I had a very interesting email exchange with Kim Kavin, editor of Charterwave and one of the most technically savvy people I know in the charter business.  She’s a Kindle lover and didn’t really agree that the iPad would be that revolutionary for yacht charters.  For reading a book on on a yacht, the Kindle, as a single purpose tool, has no peer – especially given that it has an LCD screen that is easy to read outdoors, while backlit screens common to computers and presumably the iPad may be more difficult to read in direct sunlight. She also felt that an iPhone, which has a smaller footprint but plenty of uses, can be used for games, videos, etc.

Everyone will need to make their own decisions about what electronic devices they choose to bring on their charters.  If you want a great tool to read books, a Kindle may be for you. If you want a multipurpose tool that is not too large, bring your iPhone, and if you want a bigger screen that will be excellent for charts, games, videos, pictures and yachting apps, an iPad may be perfect, especially if someone makes a waterproof case!

Photo courtesy of Apple, Inc.

The raging debate in tech land today is whether the iPad has enough features or is revolutionary enough to truly change the world. Looked at from the perspective of yachting, my feeling is a very strong yes.  Its big, beautiful screen, ease of use (no mouse or keyboard to flop around the boat) and ability to process graphics so quickly will make it a fantastic tool to bring along on any charter or yachting holiday.

We see it with multiple uses: reading charts and mixing basic chart data with images, videos and user information about the ports and cruising areas, keeping track of your expenses and other trip records, researching your itinerary, entertaining the kids at night on their personal movie viewers, checking weather, tides and wind forecasts, and showing everyone your gorgeous pictures as you progress through your charter.  I did this on my last charter with my MacBook Pro, but was constantly worried that I’d ruin it.  Not so with an iPad – there aren’t really any moving parts.

Added to the above, there will be amazing apps written for sailors and yachting that we haven’t even thought about but that will become indispensable as soon as we try them. That’s the nature of technology, and why the iPhone is the number one phone in the world right now.  We’ll certainly be following these events with interest, and may even release an app or two of our own

As a disclaimer, I worked for Apple Computer for 10 years (back when it had a colored logo with stripes), so I’ve had a serious dose of Steve Job’s reality distortion field.

Congrats – you’ve made it to the Super Bowl! If you want to really make a “splash” why not charter a luxury yacht for corporate entertainment, accommodation, and just plain enjoyment of the event? We have some beautiful yachts available and can turn it all around on short notice from our Florida office.

For information on chartering a yacht for the Super Bowl in Miami, see our Super Bowl Charter Guide.  See a selection of our Super Bowl Charter Yachts. We’d love to help you have the weekend of a lifetime!

Palermo

Sicily’s regional capital and largest city is perhaps best compared to a rough, uncut jewel. Its beauty has to be revealed through careful discovery. You’ll find this bustling city chaotic and dusty yet fascinating. The historic environment of this former royal capital of kings and emirs is largely Baroque with some stunning nuggets of medieval architecture. There are a number of monasteries and castles, and a magnificent cathedral, as well as art galleries and a good archeological museum. Monreale is only a few kilometers outside town. See our Palermo Charter Yachts.

Special tip:

The “Feast of Santa Rosalia”, in July is the  most famous and popular festival in Sicily. During one week, Palermo becomes an open-air theater. The highlight is a 15m high float known as the carro, which is paraded through the streets along with a statue of Santa Rosalia on a huge cart drawn by horses. Bands, dancers, African drums, religious choruses, fireworks, theatrical performances and feasts (featuring everything from delectable tiny snails to fantastic gelato) characterize the event.

Erice

Standing at the top of a mountain, the delightful town of  Erice overlooks nearby Trapani and the beaches of San Vito Lo Capo.

There are some ancient Elymian and Phoenician walls surrounding the northeastern side of the city, and two castles, Pepoli Castle, with foundations dating from Arab times, and nearby Venus Castle, dating from the Norman period but built on ruins of the ancient Temple of Venus. Surrounded by a lush park, the hilltop castles alone are worth a stop in Erice, which offers charming old stone streets and several medieval churches. The view from the castle towers is stupendous. You’ll find some good restaurants in Erice to try the local speciality: Couscous with fish. There are also several exceptional pastry shops, including Maria Grammatico’s in the centre of town.

Special tip:

“International Couscous Festival”, San Vito Lo Capo. This annual event outside Trapani means 3 days of dancing to live music and a bounty of local foods. The couscous competition draws some of the best cooks in the world, including those from North Africa where the dish originated. You’ll gain 10 pounds if you participate in all of the feasting.

Wine Country

Sicily’s viticultural region covers a large patch of the western part of the island. Marsala is the commercial center of this scenic region, the origin of the world famous Marsala wine. It’s a magical place that rivals any grape-growing region in the world in its serene magnificence. It also has what is in some ways a more distinguished history. That’s because domesticated grapes were cultivated here long before they were introduced into France or northern Italy.

Cefalù

Nestled between the Madonie Mountains and the sea, Cefalù’s mountain boasts the ruins of a large fortress and an ancient Sicanian-Greek temple with a stunning view from the summit. Cefalù is one of the Mediterranean’s undiscovered jewels and the epitome of picturesque grandeur. With its winding, narrow, medieval streets, delightful restaurants overlooking a rocky coast and a beautiful beach Cefalù is definitevely worth a visit.

Aeolian Islands

Often called the Aeolian Islands (Aeolus, god of the winds), the Lipari Islands are a volcanic archipelago visible from Sicily’s eastern Tyrrhenian coast, easily accessible from Milazzo and Messina. The principal islands are Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi, Stromboli, Panarea and Vulcano. Here you’ll find beautiful scenery, volcanoes, castles, thermal resorts, water sports, good fishing and, of course, some great beaches like the unique Spiaggia di Sabbia Nera (Black Sand Beach) on Vulcano or the  Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach) and Ponente (Marina Lunga) on the larger island of Lipari.

The rugged landscape with deep caverns, steep cliffs, and splendid views is amazing and the cuisine fantastic, especially the seafood dishes.  See our Aeolian Islands Yacht Charter Guide.

Special tip:

Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and its pyrotechnics are spectacular. Take a night-time boat trip to Sciara del Fuoco and experience close-up the rumblings, bellowings and glow of incandescent lava from Stromboli’s mysterious cone

Taormina

Taormina is the Sicilian Monte Carlo, without the casino or royal family. Taormina has endlessly winding medieval streets and tiny passages, each with its own secrets –great restaurants, cafés and ice cream bars. Some of these intriguing places are secluded gardens hidden by stone walls, others are set on terraces overlooking the coast or in more public but equally pleasant squares. Taormina is beautiful by day but in the evenings its atmosphere is simply enchanting, whether you stroll the illuminated streets or indulge in the view of the coast over a delicious dinner.  Within its eternal stone walls, old Taormina has fascinating archeological monuments and medieval homes. Magnificent views of the sea complete the picture. The most famous is the view overlooking the Greco-Roman amphitheatre, one of Sicily’s largest, with Mount Etna and the sea in the background

Mount Etna

With approx. 3350 meters, Sicily’s greatest natural attraction is Europe´s highest active volcano.  Over 1200 square meters of Etna’s surface is covered with solidified lava. Etna offers skiing in the winter months and breathtaking hikes in the woods during the summer. There are also a number of smaller peaks on the slopes of Etna, and some interesting caverns to visit.

Catania

Catania as the economic center, is a great tourist attraction of Sicily. Located on the east coast of the island, at the foot of the active volcano Mount Etna, halfway between Messina and Siracusa, Catania is known for ancient Roman monuments, baroque and historical churches, palaces, liberty style mansions, urban parks, and numerous other sites. It is also famous for its La Playa beach.

Siracusa

Siracusa offers a nice mix of ancient and modern, on the eastern coast of Sicily. It is an attractive old town known for its Greek ruins. Once described by Cicero as “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all,” the ancient center of Syracuse is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Neapolis is the ancient city that has the Greek Theatre, Quarries, Caves and Roman Amphitheatre. Other attractions of the town include Apollo Temple, Old Town on Ortygia Island, Cathedral, Piazza Del Duomo, Sanctuary Madonna Della Lacrime, Maniace Castle in Ortigia, and Ipogeo in Duomo Square.

Piazza Armerina

Set on a plateau almost 700 meters above sea level the city of Piazza Armerina is a quaint little town. Its historical quarter has some beautiful churches as well as a well-preserved fortress (Spinelli Castle), but a  “must  see” is the Roman Villa, with its magnificent mosaics. Depicting scenes from daily life, such as hunting, the mosaics are as remarkable for their sociological value as for their artistry.

Special tip:

For four days beginning around the 12th of August Piazza Armerina celebrates “Palio dei Normanni”. Sicily’s Norman past is observed during this historic celebration in which locals dress in ancient costumes for parades. The city’s four districts  -Canali, Casalotto, Castellina and Monte- are represented in the competitive events of the Palio. There is also music, dancing, demonstrations of medieval arts, and the sale of arts and crafts. And, of course, plenty of delicious food.

Make sure you also read our Sicily Yacht Charter Guide, for more information about chartering a yacht from the beautiful island of Sicily.

Last Saturday, our Caribbean Charter Specialist Meg Toppa attended the Toronto International Boat Show.  Along with the weather, attendance was brisk.  No doubt dreaming of warmer climates, visitors at the show were climbing in and out of  Beneteau’s, Jeanneau’s  and checking out the latest gear. Notable yachts on display that caught her eye were the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i as well as the Beneteau 34, Beneteau 37 and Beneteau 40.  These all have excellent features for charters in the Caribbean – please contact our Ft Lauderdale office if you would like to experience one of these yachts on the water!

We’ve had several enquiries from people who have relatives and friends  in Haiti who want to charter a yacht there to get them out.  Please do not attempt to do this!  All ports are closed – you cannot get in from the Dominican Republic. The Police are on high alert for theft of vessels going to the region. Also any yacht from the States trying to get in illegally will be arrested.

The best way to help in Haiti is through the standard charities and agencies.

We are all horrified and sadened by the events in Haiti, and we feel a particular affinity for the Haitians given that they are in the Caribbean, where we do so many charters. So, in our effort to help, we will be donating 2% of our revenues in January 2010 to help heal and rebuild Haiti. Funds will be given to the Stand with Haiti fund.

Our hearts go out to the survivors, and hope that our contribution can make a difference.

If you are interested in helping out in Haiti, here’s a charity we recommend. Our hearts go out to all the people of Haiti!

Traditionally, the Monaco Grand Prix overlapped with the  final weekend of the Cannes Film Festival. So if you were interested in attending both, you were in a mad scramble up and down the Cote d’Azur coast to get to all the events you wanted, and invariably you’d miss several.

This year, however, the Monaco Grand Prix has been moved to the weekend before the end of the Film Festival 13 to 16 May 2010. The Cannes Film Festival will be held 12 – 23 May 2010 – so there will be plenty of premieres and parties to attend, but there won’t be a conflict on the final award night.

So, this year, you have a chance to really experience both events to their fullest – charter a yacht starting on the 13 to watch the warm ups and time trials and experience Monaco at its best, and then move over to anchor in Cannes to attend the movies and events, hob nob with the stars, and be there on the final night when the winners are announced!  Throughout, you can use the wifi and business facilities aboard your yacht to keep up with the office, and plan some client entertainment events to fully profit from this festive atmosphere!

Read more about Chartering for the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix – we have extensive information about the events, yachts available and how to go about chartering for these events.  And please contact us for a free proposal about how to enjoy these glamorous events!

If you can only make one of the events, the good news is that there should be a better selection of yachts for each event, because there will not be such a crush of demand for the one weekend.

1. Emerald Coast (Costa Esmeralda)

This strictly defined 10-kilometre strip of coastline in the Northeast is still the most famous address in Sardinia for elegance and luxury, and is the “The Hotspot” for the international jetset.

The architecture of Porto Cervo as its “capital” embodies the dream of an idyllic Mediterranean village without any irritations of real life… Porto Cervo exults in its exclusivity, with a glittering yachting marina as its centerpiece.

Don´t be suprised to meet Kate Moss, Flavio Briatore or Silvio Berlusconi when you sip a coffee in one of the gorgeous little bars in the grotto-like shopping arcade in Porto Cervo´s centre. And be sure to admire all of the Super Yachts anchored just offshore!

2. Tavolara

The Island of Tavolara belongs to a protected marine area in the Northeast of Sardinia which is rich in Mediterranean colours with a numerous series of inlets, sandy beaches, stunning bays and promontories.

The Tavolara is a true limestone edifice that is  600 meters  high, 4 km long and 1 km wide. Its plateau really looks like a big table. The high cliffs drop straight into a uniquely coloured sea creating a perfect marine sanctuary where sea species which are strictly protected.

The present King Tonino runs “Da Tonino,” one of the two quaint little restaurants on the island that offer extraordinary fresh seafood.

Don´t miss the unique opportunity to visit the “Cinema Tavolara” if you visit Sardinia around the 20th of July when the island hosts a famous event called „Una Notte In Italia“ (One Night In Italy). For three evenings a variety of independent Italien movies are presented underneath the stars in the beauty of a wild and romantic scenery.

3. Cagliari´s Old Town

Cagliari´s Castello quarter is the most atmospheric part of Sardinia´s capital in the South of the island, a dense warren of alleys girded by thick walls.

Walk the streets of this historical district and discover the cosmopolitan flair of this unique town where culture, folklore and cuisine are not clichés. You´ll find a great range of restaurants and lively places for ice creams and late-night drinks around the Via Sardegna, Via Roma and Piazza Yenne.

4. Alghero

Alghero on the Northwest coast of Sardinia is real treasure with a strong Catalonian influence. It underwent Spanish colonisation for a lengthy period of time which left its mark on the local language and in many vivid traditions.

The old town centre on the sea front with its architecture, the labyrinthine network of narrow, car-free lanes and quaint little shops is reminiscent of the Gothic quarter in Barcelona.

Numerous bars, cafes and restaurants preserve Alghero’s reputation for excellent wines and seafood like the famous „Aragosta alla Catalana“ (Catalonian–style Lobster).

5. Cala Gonone

Hugging the coastline at the base of the mountains, Cala Gonone was once only accessible by boat.

A tunnel carved through the mountains now connects this town to Dorgali, the centre of the renowened Cannonau wine-growing region in the East of Sardinia.

Cala Gonone’s profound beauty and hidden charm is all about its high mountains, archaeological wonders, a postcard-perfect harbor and secluded beaches – including the famed Cala Luna, where both versions of the film “Swept Away”, the 1975 original and 2001 Madonna remake, were filmed.

The Bue Marino Grotto near Cala Gonone is definitely worth a visit and can be accessed only by boat. ” La Grotta del Marino” is famous for being one of the last habitats of the monk seal and for the height of some of the caves. There are traces that show the presence of man since ancient times as early as the Neolithic Age, when it was probably used as a place of worship.

6. Chia

The area around Chia in the South combines a deserted cliff-hung coastline sheltering numerous idyllic small beaches in a perfect way and is definitely a “Must see”!

7. Carloforte

Carloforte is a picturesque fishing village located on Isola di San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Island), world renowned for it’s tuna fish, which is coveted by the best restaurants in Japan.

Located approximately 7 km from the South Western Coast of Sardinia, its pastel-coulored houses and cobbled streets, Carloforte maintains the charm and intrigue of an ancient village.

The “Girotonno” is the main event of the summer which crowns this tasty fish dish, prepared in thousands of ways, as king of the cuisine, in a huge feast of flavours and taste and everyone is invited to attend!

8. Castelsardo

The small town of Castelsardo in the North of Sardinia is set on a rock overlooking the sea and an extraordinary example of Medieval town that developed around the castle, with the old town walls still intact.

The historical town centre is no doubt the most interesting part. In the surrounding area the Elephant Rock, a prehistoric tomb that was shaped like an elephant by the atmospheric agents, is worth a visit as well as the old monastery and a few nuraghes nearby.

9. La Maddalena & Caprera

La Maddalena is the only inhabited island of the Northeastern archipelago which is made up of 7 large islands and around 20 islets in the Strait of Bonifacio. From here you can easily reach Caprera where Giuseppe Garibaldi spend the last years of his life. His house and tomb are national monuments and can be visited daily from 9:00am to 6:00 pm

The Maddalena Seapark is an irresistible attraction for those who love the sun, the sea and seek a one-of-a-kind connection to nature in its purest form.

10. Capo Testa & Santa Teresa Gallura

Capo Testa is the most Northern point of Sardinia. The rocky coast has been shaped by the winds of time, transforming the immense granite stone into sculptures that will peak your imagination. An old lighthouse, overlooking Cala di Luna, casts its guiding light to the white cliffs that mark the entrance to the port of Bonifacio, Corsica.

Neighbouring Santa Teresa Gallura with its unique natural harbour is a portrait of an enchanting costal village with excellent leisure facilities and the perfect base for a sailing trip to Corsica.

—————————————————-

This is our list from our Sardinina Charter Expert, Regina Laqua.  Please let us know your lists!  And be sure to read all about Chartering in Sardinia in our Sardinia Charter Guide.