Houseboat Constellation

Yacht Jobs – Have You Written Down Specific Goals For Your Yachting Career?

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:17:31 +0000

Most people enter yachting for similar reasons: the pursuit of adventure, getting paid to travel in a unique way, love of the water, and a stack of “once-in-a-lifetime” events that make other’s jaws drop with envy…
However, what people REALLY want out of their yachting career greatly varies!
It is critical to write down your specific personal and financial goals WITH a time-frame BEFORE you begin as professional yacht crew. (You’ll see why in a minute…)
Yes goals may change over time, but without writing down specific goals before your first crew job you can easily lose your frame of reference once you plunge into the wild world of mega-yachts.
Let me explain…
Once you kick-start your career as a yachtie, your perceptions and outlook will radically change…
You won’t believe how much it is possible to experience in a short period of time. In any given month you may enter in and out of several countries, or rack up thousands of sea miles, or have several millionaires and movie stars charter aboard the yacht, etc.
Compared to 9-to-5 living on land, the weeks rocket by – each packed with wild events, places, and faces that are tattooed on your brain forever.
It is easy to not be able to see the forest for the trees…
So it is critical to check your progress toward your original goals every month to truly see if you are getting closer, stagnating, or getting way off track. The real trick is to be 100% brutally honest with yourself (and your spouse, significant others, partner, etc.). Dead-serious-look-at-your-face-in-the-mirror honest.
After all, even though yachting is fun you DO want to achieve some level of success toward your original goals, right? Unfortunately, many yachties complete blow this…
A pile of cash in a bank account covers many “sins,” and trust me, your perceptions of reality really start to blur when you are surrounded by limitless budgets, luxurious surroundings, and you develop champagne tastes and expectations without ever needing to pull out your own wallet.
But beware…
95% of full-time, live-aboard professional yacht crew work on yachts for 5 years or significantly less!
Priorities, values, and goals DO shift over time. Plus commitments, responsibilities, and unpredicted events can shorten your career as well…
Yes there is a very good chance that your exciting career as yacht crew will only be for a relatively short period of time…
When a yachtie ends their career they always fall into 1 of 3 categories:
1)They either met or exceeded their personal, career, and financial goals…
2)OR have little to show for their time afloat other than a few cool stories and a couple of bucks that will evaporate within a week…
3)OR are somewhere in between, but certainly wished they were more strategic and disciplined along the way. (this “wake up call” can be hard to swallow once the dust settles)
The key difference between these career results?
Set goals, act, check in. Repeat.
Make your goal “real” now by writing it down EXACTLY as follows:
1) The reasons I am going to get a job on a yacht are (list them),
2) It is important to me to accomplish (list) while working on yachts,
3) I will starting hunting for my first yacht crew job on (date)
4) I will keep my written goals (exactly where?)
5) I will review them every (when? How will you remind yourself to do this?)
6) I will end my yachting career when (date) and/or once I accomplish (what and why?).
7) OR if, God forbid, I am totally honest with myself and see that I am NOT progressing toward my original goals (items 1 & 2 above), then I will make serious preparations to transition out of the yacht crew lifestyle to the inevitable reality of living on land and paying my own way month after month after month…
Yes, the yacht crew life, benefits, and wild possibilities are AWESOME and almost impossible to replicate in any other field or industry. Yet entering yachting is a BOLD move: you may either come out stronger, wiser, and wealthier, OR disillusioned and bitter…
“The bold are helpless without cleverness.” – Euripides
If you have the courage to take this “leap of faith” into a life-changing, adventurous yachting career, then progress toward your goals with firm footing so you won’t regret it once your days at sea are over.

Yacht Charter – You Too Can Experience Super Yachting

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:12:33 +0000

Yacht charter is the perfect way to enjoy a super yacht lifestyle without the costs and responsibilities of yacht ownership. For anyone who is considering yacht purchase, or simply doesn’t want the year-round responsibility of owning and maintaining their own vessel, charter yachts are a perfect way to get to sea. And with several different types of charter available, there’s something for both the qualified hands-on skipper and clients who want the crew to relax while a crew does everything for them. And of course, there’s the choice of power or sail to make, as both sailing vessel and motor yacht charter is possible.
Super Yachts- the world is yours
With the right budget, suitable skills and enough time a chartered yacht could take you around the globe. More usually, luxury yacht charters are for a more limited period and restricted to a specific area: the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Pacific Northwest, or even the Far East. Yacht chartering in the Med and Caribbean yacht chartering are, for obvious reasons, enormously popular. One only has to imagine clear blue waters, waving palms and dazzling white beaches to understand the appeal of helming a chartered schooner through the waters that Captain Morgan once navigated…
Different types of charter
Whether you choose the Med or the Caribbean, several different types of charter are available. Among these are skippered yacht charter and crewed yacht charters. The difference lies in the number of crew members that come with the yacht. Indeed, with the right qualifications and experience it would be quite possible for a skipper and crew team to charter a ‘bareboat’ yacht without any accompanying personnel. And for the ultimate business incentive or corporate event, how about corporate yacht charter?
How to find the right firm for your needs
Making the right choice of company and charter yacht is vital to the success of your voyage. Charterering yachts isn’t a cheap activity, so it’s essential to get the yacht, skippering, yacht security and crew decisions right. Sourcing quality services in these areas will also provide you with peace of mind while out on the open seas.
Save time with an online directory
Even the longest distance charter voyage can begin with a web search in the comfort of your living room.

Fitting Your Own Yacht Cabin Heaters

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:53:24 +0000

Cabin heaters can transform winter sailing, and provided you’ve got the tools, space and time, are relatively easy to install, too. Winter is an ideal time to install a boat heater. It can make chilly mornings a thing of the past, with the promise of snug evenings aboard in a deserted anchorage. And if you’ve laid your boat up for the winter, stripping out cushions and equipment, it will make installing a heater a lot easier.
Choosing a heater depends on the size of your boat and your budget. It’s better to have a small heater working hard than a big one ticking over that can coke up, like an idle diesel engine.
Where to install?
If you’ve got the skills, tools, space and time and you want to fit a heater yourself, the prime consideration is the ducting route. Where do you want heat? Is there enough space to work? If you can, cut ducting holes through wooden panels rather than the GRP frames. Not only is drilling easier but, more importantly, you won’t compromise the internal structure of the boat.
The ducting route defines where the heater can be fitted. Some heaters specifically need to be mounted horizontally or vertically. Fitting your heater close to the fuel tank and batteries will make life easier.
If you can’t use the mounting board supplied, devise another to make sure the heater’s location allows ducting runs without sharp angles… every 90° bend loses 5% of the heat, which is why the secret of a good heating system lies in the ducting.
Finally, think about the exhaust exit. If you stow fenders on the pushpit, siting the exhaust next to them will melt them in seconds. And remember, the exhaust needs a swan neck to prevent water entering the heater.
Boat heater installation
It is good practice to run the ducting along the upper edge of lockers to prevent it from being crushed by heavy items while sailing. Boat manufacturers expect some retro-fitted heating, as holes in the tightest places are often pre-cut at the factory. When placing the vents, always drill through from the visible side to prevent damaging the exterior. Thermostat and control wiring should be threaded through the new holes before the ducting. The dial control can be fitted anywhere the wiring will allow, but imagine being able to switch the heating on and off without having to leave the comfort of a warm bunk. Cover the ducting with a plastic bag to stop its rough edges tearing the Thermoduct insulation, then insert two sleeves of insulation over the ducting.
The fuel system
Heaters use solenoid fuel pumps so a lift pipe is needed, fitted to the tank. As the pump can’t lift beyond 1m (3ft 3in), line up the lift pipe and tank, score and snap the copper pipe before gently bending it to attach to the pump, allowing two spirals in the pipe to compensate for vibration. A second pipe, running from heater to pump, needs the same treatment.
Run a protective sleeve over the stainless steel exhaust tube and bend a swan neck at the top. Drill a pilot hole in the transom and once sure it is in the right place, take the exhaust fitting outside and place it against the transom to gauge the right angle for the hole.
Using a grinding-toothed hole-cutter to prevent the gelcoat cracking, and enough marine sealant to ensure a watertight fit, bolt the skin fitting in place.
Back in the transom, attach the exhaust and cut to fit. Attach a short air inlet pipe to the heater to allow diesel combustion.
It’s a lot of work, so seriously consider whether you’ve got the skills, tools and time to get it right.
Plan the ducting route first and keep it as straight as possible – bends lose heat. Use the right tools and, when working in confined spaces, take everything you need with you.
Turn angled skin fittings upside down and back to front to work out the correct drilling angle.
Use a vacuum cleaner while drilling into the fuel tank to minimize the debris that enters the tank.

The Latest Yacht Gadgets

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:06:37 +0000

So you have a new yacht. Congratulations!
Now what are you going to do after getting this new toy? Why, get more new toys, of course!
We’ve found a few cool gadgets you might want to get to make your yachting experience even more relaxing and pleasurable.
1. Laptop screen shade. If there is one thing that can ruin your marine Internet-surfing experience, it is glare. It’s not much fun if you have to stay indoors to be able to see what’s on your computer screen. The very essence of yachting is that you get as much outdoor sun and sea breeze as possible.
To take the glare off your computer screen, slip on a laptop screen shade. It slides on and off easily, folds for easy storage, and fits standard laptop and notebook screen sizes, namely, 13-, 14-, 15-, and 17-inch screens.
2. Sport-a-Seat. Not enough seats in your yacht for all of your guests? Carry the Sport-a-Seat along and give everyone a comfy place to rest their bottoms on.
This light and portable seat has adjustable back support that you can put in six different positions, from upright support to full recline. It folds flat, so it doesn’t take a lot of storage room inside your yacht.
It comes in eight designer colours – black, toast brown, burgundy, Persian green, forest green, charcoal gray, pacific blue, and navy blue. One of these will surely match your yacht motif.
It’s water resistant too. Its marine-grade Sunbrella canvass cover repels water and dries quickly. You can sit on it while wearing your wet bathing suit and the water droplets will simply roll off. The material resists mildew and has UV protection.
And if it falls in the water? It will float, so you can easily retrieve it.
3. Waterbuoy. Speaking of falling in the water, it’s not usually the big things that cause the biggest problems, because often, big things sink more slowly and are easier to find. But what if, for instance, your yacht keys fall overboard?
That could be a bit of a problem – unless you have attached Waterbuoy to it.
Waterbuoy is a keychain like device that contains a rugged orange balloon which inflates if the device hits the water. While the balloon is more than enough to show you where your keys are in broad daylight, you might need a little more help at night, so Waterbuoy also has flashing LED lights that are likewise water activated.
This gadget can hold as much as 1 kg, so it is perfectly capable of floating even a set of 12 metal keys – or even your cell phone.
4. Safety Turtle Alarm System. When you’re in a yacht, you can never really run out of things that could fall overboard. It’s one thing to lose your keys in the water; it’s another thing to lose your dog – or your baby!
With the Safety Turtle alarm system, you will hear a piercing sound the moment the device gets submerged in water, and it continues to sound this alarm until you reset it.
It has a simple, easy-to-attach bracelet or collar for your child or dog, respectively. But while it is easy to attach, it is not easy for your child to remove. It locks securely and can only be released with a key. (This is another key you might want to attach a Waterbuoy to.)
The device is ruggedly designed to withstand your child’s or pet’s normal activity. People who don’t have yachts but have swimming pools at home may want to attach one of these to their children as well.
Speaking of water safety, remember that it is not just your yacht passengers that you need to keep safe. You need to protect your yacht as well. To do this, there is nothing more efficient and effective than getting good yacht insurance. Find a broker online today and ensure that your yacht gives you your much-deserved pleasure and relaxation for a long, long time.

Luxury Yacht Management & Chartering

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:59:01 +0000

“The purpose of the Yacht Management & Chartering especially when it comes to luxury and mega yachts is to provide Full Care, Maintenance, Comfort, Revenue and Pleasure of ownership!”
However, finding a name that combines all the above mentioned attributes is pretty tough. But, if you need your yacht to yield galore of profits, then you must find out the best one out there!
Signs of good Luxury Yacht Management & Chartering
This is the main criteria that yachts owners must analyze and decide. Every Luxury and Mega Yachts are different, owners’ mindsets are different; hence the treatment and objectives must have individualistic-approach. Owners must keep few things in mind in order to get the best from their yachts.
Whenever you are handling away or chartering your luxury and delicate yacht; think, analyze the pros and cons and make futuristic judgments. Remember “A profitable Luxury Yacht Management & Chartering company will always think the benefits and successes for the vessel owners”.
Yields Money- Revenue and income is the main and very obvious criteria. Look out that the service providers how speedily can make out your investment on your luxury vessel. Your luxury and mega yachts should be provided good platform for better bids and incomes!
(*luxury and mega yachts are charted at the higher rates to the normal vessels)
Promotions- You don’t want to let your luxury and special Yacht remain unknown! Promotion is very significant part of the yacht managing and chartering! Promotion can be termed as the primmest source income on occasions. Effective Marketing strategy can yield scores of profits.
Cost-Effectiveness- Whether you are to buy or sell or designs luxury yachts, be cautious for the prices, and the quality standards.
Insurance- The yacht managing and chartering company must be providing owners reliable Insurance services. In case of any damage or unfortunate condition, owners must be compensated with worth value.
Servicing- Luxury or Mega Yachts needs frequent maintenance and that also of highest standards. Things like Fabrications, Furnishing, Electrical, Electronics and all other requirements must be well maintained time to time.
Lessens Burden: Small to big things and responsibilities related to luxury yachts must be completely taken off the shoulders of owners!

Buying a Yacht – Buy New, Used or Second Hand?

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:49:26 +0000

Buying a yacht is a big step and whilst the financial outlay has the potential to be much greater than that of a car the process is fundamentally the same.The initial stages are of course helped enormously by the fact that you can view new luxury yachts and second hand boats very easily online to help you make a decision on what is best for you and to really help you narrow down your search using the parameters you can set yourself.
Buying a new yacht will allow you to add your own personal touches and really get the luxury you’ve dreamed of and you’ll even be able to choose your own name to adorn the side. Buying a yacht that is brand spanking new will of course come with a higher price tag and if your budget isn’t quite up to paying for a brand spanking luxury yacht the second hand market is also full of promise and you can still own the boat that you really want.
Second hand yachts can be a great buy and there are plenty out there at excellent prices. Always be sure that you give the boat a thorough check though before you make any commitment to a sale and always be sure of exactly what you are getting for the price you are paying. Boat brokerage companies are always willing to help you out with this – for a fee of course – but in this market the professionals can be very helpful at finding the right deal for you and saving you a lot of time and effort. Always remember that you are under no pressure to buy and have no commitment to make a purchase unless everything is right for you. It’s your money and your choice!
Increasingly it is a good idea to check if your potential new buy has been stolen – better to be safe than sorry – and there is an online database that lists all stolen boats and marine equipment which can assist you with this and its backed up by national police records so it’s always up to date and accurate. If in doubt walk away from a deal.
It’s also important not to be short sighted. Think about the ongoing costs of owning a yacht. The mooring, parts and maintenance costs can run into the thousands even if you never leave the docks!
So, in conclusion, always try and match your expectations to your budget. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t always be on the lookout for a great bargain but if you’re comfortable financially with your purchase it will always help you appreciate and enjoy your new yacht that much more.

Tips When Selecting Your Charter Yacht

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:07:15 +0000

Luxury yacht charters may come with a full crew consisting of a captain, a skipper, cleaning personnel, an activities planner and a chef. You needn’t sail away with hundreds of other passengers; if you have the money or the inclination, you and your spouse, friends or family members can traverse on your own private boat.
Or, if you are particularly adventurous and knowledgeable, you and a few friends can hop aboard a bareboat charter, pioneering through the waters like Amerigo Vespucci. On a smaller budget you can simply employ a skipper to help sail your ship, take a sail with a few other couples on a smaller boat or charter a flotilla fleet of 8-10 boats. Choosing the right charter yacht can save you a lot of time and will ensure that your expectations are met.
A sailboat charter is a great choice if you want the ocean, the wind and the marine life to be part of your whole travel experience. Yet, it is not about getting where you are going. For you it is about the journey. You can coast leisurely during calm weather or be whisked away with the trade-winds, feeling the breeze through your hair and the mist on your face.
You enjoy learning to raise the sail, ducking so you don’t whack your head on the boom occasionally and coasting over the waves with natural wind power. Sail boats provide exhilarating rides and the price is right, although they may not be for everyone. When they speed up, the boat may tilt to the left a little and provide a wilder ride for novices. There is also less space on a sailing charter than what the powerboats have to offer.
You may decide that a monohull charter yacht is the ride for you. Many people are seduced by this boat based on its classy appearance alone! When you think of a mid-sized yacht, the image of the monohull power boat immediately comes to mind. The inside of these luxury boats can look just like a resort room with plush bedding, full kitchens and cozy deck seating.
You can also choose a monohull sailboat, which will carry heavier loads, tack easier, go upwind better and feel more comfortable than a regular sailboat. The problem with the monohull is that you may get a hole in the hull, which means el sink-o!
A bareboat charter gives you the thrill of commanding your own charter yacht and sailing the high seas in complete privacy. You will need an Offshore Skipper Certificate or you will need to pass a test before you can just rent your boat, but ultimately you can decide upon your own route from start to finish. It is unlikely that new yachts will be given to you on this type of charter, although a used boat may do the task just fine and cost you considerably less money. Bareboats range up to 60 feet in size and are usually easy to handle. If you lack confidence on your boating skills, then you may also employ a skipper or deckhand for around $300/day.

The French Atlantic Coast – Great For a Yacht Charter

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:06:04 +0000

Sailing the French Atlantic coast is one of the most enjoyed activities if you want to tour the stunning continent of Europe. This is because the region’s several coastlines have been regarded by many as one of the most beautiful places in the world. In fact, millions and millions of tourists visit France’s Atlantic district every year.
The origin of France’s name is still unclear even at present. However, some European historians stated that it it is derived from the word “Francs” – a name of a tribe that once live in Germany. On the other hand, others have remarked that France’s name was from the Latin word “Francia”, which has been translated as “the land of the Franks”. German scientists also have their own version to the origin of France’s name. According to them, the country got its name from the German word “frankon” – a type of spear that is used as a weapon in ancient France. Moreover, the German word “frank”, which means “free”, was also a part of the long list of France’s name’s etymology.
When you are sailing in the French Atlantic, you will forget all your worries and problems in life. This is because the area can amaze you with its nature-given beauty. For instance, the place of La Rochelle has the perfect ambiance, which is ideal for a vacation. Its famous landmark is the Old Harbor where you can dine and wine all your troubles away.
The island of Aix only holds approximately 200 inhabitants. However, during the holiday period, the island experiences a massive influx of visitors. In fact, for the entire duration of Aix’s peak season, approximately three thousand tourists come to the island. Because of this, several investors in Aix have constructed hundreds of vacation rental houses and beach resorts so that the island’s guests can have a place to stay.
When you are sailing in Aix, you can also visit and see several lovely neighboring islands. These include the islands of Re, Madam, La Rochelle, and Fort Boyard. You can also cruise your way towards the coasts of Fort Enet, Fort Vauban, Pointe de la Fum
Sailing in the French Atlantic through the island of Ré offers an stimulating cruise journey. Re, which has a 35 kilometer land area, is gifted with wonders of the natural world. It has wonderful beaches and cool crystal clear sea. It also offers a rich flora through the lush forest of Trousse-Chemise.
ée, and Fouras.

Book a Catamaran Excursion on Your Next Cruise Vacation

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 12:48:48 +0000

My wife and I decided to book a cruise to Bermuda for our wedding anniversary. We thought it would be fun and of course anytime you get away from work, home and all of the stresses of life you are better off. Something about vacation that makes you forget about everything (well almost everything) in life.
After booking the cruise we wanted to do something different from our normal, “explore the island” type of excursions that we have done in the past. Not that they aren’t any fun, but we were looking for something different. We noticed that one of the excursions was called a “swim, snorkel and sail adventure.” It peaked our interest so we investigated further.
For the price they offered to book this particular excursion you received a boating adventure on a huge catamaran, where they (the catamaran crew) took you to a small piece of land in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle, set anchor, and you could swim around in the tropical waters as well as dawn the snorkel gear if you wanted to get a better look at Bermuda’s aquatic habitat. Then, after this full day of swimming activities you set sail for your home port.
It sounded like a wonderful day of fun filled activity so we booked it. I can honestly say it is one of the best excursions that I have ever been on. It was everything it promised to be and more. The crew was very friendly, helpful to others who were a little leary about swimming or snorkeling, and best of all we received a wonderful education about Bermuda and its history. That was something completely unexpected but definitely well received by everyone on board.
Beyond all that they offered free drinks, both with and without alcohol, and even let a couple of people drive the boat. As a passenger you could get involved as much as you wanted when it came time to sail as some people did, or you could just sit back and enjoy the ride which is what my wife and I did. I love boating but I can do that at home, I was on vacation (I say that jokingly of course).
If you are heading to a nice tropical area and they are offering a similar excursion on your next cruise, or even if you are not going on a cruise and will be staying on a tropical island, book a swim, snorkel and sail adventure. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

Why Power Catamaran High Performance Hydrofoil Supported Catamarans

admin — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:10:18 +0000

To put it simply for you!
It goes faster! Say 25%-50% faster than a comparable cruising monohull.
Due to it’s draft, the yacht has a lot more water to use! How’s 1.5′ – 4′?
The vessel is more stable! Much more than 5 degs. heel and something is wrong!
It’s safer for quite a few reasons – lack of crew fatigue, unsinkability, etc.!
It’s just more fun!
Twin-hulled sailing and Powerboat Catamaran manufacturer steathyachts developed for sport and recreation.
The U.S. designer of America’s Cup boats Nathanael Herreshoff designed and built catamarans in the 1870s that sailed so successfully against monohulled boats that they were barred from organized racing. Production of the current form of catamaran, which averages about 12.2 m (40 ft) in length, began in the 1950s. The early catamarans tended to have difficulty coming about when sailing to windward, but later designs overcame this. The catamaran remained difficult to right after capsizing, however. Smaller catamarans raced successfully against monohulled boats in 1959, and international competition began in 1961 between the United States and Great Britain, the latter winning through 1968. Thereafter, Danish and Australian boats also competed, the Australians dominating. Catamarans are very fast boats, achieving speeds of 32.19 kph (20 mph). The addition of engines also made the catamaran a popular motor-cruising boat.
Early catamarans were up to 21.3 m (70 ft) long, originally paddled by many men, and used for visiting, in war, and in exploration. Especially after the sail was added, voyages of more than 3,704 km (2,000 mi) were made.
These are few Powerful Yachts which are revolutionary hydrofoil based Sport 6.5 Hydrofoil Power Boat, Sport fishing 8 Inflatable Hydra Sport Boats, 420 Sport Boats which are High Performance Hydrofoil Supported Catamarans, These revolutionary Hydrofoil supported Catamaran semi-rigid inflatable boat is capable of speed, comfort and fuel efficiency that exceeds anything in its class. The PowerSport 6.5 hull is an asymmetrical catamaran designed hulls supported by two inflatable demi-hulls which enables it to float and run on any kind of water with ease.