Category Archives: High Seas

(Credit: Eric Koch / Anefo)

Ronan ORahilly, like many people from Ireland, was a pirate. Yes, he was a pirate, keen to bring his rebellious spirit to the high seas. And with the rise of rock in the United Kingdom, he had a medium by which he could showcase his rebellious voice, one that catered to the wants and needs of the countercultural movement. And by bringing his radio to the high seas, he had the freedom and the foresight to carry this medium of escapism to the many multitudes of teenagers who were starved of the appetite for rock that they were craving.

He was inspired by the Scandinavian and Dutch radio pirates of the high seas, by picking up a 702-ton former Danish passenger ferry Fredericia, which led her to convert the ship into a radio station at the port of Greenore. What the boat brought wasnt just clarity and cohesion, but context, gifting the listeners a chance to look at the water around them, and recognise the potency of the region. And buoyed by a photo of the Kennedy family Caroline Kennedy was the daughter of the Irish man who led the country ORahilly was inspired to take this sense of harmony to the living rooms.

The music was dangerous, deadly and done with great interest in the world at large. Pop was making an impression on the public in the way that jazz and blues werent, and even bands with blues or jazz proclivities (The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, The Who) were making a sidestep into the more commercial world of pop.

They were selling sex to a country that was caught up in Victorian principles, capturing an essence of youth that was bursting with possibility. Contraception was on the rise in Britain, and the bands that were playing to the world at large were throwing themselves into the mercy of the world at large. London was happening, and like many of the Irish diaspora that helped build the worlds greatest city, ORahilly was excited by the possibility of travel and demonstration.

As it happens, ORahillys heritage helped him keep the boat afloat after the UK Government enacted the Marine, & Broadcasting (Offences) Act in 1967, which outlawed advertising on unlicensed radios. It didnt suit the ship to bow down to the regulations of Her Majestys government, and even James Bond himself was won over by the perfume of the free-wheeling impresario.

George Lazenby hinted that ORahilly persuaded him that the Bond gig was finished, especially since the tuxedo-wearing, gadget-snatching civil servant was at odds with the rebellious spirit of rock. Little wonder Lazenbys next gig showcased his beard, bare chest and long hair, creating a new form of secret agent the 007 series would never have countenanced in the early 1970s.

Instead, the ORaghallaigh as he was known in parts of Ireland demonstrated a certain sartorial flair, by advocating for the length of hair, bringing rock back to his native island, an effort that took in Dublin, a city that was experiencing change and cohesion. At that time, Ireland was embracing the beginnings of rock through the showband movements, and in the tradition of the island, Ireland was exporting great musicians out to the London across the seas, decorating the exhibition with a collection of sparky hooks and barrelling drum designs.

Without ORahilly, Britain would never have opened their barriers to Bonos soaring voice or Phil Lynotts propulsive bass playing. He was determined to hold up the values of his native island, which is why Richard Curtis decision to cast an Englishman as his representation of ORahilly in The Boat That Rocked was a disappointing one. But the film introduced a new generation to the importance of the pirate spirit and the adventures that awaited listeners beyond the high seas.

There was three radio stations for the entire United Kingdom, UK broadcaster Johnnie Walker broadcaster admitted in 2020, eulogising the late Irishman. When pop came along, when The Beatles happened, the BBC thought it was going to be a five-minute wonder. Its just a craze. Itll come, and itll be gone. And so you couldnt hear The Beatles. You couldnt hear The Stones. You couldnt hear The Kinks. You couldnt hear The Who.

And Ronan ORahilly, who was a great rebel, Walker continued, Whose grandfather was shot by the British Army in 1916 in the famous Easter uprising so he had that rebellious streak in him. So he thought, to hell with this. Ill start my own radio station. He bought a ship. He had a very big advantage in that his father owned a port in Ireland. So that port was used for fitting out an old Dutch ferry called the MV Frederica (ph). And that was the original home of Radio Caroline, which started in 1964.

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How Ronan O'Rahilly and 'Radio Caroline' changed the face of rock music forever - Far Out Magazine

Forget everything you know about Middle-earth. Amazon's forthcoming Lord of the Rings series officially subtitled The Rings of Power plans to take even the most devoted Tolkien die-hards back to school with what concept artist John Howe calls the "unseen history" of the sprawling fantasy mythos.

"This isn't the Middle-earth you remember ... This is a world that's very vibrant," the illustrator, who worked on both of Peter Jackson's film trilogies set in this world, explained to Empire Magazine in the latest issue. "The elves are not hidden away in Mirkwood or lingering in Rivendell. They're busy constructing kingdoms. The dwarven kingdom of Moria is not an abandoned mine and the Grey Haven is not yet an abandoned city."

Hailing from co-showrunners and executive producersJ.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, the show (hitting Prime Video this September) takes place thousands of years before Frodo and the Fellowship embarked on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. Of course, the trouble Sauron will one day cause is fomenting in the background of this era of supposed peace and prosperity. "There's a respect for Tolkien that's an integral part of the showrunners' approach," Howe said. "I appreciated their desire to take this material that's difficult to bring to the screen and do something new with it."

Before you squawk with indignation over this claim of deviation, rest assured that the fundamental building blocks of the beloved source material remain intact. "Tolkien's stories deal with self-sacrifice and situations in which we are smaller than [the threats] we face," the concept artist said. "That's one of the more poignant themes in The Rings of Power. The Rings of Power has that with added epic scope."

That expanding narrative purview will take excited viewers to the high seas of Middle-earth, which have never been explored onscreen before. They'll feel the proverbial salty spray on their faces via the exploits of a race of sailing elves, whom Howe characterizes as "daunting, enterprising, and are almost colonizing the world. They were a lot of fun to imagine. It's something neither [the] Lord of the Rings nor Hobbit movies went anywhere near."

Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Owain Arthur,Maxim Baldry, Nazanin Boniadi, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Crdova, Charles Edwards, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Ema Horvath, Markella Kavenagh, Joseph Mawle, TyroeMuhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers,Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, and Sara Zwangobani comprise the ensemble cast.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power lands on Prime Video Friday, Sep. 2.

Looking for some fantasy content to tide you over for the next four months? Click here for our list of the best fantasy films available on Peacock.

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'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' to explore 'unseen history' of Tolkien's Middle-earth - Syfy

A forest grows in downtown Los Angeles. Opening today with a limited run through summer 2022, A Forest for the Trees is an immersive art show created and directed by visionary artist Glenn Kaino, together with The Atlantic and Superblue, that is designed to inspire audiences to reimagine their relationship with the natural world.

A Forest for the Trees is open to all ages, and tickets are on sale now. Press should inquire about opportunities to tour the show. Installation photographs and show notes are also now available upon request. The show is joined by a culinary experience from celebrated local chef Minh Phan of porridge + puffs and PHENAKITE, and a shop conceived and curated in collaboration with ThunderVoice Eagles Thunder Voice Hat Co., whose work explores conditions of memory and the sacred, carrying on the lineage of sustainable, hand-crafted Native fashion through unique collaborations between Native cultures.

A Forest for the Trees is unlike anything that has come before it, taking visitors on a journey through a surreal forest of magic, music, and wonderwith animatronic performing trees, captivating illusions of fire that visitors can control with their hands, and multi-sensory storytelling, all hidden within a 28,000-square-foot space in downtown Los Angeles. The experience is steeped in histories inspired by the people closest to the forests and nearby neighborhoods: from an immersive interactive fire illusion referencing the controlled burns that are central to Native forest stewardship, to the symbolic resurrection of an iconic 144-year-old tree.

A Forest for the Trees is created and directed by internationally renowned, Los Angelesbased artist Glenn Kaino, working alongside Grammy-winning producer/musician David Sitek as part of the duos new band project, HIGH SEAS. The show is inspired by The Atlantics editorial series Who Owns Americas Wilderness?, which launched in 2021 with the cover story Return the National Parks to the Tribes written by David Treuer and edited by Ross Andersen, and by The Atlantics 165 years of writing by some of the most influential voices on Americas natural spaces. That tradition began with the work of Ralph Waldo Emerson, a co-founder of the magazine, and continued through the end of the 19th century, when John Muir made his case for the national parks in The Atlantic.

Over the past year, Kaino has been working alongside an interdisciplinary collective of artists, musicians, tribal leaders, and environmentalists to bring A Forest for the Trees to life. Kaino and his team also draw from more than a decade of deep research into the field of magic, including the production of the hit off-broadway show and film In & Of Itself. Vance Garrett (Sleep No More, Museum of Ice Cream) serves as executive producer, bringing his deep background in immersive theater to the show, which is organized in collaboration with Superblues senior curator Kathleen Forde.

I have worked my entire career to build the tools and relationships that have allowed me to embark upon a project of this unprecedented scale and ambition, both conceptually and formally, Kaino said. Intergenerational problems of this magnitude require new thinking and new models about how we bring together traditional ecological knowledge and advanced technology. It is my hope that this show can provide inspiration into how to connect and contribute to some of the most pressing issues of our time, in a dynamic and exciting way that our audience can take home with them.

The presenting sponsor is Mastercard, whose cardholders also receive exclusive benefits, including 10% off tickets and a one-month digital trial subscription to The Atlantic. Additionally, in support of Mastercards commitment to restore 100 million trees by 2025 through the Priceless Planet Coalition, Conservation International will plant a tree for every ticket sold to the show.

Among the collaborators and creators involved with A Forest for the Trees:

Original music throughout the project is produced by Grammy Awardwinning producer and musician David Sitek.

The show is narrated by actor Jesse Williams.

The singer-songwriters Priscilla Ahn, Kittie Harloe, and Alice Smith perform original songs by HIGH SEAS created for the show.

Laundi Keepseagle, a Lakota creative producer and community architect from the Standing Rock reservation, has been a key collaborator.

Bill Tripp, Director of the Department of Natural Resources, from the Karuk Tribe, important stewards of the California forests and the inspiration for many of the artworks, has been the primary consultant for the project.

Ukrainian art director Kirill Yeretsky created illustrations that help bring the stories to life.

Dakota and Lakota teacher and community organizer Breanne Luger is contributing writing and performances.

The project is developed and executive produced by Atlantic Ventures, a business development group at The Atlantic that creates large-scale initiatives grounded in The Atlantics most consequential journalism.

A Forest for the TreesWebsite: AForestLA.comLocation: Ace Mission Studios at 516 South Mission Road, Los AngelesTickets: $10$50 (children and adults, peak and non-peak)Dates: Opening Friday, May 13, for a limited run through summer 2022General Hours: WednesdaySunday, 126pm (check for daily hours)Social Media Handles: @aforestLA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTokPress Contacts: Paul Jackson and Anna Bross, The Atlantic, press@theatlantic.com

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A Forest for the Trees by Glenn Kaino Open Now in Los Angeles - The Atlantic

Only 1 percent of dammed deltas, as in the Netherlands, are protected against sea level rise. Scientists report that in a new study looking for solutions to prevent the sinking of river deltas. The team, which includes geographers, sociologists and naturalists, has identified good methods already available to raise the lands of the delta.

In order to make the areas behind the embankments higher, sand and clay are fundamentally needed. But supplies of sand and mud from rivers are declining worldwide, according to the research team set up by Utrecht University. As a result, they no longer reach the delta regions causing floods and land losses. Ideas have emerged in many countries to solve this problem, although it covers only a small area, said lead researcher Jana Cox.

Even with small solutions, Cox says, Earth could stay dry better if sea level rose. The researchers looked at solutions that trap sand and clay in delta regions, causing the ground to lift in a natural way. Researchers have seen these types of solutions in, for example, the Netherlands, the United States, China and Bangladesh. By the way, the delta region in the Netherlands is already partially protected from sea level rise by dams, depending on how high sea level rises.

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The Netherlands has a number of interesting ways to raise the profile of the country, Irish Cox originally says. She has now lived in Utrecht for five years and specializes in the area around the Rhine and Meuse. Here you have the sewage depots, for example. These two dams are next to each other. If you open the front bulkhead and let the water in from the river, the city behind it is still protected by the second pilgrim. After five or ten years, the land raises itself. Then, it can Use them again, for example, for animals for grazing or for farming.

She also saw such a solution in Bangladesh. The residents there took the initiative to solve the problem. They themselves made a hole in the dam, through which water entered. Now this area can be used for agriculture again because of the sand and mud. The research was published Thursday in the scientific journal Global and Planetary Change.

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Most of the delta regions, such as the Netherlands, are not protected against rising seas - Aviation Analysis Wing

Published:2:13 PM May 19, 2022

A virtual reality (VR) bar is touring the city offering people out of this world adventures.

From swimming with sharks towalking with dinosaurs or a trip into space, the VR Bar lets people liveouttheir wildest dreams.

Trevor Fullerand Sam Markwell invested 15,000 converting a trailer to be adapted for the VR experience.

Mr Fuller said: "You can load up a couple of VR headsets for loads of different experiences.

Sam Markwell, 41, and Trevor Fuller, 46, who are co-owners of The VR Bar.- Credit: Trevor Fuller - The VR Bar

"We started off by taking the unit around care homesduring lockdownto give residents a chance to experience something a little different.

"Wehad 360-degree virtual walks for exampleso thatgroups could walk around historic sites like Framlingham Castle or Ketts Hill."

The high-spec unit has upgrades to make it feel like passengers are racing supercars orzooming aroundon a rollercoaster.

This includes high-octave sound systems and multi-sensory facilities.

Trevor Fuller and Sam Maxwell invested around 15,000 in the mobile VR unit.- Credit: Trevor Fuller - The VR Bar

Trevor explained:"It's really clever how it immerses the customer.

"There's 360-degreevisuals, surround sound, vibration as well as four-way axis movement on the chairs- so the seats will lift up andmove down with air compressors adding to the overall event.

"The whole experience feels totally surreal - you feel like you're there.

"We've seen people gripping the bars and had people screaming their heads off.Occasionally we see some choice words being used - it's very funny."

The VR Bar allows people to swim with sharks, fly jets or race super cars.- Credit: Trevor Fuller - The VR Bar

Now Trevor and Sam are hoping they can expand the VR Bar even more.

Trevor said: "We've been asked to produce a way that offshore workers can be trained - using the unit we have to simulate various levels of high seas.

"This could help calculate a person's tolerance to different wave states or sea states.

"We are also hoping to produce a short training video for people who work at height like on a building site.

Trevor Fuller and Sam Maxwell, at The VR Bar, are hoping they can work with schools and companies in the future.- Credit: Trevor Fuller - The VR Bar

"Workers could walk through a full 360-degree rigged building site and learn to make note of possible hazards without the actual threat of injury.

"We're really excited to offer these experiences for families and festivals.

"But going forward we're hoping to lean heavily look into education as well with interest from schools and companies."

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Norwich VR Bar on offer for parties and events - Norwich Evening News

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seven Seas Water Group, a multi-national provider of the original Water-as-a-Service (WaaS) solutions, today announced the launch of a new brand identity, logo, and website as part of an initiative to reintroduce the companys solutions under the name Seven Seas Water Group. The Group encompasses solutions from all acquired businesses, presenting its decentralized water and wastewater treatment services under one brand.

The new identity reflects our continued expansions, both geographically and into new customer segments, linking our company heritage with future growth, said Henry J. Charrab, Chief Executive Officer of Seven Seas Water Group. Our brand reflects our mission of providing resilient, safe, and cost-effective water and wastewater treatment solutions to our customers through our Water-as-a-Service approach. The three lines in our new logo represent the different forms of water drinking water, wastewater, and water reuse, which together form a complete water cycle for a more sustainable world. We invite you to visit our new website and learn more about our rapidly growing company and opportunities to become part of our journey to provide unique Water-as-a-Service solutions to industrial, municipal, and commercial customers.

With an outstanding reputation for decentralized water and wastewater treatment solutions, the Seven Seas Water Group Water-as-a-Service approach helps solve water and wastewater infrastructure challenges globally.

About Seven Seas Water Group

Seven Seas Water Group (www.sevenseaswater.com) offers Water-as-a-Service solutions by providing outsourced water treatment, wastewater treatment and reuse solutions for governmental, municipal, industrial, property developer and hospitality customers. Our water treatment solutions utilize seawater reverse osmosis and other purification technologies to produce potable and high purity industrial process water in high volumes for customers operating in regions with limited access to potable water. Our wastewater treatment and reuse solutions include scalable modular treatment plants, field-erected treatment plants and temporary bypass plants that are used by our customers to treat and convert wastewater into effluent or reclaimed water prior to being released back into the environment.

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Seven Seas Water Group Announces New Brand Identity - Business Wire

A tornado has ripped through Levin this morning, causing widespread damage, while downed trees and powerlines are blocking roads around the Horowhenua.

Two major roads around Levin are blocked after the mini-tornado swept through around 7am.

Police said State Highway 1 between Durham St and Supercheap Auto was closed after reports of a strong smell of gas in the area.

Waka Kotahi also reported that SH57 is closed between Tararua Rd and Queen St due to a fallen tree.

Motorists are asked to delay travel or to take by alternative routes.

Horowhenua residents report extensive damage to roofs around Ohau. Power is out in the area and a thick layer of hail is covering the ground.

There are reports that roofing iron has blown on to train tracks, and locals are describing the pre-dawn blast as "gnarly".

This comes as Mother Nature is set to unleash a full smorgasbord of weather on New Zealand today, with snow, gales and rain forecast for many parts of the country.

Snow is forecast to fall across much of the South Island as well as parts of the lower and central North Island today and over the weekend.

While temperatures in the upper North Island will stay relatively warm, gale warnings have been issued for Auckland's Hauraki Gulf, Manukau Harbour, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Bream Head in Northland to Cape Colville.

It follows a spectacular lightning show over central New Zealand last night, and the stormy conditions continue this morning for the capital.

MetService has issued road snowfall warnings for Crown Range Rd, Milford Rd, Lewis Pass, Arthurs Pass and Desert Rd for the next 24 hours.

Snow is expected to drop to 400m in Southland and Otago, 800m in the Canterbury High Country and 1000m for the central and southern North Island.

"This will be the lowest snow many have seen so far this year," MetService said.

Temperatures have also dropped considerably in the South Island - a high of 12C is expected in Christchurch today, a stark difference from the high of 20C yesterday.

A high of 11C is forecast in Dunedin, 9C in Queenstown and 14C in Nelson.

Most of the North Island has missed the drop in temperatures with a high of 18C expected in Auckland, 16C in Hamilton and 15C in Wellington.

Temperatures at Aoraki/Mt Cook are set to dip to -4C overnight tonight and Saturday.

"We could be paving the way for the first significant snowfall of the year as we round out the week," MetService meteorologist Angus Hines said.

Thunderstorm activity is also expected to continue today after more than 800 lightning strikes were recorded yesterday.

MetService says there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms on the east coast of the main islands this morning as well as in the lower south. The risk continues into this evening.

Large waves forecast

Heavy swells are also expected to hit some parts of the country today.

Boaties near the Foveaux Strait are being warned of high swells, poor visibility and "very rough" seas between Thursday and Saturday, before easing on Sunday.

"Large swell waves and dangerous coastal conditions are expected in the western marine areas of both the North and South Island from Thursday," MetService said.

"Combined waves are forecast to reach 6m for the western South Island later on Friday."

-By Devon Bolger

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Tornado hits Levin as wild weather bears down - Otago Daily Times

Shepard Price,Digital reporter

April 29, 2022

Disney Cruise Line guests will be the first to experience an all-new character meet and greet opportunity across the fleet during Halloween on the High Seas sailings.

In September and October 2022, Halloween on the High Seas will return to the Disney Cruise Line. Entertainment and activities including trick-or-treating, "spooky parties" and themed food and beverage items will be a part of limited-time voyages.

Disney Cruise Line guests will be the first to experience an all-new character meet and greet opportunity as part of Halloween on the High Seas, as Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow debut dressed up as the Sanderson sisters from "Hocus Pocus." All Disney characters on the voyages will adorn Halloween costumes as part of the festivities.

The centerpiece of every ship during Halloween sailings is the Pumpkin Tree, which will loom over the atrium lobby, with Jack-O-Lanterns and flickering lights sprouting from the tree.

Other experiences as part of Halloween on the High Seas sailings include a costume party with Disney characters, adult-exclusive venues, Halloween-themed movies on televisions and special-themed food and beverage items special for Halloween.

Halloween on the High Seas voyages will be offered aboard select sailings in September and October departing from ports in Miami and Port Canaveral, Fla., San Diego and New York City. Each cruise is scheduled for destinations including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico.

All sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami will include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island with "special Disney touches" that aims to provide family fun.

Shepard Price has a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Texas and lives in St. Louis. They have been in journalism for more than four years.

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Disney Cruise Line brings back Halloween on the High Seas - Midland Daily News

Garmin has given its Quatix boating and marine smartwatch a huge overhaul, with new features and a jazzy new display.

The Quatix 7 may look familiar thats because its essentially a Garmin Epix (2nd Gen), jacked up with features for life on the high seas.

The display is an 1.3-inch AMOLED, the one that sets the Epix apart from its brethren the Fenix 7, and its a touchscreen too.

Theres a pretty complete list of features for life on open water, including integrations with Gamrin chartplotting and boat systems.

And you can get information from compatible boat systems, so you can check water depth, engine RPM, wind and autopilot control.

And there are new features too. The Quatix 7 has anchor drag alarms, tide alerts, and takes advantage of the multi-band GNSS from the Fenix 7/Epix range for more accurate location data.

Whats more, the Quatix 7 Solar gets the flashlight feature from the Fenix 7X.

Battery life has been beefed up, and youll get 18 days in smartwatch mode as standard. Sapphire models get 16 days. The Solar model ups that to 37 days of in smartwatch mode, or up to 90 days in battery saver mode.

Its also a pretty complete GPS sports watch, when youre not at sea.

Theres multi-band GNSS support over 30 sport profiles, with running, swimming, cycling and HIIT all on the list. Golf is on the list with 42,000 courses supported, as is skiing which uses SkiView maps.

And there's the usual array of Garmin health smarts, including stress monitoring, body battery, sleep tracking and 24/7 heart rate.

And it brings Garmins full range of smart features, such as Garmin Pay and support for the offline syncing of Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer.

The standard Quatix 7 starts at $699.99, rising to $1,199.99 for Solar.

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Garmin launches Quatix 7 for life on the high seas - Wareable

The Beckhams do it. Jeff Bezos does it. Leonardo DiCaprio even did it last month. Chartering a yacht has become many celebrities favorite way to get away from it all, whether lounging on sunbeds or snorkeling remote atolls. According to Fraser Yachts 2021 market report, there are around 2,900 yachts available for charter in the world today. The global charter fleet keeps on growing, which means there is a charter-yacht vacation out there to suit everyone.

Ranging from 80- to over 450 feet, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean to the South Pacific, elegant sailing yachts, high-performance motoryachts, explorer yachts with expansive deck spaces and award-winning gigayachts with armadas of water toys are available.

If youve never dipped your toe in the charter waters before, let us walk you through the need-to-know details of how to charter a yacht successfully and have the time of your life.

The biggest question for first-time charterers is where to begin. The tried-and-tested method is to engage the help of a reputable charter broker. Its their job to understand what you would like to get from the charter and then matchmake your preferences with the most suitable yacht.

Engaging a professional charter broker is free and they are key to ensuring your holiday is stress-free, Alexandra Groom, charter broker at Worth Avenue Yachts, told Robb Report. Professional charter brokers have access to exclusive databases with stringent membership, communication and ethics rules, meaning they are most likely to be able to find you the right yacht in the right location, even if what you require is off market.

Make sure your broker gets to know you and your family, adds Nick Trotter, chairman of the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Associations (MYBA) charter committee. Finding the right broker is often via word of mouth, so ask your friends, ask people you trust, find out what theyve done and who theyve done it with. The communication between you and your broker is paramount because the broker represents you, theyre acting on your behalf, so you need to be able to articulate your vision.

Neal Hornsby, co-founder and CEO of Yomira, advocates finding out about your brokers eco-credentials, too: Can they offset your carbon footprint from the charter, teach the kids about the marine environment or perhaps involve you in local conservation projects if you are keen to participate during your time aboard? The right broker for you is the broker that you not only connect with, but most importantly has the credibility to back up their advice.

You can find a listing of charter brokers and companies that adhere to global guidelines at theMYBA, the yachting industrys technical and ethics guide, as well as that of theInternational Yacht Brokers Association.

For those who feel safer behind a screen, several different online platforms, such asAhoy Club, Yotha and Borrow a Boat allow you to scroll and book your yacht. This flexible approach embraces a younger generation of digitally minded charterers. That said, hailing a $10 taxi ride with Uber is much less risky than booking a $500,000 charter on your iPhone. So be sure you have contact info for a live human in case anything goes wrong on your charter vacation.

Equally as important when choosing a yacht is making sure the crew are a good fit. If you have children in tow, youll want a family-friendly crew who can keep them entertained. If youre traveling with a group of active friends, having crew who double as watersports instructors is a great benefit. Or maybe youve been dreaming of a gastronomic itinerary that features a Michelin-caliber chef on board? A broker will go over all your options. June Montagne, charter consultant at IYC, recommends requesting references on the crew prior to making your final decision. Your crew are far more important than your yacht, she told Robb Report.

An important element of any charter is knowing where you would like to vacation. This will also heavily influence the yacht that you end up chartering. Different yachts are based in different locations and usually move throughout the year, so if you have your heart set on experiencing Lady Es brand-new beach club for spring break, youll be cruising the Indian Ocean. If youre more interested in exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites along Croatias coastline, then GECO, which cruises the Eastern Mediterranean in summer, would be a smart option.

Decide on your groups makeup and whether or not you have a particular destination in mind, Katya Hall, IYC sales and charter consultant, told Robb Report. Its fine if you dontyour broker will propose yachts in multiple locations and walk you through highlights of every destination.

The most common migration is the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter. However, you will also find yachts cruising the waters of Central and South America, Antarctica, the Pacific islands, Northern Europe and even Costa Rica. In 2021, the Amalfi Coast in Italy and the Greek islands were among the most popular summer charter destinations.

Most yachts carry the basic water toys and tenders for being towed and simple snorkeling exploration. But some yachts carry specific equipment, from personal submarines, decompression chambers for scuba diving, inflatable slides and even Hammam saunas and snow rooms. Does your charter have a theme? Or maybe you want to celebrate a birthday? Just be sure the yacht caters for your needs, whether planning a party with a DJ or hosting a business meeting.

A yacht charter opens up destinations in ways that staying in a hotel cant, says Groom. Instead of being restricted by transport links and journey times, you can start at one part of a coastline and end at another, taking in multiple islands, villages or bays in one short week, all from the comfort of your yacht. Even if a particular coastline is new to you, your captain will ensure that your trip focuses on the elements that are most important to you.

If you want to keep the yacht on the move, its speed, size, draft depth and flag will determine how many stops you can make. For example, cruising in the Bahamas requires a shallow draft if you want to visit out islands like the Exumas, though plenty of ports have deeper waters.

A yacht with stabilizers is key for first time charterers if they havent experienced the sea before, advises Lotte Barker-Hahlo, charter broker at Burgess.

The duration of the trip and number of guests is another consideration. One week for family and a second week for friends? Or maybe youre planning a three-week itinerary to island hop your way around the Florida Keys. Charter brokers usually list pricings per week and most charter yachts are certified to carry 12 guests, plus crew. If you plan to vacation with more than that, you will need a PYC- or SOLAS-class yacht, which is licensed for up to 36 passengers. Yachts such as 278-foot Victorious, an explorer vessel capable of circumnavigating the world, has 12 staterooms for 24 guests plus crew.

Guest cabin configurations tend to be varied and flexible. The principal (person who booked the charter) will typically take the master suite. But yachts with large VIPs, cabins with bunks designed for kids, and twin cabins with a Pullman bed make sleeping arrangements tailored to suit your group easy. Dont forget to include in your count any personal assistants, babysitters or other security guards. And if anyone in your party has concerns about limited mobility, factoring an elevator or stair-climber into your criteria early on is a must.

Once youve identified which yacht you prefer in your chosen destination, be sure not to leave booking until the last minute. Just like any other vacation, chartering over the summer holidays, Christmas and popular events such as the Monaco Grand Prix makes for the high-demand season.

Only book when youre ready! says Hornsby.But as with any holiday periods, July/August and Christmas/New Year are always in high demand so an early conversation with your broker is recommended. There are always some great deals to be done in the quieter months, but lead-in time is key, particularly as we emerge from a Covid world.

In 2021, Fraser Yachts reported an increase of 56 percent in bookings across their charter fleet compared to the previous year, as well as a slight increase in the number of tandem chartersclients chartering two yachts simultaneously so more of the family could be together. Booking your charter at the last minute could mean youre unable to secure your first, second or even third preference. If the timing and the yacht are both important, book a year in advance. If you are flexible with both dates and the yacht, most brokers can find a yacht for you.

Privacy and discretion form the backbone of yachting. Builders usually dont share who the owner of a yacht is, nor do the brokers or crew. If you have concerns about the confidentiality of high-profile guests during your charter, requesting your charter broker to sign an NDA is an option. As with all elements of a bespoke yacht charter, the choice is yours, from dietary needs and favorite cocktails to service etiquette and daily activities.

If you or your travel partners are inclined to remain plugged in, most yachts feature high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing you to keep in touch as much or as little as you would like. For those keen to get out and explore, options range from shopping for local artisan goods, taking a cooking class or dropping anchor in one cove all day to dive and fish. Its up to you how you spend your time, just be sure to give the crew a heads-up so they know what to be prepared for.

The final step is the contract. Most brokers use the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Associations (MYBA) contract or something similar. All these decisions lead down to the bottom line: How much does it cost?

Ask for all expenses involved, says Montagne. Does the charter fee include expenses or are they are additional? Is there any tax or VAT payable? What percentage is acceptable in the area you will be chartering? What about liability and trip cancellation insurance? All these points need to be considered.

As an example, for the 2021 summer season, the 160-foot Rossinavi EIV superyacht, with five cabins and nine crew chartered in the Mediterranean from approximately $280,000 per week. The overall price varies with fuel consumption (staying in port or cruising), location (France or Greece), the number of people you are traveling with, food and drink, as well as activities. Adding in food and drink; expenses for docking, fuel and other fees; and tips will tack roughly 30 to 50 percent of the charter rate to your trip. So, if you were onEIVfor a week last summer, it most likely cost you between $364,000 and $420,000 depending on how often the yacht moved, how many bottles of ros you went through, and what kind of gratuity you left the crew for your incredible stay on board.

When it comes to costs, the size of the yacht matters. A smaller yacht will cost less, while the 446-foot Flying Fox, one of the largest charter yachts on the market accommodating 25 guests and with an unprecedented 4,300-square-foot two-floor spa, charters from around $3,400,000 per week.

Certain destinations, such as Patagonia or Kamchatka, may bring a different set of fees if you intend on heli-skiing, while heavily protected locations like Antarctica and the Galapagos require permits confirmed in advance. Wherever you cruise, you will heavily rely on the knowledge, professionalism and help of the crew, so it goes without saying that the service tip is a crucial fee that should factor into your expenses.

MYBA suggests five to 15 percent as customary, though its left up to your discretion to reward an exceptional crew with a larger amount if you think thats fair, or a smaller amount if the service hasnt been up to par. In terms of how to hand the tip over, standard procedure is to leave the gratuity with the captain at the end of your stay so he or she can divvy among the various crew members you may or may not have seen, based on their duties.

All thats left is to prepare to have a vacation of your lifetime. There is nothing that compares to spending time on the water with your family and friends, says Hall. Its about enjoying watersports, having exquisite meals and discovering magical spots of the world along the way.

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How to Charter a Superyacht: Everything You Need to Know About Booking a High-Seas Vacation - Robb Report