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!

Sunken Cities … Clear Turquoise Seas … Historic Theatres and Temple Walls … Lively Tavernas … Fresh Baked Village Bread … Deep Bays … Exotic Covered Bazaars … Farm Fresh Produce … Cultural Capital of Europe! 

The weather is perfect…
In September the temperature generally stays in the comfortable 70′s.

The water is warm…
Although the air is starting to cool in September, the sea temperature lags behind and is still  ideal for swimming, snorkeling and water sports.

The crowds are gone …
Tourism slows dramatically after September 1 and the popular anchorages are less crowded and more idyllic.  In towns and villages dockage is easier to find.

Sailing Conditions are more moderate and predictable …  The challenging Meltemi winds in the Aegean subside in September, allowing more relaxing cruising and sailing. 

Rates are reduced dramatically after September 1 …
High Season for most charter yachts ends on August 31, offering our clients considerable savings.

Many yachts are offering even further discounts …
This year a great number of yachts are advertising even better rates by offering additional time on board, further discounts, or including extras such as some meals or taxes. 

Discover the beauty, hospitality, and culture of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean this season for yourself.  Exotic, warm, and filed with the mystery of ancient civilizations … No other charter destination offers such diversity!

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!

ITHACA - MYSTICAL ISLAND OF THE IONIAN SEA

Ithaca is the famed island of Ulysses in Homer’s ‘Odyssey’, where he returned after his 20-year voyage.  She is one of the seven Ionian islands remote enough to be relatively untouched by the modern world. Ithaca is most accessible by yacht and offers enchanting coves, scenic beaches and sleepy villages.  The east side of the island is verdant and slopes gently down to the sea. Lush green valleys are covered by forests of pine, cypress and olive trees. 

Explore the remains of Venetian prisons, historical monuments, the medieval Monastery of the Archangels (Taxiarhon), or wonderful cave of the Nymphs.  End a perfect day with a romantic moonlit dinner on board your INTERPAC yacht and gaze at the stars that help guide Ulysses home to this special island.  

Visit more idyllic Greek islands in the Ionian:  IONIAN SEA - YACHT ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

ROMANTIC ISLAND LAGOON

SURPRISE YOUR SPECIAL VALENTINE WITH A DREAM VACATION THIS YEAR!
A private yacht charter is a unique and special way to show how much you care.

In the words of Christopher Cross:
“It’s not far down to paradise … if the wind is right you can sail away and find tranquility … The canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see …”

For special yachts and destinations visit: http://www.interpacyachtcharters.com/yacht-selections and http://www.interpacyachts.com/

“THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN AT SEA!!

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!