A Yacht Club That is Right for You

While there is no law that says you have to join a yacht club when you get a yacht, there are a number of good reasons to do so.  A yacht club gives you the chance to socialize with others who share your passion for yachting.  Unlike being with people who give you that "odd" stare when you talk about how great yachting is, your fellow yacht clubs members will nod knowingly because they too share the passion.   Yacht club members are often an outstanding peer group to be a part of who can also help you with questions about yachting, and what kinds of yachting outings you might enjoy.

Yacht clubs are tremendously social experiences and often the club will meet on board a different member's yacht each month so you can see how other member's yacht and enjoy some luxury at their expense as well.  Then when your turn comes to host the club on your club, you also have a chance to show off your yacht which is also great fun.

When you first buy your yacht then, you may wish to begin looking for a great yacht club that can give you the support group you want to enjoy your new passion with.  Going about finding the right kind of yacht club should be a process you are patient with because yacht clubs often have their own personalities.  But yacht clubs are almost always gracious settings so you can visit different clubs each week and feel welcome.  And its ok if you visit once or twice and move on to another club.  In fact, if you have a particular kind of yacht club that would fit your needs, sister clubs may point you in the right direction.

Like a lot of things, the internet can be a lot of help just finding the various yacht clubs in your area.  And when you start the search, you will often find that the better yacht clubs have web sites up with pictures, publications of their schedule of events and lots of information that will help you sort out which ones you want to visit.  Many yacht clubs have a specific focus around a particular kind of yachting so you can cut down a lot of phone calls by just finding out which ones fit your approach to the sport.  So if you are interested in yachting as a form of family entertainment, you may not want to join a yacht club devoted to yacht racing or fishing expeditions.

If you are just getting started in yachting, a yacht club can be of great help offering classes in sailing or other skills related to the sport.  So one way to get to know a club is to sign up for a short course on yacht management, sailing or yacht maintenance and not only will you learn important skills, you meet others in the club and find out if the club is right for you.  For the kids you may be able to find classes in scuba, water skiing or other water sports that they will want to know on your summer yachting adventure this year and the yacht club can help them get ready and make new friends as well.  Again  the classes are often listed on different yacht clubs web sites and you can sort out which clubs offer both educational and entertainment classes that would help you enjoy  your yachting adventure to the fullest.

Just as some yacht clubs are focused on niche interest groups in yachting such as yacht racers or those dealing in very high end luxury cruise, you will find yacht clubs that focus on why you want to enjoy yachting in the first place.  So you may be looking for a yacht club for singles because owning a yacht is part of your ongoing quest to meet new people and maybe new lovers.  Other yacht clubs may be oriented toward a family experience so not only will the events be family friendly, everyone in the family will meet peers in yachting families. 

Who knows, you may even find yourself making some lifelong friends in the yacht club, friends you may wish to join with on your next big yachting adventure.  And if that is the outcome of joining a yacht club, then that social scene will have been one of the best groups you ever joined.

A Wonderful Greek Yachting Vacation

Yachting in Greece is as much the best of an exotic and luxurious vacation as there is.  The islands are beautiful and the waters a delight to sail or yacht whether you put to shore or just enjoy the magnificent setting and atmosphere of the Greek islands.  Whether you are yachting on your own boat or you charter to allow local experts to guide you to the wonders of this delightful part of the world, you will discover a world that is such a delight to take your time and enjoy.

The best time to plan for a yachting trip to Greece is between March and November of the year.  This is the time of year when the temperature is virtually perfect for yachting.  If you wait until mid May to start your vacation, that is when the sea is great for swimming and a lot of other water activities that are a great ways to pass the day.  While it can get a bit warm in the summer months, the breezes along the coast keep you relaxed and comfortable if you dress for it.

They say that the anticipation of a trip is as good as the vacation itself.  So along with planning your wardrobe and what time of year you want to vacation in Greece, you should also think through what you will require onboard your yacht.  This is a perfect charter situation because by bringing an experienced captain and crew from Greece onboard with you, they can guide you to the best of the country.

The length of your stay, the size of your party and the amount of time you will actually be staying onboard will all affect the size of yacht you may wish to charter while in Greece.  If you have chartered a yacht before and spent time on one, you have a good feel for not only how much comfort to prepare for but to what extent you want to be physically involved with the operation of the yacht during the time you are enjoying your vacation.    If you want to do all of the work of operation the yacht, you can take a stab at a bareboat charter.  But at the other end of the scale is a full crew charter where you will enjoy complete luxury and the only decision you might have to make is whether to nap on deck or in your luxury cabin.

If you are going to be enjoying the area for a good amount of time, you might consider a flotilla where your yacht becomes part of a community of yachts all following the same leisurely path through a designated route.  In this kind of situation you may have bareboat yachts, yachts with just skippers or full crew yachts and you can pool the common expertise so everybody enjoys their time in a community setting.  This is also an excellent way to meet people from all over Europe and turn a single yacht vacation into a party.

Be sure you allow plenty of time to really explore Greece.  By working with a local charter company, they can guide you not only on the places you absolutely do not want to miss but on customs and festivals that are going on at the time of year you are there that will make your vacation especially memorable.  One way to get the best of Greece is to schedule a few days before or after your yachting adventure to just take some time in Athens or one of the other wonderful local areas and really soak up a lot of Greek culture, not to mention some fabulous food.  By doing that you will come home relaxed, tanned and with one of the best vacations you ever had behind you in the wonderful Greek islands.

Cantieri di Pisa - Rebuilt in 2009

The yacht was built in 1982 by Cantieri di Pisa, Italy, when she was bought by Government of Republic of Bulgaria. During that time the boat was used very rarely. The recent 14 years, the yacht was carefully kept in a Bulgarian Navy Base in special built building till 2007, when she was sold by the Government to a private company. The new owner decided instead of renovation of the yacht to be build brand new, using the hull and partially the superstructure. The exterior view of the yacht has been changed completely – arranging a swimming platform, changing the shape of the stern and all the windows, new radar arch, new shape of the bulwark, etc. All the equipment is brand new, as well as piping, cables, shaft line and propellers. New furniture and arrangement in the cabin and on the flybridge deck. One additional cabin is arranged in the stern area, where and a crew mess room is arranged. Actually – over the original hull, also modified, were built completely new vessel by new design, with up-to-date equipment and zero working hours. The construction has been finished in August 2009 and registered under the Malta flag. The Yacht obtain, according to the regulations of the “Registro Italiano Navale RINA”, class reliance characteristic

Status: Available

Cantieri di Pisa Akhir 30

CANTIERI DI PISA AKHIR30 - 30m SUPERYACHT 550,000 GBP A timeless classic, super yacht of its era, from the famous Cantieri di Pisa yard, displaying Italian flair for line and design far in advance of its year. The price reflects the need of a re-fit. Sleeps ten in four cabins, owners and VIP both full doubles En Suite and 2 twin cabins with Pullman bunks, again En suite, plus crew quarters, 2 twins with shared shower and 1 En suite captains single cabin, she is vast. Classic dining room and separate saloon, spacious working galley with crew dining room, she has masses of entertaining space either on the aft deck or the vast fly bridge. Fitted with a fly bridge crane for handling toys. Lying Gibraltar – British flag (BVI) - Company owned Year: 1989 Engines 2 x MTU 2600HP Colour White with a blue feature line Berths 8 in 4 cabins plus 5 crew Price 550,000 GBP Tax not paid

2009 Ferretti Yachts Altura 840

THE ALL NEW FERRETTI ALTURA 840 - UNMISTAKEABLE STYLE FOR A "VILLA ON THE SEA" . The Altura 840 embodies a perfect synthesis between the concept of an aft-cabin motor yacht, conceived for medium and long range cruising. The Ferretti Altura 840 at 83ft 11in squeezes in an amazing 6 cabins as well as a huge open plan saloon, day area. This model continues the Ferretti Signature of the full beam master cabin that is completely separated from the rest of the accommodation space in the stern of the vessel. The standard engine setup is 2 x 1823hp MTU's allowing the boat to have a maximum speed of 30 knots.

Magical Charters in the Bahamas

MAGIC, a 150′ Trinity mega yacht can accommodate 10 guests in four double cabins and one twin cabin, all with ensuite facilities. Available in The Bahamas this winter for excellent charter vacations!

Water sports include: Waverunners, Boogie Board, Wake Board, Water Skis, Fishing Gear, Snorkel Gear, Sea Bisquit, Rendezvous Diving, and Beach Toys

Captain Mac & Betsy McDonald along with their impressive crew are very eager to charter.

MAGIC is the perfect charter yacht - plenty of deck space, water toys & comfort!
STELLAR 5 STAR TRACK RECORD

Winter rate now $145,000 per week plus expenses

Impetuous in the Bahamas and Florida

IMPETUOUS, a 120′ offers lovely accommodation for up to eight guests in four beautifully appointed staterooms. Water Sports Include: Tender, Waverunners, Snorkel Gear, Motor Scooters, Water Skis, Wakeboard, Towables, Gym, and Jacuzzi.

Captain Jim Lynn and his dedicated “charter ready crew” are looking forward to welcoming your clients either in the Bahamas or Florida. Rate has been reduced to $57,500 per week plus expenses from $65,000.
Summer 2010: how about a NEW ENGLAND Charter?

Be SCOTT FREE in the Bahamas

SPECIAL RATE: USD 200,000 per week plus all applicable expenses and taxes.

LOCATION: BAHAMAS
Scott Free is a 157′ late model mega yacht with 6 staterooms offering “relaxed elegance” in the Bahamas.
Outstanding layout w/ flexible accommodations & 9 enthusiastic crew.
Huge exterior areas; large flybridge Jacuzzi; loaded with toys incl. 31’ tender • Elevator lift servicing all decks including sundeck!

ADRIANA II a 82′ Horizon 2004
Located in the heart of Paradise for your convenience!
No fuel repositioning fee!

Available this winter in Florida/Bahamas!
Sleeps 6 Guests in 3 Staterooms
Sat TV & Local TV
Cinema, DVD & DVD Library
Ipod adaptor
Spacious aft deck with dining table and bar
Fishing equipment, kayak, tube
Also available for Day Charters!

Monte Carlo - Summer charters in Bahamas - Save $15,000

M/Y MONTE CARLO is now available in the Bahamas this summer and is offering a special rate of $70,000/week plus all expenses for all charters taking place during the months of May, June and July. An unbeatable rate reduction of $15,000!

The yacht is based in Ft. Lauderdale with no delivery charges on a full week out of Nassau

Having recently completed a major refit, M/Y Monte Carlo is in pristine condition, accommodating up to eight guests in four luxurious ensuite staterooms. Large open reception areas and spacious decks along with a great selection of water toys; make Monte Carlo an exceptional choice for any charter.
An unparalleled charter record, Captain Pete Miller and crew welcome you onboard for an unforgettable holiday.

A Society of Yacht Lovers

If you either have or find yourself developing a genuine fascination and love of not only yachts but the lifestyle of yachting, you are not alone.  When you begin either using your new yacht or regularly chartering a yacht for a weekend of luxury or a special vacation, it's easy to fall in with a society of yacht owners where you can share your enjoyment of these very special boats and learn from each other as well.

Yacht clubs are one way that yacht owners and yacht lovers alike gather routinely to share their common interest in diverse settings.  Even if you are not a yacht owner yet yourself, it isn't hard to get an invitation to yacht club meetings where your enthusiasm for yachting will only intensify.  One way that the knowledge about yachting spreads easily in almost a viral way at yacht club gatherings is that these societies commonly mix together those who enjoy luxury yachting on a motor yacht to those who love sailing to those who own yachts as big as cruise ships to those who are into yachting for the thrill of yacht racing.

In this way even if your addiction is to luxury yachting, by socializing with yacht racing enthusiasts, you can find yourself a guest at a yacht race and get the thrill of that lifestyle in your blood.  After viewing your yacht as a place to relax and cruise or sail the seas at a leisurely pace, to see yachts that are customized and trim and ready for high speed racing, you will see yachting an entirely different light.

Similarly if you are a speed yacht enthusiast, you may only see yachts the way race horse owners see their thoroughbred animals.  But when you "rub elbows" with those who know the joy and fun of luxury yachting, you will see their fascination with your lifestyle and be eager to share theirs with you as well.  So if you trade a couple tickets to the next big yacht race for a weekend on a luxury yacht, you will get a new appreciation for why those big lumbering yachts that are built for comfort, not for speed are so appealing.  For both the yacht racer and the lover of luxury yachting, this exposure may lead to yet another area of yachting that you may wish to own a part of as your next big yacht investment.

Yacht clubs are also good ways to learn about new destinations and theme yacht excursions that you may wish to try out the next time you are planning a yachting adventure. You may never have considered yachting around the British Isles and combining your love of the luxury of your yacht with an exciting vacation exploring historic sights and taking in some of the best culture in the world.  So as other yacht owners "brag" about their last great yacht adventure, you can be taking some notes and open up whole new ways you can keep your love of yachting fresh and new each year.

Meetings of the yacht club often are held on member yachts or in some location where the members can explore an aspect of yachting together.  One of the major boat and yacht shows and expos in town is a great place to hold a yacht club meeting because as much fun as it is to explore new yachts yourself, its so much more enjoyable to do so with other yacht lovers and to discuss and compare yachts with people who know them and love them like you do.

If you join a yacht club, you should fully expect and actually want to see other club members use the meetings to "show off" how great their yacht is.  Your fellow members will value your opinion and seeing you express admiration for their fine yacht and its excellent facilities.  And it won't be long before it might be your turn to host the yacht club onboard your vessel where you can lay out the red carpet for an elite group to admire what you have done to build the dream yacht paradise for you and your family and friends.

A Holiday on the 7 Seas

The problem with a lot of holiday trips is that resorts or theme parks are so predictable.  While we all go that route at first when the kids are little, it doesn’t take long even for the kids to see that these manufactured adventures are just that, pretend adventures and that it's far more exciting to get out there and have a real adventure and come home from holiday or vacation with a memory that will last a lifetime.

This is why yachting has become such a popular approach to enjoying some time off with the family and having an exotic vacation where the variety of things to do is virtually endless.  The yachting industry has come a long way to make the experience available to the wealthy and to people who are not looking for the most luxurious vacation ever as well.  Because you can pick the level of service you want or need, you can opt to have an entire crew on board of your yacht catering to your every need or scale down the size of your service personnel to just a captain or even to skipper the yacht yourself with a bareboat tour that is as close to "us against the world" as you are likely to get. 

The great thing about yachting in one of the exciting vacation spots around the world is you have a lot of freedom to move about easily.  Virtually while you nap, your captain can take you from a remote forest just off shore to gaze through binoculars at exotic beasts in their natural setting to a remote beach you would pay big money to enjoy in a luxury resort.  There is no experience as breath taking as sitting with your sweetheart and seeing the sun go down over the horizon at sea with no land in sight north, south, east or west.  This is the kind of change of pace that can take you out of the humdrum of life and really make you reflect on your life and on the world.  And that is always a healthy outcome of any get away.

The choice of destinations for a yachting holiday are vast and diverse because anywhere you might go to vacation in a land bound resort offers charter yachts so you can take in the entire experience from the deck of a boat that is yours to captain.  Feel free to stand with your hands on your hips and leg up like a pirate king or to stand on the point and shout "I'm the king of the world" to the open seas.  It's your yacht to get out there and enjoy it. 

The biggest problem you might have when planning your yachting vacation is picking what area of the world to enjoy in this very unique way.  Whether your yachting takes you to Greece, Turkey, the south of France, Bulgaria or the gulf coast of America, each location offers exotic cultures to explore, new food sensations to savor each night and shorelines that will all compete for you to crown them "best beaches in the world".  Then next year the competition will be even more intense for where to go or where to go back to.

Of course one option to try at least once is simply to "disappear at sea".  While you would not literally vanish, with a yacht at your disposal, you can get away from humanity to where it is just you and the sea and stay there for a day or a week if it suits you.  The gentle movement of the saves will create an entirely new balance in you and sooth you like nothing on hard ground can do.  It might seem like you would get bored but if you have ample provisions, simple acts like fishing, taking a swim in the deep with the creatures of the sea or just watching the birds dive for their suppers can be wonderfully entertaining and give you hours of time to reflect and recuperate from a busy life at home.

That kind of relaxation may be only possible with a complete retreat environment such as a yacht can provide.  And once you enjoy the deep refreshing that being at sea with complete isolation, complete freedom but also the luxury your yacht affords, you will get hooked and be planning a new yacht holiday next year and for many years to come.