Saturday, January 31, 2009

Enjoy The Luxury Of A Crewed Yacht Charter

Imagine a vacation where you could really kick back and relax, without the worry of hordes of tourists making you feel like you are back in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. An increasingly popular way to travel and experience peace and tranquillity combined with excitement and adventure when you want it is to charter a yacht, where you can enjoy the luxury of relaxing and soaking up the sunshine as you cruise the waters combined with visiting some truly exciting destinations when you are ready for a little excitement. You can enjoy avoiding the often stressful experience of staying in an overcrowded hotel on your trip, and instead you can really relax on your own vessel leaving the throngs of other tourists and visitors behind. When you charter a yacht you can opt for bareboat, where you have a totally unscrewed vessel, or you can select a partially or fully crewed yacht charter. When you go for a vessel with a crew, you can look forward to the ultimate in relaxation and luxury, as the trained and experienced crew ensure that your trip is everything you hoped it would be.
 
Enjoy a wide choice of destinations when you charter a crewed vessel
 
When you decide to hire a boat or yacht for your holiday the possibilities are limitless when it comes to your choice of destination. You can select from all sorts of fabulous areas, from Europe and the Mediterranean to the Bahamas, Miami, and the Caribbean. By opting to have a crew on board you can look forward to some real relaxation without having to worry about the vessel. You can simply lie back and soak up the sunshine in some far flung destination whilst enjoying quality time with your loved ones. Whether you are on a family holiday or whether you have taken someone special away for a romantic experience you will find that having experienced and friendly staff on board can make all the difference when it comes to making the most of your time and your holiday. Wherever you decide to go when you rent a yacht you will be thrilled by the peace and tranquillity you experience whilst the beautiful waters lap around you and the golden sunshine beats down on your very own vessel.
 
Go for full or partial staffing on your yacht to make it the perfect holiday
 
You can tailor make your holiday when you oft for a staffed yacht simply be selecting how many and what type of staff member you want or need on board. You can pt for a fully or partially staffed vessel, which means that you can get the assistance where you need it without the need to feel as though the yacht will start to get a little overcrowded. Whether you simply want a captain aboard to get you around the areas you wish to visit or whether you want all the bells and whistles with cooks, maids, and other staff members, the choice is yours.


Read More..

Friday, January 30, 2009

Enjoy Freshwater All The Time With Watermakers

Advanced technology has truly helped make people’s lives easier, more convenient and even healthier. Just take the case of the water we use every day whether for personal, commercial or industrial use. Thanks to the technology of watermakers, we are now able to savor pure, fresh water without having to worry about its effects on our health and on the things we use them for.

An important use of watermakers is for sea vessels like sail or power boats and yachts. The marine water maker makes use of the desalination system to remove salt and other substances from water and make it suitable for use on board from washing down the boat, cooking, drinking, washing the dishes, making ice, bathing and doing the laundry. Marine desalinators can produce around 170 to 6,800 gallons per day while commercial watermakers can produce a maximum of 50,000 gallons per day.

A marine watermaker also known as sea water desalinator is very inexpensive but the benefits you can get is enormous. Besides being economical, it can also save time and effort and most of its running costs is actually just for the cost of electricity. And if used properly with the right routine maintenance, this device can last up to 20 years.

A desalinator on board can save the boat owner money as he no longer needs to buy purified water elsewhere for use while on his vessel. Also, he does not need to store several gallons of water on board which would otherwise just add on weight to the boat, take up much space and increase its fuel consumption. This, of course, allows the vessel to take longer voyages and at a faster speed to boot.
In addition, a desalinator on board is very convenient as it allows you to do many things similar to what you do at home like cooking, bathing, washing dishes and clothes without having to worry about contamination or conserving water. And with fresh water always available, washing your boat is easy and requires little effort in drying it. Fresh water also helps protect the boat’s rigging and hull.

A desalinator utilizes the reverse osmosis system in purifying seawater. Fifty years ago, this system was originally developed to make clean water for industrial use. It is considered the most rigid method of water purification in a large scale. But through the years, its usage has expanded to marine watermakers and home water purifiers. Reverse osmosis takes place when pressurized seawater passes through a semi-permeable membrane where up to 99 percent of salts, contaminants and pollutants are removed. The semi-permeable membrane allows only water to pass through but not ions or larger molecules such as bacteria, glucose or urea. So at the other end of the membrane, fresh, potable water is produced from either seawater, salty bore water or recycled water.

A reverse osmosis desalinator is normally operated for only part of the day from four to six hours depending on the amount of fresh water needed. To determine the gallon per hour rating, first find out where pure water will be used and the daily amount needed then divide the total gallon usage by the number of hours the watermaker will be used.


Read More..

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Enjoy Boating

Have you ever enjoyed the pleasure of spending an afternoon boating on a lake or an ocean? If so, then you know how fun boating can be. You know that there is nothing quite like the feeling of being on the water and enjoying time in beautiful weather.

Boating is a great activity for many reasons. First, it is great because it allows people to be outside in the beauty of nature. There is no better way to spend a spring, summer or warm fall day than boating. Not only do you get to be outside, but you also get to enjoy being in and on the water. Boating enables you to enjoy the warmth and the sun. It is necessary and helpful for people to get outside and boating is one of the best ways to do that.

Boating also provides time for family and friends to gather and enjoy the company of one another. Busy families can get away from the rush of work and activities and enjoy a quiet day away from all distractions. Boating can be a perfect activity that combines rest, beauty and fun. Friends can come together for a day or a weekend and enjoy renewed friendship and conversation during a special boating trip.

A great thing about boating is that it includes several different ways to have fun. Boating allows you to enjoy the quiet and peace of anchoring at a spot on the water or you can enjoy the wind in your face as you speed from one side of the water to another. For many people, boating also means swimming, tubing, and even waterskiing. Once you are out on the water there are so many ways to enjoy the day. You can anchor the boat and spend hour after hour jumping into the water and swimming. More adventurous people will want to try out a tube or a waterski to enjoy boating even more. Some will love the thrill of watching the tubers or the waterskiers from the safety of the boat. Whatever water activities sound fun to you, boating is a great way to enjoy them all.

If you have never learned how to handle a boat you can take lessons and learn how to lead your friends or family in a boating adventure. If you do not own a boat and are not sure if purchasing one is right for you, look for a family member or friend to lend you theirs for a weekend boating excusion. In no time you will be so excited about boating that you will want to purchase your own. Your family and friends will look to you to provide the endless hours of outdoor fun that
boating is sure to provide.


Read More..

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Dragon Boat Racing – A Popular Corporate Team-building Event

It is true that money matters a lot to retain best workers and to generate quality output from them. However, there are some other factors too, which can improve overall productivity of a corporate house. Inspiration and Integration – these two words play important roles to build a team of efficient workforce, and to achieve the goal of an organisation. Corporate events like Dragon boat racing help in this regard.

Dragon boat racing is no more a Chinese water sport – it is now quite popular in the corporate arena as a team building corporate event. Dragon boat racing in Kent can be an exciting weekend corporate event, especially for those who hail from Kent and its surroundings.

We can never ignore the growing importance of corporate events, which really help to improve the official environment as well as increase individual’s efficiency level. It is observed that a pool of proficient workers, if offered adequate leisure and supportive environment to retain their energy level, their productivity increases dramatically. Thinking on this line Chillisause offer a wide array of dragon boat racing events for corporate people in different UK locations. Chillisauce offers this amazing water sport experience amidst the eye catching natural beauty of Kent.

The dragon boat racing

The boats are made of bamboo and suitably designed to carry on the charm of this ancient Chinese custom. Based on the length, each boat can carry 10 or 16 people. Since all the participants need to row together on this corporate event, a team building attitude is built up between all the participants.

Dragon boat racing can help to
· Improve personal achievement level
· Maintain team spirit
· Synchronise with entire team
· Achieve the target with result-oriented teamwork

The dragon boat racing provides necessary safety measurements throughout the racing session. If you are with Chillisauce you and your teammates are under the care of well-trained and professional staff.

This dragon boat racing comes with some optional features like traditional a Lion Dance and eye-dotting ceremony from China. You can also enjoy mouth watering Chinese foods during the session and video editing facility to capture some exciting moments of the event.

A weekend corporate event like dragon boat racing in Kent will give a break from the monotony of growing corporate work pressure. This type of event offers ample relaxation of mind and build corporate people to reshape their attitude to achieve organisational goal – improve their energy level to generate best output.
Read More..

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Dinghy Sailing with the Canadian Yachting Association

White Sail Level I - Section 1 covers safety with a look at lifejackets, actions to be followed immediately after a capsize and how to right a capsized boat. And the required items for a sailboat less than 5.5 meters long as outlined in the current Boating Safety Guide. Section 2 is Seamanship, Candidates must be able to tie 4 knots within a certain time and describe their uses. And describe four ways to identify from what direction the wind is blowing. Section three deals with preparation to sail including coiling a line correctly, making a line fast to a cleat and getting in and out of a boat safely at a dock or mooring. Section 4 looks at rigging, attaching sails, rigging sheets and halyards, fitting sail battens and the rudder and tiller, adjusting the centerboard and hoisting sails. Section 5 covers boat handling, firstly identifying the direction of the wind then while underway to keeping the sail just on the point of luffing while on a reach, keeping a boat going in a straight line on a reach for at least two minutes and righting a capsized boat and clearing it of water. The final section deals with securing and derigging, securing by the bow only, by the bow and stern and at a single mooring, in each case using the appropriate size line and knot, and leaving an appropriate length of line. Derigging the boat by lowering and removing the sails, removing and stowing the rudder and tiller, and properly securing the boom and centerboard. Folding and bagging a loose sail. And finally securing all gear in the boat upon completion of sailing. On the completion of White Sail I, the sailor will be able to perform the afore mentioned tasks in wind speeds of 4-9 knots where applicable.

White Sail Level II - Commences with a section on terminology, identifying the various parts of a sailboat pointing out and describing the functions various items in a sailboat, defining certain terms and describe the different points of sail. The second section covers seamanship, candidates must me able to tie a rolling hitch and sheetbend each within 10 seconds and describe two uses of each of these knots. And describe the wave conditions resulting from various speeds of wind. The next section is boat handling, candidates will act as both helmsman and crew while getting underway from, and returning to, a dock, mooring or beach. Act as helmsman and crew, using the proper commands and responses, while beating, reaching, running, tacking, gybing, bearing away and heading up. As a helmsman, stop a boat at a predetermined point by luffing up and as both skipper and crew, right a capsized boat. On the completion of White Sail II, the sailor will be able to perform the aforementioned mentioned tasks in wind speeds of 4-9 knots.

White Sail Level III - A section on safety launches this section with a look at hypothermia and it's causes, three ways to minimize the dangers and rules on how to treat a mild case of hypothermia after the victim is out of the water. Identification and the meaning of the colours and shapes in the lateral buoyage system. Listing local geographic and navigational hazards and describe the actions required to minimize their effects. Listing three sources of local weather information together with localized weather hazards, how they can be identified, the normal warning signs and the actions to be taken to reduce their effects. Section 2 covers further terminology, various items in a sailboat, the different parts of a sail and the distinguishing features different types of sailboats. Seamanship is section 3 with a look at how to sail away from and back to a beach with an on-shore wind, a dock for various wind directions and a mooring. Section 4 is on the rules of the road for prevention of collision at sea and considers the case of stand on and give way vessels in different situations and looks at some common sense actions you should take when sailing in the vicinity of commercial shipping. There is a look at racing with the sound signals and flags used to start a race and the rules in use while the race is underway. Section 5 is boat handling, students will act as both skipper and crew while sailing a boat away from and back to a dock for various wind directions, away from and back to a mooring and on a windward/leeward course. They will demonstrate how different body crew positions affect the trim and performance of a sailboat and indicate the best positions for three given points of sail. They will get a boat out of irons by backing the jib and main using proper rudder adjustments. Paddle a sailboat a distance of 30 meters (100 feet) without the use of a rudder in a reasonably straight line. They will demonstrate the following towing procedures, proper means to receive, secure and cast off a towline, the correct towing points on a sailboat, the proper securing inboard of a towline to a boat astern and the correct boat trim, steering procedures and crew alertness while on and releasing from the tow. They will demonstrate the actions to be taken if a person falls overboard, with the boat under sail form the time the person falls overboard without warning until the person is rescued. They will helm the boat by the lee for 90 meters without gybing and finally right a capsized boat. On completion of White Sail Level III the beginner will be able to sail confidently and competently in wind speeds of 4-9 knots and perform the aforementioned skills proficiently.

Bronze Sail Level IV - The first section deals with safety and the factors in your local area such as currents, tides and weather which should be considered before going sailing. The three types of flotation commonly found in dinghies and the factors which affect the self-rescuing capabilities of a dinghy And finally a look at chart of unfamiliar waters and identification of hazards and means of recognizing them. Seamanship is the next section and students will demonstrate their ability to whip the end of a line with a plain whipping of appropriate length, make a back splice and an eye splice and heave a 10 metre line to land across a 1 metre diameter target at least 7 metres away, in three tries out of four. The next section is further nautical terminology. Following that is some sailing theory including leeway and its importance on different points of sail. The centre of lateral resistance (CLR) and centre of effort (CE) affect lee and weather helm in theory and practice, weight distribution and centreboard adjustments affect on the CLR, the boat's underwater shape affects its helm, sail trim, mast rake and position affect the CE and helm, draft (fullness in a sail) is and how it affects the power and the pointing ability of a sail, the use and position of telltales on shrouds and ticklers on a sail. The next section considers sail shape and how the main sail is affected by halyard tension, mainsheet tension, cunningham tension, traveller position, outhaul tension, mast bend, boom vang tension and mast rake. And how the shape of the jib sails affected by halyard tension, sheet tension and fairlead position. The use of outhaul, cunningham, mainsheet, and traveller, while sailing on a beat, a reach, and a run under the following conditions. On the water students will be asked to skipper and crew the boat on various points of sail and tacking and gybing. Carry out a self-rescue after capsizing in a dinghy and carry on sailing with a minimum time delay. Carry out the following tasks without a rudder, sail a course upwind toward a predetermined destination, make at least one controlled tack and settle down to a course to the predetermined destination, bear away or tack and return to the starting position. With sails backed, sail the boat astern to a predetermined destination 90 metres downwind. On completion of this level IV the candidate will be able to understand and apply the basic principles of sail trim and boat tuning for optimal performance in wind speeds of 9-14 knots.

Silver Sail VI is an introduction to racing. Commencing with some sailing theory it looks at how the slot effects the drive of the mainsail under different points of sail, and how the size of the slot should be varied with the wind strength to give maximum drive, how to identify backwinding, and how to adjust the sails to remove or minimize its effect, how the driving forces acting on the sail can be divided into side and forward components, and how these vary for beating, reaching and running and how the resisting forces acting on a boat's daggerboard/centreboard and rudder act in relation to the sail forces when beating, reaching and running. The apparent wind changes when gusts hit the sails and when waves slow or accelerate a boat and how to steer and trim sails to react to changes in apparent wind and how to correct the effects of the forces which cause a boat to heel. Section 2 looks at the rules of racing as laid down by the CYA and ISAF. Section 3 considers racing signals and courses including the purpose of the Race Committee, the Notice of Race, the Sailing Instructions and the Protest Committee. Section 4 looks at tactics. On the water students will demonstrate as both skipper and crew while beating, reaching, running, roll tacking, roll gybing, bearing away and heading up. Identify signals displayed and sounded by the race committee boat. Demonstrate the ability to be within one boat length or 5 seconds of a starting line at the starting signal in a race situation. Restart, after having been recalled for premature starting, as quickly as possible. Defend a position from another boat while on a beat - by luffing and backwinding a boat attempting to pass until the mast abeam position has been attained and on a reach or run - by avoiding blanketing, by luffing or by assuming starboard tack. Demonstrate how to blanket and backwind a competitor to your advantage while on the same tack on the windward leg of a race course. And finally compile a racing record and log in a dinghy class showing you have completed a minimum of 15 scheduled races, 10 as a skipper in a class consisting of a minimum of five sailboats. On completion of this section the candidate will be able to compete in a race with a sound understanding of the racing rules and perform the afore mentioned tasks in wind strengths of up to 18 knots.

Gold Sail Level VII completes the learn to sail programme and starts with boat tuning for speed and the adjustments that can be made to the mast, sails and rigging. How to control the spinnaker and pole in all wind conditions, on a reach and run. Boat trim and helming techniques which promote maximum efficiency of the rudder and centreboard in singlehanded or doublehanded dinghies. Section 2 covers the rules and candidates will have a thorough knowledge of the racing rules as a competitor, race committee member or protest committee member, The candidate must take charge of a race committee boat and run a club regatta or series of races using all necessary rules and race procedures. Section 3 looks at the preparation for a regatta. Candidates will ensure a wood or fibreglass dinghy is safe, leak proof and strong by testing for and repairing leaks, examining and replacing fittings and rigging, properly covering and storing boat during summer and winter, properly securing boat and equipment for trailer and/or car top transportation. They will ensure the dinghy hull and centreboard rudder are smooth, fair and light by using, fibreglass, epoxy, gelcoat, and other fairing materials, wet sanding or dry sanding and cleaning solvents. The students will maintain a written season plan that includes, a personal racing logbook, performance objectives, regatta schedule and goals, a physical training program, an on-water training program, sport nutrition and mental training, transportation and program administration They will be able to describe the influence on racing strategy of the fleet size, the starting procedures and timing, the course length and location, the finish line placement and time limits, the compass bearing to the windward mark and current/tide. Section 4 covers an assessment of the race course and includes registration and check in procedures, special protest requirements and starting procedures, current, tide and the weather. The next sections considers tactics that apply to starting, mark rounding, upwind, reaching, running and finishing. On the water candidates will demonstrate as skipper a roll tack and gybe, while helming take advantage of appropriate techniques in flat or choppy water, use body weight to maintain proper boat trim and assist steering and adjust equipment and sails. As crew, assist skipper with above tasks and supply compass readings to determine wind shifts and locate marks together with information for tactical decisions. As skipper and crew, prepare and fly spinnaker on a close, beam, broad reach, a run and by-the-lee, apply appropriate tactics on the water in large fleet or small fleet with strong current or tide either with or against the wind, in shifty oscillating winds, persistent shifts, increasing or decreasing winds, either leading or trailing in a race. Candidates must prepare a seasonal plan for competition indicating personal performance objectives, regatta schedule, physical training, on the water training, transportation and administration, nutrition, and mental training. They must have a race record which includes 5 regattas with 2 being outside their local area. On completion of this course a candidate will be able to race a dinghy with moderately good boat speed and control. The candidate will have a well-rounded knowledge of sail theory, racing rules and tactics.

Read More..

Monday, January 26, 2009

Crewed Motor Yachts – Sail The Seven Seas Without Stress

Crewed motor yachts are yachts that you charter for a vacation without needing to have any sailing experience. With the crewed charters, you don’t have to do any work in handling the yacht or navigating the waters of the location you choose. You can choose to have a luxury charter where you have exquisite surroundings and meals prepared by a chef. Waiters bring you drinks and the members of the crew will provide instructions for water sports if you need any. Crewed motor yachts range in size from yachts that can only take 2 passengers to ones that can take up to 12 or more.

A crewed motor yacht charter is an excellent choice for a family vacation. Children are welcome on these yacht charters, but none of the crew will be assigned to looking after them, even with luxury motor yacht charter. Parents are expected to keep the children entertained and to bring whatever they need for enjoyment aboard with them. Crewed motor yachts are perfectly safe for children, but like any location, you do need to keep them within your sight at all times.

When you choose a luxury motor yacht charter, you have a personal chef to prepare your meals. However, before you arrive to meet the yacht, you will already have informed the company about your food preferences through the food preference sheet. This sheet also includes a list of beverages for you to choose from, which include soda, wines and alcoholic beverages. The chefs of crewed motor yachts take great care to prepare meals that you will enjoy and only use the freshest ingredients. In the case of fruits and vegetables, the chef of a crewed motor yacht charter may buy foods at the various locations.

Whether or not you experience any seasickness on crewed yacht charters depends on you. It is probably a good idea to take some form of seasickness medication with you so that you can thoroughly enjoy being on a luxury motor yacht. If you are new to vacationing on a crewed motor yacht charter, be sure to let the crew know so they can choose routes that will cause you less discomfort. If you smoke, you will have to limit your habit to the outside areas of the yacht. Since the interior of the yacht consists of close quarters, yacht charter companies do not permit smoking inside.

With crewed motor yachts you have comfort and style. You do not have to bring anything with you and all the linens, dishes and utensils are there for you to use. Both the exterior and interior of these yachts are roomy so you can sit back and enjoy the charter in comfort. You don’t have to worry about the wind because the motor will take you to your destination on time. You can enjoy air-conditioning with luxury motor yacht charters, although most of the charter yachts do have this feature included. Depending on the location and type of charter, some crewed charter yachts include scuba diving equipment, kayaks and other equipment you would need to enjoy a variety of water sports.
Read More..

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Planning Your Luxury Trip

With your budget in mind, it is easy to plan a chartered yacht vacation. Companies often have a fleet of sailing vessels that can accommodate parties of various sizes. You may want to make it a more intimate trip with only close family. There are charters that can be rented for as few as two people. These include either a sailboat or motorboat and can come with or without a crew and captain to sail the ship for you. If you choose not to hire a crew, you will have to show that you are knowledgeable of sailing and can handle the ship competently.

The next part of planning is to determine your starting and ending ports. This could be a place close to home and sail in one area or start and finish at two different ports. Generally, starting and stopping in the same port will save you money and is usually more convenient.

You can also fly to a destination far from home and then sail another exotic sea. There are luxury yacht charter companies that cruise the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas or around Alaska, the Panama Canal, or anyplace you can imagine.

Determining the type of cruise is another aspect of planning a chartered yachting trip. You can have as little or many crew members as the ship will hold. A captain takes all the worries out of navigating and onboard housekeeping services make it a real vacation that rivals the finest hotel services. You can also choose to have a chef and service crew as part of your vacation package.

If you like the idea of knowing what it is really like to sail, but don’t want to risk safety, you can charter a sailing cruise that puts you in the role of deck hand. A competent crew will direct you as to your “chores” for keeping the ship in top shape and on course.

Destinations & Ports of important Charter Companies

One of the greatest benefits of choosing a chartered cruise as a vacation is the choice. You will most likely have a rough itinerary and that can be affected by weather. However, you are flexible in deciding how long you want to stay in a particular port and if you want to add or subtract stops along the way.

Your yacht is your hotel that travels with you. There is only one flight and one hotel to book! Then you take all of your luggage and unpack it just once to enjoy several days of new destinations.

If you have never experienced cruising before, a chartered experience is a great way to get your feet wet. It is different from cruise lines with thousands of guests because the people on your ship will be your friends and family. The personal touches of a chartered trip will help you develop your love for the sea with all the best benefits of commercial cruises.


Read More..