PHOTOS: courtesy Studio Vafiadis “I adore seeing a boat being built, coming along from nothing to something nice and unique,” says Paris Dragnis, the owner of O’Ptasia and Golden Yachts, her builder. “This enjoyment in boatbuilding pushed me to make my own yard. I have built many boats, 11 up to now, all designed by…
For nearly 200 years, Riva has symbolized sophistication on the water. In recent times, the yacht builder has expanded into landlubber luxury, through its Riva Lounges, Privées, and Decks. These exclusive venues don’t just celebrate the spirit of the shipyard. They also surround you with the looks and feels of the materials outfitting the famous…
For the past several months, yachting organizations have been working with French customs officials to clarify new yacht-charter regulations. These regulations involve a steep tariff on U.S.-built megayachts, and their tenders, chartering in European waters. The European Commission for Professional Yachting (ECPY), a trade association engaged in the discussions, has obtained new guidance for U.S.-built…
You likely have seen and read lists of the world’s largest yachts. You may have even read lists ranking America’s largest yachts. Here’s a new one: the most popular countries for cruising when it comes to the superyacht set. The places on that list may, or may not, surprise you. Among the top 10 countries…
Gayle Force is big by some boat owners’ standards, but she is small compared to many of the yachts that have ventured to Antarctica. Her 96-foot (29.24-meter) size had nothing to do with her ability to travel there, though. Her owners’ determination, her captain’s confidence, and their faith in proven construction and engineering teams made…
PHOTO: YouTube The charter yacht that appeared in season two of the reality show Below Deck Mediterranean has a return engagement. This June, the superyacht Sirocco will appear on American television screens again, in season four. The first season of Below Deck Mediterranean aired stateside in 2016. Sirocco starred in season two, the following year….
UPDATE, APRIL 5, 2019: The ECPY held yet another meeting with French customs authorities yesterday. The yachting trade organization therefore has additional clarifications regarding the tariff. 1. U.S.-built, commercially registered yachts imported before June 22, 2018 do not have to pay the 25-percent tariff if they return this year under the Returned Goods Relief program….
U.S.-built yachts planning to charter in the Med this summer will be hit with a steep retaliatory tariff. While the tax decision dates back nearly a year, captains, yacht managers, shipyards, and more report its enforcement going into effect now. As much as some details seem clear, however, others are not. Therefore, the European Commission…
Julie P. Nicholson, who co-founded Nicholson Yacht Charters, the oldest established yacht-charter firm, died on February 27 in Maine. She was 90 years old. To say that she was decades ahead of her time is an understatement. Born Julie Pyle in 1928, she grew up in Connecticut. She attended and graduated from Smith College in…
Antigua is the winter home to many private and charter yachts, perhaps even yours. It’s further host to a few regattas that might pique your interest or, perhaps, participation. Rather than dock at a marina, wouldn’t it be more convenient to anchor by your own private residence? Half Moon Bay Antigua, a residential and resort…
