Archive for May 2008


Unusual Features on Luxury Yachts

May 29th, 2008 — 10:04 am
yachting
Kelly Wheeler asked:


 

The Standard Unusual



Yachts are designed to offer a break from the norm for a holiday like no other. Because of their reputation for luxury and opulence many have unbelievable features that, for the yachting fraternity are actually pretty standard. Relaxing in a Jacuzzi or spa bath on deck is part of everyday life onboard a yacht and many vessels also have saunas and steam rooms for guests to relax in after a day at sea. Onboard gyms are not uncommon ensuring that fitness routines can be maintained and many vessels even have personal trainers on staff. Waverunners, jetskis and scuba diving and windsurfing equipment are offered on most vessels, guaranteeing that you can make the most out of the spectacular locations you will be visiting on your yacht.

Interior design aimed specifically at yachts has emerged as a profession and the inside of most vessels is professionally designed to the owner’s unique tastes. Granite countertops and marble columns are not uncommon and wood panelling creates a cosy feel for those stormy nights. Plush carpets underfoot, opulent furnishings and handmade linens allow the interiors to live up to a yacht’s luxurious reputation. Entertainment systems, internet access, multimedia centres and every gadget you could think of are all common features onboard a luxury yacht, ensuring that guests are kept busy no matter the weather. These yachts have become far removed from the rustic explorer vessels they once were and offer every amenity you could need while travelling the open sea.

Yachts That Exceed All Expectation



With standard features of marble and Jacuzzis, yachts really need some unique and incredible features to stand out from one another. One such yacht is the 457 ft Al Salamah. Owned by Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, the Saudi Arabian defence minister, this yacht was crowned the world’s largest state-owned yacht in 2007 and includes features like an indoor swimming pool, a private hospital and over 90 different rooms onboard.

The Omega is a 271 ft luxury yacht for charter and features its own massage parlour and yoga studio, guaranteeing a relaxing cruise. A private beautician is on hand and guests have a choice of relaxing in the interior or in the outdoor Jacuzzi. The Felicita West is a sailing yacht that combines speed with luxury. Even at only 210 ft, this yacht still houses an abundance of unique features, one being the automated crows nest left that transports guests up the mast for a view of a lifetime. The Virginian features its own library and guests can relax in front of a roaring fire, enjoying a book and an after dinner drink. The Octopus has a glass-bottomed floor for observing the ocean life beneath you and a fully equipped music recording studio. Limitless, owned by Leslie Wexner, CEO of Limited Brands and Victoria’s Secret, has its own “dolphin cam” that records the sea life below and transmits it to flat screen TVs across the yacht, while Larry Ellison’s Rising Sun features its own on deck basketball court.

Perhaps one of the most extravagant and unbelievable yachts is the soon to be launched Eclipse. This yacht is set to become the largest privately owned vessel in the world and has two helipads, a lift to transport guests between floors and a disco to entertain through the night. Each guest gets their own jetski and a balcony off their room to enjoy the ocean views. This yacht even has a submarine with its own private docking station, allowing guests to come and go in complete privacy. Privacy and safety were a large consideration in the design and build of this vessel. An anti-missile system, bulletproof glass and motion sensors are all installed and even flash detectors protect guests from the paparazzo’s cameras.



Memorable Events Onboard



With so many incredible features and well-designed interiors, it is no wonder that some of the world’s most important and memorable events occurred on the deck of a yacht. Yachts act as a particularly distinctive status symbol and offer a level of privacy that cannot be achieved anywhere else. This attracts everyone from celebrities to politicians to their decks and is the reason that a yacht has been home to some unforgettable events.

If there is any yacht that epitomises this trend it is the legendary Christina O. Purchased and refurbished by shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1954, it was restored to become the most luxurious and extravagant private yacht of its time. Guests on board made up the A-list of celebrities of the time and ranged from Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor to distinguished royals like King Farouk of Egypt and heads of state like Eva Peron. The now famous Ari’s Bar on board was where Sir Winston Churchill and President John F Kennedy were first brought together to discuss politics and the state of the world. The deck of this spectacular yacht also bore witness to two of the most famous weddings of the mid-20th century – Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier and Onassis’ own nuptials with Jackie Kennedy.



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Comments Off | Cruising

The World’s Top 5 Yachts

May 27th, 2008 — 08:26 pm
yachting
Kelly Wheeler asked:


 

A Floating Paradise



Yachts have captured the imagination of people the world over and nothing signals luxury more than the ultimate floating home. The term luxury yacht encompasses any privately owned vessel that is professionally crewed and was coined at the beginning of the 20th century when yachting for pleasure became a reality for many.

 

Classifying yachts into a list of the world’s most impressive vessels is not an easy task. Most people use length as the deciding factor in determining the largest and most spectacular vessels, but in technical terms, it is gross tonnage that really determines one yacht’s size in relation to another. This measure of weight refers to a yacht’s volume and what it can carry or accommodate.

 

The World’s Five Longest Motor Yachts



But it is length that is more tangible for most people and is a huge determining factor in the status of a yacht. In classifying the world’s privately-owned yachts into the top 5 by length, there are actually six that emerge as clear contenders. The world’s largest yacht is actually yet to be launched and will be vying for the top spot by the end of 2008.

 

Most of the world’s five longest yachts were built in Europe, with only the Platinum/Golden Star being constructed in the United Arab Emirates. Germany is currently the top yacht producing country with the esteemed Lurssen Company being behind three of the world’s current longest luxury yachts. This trend of European dominance in the field of yachting is also prominent in yacht charters and brokerage. Yacht brokerage companies sell and charter some of the world’s longest and most luxurious yachts, making magnificent vessels of this type more accessible.



The Golden Star



The world’s biggest and most majestic yacht to date, the Golden Star is also known as the Platinum Star and is truly a sight to behold. Launched in Dubai in April 2006, the 160 metre yacht is owned by the Sheikh of Dubai. The yacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei in 1996, but when his funds ran out two years later, construction was halted indefinitely. The partially-finished skeleton of the yacht sat in a German dry dock until the project was taken over by Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. The name of the yacht as well as her features have been held secret, even after her launch with rumours of submarines and missile detectors neither confirmed nor denied. Originally named the Golden Star, the Sheikh of Dubai is said to prefer the more sophisticated Platinum Star while latest rumours have simply named the current world’s longest yacht the Dubai.

 

Sunflower



At 155 metres, the Sunflower is the world’s second largest yacht and currently one of its youngest, as it was only launched in 2007. Its design is typically Arabian, even though it was built in Germany, hinting that she may have been built for a Middle Eastern owner and her unique design includes a triple mast and a double funnel. The owner is still unknown but rumours abound that she is the next successor to the Al Said due to her similar colouring and features. The Omani Royal Yacht Al Said is now over 25 years old and was originally built in Italy.



Prince Abdul Aziz



The world’s current third largest yacht was built back in 1984 and actually holds the record of being the biggest ever built in the 20th century. The Prince Abdul Aziz, built for the King of Saudi Arabia, ruled the oceans with the title of the world’s largest yacht for over 20 years until it was usurped by the Platinum/Golden Star. The interior of the yacht was completely redesigned and refitted in Greece in 2002 to create a more modern and luxurious look. Sixty-five crew members are reportedly needed to keep the Prince Abdul Aziz afloat and she more resembles a cruise ship than a privately-owned yacht.



Al Salamah



The Al Salamah is one of the most mysterious yachts currently sailing our seas as very little information about its features has ever been released, leaving rumours to circulate about its incredible design and luxurious touches. Lurssen Yachts in Germany were given only two years to complete the construction of the 139 metre yacht, making its completion a remarkable feat. Owned by Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, the Saudi Defence Minister and son of the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, the Al Salamah has all the expected features of a yacht of this size, including private cinemas and Jacuzzis, but it is the rumoured extra features that truly set her apart. Her indoor swimming pool covered by a glass roof is unique and her interior was designed by the famed British designer Terence Disdale.



Rising Sun



At 138 metres, the Rising Sun is the world’s fifth longest yacht and encompasses five stories with 82 rooms to house its privileged guests. The yacht cost current owners Larry Ellison, CEO of the Oracle Corporation, and David Geffen over $200 million to build. Constructed by Lurssen in Germany from a Jon Bannenberg design, the Rising Sun has an estimated living space of over 8000 square metres. There are plenty of features to keep guests entertained with a basketball court, gymnasium spa and sauna as well as a giant plasma-screened cinema. The wine cellars ensure that there is always something special on hand to drink and the teak deck and onyx countertops accentuate the luxurious design.



Eclipse – Coming Soon



The buzz surrounding the build of the Eclipse is keeping the yachting fraternity in frantic anticipation awaiting the world’s newest and most spectacular Super Yacht. Owned by Roman Abromovich and constructed by Blohm and Voss in Germany, the Eclipse has an estimated price tag of over $300 million. Accommodating 24 people, this yacht is built for luxury and privacy, with anti-paparazzi measures and a unique design that separates the owner, guests and crew. The features on board range from two helipads to a disco, pool, and a round glass room offering panoramic views, as well its own private submarine.

 

 



 



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Comments Off | Cruising

Can someone please tell my information about yacht drivers?

May 19th, 2008 — 02:47 pm
yachting
southerngal1193 asked:


I need to know there salary, dutie,school requird, how long the schooling last, ect. Thank you.

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1 comment » | Yachting

What is this $40 million LUXURY YACHT?

May 14th, 2008 — 06:31 am
luxury yachts
Natin90s asked:


I forgot what is the name of this yacht but i saw it on an episode of TOP GEAR it was featured before showing the RED PAGANI ZONDA…

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3 comments » | Boats & Boating

I’m buying a Yacht to sail around the world.What is the procedure for docking my yacht in diff countries?

May 13th, 2008 — 07:19 am
yachting
Ugo asked:


Do I have to call the docks in advance? Is there a booking agency? Do the docks usually fill up quickly?

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4 comments » | Boats & Boating

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