Mega Yachts

Solo 'Round the World' Challenge Called Off

2007-05-21T12:08:00.000-05:00

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

2007-05-16T08:11:00.000-05:00

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

2007-05-07T09:06:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-05-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

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

2007-04-23T13:22:00.000-05:00

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

2007-02-19T17:47:00.000-05:00

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

2007-02-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

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.

Mega-Yacht specialists acquire Rodney Bay, St Lucia

2007-02-04T23:26:00.000-05:00

As of January, 2007, Island Global Yachting (IGY) acquired mega-yacht Rodney-Bay marina in St. Lucia. IGY is a leading developer in luxury marina facilities. They currently have marinas in St. Maarten and St. Thomas and facilities throughout the Caribbean.

Rodney Bay in St. Lucia is one of the most popular and modern marinas in the Caribbean. Once nothing but swamplands, the area was cleared in the 1970’s and developers realized the potential of the spot. After it was developed in the 1980’s, Rodney Bay became the official port of entry with immigration and customs offices.

The St. Lucia marina currently has 232 berths and a 4.5 acre boatyard plus shops, restaurants and hotels on dry land. Now that IGY is entering the picture, the $100 million project will give Rodney Bay a facelift and bring it into the sailing spotlight.

IGY’s vision for Rodney Bay will offer the market top-notch marina services. As leaders in their field, they have a clear idea of what yacht owners want and plan to deliver on that. They don’t look at the marina merely as a dock, but more like a five star hotel offering many superior services. IGY’s plan is to carry on with their project with as little upset to the rest of the marina as possible.
For more information on mega yachts, please visit Fraser Yachts Worldwide.

Is Quonset Point, RI the Proposed Sight for Mega Yacht Servicing?

2007-01-28T23:43:00.000-05:00

With a lack of servicing areas on the east cost north of Florida, developers are eyeing properties along the Rhode Island coast for a mega-yachts servicing facility. Development Corporation is considering the move forward with a waterfront marina that would cater to mega yachts. A New York City developer was tapped for discussions to determine if such a project is possible.

The proposed area is Quonset Point, Rhode Island. The waterfront area used to be state-owned land that housed a Navy base.

Locales like Newport are famous for the wealthy residents. For instance, during the summer months it’s possible to catch a glimpse of the mega yachts in port. As David Preston, a representative for Development Corporation says, “You’ve got a lot of wealthy folks with yachts — 100, 200, up to 400 feet long — that require servicing,” Preston said. “There’s no place north of Florida where this kind of servicing can happen.”

Preston cautions, however, that there will be no marina in Quonset Point. Rather, the vision is to have a developer serve as a landlord for a service center that would cater to the yacht owners. There are still several factors to consider with the Quonset Point location, such as how big the facility might be, how much it would cost and how much revenue it would generate.

The latest development at Quonset Point is an $80 million complex called the Shops at Quonset. While the project will create about 750 jobs and include stores like Lowes and Kohl’s as well as a hotel and office space, state officials feel the 3,000-acre site is still underused. They have yet to decide the fate of the mega yacht project.

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

Yacht Industry Faces Global Labor Shortage

2006-12-14T10:35:00.000-05:00

Yacht Industry Faces Global Labor Shortage With More Than 6,000 Yacht Crew Positions Available

With more than 6,000 yacht crew positions available, mega yacht owners are scrambling to find skilled workers to service their luxury yachts.

How did this global shortage occur? Over the last few years, the luxury yacht industry has grown by leaps and bounds. With 17.5 miles of luxury yachts under construction, about 6,993 yacht crew positions will be coming available; however, as the demand for crew members is increasing, the pool of qualified, experienced skilled workers is decreasing, creating a global labor shortage.

Are you an adventurous soul? Yacht crew positions provide you the career opportunity of a lifetime. The opportunity is especially enticing for people already accustomed to the service industry. If you’ve worked in a bar or restaurant, making the transition to a sea-based service job is not all that difficult.

For more information on the global labor shortage, and the yacht crew positions available, contact Fraser Yachts Worldwide at www.fraseryachts.com.

Celebrity Superyacht Charter Destination - Indian Ocean

2006-11-30T13:53:00.000-05:00

This week Hollywood superstars, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, finished their celebrity honeymoon tour of Maldives, a chain of 1,200 mostly uninhabited islands in the Indian Ocean. Superyacht charter the celebrities used is the Arctic P, a former ice-breaker rebuilt into a superyacht by late Australian media moghul Kerry Packer.

Other honeymoon destinations that are just perfect for an Indian Ocean superyacht charter are:

Seychelles - 115 island archipelago which still nurtures unique species of flora and fauna and the awe-inspiring natural granite structures that date from the dawn of time.
Phuket - Thailand’s largest island, offering some of the most spectacular scenery from brilliant white sand beaches and coral islands to sheer limestone cliffs and forested inlets.

Contact Fraser Yachts Worldwide for more information on superyacht charters in the Indian Ocean.

The charter industry's most elite mega yachts head to Antigua

2006-11-13T14:50:00.000-05:00

The island of Antigua will host some of the most elite charter yachts for the 2006 charter yacht show. The show is exclusive to members of the yachting industry and presents the perfect opportunity for brokers to inspect the latest product on the market.

Taking place from the sixth to ninth of December, over 100 yachts will be on display at 3 different marinas. One of the yachts on display is the award-winning Four Wishes. Four Wishes is a 144' megayacht that was built by Palmer Johnson in 2004. Captain Aaron Clarke was the winner of the 2005 Best Charter Captain competition.

James Bond Goes Super Yacht

2006-11-09T09:09:00.000-05:00

In the upcoming movie, Casino Royale, James Bond sails along the Grand Canal in Venice aboard a luxury super yacht, the Spirit 64. The production crew had to get special permission from city officials to sail along the Grand Canal between the Accademia and Rialto bridges. This is the first time a super yacht has sailed along the Grand Canal in many years.

If you would like to find out more about the beautiful locations that Casino Royale was shot, check out On the trail of James Bond at News.com.au.

2007 Superyacht Symposium in Miami Beach, Florida

2006-11-01T10:06:00.000-05:00

Superyacht Symposium Scheduled for March 14-15, 2007

The 3rd Annual International Superyacht Symposium, which will run in conjunction with the 23rd Annual Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention, has been scheduled for March 14-15, 2007 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida. Featuring the first-ever International Superyacht Pavilion, superyacht owners will have an opportunity to view exhibitors that provide products and services exclusively to the superyacht industry.

Superyacht Symposium is a great place for superyacht owners to network and meet exhibitors showcasing products and services used in the design, building, operation and supply of superyachts. Attendees will also have an opportunity to attend panel discussions covering all aspects of this the superyacht sector including trends in superyacht chartering, crewing, technology, regulatory issues and creative approaches to superyacht financing, such as fractional ownership.

For more information on the 3rd Annual International Superyacht Symposium visit http://www.cruiseshipping.net/superYacht.html.

Vacationing Aboard Mega Yacht Charters

2006-10-25T10:53:00.000-05:00

Vacationing Aboard Mega Yacht Charters - Market Day

Charles Mohaney, writer for the Luxury Yacht Charters Guide, offers some tips to planning your next vacation aboard a mega yacht charter. First, mega yacht charters can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single week, so it's important if you're working under a budget to plan your mega yacht charter with a group in mind. Make it a family affair or a group of close friends, choose the right destinations, and time your vacation to get the best rates. Additionally, if you're willing to to do some of the cooking, cleaning, and sailing responsibilities yourself, the cost of the mega yacht charter can be less.

"If you have a large extended family or close friends that you enjoy travelling with then it’s easy to share the expense and make an affordable week-long trip." writes Mohaney, "With six sleeping cabins, for example, you can accommodate up to six separate families. If the week’s voyage runs about $30,000 (an easy to find fare) then each family is only spending $5,000 for a week of luxury and exciting site seeing. You can hardly get into the Disney theme parks with a family of four for that!"

Part of finding the right mega yacht charter is knowing where to look. At Fraser Yachts Worldwide, our yacht charter brokers has a comprehensive database of mega yacht charters. Just pick your destination and then choose the vessel that's right for you.

2006 Ft Lauderdale Boat Show

2006-10-20T13:07:00.000-05:00

Fraser Yachts Exhibits Mega Yachts Worth More than $200 Million at the 2006 Ft Lauderdale Boat Show

Fraser Yachts will have 16 mega yachts on display at the 2006 Ft Lauderdale Boat Show, with a combined value of more than $200 million. Fraser Yachts fleet featured at this boat and yacht show includes:

MEDUSE - 199' Feadship, 1998 - Central Agent Stuart Larsen
HELIOS2 - 168' Palmer Johnson, 2002 - Central Agent Stuart Larsen
DETROIT EAGLE - 153' Feadship, 2001 - Central Agent Stuart Larsen
CAKEWALK - 150' Trinity, 2003 - Central Agent Stuart Larsen
FINISH LINE - 123' Palmer Johnson, 2005 - Central Agent Stuart Larsen

2006 Ft Lauderdale Boat Show will run from Thursday, October 26 to Monday, October 30, encompassing more than 3 million square feet of space at six sites, both on land and in water connected by the Show Transportation Network. Considered the largest US boat show, 2006 Ft Lauderdale Boat Show will be showcasing $1.6 billion worth of boats, yachts, mega yachts, electronics, engines and marine accessories. Check out the Fraser Yachts exhibit which will on the F-Dock at Bahia Mar marina.

Superyacht Cup in Palma

2006-10-13T13:24:00.000-05:00

Superyacht Cup : Yachting World Magazine

Yesterday was the start of the Superyacht Cup in Palma where 17 superyachts set sail. Sponsored by the Fortis Yacht Group, this yacht race is celebrating it's tenth anniversary. The fleet was sent off to the East of the Bay of Palma passing the eastern marks before a shy reach to round the Isle de Sech, and a final beat to the finish.

Anny, a 26m Baltic Yacht, led the fleet away from the start line at 1300. Second across the start was 'Metolius' (25.4m Royal Huisman) followed by 'Yanakee II' (35m), 'Aphrodite A' (43m) and 'Hyperion' (47.4m). The best start was made by the 34m Sparkman & Stevens design 'Zingaro' crossing the line exactly on their allotted start time.

First around the Isle de Sech was the 47m Bruce King designed 'Sheherezade', followed by Metolius (Royal Huisman 25m) and Victoria of Strathearn (Alloy Yachts 39m). The leading boats then split with Metolius staying inshore and the 29.9m Nautor's Swan Virago heading out to sea. As the fleet closed towards the finish under a dying breeze, Virago carved out a lead to cross the line first, helmed by proud owner Stuart Townsend (US). Second over the line was Metolius followed a mere four seconds later by Scheherezade in third place.

Sardinian Yacht Tax Backfired

2006-10-06T11:16:00.000-05:00

ANSA.it - Sardinian yacht tax 'backfired'

Mega Yachts Blog covered Sardina's announcement of a new port tax for mega yachts in "New Port Tax for Sardina, Italy" back in June. Apparently, the government's decision to tax mega yachts has had a negative impact on Sardina's economy. The tax, which was applied from June to September, yielded only 2 million euros while the cost of setting up the office to handle it was 5 million, the UCINA association claimed.

"This levy has been counterproductive for the local economy," UCINA chief Anton Francesco Albertoni said, noting that there had been a 60% surge in yachts mooring in southern mainland ports over the summer, "Sardinia would do better to promote its ports and coasts rather than punishing people that go there."

Under the levy pushed through by Sardinia's centre-left governor Renato Soru, owners of yachts between 14m and 16m paid 1,000 euros for mooring, with rates rising to a maximum of 15,000 euros levied on boats over 60m. Albertoni said he had invited Soru to attend the Genoa show in order to discuss the tax but had received no reply.

Captain Patrick Cowley is Named the Best Charter Captain for 2006

2006-09-28T14:42:00.000-05:00

2006 Best Charter Captain Competition

Captain Patrick Cowley of the luxury motor yacht M/Y Paraffin wins the 2006 Best Charter Captain Competition. Now in its fifth year, the event was held at the Monaco Yacht Club during the Monaco yacht show. With over 80 charter captains in attendance, Fraser Yachts welcomed the opportunity to toast them for their hard work throughout the season.

“I am pleased to be able to publicly recognize the efforts of the captains in our fleet,” stated David Legrand, director of charter for Fraser Yachts Worldwide. “Our captains work so hard day in and day out and it is wonderful to be able to get together at the end of the season and say thanks,” he said.

In addition to announcing the winner of the Best Charter Captain Competition, Fraser Yachts and Blancpain introduced a new prize saluting the outstanding efforts of a captain over the course of several years. This award of excellence was presented to Captain Gino Battaglio of the luxury motor yacht Lady Lola.

eBay Megayacht Auction Fails

2006-09-15T09:19:00.000-05:00

Rockford Register Star | No bidders on megayacht

An interesting idea: sell a megayacht online through an eBay auction. While the idea certainly got plenty of media attention, when the eBay auction closed, no buyers had put in a bid for the 123-foot long megayacht owned by Rockford businessman John Martin.

Was anyone surprised that no one put in the starting $5 million bid? No, most megayacht brokers will tell you that this high-ticket, luxury item requires the expertise of an experienced megayacht broker, like Fraser Yachts Worldwide. Even Mr. Martin wasn't surprised, "It would be unrealistic to think anyone would decide to want it and come up with the money in the 10 day life of the listing."

However, Mr. Martin does believe that there was one benefit to the eBay megayacht auction, "The notoriety could help us to sell it through more normal channels."

Superyacht Design Awards for 2006

2006-09-07T11:07:00.000-05:00

The ISS (International Superyacht Society) has released its lists of finalists for the 2006 International Design Awards. These yachts represent the very finest naval architecture, design, interiors, engineering and builds in the luxury mega yacht industry from the preceding calendar year. The five categories are “Best Sail” 23m to 36m, “Best Sail 36m+, “Best Power” 43m+, “Best Power” 23m to 32m, and “Best Power” 32m to 43m. A list of finalists for each category may be found at www.superyachtsociety.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=finalists.list

The winning yachts for each category will be announced at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in October during the ISS’s annual design awards gala.

Host a Wine Tasting Party Onboard a Luxury Motor Yacht Charter

2006-08-28T11:03:00.000-05:00

Host a Wine Tasting Party Onboard a Luxury Motor Yacht Charter - Fraser Yachts Worldwide

Fraser Yachts Worldwide has a special treat for wine enthusiasts who are looking to host a wine tasting party onboard a luxury motor yacht charter. The Paraffin offers the best in wining and dining, allowing wine connoisseurs to travel in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, depending on the season, in style.

One this unique private yacht cruise, guests receive elegant five-star accommodations; round-the-clock pampering by an elite crew; exquisite cuisine rivaling that of a Michelin-rated restaurant; and an itinerary where you can decide where you go and when. A yachting vacation onboard the Paraffinis an amazing experience whether you are entertaining family, friends or colleagues. Contact Fraser Yachts Worldwide for more information in booking this luxury motor yacht charter.

Upcoming Mega Yacht Shows

2006-08-25T10:14:00.000-05:00

The ports of Cannes, Monaco, San Diego and Fort Lauderdale are gearing up for boat show season. Leading luxury yacht builders, brokers and service providers will gather in the world’s largest mega yacht ports to preview the latest models and products offered in luxury yachting.

Cannes Festival International de la Plaisance, September 13-18, kicks off the fall season of mega yacht shows. This year marks the beginning of Fraser Yachts Worldwide participation in the Cannes show. They will have on display 5 incredible yachts for sale, including:

San Diego Yachtfest, September 14-17, is the largest luxury yacht show on the west coast of the United States. Fraser Yachts Worldwide will be the largest exhibitor at the show with an impressive list of luxury yachts for sale on display:

The Monaco Yacht Show, September 20-23, features the biggest in-water display in Europe of luxury mega yachts. This year the show offers the most prestigious assembly of big vessels on the planet: 96 magnificent yachts in the water, including 30 motor and sailing yachts making their world premier. Fraser Yachts Worldwide will have on display the following luxury yachts for sale:

And finally, the 47th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, slated for October 26-30, is the crème de la crème of boat shows. Fort Lauderdale is the yachting capital of the world and boasts the largest and most impressive show of the season. This year’s show will feature more than $1.6 billion worth of boats, megayachts, and superyachts on display, including the following yachts for sale from Fraser Yachts Worldwide:

My Megayacht is Bigger than Yours

2006-08-21T09:29:00.000-05:00

My Yacht Is Bigger than Yours

In the world of megayachts, size really does matter. Kate Norton from Businessweek outlines the growing popularity of megayachts.

While a decade ago, an 80 foot yacht might have raised a few eyebrows, nowadays, more than 6,000 megayachts sail the seas. It's not just about the megayachts, it's also about the toys onboard. Some of this high price megayacht accessories include swimming pools, helipads, and even submarines.

Besides paying the initial costs of purchasing a megayacht, owners also have annual running costs, which average at least 10 percent of the purchase price and port costs. Depending on the size of the megayacht, owners may have to pay commercial prices to dock. Regardless of the cost, many megayacht owners would agree, it's worth it.

Oil Tycoons Fund New Fleet of Megayachts

2006-08-10T09:27:00.000-05:00

ABC News: American Drivers Fund New Fleet of Megayachts

At $70 a barrel, oil prices are keeping oil tycoons in the lap of luxury, which includes large, spacious megayachts. "The megayacht industry was virtually invented for the Arabs," said Dirk Johnson, managing partner for Churchill Yacht Partners in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "They're the ones who funded almost all the big yachts; [in the '90s] ships were built for Arab sheiks and oil money." In fact, the top end of Power and Motoryacht's current ranking of the world's 100 largest yachts is dominated by rulers from the oil-rich countries. Here are two examples of the high-end megayachts owned by oil tycoons:

Al Salamah - 456 foot megayacht owned by Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz
Pelorus - 377 foot megayacht owned by Roman Abramovich

And the price tag to yacht with these oil tycoons? Buyers who want to compete on this circuit need upward of $100 million to make a splash.

Saint Tropez – Epicenter for Celebrities This Summer

2006-08-03T11:17:00.000-05:00

Luxury yachts, great French cuisine, high-end boutiques and all night dance clubs – the glitz and glam of the French Riveria beckons rock stars, movie icons and socialites.

- Pamela Anderson, in a white string bikini, wed Kid Rock on board a luxury yacht

- P. Diddy was recently spotted on the mega yacht LADY JOY entertaining the likes of Ivana Trump, Duchess of York, Penelope Cruz and Paris Hilton

- Coleen McLoughlin and World Cup winner Wayne Rooney were spotted hanging out at the famous Nikki Beach

Nestled along the southern coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, Saint Tropez has always been known as a celebrity hotspot, but recent headlines indicate the it’s the ultimate destination for decadent living among the rich and famous this summer.

Big Yachts, Big Money vie for America's Cup

2006-07-28T11:57:00.000-05:00

Big boats, big money vie for America's Cup - On the Money - MSNBC.com

When the price of entry for America's Cup can top $150 million, big stakes are on the line for mega yachts in this premier sailing event.

“It is so intense,” said Seahorse Magazine Editor Andrew Hurst. "The pressure on every person, on the boat, is huge. Seventeen athletes on deck. Racing a 26-ton, state-of-the-art, and carbon fiber sailboat. They race a 13-mile course one on one, towards the finish line. In a sport that has no second place."

It's not about the money...there are intense rivalries between the sailing teams. The most notable one is between Ernesto Bertarelli and Larry Ellison. Bertarelli has the cup with the Alinghi, the Swiss boat, while Ellison wants the cup with the BMW Oracle boat. Both men being sportsmen, leave their rivalries to the water.

Superyacht Launches Making Headlines

2006-07-27T09:44:00.000-05:00

It seems like every time you turn around these days there is the launching of another new mega yacht. Mega yachts are making headlines in every corner of the globe as shipbuilders try to keep up with the demand for new build orders.

In July yachts splashing the headlines include, New Zealand’s Alloy Yachts superyacht KOKOMO a 52 meter sailing yacht, Italy’s Perini Navi launched the 88 meter sailing clipper MALTESE FALCON and CRN shipyard launched the 120’ steel mega yacht GiVi. ANGEL OF JOY, a 33 meter motor yacht, was launched in the South of Turkey by Cyrus Yachts.

A few of the new builds underway include Yachting Development’s BRISTOLIAN, the largest sloop to be constructed by the New Zealand yard, in Holland’s Amels shipyard announced plans to begin construction of the second in its Limited Edition series, the Amels 212’. And, in Italy the world's leading superyacht builder Benetti has several builds in the works, including 52 meter LATINOU, hull number FB237, and a new 45 meter Benetti Vision.

There appears to be no end in sight to the frenzy of consumers for bigger and better yachts. The progression of new orders for delivery in 2006 (+7.9%) follows the exceptionally strong year in 2005 and reflects the excellent performance of the international luxury yachting market sector for several years now, according to a recent press release from the Monaco Yacht Show 2006.

World growth is principally due to an increase in motor yacht orders between 24 and 36m and above 45m. The length of new builds in 2006 has also increased, due notably to the increase of projects greater than 45m. The average length of a yacht in 2006 has increased to 36.25m, compared with 34.56m last year, according to the report.

Many of this year’s new luxurious launches will make their debut at the Monaco and Cannes International Yacht Shows in September, where the biggest names in the industry will have on display yachts for sale and yachts for charter.

Mega Yachts: Bigger is Better

2006-07-21T07:50:00.000-05:00

A bigger demand for bigger boats

Many existing yacht owners are turning in their smaller power yachts for larger, more luxurious mega yachts. For Burger Boats, just one of the many mega yacht manufacturers, the average length has stretched from 104 feet to 147 feet.

"Customers who already own boats want larger ones, and often they want to stick with the same brand, so companies at all size points are lengthening their boats," said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the trade group for the recreational boating industry.

For yacht owners looking to upgrade to mega yachts, here are some of the mega yachts for sale at Fraser Yachts Worldwide.

Golden Age of Yachting

2006-07-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

According to a recent article in Newsweek and William Smith, co-owner of U.S. based Trinity Yachts, the golden age of yachting was not during the 1930s - it's now. With today's advanced technology in yacht construction you can have all the comforts of a five-star hotel - and it's mobile!

Leading the way in new yacht construction and yachts for sale are the Italians. Azimut and Benetti are two Italian yachting leaders at the helm of the growing big boat boom. Azimut’s eye-catching open boat series, signature marked by their bright red hulls, has a retractable roof on the main deck and oversized windows at the water's level providing guests incredible views. Benetti's, starting around 100', and are best described as 'ultimate luxury' reserved for a select few.

Voting Opens for Top Yachting Award

2006-07-14T13:40:00.000-05:00

Voting opens for top yachting awards

Voting for the prestigious Raymarine Yachting Journalists' Association Yachtsman of the Year opens on Friday 15 September at the Southampton Boat Show. The yachting award recognizes British sporting excellence and achievement in yachting.

Southhampton Boat Show attracts members of the Yachting Journalists' Association, the RYA, British Marine Federation, and many others yachting enthusiasts. Visitors can either enter their nominations at the Southampton Boat Show or at these two yachting websites: www.raymarine.com and www.yja.co.uk..

Monaco Yacht Show to Display 95 Mega & Super Yachts

2006-07-14T12:56:00.000-05:00

The most exclusive luxury mega yacht trade show, attracting yachting leaders from around the world, will be held in the Principality of Monaco in September.

One of the top super yacht shows in the world, the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is the only international show devoted exclusively to luxury yachting featuring the biggest in-the-water display in Europe of super and mega yachts.

The prestigious MYS not only attracts the leading shipbuilders, yacht brokers and suppliers of the super yacht market, but also top luxury goods providers such as Mercedes-Benz, Baccarat and the watch maker Blancpain; for the last seven years Blancpain has designed a limited series Monaco Yacht Show watch for the event.

This year the MYS will offer an impressive assembly of large yachts for sale - 95 super and mega yachts, over 500 exhibitors, and more than 22,000 visitors are expected. More than 55% of the yachts registered for the 2006 show are between 40 and 90 meters (131-295 feet) in length, and 30 brand new large luxury yachts will be making their world debut at the show.

Some of the super yachts for sale to be displayed at the 16th annual MYS:

MALTESE FALCON, Perini Navi’s newly launched 88m (289’) sailing clipper
DILBAR, a 66m (216’) Oceanco
AMBROSIA III, a newly launched 65m (213’) Benetti
MEDUSE, Paul Allen’s 61m (199’) Feadship
BARBARA JEAN, a 57m (185’) Feadship

Click here for a complete list of yachts that will be on display at the Monaco Yacht Show September 20-23, 2006.

Art of the Superyacht

2006-07-12T07:36:00.000-05:00

The Yacht Report, a leading luxury yachting magazine, has published one of the most inspiring and visually stunning books that the super yacht market has ever seen.

The "Art of the Superyacht" is a 312-page collection of photographs and images of some world's of the opulent yachts including the 213-foot steel Benetti AMBROSIA, 295-foot Royal Huisman sailing yacht ATHENA, the world's largest personal sailboat MALTESE FALCON measuring in at 298 feet, and Paul Allen's 413 foot Lurssen OCTOPUS, just to name a few.
Having collaborated with the top shipyards, key designers and renowned photographers, "Art of the Superyacht" includes some of the most stunning projects ever delivered, being built or simply being conceived and reveals the true nature of creativity, incredible detail and innovative design within the yachting industry.

The limited edition collector's book may be purchased for $495 at
www.nauticalmind.com/customer/Art-of-the-Super-Yacht-pr-70926.html

Mega Yachts are Hot

2006-07-07T10:01:00.000-05:00

FOXNews.com - America's Got the Hots for Yachts - Fashion and Lifestyles

FOX News discusses how America's rich and elite are spending their leisure dollars on yachting. And not just any yacht will do. Mega yachts are in demand.

"The larger boats in particular, over 80 feet, have seen a backlog that's growing year by year," said Bill McGill, CEO of MarineMax of Clearwater, Fla, "It's grown faster than any other segment, and for us, it's really about boats over about 50 feet."

George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Tiger Woods, Mariah Carey and Sean "Diddy" Colmes are just some of the celebrity names associated with mega yachts. Celebrities aren't the only ones hitting the high seas. So what has stirred interest in mega yachts?

Baby Boomers are spending more and more discretionary dollars on recreation.
The televised coverage on yachting races such as the America's Cup and the Louis Vuitton Cup spurs yachting enthusiasm.
Under certain circumstances, a yacht can be treated as a second home for tax purposes, making mega yachts a good investment.

Visit Fraser Yachts Worldwide for more information on Mega Yachts for Sale.

Megayacht Marina to be Built in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

2006-06-30T08:45:00.000-05:00

MiamiHerald.com | 06/27/2006 | Megayacht marina to be built

Earl E. Weber, a New Orleans developer, has taken over the Summerfield Boat Works boatyard in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he plans to build a covered marina for megayachts. There are expected to be 26 slips, costing anywhere from $2 million to $4 million each. Pier Seventeen Marina and Yacht Club, the new ownership group of the Ft. Lauderdale marina, has already taken reservations on a dozen slips.

"This deal was a no-brainer," wrote Mr. Weber, "I spend about $4,000 per month on a a slip I currently rent off the Intracoastal Waterway. I now own a secure slip that is an appreciating asset."

Watch the America’s Cup 2007 as you Sail Onboard a Luxury Yacht Charter

2006-06-23T09:06:00.000-05:00

Watch America's Cup 2007 Sailing Onboard Luxury Yacht Charter - Fraser Yachts Worldwide

In 2007 the America’s Cup sailing tournament with be held in Valencia, Spain, which is the first time in 152 years this prestigious sailing event in the world will be held off mainland Europe.

With the amount of people expected to attend next year’s festivities Valencia’s limited number of luxury hotels are likely to fill up quickly. However, shore side accommodations in Valencia can’t compete with the vantage point offered by a luxury yacht charter. Onboard a luxury charter yacht you’ll have the best seat in the house with all the creature comforts including big screen televisions for complete coverage of the yacht race. During the day you can watch the America’s Cup sailing yachts perched from the deck of your charter yacht; in the evening relax with sunset cocktails while taking in the sights of the coast of Spain.

Fraser Yachts Worldwide, one of the leading travel charter vacation companies in the world, has been fielding numerous calls recently with clients looking for Spain yacht charters for the America’s Cup sailing tournament. “Luxury charter yachts are available in Valencia for both the America’s Cup and Louis Viutton Cup,” said Khaldoun. “Although the Cup is a year away it’s not too early to start planning your charter holiday, particularly with superyacht berthing limited in Valencia’s new Port America’s Cup.”

World's fleet of private mega yachts growing

2006-06-19T14:09:00.000-05:00

According to a recent report by CNBC the world's private megayacht fleet has doubled to 2,500 over the past decade. There are more than 2,000 yachts in the world measuring a hunderd feet, but if you want to make a real impression, your yacht needs to measure at least 200 feet. Still this would be less than half the size of yachts for the super rich.

Read the complete article at http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13345720/

New Port Tax for Sardinia, Italy

2006-06-16T11:44:00.000-05:00

THE TRITON - Italy, Spain to tax visiting megayachts

In an attempt to bring more revenue to the region, the Sardinian regional council passed in a 42-12 vote to enforce a port tax more stringently on mega yachts this summer. Due once a year, to be charged to “pleasure yachts” visiting Sardinia, this new tax will cost mega yacht owners 15,000 euros. Mega yachts coming to Sardinia to participate in regattas and pleasure yachts that stay the whole year in the regional port structures are exempt. The port tax is due any time a boat reaches any port, landing pier or berth located in the regional territory between June 1 and Sept. 30.

Not everyone in the community is supporting this new port tax. “That’s how to kill off tourism,” replied Giorgio La Spisa, leader of the regional council’s Forza Italia group. “Thousands of people will be leaving Sardinia.” Now before you change your yachting plans, the Italian government is considering an appeal to Italy’s constitutional court to have the new port taxes thrown out. However, in the meantime, be prepared to pay when you come and visit Sardinia.

Expedition Luxury Yachts Save Fuel

2006-06-16T07:41:00.000-05:00

Despite rising fuel prices yachting is more popular than ever. With today’s fuel prices are running between $3 and $4 a gallon owning a fuel efficient boat can help defray the increasing expense. A rugged new breed of capable luxury yachts ideal for offshore adventures have emerged: luxury expedition-style yachts.

Expedition, or often called explorer yachts are sleek, powerful and rugged on the exterior but opulent, stylish and refined on the inside. Built for safety, endurance and performance these yachts deliver the best combination of comfort and adventure. These mega yachts are designed for long offshore passages; their range for world cruising is unrivaled enabling you to explore remote exotic areas of the globe unreachable by any other means. Itasca is a 176 foot with a fuel capacity of 71,855 gallons she can travel 13,000 nautical miles at 11 knots before having to re-fuel. On average expedition luxury yachts have between a 4,000-6,000 nautical mile range. Zembra III is a Brazillian built Inace with a 9,100 tank capacity and a range of 4,500 nautical miles. Another benefit of expedition yachts is that they are displacement hulls, which means they are much more efficient. Displacement hulls require a fraction of the horsepower that semi-displacement or planing hulls require to attain optimum speed. Less horsepower equates to less fuel consumption.

With no end in sight to the economy’s rising fuel prices expedition yachts are the ideal yacht for those seeking adventure amidst luxury and comfort.

The 95 foot Zembra III is available for purchase.

The summer yaching season has arrived!

2006-06-12T09:08:00.000-05:00

For those looking to get out and about this summer why not consider a holiday onboard a mega yacht? Although there is still a week left to the official start of summer, the summer cruising season is already in full swing.

Kicking off what is sure to be one of the busiest seasons in years, the Megayacht charter business is booming over in the Mediterranean Sea. Yachts flocked to the old port of Cannes to participate in the star studded Cannes Film Festival. At times there were dozens of yachts anchored off the shore of the illustrious Carlton hotel. Unfortunately, the May weather was not too kind to the yachts; the wind was blowing at over 40 knots causing most megayachts to seek shelter in the protected anchorages on the Cote d’ Azur.

The following megayachts were sighted of the coast of Cannes:

Annaliesse, 280’ (85m) Neorion megayacht Available for charter and sale.
RM Elegant, 237’ (72m) Lambda megayacht Available for charter.

Taking place just days after the blowing winds in Cannes, the Monaco Grand Prix was filled with all types of pleasure vessels. Dinghies, sail boats, yachts, megayachts, gigayachts and cruise ships could be found anchored in and around the port of Monaco. The Principality of Monaco hosts the last remaining Formula 1 race on a true street circuit. Yachts in the harbor get a unique vantage point for watching the race. In some locations the yachts are just a few meters away from the course! However, obtaining that positioning doesn’t come cheap; yachts have been known to pay upwards of €60,000 to reserve their berth in Monaco harbor.
Interested in hearing the Formula 1 drivers’ perspectives on racing in Monaco? Click here.

What Defines a Mega Yacht?

2006-06-08T08:49:00.000-05:00

Large Private Yachts - Fraser Yachts Worldwide: Mega Yachts for Sale

In the world of luxury yachting, there are several different classifications of yachts. There's your standard luxury yacht that measures 40 feet, 12 meters, or more in length. The next category is for large private yachts, otherwise known as mega yachts or super yachts. These large private yachts measure over 80 feet, 24 meters. The last category is reserved for the super large mega yachts well over 400 feet, 122 meters. These giga yachts are about 100 feet longer than your standard football field, and come with amenities that are only accessible to the exclusively rich. Here are some examples of the different categories of luxury yachts, mentioned by the yacht's name, length of the yacht and luxury yacht builder/designer:

Luxury Yacht - M/Y TEKITOO, 78-foot luxury yacht, Arno
Mega Yacht - M/Y SOLAIA, 131-foot mega yacht, Hakvoort Scheepswerf
Giga Yacht - THE OCTOPUS, 414-foot giga yacht, brainchild of Paul Allen

According to MSNBC.com, more and more of the elite rich are turning to mega yachts and their bigger cousins. In 2005, 651 giga and mega yachts were under private yacht construction, up from 507 in 2004 and 482 in 2003 — a nearly $1 billion increase in luxury mega yacht sales. Super large mega yachts keep growing in size. The “grow, grow, grow your boat” craze has luxury yacht builders, yacht brokers and marine architects in a race to build the bigger, better, more luxurious giga yacht.