Sunreef Yachts Charter – News and specials for the finest selection of power and sailing yachts for charter worldwide. Visit us at www.sunreef-charter.com!

Italyachts 141′ MAKIRA, with a draft of less than 5 feet, is the perfect luxury charter yacht for exploring the shallow waters of islands such as Makira in the Solomon Island chain. At a cruising speed of 30 knots, the yacht flies over the waves, like the Makira Thrush, Makira Leaf Warbler and Makira Moorhen. Luxury yacht MAKIRA is sleek, fast, sophisticated, fun and in many ways incomparable.

Our Charter experts had the opportunity to tour MAKIRA , speak with the crew and sample the chef’s gourmet finger foods while the yacht was on display at the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show. We began our visit on the aft deck, ideally designed for  the entire charter party to relax, enjoy the view and dine al fresco.

French Chef Willy Pastel excels at preparing sophisticated gourmet meals that range from the exotic to the traditional. His background at hotels such as the Plaza Athénée in Paris, and on charter yachts worldwide, has provided him the opportunity to discover and master many cuisines including: French, Italian, Asian, Russian and Creole.

Chef Willy

The formal dining room forward of the main salon has doorways both port and starboard leading to the helm that can be closed to create a more private space. When these doors are open, along with a central window, guests have a forward facing view standing anywhere in the salon. This architectural innovation serves to augment the sense of space and visually integrate the main deck.

The stairway enclosure (starboard) is used as additional counter space and bisects the salon and dining area to subtly define the spaces. Below, the design theme is repeated with contrasting rich dark woods, white carpeting and light fabrics. The palette suggests the Asian concept of yin and yang to impart a feeling of overall balance on board.

Luxury superyacht MAKIRA features an open and spacious  master stateroom, a very sizable VIP, a double and a twin stateroom, which together provide accommodation for up to nine guests.

MAKIRA is currently available in the Bahamas based in Nassau. MAKIRA will be in the Western Mediterranean in time for the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix and may consider charters in Croatia from June.

To view all of the photos of MAKIRA from the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show please visit Sunreef Yachts Charter Facebook Album Italycraft 141 MAKIRA.

For a comprehensive selection of luxury charter megayachts, superyachts, sailing and racing yachts and catamarans worldwide please visit Sunreef Yachts Charter.

For up to the minute information on yacht charter availability please contact the charter professionals at Sunreef Yachts Charter.

Our charter experts had the priceless opportunity of touring Owner John Staluppi’s newest Bond-themed megayacht, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. This Benetti 60-meter masterpiece is a dazzling tribute to the superb naval architecture and engineering synonymous with the brand, and the artistic genius of designer Evan Marshall.

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER launched on Saturday 26th November 2011 at the state-of-the-art Benetti shipyard in Livorno, and made her US debut as the largest and most phenomenal yacht at the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show. The official name of the yacht bears the very personal signature of Mr. John Staluppi, the owner of many superyachts, each more spectacular than the previous, and each bearing the name and stunning design references to a James Bond film.

The elegant external line of the superyacht DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER is characterised by compact forms and dynamic slender lines. The balanced combination of traditional design elements and modern innovative stylistic and engineering solutions so characteristic of the shipyard gives a dynamic presence to DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER that is sure to turn heads in every port of call.

Interiors are literally brilliant. Thousands of Swarovski crystals embedded in furniture, fabrics and artwork, high gloss woodwork and polished marble floors, mirrored surfaces, reflective stainless, and prismatic etched glass, create an ambiance that is almost surreal.

On board, full customization includes the particular arrangement of the staterooms, the location of the wheelhouse on the flybridge, the remarkable interior design and decor, the engine room made entirely of stainless steel and the addition of the top deck above the flybridge, a private panoramic deck 12 meters above the sea that can be reached by the glass elevator that serves all the yacht decks.

Please visit the Sunreef Yachts Facebook album for additional photos and descriptions of DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.

Sunreef Yachts Charter has a comprehensive selection of megayachts and superyachts available for charter worldwide.

Azimut Magellano 50 was crowned winner of the prestigious “2011 UIM Environmental Awards” for its technology and boat owner services and its high level of environmental friendliness by the “Union Internationale Motonautique”. The award’s distinguished jury has recognised Magellano 50’s innovation and its extensive technology employed to benefit the environment and the boat owner.

Founded in 1922, The UIM is the world governing body for all Powerboating activities. It is fully recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The UIM has been paying special attention to the environment over the years by promoting issues, activities, and competitions, all with an increasingly attentive eye to respecting the environment. UIM President, Dr. Raffaele Chiulli presented the official awards to the engineer Francesco Ansalone, Marketing Director of Azimut Benetti Group, during the ceremony gala on the 11th of February in Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco, at the magnificent Salle des Etoiles.

Please follow this link to view elegant AZIMUT CHARTER YACHTS available for charter in destinations worldwide.

Sunreef Yachts has just closed the deal on construction of the fourth hull in the popular sailing catamaran Sunreef 58 series. The first three Sunreef 58s are presently exploring the enchanting waters of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean seas. The Owner of this new build, named CARPE DIEM, intends to spend a few years circumnavigating the globe immediately following her delivery this October.

Integral to all Sunreef catamarans, this new build features advanced engineering for excellent fuel efficiency, ideal for transoceanic navigation that requires lengthy time offshore. Equipped with Sunreef energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, such as wind generators, gel batteries, and solar panels, this yacht has the capability for long term cruising at near silent operation with limited need to run the generator.

The new semi-custom build is designed as an owner version that dedicates the port side hull to create a voluminous master cabin with ample storage designed for long range cruising. En-suite facilities include a luxurious steam feature and thoughtful amenities are included throughout. The starboard hull houses two double guest cabins and a crew cabin directly accessible from the cockpit.



The yacht will be home to the owner during the circumnavigation and is being designed accordingly. The fully customized interior is contemporary, functional, welcoming and above all comfortable. An organic color palette that centers on light grey and olive green will compliment rich wood built-ins and paneling to create a soothing environment on board. State-of-the-art helm and entertainment systems and a professional galley insure that time spent indoors will be both productive and enjoyable.

Please contact Sunreef Yachts Charter for detailed information on the Sunreef 58.

Please visit the Sunreef Luxury Yachts Charter site for a comprehensive presentation of yachts available for charter in destinations worldwide.

The Virgin Islands, named by Christopher Columbus for the legend of St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins, are a spectacularly beautiful group of islands. Breathtaking scenery, ideal climate and comfortable cruising conditions equal paradise for Luxury Crewed Yacht Charter clients who have the opportunity to explore living reefs, white sand beaches and charming towns, all within close proximity to one another. Presented here is a sample seven night itinerary designed with something for everyone.

Day 1: St. Thomas to St. John

Board your luxury charter yacht in St. Thomas, USVI and enjoy a delightful lunch on the aft deck and a leisurely sail to Francis Bay on St. John. It is nearly always possible to find a lovely secluded spot on this vast, white sand beach. Launch the yacht toys and spend the afternoon playing and swimming in crystal clear, turquoise waters. Snorkelers head for the deeper waters just beyond the shallow fringing reef along Francis Bay’s rocky north shore to view an amazing and rich variety of marine life. Stroll along beach or follow the Francis Bay Trail that runs along the salt pond behind the beach and is an excellent place for bird watching, especially early in the morning. Return to the the yacht to enjoy signature sunset cocktails followed by a delicious dinner under the stars.

Day 2: St. John to Jost Van Dyke

Leinster Bay, St John, offers a morning of spectacular snorkeling or hiking. Most agree that Waterlemon Cay, just offshore from the east end of Leinster Bay, is the best snorkeling on St. John. Explorers and hiking enthusiasts can walk along the many island trails where visitors are likely to spot feral donkeys and small herds of goats that roam freely through the bush. History buffs should take the Brown Bay Trail that leads to some of the most extensive ruins on the island of St. John.

In the afternoon set sail for the Jost Van Dyke, first stop in the British Virgin Islands. Foxy’s is one of the world famous beach bars where visitors can divulge in authentic Calypso island revelry. Join a “jump up” party and mix with visitors and locals, sample island cuisine, microbrews, and potent tropical rum drinks.

Day 3: Jost Van Dyke to Tortola

Sail around Sandy Cay, Sandy Spit and Green Cay for a morning of exploring, beach combing and spectacular snorkeling in the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Sandy Spit is a picture perfect “deserted island” and the marine life surrounding the island is breathtaking. Next cruise to Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, a magnificent stretch of beach with charming local bars, a couple of excellent restaurants and a small rum factory.
 Overnight in Cane Garden Bay or head to West End, Tortola and a shore excursion to Pusser’s Landing for a “Painkiller” and some island shopping.

Day 4: Tortola to Norman Island

The Bight at Norman Island is renowned for legends of hidden pirate treasure yet to be found. Norman Island, rumored to be the basis for the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, Treasure Island, is a popular snorkeling destination where deep, dark caves provide a magical experience. The island is privately owned and the only permanent inhabitants are wild goats. However, an old barge named the “Willie T” operates as a risque bar and restaurant known for seriously wild partying, mostly after dark.

Day 5: Norman Island to Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda is world famous for its geologically mysterious Baths, where huge boulders descend into pools and grottoes that are fascinating for visitors of all ages to explore. Board your yacht for lunch and a picturesque cruise to North Sound, Virgin Gorda, to visit the Bitter End Yacht Club, a premiere luxury water sports resort with a variety of activities available including kitesurfing, boardsailing, diving and hiking. The Bitter End Spa is rated “A World’s Best” by Conde Nast Traveler.

Day 6: Virgin Gorda to Peter Island

Enjoy a morning swim then cruise to a serene beach on Deadman’s Bay and a colorful coral reef at Great Harbor. Spend the afternoon and/or evening at Peter Island Marina, Resort and Spa for an upscale island experience. This is a beautiful setting in which to meet fellow yachtsmen and elite travelers, enjoy five star formal dining and world class facilities.

Day 7: Peter Island to St. John

Launch the yacht’s water toys and have some water sports fun either above or below the water line. Divers will thrill to the 1867 wreck of the British mail steamer R.M.S. Rhone, laying on the ocean floor encrusted in coral. In the afternoon, sail to Cruz Bay, the main town on St John, to clear U.S. Customs. For guests who enjoy shopping and shore excursions, this charming city features island architecture, quaint boutiques and restaurants and historical points of interest. Guests who prefer the surf, head to nearby Christmas Cove on Great St James Island for afternoon snorkeling and other watersports fun. The final dinner on the aft deck of the yacht, bathed in the balmy Caribbean breeze, is a moment to savor.

Day 8: St. John to St. Thomas

Enjoy an excellent breakfast on deck and go for a final swim before setting sail for St. Thomas. Say a fond farewell to the crew as the dream of returning to the spectacular Virgin Islands begins to take shape. Guests that have an extended stay of a day or two will find St. Thomas an enchanting island with excellent attractions, restaurants and duty free shopping.  

Please contact Sunreef Yachts Charter professionals to explore the many exciting possibilities of Luxury Yacht Charter in the Caribbean and Destinations worldwide.

These and many other Luxury Charter Yachts are available for charter in the Virgin Islands.

OLGA

PARADISE

BIG CITY

INSPIRATION

DAMRAK II

Our charter experts were invited to go aboard and experience the magnificent luxury charter yacht TOP FIVE, a 157′ Christensen available for charter in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. We were extremely impressed with everything about TOP FIVE, from her meticulous craftsmanship to her delightful crew. This is a superyacht with a stately, understated elegance that will enchant her charter guests while easily meeting all of the requirements of a discriminating clientele.

TOP FIVE (ex: Nice ‘N Easy, Liquidity) was built in 2005 by US builder Christensen Shipyards and was originally designed for the shipyard owner himself. Thus, although Christensen is renowned for launching magnificent yachts, TOP FIVE has design elements that launch her cleanly over the top.

Exterior design and naval architecture by the Christensen in-house team endowed TOP FIVE with the powerful and imposing profile that distinguishes the brand in any port of call. Recently the yacht has had an extensive soft goods refit to update interiors that are sophisticated, soothing and subtle. The broad appeal of understated elegance is perfectly suited to the diversity of charter clientele. Regardless of whether charter guests prefer Mozart or Madonna, they will feel comfortable and at home aboard TOP FIVE.

Superb joinery and intricate stonework are distinguishing features of luxury yacht TOP FIVE. Meticulous attention to detail is evident in the raised-panel joinery of American walnut with high gloss finish and perfectly matched wood panels and veneers. Deep earthen tones create a stunning balance against creamy white carpeting with a delicately undulating pattern. Exotic stone materials, including malachite and Juparana persa granite, are beautifully inlaid throughout the foyers, bathrooms and hallways. Contemporary furnishings in a light color palette derive sophistication from a simplicity of form.

Luxury yacht TOP FIVE accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms. The full beam master compartment is located on the main deck and includes stunning his and her facilities with Jacuzzi tub and large shower. A walk-in cedar closet provides ample storage for longer charters. At the entrance, a private study with comfortable sofa and desk allow guests to stay in touch with the office if necessary. On the lower level amidships
is the full beam VIP king suite that has an exquisite bathroom with Jacuzzi and separate shower. The 50 inch TV opposite the bed is cleverly concealed behind a pleasant painting. Also on this level are two queen guest staterooms and two guest staterooms each with double, twin and Pullman beds.

We met Chef Bradley David in his spotless galley on our visit. He surprised us with servings of delicately flavored tomato gazpacho, and what he described as “a sandwich”, (far to common a description of this remarkable crab delicacy), and a signature chocolate mousse creation. He is charming, talented, and a very experienced yacht chef quite capable of pleasing any palate. He said his favorite recipes to prepare are new ones, both his own creative dishes as well as those of other chefs.

Captain Johannes, despite expecting a new group of charter guests within the hour, graciously spent quite a bit of time chatting with us about TOP FIVE and some of his favorite Caribbean itineraries. Not only is he extremely knowledgable about the region, he is also enthusiastic about creating custom itineraries suited to repeat charter clients who are seeking alternative Caribbean ports of call. The Chief Stew and Second Stew were continually smiling, gracious and extremely attentive. This highly professional crew works together harmoniously and seems flawlessly adept at pleasing charter clients.

It was a great pleasure to be on board luxury superyacht TOP FIVE, and to have the opportunity to experience firsthand the elegant interiors, expansive deck spaces and first rate crew. TOP FIVE will undoubtedly be an exceedingly popular charter yacht in the Caribbean and the Bahamas this season.

Please contact Sunreef Yachts Charter for detailed information, charter rates and availability for TOP FIVE, or for comprehensive information about Luxury Yacht Charter and Destinations worldwide.

 

Stunning Sunreef 102 luxury sailing catamaran IPHARRA with top rated crew offers 30% last minute discount for charter in St Martin, February 15 – 25, 2012. The special discounted rate of $50,000 per week plus expenses provides an amazing opportunity to sail the crystalline waters of the Caribbean this winter aboard one of the largest, most luxurious crewed sailing catamarans in the world at a savings of $25,000.

Contact Sunreef Yachts Charter professionals for detailed information.

St. Croix

The US Virgin Islands are part of a breathtakingly beautiful archipelago located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, 1,100 miles southeast of Miami. On the three main islands, Saint Thomas, Saint John and Saint Croix, yachtsmen will find unparalleled cruising and more. Discover secluded white sand beaches and lively local beach bars, snorkeling trails and shipwrecks, world class spas and golf courses, tax free designer shops, local art galleries and five star restaurants, all within close range. 

The historic main island towns are characterized by picturesque pastel buildings, charming

Cruz Bay

shops and restaurants flavored by a local cultural with a diverse history. Named by Christopher Columbus in 1493, the islands have been controlled by many European powers over the succeeding centuries including Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and Denmark-Norway. Each has left a legacy still evident in local customs, culture and cuisine.

The US Virgin Islands is renowned for vast white sand beaches, including Magens Bay, touted by National Geographic Magazine as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Cinnamon Bay, Salt Pond Bay and Trunk Bay. Strategic harbors, including Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted, which have great historical

Megans Bay

importance serving explorers, pirates, settlers and kings. Today, vast protected areas are owned by the National Park Service, including more than half of Saint John, nearly all of Hassel Island and many acres of coral reef, making the USVI a nature lover’s dream destination.

Yacht charter guests will delight in shore excursions that provide unique cultural experiences. Enjoy historical tours, culinary

Christiansted

encounters, artisan fairs, local markets and live music. Visit galleries and shops where artisans and crafters present functional and decorative pieces that masterfully capture the island aesthetic. Restored great houses, reincarnated as museums like the Haagenson House on St. Thomas and Whim Museum on St. Croix, provide a glimpse into the past, displaying skillfully created mahogany pieces, delicate linens and original art.

 

Charlotte Amalie

A land excursion up through winding hills and along mountainous roadways guarantees breathtaking panoramic views, each seemingly more dramatic than the previous. In St. Thomas, Drake’s Seat, is the famous vantage point from where Sir Francis Drake used to observe his fleet. Just below Drake’s Seat is Magens Bay Beach, and to the west is MountainTop, which soars 1,500 feet above sea level. Plan to consume a signature “World Famous” Banana Daiquiri at this high altitude shopping 

Charlotte Amalie

complex. Another well-known attraction on the other side of town is Paradise Point, which has a state-of-the-art tramway that ascends 700 feet for a bird’s eye view over Charlotte Amalie Harbor and beyond.

For history and archeology enthusiasts, each of the three main islands has well preserved sites and museum artifacts. Fort Christian is a Danish-built fort in Charlotte Amalie that houses the St. Thomas museum. Governor Jørgen Iversen Dyppel led thesecond expeditionary force from Denmark to St. Thomas, where he arrived on 25 May 1672 and initiated the construction of the fort. As the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands, this fort has served as a town center, a government building, and a jail. The museum holds artifacts and art of the Danish period

Fort Christian, 1671

On St. Croix, the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preservecontains the only known site where members of a Columbus expedition set foot on what is now U.S. territory. It also preserves upland watersheds, mangrove forests, and estuarine and marine environments that support threatened and endangered species. The site is marked by Fort Salé, a remaining earthworks fortification from the French period of occupation, about 1617. The park also preserves prehistoric and

Sunreef 62 In The Wind

colonial-era archeological sites including the only existent example of a ball court in the Caribbean. 

Contact Sunreef Yachts Charter professionals for information on luxury charter yachts worldwide. Our brokers have first hand knowledge of popular charter destinations and know intimately the yachts and crews available for charter in the region. It is the goal of everyone on the Sunreef team to personally insure that our clients are always matched with the perfect yacht and ideal crew.  

PUMPKIN FRITTERS: A Taste of the Virgin Islands

 On a visit to one of the local restaurants in St. Thomas, where recipes are handed down through generations, we managed to obtain this delicious recipe for  pumpkin fritters. This dish can be sweetened with maple syrup or cinnamon sugar for breakfast or dessert, or served as an excellent compliment to meats and spicy main courses.
Pumpkin Fritters

1 ½ cups mashed pumpkin
¼ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 ¼ cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
Oil for deep frying
Remove seeds and stringy fibers from center of pumpkin. Cut the pumpkin to smaller pieces for quicker boiling. Place in a pot and cover with water. Boil until pumpkin is fork tender. Drain water and scoop out pumpkin from outer shell. Mash with a fork. In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, salt, vanilla, baking powder, milk and flour and stir until ingredients are combined. An electric mixer is not recommended. Drop by the teaspoonfuls into hot oil and fry 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. Makes 12 fritters. Per fritter: 115 calories, 6 grams fat, 3 milligrams cholesterol and 86 milligrams sodium. Bon Apetite!

Yacht charterers who plan to cruise in the Virgin Islands this season should make a point of stopping in at Paradise Watersports, at Peter Island Resort and Spa in the British Virgin Islands. Paradise Watersports is an important partner and supporter of REEF, the nonprofit organization dedicated to marine conservation. Divers, snorkelers, and marine life enthusiasts will find this Reef Field Station interesting and educational. 

REEF surveyor Randy Keil heads up the Reef Advanced Assessment Team. Randy was first introduced to REEF over 10 years ago by Lad Akins. Since then, he has built a great program at Paradise Watersports. All of their instructors dive with slates and pencils, and fish and creature identification is done on every dive. Randy notes that “it has been our experience that our divers and snorkelers enjoy the experience of looking at marine life and immediately having it identified. It also gives them a basis on which we can talk about the dive when we’re back on the boat. Instead of ‘what was that big fish with all the colors?’ we get ‘now you called that fish a grasby, I thought it was a grouper?’ It serves as a springboard for discussion and an understanding of the relationships of the reef community.”

Lionfish

Paradise Watersports is also involved in helping track the invasive lionfish. Randy sees this as just one advantage of having the REEF survey program in place locally. With over 1500 surveys in the BVI and over 100,000 in the Caribbean region, the REEF database is a valuable tool in tracking the lionfish invasion and better understanding the impact the lionfish is having on the various areas. In the BVI, the dive operators, including Paradise Watersports, are making a determined effort to keep lionfish off of the moored reefs. Conservation and Fisheries has issued exemptions to the strict no spearfishing laws that allow each dive operation and several of the crewed charter yachts to capture lionfish.

Reef aims to conserve marine ecosystems for their recreational, commercial, and intrinsic value by educating, enlisting and enabling divers and other marine enthusiasts to become active stewards and citizen scientists. REEF links the diving community with scientists, resource managers and conservationists through marine-life data collection and related activities.

Follow this useful link for a comprehensive selection of Caribbean Charter Yachts.

Contact Sunreef Yachts Charter to further explore Crewed Yacht Charters and Yachting Destinations and worldwide.