International yacht sales and charter companies Sunsail and The Moorings announced a new partnership with French sailing yacht manufacturer Dufour Yachts, who has been evolving its range for more than 50 years. The new partnership cements a long-term collaboration which will see Dufour Yachts become the exclusive supplier of monohull sailing yachts for Sunsail and The Moorings.

The technical departments of both Sunsail and The Moorings have worked alongside Dufour Yachts to ensure that the new Dufour products will be well positioned to meet the needs of its customer base. Sunsail anticipates the arrival of its first batch of 25 Dufour Yachts in the spring of 2024 for its Mediterranean destinations. This will include four models between 37 and 53 feet, including the Dufour 37 (Sunsail 37.3), the Dufour 41 (Sunsail 41.3), the new Dufour 44 (Sunsail 44.3 and Sunsail 44.4) and the Dufour 530 (Sunsail 53.5). The second and larger order will be manufactured in the fall of 2024 for the Caribbean winter season (2024-2025), and for the Mediterranean 2025 season for both The Moorings and Sunsail. 

Offering a luxury range of sailing yachts with a modern design, sleek deck layout and superior quality finishes, the Dufour brand is known for its ease of sailing, stability and performance.  

“We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Dufour Yachts, for all new monohulls arriving as part of our charter fleets,” said Franck Bauguil, VP of Yacht Ownership and Product Development for The Moorings and Sunsail. “We are looking forward to a long-term partnership and a high level of collaboration, that has already started on the new Dufour products. There is a natural convergence between our companies concerning product design, interior layouts, equipment levels and setting the stage for an unparalleled charter experience.”

Romain Motteau, Deputy CEO at Fountaine Pajot/Dufour Yachts Group, added: “We are delighted with this new partnership, built upon a shared long-term vision. At Dufour Yachts, we strive to design yachts that cater to the evolving demands of yacht owners and charterers seeking dream holidays. Our three core pillars of comfort, sailing sensations and respect for the oceans align perfectly with the ethos of Sunsail and The Moorings.”  

The new Dufour Yachts will be available through Sunsail and The Moorings’ Yacht Ownership Programs, as a unique option for those who are interested in yacht ownership but are limited in leisure time or by budget. The program guarantees a steady monthly income or reduced purchase price, while allowing ample sailing opportunities throughout the year,   access to an array of global destinations, and eliminating the typical operating, insurance and maintenance expenses associated with boat ownership.

“I want to thank the senior team of the Dufour Group, Romain Motteau, Steven Guedeu and Laurent Fabre in the USA, for making the process easy and pleasant,” said Bauguil. “Special thanks to the Dufour Team, Nicolas Berenger and Romain Lucas, for their expertise and willingness to listen. My appreciation goes to my dedicated team members, Antony Wighting, Global Technical Director for Travelopia Yachts, and John Lefevre, our Global Purchasing and Logistics Manager, for their unwavering dedication throughout this process.”  

More About Yacht Ownership with Sunsail and The Moorings

In addition to an extensive variety of cruising vacations, Sunsail and The Moorings’ Yacht Ownership Program has worked with more than 5,000 owners since its creation in 1971. With a fleet of yachts covering more than 20 destinations worldwide, it remains the only program of its kind to guarantee a monthly income, according to a company spokesperson. The program aims to help cruisers of all abilities, from first-time adventurers to seasoned sailors, spend more time on the water enjoying the best parts of owning a boat.

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The Moorings, a leading charter company, has announced a partnership with US Sailing, the national governing body for sailing in the United States. The collaboration aims to bolster support for sailors and sailing organizations across the country.

As part of their commitment to promoting cruising and sailing worldwide, The Moorings will provide discounted rates on charters exclusively for US Sailing members. In addition, US Sailing Keelboat schools and students will receive an extra discount on their charters. To encourage more people to experience the thrill of sailing, US Sailing will offer four opportunities throughout the year for sailing community members to win their own charter.

US Sailing, also known as the United States Sailing Association, plays a vital role in leading, advancing, and maintaining the integrity of the sport in the United States. They offer comprehensive training and education programs for instructors and race officials, support various sailing organizations and communities, issue offshore rating certificates, and oversee competitive sailing events nationwide, including the prestigious National Championships and the US Sailing Team.

Alan Ostfield, CEO of US Sailing, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “US Sailing is proud to welcome The Moorings to our family of partners. Our primary goal is to introduce more people to the joy of being out on the water. With The Moorings’ exceptional charter services, both seasoned and inexperienced sailors can expect an unforgettable sailing adventure. We are thrilled to facilitate this opportunity for our members and the broader sailing community.”

Ian Pedersen, Senior Marketing Manager of The Moorings, shared his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “The Moorings is thrilled to partner with US Sailing and expand our efforts to promote sailing in the United States. Through this partnership, we aim to attract new audiences to the sailing community while strengthening the skills and confidence of existing sailors across the country. This will make charter vacations worldwide more accessible than ever. US Sailing is the perfect partner for this worthwhile mission.”

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There is nothing quite like a sailing vacation. Whether you’re after sunshine and beam reaches, rum drinks and reggae, or quiet anchorages and adventures ashore, a charter with The Moorings can have it all. Now that the world is opening back up, it’s time to ditch the staycation and choose a destination. Let’s take a look at where the hottest destinations are for 2022 and 2023, what’s changed in the world of charter sailing, and what you need to know before your next vacation.

Back to the Bahamas, BVI and USVI

Long the most popular destinations for North American sailors, bases in the Virgin Islands and the Bahamas have had major setbacks from hurricanes and the pandemic. Fortunately, those days are mostly in our wake, and charter sailors can once again easily cruise the storied waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel, the Sea of Abaco and the Bahama Banks. 

The Moorings base is fully open in Road Town, British Virgin Islands, at Wickhams Cay II, where you will find resort-like amenities to enjoy before casting off. Travelers no longer need to preregister at the travel portal for entry clearance and all Covid entry testing requirements have been lifted as of July 15, 2022. Once aboard your boat, the rest of the BVI is yours to discover—explore the magical Baths on Virgin Gorda, sip a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke, and check out the Indians, one of the best snorkeling spots in the area.During the pandemic, the US Virgin Islands surged in popularity as a charter destination due to ease of travel for US residents. Once a well-kept secret, the allure of these islands is now getting the attention it deserves. From The Moorings base at the Marina at Yacht Haven Grande, you can explore all that St. Thomas offers, including abundant shopping and nightlife, then head out to explore beautiful and laid-back St. John, where you can experience the pristine beaches of Cinnamon Bay, excellent snorkeling at Leinster Bay, and even some hiking trails at Virgin Islands National Park.

The Moorings base at the Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, reopened at the end of 2021 after recovering from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. “While the impact of the storm can still be seen on the main island,” says Ian Pedersen, senior marketing manager for The Moorings, “the cruising ground and outer cays have returned to form and are a spectacular sailing destination once again.” The central location of Marsh Harbour makes it the perfect place to start your exploration of the Abacos—a longtime favorite destination for cruising sailors. Enjoy sailing in the protected waters of the Sea of Abaco to destinations that include quaint villages, such as Hope Town and Green Turtle Cay, and abundant secluded anchorages.

If you’re looking for an Out Islands experience, an Exumas charter might be for you. Departing from The Moorings base at Palm Cay Marina in Nassau, Bahamas, visitors can then cruise down to the Exuma Cays, a string of 365 islands and cays that stretch for 120 miles. Many sailors who have traveled the world agree that the Exumas are their favorite cruising ground. Once you go, you will understand. From exploring the mangrove creeks of Shroud Cay and the incredible Thunderball Grotto, to the friendly settlement of Black Point and colorful Staniel Cay, the Exumas offer a wide variety of experiences—and unforgettable sunsets on the Great Bahama Bank.

Both Bahamas destinations are fully open to vaccinated travelers, while unvaccinated visitors will need to show a negative COVID-19 test at check-in.

The Magical Med

If your dream sailing vacation includes exploring ancient ruins, villages steeped in history, and a variety of sailing conditions, a sailing vacation in the Mediterranean might be just what you’re looking for. “After so many people were unable to sail in Europe during [the pandemic], the Med sailing season is back and as popular as ever,” Pedersen says.

From The Moorings bases in Italy, Greece and Croatia, visitors can choose the Med experience that suits them best. Looking for sun-soaked beaches, quaint tavernas and excellent scuba diving? Try a charter from Corfu in Greece. Does visiting an abundance of islands offering everything from wild, barren landscapes to historic towns and lively nightlife sound ideal? A Croatia and Dalmatian Islands charter is for you. How about a view of mountain peaks, incredible cuisine and soaking in hot springs? Check out a sailing vacation from Sicily.

Whichever you choose, a charter in the Med is an incredible experience. If you are looking to do a bareboat charter in one of these destinations, you will need to have an approved sailing license, such as an International Proficiency Certificate, or have passed ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising) or US Sailing Bareboat Cruising courses. No certifications? No worries. Crewed charters are available with a captain and a chef.

Ready to Go?

After two-plus years of various lockdowns and travel restrictions around the world, it’s no surprise that stir-crazy sailors are ready to get out there. If you’re considering a charter vacation in the near future, The Moorings strongly suggests booking as soon as possible to ensure you can get the yacht you want. “We are already seeing strong bookings for next summer and even fall of 2023,” Pedersen says.

So, gather up your crew, choose your destination and go sailing.

For more information and to start booking your charter vacation, visit www.moorings.com or speak to a vacation planner directly by calling 800-416-0247.

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If you’ve sailed in the British Virgin Islands, then you know the Bitter End Yacht Club. Its marina, bars, restaurants and watersports facilities have been a mainstay in Virgin Gorda’s North Sound since
the ’70s.

Sailors around the world were crushed when the property was destroyed in 2017’s Hurricane Irma. Now, after massive rebuilding efforts throughout the BVI, the Bitter End is back—and on course to be better than ever.

Just before the winter 2021 holidays, the club raised the burgee and welcomed guests to a quiet opening of onshore amenities. While there is still much more to come, Kerri Quinn Jaffe, the Bitter End’s chief marketing officer, says that the Quarterdeck Marina, Reef Sampler Beach Bar, Buoy Room restaurant, gourmet market, and watersports center are open.

Marina and Mooring Field 

The new marina has wider slips, improved decking surfaces, enhanced skirting and upgraded power. There are also 72 moorings. The marina can take more than 25 yachts, including those up to 240 feet length overall, sail or power. Most slips are in 10 or more feet of water, and there are catamaran slips for wide beams. New dinghy docks, along with a complimentary launch service, and shoreside showers and ­facilities are all up and running.  

Buoy Room 

This is the place for a drink after a great day on the water. It’s set up with a pool table, darts and foosball. The location provides sweeping views of the North Sound and Marina Beach.  

Reef Sampler Beach Bar 

Constructed from the salvaged hull of the Reef Sampler, which was raised from the North Sound seabed following Hurricane Irma, this hangout is as Bitter End as you can get. The boat has been central to club life since the Bitter End’s founding. Cornhole, volleyball and the daily hermit crab race are all here.

The Market 

Bitter End’s new provisioning market has a selection of locally caught fish, garden-grown ­produce, fine spirits, frozen items and prepared dishes to stock your boat.

Bitter End Watersports 

There is nothing like hopping aboard a Hobie Wave for some fun on North Sound. Also available: other sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfers, skiffs and various types of boards. Wing-surfing gear is stocked too, if you want to try the newest trending sport. Sunchaser Scuba offers scheduled dive trips and PADI certifications.

This is just the beginning of the Bitter End’s next chapter. Two overwater Marina Lofts bungalows are complete, with plans to add more. Still to come are the Clubhouse Restaurant; the Reeftique boutique; and the Quarterdeck Lounge, which will be a gathering spot with food and drinks on the upper deck of the Quarterdeck Marina building. Stay tuned!

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Cruise Annapolis has joined the Waypoints charter network of the Atlantic Cruising Yachts. The rebranding expands the Annapolis, Maryland, company’s bareboat and skippered chartering and brokerage options, aligning it with Atlantic’s presence throughout North America, Europe and the Caribbean.

Waypoints Annapolis continues to offer vacationing sailors destination charters throughout Chesapeake Bay aboard new-model monohulls, catamarans and motoryachts. Brands include Fountaine Pajot and Dufour.

Incentives for Chesapeake departures in sailing season 2021 include the Healthcare Hero special of 10 percent off charters booked by healthcare professionals. The offer applies to new and direct bookings only; other restrictions apply.

Waypoints Annapolis is also expanding its schedule of sailing classes taught through the curriculum of the American Sailing Association and conducts women-only and Spanish-language ASA courses. Recent fleet additions in Annapolis include two new Dufours with three cabins and two heads. The course schedule is posted online (cruise-annapolis.com/charters/asa-sailing-instruction). For details, contact the company (cruise-annapolis.com).

Aside from the Annapolis base, Atlantic Cruising Yachts has offices in Charleston, South Carolina; St. Petersburg and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Kemah, Texas; and La Rochelle, France. For more information about the Waypoints network, Atlantic Cruising Yachts or any of the affiliated charter bases, visit the Waypoints website (waypoints.com).

Sail Lake Michigan and Save

Great Lakes Sailing Company in Traverse City, Michigan, has responded to client interest in extra days on the water in the 2021 season with several incentives. Early- and late-season charter discounts from 10 percent to 25 percent are available.

Discounts and time frames in 2021 are 10 percent off June 5-18, 10 percent off September 7-19, and 25 percent off September 20 to season’s end. Fleet additions include a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469, two Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440s, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 and a Gemini Legacy 35x catamaran. For details, contact the company (greatlakessailingco.com).

Croatia Flotillas

Jean and Mila De Keyser’s Med Sailing Adventures will conduct several flotillas in Croatia in late summer 2021. The schedule for the trips, which are conducted by the De Keysers in conjunction with the American Sailing Association, is: Trogir/Split to the Sibenik and the Krka waterfalls, August 21-28; Central Dalmatian Islands, September 4-11; one-way Split to Dubrovnik, September 11-18; Dubrovnik to Mljet and Korcula, September 18-25; Dubrovnik to Montenegro, September 25-October 2.

For details, contact the company (medsailingadventures.com).

Pacific Northwest Incentives

Join the Anacortes Yacht Charters captains’ and admirals’ club, and earn exclusive benefits. Take 5 percent off a second (or third) charter with the company. Clients who book for two weeks also receive a 5 percent discount. Rates are individually calculated for charters three weeks or longer. When five or more yachts travel together, receive 5 percent off each boat, and 10 percent off each boat for groups of 10 or more yachts. For details, contact the company (anacortesyachtcharters.com).

New Multihulls Debut

New power multihull models launched in spring 2021 include the Aquila 70 luxury power catamaran and Leen 56, a hybrid power trimaran. Aquila models are available for charter through MarineMax Vacations (marinemax.com/vacations). The Leen is available through Trimaran Yacht Charter (trimaran-yacht-charter.com).

The post July 2021 Chartering Update appeared first on Cruising World.

Sail Mexico’s Riviera Maya

Dream Yacht Charter has opened a base at Marina Las Velas, on the island of Isla Mujeres, off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Bareboat and skippered yacht charters are available through 2021.

Situated at the intersection of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, Isla Mujeres—about 8 miles from the peninsula’s internationally renowned city of Cancun—is an ideal starting point for exploring remote islands, diving and snorkeling reefs, and swimming with whale sharks.

The destination marks the fourth base opening in a year, following St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Key West in Florida, and La Spezia in northern Italy.

Recent fleet expansions include St. Thomas, with 69 total bareboat catamarans and monohulls and three crewed yachts (a Jeanneau 64 monohull and two Bali 4.8 catamarans); Key West, with 31 total power cats, catamarans, and monohulls for bareboat and skippered charters; and La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, with a total of 25 power cats, catamarans and monohulls.

The reopening of the Marsh Harbour base at Conch Inn Yacht Club & Marina on Great Abaco in the Bahamas is set for July 2021. For details, contact the company (dreamyachtcharter.com).

Flotillas, Instruction with Offshore

A handful of cabins and berths remain in the 2021 Colgate Sailing Adventures schedule, and bookings for 2022 trips are available. The long-running popular flotilla program is open to Offshore Sailing School graduates and guests, and other experienced sailors.

The 2021 schedule is Exuma, Bahamas—May 9-16 (sold out, waitlist); Corfu, Greece—June 12-19; Tahiti—September 4-14; and British Virgin Islands—November 6-13 (sold out, waitlist).

In 2022 the lineup includes St. Martin—January 22-29; Croatia—June 18-28; and Seychelles—August 20-30. For details, contact Offshore (offshoresailing.com/flotilla-holidays/). Offshore has also resumed a full instructional schedule at its four locations in Florida and in the Caribbean.

Incorporated into the curriculum are private couple instruction and family “Buy the Boat” reservations (private for one party with instructor). Courses are taught to a maximum of four students. Classes—including the Fast Track to Liveaboard Cruising—are offered aboard the Colgate 26, and Moorings and Sunsail fleets in Florida and at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina in the British Virgin Islands. A Jeanneau 479 and Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 catamaran have been added to the Offshore fleet in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Sail Croatia for Less

Take advantage of a 15 percent discounted rate to sail a Neel multihull in Croatia from Trimaran Yacht Charter of La Rochelle, France. The offer applies to charters taken by July 3, 2021. For details, contact the company (trimaran-yacht-charter.com).

The post May 2021 Chartering Update appeared first on Cruising World.

Cruise Norway Emission-Free

Newly launched Canal Boats Telemark offers six Greenline hybrid electric cruisers for exploring the 65-mile Telemark Canal in Norway.

One of Norway’s most beautiful and historic recreational waterways, the canal, built in 1852, is recognized as a national cultural heritage site. Most of its 18 lift locks still operate manually.

During the cruising season from May through October, charterers can enjoy piloting past old lock keepers’ houses, sawmills, watchmen’s cottages and stone warehouses while winding through farmland, wilderness and industrial sites. Along the way, the elevation varies 236 feet, about 1.5 times the height of Niagara Falls.

Each member of the fleet of two Greenline 33s and four 39s are fitted with an e-drive system. Ten charging stations are planned for locations along the entire canal. It’s estimated that daily electric charging costs about $12, one-fifth the cost of diesel. The 33-foot models have one double sleeping cabin and another double for children, while the 39 has two full-size double cabins. With beams of 11 feet and 12 feet, the lounge area of each has three more bunks available.

Amenities include 360-degree panoramic views, air conditioning, a full-size refrigerator/freezer, stove, microwave, television and Wi-Fi. Yacht electronics includes a Raymarine touchscreen chart plotter, hydraulic autopilot system and rearview camera.

For the Greenline 33 and 39, the all-electric-drive system yields a cruising speed of 7 knots, with a top speed of 11 knots. The 14 kW Torqeedo motors are coupled with 80 kW lithium-ion battery packs that give each boat a range of up to 40 nautical miles. For details, contact the company (canalboats.no).

Teach Sailing with ASA

If you’re a sailor with instructional certification from US Sailing, the Royal Yachting Association or Sail Canada, the American Sailing Association wants you. The ASA needs more teachers at its partner charter bases in the US, Caribbean and Europe.

The organization, with hundreds of global affiliates and an active network of more than 2,000 teachers, uses a one-day webinar to cross-certify instructors already sanctioned through other curricula to teach at a level equivalent to their current credentials.

ASA also seeks to train students who’ve successfully completed any portion of its curriculum to become new teachers through its instructor-qualification clinic. And if you’re already a certified ASA instructor seeking a long-term position or interested in teaching seasonally in a tropical destination, opportunities abound. For details, contact ASA (asa.com/hiring).

Read More: Chartering News

The Moorings in St. Thomas

The Moorings is open for chartering in St. Thomas, USVI, for the 2021 season. All-inclusive crewed yacht charters, bareboat sailing and power-yacht charters are available. This new base joins the growing list of charter destinations open and available for charters in 2021.

Fleet availability includes the Moorings 5000 and Moorings 4500 sailing catamarans, as well as the three-cabin Moorings 4000 sailing catamaran and the Moorings 433 power catamaran.

A short 10-minute drive from Cyril E. King Airport, the base is in Yacht Haven Grande Marina in the city of Charlotte Amalie. With multiple major airlines accommodating direct flights from the United States, guests will find it easy to arrive at their yacht quickly and seamlessly. No passport is required for US citizens. Itineraries departing from Charlotte Amalie include the US Virgin Islands. The islands are popular for watersports, including snorkeling, diving and recreational fishing. For details, contact the company (moorings.com).

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Sail a Neel Trimaran

Trimaran Yacht Charter, launched by racer and boatbuilder Eric Bruneel, offers crewed and bareboat trips as well as fleet management aboard award-winning Neel multihull models from 43 to 65 feet.

The charter business is an outgrowth of Bruneel’s foray into the production of cruising trimarans with naval architects Michel Joubert, Bernard Nivelt and Marc Lombard.

The Neel 45 is the winner of a Cruising World Boat of the Year award in 2013; the Neel 47 is a winner of a Cruising World Boat of the Year award in 2020.

Neel trimarans available for charter include the 43, 45, 47 and 51 models. Mediterranean destinations include the French Riviera, Corsica and Croatia. The company can also connect vacation sailors with global locations of Neel trimarans available for charter.

The trimarans are light, functional and accommodating for a shorthanded crew. Amenities include comfortable berths in double cabins and spacious living areas on one level. Guest accommodations for the 43 is six to 10; for the 45, eight; for the 47, 10; for the 51, 11. For details, contact the company (trimaran-yacht-charter.com).

Book a Cabin, Work from the Boat

Dream Yacht Charter has launched six new by-the-cabin charter destinations in the Caribbean and Mediterranean for 2021. The company also offers long-term bareboat charters for clients who want to combine work and play.

New by-the-cabin locations include the Caribbean islands of St. Barts and the US Virgin Islands.

In the Mediterranean, Dream has added Athens, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Naples and Sicily, Italy.

Dream also offers long-term bareboat charters at its 60-plus global destinations. Its promotion to sailors who can charter for four weeks and longer includes marina berthing with internet service and the opportunity to explore cruising grounds. Contact the company for details (dreamyachtcharter.com).

Sail Inshore and Offshore with Cruise Abaco

Cruise Abaco, which offers charter programs in the Bahamas, has added to its fleet.

Sea Clearly, a Jeanneau 479 with three cabins and two heads, is a 2017 model. Amenities include a Bimini with skylights, sun screens and zippered spray dodger. Also on board are Raymarine navigation instruments, roller furling, electric winches, electric windlass, cockpit VHF and a RIB dinghy with outboard motor.

Sea Clearly joins the fleet as the Cruise Abaco business is rebounding during the coronavirus pandemic. Its Gulf Stream-crossing trip was a success in November 2020, and will be offered again in June and July 2021, from Abaco to Port Canaveral, Florida. Courses through the American Sailing Association curriculum are offered during the trip. For details, contact the company (cruiseabaco.com).

U.S. Departures with Navigare

Navigare Yachting, with a base in the British Virgin Islands, has partnered with CYOA Yacht Charters in St. Thomas, USVI, to offer charters. The US territory’s travel protocols are less stringent than those in the BVI. Availability is aboard a fleet of six catamarans. For details, contact the company (navigare-yachting.com).

The post March 2021 Chartering Update appeared first on Cruising World.

Navigare Adds Bahamas

In time for winter sailing 2021, Navigare Yachting, with a global fleet of more than 300 monohulls and multihulls, has added a base in Abaco, Bahamas, and expanded its Caribbean facility in the British Virgin Islands.

Bareboat and crewed charters are available from a fleet of 12 multihulls at Marsh Harbour, on Great Abaco, which opened in December 2020. Also in December, Navigare moved its base in Tortola, in the BVI, from Road Town to Nanny Cay Resort and Marina. A fleet of 50 boats include these models: Jeanneau, Beneteau, Bavaria, Hanse, Dufour, Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot and Nautitech. The new location is naturally sheltered and features convenient taxi, air and ferry connections. Facilities include a boatyard, showers and restrooms, a hotel and restaurants, convenience and marine stores, a swimming pool, laundry and postal service.

In other company news, Navigare continues its weekly bareboat-charter auction. Join in on the live event, which offers savings up to 60 percent off regular rates, via webinar every Wednesday at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Bidders receive a list of available charters and starting prices, which excludes cruising taxes and other applicable fees. They are invited to negotiate in $200 increments until there are no bids for 30 seconds, when a winner is announced. Auctioned charters aren’t refundable, though the company has a flexible postponement policy. Preregistration is required.

Navigare luxury property- and travel-club partner Thirdhome allows Navigare charter-yacht owners to receive bonus travel credits when reserving their first stay. Membership fees are also waived.

For information, visit navigare-yachting.com.

Pocket the Passport and Sail Florida

Southwest Florida Yachts, which offers clients easy access to the cruising grounds of Pine Island Sound from its base at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral, Florida, is adding to its fleet. New boats include a Swift Trawler 52, Saona 47, Helia 44, Lucia 40 and an Aquila 44 power cat. The company’s sailing school, which teaches the American Sailing Association’s curriculum, seeks to add to its instructor staff. Contact the company for details (swfyachts.com).

New Colgate 26 Builder

Waterline Systems, known for the Alerion Yachts line of sailboats, is the new builder of the Colgate 26 keelboat, the teaching platform of Steve and Doris Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School.

Three Colgate 26 hulls that Waterline will build have been sold, and orders for more are being taken. Today there are close to 400 Colgate 26 boats sailing and racing throughout the United States by private owners, sailing schools, yacht-club fleets and the US Naval Academy. Offshore Sailing School owns 17 Colgate 26 sailboats, used for sailing lessons, basic Learn to Sail certification courses, performance sailing courses and racing events, and team-building and leadership-development sailing programs.

Waterline Systems will also now service Colgate 26 sailboats at its facilities in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and Hubert, North Carolina. Colgate 26 owners may contact the company (service@waterlinesystems.com; 401-247-3000).

The post February 2021 Chartering Update appeared first on Cruising World.

Add a Cat

Virgin Charter Yachts, in ­operation for more than 20 years in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, has expanded its fleet to include sailboats. The ­company, which built its business by offering power catamarans and motoryachts at its Nanny Cay Marina base, has added Destiny, a 2019 Voyage 480 catamaran.

Amenities aboard Destiny include a generator, air conditioning, watermaker, ice maker and swim platform. Sailing ­features include a fully battened mainsail, electric furling genoa and electric winches. Destiny can be chartered as a bareboat or with a professional captain and/or chef. For details, contact the company.

Sunsail Adds Lagoon 505

The latest addition to Sunsail’s fleet of sailing catamarans is the Sunsail Lagoon 505, which offers a five-cabin, five-head layout for up to 10 guests. Areas for lounging include a spacious aft cockpit with a wet bar, a dual-access flybridge with sunbathing area, an ergonomic helm station, and a ­forward-facing, cushioned lounge area by the trampoline.

Other features include a self-tacking jib, three electric winches and an electric dinghy hoist system. The Sunsail Lagoon 505 is available for charter holidays in the British Virgin Islands beginning in December 2020. Sunsail.com

Reserve Now, Play Later

Boatyball, an online booking and payment tool for reserving moorings in the British Virgin Islands, gives sailors access to 80 member moorings throughout territorial waters. The moorings are ­professionally installed and actively maintained by owners. Since its launch in December 2018, 15,000 reservations have been made with the app. The cost to reserve through the online tool is $40. For more details, consult the website.

New Florida Base

Dream Yacht Charter and Navtours have teamed up again, adding Stock Island Yacht Club & Marina in Key West, Florida, to their bases in the United States. The facility, which is the hub of the partnership’s Florida operations, opened in September 2020.

One-way charters for ­vacation sailors can now start and end at the partnership’s destinations in Key West, Key Largo and Miami. Sailors can explore the coast and the Florida Keys; Bimini, Bahamas; or head to the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Available for bareboat and skippered charters are an Astrea 42, a Bali 4.5 and a Fountaine Pajot 37-foot motoryacht.

Other continental US bases for the partnership include Burlington, Vermont, and Newport, Rhode Island. Contact the companies for details (dreamyachtcharter.com, navtours.com).

Atlantic Cruising Yachts in Texas

James Tiernan is the new president of Atlantic Cruising Yachts in Kemah, Texas, the heart of Gulf Coast cruising. Tiernan, a former Dufour yacht owner with a strong reputation in the local sailing community, will handle development of the ACY’s Dufour dealership as well as the expansion of its Waypoints yacht-charter program. Tiernan’s plans include opening new Waypoints yacht-charter bases and placing new catamarans in bareboat and private charter.

One of the largest ­sailing-yacht dealerships in North America, ACY ­represents Fountaine Pajot power and sailing catamarans and Dufour monohulls. Contact the company for details.

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