From the monthly archives:

May 2009

Where To Find Boats Available For Sale

by VisitGreece on May 31, 2009


When most people decide to look at boats available for sale, they usually browse either new boats or used boats. However, they can also look at leasing, fractional ownership or chartering options as well. If you don’t live right on the water, then it might make more sense to spend the money on a sailing vacation. While your day or weekend trips may leave you feeling like you could have bought one at that price, consider the maintenance, fuel costs, insurance and docking fees. In the words of JP Morgan, “If you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it.” For the rich elite, luxury yachts are waiting.

Going through a certified yacht broker is a great way to discover both used and new boats that are up for sale. In this way, you will find your dream boat much the same way you would find your dream home; by enlisting the help of professionals who have access to multiple listing services, insider connections and sweet deals that have not been advertised.

The broker will work with you to define your needs and find all the amenities you desire. Brokers can also help you with financing, deal brokering, setting up an inspection, title clearing, procuring docking space and yacht services to ensure a smooth closing and transition to boat ownership. Check out www.yachtcouncil.com for more information on yacht brokers.

In addition to the initial cost of sailing boats comes the fuel cost, which is an important consideration when perusing boats for sale. If you are rich, then this caveat will mean less. For instance, physician Chris Troupe spends $12,000 to fill up his massive $4 million yacht. Burning through 40 to 50 gallons of fuel an hour just while idling, this fill-up will last him about four days on a sailing vacation, he says.

Gary Abbamonte drives a more modest, six-person fishing, whale watching and bay cruising boat that burns 7 to 10 gallons of fuel an hour. Even so, that can add up to $400 for an overnight trip. However, there is a silver lining. “Catamarans are lightweight and burn about one-third the fuel as a mono-hull,” says Cory Gracy, VP of Everett’s Sharp Yachts. Owners of sail boats don’t suffer like the powerboat owners and diesel-powered boats consume gas more efficiently as well.

  • Going through a certified yacht broker is a great way to discover both used and new boats.
  • Browsing online is one of the best ways to find new and used boats available for sale.
  • The broker will work with you to define your needs and find all the amenities you desire.

While considering boats for sale, keep in mind you will also need marine insurance before you can get your boat out into the marina. Insurance quotes can range by as much as 200%, depending on who you call and where you live. One boat owner may pay $389/year for a 24-foot cabin cruiser or $406/year for a 32-foot cruiser. Of course, the larger 44-foot sailing yachts may cost $868/year to insure.

You will get to choose what you want, such as physical damage coverage (engine, hull, trailer, including collision, theft and storms); personal effects coverage (personal property like cell phones, radios, TV, laptops, GPS, cameras); boat liability (to cover the damage you do to others); towing coverage (for breakdowns); salvage coverage (to find pieces of your boat in the event of a wreck); and spillage coverage (to clean up oil/fuel spills). You can visit www.unitedmarine.net for a good quote, without having to give out much information.

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Your Amazing Yacht Charter Adventure

by VisitGreece on May 28, 2009


Where do you want to go on a yacht charter vacation? There are limitless possibilities, according to crewed yacht brokers. Popular destinations for a United States sailing vacation include San Diego, Chicago, Miami, Honolulu, Hilton Head, Martha’s Vineyard, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Long Island and Annapolis, yet why stop there? A whole lot more awaits you, which are all discoverable by power boats and luxury yacht charters!

A Mediterranean private yacht charter has much to offer. In Spain, you can discover the passionate flamingo dancers and proud matadors, sip sangria, eat delicious olives and enjoy modern marinas from Barcelona to Valencia. Euro club goers and party animals can’t miss the amazing entertainment venues on Ibiza, where vibrant beaches are as world renowned as the nightlife.

Some of the other Balearic Islands offer a quieter respite, from the secluded beaches of Formentera, to the cobble street village of Cindadella, to the culture-rich fishing village of Mallorca to the National Park on Dragonera. Other Mediterranean destinations include Greece, Croatia, Turkey, France and Italy.

For those chilly winter months, why not take a private yacht charter to the warm Caribbean waters? Travelers come to the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas for the white sandy beaches, the pleasant trade winds, turquoise waters, West Indian cuisine and fun activities year-round.

There are more than 100 Virgin Islands, offering a plethora of coves for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, surfing, marine-life watching and lounging. On the shores, you will enjoy dancing, frozen blender drinks, crafts from local artisans and the dramatic mountain peak topography.

  • Indian Ocean has a lot to offer a private yacht charter.
  • A private yacht charter is a wonderful way to spend a honeymoon or vacation.
  • Travelers come to the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas for the white sandy beaches.

In the Bahamas, you can feast on spicy cuisine, fish on beautiful beaches, snorkel underwater grottos, gaze upon a habitat of 60,000 flamingos, star gaze the midnight skies, dance in nightclubs and splash around at the world-renowned Atlantis water-park and culture center.

A sailing charter in the Cayman Islands will whisk you away to the famous Seven Mile Beach (one of the best in the world!), the historic Pedro St. James castle, scuba diving shipwrecks in Cayman Brac, bird watching the rare red-footed Booby on Little Cayman and partaking in the museums and shops of George Town. Nothing beats the winter blues like a Caribbean yacht excursion!

The Indian Ocean has a lot to offer a private yacht charter. Luxury yacht charters in the Maldives are a rare, exotic winter adventure. Clear-water lagoons, coastal coves brimming with ecological diversity and colorful coral gardens bring many that love to snorkel here. The Seychelles are referred to as “the jewels of the Indian Ocean” and offer more than a hundred islands to explore.

The Coco Islands hide black parrots and giant tortoises in misty forests, while simultaneously offering warm tropical lagoons and white sand beaches. The pleasant trade winds are best during the winter and summer months. History buffs will be amazed at the pirate graves, leper hospital ruins and colonial plantation houses. Creole food and French influences also make the Indian Ocean private yacht charters intriguing.

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Tips When Traveling Abroad

by VisitGreece on May 11, 2009


If you’re going on a vacation or work in another country, it is important that you practice a few safety measures first to keep your trip as enjoyable as possible. A lot of people experience culture shock, simply because they underestimated the situation and did not bring the right materials to stay on course. Here are some tips I’ve learned from past trips.

1. Research. It is vital that you study in advance and read some books, magazines and a few online articles about the city or country you are visiting. You will get to know more about the popular sites, people and culture. You reduce the risk of having culture shock by understanding some of their traditions and customs. Check out how their Men’s executive wallets look like, as you may be visiting a shopping hub or two.

There are a number of places that have seemingly rude gestures. The Japanese may ask you to take your shoes off before entering their home, while the Chinese prefer that you sip your soup and noodles with the loudest sound possible to show that it is really delicious. You have to learn a few respectful gestures and words of greeting as well.

2. Time matters. When you’re vacationing, time tends to fly very quick. It is important that you check the time zones to know when to schedule your sleeping periods. You can reduce the chances of jetlag and feeling tired throughout your trip by pacing yourself. You should try to sleep at your destination’s current time 2 to 3 days before you depart. You may find some Attaché case handy to know the exact date and schedule. Make sure that you are alert and ready for conferences and meetings.

3. Navigation. There are plenty of ways to find your way effectively throughout the city. You have to pack some maps, your GPS and a compass even in your Laptop attaché. Familiarize yourself with the surroundings, beginning with your own hotel room. You need to look for major streets and landmarks so that you can easily find your way back just in case
It is recommended that you go by foot during the first few days, then start navigating for important terminals such as the bus stops, train stations and bicycle rental stations. You also should study beforehand about particular restaurants that cater to foreign taste buds, since some dining areas may be too unique for your choice.

4. When attending ceremonies. You need to prepare the right dress for certain occasions like weddings, dinner parties and festivals. You can actively participate in a number of programs. Simply inquire at the front desk of your hotel about unique tourist options to make the most out of your trip.

It is also very useful to learn a few simple words and sentences, to effectively communicate and mingle with the locals. You can find your way around much more easily if you know words like “Where is…?”, “How do I get from… to…?” and “What are the available modes of transport to get to…?”

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Tips When Visiting a New City

by VisitGreece on May 10, 2009


If you plan to go on a vacation in a new country or city, it is very important that you understand some safety rules and guidelines, so as not to complicate your supposedly fun vacation. There are several places to find help and support, as well as a few locals who are very receptive to foreigners. You do not need to drag your Floor globe all the way to the other end of the world, to avoid getting lost. Here are some tips I’ve discovered through the many travels I had in the past.

1. Plan weeks before. First of all, you have to point out accurately all the places, cities, nooks and establishments that you intend to visit. Identify the country, then the cities, then the streets, then finally, the buildings and hotels where you are going to stay. You should research on the internet weeks before and view a number of photos and feedbacks. Familiarize yourself with the main roads and landmarks surrounding your residence, so you can prevent any problem.

2. Getting ready. You also need to identify other external factors, such as the main language used by the locals, the weather conditions, the popular activities and other must-see attractions. You have to be dressed for the occasion. You may want to invest in Wireless home weather stations, so you get regular updates on the outside conditions and get to bring the right clothes to stay comfortable throughout your trip.

Bring other important gadgets and items, such as your GPS, if you have one, your mobile phone, medications, watch and walking shoes.

3. Getting around. Once you reach the area, you have to be familiar with a few terms and words to communicate effectively with the locals. Some of the most important phrases and words you will have to learn include, “I’m lost.”, “I need help”, “Where is …?”, “Yes.” and “No.” It is recommended that you start going around the place by foot, so you can be familiar with the perimeter. Start increasing your radius on a daily basis, with your place of residence at the center. This way, you can ride something that leads to a major landmark or street if ever you get lost.

Your devices will also help, just in case you get into any sort of trouble. Make sure you look for Electronics charging station, if ever your cellular phone or GPS runs out of power. You can also achieve access to a few computers, depending on where you’re going to get more help and information.

4. Updates. Read the local newspaper, community bulletin boards and some articles on the internet about hotspots and other major festivals and events that you should not miss while vacationing. You can also talk to locals, managers of establishments and hotel persons regarding attractions that you should visit. You can get brochures for free, which will usually include vital information such as the exact time of the program and other inclusions like free meals and tours.

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