Tag: United States

Traveling on the water is an enjoyable experience for anyone no matter what type of boat you may be cruising in. But for those who can afford it, a luxury yacht is the ultimate experience on the water. The term luxury yacht usually refers to a privately owned yacht which is run by a professional crew. Sometimes known as a super-yacht, a luxury yacht may be either a motor or sailing yacht.

Over the last two decades, there has been an increase in the popularity and number of large private luxury yachts. Luxury yachts are very bountiful in the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. However, luxury yachts are cruising in more remote areas of the world much more often than before.

While there has been an increase in demand for luxury yachts, there has also been an increase in custom boat building companies and yacht charter brokers. Luxury boat building and yacht charter enterprises are predominantly based in the United States and Western Europe. While most private yachts are used exclusively by their owners, others may be operated all year round as charter businesses, and a large number of yachts are privately owned but available for charter on a part time basis.

Since the 1990s the number of really large yachts has increased to the point that only yachts above 65 meters (213 feet) stand out among other luxury yachts. Yachts this size are almost always built to individual commissions and may cost tens of millions of dollars, which in some cases cost more than the owners home on land.

A yacht of this size usually has four decks above the water line and one or two below. Among other things such as additional “VP” guest cabins, you may also find other amenities such as an indoor Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, a beauty salon, massage or other treatment rooms, medical center, a cinema with a library of films, a play room, plunge pool and additional living areas such as a separate bar, secondary dining room and private sitting rooms or lounges.

As of 2006, yachts above 100 meters (328 feet) are still pretty rare. They typically will have five decks above the water line and two below. The very largest yachts have begun to incorporate such features as helicopter hangers, indoor swimming pools and even miniature submarines. These super yachts for the elite, have recently become known as mega-yachts and giga-yachts.

Chartering a yacht is one way to see parts of the world that may not always be accessible from land, as well as offering a holiday that everyone on board will remember for a long time to come. Yacht rental also allows plenty of freedom around time and schedule, as well as a choice of mooring.

Everyone sailing on a yacht soon becomes proficient at carrying out essential jobs and working together, whether as a family or as a team. Perhaps the main worry that a number of travellers have about a yacht is that it may be too small. As yachts and other sailing vessels are designed to maximise available space, this ensures plenty of living space for those on board.

Types of Yacht Charters Available.

There are a selection of charters available, depending on the experience of the ‘crew’ that will be on board. Crewed charters come with a full crew (and will vary in number, depending on the yacht size) and depending on the charter service on offer, may cook and clean on board. These are probably the best option for those who have no sailing experience.

Bareboating requires at least one experienced sailor (with a yacht licence if necessary) on board, who is also able to organise and manage the crew (who may be inexperienced at sailing). All those on board a bareboat charter take full responsibility for sailing as well as cooking and cleaning. As a rule, most yachts available for bareboat charter are less than 40 feet.

There is also the option to charter bareboat with a skipper, which for those sailors with families on board, allows them to concentrate on the family rather than just on the sailing. A number of charters operate through a broker or specialist company and these will guide potential sailors through the process of arranging a yacht rental, as well as helping to identify the best locations to visit.

Popular Yacht Charter Destinations.

The Mediterranean is always a popular destination, with destinations such as the French Riviera, Monaco and the Greek Islands. Around the Caribbean, the many islands make interesting sailing, with Puerto Rico, Grenada, Martinique and Antigua being some of the favourite charter destinations.

New England, New York, San Francisco and Santa Barbara are just some of the choices available on either side of the United States. Florida is an important destination in the US, offering many miles of marinas as well as more than 800 islands that make up the Florida Keys. Miami (Florida) is only around 45 miles away from The Bahamas, with its many tropical islands available to explore in often shallow and relaxed waters.

With almost any destination in the world to choose from, for those who are experienced sailors as well as those who have never stepped foot on a boat, a luxury yacht is a unique way of travelling.