Solo 'Round the World' Challenge Called Off

On May 10, Tony Bullimore called off the Blue Ocean Wireless Round the World Challenge on account of a rig malfunction. "A 50mm pin holding the forestay on his 102ft catamaran Doha lost a retaining bolt and begun to pull out."
The challenge began on May 1 when British yachtsman Tony Bullimore set out from Hobart, Tasmania on his 102ft catamaran Doha, determined to break the 70 day barrier for sailing solo non-stop around the world.

27,000 miles in 70 days is the challenge - the time line breakdown:

• Hobart - Cape Horn: 15 Days
• Equator: 26 Days
• Flores: 36 Days
• Equator: 46 Days
• Cape of Good Hope: 56 Days
• Hobart: 70 Days

Several more problems have arose since Bullimore canceled the attempted challenge. Bullimore and his crew are still not back to Hobart yet. News is updated daily on the challenge website - http://www.teambullimore.com/.

Prestigious Yachting Event Going on Now

America's 32nd Cup, one of the most prestigious yachting events in the world began on April 3 with the Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 13. In the four days that followed, this was the only opportunity this year to see all 12 teams of the 32nd America’s Cup racing together. Among the most spectacular images of the 32nd America’s Cup is the sight of the full fleet of America’s Cup Class yachts, amounting to nearly 300-tonnes of carbon fibre, charging across the starting line, all battling for the same piece of water.

Then April 16 kicked off the Louis Vuitton Cup, which runs until June 12. So far Round Robin 1 & 2 are complete, eleven teams competed and only four moved on the the Semifinals that started on Monday, May 14. We're now in the ten days of the Semifinals, when the pressure intensifies as four teams fight to survive and race another day. Two teams will move on the Finals on June 1st.

The winner of the Final takes home the Louis Vuitton Cup, and will have earned the right to face Alinghi, the Defender, in the 32nd America’s Cup Match on June 23rd.

Learn more about the 32nd America's Cup.

Luxury Yacht Featured in Bahamas

Featured Listing: Sea Bowld - 174' (53 m) Oceanfast 2004

This luxury motor yacht offers superb sea keeping, great range, and a cruising speed of 26 knots! With a max speed of 27 knots. Her sleek aggressive lines offer a classic look, while her interior is a relaxed mix of semi-minimalist design. Sea Bowld accommodates 10 guests in 5 cabins, with a separate owner's deck. This 174 foot (53m) luxury yacht is located in the Bahamas.

Email a brochure to yourself or someone else!

For more information contact Stuart Larsen 954-463-0600 stuartl@fraseryachts.com

Cruise the Atlantic Ocean this Summer!

Charter a luxury yacht and cruise the Atlantic this Summer! North America offers tropical climate in the south to mild weather in the north and diversity around every corner.

Here are some ports to consider. Celebrate the artistry and charm just north to the settlement of Saint Augustine, the oldest community in the US where Ponce de Leon stopped in search of the fabled "fountain of youth". Charter a luxury yacht along the Carolina coastline and pull into port each day with fresh bounty from the sea.

Explore the Northern Atlantic coastline in New England with endless destinations. Visit the world's most exclusive seaside community of Newport or the prestigious North Cove Marina in New York. Don't forget to make a stop at historical Boston along the coast of Maine.

Fraser Yachts Worldwide has several ideas to make your yacht charter in New England and Northern Atlantic coast memorable, visit FraserYachts.com to discover them!

Antigua Classic Regatta- April 19 - 24, 2007

The 20th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, organized by the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC), is taking place right now!

The objective of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is to encourage owners and crews of classic and traditional yachts to sail alongside each other on courses designed to be without the tight quarters of other events, so that racing is fun and safe for hard-to-manage and older vessels of any size. The emphasis is on sailing together rather than on racing, as well as on the enjoyment of the ideal conditions of the Caribbean Sea.

If you missed this exciting yachting event this year mark your calendars now for 2008, the 21st Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta will be held from the 18th to the 23rd of April 2008. For more information visit www.antiguaclassics.com.

Donald Trump to Develop a Luxury Resort in the Domincan Republic

Just last week, Donald Trump signed an agreement with Cap Cana, S.A. in the Dominican Republic to design a new luxury resort. Plans include a golf course, golf villas and golf lots, estate lots, a beach club, a condo hotel, and residences with ocean views. The new resort is to be called Trump at Cap Cana.

Cap Cana, located in the Caribbean, is easily accessible as it is near the Punta Cana International Airport. The projected cost is estimated at $1.5 billion dollars, will cover an area of about 30,000 acres and will take about 10-12 years to develop.

At its completion, Cap Cana will feature more than 5,000 residential units and at least four luxury hotels. There will be three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, the first of which – Punta Espada – opened in November 2006. There will also be a state-of-the-art marina featuring over 1,000 slips catering to mega yachts up to 150 feet. Other services included will be boutiques, restaurants, spas, water sports, and polo among others.

Trump is a huge name in current real estate. Along with this Cap Cana project, Trump is also developing residential, hotel and golf club projects in Las Vegas, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Westchester, NY, Bedminster, NJ, Aberdeen, Scotland, and Dubai, UAE.

For more information about mega yachts, please visit Fraser Yachts.

New Equipment Upgrades San Diego Boat Yard, Increases Tourism

Marine Group Boat Works, San Diego's largest boat repair facility, now owns a Travelift. It is one of two in the United States and is designed to move boats weighing up to 660 tons. With this new equipment they will be able to service much larger boats. As a result in the shift to servicing the larger boats, the company will also be doubling its staff.

The company, formerly known as the South Bay Boat Yard, stands against competition from boat yards all over the world including the big yards in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Barcelona, Spain; and Bremen, Germany. Domestic competitors include Seattle, Miami, and New Orleans.

Todd Roberts, Vice President for the Marine Group Boat Works says that a travel life is more efficient than a floating dry dock as the dry dock is not as cost effective to operate. It also takes far longer to get the boat out of the water and causes more pollution. He also says that refitting mega yachts will make an economic impact on the region. Annual expenses for a yacht are anywhere from one to ten percent of its value so some boats can run in the millions for general upkeep.

In addition to the money spent on the boats’ upkeep, the yacht owners are also known as big spenders when it comes to everything else as well; from nights out to shopping sprees. There is also speculation that having more mega yachts sail through the area can increase tourism as simply viewing these boats is thrilling for many people.