This brought to mind how much the charter industry has changed in the past 40 years, when a broker’s main concern was to find a safe and comfortable yacht with professional crew and good food.

Before Satellite, cell phones, email, skype, the web, twitter and facebook, communications were restricted to the single side band and VHF radios.  Clients left our office number with their family for emergencies and set off for a week of uninterrupted  pleasure and relaxation.  Any important or urgent messages were transmitted to the yacht through a marine operator.

Nowadays, most clients feel a strong need to be connected on their yacht vacation.  They may have an important conference call, want to watch a special sporting event, or stay in touch with their office or an ailing family member.  They may want to preplan their itinerary to secure dockage in advance or be sure their children can update friends on facebook.  Are their iPod connections in the staterooms?  How many movies are on board?  Play Stations for children?  Are there enough outlets to charge multiple net books, cell phones and digital cameras?

Now and again, some charter clients still ask that the crew hide TV screens and bring out old fashioned games like Scrabble and Monopoly.

Chartering in the 21st Century is still great fun — Just different!

Sometimes I wish for the days when charter guests boarded their yacht and took each day as it came: enjoying long laughter-filled meals, taking a turn at the helm, helping set the sails, and – to quote Mark Twain – “Explore, Dream, Discover”.

Other days, it is such a relief to know we are all connected.  I recall an incident more than 30 years ago when a California family arrived on Tortola on a very late flight and forgot their charter contract and boarding letter.   All hotels were closed and there was no access to a telephone.  Their taxi drove from marina to marina looking for the yacht while the crew waited anxiously at the appointed spot.  I was horrified to learn after the charter that the family slept on a sandy beach that night.

Thanks to modern technology, an adventure like this need never be repeated!

International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. 

70% OF OUR PLANET IS COVERED BY WATER

 WATER AND LIFE ARE INSEPARABLE!

RELAX ...

DIVE IN ...

EXPLORE ...

CELEBRATE!

THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN AT SEA!

April, May and June are ideal for cruising the islands of the Bahamas and OLGA’S friendly crew of 6 are eager to share with you some of the special on board:

Captain Bernard’s paella on the beach
On Board Spa treatments
Zero speed stabilizers
High speed internet 24/7 (V-Sat)
Scuba diving from the yacht (certified divers only)

BE PAMPERED!

Visit OLGA at http://www.interpacyachtcharters.com/yachts-for-charter/olga
and learn more about the Bahamas at http://www.interpacyachts.com/bahamas/index.html

Weekly rates are $70,000.00 plus expenses for up to 8 pampered guests!

WELCOME TO INTERPAC’S FIRST BLOG POST!

We at INTERPAC YACHTS want to keep you up-to-date with all the latest charter fleet news including special rates, exotic destinations, featured yachts, photography tips, delicious charter recipes, and more.

We also invite input from you, our valued clients.   Let us know about a “must see” charter destination, your favorite anchorage or port, an incredible crew, or unforgettable meal on board …

To submit your personal photographs and favorite charter memories, write to bev@interpacyachts.com Be sure to include a description of the photo and if you wish to remain anonymous.  Otherwise, we will use your initials, city and state.

WE INVITE YOU TO DIVE IN AND ENJOY THE SPECIAL WORLD OF CHARTER YACHT VACATIONS!