginternational.org
www.tallshipsraces.com
Relax and have sweet dreams
...or you can just
About the Writer
Paula Farquharson is editor of The Riviera Times newspaper. Originally from Ireland, she worked in New York and
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is now based in Nice, France, where she learned to sail.
PFarquharson@yachtchartersmagazine.com
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YACHT PROFILE
MegaYacht Phoenix
PHOTOS COURTESY MORAN YACHT AND SHIP WWW.MORANYACHTS.COM
A 201-foot beauty with
myriad irresistible attributes
Even before her 2004 launch, the Lürssen-built Phoenix was being spoken of in reverent
tones among the yachting set. Here our writer Scott Rose details this 201-foot beauty’s
myriad irresistible attributes.
The megayacht Phoenix is a crowning glory of contemporary Art Deco style. Indeed,
WRITTEN BY
SCOTT ROSE
her many world-class technical refinements combined with the artistic sophistication of
her design and décor distinguish her as a supreme fulfillment of the spirit of the 1925 event
in Paris from which the term Art Deco was derived, L’Exposition Internationale des Art
Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes.
22
S
ome interpret her name, Phoenix,
to stem from her genesis. So exacting was the owner in his technical specifications for the yacht that
it seemed no shipyard was going
to be able to achieve his vision.
Yet the broker Robert Moran, inspired by the
potential magnificence of the project, convinced
the owner to not throw in the proverbial Frette
towel. Lürssen, the venerable builders in Bremen,
Germany, accepted the challenge and succeeded
brilliantly.
Certainly, the aspect of this awesome craft
being revived out of limbo makes of Phoenix a
fitting name. Yet the word “phoenix” may also be
used in reference to anything that is a paragon of
excellence or beauty. It is in this latter sense particularly that M/Y Phoenix is an absolute, unquestionable Phoenix.
Among the owner’s paramount concerns was
stability. He had a lifelong yachting culture behind
him and had either owned or chartered boats of
between 116 and 245 feet. One of his goals was to
have built a 201-foot megayacht with maximum
stability in whatever situation. Lürssen tested the
hull in a trials tank that allowed them to simulate
Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean conditions.
Ultimately, a complex of structural elements
produced Phoenix’s state-of-the-art stability.
Among the relevant factors are the yacht’s hull
shape, beam, and weight, placement of equipment and stores, as well as stabilizer fins protruding beyond the 40-foot, 6-inch beam. Moran
confirms that compared to yachts of similar size,
Phoenix experiences a greater stability, and that
enhanced stability is perceptible to passengers.
Of course, man does not live by stability alone.
The owner’s other technical requests for Phoenix
involved speed, range, 30-day self-sufficient cruising capabilities, minimal noise, and low environmental impact. The finished sea-worthy masterpiece boasts of maximum sound readings in the
owner’s suite of 45 dB, a 16-knot top speed, and
a 7,000nm range. Additionally, Phoenix can perform 180o turns at 13 knots and emergency stops
within 1.5 boat lengths.
The owner engaged Nick Ruiz, an experienced
yacht captain, as a very significant consultant
in the construction of M/Y Phoenix. Ruiz’s sage
advice contributed in weighty measure to the
five-star quality of Phoenix’s pilothouse. Finished
to aristocratic standards with leather and wood
paneling, the pilothouse was outfitted with navigational tools from a who’s who of top-drawer
equipment manufacturers, including Raytheon,
Erickson, NERA, Furuno, Leica, Sea-space, and
SeaTel. Aft of the pilothouse are the first officer’s
dedicated office and a radio room with navigation table that can be separated off by means of a
soundproof glass partition.
Entering the Phoenix’s main deck by means
of the commodious passarelle, guests could well
believe that their fantasies of starring in a remake
of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ movie “Swing
Time” are being realized. The atrium staircase on
this megayacht is a jaw-dropping dazzler. A freestanding spiral extending four levels, it features
twin stringers as spines and supports, and ebonized timber end pieces. Each step contains fiber
optic lighting within, and without is wrapped by
hand-woven carpet. Art Deco wave patterns in the
polished stainless steel balustrades are nautical
elegance personified.
Yacht-wide access is additionally facilitated
by a jewel of an elevator. Mirrored walls surround the onyx-and-marble sole, with two spires
extending from a corner reflecting into a starburst
pattern. The owners and designers researched
various period ocean liners and then had etched
on each of the elevator’s outer stainless double
doors images inspired by those ships of yore:
images including a Phoenix, and a grand ocean
liner in profile. Those doors open at the wave of a
hand. They also illustrate the owner’s concern for
Central Staircase
The atrium staircase on this megayacht is a jawdropping dazzler. A freestanding spiral extending
four levels, it features twin stringers as spines
and supports, and ebonized timber end pieces.
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YACHT PROFILE
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Salon
If you like down-filled grand sofas covered in red
Bergamo silk chenille, you will love the Phoenix’s
upper deck salon. This room is surmounted by a
barrel-vaulted Art Deco skylight ceiling.
Dining
The dining area features a hand-painted screen
of cheetahs in a moonlit Deco night.
24
keeping guests and crew separate while providing amply for both. The crew-side doors of the
elevator only open when the guest side is not
being utilized.
Andrew Winch Designs of London were initially contracted to design the Phoenix’s exterior
and interior spaces. Many elements of the interior
décor were chosen on advice of Dawn Moffitt, a
North Carolina–based specialist who had previously worked on residences, yachts, and planes
for the owner. The designers worked with a mandate that everything on Phoenix should harmonize with the prevailing Art Deco style, and to be
sure, a streamlined, masculine Deco.
To that end, they did extensive research in
classic Art Deco, which they combined with the
owner’s known appreciation of the work of master French ébéniste Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann to
create a unified look throughout the yacht. That
look, while entirely original, strongly evokes
Ruhlmann’s sumptuous aesthetic, typified by
one-of-a-kind luxury articles for upper-crust
connoisseurs.
Ms. Moffitt worked full time from 2002
to 2003 bringing the interior decoration of
Phoenix together. She says it was “good to be
able to source both Europe and the United
States.” Traveling between the US, London,
Paris, and Italy she found breathtaking velvets, 24-karat gold bath fixtures, the fine leathers on the doors in the staterooms and, in
the Carousel du Louvre in the City of Light,
a Ruhlmann-influenced chandelier to hang
above the cocktail table in the main salon. Of
course she made sure that the gold in those
bath fixtures matched the gold used in a decorative screen in the owner’s king-sized sleeping
area. “Everything, just every last detail was
scrutinized to the nth degree,” she says of the
creative process that produced Phoenix. Dawn
also made multiple visits to Lürssen in Bremen
during construction to see the progress being
made, advising on such questions as placements of fabrics on the bulkhead, and molding
inlays.
The custom carpets in the main deck salon,
dining room, and music areas are of wool, with
silk in circular patterns as well as at the perimeter borders. The sheen of the silk adds a touch
of tasteful luxe. Among the stunning details in
the salon are Masi Deco curtains with black
lambrequins, and an imposingly proportioned
ebony coffee table. Those curtains incorporate
actual metal filaments for a low-luster gold
sheen.
The dining area features a hand-painted
screen of cheetahs in a moonlit Deco night. The
screen appears to be a museum-quality piece,
yet it is also highly functional: its discrete panels open for storage of Phoenix’s Lalique stemware and other fine china and service utensils.
Stephen Jones and Paul Airey are the Phoenix’s
Head Chef and Sous Chef, respectively. Both
trained with the Michelin-starred chef Gary
Hollihead, and now work magic in Phoenix’s
peerlessly equipped modern galley.
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YACHT PROFILE
MotorYacht Phoenix Specs
Owner & Guests: ..............................12
Cabins: ..................................................6
Crew:...................................................16
Make: .........................................Lurssen
Length:................................. 201’(61.5m)
Beam: ............................... 39.6’ (12.1m)
Draft: ........................................11’(3.3m)
Year: ................................................2004
Material: ........................................ Steel
Cruise Speed: ..........................15 knots
Top Speed: ...............................17 knots
Engine Details:...................... Twin MTU
“One could truly
write a book on
Phoenix and not
exhaust all of the
marvels of her
standard-setting
technical equipage,
design inspirations,
original artwork,
and creature
comforts”
Between the salon and the dining room is an
area graced by a Dakota Jackson–designed Steinway
baby grand piano, always impeccably tuned and
maintained. This area can be closed off with circular
revolving panels. In those panels is to be found an
example of the painstaking efforts the designers
exerted in realizing their vision for Phoenix. The
panels are covered in Edelman leather. Dawn Moffit
wished to have that leather in a red that matched
the red onyx elsewhere on the yacht and that coordinated with the cheetah screen in the dining area,
yet found that no such shade was at hand in any
leather. She sent a sample of the onyx to the leather
manufacturer and requested that they send back
four samples. One of the samples matched the
onyx, and had a diagonal textural effect that is especially becoming when light shines upon it.
If you like down-filled grand sofas covered
in red Bergamo silk chenille, you will love the
Phoenix’s upper deck salon. This room is surmounted by a barrel-vaulted Art Deco skylight
ceiling. You could make yourself comfortable on
those sofas to enjoy the Linn media center, with
surround sound and a 60” plasma screen that rises
from out of a mahogany sideboard. When it goes
up, that screen covers a painting by Joan Miró.
Throughout the Phoenix are to be found a
wealth of beautiful stones – 30 different types,
actually – selected by the owner and Dawn Moffit
at Antelli stonecutters in Verona, Italy. Whether it
is the onyx rosso oriental or the alabastrino, or
any of several extraordinary quartzes, it was
selected to tie in perfectly with other design
features. Not for nothing did this megayacht win
“Best Interior” in the 2005 ShowBoats awards.
Many a queen in the history of the world has
not had quarters so luxuriously appointed as
those dedicated to the guests aboard Phoenix.
Elizabeth I, for example, did not have heated
floors in marble bathrooms, nor did she have
plasma-screen entertainment systems. Yet
each of Phoenix’s five queen-sized guest cabins
includes those amenities in custom-designed
and furnished surroundings. The observation
deck atop the pilothouse, the passage doors
of solid wood, the Jacuzzi spa pool on the sun
deck, the gull-wing doors on the custom-built
tenders storage areas, the sundeck-level gymnasium with its etched glass doors, the meticulously planned and varied lighting – in fact any
single feature aboard Phoenix could be used as
Exhibit A of the owner’s exquisite good taste.
Yet pride of place goes to the owner’s duplex
quartiers privés. A grand lacquered Coromandel
screen depicting cranes in graceful flight and
composed of gold, silver, and platinum leaf
extends the full width of the forward bulkhead in the bedroom. A circular pattern in the
custom-made rug is continued in the marble
floors of both his bathroom and hers. His is a
rhapsody of honey onyx complete with a steam
room, shower room, and walk-in closet. The
regal onyx spa tub in her bath makes an ideal
vantage point from which to contemplate the
many built-ins: one is a refrigerated, illuminated cosmetics drawer. Baccarat crystal taps
in each bathroom add a lovely touch. A separate boudoir for the lady includes a retractable,
floor-to-ceiling shoe storage panel.
The upper level of the owner’s duplex contains a charming breakfast area overlooking a
private sundeck. It further houses the owner’s
office, whose Macassar ebony oversized desk is
a powerful statement in itself and an exclusive
repair from which to enjoy the views beyond
the 180o windows. Throughout the owner’s
suite, Art Deco style is maintained with glosses and mirrored finishes, geometric patterns,
streamlined furniture and fixtures, and objets
d’art. The whole is capped by a fiber-optic
dome with a daylight panel.
Phoenix’s owner has a penchant for diving
and thus the yacht is equipped with professional-quality diving equipment. A recompression chamber complements a Nautilus cascade
tank diving system. Among the crew is one
Declan O’Rourke, holder of a Padi Advanced
Dive Certificate, medical certificates, and an
MCA 200 Ton Master’s License. Additional toys
include water scooters, water skis, snorkel gear,
and fishing equipment.
One could truly write a book on Phoenix
and not exhaust all of the marvels of her standard-setting technical equipage, design inspirations, original artwork, and creature comforts.
Tim Nelson of Seven Seas Yacht Charters in
Nokomis, Florida, is a trusted broker who could
answer any questions you might have apropos
of this megayacht.
The period between the World Wars, l’entre
deux guerres as the French are wont to call
it, was prime time for Art Deco. One of the
most enduring novels of that era is F. Scott
Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Phoenix’s sublime, contemporary manifestation of the artistic values of Fitzgerald’s day allows for a most
positive spin on The Great Gatsby’s closing line:
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne
back ceaselessly into the past.” YVC
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About the Writer
Scott Rose attended Harvard University at Master’s
level. He writes frequently on luxury markets and
travel. His work has appeared in such prestigious
venues as Bon Appetit and Power magazines.
scottcaliente@earthlink.net
Information
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GADGETS
GPS
O
Navigating
without it is
like trying to
maneuver
without a
rudder!
Back in 1957, US scientists tracking the first Russian satellite, Sputnik, noticed that they
could use the Doppler effect to work out exactly how far away it was. Since they knew
where they were they could use that information to work out where the satellite was, and
from there it’s a small step to realizing that if you know where the satellite is then you can
WRITTEN BY
BILL RAY
work out where you are. It wasn’t until 1978 that the US launched the first experimental
Earth-positioning satellite, and it was 1993 before the array of 24 satellites, which were
needed for accuracy and global coverage, were ready for use. Now, in 2006, we can finally
use this multibillion-dollar plethora of technology to calculate how far we jogged this morning and the best route to the liquor store, with the US government spending $400 million a
year to keep our jogging records accurate!
28
f course GPS, as the Global Positioning
System is generally known, does a great
deal more than keep track of joggers and
provide directions to lost drivers; its primary applications are military, because knowing where you
are in the middle of a battle is a great deal more
important than knowing that you’re slacking on
your exercise routine. Anyone who has spent time
on a yacht outside a harbour will be familiar with
the GPS accurately reporting where they are, and
anything but the smallest dingy is now equipped
with GPS navigation as standard. Indeed there is
now a whole generation of pilots to whom trying
to navigate without GPS is as alien as trying to
maneuver without a rudder! To get an accurate fix
the GPS equipment needs to receive signals from
a few satellites (three at a minimum and more for
greater accuracy) and do some really complicated
mathematics; the whole process taking up to a
minute, particularly in built-up areas where the
sky may not be so visible. The result is a longitude,
latitude, and an altitude (the latter rarely being
useful on a yacht) accurate to within a few meters
(and often better).
While a rough location is good enough for
most of us – particularly when at sea, to some a
difference of a meter or two can mean the difference between glory and ignominy. When yachts
line up to race they want to be as close as possible
to the starting line, but crossing it means disqualification, so knowing precisely where you are can
be the key to the race. Team Suunto is a four-man
racing team sponsored by the manufacturer of a
GPS wristwatch, a technology on which they rely
to give them the edge at both the start of the race
to get them as close to the line as possible, as well
as after the race when they can generate charts
showing them exactly the route they took with
a view to improving their performance for next
time.
However, knowing where your yacht is can be
even more useful when you’re not on board. Some
security systems are now coming with GPS fitted
in so that the yacht can sound an alarm if taken
outside a predetermined area, in addition to normal theft-detection features. VoiceAlarm makes
a system that will call your cell phone, sound a
siren, or make a radio call when your yacht is
taken outside of a circle that you define. This obviously has applications beyond anti-theft because
you could charter with limited roaming, or let the
children loose knowing that they can’t go too far
(as though you’re going to let the children loose
with your yacht!). If a yacht is also equipped with
satellite communications then it can regularly
report its location for fleet tracking or after-theft
recovery, and with GPS equipment getting so tiny
it’s becoming very difficult for thieves to find and
disable such equipment.
GPS is only going to get smaller, with improvements in antenna and decoding chip design.
Several companies make wristwatch GPS, though
early models were more Terminator than Bond,
and some required a separate antenna strapped
to the upper arm that dented their style value considerably. Garmin is a leader in GPS equipment,
and their Forerunner 305 is about as close as you
can get to a useful wrist-mounted GPS, though it
is aimed firmly at the jogging crowd with its heartrate monitor and ability to “seamlessly transition
between sports,” and still is hardly a Rolex in
design terms. Rakon, a New Zealand–based company, has developed a GPS receiving chip that is
smaller than a fingernail, so better styling should
be on the way. Pretty soon all mobile phones
will need some form of location tracking for the
emergency services, but GPS isn’t the only game
in town.
The Russian Glonass operates in much the
same way as GPS, but due to the state of the
Russian economy it was reduced down to eight
satellites, which is too few to be used. It is now
being rebuilt, but is mainly for military applications. The military roots of GPS worry many
countries, and the ability of the US military to shut
down civilian access to the network without warning restricts its application where reliability is key,
even though they would be unlikely to do so. Last
week saw the first test transmissions from Galileo,
the European equivalent to GPS. Galileo will offer
slightly greater accuracy than GPS, particularly at
extreme latitudes, but primarily it will be a civilian
system with no military involvement or control.
It will even be possible to combine information
from GPS and Galileo for even greater accuracy, so
while deciding where you want to go will remain
as difficult as ever, at least you can be increasingly
confident that you’ll know when you get there. YVC
GPS wristwatch
Team Suunto uses the GPS wristwatch to give
them the edge at both the start of the race to get
them as close to the line as possible, as well as
after the race when they can generate charts
showing them exactly the route they took with
a view to improving their performance for next
time.
GPS chip
Rakon, a New
Zealand–based
company, has
developed a GPS
receiving chip
that is smaller
than a fingernail.
About the Writer
Bill Ray, former editor-in-chief (and continuing distinguished contributor to) Wireless Business & Technology
magazine, has been developing wireless applications
for over 20 ears on just about every platform available.
Heavily involved in Java since its release, he developed
some of the first cryptography applications for Java and
was a founder of JCP Computer Services, a company
later sold to Sun Microsystems. At Swisscom he was
responsible for the first Java-capable DTV set-top box,
and currently holds the position of head of Enabling
Software at 02, a UK network operator.
bill@sys-con.com
29
O
Ocean Bound
PHOTO: CARLO BORLENGHI/ROLEX
Do you have what it takes?
PHOTO: CHALLENGE BUSINESS
PHOTO: ONEDITION
WRITTEN BY
MICHELLE BLORE
AND
ALAN OLIVER
For your next charter, how about being swept the length of the deck by a 60-ft. wave, struggling to put a reef in the mainsail in a Force 9 gale and then enjoying your supper of a freeze
dried meal before strapping yourself into your bunk for no more than three hours sleep at a
time? If this doesn’t appeal, try another perspective – how about taking the biggest adventure of your life, breaking the boundaries of everything you thought you were capable of
and experiencing the most natural and untamed edges of the world?
30
ne of nature’s last bastions,
the sea is amongst the few
remaining places where it’s
still possible for human beings
to encounter life-threatening,
uncontrollable danger. And
that’s one of the very reasons people want to go
there, because as well as testing you physically
to the limits, it stretches your mind and touches
your spirit. Imagine the feeling of slipping the
mooring lines at dawn and pointing the bow
towards the horizon, beyond which lie thousands
of miles of ocean and, eventually, a foreign shore.
No airline ticket, no traffic signs, no stopovers
but the promise of a life-changing experience.
As author Michael Calvin says in his book Only
Wind and Water: “The Sea imposes hard truths.
Anyone who ventures out into it cannot hide,
from Mother Nature or their fellow man. It strips
characters bare.”
You’d be forgiven for thinking there’s no way
that your average man or woman could ever participate in something so specialized; surely it’s for
the hardened professionals, people who’ve been
sailing all their lives. Not so. Kevin Wick is a 49
year old, family man from Manchester, England
who until recently had never set foot on an ocean
going yacht, even though he’d wanted to sail
around the world ever since he was a schoolboy.
In September 2008 he’ll be joining a professional
skipper and 16 other amateur crew aboard one
of twelve, identical 72ft. yachts and leaving his
wife and three children at home whilst he races
around the world in the Global Challenge.
The race was established in the early nineties by Sir Chay Blyth, an Englishman who was
the first person to sail non-stop around the
world against the prevailing winds and currents;
or the “wrong way” as it’s often described. An
adventurer with a mission to encourage others,
he set up the Challenge to break down the barriers associated with international yacht racing,
enabling ordinary people to participate in a way
that had never previously been thought possible.
Against his initial detractors, he proved that if
you gave individuals the chance, they could find
hidden depths of skill, endurance and tenacity;
so much so that the experience would change
them forever. More than half of Kevin’s fellow
crewmembers and competitors have never sailed
before they sign up; some have always wanted
to but never had the chance whereas for others
the race provides the impetus to do something
extraordinary. The start of the 2008 race coincides with Kevin’s retirement after 30 years in the
police force. He’s followed each of the previous
races and always promised himself he’d take part
one day: “If I died without doing it they’d have
to label me ‘returned unopened’” he says, adding that he’s most looking forward to sailing in
the extreme conditions of the Southern Ocean,
even though he knows it’s going to be “Scary and
uncomfortable!”
The 30,000-mile course starts in Portsmouth,
England and heads south across the Bay of
Biscay, down the coast of Spain and Africa before
turning west to traverse the Atlantic to Rio de
Janeiro. The second leg sees competitors rounding Cape Horn and entering the Southern Ocean
on their way to Wellington, New Zealand. From
Wellington it’s the Southern Ocean again all
the way to Cape Town, South Africa and from
there the penultimate leg heads back north to
La Rochelle, France. Finally, there’s a brief romp
back to a hero’s welcome in Portsmouth, match
racing all the way. Just like that! In reality it’s up to
four years of preparation, ten months away from
home and 150 days living aboard in conditions
which can be, as one crewmember neatly summarized, like being in a Moulinex blender.
From day one Chay realized that if you are
going to allow people the chance to stretch themselves to their limits, you have to do everything
you can to keep them safe. Famous for their
seaworthiness, the Challenge yachts are steel
built and designed to keep sailing – and racing
– through the very worst conditions. This is a distinct departure from other racing yachts which
are typically built for lightness and speed at the
expense of their ruggedness. The Challenge’s
safety record is exemplary; testimony not only
to the equipment but also to the preparation
and training of each crew member as well as the
organization of the event itself.
However, the inherent danger of sailing over
the open ocean cannot and should never be
underestimated. Indeed, having the opportunity
to confront real danger is part of the thrill and
the element that is such a powerful catalyst for
the psychological dimension of the experience;
you can’t stop the yacht and get off when you
get scared. As professional yachtswoman Ellen
Macarthur succinctly put it: “...when you’re in a
big storm you just have to deal with it; there is
no way you can get out.” When Challenge crewmember Naomi Cudmore stepped ashore six
months ago having completed the 2004/05 race,
one of her most overwhelming feelings was one
of relief that she and her fellow crewmembers
had not suffered any serious injuries. The other
was the love she felt for her family and friends
who were waiting on the quayside and had supported her throughout the journey.
Naomi had barely any experience of sailing
when she first heard about the race but even
though she felt intimidated by the cost (around
$45,000) she says she felt “I couldn’t not do it!”
and her friends and family soon rallied round
to help her raise the money. The experience has
helped her to put life into perspective and she
now takes a much calmer approach to day to
day problems. Although the circumnavigation
PHOTO: WORLD CRUISING CLUB
ADVENTURE CHARTER
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers
Every November over 200 yachts cross the
Atlantic from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to St.
Lucia in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC).
31
PHOTO: ONEDITION
Steel Built
Famous for their seaworthiness, the Challenge
yachts are steel built and designed to keep
sailing – and racing – through the very worst
conditions.
“ The possibility
of racing
across oceans
exists for just
about all
of us”
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took nine months, Naomi says the world seems a
lot smaller than it did before she left. Like many
people who fall in love with the open ocean she
cites the peacefulness of being away from land,
as well as the focus that participating in such
a physically and mentally challenging activity
brings. My partner Alan, who has raced across
the Southern Ocean and has just returned from
delivering our own yacht across the Atlantic,
agrees: “It gives you time to reflect without the
clutter of everyday life getting in the way.”
However, you don’t have to sail around the
globe for a taste of this; the organizers, Challenge
Business, hold shorter races and their yachts
can be chartered for other events. You can also
get well out of touch with the nearest landmass
in the world’s classic ocean races such as the
Fastnet, the Sydney to Hobart, the Transpacific
and the Newport to Bermuda. Each course puts
participants to the test; in all cases the seas can be
ferocious and the racing is serious. Participating
yachts are submitted to safety inspections and
for the Fastnet and Sydney to Hobart half of the
crew (including the skipper) must be qualified
in sea survival. It is recommended for everyone
aboard to have completed basic offshore race
training, as well as some familiarization sailing
on the yacht in question.
The most popular race is the biennial Rolex
Fastnet, which attracts about 250 yachts. Its fiveday, 850-mile course starts from Cowes, England
and rounds the Fastnet Rock off the southwest
corner of Ireland before returning to Plymouth
via the south side of the Scilly Isles. As well as
hardened champions from the Grand Prix circuits, it attracts yachts and sailors from all over
the world and not just the professionals, but also
family owned and crewed cruiser-racers, dedicated amateurs, sailing schools and enthusiasts
who have chartered a yacht for the occasion. The
handicap system gives everyone a fair crack of
the whip and the 2005 race was won by a keen
amateur crew aboard a Nicholson 33, beating
multimillion dollar super-maxis such as ICAP
Maximus and Skandia Wild Thing! But the most
spectacular start is that of the Rolex Sydney
to Hobart race. Every Boxing Day hundreds of
spectator craft follow the yachts out of Sydney
harbor, helicopters buzz overhead and hundreds
of thousands more people line the shore to wave
the yachts off.
For many people though, the ocean crossing they most want to make is the transatlantic. No matter how many times you’ve flown
over it whilst watching a movie or trying in
vain to get some sleep, there remains a certain
romance about the notion of traversing between
the old world and the new by the same method
as Christopher Columbus. Every November over
200 yachts cross the Atlantic from Las Palmas,
Gran Canaria to St. Lucia in the Atlantic Rally for
Cruisers (ARC). It’s the largest transoceanic sailing event in the world and whether you want to
race or just get from one side of the Atlantic to the
other without any jet lag, the ARC can help you
do it safely and in good company. Conceived as
a race that would be entirely different from other
ocean races, the event is more of an organized
rally in the Cruising Division, where limited
motoring is allowed. For the more competitive
entrants a separate Racing Division is run under
the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club,
who also supervise the Fastnet and the Global
Challenge races.
The spirit of the ARC is one of fun and the
increased security that comes from being part of
such an event gives a welcome confidence boost
to even the most seasoned sailors. For the adventurous amateurs taking part, the start is a watershed between months, sometimes years, of prepa-
PHOTO: CARLO BORLENGHI/ROLEX
ADVENTURE CHARTER
ration and the realization of a life’s ambition. Most
are people making the crossing for the first time,
either on their own yacht, a charter yacht or as
crew. Some are beginning a world cruise and plan
to be away from home for several years, others
may have no home to return to as they have sold
it to fund their travels! Often, the kids come too;
in 2005, 36 under-18s made the crossing, most
aged between 6 and 12. It’s fair to say that many
participants have reached a crossroads in their life
and the event provides a focus for change; none
more so than the 15 ex-servicemen aboard the
Spirit of Juno, a Farr 65 chartered by the British
Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association for the 2005
race. The crew of 15 amputees, including one who
had recently lost a leg in Iraq, competed in the IRC
Invitation Racing Division.
For anyone with determination and persistence, the opportunity to sail across oceans is
there for the taking. It needn’t be Spartan – most
of the yachts available for charter on ocean
crossings are equipped with comfortable berths
rather than minimalist crew bunks and only the
most committed competitors eat freeze dried
food – but you will have to participate in the sailing, including standing watch. You can charter
an entire yacht with skipper and crew, buy a
berth for yourself or, if you are an experienced
sailor, crew places are sometimes available free
of charge in return for your services. The extraordinary reality is that whilst chartering a luxury
yacht to loll about in the sun for a week or so is
out of reach for most people, the possibility of
racing across oceans exists for just about all of
us. For those who decide to take it, the reward is
an experience that few will ever even glimpse and
one thing’s for sure: the person who returns will
not be the same as the one who set sail. YVC
About the Writers
Michelle Blore and Alan Oliver both quit successful
careers in London to move to the French Riviera. They
now run Dream Sailing (www.dreamsailing.com) a
charter brokerage specializing in luxury crewed yachts,
including their own sailing yacht, DreamCatcher of
London. alanandmichelle@dreamsailing.com
Information
Dream Sailing specialise in luxury,
crewed sailing yachts. They are also able
to advise on and provide charters for ocean
crossings and races. info@dreamsailing.com
or www.dreamsailing.com
33
NORTH PACIFIC
A New Life for an Alaskan King Crab Fishing Boat
Marco Shipyard in Seattle built Norseman as one of their highly successful and seaworthy
crabbers. Designed to survive the North Pacific and Bering Sea, she was a seasoned veteran of the demanding winter crab fishery in far northern waters, but in 2004 was bought
out of the fishery with 24 other vessels as part of a fleet-size reduction program. My friend
Phil Fuller, once an engineer for Marco and a former part owner of a sister ship, spotted her
WRITTEN BY
CAPTAIN PAUL TATE
on the market in Seattle and quickly organized a partnership to purchase Norseman and
give her a new life.
34
Bruce Whittemore, now retired, was the chief
naval architect for Marco Shipyard. With very
little prodding from Phil, Bruce began working up
plans for the conversion. A resurrection took place
on his drawing board and a very comfortable 108ft, former Bering Sea king crab vessel, three-deck
expedition yacht emerged. With a crew of five she
is capable of carrying up to 12 guests in five large
staterooms for extended research or expedition
charters. An 850 HP Cat. diesel and 40,000-gallon
fuel capacity easily enable a range of well over
10,000 miles.
Since the Seattle waterfront is the major repair
and refit center for the diverse and lucrative North
Pacific fishing fleet, top-quality welding, carpentry, electrical, and painting contractors were available, and following an extensive three-month refit
Norseman sailed on her first charter to Seward,
Alaska where we would embark researchers from
Norseman
Former Bering Sea king crab fishing vessel
converted to an expedition yacht.
PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVID KAY
Oysters and Ice
the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Thirty years as a yacht and fishing boat captain
had conditioned me for the unexpected, but the
situation now confronting me seemed as perplexing as the town connected to the dock where I was
standing. Captain Nina, head of Phillips Cruises
and Tours in this port, was enumerating the reasons we could not remain at their dock. “But,” I
protested, “We will pay one of your employees to
provide the required security.” Nina quickly countered my obviously inadequate offer, “That won’t
do, but four bottles of Chardonnay will allow you
to remain overnight.” She ended our phone conversation by telling me she’d been watching our
arrival in her pajamas from the tower and would
visit later for a tour of our vessel. “Chardonnay,
pajamas, tower?” What sort of a place is this stuck
to the base of a cliff under a hanging glacier?
Welcome to Whittier, Alaska: this should be interesting!
Martin, the engineer aboard Captain Nina’s
command the Klondike Express soon appeared,
arranged a hose for fresh water, and helped with
our gangway and lines as we prepared for the
arrival of our guests. Bruce and Keren Whittemore
soon arrived from Seattle via Anchorage to take
part in the remainder of our shakedown and repositioning voyage.
With an immediate need to beef up our
onboard wine stores and an intense curiosity
about the town, we set out to explore this little city
set at the head of an awe-inspiring fiord.
We walked the waterfront where the businesses are spread out in the manner of a gold rush
boomtown. Late season quiet was evident everywhere and some establishments appeared closed.
There was a sign of life in a small sporting goods
and hardware store. Bruce asked the clerk where
we might find a liquor store, and without further
comment we were directed to a location at the
far end of the boardwalk. Arriving there we found
the door locked. Through the window we could
see a complete stock of wines and spirits in the
confined space, but a sign on the door unapologetically announced a one half hour opening each
week – darn, we had missed it by two days!
A small note on the door provided an alternative: “In case of a beer emergency call...” We made
the call and before long the same hardware store
attendant appeared riding a tiny motorbike not
much larger than a dachshund. He dismounted,
opened the establishment, and again without
comment or conversation served our needs and
rode off – perhaps to the clinic where he was
scheduled to perform surgery.
Oysters on the half shell
A tray of fresh oysters on the half shell on a bed
of crushed ice appeared from the galley and
while seated around the dining salon table we
toasted to the comfort of a secure anchorage,
the priceless scenery, and especially – oysters
on ice.
35
NORTH PACIFIC
PHOTOGRAPHER: JOSE FUENTE
“ A resurrection took place on his
drawing board and a long-range
expedition yacht emerged”
Wildlife
Sea lions on the rocky shore of Perry Island.
Hundreds of sea lions were lying on the rocks or
frolicking in the surf.
In the early evening Captain Nina, along
with her husband Martin, appeared and introductions turned into a joyous celebration. At
evening’s end the crafty Nina left with her four
bottles of wine intact, but that was the deal and
a good one all around.
Before long Whittier was left astern as we
cruised east towards the heart of Prince William
Sound, the crown jewel of the south central
Alaskan coast. The terminus of Tebenkof
Glacier seductively appeared from below the
low-hanging clouds and mist as we departed
Passage Canal. There would be lots to see:
soaring eagles, myriad glaciers, icefalls, and
snowfields adorned the Sound on a day such as
this, but our thoughts were focused on a hidden
treasure from the pure and productive North
Pacific waters – the Pacific Oyster.
David and Susie Sczawinski operate an oyster culture site in a cove behind a small island in
Eaglek Bay and distribute their harvest around
Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Our mind’s
eyes pictured glistening fresh oysters on the
half shell on a bed of ice and we hoped to find
them there. As we approached the culture site
David was tending the hanging net enclosures
holding the oysters at optimum depth for foodrich water. Their home, a small floating cabin,
was barely visible tucked into a cozy cove near-
by. For a half hour we visited with Dave, who
shared his knowledge of Prince William Sound’s
natural history before we departed with fivedozen oysters still in their shells.
For the night we eased Norseman over a
rocky bar into a well-protected lagoon and out
of the brisk northeast wind making up the bay.
The ambiance was classic coastal Alaska. In
the dusk of dim twilight the primordial forest
rose from the shoreline into the mists and our
thoughts conjured aboriginal spirits and ghosts
of explorers hidden within the perpetual rainforest. A tray of fresh oysters on the half shell on
a bed of crushed ice appeared from the galley
and while seated around the dining salon table
we toasted to the comfort of a secure anchorage, the priceless scenery, and especially – oysters on ice.
The early morning light found us threading our way through crooked and narrow tenmile long Esther Passage. Small islands, abrupt
headlands, and freshets of rain-gorged mountain streams tumbling off the slopes emerged
out of the mists. At the western end we swung
around a low headland and set out across a
broad stretch of water for the entrance to Barry
Arm and Harriman Fiord.
We had seen no other vessels since leaving
Whittier and were surprised when a woman’s
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36
www.ocean-independence.com
PHOTOGRAPHER: STEFAN EKERNAS
NORTH PACIFIC
Berry-picking
We climbed to the top of a low ridge and collected handfuls of bog blueberries while observing this furried local resident in his natural
surroundings.
38
voice came over the VHF radio as we headed
for Barry Glacier. “Norseman – Klondike Express
is that you in Barry Arm?” We were soon overtaken by the big powerful catamaran making
the rounds of their daily signature “26-Glacier
Cruise.” We arranged a rendezvous and cameras clicked across the water from both vessels as Nina maneuvered the Klondike Express
close alongside so t-shirts and hats could be
exchanged with a toss.
Three glaciers tumble into the head of Barry
Arm and we felt totally surrounded by rock and
blue ice as we pushed through fields of bergibits toward the face of Barry Glacier. Harbor seals
watched apprehensively from floating ice as
we collected small bits of iceberg for use in the
galley. We then crossed the shallows of Doran
Strait into a remarkable fiord named after the
railroad tycoon Edward H. Harriman, who in
1899 with characteristic boldness ordered his
chartered expedition ship the S.S. George W.
Elder with its eclectic complement of naturalists, writers, explorers and notables aboard into
these previously uncharted waters. We aboard
Norseman felt as explorers too, contemplating
our surroundings that were so unspoiled by
human endeavor and only changed by nature
over countless millennia.
Anchored close along shore that evening the
western horizon was defined by the silhouette of
7,600-ft. Mt. Muir. The great naturalist John Muir,
who accompanied Harriman in 1899, would be
pleased and comforted to know that a century
later his namesake mountain can now be viewed
from within the borders of the Nellie Juan College
Fiord Wilderness Study Area. That evening our
repast was splendidly preceded by a platter of
fresh oysters arranged on a bed of cracked glacier
ice as prepared by Chef Charlie. Our drinks sparkled with diamond-like cubes of centuries-old ice
picked from the waters of the fiord that day.
For the next two days we learned the secrets
and moods of Harriman Fiord by cruising the
rugged shoreline and drifting for hours off
the face of tidewater glaciers while waiting for
huge slabs of blue ice to fracture away and
with a great roar cascade into the sea. A small,
unnamed cove served as an anchorage for our
second night. The silence was only broken by
the sound of waterfalls high among the peaks
and icebergs gently rubbing along the hull as
they were carried by the running tide.
The next morning the air was crisp and
calm as we threaded out way ashore through
grounded bergs in the inflatable boat. In this
place a stream had formed its course parallel
to the shoreline and joined the seawater at one
end of a long pebble beach backed by a grassy
marsh and alder thickets. While Keren searched
the beach fringe for birds and interesting flotsam, Bruce and I ventured inland along the
stream bank until we happened upon fresh
piles of droppings and tracks of a large bear.
Not desiring a close encounter in the alder
thicket we climbed to the top of a low ridge
and collected handfuls of bog blueberries while
observing this furried local resident in his natural surroundings.
The following day we left the fiords, high
mountains, and glaciers for the heavily forested
islands of Prince William Sound. On the way
to our next anchorage we passed offshore of a
haulout area for Steller sea lions on the rocky
shore of Perry Island. Hundreds of sea lions
were lying on the rocks or frolicking in the surf
for a least a mile.
Our last anchorage was in a small bay on
the north end of Knight Island surrounded by
steep forested slopes and high craggy peaks.
That night, after a fine meal of fresh-caught
salmon and toasts to lasting friendships, under
a crystal-clear sky we observed the stars undiminished in brilliance by any unnatural light.
The anchor was aweigh before dawn on
the day we would leave Prince William Sound
for Seward, our final destination. Threading
through the narrow channels between islands,
there were reminders everywhere that natural
forces still hold sway over human endeavor
along the coastal regions of Alaska. Massive
rock slides, avalanche zones, and lingering evidence of land upheaval during the 1964 earthquake abound. While passing Chenega Island
we turned westward along the south shore to
observe the abandoned site of Chenega Village,
destroyed by the tsunami of 1964 and later
rebuilt at a safer location on another island.
By evening we had completed our passage
westward along the coast to Seward, with time
to explore Driftwood Bay and spot mountain
goats clinging to the cliffs above as we rounded
Caped Resurrection. Bruce and Keren allowed
time to get acquainted with Seward before
making the scenic 125-mile drive to Anchorage
and their flight home. Replete with shops,
restaurants, and friendly saloons warmed by
wood-fired stoves, Seward is the home of the
Alaska SeaLife Center. The Center is a worldclass research and educational facility and as
such has played a roll in the resurrection of
Norseman into an expedition and research
charter vessel – but that’s another story. YVC
Information
More about Norseman can be found by
contacting Blue Water Yacht Charters, Inc.,
+1 360 379 6581 or 800-732-7245
www.bluewateryachtcharters.com
30 years of experience in
luxury yacht vacations
Best yachts. Best places. Best crews.
Brokerage
Fort Lauderdale
|
Antibes
|
|
Charter
Barcelona
|
|
Düsseldorf
Call Ray Weldon in Fort Lauderdale
at +1 954 524 93 66 or +1 800 929 9366
or send an email to charter@ocyachts.com
Former companies:
New Construction
|
Geneva
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Consulting Services
Monaco
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Palma de Mallorca
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Management
Uster
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United Kingdom
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Zürich
RESORTS
T
Emerald Bay
at Great Exuma Island
A hidden treasure in the Bahamas
WRITTEN BY
JENNIFER CHESTNUT
Discerning travelers who are seeking the flavor of The Bahamas but prefer their conch
salad served to them in a private cabana by a secluded beach untouched by the masses
may want to consider the newly developed Emerald Bay at Great Exuma Island. A destination unknown to the mainstream vacationer, hidden in the Bahamas Family Islands amid
tranquil cays and powder-white virgin beaches, Emerald Bay awaits to delight guests
whether their quest is for relaxation or adventure. The 470-acre Emerald Bay property
encompasses the five-star Four Seasons resort, the exclusive Grand Isle Villas residences,
a Greg Norman–designed oceanfront golf course, the newly opened Marina at Emerald
Bay, and solely for members – The Club at Emerald Bay.
40
he Four Seasons offers its guests
a host of leisure and adventure
options to fill a day. Guests can
enjoy complimentary use of a variety of water-sports equipment, and
even arrange to spend a day at one
of the many nearby deserted beaches with a
gourmet picnic lunch. Swimmers can opt for the
ocean or the Resort’s two free-form, freshwater
swimming pools. They can soak in outdoor whirlpools alongside landscaped pool decks, or relax in
private cabanas. The Water Sports Activity Center
offers expert instruction in snorkeling, sailing,
windsurfing, and kayaking. Great Exuma’s calm,
turquoise waters are perfect for leisurely swimming or sailing. They also are renowned as some
of the world’s best spots for bonefish, amberjack,
barracuda, giant tuna, grouper, and other catches,
and sportfishing excursions are easily arranged.
For land lovers, the Resort’s six Har-Tru tennis
courts are lit for night play.
At the Resort’s Spa and Fitness Centre, guests
can put their stamina to the test by using the
latest weight-training and cardiovascular equipment, or by participating in a high-energy fitness
class. Expert, highly trained staff members are on
hand to assist or develop personalized programs.
Relaxing experiences are also to be had at the Spa,
where guests are immersed in the serene beauty
of the island while gaining a sense of personal harmony. Therapies using natural salts, indigenous
herbs, flowers, and oils make for an authentic
Bahamian experience. A variety of yoga and fitness classes and a secluded Spa Garden help to
activate the body’s natural healing powers.
For the yachting, cruising, and sportfishing
crowd, The Marina at Emerald Bay provides dockage for vessels up to 225’, allowing yacht and
boat owners to enjoy the serenity of Great Exuma
and the exclusivity of The Four Seasons Resort.
Located on the northeast corner of Great Exuma
Island, the marina is accessible via Exuma Sound,
north of Emerald Bay at 23.38.118 North and
075.54.928 West. The Marina at Emerald Bay is a
full-service, deepwater marina with point of entry
for customs and immigration.
The first phase of The Marina is now open,
receiving yachts in 47 slips ranging from
40’ to 175’. The temporary facilities include a
Harbourmaster’s Office outfitted with an attentive staff, a crew lounge, and shuttle services to
the Four Seasons Resort and Wahoo’s Waterfront
Restaurant, serving traditional island cuisine prepared by Bahamian-trained Chef D’Shea Wilson.
Phase two of The Marina Village, scheduled to
open in 2007, will include the completion of the
remaining 103 slips, a dry-stack storage facility, Private Yacht Clubhouse, Members Exclusive
Beach Club, and Cabana Spa and Fitness Center
with an infinity pool.
The Club at Emerald Bay Yacht & Social
Memberships includes a five-star, full-service
Private Yacht Club with available wet and dry slip
memberships and members-only amenities that
rival those offered by any exclusive club around
the world. The Club’s membership program is created with the vision of establishing a very active
yet elegant lifestyle with outstanding member
privileges and club facilities. With Yacht & Social
Memberships starting at $5,000 refundable deposit
and monthly dues of $50 per month, members
can soak up all the amenities. The Private Yacht
Clubhouse will be the social center for member
events, including lobster fests, yacht festivals, regattas, and special occasions. For a private escape, The
Cabana Spa and Fitness Center will provide a tropical oasis to rejuvenate the soul. The Beach Club at
Emerald Bay has something for everyone, whether
it’s lounging in the sun or exploring the underwater
splendor just off the shoreline. Membership in The
Club at Emerald Bay will satisfy the most discerning traveler. While the facility is under construction,
the Private Yacht & Social Club Memberships are
currently available at an introductory rate. (See
www.emeraldbayresort.com.)
The Greg Norman–designed 18-hole, par-72
Four Seasons Golf Club, Great Exuma at Emerald
Bay, features six breathtaking oceanfront holes
– with more ocean views than any comparable
course in the U.S. The course plays to 7,001 yards
from championship tees, but it is ideal for golfers
of all levels. The greens are framed by the island’s
native vegetation of sea grapes, silver buttonwood,
and cabbage palms that leisurely sway in the prevailing southeastern trade winds. An environmentally friendly seashore paspalum grass with lush
green canopy creates a surface that requires little
fertilizer and uses filtered ocean water for irrigation. Golf pros, a pro shop, driving range, putting
green, lessons, and clinics are available to club
members, residents, and hotel guests. YVC
See sidebar “Grand Isle Villas” on next page
Golf
The Greg Norman–designed 18-hole, par-72 Four Seasons Golf Club, Great Exuma at Emerald Bay, features six
breathtaking oceanfront holes – with more ocean views than any comparable course in the U.S.
41
RESORTS
Grand Isle Villas
At the highest peak of Emerald Bay – overlooking the greens, tees,
and fairways of the Greg Norman golf course and the bay with its colorful Sunfish and Hobie cats – only a golf cart or dinghy ride away from the
new marina and a brisk walk down a crescent-shaped beach from the Four
Seasons lie the Grand Isle Villas. This $100 million chunk of seaside real
estate with its villas available for sale or as hotel accommodations is drawing international attention and acclaim. Its success, even its existence, had
an ironic genesis.
Jim Clabaugh and Pamela McCullough were like many of the yachties
who discovered the Bahamas by sailboat. They watched the magic of the
sunset and sipped sundowners on board their 41-foot Jeanneau. Each
time they returned to their professional lives as developers along Florida’s
southwest coast, they promised themselves that one day they would
return and build something beautiful in the Bahamas. In the early 1990s, an
engineer they knew invited them to see a job he was doing in the Exumas.
McCullough and Clabaugh visited and were as soundly hooked as a Danforth
in packed sand. The project stalled, but when it was relaunched, they were
there with their new Bahamian company EGI Ltd., a major investor, ready to
face the challenges of building on a Family Island and to such a standard that
buyers, appreciative of the marriage of location and craftsmanship, would be
willing to spend in the high six figures or more for a second home that could
also be a revenue earner when they were not using it.
McCullough and Clabaugh had years of high-rise building experience
(and several awards) behind them. Transferring what worked in Longboat
Key and Sarasota, Florida to a remote island in the Bahamas was going to
be tricky. Just getting materials to the site, then finding skilled craftsmen
and artisans were challenges. They put out the word and hired the finest
from around the Bahamian islands, bringing in and housing tile layers from
one island, finish carpenters from another, air-conditioning and refrigeration
specialists from still another. The result: attention to detail in construction
throughout. Natural stone flooring, vaulted cypress ceilings, eight-foot sliding glass doors, marble baths, gourmet kitchens with granite counters, and
Sub Zero and Dacor appliances. Everything – from the dishes in the cabinets to the duvets and 400-count linens on the beds, the plasma TVs to the
42
high-speed Internet connection – is an understatement of comfort, taste,
and style.
“You know,” says Clabaugh, “this is the toughest job we have ever
done – and the best, the most satisfying. The workmanship really makes
you proud.” More than 5,000 pieces of hand-worked tile form a backdrop
mural at the outdoor restaurant and bar. In addition to the villas, design and
construction of the Tahitian-style roof over the pavilion, the infinity pool and
whirlpool, and the fitness center overlooking the water spell quality. In the
less than two years’ time since Grand Isle Villas have been in existence,
the prices of villas have increased dramatically.
The total build will be 75 villas that range from $750,000 for a one bedroom to $5.5 million for a penthouse. Two-bedroom units with over 2,000
square feet of interior space start at $1.2 million. All feature a reverse living
pattern – living room, dining, and kitchen upstairs to take advantage of the
views; bedrooms on the first floor.
Grand Isle Villas is being positioned as a condotel, the newest wave in
resort-residential living. When owners are not present, they earn revenue
by placing their villas in a rental pool managed by a separate hotel company. At Grand Isle, that includes full concierge service, from stocking shelves
and freezer with food prior to arrival to serving a gourmet meal for guests
and burgers for the children on the patio at the hours requested by the
party each evening. Villas that easily sleep eight rent for up to $20,000 a
week. (See www.grandislevillas.com.) They are almost always full. Smaller
villas are available for considerably less.
Says McCullough: “Owners and guests tell us that it’s just like home,
but better. You can golf during the day, sail, swim, be pampered at the spa,
walk on the beach, have concierge service serve your chilled Crystal on the
balcony overlooking the beach, pool, and Emerald Bay, and somehow that
hole you didn’t par doesn’t matter as much anymore. You’ll do better tomorrow. It’s wonderful to know that you can have the best of both worlds, to be
close to the marina and live in the lap of luxury on an island that’s still small
enough not to need a traffic light, but sophisticated enough to offer this.”
— BY DIANE PHILLIPS
CRUISING CIGAR MAN
The Cigar Smoker’s Bible
A captain can’t navigate the seas without the aid of good charts. For the cigar
aficionado, the best way to chart the course
of his or her favorite pastime is with the aid
of Perelman’s Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars.
Now in its 12th year of publication with the
current 2006 edition, writer and publisher
Richard B. Perelman and his staff have
assembled the most comprehensive guide
to virtually every brand of cigar marketed
nationally in the United States of America.
Perelman’s
Cyclopedia 2006
The ultimate sportsman’s
guide to premium cigars
– bar none.
T
his year’s edition features a picture of the
White House against a stark, royal blue
background. However it’s not the White
House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – it’s actually
a humidor created for the Montecristo Classic and
Montecristo White brand cigars.
Perelman’s Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars 2006 provides the critical details on a total of 1,206 brands,
1,052 of which are imported premium cigars from
every cigar-producing nation except Cuba. The
information is presented in a clear, easy-to-understand text that lists the cigars alphabetically by
brand starting with handmade cigars. Each brand
is described as follows: Brand Name, as well as the
town and country where the cigars are produced
– for example, “Handmade in Santiago, Dominican
Republic.” Below that is a listing of the origin of
all three parts of the cigar: Wrapper (for example,
African Cameroon), Binder (Indonesia), and Filler
(Dom. Rep., Nicaragua). Below that is a table divided into five columns: Shape, Name, Length, Ring,
and Wrapper Shade. Codes are used to help identify
the wrappers shade. Ma is for Maduro. CC is for
Colorado Claro, the more formal name for “natural
wrapper,” because the shade is generally a medium
brown – the most common color for many cigars.
Os is for “Oscuro,” the darkest of all wrappers,
which is almost ebony in color.
Below the table is a brief description of the
cigar with regard to its history, the strength, various
flavors one might find in the blend, and any other
particulars of interest. Here’s a good example from
Perelman’s description of Baccarat cigars:
The brand was formally introduced in 1978,
but dates back as far as 1871 when it was
supervised by Carl Upmann. The mild body
produced by the blending of the Havana-seed
fillers and binder and Connecticut-seed wrapper are sweetened by the use of a special sealing
gum in the cigar’s cap. It’s offered in boxes of 25
in most sizes.
WRITTEN BY
GARY KORB
About the Writer
Gary Korb is the resident cigar guru at Famous Smoke Shop
(www.FamousSmoke.com) in Easton, PA. He has been
enjoying the wonderful world of cigars for over 25 years.
gary@yachtchartersmagazine.com
44
This resource is so prolific, I’m constantly referring to it when writing the Famous Smoke Shop
catalog and Web site – and that’s only Chapter 3!
The first two chapters offer even more information about cigars in general. In “Cigar Basics,”
Mr. Perelman includes a brief history of cigars,
detailed sections on the construction of cigars,
definitions of each wrapper shade, shape and size,
and finally, how to properly care for your cigars.
Chapter 2 is a Cigar Almanac. This section
includes facts, figures, and interesting cigar tid-
bits, such as the thinnest cigars, the fattest cigars,
and other trivia. Did you know that there was a
College Bowl game named for cigars? True. The
Cigar Bowl was played in Tampa, FL, the center of
US cigar making from 1947 to 1954. Mr. Perelman
even lists the teams, scores, and attendance. If
you want to know more about the Bacardi Bowl
played in Havana, you’ll have to read the book.
The Almanac section also includes a suggestion
list of cigars for special celebrations, cigars that are
produced in unusual shapes and wrappers, and a
listing of flavored cigar brands.
Chapters 4 and 5 provide a listing of machinemade brands and small cigars, respectively.
Chapter 6 contains conversion tables, which
define cigar ring sizes in inches, as well as lengths
in inches and centimeters.
In his introduction, Mr. Perelman begins with:
“The renaissance continues.” According to him, the
cigar industry is quite healthy and happy. He notes
that the number of brands profiled in 2005 jumped
an impressive 11 percent in 2006. The all-time high
remains at 1,448 in 1999, the last hurrah of the
cigar boom. Due to the concentration of brands
sold in the US, the Perelman’s Pocket Cyclopedia of
Cigars 2006 does not list Cuban brands. However a
companion volume, Perelman’s Pocket Cyclopedia
of Havana Cigars, currently in its Third Edition, is
available online at www.cigarcyclopedia.com and
is sold through local tobacconists. It contains an
illustrated section on how the Cubans grow and
cure tobacco, plus an important section on how
to know if you’re getting genuine Havanas or fakes
– and much more.
One thing I’ve learned about cigar smokers: they
want to know as much as possible about the cigars
they enjoy, and they’re extremely curious as to what
else is out there that they might want to try. That’s
why this book is such a valuable part of one’s cigar
collection. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting Rich
Perelman and speak with him frequently. Besides
being one of the world’s most noted authorities on
cigars, he’s a good-natured fellow who’s readily available to those in the industry, as well his readers. For
those who want to learn more, his Web site www.
cigarcyclopedia.com is loaded with valuable information, including a daily column.
“Cigar sales are up and the future is bright with
more and better tobacco available,” writes Mr.
Perelman. “But difficult legislative challenges are
keeping smokers from enjoying cigars as freely in
many cities and states. At some point, this has to
change, as it has many times in the long and rocky
history of tobacco.” YVC
YACHT PROFILE / ITINERARY
Day 1: Pick-up Palermo
Starfire
Day 2: Ustica
PHOTOS: JOSEPH MONTEZINOS PHOTOGRAPHY
M/Y
On arrival at the Palermo airport, a host from
the Starfire crew warmly welcomes you to Sicily’s
capital city – also the largest city on the island
–stupendously located in its own wide bay underneath the limestone bulk of Monte Pellegrino.
Within minutes you will be on board the M/Y
Starfire, moored in the Port of Palermo.
After your journey there will be time to relax,
explore your surroundings, and meet the entire
Starfire crew before perhaps heading ashore to
explore some of Sicily’s legendary sites.
If you care to head ashore, visit the ornate
Piazza Bellini, the cathedral, and the ArabNorman Palantine Chapel in the Royal Palace. A
trip up to Monreale allows for a panoramic view
of the Conca d’Oro (the golden shell) – the beautiful valley beyond Palermo with a spectacular and
evocative landscape.
This evening, dine on board under the stars
and enjoy the view, or head ashore to dine at one
of Palermo’s many fine restaurants.
Seven-Day Charter: Palermo to Catania
K
eep in mind that itineraries are only
guidelines, and they are not etched
in stone! The following outline for
your journey is subject to change, as we are
We invite you to spend seven days of luxurious relaxation aboard the magnificent
dependant on favorable winds and seas. However,
Starfire. From the historic bay of Palermo, we will leisurely explore the enchantment
we know the area very well and will have a contin-
of Sicily’s dramatic northern coastline. We will sail on to experience more remote
gency plan!
Mediterranean islands, such as Ustica, Lipari, and Stromboli, as we make our way to the
WRITTEN BY
CAPTAIN CARL SPUTH
46
Our Starfire crew will ensure you see all the
northeastern coast of Sicily, visiting the chic destinations of Portorosa, Taormino, and
highlights while offering the ultimate in personal
Messina.
service and guest care. Welcome aboard!
The next morning your crew will serve breakfast
alfresco as your Skipper sets sail for a short, threehour hop to the tiny volcanic island of Ustica – measuring just 3.3 square miles. We can spend the day
exploring this oasis of peace and tranquility.
Unspoiled by tourism, Ustica’s magnificent seabeds are protected as a natural marine reserve,
capturing an abundance of life in its clear, turquoise
waters. It is not surprising that the area around
Ustica is a paradise for scuba divers and snokellers.
Starfire will sail casually around the island visiting the numerous grottos along the coast. We will
also spend time at anchor near Ustica, allowing you
to relax on the sundeck or participate in what will
surely be some unbelievable scuba diving.
Gaze out at the small town perched above the
harbor. Along with little restaurants and cafes,
Ustica also houses an underwater archaeological
museum.
Some of the highlights on the scuba diving
list are the delicate fan-like red gorgonias and the
rainbow-colored sponges which can be found at
Grotta dei Gamberi (a depth of approximately
42m) and at Secca di Colombara (a depth of
approximately 40m). At Punta Gavazzi (a depth of
9 and 17m) many archaeological artifacts can be
admired and photographed.
This evening, Starfire will head out for an overnight run to Lipari and the Aeolian Islands.
Amenities
Starfire has the latest and most technologically
advanced communication system in the industry. With
a new Ku Band satellite, capable of having full communication all over the world.
47
Rent A Greek
Cruising Palace
And sail
among the
4,000 Greek
islands
Day 3: The Aeolian Islands (The Lipari Group of Islands)
Interiors
Along with Starfire’s technical advances, her 2004 refit
included an interior transformation from Traditional
Orient to Art Deco. To better suit the owners’ style,
interior designer, Claudette Bonville created custom
furniture paired with a collection of exquisite fabrics.
48
You will awake this morning to find we have traveled on from Ustica and are now further tucked
between the toe of Italy’s boot and Sicily.
Welcome to the Aeolian Islands. Today, we cruise these blue waters of Sicily’s northeastern coast, dotted with islands that vary in character and landscape. From lunar-like Vulcano, to the quiet beaches of
Salina (of “Il Postino” film fame) to the lush, cliff-top meadows of Lipari, the Aeolian Islands will fascinate
us with their diverse and unusual topography.
We will first sail past Filicudi and Alicudi, which will surprise you with their enchanting sea.
We may also sail on to Panarea, the smallest island of the archipelago, which can offer you a relaxing
mud bath if you choose, thanks to its natural springs.
The diving center “La Gorgonia” is on the island of Lipari, and they offer dive expeditions to such
famous Aeolian Island dive spots as:
• Punta Castagna: A dive in unreal scenery, a platform at 10 meters, completely covered with white
pumice that originates from the pumice mines above, and reminds us of a snow-covered roof-top in
a skiing resort.
• Capo Grosso: A dive down a beautiful perfectly vertical rock face, which from the surface, stops on the
sandy bottom at 50 meters.
• Scoglio Quaglietto: This is one of the nicest dives that the island of Vulcano has to offer. From the walls of
the rock, to the inside of the grotto where there is a statue of the Madonna and a large quantity of shrimp.
• Le Formiche: This is an extremely varied dive site, where you can enjoy snorkeling as well as diving.
• Capo Grillo: This dive takes place alongside an impressive volcano slope that reaches great depths.
The site is very interesting for photographers, offering them an infinite number of fantastic colorful
macro opportunities.
• Secca del Bagno: The Secca del Bagno in without doubt one of the most interesting dive sites in the
Eolian Archipelago, and is not very easy to find. It is not an easy dive. It consists of three submerged
points, the highest of which is at a depth of 22 mt. The walls are very colorful.
• Pietra Menalda: This is one of the splendid rocks found on the southern side of Lipari, and offers
divers a special naturalistic site. The most interesting dive is to circumnavigate the rock at a depth of
between 18 and 40 mt.
Day 3: The Aeolian Islands, cont.
During the evening hours, we will have the option to sail over to Stromboli, the “Black Giant,” which
is one of the few constantly active volcanoes in the world; the view from the sea is most unforgettable!
We just may glimpse the volcanic eruptions lighting up the night sky.
Tonight, we anchor overnight near one of these enchanting islands.
FOUNDED IN 1969
THEN YOU CAN SELECT YOUR OWN
ENVIRONMENT, YOUR OWN SCENERY, YOUR OWN ISLAND!
Charter a motor yacht, motor sailer or sailing yacht
(for 6 to 84 guests, from 60’ to 325’ and $1000 to $65,000 per day for entire yacht with its full
crew) from VALEF YACHTS, agents for the largest fleet of crewed yachts for charter in Greece.
IT COSTS NO MORE THAN BEING ON A CRUISE SHIP
But
• You can plan your own itinerary with your own captain
• Your food with your own chef
• Your drinks with your own steward, or leave it up to
them to…pamper you.
VALEF YACHTS LTD.
International Headquarters: 7254 Fir Rd., P.O.B. 385, Ambler, PA 19002 U.S.A.
Tel: (215) 641-1624 • (800) 223-3845 • Fax: (215) 641-1746
E-mail: INFO@VALEFYACHTS.com • Website: VALEFYACHTS.com
Day 4: The Aeolian Islands (Day II)
We will spend the entire day cruising the Aeolian Islands. Today, you could opt to take advantage of more
scuba diving opportunities, or we may sail to nearby Vulcano, studded with fantastic lava formations.
We may choose to spend the afternoon anchored in a remote bay near the island of Lipari, where you
can relax, sunbathe, and take a light lunch. Take advantage of some of the numerous water sports offered
on Starfire. Your crew will delight in taking you out water skiing or wake boarding! There is also ample
opportunity for fishing.
Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and it will invite you to its pumice beaches. If you wish to
explore Lipari, take a tender ashore to enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Meander through the narrow streets
or pause in a local pastry shop.
Tonight, we will anchor out once again near the island of Lipari and prepare to head on to Portorosa
in the morning.
Enjoy your final evening of solitude out amidst these remote treasures of the Mediterranean.
Day 5: Portorosa
After breakfast this morning, we will depart for a 2-hour cruise back to the Sicilian Coast, where
Sicily’s most modern and efficient marina awaits us. Welcome to bustling Portorosa, a fashionable tourist
harbor located on the northeast coast near Milazzo.
Besides a splendid swimming pool surrounded by green vegetation, a wide beach, and an efficient
shopping center, Portorosa offers a great base for getting out and exploring the surrounding areas.
Perhaps we will set out for a small fishing or diving expedition.
“It’s yachting, not cruising”
Day 6: Historic Taormina
We will depart Portorosa early this morning for a 5-hour cruise around the northeast coast of Sicily
towards Taormina, a city that clings to the cliffs high above the eastern coast.
We will drop anchor just off the island. If you’d like, spend the afternoon in picturesque Taormina,
built on terraces cascading down to the sea. During a walking tour, pass cobblestone piazzas, elegant
shops, and outdoor cafes en route to the Greek theater.
Appreciate the ingenuity of the Greeks who created the spectacular theater with a beautiful natural
backdrop of Mt. Etna in the distance.
“Certainly you did not invent yachting BUT you sure have perfected it!” Ann Weisbecker, Maryland, USA
“The dream you never want to wake up from.” David Simpson, UK
Day 6: Historic Taormina, cont.
Spend the day enjoying this beautiful resort town at your own pace. Stroll along Taormina’s Corso
Umberto (central street) for excellent shopping choices. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to
Mount Etna; although, it is also nice to enjoy it from afar. This active volcano is very present and visible
even from the sea.
This evening, enjoy authentic Sicilian cuisine in one of the many restaurants in Taormina, or dine on
board ship this evening and reflect on the day’s sites by relaxing under the stars.
Starfire Specifications
Motor Yacht STARFIRE is 178’ in length
(54M). She has a beam of 31.5’ and a draft
of 10.83’. She was built in Italy by the Benetti
boatyard. STARFIRE is 757 tons and has
a fuel capacity of 35,000 gallons (140,000
liters). Her maximum speed is 15 knots
and cursing speed of 13 knots. She has a
steel hull and an aluminum superstructure.
Launched in 1998, STARFIRE has been
through two refits, one in 2002 and the other
in 2004. Included in her 2004 refit was the
addition of at anchor stabilization, which is a
true advancement in the yachts performance
Information
To charter this trip or any yacht you see in
this issue of YV&C, please contact any of the
recommended charter brokers listed on page 8.
Day 7: Messina
This morning, we will head out for a 2-hour hop over to the port of Messina. The setting for
Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” Messina has much to offer in the way of history. Its dramatic,
boulder- filled harbor has challenged navigators since the days of Ulysses.
The Strait of Messina also offers opportunities for fishing and hosts many different types of fish with
a good gastronomical reputation.
Near the Torre Faro, a small fishing village overlooked by a lighthouse, you can find the “Fossa dei
sugarelli” – a dark blue, cylindrical shaped fish only found off the Sicilian coasts.
Many other varieties of fish can be found around Messina, including tuna, moon fish, red picarel, and
grey mullet. Far out off the coast of Capo Peloro, large amber jacks are caught with a fishing line.
End your final day aboard Starfire with a wonderful Sicilian meal and nighttime celebration.
Day 8: Catania (Noon drop off)
When you charter a SEADREAM mega-yacht you will provide an exclusive experience for your guests in an atmosphere of
luxury and casual perfection that is unmatched by any resort hotel or large cruise ship.
SEADREAM is perfect for couples on a romantic getaway, small groups, or as a charter for meetings, incentive rewards, executive retreats
or simply a celebration with family and friends. SEADREAM Charter Coordinators will work closely with you to ensure that your event
is customized to meet your every desire.
With only 55 ocean view staterooms and an award winning crew of 92, be prepared to be “Splendidly Spoiled”.
In 2004 and 2005 Berlitz rated SEADREAM YACHT CLUB “Utterly Exclusive” above luxury. SEADREAM made the Condé Nast Traveler’s
Gold List, scoring a perfect 100 for Service and higher than any other passenger vessel for Cuisine. Travel+Leisure 2004 World’s Best Awards
recognized SEADREAM I and II the highest of all vessels in Service, Cuisine and Value.
2003,‘04,’05
This morning, we continue our tour of the Sicilian coast with a 4-hour cruise to our final destination:
Catania.
As your journey aboard Starfire comes to an end, you can be certain that you have enjoyed the definitive Sicilian coastal experience. YVC
About the Captain
Captain Carl was the individual winner as “Best Captain of a Mega Yacht in 2001” at the Ft. Lauderdale International
Boat Show. This accolade was given for his ability to be a “can do” positive leader. charter@sfire.com
May – October: Visit the yachting ports of the Mediterranean, the enchanting Greek Islands, and the beautiful shorelines in the Adriatic and Black Sea.
November – April: It’s SEADREAM’S Caribbean with the intimate yachting harbors and secluded bays of The Grenadines, Windward
and Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
For our most current pricing and itineraries please contact your travel professional, yacht broker or SEADREAM YACHT CLUB
800-707-4911 305-631-6100 www.SeaDreamCharter.com 2601 South Bayshore Drive, Penthouse1B, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
50
THE RIVIERA
At first glance the coordinates of 44° 25’ north latitude and 8° 56’ 60 east longitude don’t
indicate much. However on closer inspection, they reveal a millenia-old seafaring port
centrally situated between the Riviera di Ponente and the Riviera di Levant – in the heart of
Italy’s Ligurian coast. The port of Genoa is the oldest in Italy, and the city’s position as an
important maritime center was established in the Middle Ages.
N
icknamed “Genova La Superba” (Genoa
the Proud) by the Italian scholar and
poet Petrarch, Genoa’s commercial
wealth and power was fostered by its aristocratic merchant families during the “Genoese
Golden Age” in the 16th and 17th centuries: the
Grimaldis, the Spinolas, the Balbis, and of course
the Dorias, whose famous progeny is the great
Genoese naval hero, Andrea Doria. These families’ prominent wealth is displayed in the magnificent Renaissance palazzi and commissioned
artworks along the Via Garibaldi and the Via
Balbi, in the city’s Le Strade Nuove district up in
the hills. Today, these palatial private residences
house insurance firms, banks, and in the case of
the Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco – the city’s
preeminent art galleries.
Genoa was named a European Capital of
Culture in 2004 by the European Union, and many
special events were staged around the city’s old
port (Porto Antico), including art exhibitions and
a retrospective of the work of Genoese architect
Renzo Piano – known for his conceptual modern
buildings, such as the Pompidou Center in Paris.
Genoa’s city fathers had chosen Piano to revitalize the Porto Antico prior to 1992, which marked
the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s
voyage to America. With Piano at the helm, the
harbor was radically transformed and features
the largest aquarium in Europe, a naval museum,
two marinas, a children’s entertainment center, and “The Sphere,” a glasshouse ecosystem
containing rare tropical plants. Undoubtedly,
the Gran Bigo (Great Crane) is the most striking
structure along the waterfront, and has increasingly become the landmark Genoa is recognized
for, alongside La Lanterna – the oldest working
lighthouse in the world, and the symbol of the
city. Fittingly inspired by the masts of a ship, the
Bigo offers panoramic views of the port from its
revolving glass elevator.
Every October, the International Nautical
Festival (Salone Nautico) takes place in the Fiera
di Genova complex with thousands of buyers
and seafarers from around the world. More than
1,500 boats are on show, of which about 200 are
docked in the port’s two marinas. The international fair pavilions exhibit the full gamut
of nautical offerings: open and covered motor
boats, sailboats, motor yachts with cabins, catamarans, canoes and kayaks, inflatable boats,
technical and sporting gear, as well as sailing
accessories and furnishings. There are also naval
repair workshops and a special area in the bay
for fishing demonstrations and other attractions.
The International Nautical Festival runs from
October 7 to 15, 2006.
After taking in the urban rejuvenation of the
Porto Antico, the heady scents of the Ligurian
cuisine beckon from the myriad cafes and restaurants that line the waterfront. At Ristorante I
Tre Merli, the foccacia con formaggio di Recco
is filled with the regional stracchino cheese,
which resembles mozzarella but has the consistency and taste similar to ricotta salata when it is
cooked. Other Genovese specialties that hit the
right note are the farinata made with chickpea
flour, and the fagiolini pasta bathe in a sublime
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED
BY YVONNE YORKE
“La Superba”Genoa
The Maritime Center of the Italian Riviera
52
“The Sphere”
Renzo Piano’s the “Sphere” glasshouse and the
Gran Bigo (Great Crane) at Porto Antico.
53
THE RIVIERA
Boccadasse
a story-book fishing village seemingly frozen in time
from the modern age but whose appeal is timeless
“ It’s clear that
Genoa is once
again living up
to its name”
pesto sauce. Owner Paolo Secondo, who also has
sister restaurant I Tre Merli and Barolo in New
York City, is chairman of the Gruppo Ristoratori
Italiani (GRI), an association of leading Italian
restaurateurs, chefs, and olive oil and wine producers and importers. GRI’s role is to increase the
awareness of fine, authentic Italian cuisine in the
United States among its member restaurants.
In Genoa’s Centro Storico, the oldest medieval
city center in Europe, is the Pietro Romanengo fu
Stefano, a centuries-old confectionary shop and
secret address for in-the-know gourmets. The
Genovese family-run business has been crafting
fine chocolates, candied fruits, and confectionary concoctions for royalty and connoisseurs
since 1814. Every piece is handmade according to ancient recipes passed down through
the generations, using only natural and often
exotic ingredients. Some of the unusual offerings
include orange flower-flavored marron glaces,
pine-nut pralines, candied violet petals, and rose
petal syrup. My personal favorite is the fondant
filled with a chestnut paste and maraschino
cherry liquor. Orders can be placed at www.
romanengo.com.
Part of the Genovese nonchalance in promoting their city is that they know they have won big
in the geographic lottery. The Italian Riviera starts
where the city boundaries end – a short drive
towards the west is the Riviera di Ponente with
glamorous beach resorts such as San Remo and
Bordighera. To the east is the Riviera di Levante,
with the fabled resort towns of Portofino, Santa
Margherita Ligure, and Sestri Levante.
However, you don’t need to venture that far to
get a glimpse of picturesque Ligurian village life.
Just east on the outskirts of the city’s waterfront
promenade lies Boccadasse, a story-book fishing
village seemingly frozen in time from the modern
age but whose appeal is timeless. Multicolored
houses are set against the azure sky with small
fishing boats strewn casually across the sand
on the water’s edge, and children play along the
seawall while their mothers shop in the local
markets. With the successful juxtaposition of the
old way of life with the modern revamping of the
city’s port and image in the last decade, it’s clear
that Genoa is once again living up to its name:
Genova, La Superba. YVC
Blue Water Yacht Charters,Inc.
EST. 1983
M/V NORSEMAN - 108ft 10/12 guest
starting at $45,000/week inclusive
About the Writer
Yvonne Yorke is a luxury travel and lifestyles writer and
photographer. Hailing from a Hong Kong shipping family,
she’s a yachting enthusiast and the Mediterranean is
one of her favorite destinations.
yorke_yvonne@yahoo.com
Information
BVIsailing.com
GALAPAGOSsailing.com
800-648-3393
54
We Charter the World...
From Palm Trees to Glaciers
(800) 732 7245
55
THE PACIFIC
I
Threshers
Before Breakfast
Adventure charter in Malapascua
The long whip-like tail, large eye, silver sheen on its side, and the ease with which it
glides through the water little well prepare you for your first thresher shark sighting.
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY
TONY KARACSONYI
56
nspired by fellow diver Scotty Tuason,
I travelled to Cebu in the Visaya Islands,
Philippines, where I dived with Dutch,
German, and Spanish divers, all eager to
catch a glimpse of these elusive sharks, which
belong to the “Mackarel Shark” family.
Threshers feed on mackarel and small tuna by
encircling schools and stunning them with whips, or
thrashes, of their tail – hence the name: thresher.
Malapascua is believed to be the the only place
on the globe where divers can reliably see thresher
sharks, at a place called Monad Shoal – the top of
a seamount where these sharks arrive at dawn, to
be cleaned by a collection of wrasses.
Each morning at 6 a.m., the 24-meter long
filipina outrigger, “Exotic 3,” scoots out to Monad
Shoal, to put divers in the water soon after first
light. We settle on the seamount at a depth of
about 23 meters and wait for the sharks to arrive,
at one of three cleaning stations. Mantas, mobula
rays, and eagle rays visit too.
Threshers are usually very shy, and it is often
in the last few minutes of a dive that the threshers
can be seen. The trick is to breathe very slowly
when the sharks arrive, as the bubbles can spook
the sharks. The threshers though are full of surprises, so be sure to look behind you, and upwards
also – the sharks sometimes break their own rules
of shyness, passing right over your head.
One dawn, a pair of threshers arrived at a
cleaning station and started circling in front of
us, then passed behind and kept circling for some
time, six metres away. My Nikon whirred and I’d
shot off 30 shots in no time.
During another dive in 7-meter visibility, we
got buzzed by a 3-meter thresher, very closely.
It was a magnificent animal with a big fat belly,
which Toto and I decided was pregnant, or had
eaten an awful lot of fish the night before.
“The last minute of the shark dive is very important. This is when we often see the threshers” says
divemaster Toto. “The first boat and the last boat
are often the ones who see the sharks, because too
many divers can scare them away.” The peak diving/holiday season at Malapascua, in summer, is not
the best time for sharks. The winter months, despite
some rain and cloud, is a better time for shark diving. Exotic Dive Resort’s dive masters – Toto, Tutong,
and Paul, have hosted film crews and underwater
photographers from all over the world.
Thresher sharks are a pelagic species living in
tropical and cold-temperate waters worldwide,
growing to almost 25 feet in length. The heaviest
shark recorded weighed over 750 pounds. The
thresher shark is estimated to live 19 to 50 years
of age, and it’s also the shark that sometimes leaps
from the ocean, together with the Mako.
The threshers are an amazing adrenalin rush
and they are Malapascua’s biggest drawcard, but
what impressed me just as much was the richness
and biodiversity of Malapascua’s soft coral reefs.
Dik de Boer, a Dutch National, and his filipina wife Cora, started the first dive resort on
Malapascua Island back in 1997. They first checked
out this little island paradise, north of Cebu, in
1996, after reading about the island in a “Lonely
Planet” travel guide.
Dik still remembers seeing the first thresher
sharks with his friend Mikael Person in 1997. Over
the months and years, with the help of local fishermen they also found two Japanese WW2 shipwrecks and a Manila-Cebu ferry that was already
known as a great wreck dive. With such a selection
of wreck dives, thresher sharks, and reef dives, Dik
and Cora, set up the Exotic Dive Resort, and over
the years expanded the operation to include three
large dive boats and a nitrox facility.
On a gentle tide (Edgar, the Captain knows the
tides best) at North Point you can drift over dense
soft coral gardens filled with anemones, clownfish, commensal shrimp, harlequin shrimp, white
cowries (often seen on the pale soft corals), butterfly fish, lionfish, ringed pipefish, and juvenile
harlequin sweetlips.
Exploring a ledge at 18 meters, the overhang
was adorned in soft corals, thorny oysters, sponges, and a large greyish, frogfish – a well known
resident here. There was also a black, giant frogfish, which dive instructors Tim and Zoe have seen
walking with its pectoral fins.
Gato Island is like something from a Harry
Potter movie. It’s a short, sharp, rocky island rising from what seems like the middle of nowhere
in the South China Sea. It’s a 50-minute boat ride
from Malapascua. Nesting seabirds scoot around
the island and a colony of flying foxes camps in
rainforest trees high on its cliffy shore. Kingfishers
flit in and out of its sea caves. Gato Island is constantly bathed in current, giving life to its soft
coral canyons and myraid of rare and unusual
nudibranchs. Nowhere have I see so many bizarre
nudibranchs.
Nudibranch egg clusters were prolific, and
there were pygmy seahores at 25 meters. Whitetip reef sharks live in the caves, and one cave
leads right through the centre of the island. As
you leave the light at one end, it becomes dark,
and as you swim onward, the blue light of the
other side comes into view. The cave has several
passageways and secret hidey holes, adorned in
thousands of lovely daisy corals, thorny oysters,
and sponges.
There is a guard’s house on the sheltered side
of Gato Island, with a sign that reads “Sea Snake
and Marine Life Sanctuary.” There are many sea
snakes, especially at the 3- to 5-meter depth,
where the juvenile sea snakes hang out. Some of
my best sightings were a large banded sea snake at
20 meters’ depth, a big coral moray, and a flighty
silver eel on the move. Gato Island is full of surprises and every dive had something new to offer,
such as porcelain crabs and squadons of squid.
Corals
The richness and biodiversity of Malapascua’s
soft coral reefs.
57
THE PACIFIC
More About Exotic Dive Resort
Exotic was the first dive shop and
nitrox station on Malapascua Island,
and it’s currently a one-stop diving
center with its own accomodation,
dive shop, restaurant/bar/ expresso,
transfers, dive safari boat, and internet
service. Boat dives cost USD $20 and
nitrox dives cost USD $26.
Their PADI dive centre offers a
complete range of dive courses, from
junior open water to divemaster. The
air and nitrox filling station operates
on three Bauer compressors and a
4,000-liter air bank. Exotic operates
four well-maintained traditional filipina
outrigger dive boats, called Bangkas.
The 24-meter long “Exotic 3” is one of
the biggest and fastest outrigger dive
boats in the Visayas. Ask about their
three- and four-day diving safaris (USD
$110/diver/day).
Exotic Dive Resort has beach frontage, a beach garden, and rooms range
from standard rooms with fan/airconditioning to deluxe air conditioned
rooms. Standard rooms cost USD
$20/night, and an air conditioned room
USD $40/night (both mid season).
Exotic’s in-house restaurant offers an
“a la carte” menu, with both local
flilipina and international cuisine. Their
banana, mango, and pineapple shakes
are amazing.
How to get there
Fly to Manilla, then Cebu, with
Philippine Airlines. If you arrive late in the
day, you will need to stay overnight in
Cebu. In Cebu, you will be picked up by
the Exotic Dive Centre, and transferred
to Malapascua by mini bus and boat.
The transfer takes about three
hours each way, but it is most enjoyable because you’ll see a lot of street/
village life along the way. Once your
there, it’s feet in the sand, lots of diving, and happy hour at Exotic’s bar.
What to take
Lots of film or digital diskspace,
and batteries. Nicads can be charged
overnight (Exotic has 24-hour power
from its three generators). It’s a good
idea to take anti-malarials, although
this area is said to be free of malaria.
Bottled water and softdrinks are readily
available.
The Tapilon is believed to be a Japanese shipwreck and is located at 29 meters off Tapilon Island,
hence its name. Although broken into three or four
segments, the Tapilon is a rich and rewarding dive
with lots of black coral trees, immense schools of
small barracuda (great wide-angle scenery), and
about 10 very lonely remoras.
An absolute highlight was diving with the
colourful mandarin fish at the Lighthouse dive
site. The trick is to arrive before dark and find a
colony of mandarin fish, then wait and see what
happens. As it starts to get dark you can see
the larger males chasing the females. The pair
rises up off the coral for a few seconds before
discharging their sperm and eggs into sea. It’s
a magical scene matched only by the amazing
phosphorescence in the ocean at night.
House Reef is an artificial reef created by Dik
and the locals, including Edgar, the boat captain.
An exciting array of marine animals has made
home on all sorts of bits and pieces, which they’ve
placed on the sandy seafloor, at 12 meters. It’s
fascinating to see how different critters are using
different types of artificial reef structures. Sea
urchins have colonised the roof and bonnets of
the two jeepneys, squid are laying eggs in the suspended bunches of tree branches, large healthy
sweetlips are hanging beneath the low bamboo
structures, and an orange frogfish lurks on the
spherical wire structure.
Three fat and healthy lionfish have made home
in one of the jeepneys – they hang about as if they
own it. The other jeepney has a big resident cuttlefish. On the sandy seafloor there are razor fish,
shrimp gobies, sole, sea biscuits (which look like
mice), and on one of the large tube-like structures,
I saw a stunning little juvenile lionfish.
Malapascua is one of the richest places I
have ever dived, for tropical marine life – and
the Exotic Dive Resort, one of the best and most
organized land-based diving resorts.
The local filipina people are warm and
welcoming, and you can freely walk all over
the island and visit the local villages. At sites
like Gato Island and North Point, the soft
coral gardens and critters need to be seen to
be believed, and you’ll see nudibranchs at
Gato Island that you may never see again. Oh,
and there are the thresher sharks of Monad
Shoal. The threshers alone make the trip
worthwhile! YVC
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DESTINATIONS...
(Restored to almost brand new condition!)
— CARIBBEAN
— MEDITERRANEAN
— NEW ENGLAND
— FLORIDA/BAHAMAS
— ALASKA
About the Writer/Photographer
— GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Tony Karacsonyi is a professional marine photographer who has been recognized globally for his
exciting images. Marine photography has taken Tony
to some of the world’s great places such as Papua
New Guinea’s: Siassi, Trobriand and D’Entrecasteaux
Islands,Tonga, Great Barrier Reef, Sabah, Ningaloo
Reefs and Australia’s Coral Sea. In 1998, he was
awarded with the prestigious Australian Geographic
“Photographer of the Year“, for photography on giant
If you’re looking for that special
cuttlefish and won several international awards,
including a ‘runner up’ position in the “Wildlife
luxury vacation experience that
Photographer of The Year” award in London, during
will leave you with unforgettable
1996, 1997, 1998.
tony@tonykphoto.com.au
memories – let Angela Connery
Information
Yacht Charters help you with
the details of your plans.
Call Toll Free
877.741.4448
© COPYRIGHT 2004 ANGELA CONNERY YACHT CHARTERS, INC.
INTERNATIONAL YACHT VACATIONS & CHARTERS MAGAZINE
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www.acyachtcharters.com
58
59
INTERVIEW
Easing the Move from
Charter to Ownership
An Interview with Michael Lynch and George Shull of First
New England Financial Prior to the Miami Boat Show
For the past 30 years, First New England Financial (FNE) has focused on small to mid-size
INTERVIEWED BY ROBYN FORMA
yacht loans. When the decision was made by FNE’s parent company, North Fork Bank, to
enter the superyacht financing arena, Michael Lynch, President of FNE, went to the person
who wrote the book in this marketplace.
60
YV&C: Mr. Lynch, can you tell us something
about First New England and North Fork Bank?
ML: First New England Financial has been in
yacht financing for over 30 years. When North
Fork Bank, a $60 Billion financial institution,
acquired FNE, they soon realized that they needed to complement their existing yacht business.
North Fork Bank was excited about bringing on
board George Shull as Senior Vice President /
Superyacht Financing. George is the man who
helped create this industry over 15 years ago.
Financial’s marine division in the early 1990’s,
there were no lenders doing large yacht lending.
What happened that propelled your business
and debis into this business?
GS: I had been engaged by Mercedes-Benz Credit
Corp. to look into financing programs for sistercompany products, initially in the medical industry which was my specialty. The results were so
positive for the Daimler medical subsidiary that
Daimler wanted to proceed with financing programs for MTU to boost their marine engine sales.
YV&C: George, people in the yacht industry
tell me that before you took the reins at debis
YV&C: From what I’ve heard, you were instrumental in making things happen at debis
Financial regarding MTU. What exactly did you
do to help MTU?
GS: It was apparent that the banking community was very negative on large yacht financing,
and MTU’s products were built strictly for larger
yachts. The industry was immersed in the punitive luxury tax and a lingering recession. After
meeting with industry leaders and the top yacht
builders, I was convinced that we could provide
yacht loans for the right people buying yachts
from the right builders, and the debis Board of
Directors acted accordingly. I simply set the
wheels in motion for the Daimler-Benz Board of
Directors to embrace an aggressive yet realistic
approach to supporting the MTU sales activity
through yacht financing. It really wasn’t me as
much as it was the timing.
YV&C: Who were some of the builders you Worked
with initially?
GS: Fortunately, MTU had introduced us to some
of the country’s top builders - people like Dick and
Brad Lazzara who were starting the new Lazzara
line. We worked closely with them and MTU on
that project and financed dozens of their initial
production. We also worked with David Ross at
Burger when he brought back that wonderful
company. We also worked closely with Westport
on their Westship line, Dick Peterson at Mikelson,
Dave Christensen, Mike Kelsey at Palmer Johnson,
Billy Smith at Trinity and many others.
YV&C: These are builders who are still in business. Do you anticipate doing business with them
again now that you’re with FNE?
GS: We certainly look forward to that opportunity.
These people and their companies were leaders
in the industry then and they’re still at the top
of their game, building better yachts than ever.
They’ve proved themselves over and over and
we hope that we can serve them and their clients
well.
YV&C: In addition to builders, where do your
clients come from?
GS: Many are existing yachtowners, but a good
percentage come from the charter business.
These are people who have chartered yachts a
number of times and enjoyed it so much that
they’ve finally decided that they want their own
yacht. Quite often, they need guidance when
making the move from chartering to ownership,
so it’s important for them to know that there are
experts in the fields of maritime law, yacht management and charter brokers who, along with our
assistance on the financial side, will help them
weave their way smoothly through the ownership process.
YV&C: What have you learned from your dealings with clients looking for financing of large
yachts? Can’t most of them simply pay cash for
their toys?
GS: Today’s clients are primarily looking for alternatives to paying cash for their yachts. Many
yacht buyers are self-made millionaires, and they
can do so much better keeping their money working for them in their own businesses compared
to the low rates they’ll pay on their yacht loans.
Basically, they’re looking for options to minimize
their acquisition cost.
YV&C: Do the millionaires who buy these yachts
require any special financial arrangements?
GS: Yes, quite often it’s the flexibility that the lender offers that makes the difference in meeting the
borrower’s needs and a successful relationship
is the reached. At North Fork Bank, and at First
New England, our policy is to listen to our clients,
respond to their needs, and perform accordingly.
This proactive team approach is our corporate
mantra, and our clients appreciate this as the way
to meet their needs.
YV&C: What type of yacht financing is generally
requested by your clients?
GS: In the eight-figure loan range, we see a lot of
requests for interest-only and shorter term loans
than one sees in the small-boat financing market.
Program selling doesn’t apply in this market; we
basically structure the loan to meet our clients’
requirements.
YV&C: Is First New England in the private banking business like some of its competitors?
GS: No. We’re in the business solely to provide our
clients with the most flexible and competitive yacht
financing they will find anywhere and we leave their
private banking needs to specialists in that area.
YV&C: Where do you see the yacht industry going
in the next five years?
GS: Continued growth of 5-10% annually in the
production of 100’ + yachts, along with the related
growth of the charter business. More and more
people now realize that there’s really nothing
quite comparable to yachting, and this, along with
the baby boomers who’ve done everything else,
will bode well for the industry for some time. YVC
“Our policy is
to listen to our
clients, respond
to their needs,
and perform
accordingly.
This is the
corporate
mantra at
North Fork
Bank and
First New
England
Financial.”
Information
For more information about First New England
Financial, please contact George Shull,
Senior Vice President, at (800) 262-8562
or by email at george.s@fnegroup.com
FIRST NEW ENGLAND
F I N A N C I A L
www.northforkbank.com
61
DINING
Chin Chin!
H
Break out the bubbly for any occasion –
Champagne has become a versatile drink
all over the world
WRITTEN BY AGHA KHAN
Nothing sounds like celebration quite like the pop of a Champagne bottle or the crash of a
bottle to launch a ship. Indeed, no romantic occasion is complete – wedding, New Year’s
Eve, or anniversary – without uncorking a bottle of treasured Krug, Veuve Cliquot, or Dom
Perignon, the hallowed names of Champagne. However as much as special celebrations
call for a flute full, Americans are catching on to what the French have known for generations: Champagne is a perfect beginning to any meal. Everything from a business lunch (and
no, they are not always three hours long in Paris, sadly) to a family dinner at home begins
beautifully with a tickling, pleasing, and energizing glass of Champagne.
62
ow did Champagne get its snobby reputation as anything but an everyday
drink? It likely began because of its
price. While it is possible to stop by the local
wine shop and pick up a perfectly acceptable
bottle of Italian red wine for $20 to go with
dinner, the comparable amount would buy a
“sparkling white wine” that bears only the vaguest resemblance to the Veuve you have come to
lovingly associate with the name Champagne. In
fact, a decent bottle of bubbly only begins in the
$40 range and goes upwards rather steeply from
there. It is not always price that serves to differentiate between an everyday Champagne and
a no-holds-barred-most-important-night-ofyour-life bottle to remember. What to consider
when choosing the right bottle? Let’s go through
the basics and tour a few premium houses and
vintages. You might be surprised by what you
discover. Of course, no discussion of the world’s
finest drink would be complete without a taste
test, so why not take your Champagne expertise
to France and see where it all comes from.
Although sparkling white and rosé wines are
harvested in Italy, Spain, and California, only
wines from a vineyard in the Champagne region
can properly be called Champagne. Proséccos
and Cavas can be exceptional drinks, but they
are not Champagnes. The region of
Champagne itself was legally defined in
1927 and its total area consists of only 3
percent of the total area under vine in
all of France. Given these percentages
it is easy to understand the supply
and demand that sets Champagne’s
premium price. The primary areas of
harvesting include the Montagne de
Reims, a large flat plateau, thickly carpeted with vineyards that slope gently
towards the valleys of the Vesle and the
Ardre to the north and the Marne to the
south. Also prominent in the region is
the Marne Valley, which extends from
Saucy-sur-Marne in Seine-et-Marne
to Tours-sur-Marne beyond Epernay.
The picturesque vineyards line the
flanks of the valley that slope more
or less gently towards the banks of
the river and nestle into smaller valleys on either side. Each vineyard is
divided into plots of land that are meticulously
classified according to their agricultural potential. Even though the Champagne vineyard is
small, only the optimal land is used to grow the
most exceptional grapes.
Not unlike a trip through the Napa Valley,
the best part of a leisurely drive through the
Champagne region is stopping at the individual
vineyards for a tour and taste. Unsurprisingly,
Champagne growers are particularly proud of
what they do, which they, as do many French,
see as more than harvesting a beloved product
but rather creating and exporting culture itself.
The French think of Champagne as not just a
beverage but also a lifestyle. To journey along “La
Route Touristique de Champagne” is to experience first-hand its origins, and inevitably, to fall
rapturously in love with the Champagne lifestyle.
After harvesting the grape, the characteristics of
the bottle are determined by choices made during the blending and dosage stages. The character of the Champagne is decided initially in the
blend, which is of still wines from different growing areas, the three grape varieties, and different
years. After the predetermined aging period, the
winemaker removes the yeast from the bottle
and adds a signature solution of wine and sugar
to determine where on the scale of sweetness
the Champagne will fall - anywhere
from extra dry to sweet.
The key to choosing the Champagne
to suit your taste is decoding the
label, which is actually quite simple
after defining the key terms. The
brand name is naturally a key factor for most buyers, who gravitate
towards familiar names. While it
may be helpful to know that a Krug
is generally revered, smaller houses
such as Laurent Perrier and Henriot
produce exceptional Champagnes
that may suit your palette even more.
The label also defines the level of
dosage, commonly brut or demisec. Brut Champagnes are dry while
demi-sec Champagnes have a sweetness that make them appropriate to
pair with a cheese plate dessert.
Each Champagne is either a nonvintage, meaning that still wines
It’s in the Grapes
A Blanc de Noirs can be made from either Pinor Noir
and/or Pinot Meunier grapes and are often characterized by fruitiness.
Size Matters
Remember the single serving bottles of POP
champagne that were all the rage a few
years back? If you’ve ever dropped a straw
into one and enjoyed fizzy sips or if you’ve
ever felt particularly flush and partied by the
magnum, you know that champagne bottles
come in more than the standard 75 cl size.
But have you ever treated your VIP table to
a Jeroboam or hosted a cocktail party with
a Balthazar? Take a look at the different size
bottle capacities, and all of a sudden popping open a regular bottle of Louis Roederer
Cristal will not seem quite as decadent a
way to start the evening. It might be time to
take the party up a notch.
Quart...................................................... 20 cl
Half bottle ........................................... 37.5 cl
Bottle ..................................................... 75 cl
Magnum .......................................... 2 bottles
Jeroboam ........................................ 4 bottles
Methuselah ..................................... 8 bottles
Salmansar ..................................... 12 bottles
Balthazar ....................................... 16 bottles
Nebuchadnezzar .......................... 20 bottles
63
DINING
Vineyards
Although sparkling white and rose wines are harvested in Italy, Spain, and California, only wines from
a vineyard in the Champagne region can properly be
called Champagne.
“There is only
one real way to
choose personal
favorites. So,
head to your
local wine shop
– or, better yet,
straight to
France – and
start testing”
64
of different years are blended together, or a
vintage, meaning the wine used is simply from
a single year. A winemaker will choose to produce a vintage only when he wants to showcase
an exceptional harvest on its own. Otherwise,
the house style is maintained and displayed
through the blend of its reserve and current
harvest. Champagnes can also be defined as
Blanc de Blancs or Blanc de Noirs, an expression
of the grape variety used. Only three varieties are permitted – Pinot noir, Pinot meunier,
and Chardonnay. Traditional brut or demi-sec
Champagnes utilize all three varieties, balancing
them out or playing with proportions for effect.
A Blanc de Blancs Champagne is made exclusively from the Chardonnay grape, which gives it
what connoisseurs refer to as “finesse.” A Blanc
de Noirs can be made from either Pinor Noir
and/or Pinot Meunier grapes and are often characterized by fruitiness. When a winemaker, or in
this case a “Champenois” wants to show off, he
will create a prestige cuvèe, an original creation
based on either the growing area or cru, the long
aging period, and the grape variety or the year,
thus creating a vintage Champagne.
Though you will not usually see it through
the bottle, by the time you pour your chosen
Champagne the color will be evident. Unless
it is a rosé, the color can be any variety of
gold from pale yellow to amber, to greenish or
grey. Wines darken as they age, so darker wines
will reflect a longer aging period and, usually, a
more powerful, intense flavor. Winemakers create rosé Champagne by adding red wine to white
wine. Though they suffered a bad reputation
in America as the floozy cousin of traditional
Champagne, they can actually be as refined as
traditional bottles. In fact, rosé Champagnes are
acquiring a cachet well beyond just being the
novelty of “pink Champagnes.”
Whatever your preference – dry or sweet, break
the bank or stock the fridge, or for anytime –
today’s Champagne makers create enough variety
to satisfy a multitude of tastes. It is always worth
considering some tried-and-true bottles known
for quality – if not, in many cases, value. Dom
Perignon’s creamy rosé may definitively convince
anti-pink purists that the girly color does not
have to mean reduced quality. Krug’s 1995 Clos
de Mesnil is a most coveted Blanc de Blancs,
because only slightly more than 12,000 bottles
were produced; and at $750 a bottle, one of the
most expensive out there, it is consumed only by
the true Champagne enthusiast. For the crème de
la crème of Blanc de Noirs, a Bollinger Blanc de
Noirs Vieilles Vignes Francaises 1997 is an excellent choice – if you can manage to get a hold of a
bottle. The French treasure it so much that only
40 cases cross the Atlantic to the United States
market. Other than the more hyped brands, sommeliers swear by smaller houses with strict attention to detail and dedication to the Champagne
craft, notably Laurent-Perrier, Henriot, Pol Roger,
and Salon. The Laurent-Perrier Grande Siecle is an
exceptional bottle, made without Pinot Meunier
grapes, just Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Their
rosé is also without question a delightful bottle.
However, this is only a starting point – there is only
one real way to choose personal favorites. So, head
to your local wine shop – or, better yet, straight to
France – and start testing.
Cheers! YVC
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65
The Federalist In XV Beacon
15 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 670-1500
www.xvbeacon.com
W
ith more than 10,000 bottles of rare wines in its cellar and a location that is not only in prestigious Beacon Hill, but also inside its most chic hotel, The Federalist has had Bostonians
buzzing since it opened. The hotel, XV Beacon, boasts an enviable address, and the décor
draws inspiration for traditional New England sophistication – with a decidedly modern twist. Inside The
Federalist, or The Fed, as it’s referred to by its die-hard regulars, dark wood provides a rich backdrop onto
which glowing chandeliers and partially deconstructed columns draw attention.
The painstaking detail is evident not only to the eye, but also to the palette. The kitchen offers regional
classics such as lobster bisque that even Martha Stewart would approve of while adding touches of
whimsy and culinary surprises in the form of reformulated classics. Noteworthy is the Beef Wellington
created with Hudson Valley foie gras and thyme Madeira sauce. The selection of caviar is as delightful a
way to begin the meal as the artisanal cheese plate is to end it. Though the homemade ice creams are
tempting, you won’t be disappointed by the Ash Bucheron from France, Roncal from Spain, Hazen Blue
from Vermont, and Taleggio from Italy, which are accented by a passion fruit puree and toasted walnut
levain.
Speaking of indulgence, the wine cellar, where one can even host a private dinner of up to 40 people
(perfect for oenophiles) is stocked with bottles not found anywhere in the world. Included in the collection is a 1907 Heidsieck Monopole rescued for a schooner sunk by a German U-boat. And as if that
weren’t legendary enough, the collection also includes 64 vintages of Chateaux Latour, 41 vintages of
Lafite, 39 vintages of Chateau Petrus, and 22 vintages of Chateau d’Yquem.
NEW YORK
Top Tables
BOSTON
DINING
The Fed
Dark wood provides a rich backdrop onto which glowing chandeliers and partially deconstructed columns
draw attention.
Country
Carlton Hotel
90 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(212) 889-9100
www.carltonhotelny.com
Gliding down the Eastern Seaboard can build an appetite!
Take yours to our picks for the finest dining in coastal
cities along the Atlantic
What better way to experience a city than through its cuisine? Though the personal chef on
your megayacht may disagree, a trip down the Atlantic coastline of the United States would
not be complete without dinner stops along the way. Whether you’re looking for a classic
haute cuisine experience or the newest see-and-be-seen hotspot, these cities serve up the
best on a nightly basis. Our top picks for every palette showcase the latest trends in the
kitchen along with a dining ambiance to suit the most special occasions.
66
F
rom acclaimed chef Geoffrey Zakarian, known previously for his Town restaurant on Manhattan’s
Upper West Side, comes a new venture, Country. The chic restaurant pushes the revitalizing
efforts of its lower Madison Avenue neighborhood measurably forward, giving foodies throughout
Manhattan a reason to venture to the area. Inside the Carlton Hotel, Zakarian and his design team had a
wealth of resources to tap into – most notably, original hand-laid mosaic tile from the 1920s and a striking
Tiffany stained glass dome that serves as the visual center of the second floor dining room. The large twostory space is filled with intimate enclaves, such as the champagne bar upstairs, lending a cozy feeling to
the dining experience. Oak paneling and sumptuous leather abound, making reference to a bygone era
of American elegance with distinctly European touches here and there.
The same is true of the menu. Under the direction of Zakarian and Executive Chef Eric Psaltis, the
menu is a delightful blend of American and European as well as of formal and casual. Look out for
organic soft boiled eggs served with crunchy ham, croutons, and asparagus marmalade; lobster soup
with lobster salpicon and fennel cream; duck frisee lardon salad, which features a Chinese-style ducklet,
remoulade and pickled red onions; and fresh and crisp market salads with herbs, greens, and shaved
vegetables. Standouts also include the salt and pepper shrimp as well as the lamb gyro with yoghurt and
hummus.
Though only the downstairs floor, the Café at Country, has been fully operational since October, the
second floor dining room has hosted select parties. Featuring a massive, open kitchen, chef’s table, and
banquet facilities, the second floor dining room is the epitome of Beaux Arts elegance.
Country
A Tiffany stained-glass dome serves as the visual center of the second floor dining room.
67
MIAMI WASHINGTON D.C.
DINING
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Inde Bleu
707 G Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 333-2538
www.bleu.com/indebleu
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Customized crewed charters aboard 10 of the finest
owner-operated Alaskan yachts available
T
“The main
event is
clearly the
steak”
he perfect blend of refinement and trendiness, Inde Bleu is the “it” spot of Washington D.C.
Everyone from the city’s young and hip crowd to visiting sports celebrities to the who’s who of
Capitol Hill counts Inde Bleu as a local favorite. Housed in a former art gallery downtown, the multilevel 10,000 square foot space has room enough for several purposes and ambiances. Upon entering,
patrons are welcomed by a space-age bar (usually packed with the city’s most beautiful people). Further
into the space is the multicolored, cushy lounge, replete with couches, space-age seating pods, private
nooks, and romantic crannies. Fun DJs create the mood with a variety of world beats. A lounge menu is
available for those who get the munchies, but the main action is the inventive cocktail menu. Inde Bleu’s
mixologists have created more than 50 specialty drinks to tempt and please even the most adventurous
fun seekers. Bottle service is available for those who want to settle in for a while.
Upstairs, though lively, has a decidedly more sophisticated ambiance where the focus is squarely
on the food. Beautifully appointed dining rooms on the second floor are bustling without verging on
the frenetic. The menu is set up for a four-course dining experience, although it is possible to order a la
carte as the diner’s preference dictates. Chef Vikram Garg creates dishes for maximum impact, blending
traditions, spices, and styles of France and India. Start with the rabbit confit samosa on apple chutney
with rum raisin jus and toasted pistachio or white tandoori shrimp with shaved fennel, chiffonade of
romaine, and artisanal goat cheese to whet your appetite for the flavor fusions in store. The seared foie
gras sandwich with rose petal marmalade and garam masala brioche is a favorite of the next course’s
offerings, while main course standouts include the pan-seared tenderloin of veal with cardamom sweet
bread sauce, stuffed tandoori potato and garden fava beans, as well as the tandoori lamb rack with green
lentil ragout, grilled Portobello, and sauce mojito. Despite the multitude of offerings, there are truly only
two ways to end the meal – either the Basmati rice and kaffir lime brulee with winter berries or the Choco
Sutra, what Inde Bleu describes as “an orgy of chocolate over brandied cherries in pomegranate glaze.”
This is fantasy food come to life!
Whale watching • Gourmet food • Great family trips
Wildlife encounters • Quaint small villages • Fishing, Crab, Shrimp
Sea kayaking, Hiking • Quiet isolated anchorages
Come be a part of the real Alaska with experienced Alaskan Crews
www.Alaska-Charter-Yachts.com Info@Alaska-Charter-Yachts.com
Greek Islands Sailing
Prime One Twelve
112 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 532-8112
www.prime112.com
D
on’t let word steakhouse fool you – Prime One Twelve is no ordinary hunk-of-beef-and-bakedpotato kind of place. Part of owner Myles Chefetz’s culinary empire that includes Nemo, Shoji
Sushi, and Big Pink, Prime One Twelve is tucked into the South-of-Fifth-Street neighborhood of
ever-trendy South Beach. In the historic Browns Hotel, the restaurant was designed by Alison Antrobus
to create a “sexy, sophisticated steakhouse” using the concepts of suspension and the interplay between
permanence and impermanence. Also preserved from the original hotel were the hexagon mosaic tiles
at the entrance and vestibule as well as broken colorful tile in the lobby.
Though foodies and critics are prone to argument over whose beef is the best in the city, there is
frankly very little room for debate that Prime One Twelve serves not only the best in Miami, but also some
of the best in the country. As with many fine meals, the best way to begin is with caviar. Prime One Twelve
serves a selection of Sevruga or Ossetra caviar with all the traditional accompaniments. Other great starts
include the pan-seared diver scallops and the yellowfin tuna tartare. However, the main event is clearly
the steak. For the serious, only the 12-ounce filet mignon will do, although a 48-ounce porterhouse
meant for two (at least!) is great for sharing. The selection of sauces takes the experience to another sensory level – try the Prime 112 Steak sauce, the Bearnaise, Cabernet, or Chimichurri. The variety of butters
is tempting too, especially the truffle, gorgonzola, or chipotle lime. Though the filet mignon is a natural
choice, the 1-pound Kobe hamburger is delicious, and they even serve a Kobe beef hot dog.
Reservations for dinner or even lunch are coveted because Prime One Twelve plays host to the city’s
most powerful wheeling and dealing. So, call ahead for your next power lunch or celebratory dinner.
68
Explore the beauty of the Greek Islands in
one of our charter yachts, and enjoy the
experience of a lifetime.
Use our 25 years of experience to plan
your itinerary, and choose the perfect
yacht for your vacation from our large
selection of yachts.
Visit our website http://www.alphayachting.com
USA: 1-954-234 2203, email: info@alphayachting.com
GREECE: +30 210 9680486/7, Fax. +30 210 9680488, mano@otenet.gr
69
INTERVIEW
Long-Standing Relationships with Their Clients
That’s what this full service brokerage house is all about
An Interview with Alex Braden, Managing
Director of Yachting Partners International,
at the International Yacht Charter Meeting
in Genoa, Italy
INTERVIEWED BY ROBYN FORMA
YV&C: Alex, How are you today?
AB: I’m very well, thank you.
YV&C: How’s the show going for you so far?
AB: Very well so far. It’s only really started but it’s a
good show, it’s a very professional show. I think we
have about 12 boats here this year, I think we had
about 16 booked in but as always because of the
time of the year, we always have [a few] that are late
who are delayed coming in from the shipyard.
YV&C: Sixteen, wow, that’s a big number [for one
show]. Do they range in size and type, sailing
yachts, motor yachts, etc?
AB: We have a couple of the smallest boats here
and we sometimes have the biggest. Last year we
had M/Y Christina O here, which was one of the
biggest, this year we’ve got 45- or 50-meter boats,
which are the biggest we have here this year. It
varies every year.
Video Playlist
Watch LIVE video coverage of the 2005 IYCM (including this interview) at yachtchartersmagazine.tv
YV&C: And how many yachts does Yachting
Partners International (YPI) manage overall?
AB: I think we have 36 big yachts that we manage overall, which is quite a good chunk of boats
to look after, spread all over the world. We’re not
just in the Mediterranean; we’re in the Indian
Ocean, the Pacific, in Southeast Asia and in the
Caribbean, of course, America also.
YV&C: So you must have offices all over the world?
AB: No, we don’t actually. We travel a lot. We have a
main administrative office, where all of our technical
teams and things are, out of the UK. Then we have
two offices in the South of France and we have a very
good liaison with Northrop & Johnson in America
who we relate to a lot. So we’re well spread but we’re
not in all areas of the world. You can’t have offices in
every area that we work in so we travel – a lot.
YV&C: Tell me, what are the most popular destinations with YPI clients?
AB: The Mediterranean remains the big destination, stronger than the Caribbean, stronger than
anywhere else at the moment. But we particularly
pride ourselves on persuading our clients to be a
little more adventurous so we “push” our clients into
new areas – we do quite a bit of Indian Ocean work,
Southeast Asia, Pacific – Australia, New Zealand and
further afield – South America even. It’s probably not
so commercially viable, because it takes a lot of time,
but it’s enjoyable for us and for the client.
70
YV&C: Now Yachting Partners International is
not just a Yacht Brokerage Firm, you provide
other services as well, correct?
AB: Yes, we’re what they call a full service brokerage house. We’re also the longest-serving brokerage house under one ownership – we’ve been
under one ownership since 1972. We do yacht
chartering, yacht management, and retail chartering – we do both sides of that. We also do sales; but
we also do a very big technical support [business].
We have a technical office with naval architects,
engineers, and accountants running big yachts
all over the world. So we have administration
contracts, we do new build contracts, supervision of new builds, owners representatives; we do
big refits, we’ve also got a very good crew agency,
which is a very important part of how this all
works – I mean all these boats are nothing without
the crew – the best boat in the world is very second
rate if the crew is not first rate. So we have a very
strong crew agency, YPI crew, which works very
well and is a very good support for the rest of our
business. We’re thought of as being probably being
the more conservative company in the game.
YV&C: Why is that?
AB: Because we’re slightly old fashioned in how
we think. We believe in doing things correctly, we
maintain our clients for a very long time. We’re not
always looking for new clients, we’re not always
looking for the new business – we’re looking for
long-standing relationships. We look after our
clients. I think with some of our clients we’re now
on the third generation. We have many clients
whom we’ve taken through different phases of
their lives – from being charterers to owners, to
building new boats, and back to chartering. We
look after all those different aspects; we really like
to feel that we take care of our clients. We’re not
very avaricious, we don’t need to be – we’re in a
very stable situation. We’re not desperate to do the
business; we’re desperate to keep the client – over
a long time.
YV&C: Is there anything else that you’d like to add
about YPI?
AB: I think just to say that we enjoy the business.
It should be fun – it’s fun for the client, it’s fun for
us. It’s a very serious business, it’s a real business,
it should be done professionally, but it should
remain fun – it shouldn’t become something that’s
too stressful for anybody. YVC
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YACHT PROFILE
both from the cabin and from the lobby (as a
day head). LED lighting and halogen reading
spotlights, integrated television systems, and
generous storage spaces make for comfortable
living. Natural fabrics such as silk and cotton
used in the Roman blinds, headboards, and bed
covers, plus large leather floor tiles contrasting
with the wool carpets, complement the large
clean bulkheads of wood and lacquer. I want
Cecilia to come and make over my apartment in
Nice!
The overall concept of the boat is a wide body
to give the impression of a larger motor yacht,
with sea keeping being given priority over outand-out speed – not that she is lacking in that!
(Engine and propulsion options offer 50-knot top
speed. The second boat has MTU 2000 engines.)
Her styling is clean and reflects CNM’s philosophy
to use simple classic lines, reducing everything to
the essential. “The refinement and elegance of
the past is evident, but in a completely new way,
to hold its appeal,” says Salvatore D’Agostino.
The white foredeck and superstructure set off
the deep navy blue hull perfectly. Jet drives give
the benefits of a smaller boat, the low draft allows
for maneuverability in shallower waters, and allround visibility from the helm station all make
backing into a tight spot a pleasure. The GRP hull
has a 17-degree dead rise while chines support
the boat during tight turns, the jets also contributing to dynamic stability.
The Continental 80 is a boat designed for
those who like to drive and to be distinguished
from the crowd of mass-production boats in an
understated way – the feel of a custom build of
past eras with a modern twist. The typical buyer
– or charterer – that the Continental will appeal
to is a wealthy individual who could probably
afford, but does not want to own, a larger yacht
and demands top quality and style – perhaps
something to use in the summer in conjunction
with a holiday home in Sardinia or the Bahamas,
or maybe as a base from which to watch the
America’s Cup in Valencia. YVC
Continental 80
A new concept from Cantieri Navali del Mediterraneo
The clean exterior styling of the new 42knot, hardtop cruiser from CNM in Italy
provides for an exciting charter boat on the
Costa Smeralda this summer, reports Nick
Jeffery
WRITTEN BY
NICK JEFFERY
72
T
he new Continental 80 is a fast 42-knot,
waterjet-propelled, hardtop cruiser
designed for contemporary living, combining classic looks with fashionable features
and a feeling of understated elegance.
CNM is a new company, however it has
employed some of the most experienced designers and production staff in the business who
have worked with names such as Perini Navi,
Wally and Baia and they have pooled their ideas
to push forward of more complacent and reactive
builders, both in engineering and style. A floating floor system of aluminium frames on rubber
mounts eliminates low frequency vibrations so
noise levels are extremely low. Ergonomic details
such as those found at the console, inspired by
aeronautical design, allow for a thrilling driving
and living experience. The dashboard and the
seating are finished in hand-stitched “Nubuck
Nougat” leather, and the three-spoke oak wheel
is modelled on that of a 1960s Ferrari.
The saloon is spacious and the design flows
between interior and exterior. Similar ribbed
oak and stainless steel tables and strips of overhead LED lighting give a harmonious feel. A pair
of electrically operated overhead skylights slide
open to extend that indoor/outdoor ambience.
A large galley, leading aft to the crew accommodation and laundry/engine room, is equipped
to professional standards and incorporates a
mess table that could be used by crew or for a
“self-service midnight snack” by guests. This boat
has the excitement of the new breed of day boat
yet invites you to stay aboard at night too.
Descending a few steps forward from the
saloon to the sleeping accommodation, one can
immediately sense the architectural influence
from Cecilia Bronner – the space is more like a
modern loft apartment than a boat. Established
in residential and commercial projects, her specialist knowledge draws on a philosophy of
stripping out excess to make room for the best.
The master suite is forward finished in ribbed
oak and lacquer, its large bathroom has two circular glass washbasins, and these as well as the
big glass-fronted shower cubicle are equipped
with top Italian brand fittings. A VIP double
cabin, twin-bedded cabin, and a large single/
cozy “French” double are all similarly finished,
and the latter has its shower room accessible
About the Writer
Nick Jeffery has devoted his life to the world of yachting. Having qualified as a naval architect he worked in
the studio of Ed Dubois. He then took a Masters in
Industrial Design at the Royal College of Art, before joining Martin Francis in Antibes working on the superyacht
Eco. Returning to London he became Editor of Boat
International before joining Camper & Nicholsons as
Specifications
Length Overall: .......................... 25.6m (84ft)
Length waterline: ................ 23.6m (77ft 5in)
Beam: ..........................................6.10m (20ft)
Draft: ........................................ 1.15m (3ft 9in)
Displacement: ................................53 tonnes
Fuel capacity: ................................6000 litres
Water capacity: .............................2000 litres
Accommodation:...........8 guests in 4 cabins
Crew: ......................................................... 1-2
Engines: .................CAT – C32 DA 1825hp x2
(options: MTU 16V 2000 M91 2000hp x2
or MTU 16V 2000 M93 2400hp x2)
Waterjets: ................ Kamewa Rolls Royce x2
(options: Arnesson D15 Surface Drives or
Traditional shaft & propellers)
Maximum speed: ............................ 42 knots
(*50 knots with MTU 2400hp)
Cruising speed: ................................ 36 knots
Range (cruising): ................350 nautical miles
Guide price:................... €3.5-4.0 million euro
(depending on options)
Designers: ..Alberto Ascenzi, Cecilia Bronner,
Massimo Paperini
Contact:
CNM
Cantieri Navali del Mediterraneo SpA
Via Mario de’ Fiori, 42
00187 Rome
Italy
Tel: +39 06 67 83 699
Email: info@cnmspa.com
Manager of Marketing. He continues to pursue his love
of sailing including transatlantic and ocean passages
in the South Pacific and Caribbean. Based in Nice, he
remains a world authority on the yacht market with
a growing client base that includes many of the top
names in the inudstry.
nj@nickjeffery.com
73
YACHT PROFILE
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Makani
Jon Jepson, veteran Hawaii sea captain,
welcomes you to preview a truly thrilling sailing experience aboard Makani,
Honolulu’s newest luxury catamaran,
whose technology and elegant amenities
make her unique.
74
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Luxury catamaran in Hawaii
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M
akani is a 65-foot lavish sailing cat built
by Gold Coast Yachts in St. Croix, U.S.
Virgin Islands. From stern to bow, port
to starboard, no expense has been spared to make
the world class Makani among the most maneuverable and fastest vessels crafted while still residing in a class all its own. Meticulously constructed
using ultra-high technology, Makani employs
foam-infused poly-carbon fiber, making the yacht
up to 40 percent lighter. The 70-ft mast was created Southern Spars Racing of New Zealand. North
Sails in Hawaii crafted the 3DL sails. The props
were made by Gori of Europe. In gear they open
up and, when sailing, they fold up similar to a
squid for less drag. Her hardware was provided by
Harken Yacht Equipment, world-renowned supplier to the finest yachts. She has state of the art
navigation and radar, chart plotter, and GPS. The
interior has been meticulously designed and she
boasts a state of the art surround-sound stereo
system with TV and wireless Internet service.
Captain Jepson left Honolulu last October for St.
Croix in order to personally supervise every detail
of the construction of Makani.
“The idea for the Makani was to design a catamaran technically, structurally, and specifically for
Hawaiian waters. The waves in Hawaii can be very
extreme. Because Makani is lighter and stronger
than wood/fiberglass construction, she draws less
water and cuts through the waves more quickly,”
said Captain Jepson. Makani is a luxurious, hightech Grand Prix–style catamaran. People who take
the charter will not only feel the thrill of the speed
when she cuts through the waves, but also as she
moves more smoothly through the water.”
Makani is certain to make a memorable impression upon any business meeting, pleasure adventure, wedding, or romantic occasion. Capable of
private chartering for up to 80 people, Makani will
provide three daily sailings for Honolulu visitors
and residents. A morning, afternoon, and romantic
sunset cruise will each serve appetizers with full bar
service available. Daily sails will be limited to fewer
than 50 passengers in order to provide a comfortable setting for each sail. Whether in the cabin, on
deck, or lying on the nets, each Makani passenger
will enjoy a truly remarkable experience that he or
she will not soon forget.
“Even after 16 years of working in the Honolulu
tourism industry, I still get a kick out of seeing the
smiling faces of people the first time they experience a thrill of a sailing adventure,” says Captain
Jepson. “Makani means wind, and that’s exactly
how she will sail. I am anxious to return home to
Honolulu next month to once again enjoy all of
the smiling faces.”
Makani may not touch all of the more than six
million Hawaii tourists, but the ones she does will
not forget the thrill of their experience aboard this
magnificent ocean-going catamaran.
Captain Jon and crew depart from the Virgin
Islands and head to Hawaii through the Panama
Canal and into Pacific waters, tying up in homeport in Kewalo Basin, Honolulu. YVC
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YACHT PROFILE
Ultimate Holiday
Every type of yacht to suit
every type of requirement
Chartering a yacht is the ultimate holiday in terms of style, service, venue, and flexibility. It
is a unique way to indulge in total freedom and privacy in the most luxurious surroundings.
With a huge variety of destinations and yachts from which to choose and spanning the four
corners of the world, Blue Water Yachting charter professionals are dedicated to assisting
their clients every step of the way in planning the perfect vacation or corporate event.
76
M
otor Yacht Alaska is the epitome of luxury and style. A very social yacht offering
guests sumptuous facilities, the flow
from indoor to outdoor living and entertaining on
the bridge deck is a seamless transition. Complete
with lush fabrics, raw-silk paneled walls, sheersilk roman blinds, and American walnut cabinets
featuring herringbone inlays and ebonized walnut
accents – this is heaven on the water. Inside the
owner’s stateroom, an unobstructed 270-degree
view can be exclusively enjoyed while retaining
the utmost privacy. A unique, elevated private area
is located forward on the main deck, with hot tub
and lounge area that can only be entered through
the suite itself.
The Benetti Classic 120’ Wild Thyme is another
addition to our fleet for 2006. Newly launched
from the Benetti Shipyard in Via Reggio, this
superb vessel is ready to welcome guests in the
Mediterranean from the spring. This is the only
Benetti Classic 120’ to cruise the Mediterranean to
date, offering superb interior and exterior spaces,
pure style in furniture and fabrics designed with a
meticulous eye, and no compromise. Italian flair
and superlative comfort awaits her first discerning
guests.
Existing yachts in Blue Water Yacht’s fleet are
continuing to cruise the western Mediterranean
this season, including the 35-m Benetti Classic,
Felidan, the 30-m fast yacht Mangusta Equilibrium,
the Azimut 80’ Carre d’as, and the 42-m Il Cigno
returns from the Caribbean very soon to begin
her summer in the South of France. We have every
type of yacht to suit every type of requirement.
Blue Water Yacht charter management services
extend to crew placement, quality provisioning,
event organization, limousine transfers, and restaurant reservations to the more unique requests
or leisure pursuits. They offer a tailor-made, unrivalled, first-class service. Contact them for a copy
of our blue Water Yacht charter services portfolio.
M/Y Alaska Specifications
Builder: ...........................Shipworks Brisbane
Year: ........................................................ 2004
LOA: ............................................144’ (43.9m)
Beam: ......................................... 28’3’’ (8.6m)
Engines: ......................... 2 x caterpillar 3412e
Draft: ................................................ 6’6’’ (2m)
Guests: ....................................................... 10
Fuel: .................................................... 64000 l
Speed Max: ...................................... 16 knots
Range:............................. 3000 nm @ 14 knts
Cruising Speed: ............................... 12 knots
Flag: .......................................Cayman Islands
Tonnage: ..............................................457 grt
MCA: ............................................ commercial
Cruising Area: ............ Mediterranean – west
Charter Rate: .......... Euros 125,000 per week
Accommodation:.....Owners suite, vip suite,
2 guest double, 1 twin
“ Comfort, style,
entertainment,
watersports,
crew courtesy,
and professionalism are all vital
details that en
sure a successful and memorable charter”
Perfection Found – M/Y Alaska
Alaska is the latest edition to Blue Water’s prestigious
fleet. Every detail in the design, engineering, and
construction of this Shipworks 144 was an uncompromised and passionate quest for the perfect yacht.
Unmistakable is her elegant tri-deck silhouette and
sleek, flawless, blue-black hull. By all measure she is
the quintessential expression of the modern superyacht
and the highest evolved form of the shipbuilder’s art.
Information
To enquire about Alaska, Wild Thyme
availability, or any of our fleet visit
www.bluewateryachting.com or call
Rebecca Cutter or Rachel Bradley.
Office: + 33 (0) 4 93 34 34 13 or
cell phone: + 33 (0) 6 20 20 06 11
77
CARIBBEAN
Close quarters
promote a
great
experiece
Ladies’ Week in the BVIs
PHOTO: CAT SCHIELD
When I signed up to sail for a week in the British Virgin Islands with a crew of women I
hardly knew, I would never have guessed that we would have enjoyed such camaraderie or
that I would have learned so much. Not having previously vacationed aboard a boat before
and never in such close quarters with five other women, I trusted an old friend of mine
when he told me that I would share “good karma” with these co-workers of his. Seven days
on a 52.5-ft Sun Odyssey called Pure Indulgence proved him right.
WRITTEN BY CAT SCHIELD
78
W
e met at the airport at the too-early
hour of 4 a.m. for our flight from
Minneapolis to St. Thomas. In an
effort to become somewhat familiar with each
other, we had met a few times for dinner and
had wisely used our final meeting to plan meals
and order groceries online. As three of us stood
in the long check-in line, we speculated about
whether Shauna would be joining our adventure. Since she had not taken a vacation in five
years, there had been a wager among her coworkers based on whether she would go. There
was $230 on the line saying she’d stay home.
However when we arrived at the gate, there she
was. I asked her when she decided to go and
she replied, “At three o’clock this morning when
my alarm went off.” A key factor in the decision
was shoes: she had purchased three new pairs
for the trip.
An uneventful though bumpy flight carried us
far from the snow-covered tundra of Minnesota
to the green-and-blue wonderland of St. Thomas.
We were a 50-minute ferry ride to Tortola and an
hour-long cab ride from our home for the next
week. As I leaned out of the cab window and
tried to snap pictures of the towns and coastline
while our taxi wound along the road that snaked
between the towering inland hills and the spectacular blue water of Sir Francis Drake Channel,
I was struck by the uncluttered landscape that
featured tropical plants and cacti, as well as goats
and chickens.
Our boat was waiting for us at Sunsail in
Hodge’s Creek Marina. My first glimpse of her met
all of my expectations. At 52.5 feet, she was the
biggest boat I had ever sailed on. All members of
the crew, experienced or not, were pleased with
the accommodations. There was a complimentary
bottle of Pusser’s Rum and Painkiller mix awaiting
us in the galley, but not all of the crew could wait
for the captain to crack her seal so a quick run up
to the bar brought back the BVI standard. I was
determined to try the special drink of each island,
and where better to begin than a blend of rum,
pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and orange
juice over ice, topped with freshly grated nutmeg.
A Painkiller is ordered by number, one to five, with
the number indicating how many shots go into
the drink.
With the arrival of dusk, Amy hauled out two
strings of fish-shaped lights and draped them on
the boat. Not only would these lend a festive air
to our evening happy hours, but they would also
help us find our way back to our boat in a dark
harbor filled with similar-looking sailboats after
we had dined, danced, and sipped our island concoctions.
After a quick map briefing, we head out of the
harbor. The BVI are known for their steady trade
winds, great snorkeling, and festive entertainment.
They are also known for their coral reefs, a fact made
immediately apparent to me as our depth gauge in
the channel showed us a mere six inches of clearance. We all breathed easier in deeper water and
headed toward our first destination, Cooper Island.
A storm off Cape Hatteras had pushed clouds and
a misting rain our way. The quick briefing we had
received on the boat had not prepared us for the
way the mainsail tangled in the lazy jacks as we
tried to raise it, and since our crew had not all sailed
together before, we had to establish who should be
responsible for what lines. However, it doesn’t take
a boat full of successful type-A women long to sort
things out and half an hour later we were tacking
toward that evening’s mooring. We decided it was
too cold for snorkeling and that we wouldn’t be
girls if we didn’t want to see what the gift shop had
to offer. Shopping for t-shirts and ankle bracelets
proved to be thirsty work, and we adjourned to the
beachside bar for Cooper’s Dreams, Bloody Marys,
and Painkillers.
The next day the famous BVI weather reasserted itself except for one thing: we had wind
– lots of wind. With Amy at the helm, we put Pure
Indulgence through her paces. She topped out at
11 knots, which was faster than I’d ever gone in a
sailboat, and the adrenaline rush carried us into
the harbor at Jost Van Dyke and through dinner at
Foxy’s. We shopped, dined, and danced – a ritual
that typified the nights to come.
Around the north side of Tortola our girl carried
us into Marina Cay and toward real showers. At
the top of the island is a happy hour bar as well as
some rousing entertainment with a pirate theme
by Michael Beans. As the sun set through the palm
fronds, I glanced around at our crew, lost in revelry,
and realized that I had not expected to so enjoy
the company of strangers. We were six: three single, career-driven women, and three single moms.
What we shared was a passion for sailing and new
experiences. Our differences made us interesting to
each other. Our differences also made us interesting to others. We ranged in age from 33 to 53. Three
members of our crew were born outside the United
States: Shauna from Korea, Anne from Hong Kong,
and Sonia from Sweden.
The trip wouldn’t have been complete without
a trip to The Baths at the southern end of Virgin
Gorda. For $3, a taxi takes you from the marina to the
National Park. We arrived late in the afternoon and
the sun cast a golden tone over the massive boulders
piled on the seashore. The trail through the pile of
giant stones proved challenging to follow, even for
my companions who had been there the year before,
but eventually we returned to the top in time for a
refreshing dip in the pool before dinner.
Our time for snorkeling was growing short so
we decided to go to Salt Island and the Wreck of
the Rhone, a 150-ft iron ship that had gone down
during a hurricane in 1867. It is a popular site for
snorkelers and divers. Our trip wouldn’t have been
complete without an opportunity to explore the
salt ponds and settlement. Once an important
source of salt for the British Royal Navy, today the
sleepy island offers one of the most unspoiled and
charming spots we had discovered all week.
As we motored back into port, remarking how
the week had ended unlike it had begun – without
wind or rain – I pondered how I too had ended my
time in the British Virgin Islands as a changed person. A week on a boat with all women has brought
with it an opportunity to recall old sailing skills, a
chance to get to know some amazing new friends,
and above all, the experience of waking up in the
morning and going on deck to look out at the water,
inhale the trade winds, and realize that wherever
we went that day the sun would be warm, the rum
would be flowing, and the food would be simple
fare with an elegant presentation. YVC
“ As the sun set
through the
palm fronds, I
glanced around
at our crew, lost
in revelry, and
realized that I
had not expected to so enjoy
the company
of strangers”
PHOTO: ERIK WESTGARD
About the Writer and Photographer
Cat Schield is a freelance writer from St. Paul, MN. Erik
Westgard is employed in telecommunication, has sailed
for 30 years, and has run many charters to the islands.
Information
79
YV&C SPONSORED EVENT
VIDEO PLAYLIST
2005 Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting
Watch LIVE video coverage of
the 44th Annual ACYM Show
at yachtchartersmagazine.tv
Including interviews with...
Parsifal 3: Michelle Reid
Private Lives: Capt. Mike Denman
Sarina: Capt. Jean Marc Bitouzet
True North: Capt. Tim Comstock
Va Bene: Capt. Nick Line
Victoria of Strathearn: Chris Brown
Galaxy: John Armstrong
Churchill Yacht Partners: Maggie Vale
Mary-Jean: David Richardson
Northern Light: Capt. Scott Johnson
Dione Star: Jude Harrison Purser
Marigot Bay: Molly McDaniel
Dream: Capt. Pat O’Brien
FBO 2000: Makeda Mikael
Celebration: Capt. Ennalls Berl
Ana Nefeli: Alexandros Mazarakis
Blue Moon II: Capt. Watson de Silva
AMPM Crew Solutions: Peter Alexander
80
81
YV&C SPONSORED EVENT
2005 St. Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibition
VIDEO PLAYLIST
Watch LIVE video coverage of
the 44th Annual ACYM Show
at yachtchartersmagazine.tv
Including interviews with...
ADVERTISER INDEX
Alaska Charter Yachts
www.Alaska-Charter-Yachts.com
Alpha Yachting
www.alphayacthing.com
954-234-2203
69
Angela Connery Yacht Charters
www.acyachtcharters.com
877-741-4448
59
Bartram & Brakenhoff
www.bartbrak.com
401-862-1977
25
Beka - Cornish
www.beka-cornish.com
00 34971213073
21
Ben’s Yacht Services
www.WestCoastJeeps.com
758-459-5457
65
Blue Water Yacht Charters
800-732-7245
55
BVI Sailing
www.bvisailing.com
800-648-3393
55
Camper & Nicholsons International www.cnconnect.com
377-9797-7700
17
Charter Brokers of Alaska
www.charterbrokersofalaska.com
888-530-2628
83
DeltaAirElite
www.AirElite.com/member
877-DAE-JETS
100
DreamSailing
www.dreamsailing.com
+33 6 64 03 70 20
Executive Jet Management
www.ExecutiveJetManagement.com
First New England Financial
www.northforkbank.com
800-262-8562
15
Gevril
www.mayors.com
800-4MAYORS
99
Golden Yachts
www.goldenyachts.gr
302109673203/4
2,3
Golden Yachts
www.goldenyachts.gr
3021096732003/4
45
632-288-3401
59
866-577-7701
37
7
Irma Fishing & Trading
Sun Resorts Intl.: Michael S. Olszewski
Luxurious Lifestyles at Sea
www.llatsea.com
Marcrista Luxury Charters
www.marcrista.com.au
Ocean Charters
www.oceancharters.com
800-922-4833
69
Ocean Independence
www.ocean-independence.com
19545249366
39
Aqualibrium: Capt. Gordon Ward
Ocean Yacts
www.ocean-yachts.com
302 10985 5518
59
Shalimar: Capt. Marcel Dekker & Mervyn Twilley
Remax Waterfront Properties
www.3001NE36street.com
954-294-4808
94,95
SeaDream Yacht Club
www.SeaDreamCharter.com
800-707-4911
51
South Seas & Tuttomare
www.southseas.it
39081 245.2402
55
Stabbert Maritime
www.stabbertmaritime.com
206-547-6161 x116
27
The Sacks Group
www.sacksyachts.com
954-764-7742
5
Mia Elise: Chef Stephan von Loggerenberg
TSH Aero One Inc
www.smartaircharter.com
242-677-8702
65
Arietta: Capt. Shane Reid
Valef Yachts Ltd
www.valefyachts.com
215-641-1624
49
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises
www.windjammer.com
1-800-327-2601
83
561-835-0226
43
Touch: Capt. David Rutherford
The Cupecoy Yacht Club: Angie Sollinger
Dramaless: Dramaless
Lady Goodgirl: Lady Goodgirl
Golden Boy: Capt. Ian Benjamin
Yacht Charter Group Inc.
RM Elegant: Capt. Fotis Lessis & Yannis Gianellis
65
Yachting Greece Ltd
www.yachtingreece.gr
(+30) 210 323 3057
90,91
Romac International: Andie Richardson
Yachting Partners International
www.ypi.co.uk
44 (0) 1273571722
13
Chevy Toy: Capt. Nicholas Koslowski
YCO
www.ycoyacht.com
37793501212
71
THIS INDEX IS PROVIDED AS AN ADDITIONAL SERVICE TO OUR READERS.
THE PUBLISHER DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR ERRORS AND OMMISSIONS.
33
Perseverence II: Capt. Ron Woods Jr.
Symphony II: Capt. William Keiser
82
69
Charter Your
Private Yacht
You’ll love our spacious teak deck.
It’s where shipmates gather to
lounge , socialize and party. It’s
just one reason why our groups
return to cruise the Caribbean
aboard a tall ship.
Hiking • Diving • Kayaking
Snorkeling • Complimentary
Rum Swizzles • All Meals
and Snacks.
6 Day Full ship charters.
Call our Groups and
Charters Department
1-800-327-2601 www.windjammer.com
P.O. Box 190120, Dept 6206, Miami Beach FL 33119-0120
83
84
The Expert
Brooke Winston,
Public Relations Coordinator
& Swimwear Fit Expert
www.everythingbutwater.com
888.796.6661
What makes Everything But Water the
Swimwear Source?
Everything But Water is your one-stop shop. We
accommodate sizes 2-24, Maternity, Mastectomy,
Long Torso, Cup-size separates, Cover-ups,
Sandals and Sunglasses. Head to toe Everything
But Water has you covered. Everything But
Water’s trained certified fit specialists will help
you find the perfect swimwear wardrobe.
What makes Everything But Water’s Fit
Specialists the swimwear fit experts?
Everything But Water fit specialists try on every
suit and style that arrives at the store. They learn
first-had how each suit fits, which helps them
when fitting a client. Fit Specialists are trained to
listen to the client’s feedback on the fit of each
style and are dedicated to helping women look
and feel good about themselves.
Why should you shop in a specialty store versus a department store?
Everything But Water provides unparalleled customer service, size selection, the highest quality
swimwear, and the hottest trends of the season.
Why would you want to go anywhere else?
PHOTOS PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE BRANDS. COURTESY OF EVERYTHING BUT WATER
Ask The Expert
2006
Swimwear Q&A
INTERVIEW
I was looking in a magazine and found a
swimsuit; can Everything But Water order it
for me?
Everything But Water has tremendous vendor
relationships and is glad to help a client locate any
style they can imagine. With the exception of oneof-a-kind pieces, Everything But Water can locate
any style you desire. The client can contact a fit
specialist by calling 888.796.6661; fill out a special
order request on www.everythingbutwater.com
or, they can choose to contact our Swimwear Fit
Expert, Brooke Winston.
Why is Everything But Waters website and personal shopping experience better than catalog
ordering?
Have you ever called a catalog and they can’t tell
you anything about fit or exact color? Everything
But Water has trained fit specialists that know
every about what you are purchasing. Not only
can they fit you over the phone they are very
efficient about getting you your merchandise in a
85
INTERVIEW
timely manner.
What are the trends for 2006?
Trends for 2006 embody true vintage appeal with
a tribute to tribal romanticism. Neutral colors, ethnic influences and upscale embellishments create
nostalgic bohemian chic and retro vibes, allowing
swimwear to be an extension of your personality.
Embellishments are all the rage! Embrace metallic
elements, silver and gold hardware, knit crochets,
belt buckles, netting overlays and jeweled appliqués. Explore the new one-piece silhouette for
2006, which is no other than the “cut-out”! Be
bold, edgy and Fashion Forward. Find your inner
beauty and explore the options of mix and match
to find the perfect swimwear wardrobe.
What colors are in for 2006?
Everything But Water’s 2006 collections include
a broad spectrum of colors, sure to appeal to a
wide range of clientele. Chocolate brown is the
new black and coordinates perfectly in the Spice
Palette you will see in upcoming collections.
Browns, nudes, metals and dusty solids are a few
colors to look forward to in 2006. Lurex, embroidery, animal, reptile, ombre and mesh fabric
treatments will play a major role in swimwear this
season.
What style of cover-ups are in for 2006?
Cover-ups featuring slinky, flowing easy fabrics
complete the essence of the 2006 season.
Culottes, Rollover Pants and Alicia pants will add
style to any ensemble by the pool or on a cruise.
Relax in gauze long sleeve and short sleeve
tunics, and super low rise pants. The cover up is
the piece that ties your ensemble together and is
sure to make your swimwear wardrobe complete.
When walking into a specialty swimwear
store, should I tell the sales associate what I
do and do not like?
It is important to keep an open mind. Swimwear
is very emotional. Everything But Water has a
tremendous selection of styles; every color and
print imaginable; silhouettes from conservative to
trendy; and well-trained fit specialists to help you
find all types of styles to compliment your figure.
How does color come into play when buying a
swimsuit?
Don’t limit yourself to a specific color or print. You
will be pleasantly surprised how colors and prints
can offer a figure enhancing result.
Who can wear a two-piece?
Everything But Water believes that fit is more
important than age. A two-piece can fit just as
well as a one-piece. Be open-minded. Give separates a chance. Find the coverage you expect
from a one piece, in two-piece bikini or tankini
styles. Identity your assets, show them off, and
remember—there is no age on looking fabulous in
86
87
INTERVIEW
“You should
feel confident
and
self-assured
in your suit”
swimwear.
How do I know my size in swimwear?
When trying on swimwear, start with one size
bigger than your dress or pant size. Swimwear
should be a snug fit. Pay close attention to how
the suit fits your rear. As with most swimwear,
when the fabric gets saturated, the suit will
stretch a quarter of an inch.
88
How should I pack for a resort vacation or
cruise?
Everything But Water is your one stop shop. Head
to toe we will help you find the perfect swimwear
wardrobe, versatile enough for every occasion.
Let an Everything But Water fit specialist help you
coordinate a wardrobe that will take you from the
pool to dinner, to your night out on the town.
How should my swimwear fit: tight, loose, or
comfortable?
Swimwear fit can be tricky. Go up one size from
your pant or dress size. As you start trying on, pay
attention to your bust and fanny. Your swimsuit
should feel snug. Don’t make the mistake of buying your suit too comfortable. If you are between
sizes, go with the smaller size. Remember, swimwear expands in the water. There is nothing worse
than the saggy suit look. You should feel confident
and self-assured in your suit.
What precautions should I take when it comes
to the care of my swimsuit?
It is very important to take care of your swimwear. Everything But Water offers special formulas of swimwear cleaner and swimwear protector
that will do the job and help prolong the life of
your swimsuit. You should hand wash your suit
with swimwear cleaner to remove chlorine, salt
water, sun tan oils and bacteria from your swimsuit. Everything But Water swimwear protector
is a leave-in conditioner, which helps to retain the
elasticity of the fabric, maintains color brightness
and keeps your suit from thinning out.
89
Be our guests!
COPYRIGHT© YACHTING GREECE LTD.
Luxury Yacht Charters in Greece and East Mediterranean Sea
��
��
��
Yachting Greece Ltd.
12 Lekka Street, Athens 10562 Greece
Tel (+30) 210 3233057 Fax (+30) 210 3257553
24 Hour Phone (+30) 697 692 6649
info@yachtingreece.gr
www.yachtingreece.gr
NEWS
The American Sailing Association, the venerable 20-year-old leader in
U.S. sailing education, knows a thing or two about sail instruction - it’s the
largest network of sailing schools in the U.S. In a recently conducted poll of
students who received ASA certification, Sunsail’s BVI Sailing School in Tortola
is recognized for a 2005 Outstanding School Award, ranking it within the top
20 out of 300 professionally accredited ASA sailing schools in the U.S. and
Caribbean.
What’s more, Sunsail BVI instructor Matt Holt is honored as one of the
top 25 instructors out of 2,000 in the ASA network. This is the first year
Sunsail has been recognized in an ASA Outstanding School or Instructor
Award, which began in the late 1990s, according to Charlie
Nobles, ASA executive director. “Matt Holt and Sunsail’s BVI
Sailing School are at the top of their game and deserve the
recognition. Those schools that failed to reach the top tier
now have an incentive to do better next year,” Nobles said. Over 14,000 students take ASA-accredited sailing courses each year.
Adds Peter Cook, general manager of Sunsail based in Annapolis, “This is
a huge accomplishment for our new sailing school, started in 2005. We are
pleased that Matt, who has been a sailing instructor for over 20 years, is recognized for his hard work, dedication and enthusiasm for getting the school
up and running and setting a standard for other ASA sailing schools.
“We not only prepare students to bareboat charter a Sunsail yacht, we
introduce them to a lifestyle sport that stays with them the rest of their lives,”
Cook said.
Sunsail offers a wide choice of water-based vacations with nearly 1,000
yachts in 30 locations worldwide, ASA sailing schools, seven watersports
beach resorts in the Mediterranean, plus the Colonna Sailing Resort in the
Caribbean. Visit www.sunsail.com or call 800 281 8350. For information about
the Sunsail BVI Sailing School, see: www.sunsail.com/school/bvi_intro.html.
To see the other Outstanding Award recipients log onto www.american-sailing.com/news/news.html.
Award, which began in the late 1990s, according to Charlie Nobles, ASA
executive director. “Matt Holt and Sunsail’s BVI Sailing School are at the top
of their game and deserve the recognition. Those schools that failed to reach
the top tier now have an incentive to do better next year,” Nobles said. Over
14,000 students take ASA-accredited sailing courses each year.
Cook said.
Sunsail offers a wide choice of water-based vacations
with nearly 1,000 yachts in 30 locations worldwide, ASA
sailing schools, seven watersports beach resorts in the
Mediterranean, plus the Colonna Sailing Resort in the Caribbean. Visit www.
sunsail.com or call 800 281 8350. For information about the Sunsail BVI
Sailing School, see: www.sunsail.com/school/bvi_intro.html. To see the other
Outstanding Award recipients log onto www.american-sailing.com/news/
news.html.
Award, which began in the late 1990s, according to Charlie Nobles, ASA
executive director. “Matt Holt and Sunsail’s BVI Sailing School are at the top
of their game and deserve the recognition. Those schools that failed to reach
the top tier now have an incentive to do better next year,” Nobles said. Over
14,000 students take ASA-accredited sailing courses each year.
Cook said.
www.sunsail.com www.american-sailing.com
FROM BOARDROOM TO BOREDOM TO BOATS:
Retired Corporate Exec Develops Unique Software Program for Sailing Clubs
After a long and distinguished career up the
corporate ladder, Richard Wesson found retirement not to his liking. Specifically, it was boring
and lacked the challenges of the everyday corporate world. To overcome the boredom factor,
Richard and his wife, Marlene, decided they
needed a hobby that would be both entertaining
as well as challenging.
Living in southern
California, the wide expanse
of the Pacific Ocean beckoned and sailing seemed
to fit their requirements.
Being novices, they joined
a sailing club and therein
were the challenges Richard
92
was seeking: not learning to sail, however, but
the frustrating process of making reservations
for a date and time to sail. The process had to be
improved.
Having already enrolled at the University of
California, San Diego, returning to school 30 years
after getting his PhD, Richard opted for a computer-programming course. Having completed
that, he then set about creating a program specifically for
sailing and yacht clubs that
would solve the tiresome
process of calling the club,
often getting a busy signal,
calling again to request a
date and time, finding that
date and time taken, then exploring other options.
Coming from the corporate world of problem/
solution, Richard took on the challenge.
After 10 months of creating the program,
testing, fine-tuning, and embellishing, Richard
had what he wanted. The unique program uses
Microsoft .NET and is one of the first to utilize
a complete net solution. With as few as six
clicks on a computer, a sailing club member
could contact the club 24/7, scan a full week of
fleet schedules, and book and confirm the date
and time wanted in no more than ten seconds.
Members could also book lessons, check and
modify personal data, make purchases in the
club’s shop, and charge it all to a credit card.
www.ereleases.com
Yacht Management Firm Nigel
Burgess Becomes “Superyacht
Magazine” Publisher
YV&C News Desk recently received a press
release from the British yacht management firm
Nigel Burgess. As the global competition grows
in the superyacht management and brokerage
business and pretty much all superyacht brokers
around the world calling the same yacht owners,
this management firm looks like trying a different marketing angle by turning into – yet another
– “Superyacht Magazine” publisher.
Do you think the next step will be the “yacht
magazine publishers” becoming yacht brokers?
Only time will tell.
Here is a copy of this Nigel Burgess press
release:
NIGEL BURGESS SUPERYACHT MAGAZINE
When international large yacht specialists,
Nigel Burgess, published the first issue of their
Superyacht Living and Style Magazine a year ago,
they created a ground breaking medium for showcasing their all encompassing superyacht services.
Issue two has just been
unveiled and is brimming
with even more feature
articles and stories on
the inside track from the
world’s leading authority
on large yachts. Find out
about the latest exciting
additions to their already
impressive charter fleet
and read up on some
of the top chefs working the charter circuit.
Discover why everyone
wants to charter in Croatia and why Myanmar
offers such great cruising. There are also reports on
the expert teams behind the scenes in the Nigel
Burgess brokerage, management and technical
services departments. Aimed at a select audience
of superyacht charterers, owners and buyers, issue
two of this fabulous annual magazine is not only
factually informative but visually inspirational.
A copy of the Nigel Burgess Superyacht Living
and Style Magazine will be forwarded to you
within the next 7 days. Please direct all press
enquiries to:
Alev Karagulle
Director of Marketing & Communications
THE NIGEL BURGESS GROUP
16/17 Pall Mall
London SW1Y 5LU
England
Tel: +44 20 7766 4300
Fax: +44 20 7766 4329
www.nigelburgess.com
IN MEMORIAM
Noted Historian and Creator of
Caribbean Yacht Charter Industry
Dies at Age 81
Antigua Sun reported this on January 25, 2006:
“Noted historian and founder of the St. John’s and
Dockyard Museums Desmond Nicholson, 81, died yesterday morning (January 24, 2006) at the Adelin Medical
Centre after a prolonged illness. Nicholson is survived by
his wife Lisa.
Archeologist Dr. Reginald Murphy described Nicholson
as a historian, a sailor and a heritage person. He said
Nicholson’s father came to the country in 1949 after the war,
liked the Caribbean, bought a boat and settled in Dockyard.
The Nicholson family then started chartering their
boat for people to travel the islands. Their venture gained
popularity and it later successfully blossomed into a thriving yacht chartering business.”
Nicholson Yachts also issued a statement...
“We are saddened by news of the death of Desmond
Nicholson who passed away in Antigua, January 24, 2006.
He was the son of Commander V.E.B. Nicholson.
The Commander along with his wife, Desmond & their
younger son Rodney, sailed into English Harbor, Antigua,
in 1949. Soon they were introducing friends from England
to the island’s beautiful waters and splendid sailing – and
Found of the ACYM
the business of chartering was born.
Mr. Desmond Nicholson, founder of the
Desmond was passionately interested in the history
Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting, with
of Nelson’s Dockyard and instrumental in preserving its
the YV&C editorial team during the 2004
buildings and naval structures. He was a respected amaAntigua Charter Yacht Meeting.
teur archaeologist and a guiding force in the creation of
The Dockyard Museum and Library. All of us who enjoy English Harbor, an unequalled site of British
maritime heritage, are the beneficiaries of Desmond Nicholson’s lifelong dedication.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Lisa Nicholson, their children and grandchildren
and to his dear brother, Rodney.”
PHOTOS: DECEMBER 5, 2003 PHOTO COPYRIGHT YV&C
Yacht Charter Company Sunsail Earns “Outstanding” Award
nicholsonyachts.com
Nautor’s Swan Opens New Yacht Charter Office
in Newport, Rhode Island
Nautor’s Swan, the 40-year-old Finnish builder of the world’s finest sailboats, has announced the
opening of a new Charter Office within the company’s U.S. headquarters in Newport, R.I. The office will
represent a portfolio of Swans from across the U.S. and Caribbean, as well as manage a
fleet of new, company-owned Swans based in Guadalupe, but available to sail throughout the Caribbean basin.
Running the office as charter manager is Carolyn Cox Titus, a 24-year veteran of the
charter industry who has significant experience chartering Swan and other fine yachts. Most recently, she
was owner and operator of Cox Marine LLC, which focused on yacht management, charter sales, and crew
placement.
“Carolyn brings with her a wealth of experience in the charter industry that promises to help our clients
match the right boat to their specific needs,” said Nautor’s Swan USA’s Steve Barker, vice president of sales.
Sailors will be able to charter the full line of Swans, from classic Sparkman & Stephens designs all
the way up to Swan superyachts. The yachts, for personal cruising or racing, range in size from 48 to 112
feet and come crewed and provisioned. Other yachts, both motor and sail, are available worldwide from
50 to 350 feet. nautorswan-usa.com
93
!
E T
IC E
R K
P AR
T M
ES E
B TH
N
O
TE R
TA TE
ES S !
T A T
N M IN
O E PO
F R TH E
ER BY US
AT T O
W I L TH
D BU GH
CE T, LI
RI E N
-P RK O
ST A ER
BE M P
E HE LO
TH N T VE
O DE
Peggy Turk Presents...
l our W ream X state for l acht i acations
...in Lighthouse Point, Florida
U
nparalleled breathtaking views of the South Grand Canal and
A custom gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances includes a wine
Intracoastal await! Take in the ocean breeze from the covered
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patio or the romantic second floor master suite balcony. This is
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the only gated estate on 36th Street off the South Grand Canal. Built
by Lighthouse Point’s most prestigious developer two years ago,
PHOTOS BY LIZ ORDOÑEZ
As Featured in...
Enjoy attention to detail throughout – from marble floors to custom
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FIRST FIDELITY
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Step off the 90' private dock, onto your own Wellcraft
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If you like entertaining, giving directions to your guests is a breeze! Take exit 39 off I-95, drive east until the end of the road, and you are home!
94
Loan Amount
$100,000
$200,000
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
1.0% Payment
$252.86
$505.71
$1,264.28
$2,528.56
$3,792.84
$5,057.12
HIGHER LOAN AMOUNTS ALSO AVAILABLE
*APR 4.05% programs subject to change. Certain restrictions apply. Low
Doc. We reserve the right to request additional documentation. Reduced
points/fees. 1-month 12-MTA Option ARM with a 40 year term. After the
initial 1-month period, interest rate and APR may increase. Rate adjustment and payment caps may result in deferred interest. APR reflects 20%
equity based on appraisal or sale price, whichever is lower. Interest rates
APR may be higher than when these costs are paid by borrower.The
expressed rate could change or not be available at commitment or closing.© 2004 First Fidelity Financial Corp.
Offered at $3,200,000
(Completely Furnished and Includes Yacht)
Own your dream estate for $5,057/month with 1.2m down
www.3001NE36Street.com
Exclusively Offered by
Peggy Turk
Visit Web site of the property for additional photos and information
E-mail: PeggyTurk@3001NE36Street.com
Call 954-294-4808
for a private viewing
95
Gadget Envy
Technology products to splurge your green on!
Sling Media’s SlingBox
Missing all of your favorite TV shows because of transcontinental jet setting for work or vacation? The Slingbox Personal
Broadcaster will keep you from singing the blues. The Slingbox digitizes the programming from your cable or satellite
box and streams it - in real time - to a remote PC. All you need is a Windows XP or Windows 2000 PC, running Sling’s
SlingPlayer viewing software with broadband Internet access. The installation is seamless and the video quality is surprisingly good. Say auf wiederschauen to missing the latest episode of Project Runway!
Priced at $249 and available from Slingmedia.com.
Sony Ericsson W800 Phone
Talk the talk, swing to the music, and snap pictures with
Sony AIBO Entertainment Robot
the new Sony Ericsson W800. The W800 ships with a
Sony’s new AIBO robot will literally dance his way into
512 MB memory stick that holds approximately 15 hours
your heart. This robo pet not only has new tricks up its
of music. The Disk2Phone software enables quick and
sleeve, but has a lively personality to match as well.
convenient transfer of music CDs onto the phone via a
Watch AIBO’s personality evolve with interaction and
PC. You can also tune into FM radio on the device. The
pampering into your perfect pet companion. Not only
phone is equipped with a 2.0-megapixel autofocus cam-
does man’s best friend work overtime to remind you of
era with an active lens cover, flashlight, and digital still
birthdays and appointments, but he will also snap pic-
camera interface. Also, it comes with embedded games
tures on command and e-mail them to you. Warning! You
and the ability to download additional games. The phone
are very likely to get emotionally attached to AIBO.
ring is played through the stereo headphones so you
Priced at $2,099 and available at www.sonystyle.com.
won’t miss a call. Defining cool just got easier.
Priced at $499 and available at www.shopwireless.
sonyericsson.com.
Kodak EasyShare-One Digital Camera
Can’t resist sharing your pictures with your friends and family instantly? With the Kodak EasyShare-One Digital Camera’s
Wi-Fi adapter, you can e-mail your pictures as soon as you have snapped them. The camera can be configured to connect with any available Wi-Fi networks. It has a 3X Schneider-Kreuznach zoom lens, a 4-megapixel CCD, and huge 3-inch
Alienware Aurora ALX desktop
touchscreen LCD display, which makes taking great pictures easy even in most demanding situations. The EasyShare
Are you an extreme gamer with a high disposable income craving an out of body experience? Then look no further
interface system makes it “easy” to organize and share photos.
than the customized Alienware Aurora ALX desktop. The Aurora ALX features a AMD Athlon (TM) 64 FX-57 with
Hypertransport Technology and an NVIDIA nForce 4 SLI, which together deliver multi-GPU performance for an unprecedented Man versus Machine gaming interaction. Take you gaming skills to the next level with jaw-dropping graphics,
stunning sound with 7.1 multichannel audio, and cutting edge speed for live online games. Any troubleshooting is
handled by the premium support and service that comes with the system.
HP Photosmart 475 Printer
Prices start at $4,399 and up; buy direct from Alienware.com.
Bundle your digital camera purchase with the new HP
Photosmart 475 GoGo Photo Printer that stores up to
1,000 photos internally. Plus, it lets you print true-to-life 5
x 7” photos, as well as 4 x 6” prints and panoramas!
Priced at $ 279.99 at www.hp.com.
96
VOLUME:2 ISSUE:3
ISSUE:4 2005
2005/2006
97
LUXURY GOODS
Audi A8 L W12
REVIEW BY JOSH MAX
The A8 L W12 is one of the finest automobiles Audi has ever produced, second only to
stratosphere sedans like Bentley in styling, smoothness of ride, and power. Upscale? Please.
There’s even an optional $1000 fridge in the back seat in the pass-through. As we cruised
down the streets of Manhattan, folks treated us (well, the car, anyway) like the hunk o’ class
we were with looks, whistles, and comments. Acceleration is fierce, braking efficient, and
cornering is phenomenal, especially considering this is a full-size, four-door sedan.
A
ll A8s underwent a redesign a year
ago; the wheelbase was elongated to
provide even more space and comfort
for rear-seat passengers, and the W12’s rear
seats recline for maximum comfort. Every
A8 gets two new unique touches: Soft Touch
doors, which pull the side doors closed from
a partially latched position, and Automatic
Key, which allows the owner to unlock the
doors and start the car simply by walking up
and getting behind the wheel. The 4.2-liter V8
engine was tweaked to generate extra speed,
and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic shift
allows better gas mileage than the five-speed
automatics of years past. Audi’s Aluminum
Space Frame, a lightweight, highly rigid structure that bonds the vehicle into one stable
unit, makes the ride ultra-smooth.
98
Interior: Your senses are bathed in a combo of
wood and leather, and with windows up, the noise
of the outside world all but disappears. The sound
system is rich and full, and it’s a pleasure to get
behind the wheel, whether it’s a trip through the
hood or an eight-hour trek out of state. A handsome, center-mounted LCD screen withdraws
into the dash when not needed. Big or tall? No
problem. The front and back seats provide enough
room for a basketball or football player – or both.
Exterior: It’s 4,729 pounds of hunk, with metallic trim lines, dignified but speedy-looking angles,
and a signature waterfall grill. Twelve-spoke rims
evoke the high life, and the trunk is cavernous.
Trapezoidal-shaped exhaust pipes and “W12”
badging on the deck lid, side moldings, grille, and
door sills are the icing on the cake.
2006 Audi A8 L W12 Specs
Price: ................................................$122,520
Horsepower: ................. 450 HP@6200 RPM
0-60 mph: ...................................... 5 seconds
Top Speed: ..................................... 130 MPH
(electronically governed in USA)
Mileage: .......................... 15 city, 21 highway
Body Material: Aluminum alloy space frame
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YVC 2-4.indd - gemsres.com

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