Italy´s beauty is legendary and one town is more attractive than the other. The country has an immensely rich culture and history, gorgeous cuisine and the all-famous lifestyle and chique. For the yacht charter guest it offers vast and varied sailing grounds as well as pretty ports. This combined with all the impressive sights, stunning nature and the Italian `dolce vita` makes for the perfect sailing holiday.

Why is yacht rental in Italy so popular?

Italy and its islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea are located right in the centre of the Mediterranean. A boat rental in Italy is a great opportunity to explore the amazing Italian culture and the multitude of beautiful towns. With 51, there are more UNESCO world heritage sites in Italy than in any other country in the world. And on top of that you get to enjoy fantastic food and great shopping.

The coastline, especially the Italian Riviera in the West, offers many beaches and bays perfectly suited for anchoring. Italy´s islands are mainly located off the west coast of the mainland and they all possess their own individual character. A favourable climate and almost no tides provide for good sailing conditions and there are many interesting possibilities for different sailing itineraries. Italy has a large tradition of boat building and sailing, so sailors benefit from a high frequency of ports. The infrastructure in the northern charter regions and southwards until Rome is very good.

The main airports are Venice, Genoa, Pisa, Rome, Naples, Olbia, Alghero, Cagliari, Reggio Calabria, Palermo, Trapani and Catania.

Here is some general information about yacht charter in Italy:

Location: Central Mediterranean Sea

Total length of coastline: 7,600 km

Capital: Rome

Main charter bases: Genoa, La Spezia, Piombino, Follonica, Castiglione della Pescaia, Salerno, Sorrento, Tropea, Reggio Calabria. Sardinia: Cagliari, Carloforte, Olbia, Alghero. Sicily: Trapani, Palermo, Portarosa.

Population: ca. 60,675,000

Climate: Mild, Mediterranean

Country code: +39

Charter season: May to October

What are the best charter areas in Italy?

The main charter regions for sailing in Italy are concentrated on the west coast of the mainland, i.e. Liguria, Tuscany, Elba, Bay of Naples, Capri, Sardinia, and Sicily. The Adriatic Coast on the east side is not quite as attractive for boating. Possible charter bases there are Polignano a Mare near Bari, the area around the national park of Gargano and the Venetian Lagoon where you can cruise directly past the world famous Old Town and its stunning buildings.

In the capital of Liguria, Genoa, you encounter the Porto Antico containing the largest aquarium in Europe and many other sights. From there it is only a short walk into the Old Town. After about 14 NM you reach the stunning harbour town Portofino in its protected bay. From here it is about 30 NM to La Spezia and on the way you will pass by one of the quaintest tourist destinations of Italy, a cluster of five picturesque and colourful coastal towns set in a national park called Cinque Terre. La Spezia forms part of the national park and is the second largest city of Liguria. It is conveniently located in a deep gulf surrounded by high hills.

A little further to the South lies the Tuscan Archipelago containing the islands of Gorgona, Capraia, Pianosa, Montechristo, Giglio, Gianutri and the largest and best known – Elba. There are very good charter bases on the Tuscan mainland to go and explore these islands, or maybe even Corsica. They are Viareggio, Piombino, Follonica and Castiglione della Pescaia / Punta Ala. In Elba the main town and port is Portoferraio on the north coast, which is well worth a visit. The island also offers lovely big bays and great anchorages. On the very southern Tuscan tip is Puerto San Stefano – a seaside town on a peninsula with a yacht harbour and a massive fortress.

Sardinia offers a great mix of exclusive cruising grounds and ports like the Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo as well as unspoilt sailing territories like the famous Maddalena archipelago. There are very good ports like Cagliari, Cannigione, La Maddalena, Olbia, Palau and Portisco. Savour the stunning and varied landscape like the pink beach of Spiaggia Rosa and the fjord-like Gulf of Cannigione.

The Bay of Naples and its islands, the Amalfi Coast and the archipelago of the Pontine Islands offer further brilliant options for yacht charter itineraries. The Amalfi Coast is situated between the charter bases Sorrento and Salerno. It is a 50 km stretch of coastline with very picturesque towns sitting on steep rocky cliffs. The towns of Amalfi and Positano are just two examples.

From the mainland you can head to the islands in the Gulf of Naples. Exclusive Capri is where the international jet set meets. The main town and port with its high-end boutiques and first-class restaurants is situated on the north side. It is very busy and expensive, though. You find good anchorage on the south side in Marina Piccola. There are no sandy beaches on Capri, its coastline is rather craggy and picturesque. The water is deep, so there are not too many safe anchorages.

Then there is quaint, colourful Procida with many beautiful bays and beaches and the natural reserve of Vivara Island, which is attached to Procida via a bridge.

You can cruise to popular, busy Ischia, which is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples. It is an extinct volcano with rich landscape, hot thermal springs, great bays and secluded beaches. The three main ports are Ischia port, Casamicciola and Forio. The South of the island is greener and wilder with beautiful coastline and the north is more populated.

Finally head over to the Pontine Islands. From Ischia to uninhabited and unspoilt Santo Stefano it is about 22 NM. There you are only allowed to anchor in the North of the island. Visit the neighbour island Ventotene and then cross the next 22 NM to the north-western Pontine Islands, Gavi, Palmarola, Zannone and charming Ponza with its many caves and grottos. There you will find nicely protected anchorages and an interesting rugged coastline.

Hugely popular for yacht charter holidays is Sicily, off course. Choose from main charter bases like Marsala or Portorosa in the North, from where you can also explore the Aeolian Islands Lipari, Stromboli, Vulcano, Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea and Salina. Other possible ports for your Italian bareboat charter are Messina, Taormina, Catania and Syracuse on the east coast. Reggio Calabria on the mainland is also a very good starting point for sailboat charter in Sicily.

Which weather systems are important for your bareboat charter in Italy?

In Italian waters there aren´t any significant tides. The prevailing winds in summer are northwesterlies. Afternoon sea breezes are generally moderating the heat. Long, dry and hot summers make for the perfect sailing weather.

A brief summary of the sailing weather in Italy with the example of Naples:

Months with highest average temperature: July/August, 25°

Months with lowest average temperature: January/February, 9°

Prevailing wind speeds: 3 – 5 Bft.

Month with highest average precipitation: November, 140 mm

Months with lowest average precipitation: June/July/August, 30 mm each

Months with highest average sunshine: July/August, 10 hours per day

Month with lowest average sunshine: December, 3 hours per day

Months with the highest average sea temperature: July/August, 26°

Months with the lowest average sea temperature: February/March, 14°

How much does yacht charter in Italy cost and what types of charter are there?

The average price for yacht charter in Italy is around 3,100 € per week but you could rent a 10 m sailboat, for example, from about 1,600 €. The price is depending on size, model and equipment of the charter boat. In Italy it is quite customary to rent a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) for an excursion on the water. For weekly or longer sailing holidays you can opt for bareboat or skippered charter and choose from sailing or motor boat rental respectively catamaran hire. Then there is luxury yacht charter, usually with a full crew that is tending to your individual needs. Flotilla holidays are a popular way of sailing the Italian waters. And day charter may be a way just to try out if you enjoy life on board.

What other highlights are there in Italy apart from sailing yacht charter?

Don´t miss out on visiting Rome and its amazing antique sites like the Forum, the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Other incredibly impressive tourist destinations in the Eternal City are the Vatican and Saint Peter´s Church. Sit on the Spanish Steps, admire the Trevi Fountain and soak up the huzzle and buzzle around beautiful Piazza Navona and in the pedestrian zone with its endless shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. This city offers so much that you will simply have to come back again and again.

Tuscany is just the perfect place for sightseeing. Florence is second to none in the world when it comes to Renaissance art and architecture. There is the statue of David, the great Uffizi museum, the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and much, much more. Pisa and the leaning tower are another fantastic attraction. Equally beautiful and worth visiting are Siena, San Gimignano and Lucca.

If you have a day before or after your sailing boat charter, head a little further inland to Bologna with its beautiful old town that is nice to behold from the top of the church tower. It has the oldest academic institution in the wold, dating back to 1088 AD.

Explore Cinque Terre, five stunning villages perched on the steep hills by the seaside surrounded by wonderful nature. Manarola for example is a very pretty, colourful town.

In-between charter trips, check out Pompeii near Naples. It was destroyed by the Vesuvius in 79 AD and now constitutes a `city frozen in time`.

Visit the town of Amalfi and its cathedral, old dockyards and paper mill, amongst others.

Drop anchor in Capri and visit the Blue Grotto – the big cave is filled with spectacular blue light from below.

Go up to the Castello d`Ischia, an Aragonese castle built in 1438 and originally dating back to 475 BC.

While cruising with the charter yacht around the Aeolian Islands or eastern Sicily, admire the active volcanoes of Stromboli and Mount Etna.

Finally, take a break from sailing to enjoy the breathtaking landscape in one of Sardinia`s natural parks like the Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu.

The Saronic Gulf and the centre of the Aegean Sea – the Cyclades – contain some of the most stunning islands in the whole of Greece. History was made here and you find a multitude of fascinating ancient sites while leisurely sailing from island to island. Dramatic volcanic landscapes dotted by hilltop towns with the typical Cycladic white-washed houses and windmills, crystal-clear waters, authentic cuisine and atmosphere make a yacht charter here so unique and enjoyable. Let us tell you a bit more about this rich cruising ground in detail.

Why is the Aegean Sea such a sought-after charter destination?

The Saronic Gulf is the link between the Ionian and the Aegean Sea. It is a part of the Aegean Sea and lies at the eastern side of the Corinthian Gulf, which is a 100 km long stretch of water. It contains the eastern entrance and exit point of the Corinth Canal, the city and port of Athens and the main islands Aegina, Salamis, Poros as well as many smaller ones. There are some amazing ancient sites like Delphi, Corinth, Mycenae and hundreds more. A very convenient starting point for an Aegean yacht charter is Athens with its big airport and the big marina of Kalamaki that offers a multitude of charter boats. It is situated due south of Athens. From there you can directly head to the Saronic Gulf with its interesting coastline and islands. The ideal yacht charter base for the Cyclades is Lavrion, about 37 km south-west from Athens airport.

The Cyclades contain the islands of Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Eschati, iOS, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, and Thira or Santorini plus many more smaller ones. It simply is a vast sailing ground with endless highlights to discover. Distances between the islands are much bigger than in some of the other Mediterranean archipelagos, so it is well suited for the experienced sailor.

The beauty of the islands is legendary. Delos is one of the most important ancient Greek sites. Then there is the volcanic island of Milos. Or Santorini with its huge crater and super-steep cliff that constitutes one of the most famous natural attractions in the world.

The largest airports are Santorini and Mykonos, which offer many charter flights in summer from most European bigger cities. Paros, Naxos, Syros and Milos also have airports with domestic flights. The ferry links between the islands amongst each other and with the mainland are brilliant, so it´s no problem to get to anywhere.

As everywhere around Greece, you will find lovely authentic taverns with great local food and fresh fish, charming ports and blue/white painted villages as well as romantic thatch-roofed windmills. The backdrop are impressive serene landscapes, including volcanic rocky coastlines. There are almost no tides but the sometimes occurring Meltemi winds require good sailing skills.

Some relevant info for Aegean sailboat charter:

Location: Mediterranean Sea east of the Peloponnese; south of Athens; north of Crete

Main Charter Bases: Kalamaki (just outside Athens); Lavrion (37 km south-east of Athens); Paros

Main airports: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini

Country code: +30

Climate: Mild, Mediterranean

Which main charter destinations are there in the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades?

The Saronic Gulf is mostly very protected as there is very little chance of the Meltemi blowing and it is therefore a good cruising ground for family sailing holidays.

One of the classic sailing routes in the Saronic Gulf leads from Athens along the coast to Cap Sounion. On the western shore of the mainly mountainous coastline of the Peloponnese there is famous Epidaurus. The Methana peninsula is an ancient volcano about 6 NM north-west of Poros Island. Poros is separate from the Peloponnese only by a 300 m wide channel. It has a lovely port and main town built on a hill with a characteristic bell tower looming above it.

Salamis, the largest island in the Saronic Gulf with a rocky coastline of 104 km, is situated only 2 km off the coast of Piraeus, Athens. It´s famous for its important part in many sea battles and offers some very nice fine sandy beaches. Check out the lively port of Paloukia in the North-East of the island or Peristeria in the South – a small town with a yacht harbour and clean beaches. Then there is the big bay of the main town, Salamina.

You can take the charter yacht to Aegina, the so-called ´pistachio island´ due to its large cultivation of the crop. It is an extinct volcano with rugged coastline and contains the ports of Perdika and Aegina Town with nice taverns and souvenir shops.

Hydra, which is geographically not part of the Saronic Gulf but one of the Saronic Islands, is a lovely place popular with artists. Moor up in the protected port of its main town Hydra or the quiet unspoilt port of Ermioni with a beautiful steep hilly backdrop.

When sailing to Spetses, you can anchor in the bay or moor up directly in the main town on the north-eastern tip of the island.

Cruising the Cyclades Kea is one of the first islands you encounter. It is a typical Cycladic island with a beautiful old town and situated 12 NM south-east of Cape Sounion.

Kythnos, just to the South, has a very indented coastline great for anchoring or mooring in the beautiful bays or ports, for instance Stefanos bay on the east side or protected Loutra port in the North East. Try the local cheese, which is a famous specialty. The main marina to use on a yacht rental is Merikha on the west side.

Seriphos has a wonderful entry into a long bay surrounded by high-rising hills. The port at the end is Livadhi. Go up to the Chora, where you have an absolutely spectacular view.

Sifnos lies a 9 NM sailing trip south of Serifos. Kamares on the north-west side is a well-protected port at the end of a large bay.

When on a boat charter in the Cyclades, you should pass by the island of Milos. It is an old volcano that forms a huge caldera surrounded by pumice cliffs. The port of Adhamas in the north part of the crater is one of the best-protected harbours in the Mediterranean.

Finally Santorini: Entering the humongous caldera from the North-West and approaching the steep cliffs is a highlight for every sailor.

From Santorini you can steer the sailing yacht via iOS to Amorgos, a bare rocky island that has retained very much of its authentic character and doesn´t have that much tourism.

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Archipelago. Only about 4 NM west of Naxos lies Paros, and adjacent to it, Antiparos. There are many protected bays and inlets. The channel between Paros and Antiparos is good for anchoring as well as the protected bays of the main town, Parikia, and the popular fishing port of Naoussa.

At the coast off the ancient site of Delos yachts are only allowed to anchor until 3 pm, which is when the exhibition grounds close. Fourni Bay a little to the South, or the southern bay of neighbour islet Reneia are options to set anchor overnight.

A main attraction of every Aegean yacht charter is Mykonos. There are enough bays on the south side to look for shelter from the northerly Meltemi.

Syros, Tinos and Andros are 3 more of the bigger Cycladic islands and there are numerous smaller ones on top of that, providing the yacht charterer with endless options for sailing routes.

What are the prevailing weather systems for a yacht charter around the Aegean Islands?

The northerly Meltemi wind can reach force 7, sometimes 8, in July and August. It can occur quite unpredictably as well as blow for 5 days on end, so in that case good sailing skills are required. It may not take place at all, though, and there have been summers without Meltemi entirely. Best suited for family sailing holidays is the well-protected Saronic Gulf.

Summary of the weather conditions for sailing a yacht charter in the Aegean with the example of Santorini:

Months with highest average temperature: July/August, 26°

Months with lowest average temperature: January/February, 12°

Month with highest average precipitation: December, 167 mm

Months with lowest average precipitation: July/August, 0 mm

Month with the highest daily sunshine hours: July, 14 hours

Month with the lowest daily sunshine hours: December, 6 hours

Average wind speed in summer: 3 – 7 Bft.

Month with highest average water temperature: August, 25°

Month with lowest average water temperature: January, 16°

Main season: May – October

How much is Aegean yacht rental and what are the different charter types?

You can rent a 12 m sailboat, for instance, from about 1,400 € a week. Prices rise according to size, model and equipment of the yacht. Due to the strong winds, there aren´t really any flotilla charters. You can do bareboat or skippered charter, and choose between catamaran charter and sailboat or motor yacht hire. You could go for a day charter or opt for luxury boat hire that comes with a lot of extras and a crew according to your specific needs.

What else is there to do besides sailing on a boat hire in the Cyclades and the Saronic Gulf?

On a yacht hire in the Saronic Gulf, visit Epidaurus on the Peloponnese, a large ancient sanctuary and centre of healing set in the forest. Its ruins contain a theatre with amazing acoustics, where a whisper on the stage is heard anywhere on the 54 tiers of seats, a stadium and much more. Also check out the museum illustrating what exactly happened at the sanctuary in antiquity.

If you rent a yacht in Lavrion, go down to Cape Sounion which is located only about 10 km due south. It is a temple for Poseidon in a beautiful setting on a steep cliff overlooking the sea.

Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta beginning of July makes for some exciting racing with some beautiful sailing yachts, Aegean classic schooners and lateens.

Kea main town, Ioulis, is very picturesque. It sits high on a plateau like most Greek island towns – they used to be built like that for protection from pirates. Moor up the sailboat and visit the medieval Venetian castle. And north-east of Kea town there is the famous carved lion from the 6th c. BCE. Check out the seaside resort of Vourkari where you encounter an ancient city with the oldest temple found in the whole of Greece (15th c. BCE). Kea is very popular with scuba divers as the water has great visibility and rich wildlife and there are good possibilities for cavern and wreck diving – one of the sister ships of the Titanic, the HMHS Britannic, sank there in 1916, amongst others.

If you have some time in-between sailing trips, attend one of the many traditional festivals in Sifnos – there is one held almost every month. With 360, the island has the highest amount of churches in all of the Cyclades. For instance, watch a typical Greek wedding at The Church of the Seven Martyrs in Kastro with its amazing setting above the sea. Or visit the beautifully architected capital of the island, Apollonia.

Milos offers spectacular volcanic landscapes including its huge caldera as well as the hot springs. For some sightseeing head to the remains of the medieval castle of Palaiokastro at the highest point.

Should the Meltemi blow a little too strong for sailing, take some time and visit the amazing archaeological site and museum at Santorini. Also admire the stark volcanic landscape – there are no trees, just craters and pumice cliffs. Go to Fira, which is a sea of whitewashed houses sitting high on top of the black rocks that are beautifully lit up at night. Watch the sunset over the crater from one of the many bars and restaurants. There is a cable car taking you up to the town or you can ride a donkey up the serpentine path. Try and savour the local wine, which is especially flavoured from the volcanic soil.

Amorgos was the backdrop for Luc Besson´s film The Big Blue and when you hire a motor- or sailing yacht in the Aegean Sea, you can go there yourself and soak up the amazing colour of the sea and the sky. Go up to the charming Chora of Amorgos sitting on top of the hill next to scattered windmills and a Venetian castle with a stunning view. Other beautiful villages are Tholaria and Langada and the towering monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa in the cliff side north-east of Chora is also well worth visiting,

You could explore some of the many ruins on Naxos or hire some windsurfing/kitesurfing equipment at one of the many schools there.

Take a quick break in-between sailing trips on your yacht charter and try out the buzzing and world-famous nightlife in Mykonos. For party, go to the Scandinavian Bar in the centre or the large Cavo Paradiso Club at Paradise Bay to the south. The next day relax at one of the gorgeous beaches, wander through the wonderful charming town with its funky shops and buy some artwork or souvenirs.

Delos was the centre of the cult of Apollo and, as such, a holy island. Splendid games were held there and a rich sanctuary with magnificent architecture was built. You can visit the vast ceremonial grounds and the remains of stunning temples and statues as well as the archaeological museum. So don´t miss out on the opportunity to walk these historically important mosaic floors when you´re doing a bareboat yacht charter in the Aegean Sea.

Have a look at one of the most beautiful churches in Greece – Panagia Ekatontapilyiani in Parikia on Paros, built around the 7/8th century by one of the architects of the Hagia Sofia. Or visit the nearby ´Butterfly Valley´, a park with tens of thousands of butterflies. Check out the picturesque old port of Naoussa on the north coast with its white-washed houses and squares that are lit up at night and create a wonderful atmosphere to sit outside and have dinner in one of the restaurants before continuing the sailing or motor yacht charter the next day.

Lake Minnetonka enterprises over 14,000 acres in Minnesota, and is a scenic tourist destination for many travelers seeking a serene environment for vacationing. The lake derives its name from the first residents of the area, who referred to the body of water as Minnetonka, or Big Water. In 1852, Alexander Ramsey officially registered the name of Lake Minnetonka, and in the following year, the first hotel was built on its shores. Steamboats surveying the lake became popular among tourists in the 1880s, allowing visitors to the area to experience the abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery of this picturesque area. Today, Twin Cities Cruises continues this tradition with its Lake Minnetonka pleasure cruises, offering guests a traditional paddleboat excursion and three exclusive luxury yacht options to choose among.

Paradise Destiny II
Capable of carrying up to 100 passengers, Twin Cities Cruises' Paradise Destiny II offers a luxurious way to see the sights of Lake Minnetonka in style. The Paradise Destiny II is available for weddings and receptions, and both decks boast floor-to-ceiling windows providing magnificent views for passengers. Formal dining is available at an additional charge, and the dance floor and buffet area are designed to make any out special.

Paradise Princess II
For a more intimate tour of the Lake, the Paradise Princess II offers a smaller venue for weddings, receptions, and sightseeing excursions. A small dance floor and buffet are available on-board, and guests enjoy complimentary snacks during their tour of Lake Minnetonka. The Paradise Princess II can carry 60 guests in luxurious comfort.

Paradise Grand
With room enough for up to 60 passengers, the Paradise Grand is a lovely way to see the beautiful natural scenery of Lake Minnetonka. Like all yachts in the Twin Cities Cruises line, the Paradise Grand offers a climate controlled salon and fully-stocked bar and is available for weddings.

Wedding ceremonies on board these yachts are restricted to forty guests; a beautifully appointed area is also available on shore for larger weddings. Full bar service is provided on each of the yacht tours and LCD televisions with DVD and VCR players are available for use on board. All three yachts are available for charter; prices are available from Twin Cities Cruises on request.

Canadians may not be known for the boats they manufacture but they actually have a good history with it. The Chemin du Roy, a road along the St. Lawrence River shore in Quebec, Canada, is a historically important road because it made transportation between Montreal and Quebec possible in just two days. Villagers saw the opportunity to manufacture canoes, rowboats and sailboats to serve as an alternative for passengers and goods. To bring the workers to this area, steamboats, canoes and barges were used.

It was in 1935 when Moïse Cadorette started a company which fabricated canoes and small pleasure boats in St-Jean-des-Piles. They later introduced fiberglass in the manufacturing of their products to mould the hulls – a first in Canada in 1956. Later on, the Doral Boat was born in 1972. But it was in the historic town of Grand Mère, Quebec that the major business on boat manufacturing flourished when they moved there in 1989 after two local entrepreneurs bought Moïse Cadorette in 1979. Doral continued to expand. Doral International is now a company doing business in more than 25 countries across the world.

Doral Boats has made a name for themselves in the boating industry. They claim to have developed boats built for boaters by boaters. And they’re edge is their modern plant and 30 years experience – the Doral difference. They have a range of products that fits the varying needs of their worldwide customers. They have classified them into three: sport yachts, express cruisers, and the elite series.

Under sport yachts, they offer two models. The first, the Alegria pays exceptional detail to entertainment, relaxation and water fun for a day, weekend or long-range tour. The second one, the Mediterra’s new design offers more control, making it easier to maneuver in just about all conditions. These models are the longest in terms of overall length.

Six models are categorized as express cruisers, namely Boca Grande, Elegante, Intrigue, Prestancia, Venezia and Montecillo. These have shorter overall length compared to sport yachts. But they still boast hotel-like amenities in the cabin. Classified under elite series are 4: the 265 Bow Rider, 265 Cuddy, 235 Bow Rider and 235 Cuddy. They all introduce a new generation of Doral sport boats. They don’t have interior cabins like the first two groups.

They are built with safety and enjoyment in mind. Whatever you fancy, from a 17′ runabout to their 36′ flagship, Doral has the model just right for you. May it be water-skiing, fishing or cruising. Manufacturers at Doral strive to ensure that all cruisers and sport boats stand the test of time. At the same time, the little details that have been integrated into the boats are expected to surpass customer expectations. Meeting customer expectations is a must in Doral. Their website enables the visitor to design their own Doral, with their own choice of engine, color, size, accessories and even minute details.

The production process of a Doral starts the day of purchase by its future owner. The boat is produced in separate modules and then assembled in their various departments and workshops. Production of seat cushions, cabinets and composite parts start simultaneously with a large number of people working on the same boat at one time. The manufacture of each Doral boat is done with high supervision and high compliance to Doral standards even during quality inspection and testing.

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With another new year approaching, most of us have hopes and dreams of becoming healthier and happier in 2018. It seems that every year we start out strong; joining a gym, eating more salads, throwing out some clutter. But no matter how determined we are, our busy lives build a pile of mail and papers on the counter and our gym visits become shorter and less frequent. Sometimes being surrounded by “stuff” and not feeling organized can be demotivating and suck up our precious time.

That is why this year, maybe we should focus on decluttering and organizing the space we spend most of our time. Having a clean and junk free space can be motivational in itself. I am not necessarily talking about minimalism, so don’t run off just yet. I am talking about creating a home that is an escape rather than a long list of chores to be dealt with. This year, why not try organizing your home like the queens of organization and dream worthy living spaces, yacht stewardesses.

Just imagine if your home often moved and rolled around like a boat. Imagine the mess; shattered dishes, stacks of papers littering the floor, bottles of cleaning supplies toppled over, and spilled makeup staining your carpet. On a yacht, if the stewardesses have done their jobs, everything will be safe and snug in its home and any decor that belongs on a table is packed between pillows or secured safely. Of course your home is not likely to roll around like a yacht, but applying some of the techniques that stewardesses use can help declutter and organize your home in no time.

Let’s start with a yacht stewardesses most visited closet, the cleaning closet. When cleaning the interior rooms on a yacht, stewardesses are responsible for expensive and delicate surfaces. To protect these surfaces from leaky bottles that could damage the finish, they use cleaning caddies to hold all of their cleaning supplies. A cleaning caddy also helps with organization and efficiency.

By having one of each cleaning product for the surfaces in your home, along with any rags or dusters, you can just grab it and go. There is no need to make multiple trips to the couple different spots in your house where the window cleaner might be. You may not need to the q-tips, toothpicks, or toothbrushes for cleaning like stewardesses, but adopting the cleaning caddy is a key organizational hack you should adopt in 2018.

So you’ve got the cleaning caddy, but what about the bottle of leather conditioner you rarely use, or the extra bottles of toilet bowl cleaner that came in the four pack? Yachts have extras of everything too, especially when traveling to remote places. Keeping all of your extra cleaning supplies in the same place, organized in a way that you can see what you have by looking and not digging, is ideal. That way, if it isn’t in the designated cleaning area, than there is none in the house and you’ll need to purchase it.

Another way yacht stews stay organized is having a home for everything. There are a couple reasons for this. One reason is so that if any stewardess or other crew member need to use the vacuum, they will be able to find it immediately in its designated home. Another reason goes back to the rolling boat on the high seas. It would be difficult to relax not knowing that the vacuum may or may not be secure in the spot it’s in today, whereas if it has a home it only takes one trip to know if the sacred vacuum will be safe for all trips to come.

Apply this practice with everything possible in your home for easy accessibility. Never rummage around your home for twenty minutes looking for the scissors or keys. Have a home for everything and you will never lose anything. This is especially helpful for documents, mail, and other papers you may have laying around the house. A simple filing system of your choice is all it takes to free up that counter space drowning in ‘important’ papers that you don’t really use, but shouldn’t throw away.

So we have talked about cleaning supplies and other household items having a home. Let’s go to where many people really struggle, the bedroom. A yacht’s crew quarters are very small. And most crew members only have one or two small drawers and a miniature closet for all of their personal belongings, including clothes, shoes, makeup, books, electronics, etc.

Of course, since you are living in a house, you have a bit more space which typically holds a lot more stuff. Most of us have heard about the six month rule; if you have not worn it or used it in six months than throw it out. That is one way to rid your closet of extra clothes you do not need, but sometimes this isn’t enough.

Living in northern Michigan, I have found this rule to not really apply to a lot of people that live in areas with hot summers and cold winters. Of course I haven’t worn half of my wardrobe in six months, because it would be crazy to where a bikini during a snowy winter.

Another way to declutter your closet is to categorize your clothes by type or style and eliminate multiples. If you have eight pairs of jeans, choose your favorite two and donate the other six. A yacht stew lives out of a large backpack or small suitcase. Try to dwindle your wardrobe down to maybe two suitcases.

You will have less clothes, but also less stress when it comes to choosing what to wear. Keep basics and ditch the fad pieces that will go out of style quickly. Of course style and clothes are some people’s hobby or identity, so this type of decluttering will not resonate with everyone.

Another declutter technique is getting rid of makeup and bath and body products, or simply not buying anymore until you have used up what you already have. A yacht crew shower is big enough to stand in and that is about it, quite difficult to shave your legs inside one. Having multiple bottles of shampoos, body washes, scrubs, conditioners, and shaving creams is just not an option.

Using a similar technique to the extra cleaning supplies system can greatly reduce the amount of bottles in your shower. Keep one of each staple product in the shower, while putting all extras in a closet for future use. And don’t buy more until you need it. This will save you money if you actually use what you have, instead of buying new products all the time and throwing away half used bottles to make more room.

For makeup, nail polish, and other small items that you have a lot of, get makeup bags. A yacht stewardess may or may not have a medicine cabinet in her shared bathroom. Being able to grab a small bag with all of her makeup for the day is ideal. This will save your makeup from being lost or damaged too, being kept safe and secure in its home bag.

Some other tips to simplify your home:

-Buy cleaning products that can safely be used on multiple surfaces.

-Buy body products that can be used for more than one body part.

Ex: I use Dr. Bronner’s soap for my hair, face, body, and to shave.

-If something is broken, fix it or toss it.

-Go paperless, cut down on mail. Most companies offer paperless notifications by email.

-Simplify your beauty routine. Find the products that actually work and stick with them. Trying new products all the time costs money and adds extra bottles to your dwindling space.

Let’s say you’d like to start a boat cleaning business of you own. It’s a service business that generally deals with higher-end clients, folks of means. Cleaning boats and yachts is a decent way to make a living, it allows you to be out at the marina and it is fun to be around nice equipment and make it shine. As a former franchisor in the yacht cleaning sector, I am often asked industry questions. Rather than merely answering the questions for one-single operator, I like to share these answers with others who may enjoy receiving the information. Recently I was asked the following very good question:

“Would you quickly be able to give me the names of some product you would recommend, I got the soap and brushes and poles covered. Just going through the types of wax gels, and what kind of polish or shiner to use in the cockpit as well and what specific product for the vinyl seats.”

Well, I would first recommend the Starbrite Line for gel-coat soaps, and also AutoMagic, has a car products line that has really nice soap that works killer on gel coats, but not so good on teak decks and wood, but it shines the hardware nicely. I love Seal It by AutoMagic, polymer solvent wax, it’s so easy to use and works nice, but you need another coat on top if you want it to last with saltwater around, better for lake boats. It’s great for first coat on any boat in any environment.

Met-ALL is good for aluminum polish, use with baking soda. For vinyl seats, it’s almost better to go with a Janitorial Product to save money, the kind they use on barstool seats or in fast casual dining type restaurants, just dilute it more for thinner boat seats. Zep Chemicals has a nice line for this, inexpensive too.

When you use quality products, your work will show and you will be able to charge more money and get better future referrals. So, it is worth the extra money to buy the best products.

Another boat cleaning entrepreneur asks:

“Would you charge a polishing and a wax on a boat as an additional service? For example the company I worked for would have some waxing on boats after compound jobs or randomly upon request. Now customers wanting boats polished after the weekly or bi weekly wash was more common, now is that correct? To my knowledge a boat shouldn’t be waxed as often as it is polished (to upkeep the gloss) and again these would be add-ons to they’re cleanings correct?”

From a customer’s perspective, a polish is when a boat is a bit oxidized, and a wax is to give it protection, but in reality today’s waxes each do a little of both, cleaning and waxing. A deep cleaning could be considered polishing, waxing is more of an upkeep. Yes, you should charge extra for polishing, and if they want a coat of wax with the washing, if they want spray wax charge a little more, if they want a light liquid wax a little more, and paste wax more, and polish and wax even more.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these topics and gained additional insight into the boat cleaning business today.

The exotic sunny Greek islands are ideal for a Private Yacht Charter in Greece! The whole country seems like a large beautiful “Resort” for total relaxation and looks like the perfect place for a Yacht Charter in the Greek islands! The Eastern part of Greece has the following group of islands to visit: The Cyclades group of Islands, the Sporades group of Islands, the Dodecanese group of Islands. In the west part of Greece, you can cruise aboard your own Private Yacht Charter along the amazing Ionian group of Islands. In the south of the mainland, you can sail along the coast of Peloponnese and even further south along the famous island of Crete! We should not omit to mention the popular area of Halkidiki in Northern Greece, with some of the best Holiday Resorts in Eastern Europe! As a result, Greece from West to East, from North to South is a huge sunny holiday place with beautiful beaches and places to see!

Some other reasons why you should pick Greece for your next Private Yacht Charter are:

Culture: In ancient times Greece was the birthplace of the western culture and democracy. The Greek philosophers and scientists pioneered in many sciences: medicine, mathematics, biology, philosophy, chemistry, astronomy, physics and others. They also introduced populations to the art of acting through the Greek tragedy and the Greek comedy. Greece has a long history of culture from the ancient times, through the Byzantine times up to our days. Everywhere you go in Greece you see an important monument from the glorious past of ancient Greece!

Natural beauty: If you love nature, you will admire Greece, especially the magical Greek islands! The surroundings invite you to visit the Greek islands year after year and discover something new every single time! White small villages, clear azure waters, golden beaches, pine forests near the beaches that make the waters turquoise in some areas, deep blue waters somewhere else… Every island is different and has its own magnificent beauty! The island’s “stars” are Mykonos and Santorini. But there are some others like Milos, Siros, Paros, Kea, and Naxos which are worth seeing! Don’t leave them aside… they will reward you once you decide to visit!

Sightseeing: Cruise to the island of Delos with your own private yacht charter or by the local water taxi. Visit Ekatontapiliani in Paros, the industrial museum in Siros, the Milos mining museums, the Marble craft museum in Tinos and the museum of Arhaeological and Venetian art on the island of Naxos. The above are just a few museums in the Cyclades group of islands. There are many more scattered around on the rest of the Greek islands in the Aegean Archipelago. No need to say it is suggested to visit all the archaeological sights in Athens before you start your Greece Boat Charter!

Climate: Greece celebrates summer from the month of May through October! The summer is usually very hot but dry. Clear skies, it almost never rains. Just a perfect spot for your holidays! In the Cyclades, you can meet some winds in the summer, the famous “Meltemi” winds. These are strong winds that blow somewhere between July and August. During this time of the year, yachting becomes a bit difficult, but not impossible except in extreme situations. The Captain of your private yacht charter studies the weather conditions constantly and knows exactly when to sail, when not to sail, what to avoid. He is there to make a customized itinerary for you, based on the weather conditions, based on your likes and preferences! Temperatures in July and August are high, they can go over 40 degrees Celsius. In the islands, though, you do not feel high temperatures as much because of the microclimate each island has, the landscape, the open sea, etc. High temperatures are more noticeable in Athens and in other large cities. Generally speaking, the best months to have your Greece Boat Charter are in June, in early July, in September and at the beginning of October!

Hospitality: Greeks are well known for their hospitality. It is common that a Greek will go out his/her way to help a tourist, to give directions, give suggestions, and immediately assist when someone is lost etc. Greek mentality and hospitality will blow you away! Everywhere you go, you will meet locals who are eager to make you feel welcome! Greeks will make your holidays feel very special!

Culinary experiences: Greece is famous for its cuisine. Every Greek island has its own recipes. The most famous cuisine in Greece is the one of Crete! All islands have their own flora depending on their own microclimate, thus their own herbs, vegetables, fruits, cheese, wines, olive oil, fresh fish and seafood. Due to the perfect climate fruits and vegetables have a superb, distinguished flavour that will overwhelm you! Taste local traditional dishes like moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki, the Greek local feta cheese, olives, calamari, octopus prepared by locals! The dishes in Greece do not taste the same as you try them in a Greek restaurant in your own town. Ingredients are different, the way of cooking is also different. Especially, if you go to Crete… you will never forget the Cretan dishes, guaranteed!

Greek Beaches: When you think of a hot sunny holiday you picture yourself on a Greek beach, like one of those pictures you see on the magazines… Visit the scenic seaside villages and spend your day at the beach. Don’t stay put if you want, but enjoy the water sports such skiing, playing beach volley with locals, go snorkeling, fishing or rent a wave runner… The barman at the beach bar will keep you refreshed and hydrated so you can have fun from the morning until the sun goes down! These are the holidays you need! Or take your Greece Boat Charter and visit a new beach every day! Do some Greek island hopping! Explore all the Greek islands! Does it sound like fun? If you decide to have a private yacht charter in Greece, plan ahead of time!

Other reasons to visit the Greece by your own private yacht charter are: total relaxation, interesting night- life, it is a family safe and ideal getaway and also a very romantic place for honeymooners!

Greece awaits for you and the Greek summer welcomes you!

This Italian beauty will leave you wanting more. There just isn´t enough time on one sailing yacht charter to explore all the fantastic sailing grounds and go see all the impressive historic sites that Sicily has to offer. So let us introduce you to a few of them and tell you more about boat rental in Sicily in detail.

What makes sailing holidays in Sicily so popular?

Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island. Together with the surrounding minor islands it constitutes the Sicilian Region, which is the biggest autonomous region in Italy. With its favourable central location, it serves as a good transit station between the eastern and the western Mediterranean. The large indented coastline is very well suited for safe anchoring and the prevailing north-westerly winds are great for sailing. In addition, you find excellent yachting facilities and plenty of harbours as well as mooring possibilities.

The island is easily reachable due to its 3 airports in Trapani, Palermo and Catania. The main ports are Trapani, Palermo, Messina, and Catania, which are at the same time the capitals of their provinces. Messina is the busiest because of the ferry links to the Italian mainland and other places in Sicily, and as it is a stop for Mediterranean cruises. The distance to the Italian mainland from Messina is only 5 km. Travelling there by ferry from Civitavecchia, the nearest port to Rome, can be much cheaper than flying there. The region of Calabria, which forms the southernmost tip of Italy, can also easily serve as a starting point for an Aeolian yacht charter. It has its three main airports in Reggio, in Lamezia Terme and in Crotone.

Sicily benefits from a mild climate, no significant tides, a rich culture and history as well as great seafood and cuisine. The dramatic rocky scenery due to the volcanic origin of the island is something to behold. There are fertile mountains, beautiful aquamarine waters and many hidden coves to anchor peacefully.

On top of all that Sicily boasts stunning natural attractions like Mount Etna, Europe´s highest active volcano, or the Stromboli volcano in the Aeolian Islands as well as numerous ancient historic sites.

Some relevant info for a bareboat charter in Sicily:

Location: Southern tip of Italian mainland

Capital: Palermo

Total length of coastline: 1,483.9 km (including the smaller islands)

Total surface area: 25,711 km²

Highest point: Mount Etna, 3,329 m

Main airports: Trapani; Palermo; Catania

Population: ca. 5,100,000

Country code: +39

Climate: Mild, Mediterranean

Which main charter destinations are there in Sicily?

The main charter bases are in Marsala, Trapani, Terrasini, Palermo, Sant`Agata di Militello and Portorosa. Terrasini is very convenient to get to as it is situated only 10 km west of Palermo airport. All those ports, however, are located within only 2 hours or less from an airport. They are concentrated in the North as it is very popular for charterers to go to the Aeolian Islands from there. It is also possible to hire a yacht from Reggio Calabria on the mainland and cross the Straights of Messina to go to the Aeolian Islands. The Straights of Messina have a traffic separation system and for pleasure boats it is mandatory to advise the Coast Guard ahead of the crossing.

The Sicilian west corner has a cliffy coastline with many coves, beaches and anchorages.

From Trapani head to the three Egadi islands, which are a nature reserve with mooring buoys and anchorages. Fees apply and the park rangers coming to the boat will collect them and tell you which places to visit.

On a stretch of about 10 NM between Trapani and Palermo on the north coast there are the lovely harbour towns of San Vito lo Capo, Castellammare del Golfo, Balestrate and Terrasini. They all have pontoons to moor up onto. Also on the north coast is Palermo. Better than to go to its slightly unpleasant and smelly main harbour would be to use the Marina Villa Igiea with 379 moorings for boats up to 65 m or the Marina Arenalla with 200 berths for yachts up to 30m. Continue along the north coast and check out the medieval town of Cefalu and the sheltered port town of Portarosa with good facilities, resorts and restaurants.

Sail the beautiful Aeolian Islands. They feature a wonderfully rugged, picturesque coastline. The anchorages are rather exposed, so it is safer to go to port overnight. There is beautiful, touristy Lipari. Then Stromboli that erupts every 20 min releasing ash and lava into the air, which is spectacular at night. The island Vulcano makes for a fascinating charter destination. You can go right up to the lip of the crater and smell the sulphuric acid fumes. Alikudi, Filikudi, Panarea and Salina are the smaller islands.

Cruise down the popular east coast. From Messina, cover the approx. 25 NM to Taormina. Sail along the steep cliffs with coves and sandy beaches and around the tiny Isola Bella, a nature reserve connected to Sicily via a sand bank. About 10 NM further south is the small town of Riposto, where you can stock up at the excellent food market. Ca. 20 NM more to the South you arrive at Catania and it´s about a further 30 NM to Syracuse. This ancient town has a very good marina from where you can walk directly into the lively historical centre.

Harbour towns worth mentioning in the South are Sciacca, Licata with its very sheltered marina and the beach resort town of Ragusa with an 800 berth marina for yachts up to 20 m.

What important weather systems are there for sailing in Sicily?

Sicily has mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Catania on the east coast boasts the highest average of sunshine hours in the whole of Europe with 2,492 per year. This breaks down to a nice 6.8 hours per day. On the island in general, July breaks the record with a whopping 14 hours of sunshine per day.

While the Sirocco brings hot air from Africa, the Mistral moderates and cools down the summer heat. North-westerly winds with a force of 3 – 4 prevail.

There are tidal currents in the Straights of Messina but they are fairly week compared to the ones in the Atlantic or other oceans.

Summary of the weather conditions for sailing a yacht charter in Sicily:

Months with highest average temperature: July, August, 26°

Months with lowest average temperature: January/February, 12°

Month with highest average precipitation: December, 79 mm

Months with lowest average precipitation: June/July, 10 mm

Average wind speed May – October: 8 – 12 knots

Month with highest average water temperature: August, 27°

Months with lowest average water temperature: February/March, 15°

Main season: Mid-April – October

How much is a yacht charter in Sicily and what are the different charter types?

You can rent a 12 m sailboat, for instance, from about 2,000 € onwards. Prices go up according to size, model and equipment of the yacht. Day charter is available, mostly in the form of motor boat rental. The choice is also between a catamaran charter and sailboat or motor yacht hire. Then there is a bareboat or skippered yacht charter and you can opt for crewed charter including a chef as well as stewardess(es) and deckhand(s). The latter will certainly be the case on large luxury yachts. In Italy it is often common to hire a RIB to explore the area or just go for a nice excursion on the water. And flotilla holidays are a very popular type of charter for family sailing holidays.

What activities besides sailing are there on a bareboat charter in Sicily?

If you like regattas, watch the demanding and challenging `Middle Sea Race` in October – an around the island sailing race that starts in Malta and then circumnavigates Sicily.

Visit Cefalu, a lovely medieval town on the north coast with a stunning Duomo dating from 1131.

In Catania, you can admire two Roman amphitheatres. Also check out the open air market that sells amazing fish and the Piazza del Duomo with its impressive cathedral.

A must-see are the Aeolian Islands, an immensely beautiful archipelago and UNESCO world heritage site. There are active volcanoes and quaint towns like Lipari with many dive companies and lovely boutiques and restaurants.

In the hilltop town of Taormina near Mount Etna visit the famous Teatro Antico, an ancient Greco-Roman theatre that is still in use today. Meander through the pretty cobblestone streets and enjoy the great views from the top of the high cliff.

Do a tour of Mount Etna on the east coast between Messina and Catania. It covers an area of 1,190 km² and is permanently active.

Syracuse is a historical ancient town with massive fortifications. It has a slightly faded charm, good shopping and a great baroque cathedral that incorporates parts of a Greek temple built around 500 BC. The near-by Necropolis of Pantalica dating from 700 – 1300 BC hosts thousands of tombs cut in the rock and is a spectacular sight.

In the Valley of the Temples, an archaeological site in Agrigento on the south coast, you find the stunning ancient Greek Temple of Concordia, lit up by night, as well as six other temples. It is one of the main attractions in Sicily.

Visit breath-taking Ragusa with many historic sights, churches and amazing architecture.

To soak up pure, unspoilt nature, head to the Sila National Park in Calabria, which is said to have the cleanest air in Europe.

Check out the nightlife, i.e. Palermo’s in-bar Kursaal Kalhesa in a restored aristocratic palazzo and the Caffe Internazionale. In Taormina live it up in the Daiquiri Lounge or the Morgana Lounge Bar.

Try out water sports like diving, snorkeling, fishing, water-ski, wakeboarding, windsurfing, stand-up-paddling and many more.

Sample the savoury and healthy cuisine that incorporates a wide array of vegetables and seafood. There are also some very famous sweet dishes including ice cream and many pastry specialties – so go ahead and enjoy!

Sailing is the fun part, cleaning, well not so much. Still, if you don’t take care of your equipment, Murphy will take care of you. Luckily, for those of us in the sailboat and yacht cleaning business we can make money taking care of the challenges that go along with boat maintenance and keep repairs to a minimum by helping owners keep their vessels in ship-shape. I’d like to explain one aspect of boat cleaning that many boat detailers fail to take advantage of, and that is sail cleaning.

Why clean sails? Well, of course you want them to look good when you hoist them up, free from black mold and ugly salt marks. But that’s not the only reason, healthy sails will not chafe as easily, nor will their stitches come apart as much. Doubt what I am saying? Well, then let me recommend some required reading.

In the January 2017 Issue of Sail Magazine there was a relevant article titled; “Sail Care – Look After Your Sails And They Will Look After You,” by Peter Nielsen. The article talked about the fact that if you don’t clean the dirt or salt off the sails, then you will have abrasions from the dirt and rats will smell the salt and be attracted to it, then make their nests there and eat away at the sail. Cleaning the sails is not hard to do, but many sailors and yacht owners do not have the time or are too tired after a day of sailing to clean them properly.

The article and most professional boat cleaners recommend soaking the sails in warm water and detergent, something mild and approved by the manufacturer – always remember that sails have different amounts of material and stitches in them and the manufacturer knows what’s best to use to prevent deterioration. After soaking the sails you want to thoroughly rinse them, I recommend soft or RO water. The article stated to rinse until you could no longer smell any detergent and I’d suggest you don’t smell any salt either and if you’ve rinsed them properly you won’t. It might take a couple of rinses to be sure.

Charging $100 per sail is not unreasonable, but be careful if they haven’t been clean in a while, you’ll need to charge more for neglected sails or sails that are dirty or starting to come apart as you have to use a little elbow grease (lightly) and it will take you a lot longer to clean. However, if you regularly clean the sailboat for your customer, $80 to $100 for average sized sails turns out to be a nice add-on to your boat cleaning services, larger sails go up in price try $150 to $300. Think on this.

Water jaunts have never been more popular than they are today. A boat club is a great way to get in on the fun. One of the hottest ways to take advantage of a boat club is to rent a yacht and throw a theme party on it. Here are five ideas for a naval party:

1920s Casino Night

A yacht is a perfect place to create a casino, as many real casinos operate on the water. Keep the attire glamorous with fedoras and feathered boas. Throw on some old jazz to set a decadent mood. Some other suggestions include setting out dominoes and cards for Canasta (with instruction books), as both games became popular in the 1920s. Strings of pearls draped around various fixtures plus peacock feathers harken back to this festive era. Finger food like stuffed mushrooms, olives, and deviled eggs work well for this night.

Disco on the Water

The night calls for disco, and to keep it authentic, spin the tunes instead of playing them from an iPod or laptop. Think Donna Summer dresses, Liza Minnelli satin, and Andy Warhol’s wide tie and black suit. Have a couples disco dance contest. Another cool suggestion is to put out a few of the Simon electronic memory games, as the device debuted in 1978 at the popular discotheques. This theme can really get as wild as the club itself, but as long as no one hides any money in the ceiling, all should be fine.

Tacky Couples Get Together

This theme requires that people pull out all the stops to look as bad as they possibly can. The costumes on this night can include bad wigs, hideous clothing, awful makeup, and bad fake teeth. A rousing game of Twister will have everyone enjoying an eye-full for sure. As far as food goes, it’s best to serve pre-packaged delights and maybe even a few colorful jello molds. The music on this can be from any era, but make sure to throw in great 80s tunes.

Celebrity Night

A celebrity night theme is sure to keep guests guessing who’s who, because, in all honesty, a lot of people don’t look like stars! However, with a little creativity and a change of swagger, it is possible to evoke big time stars. Another version of this would be Favorite Character Night. This theme might be a little easier for people to pull off because so many iconic characters also have iconic costumes, making them instantly recognizable. Since most big movie stars spend a lot of time in L.A., West Coat fare like sushi, tacos, ramen noodles, and frozen yogurt fit best.

Viking Rampage

Real Vikings might have felt a bit out of place on a boat club yacht, but party Vikings will love getting aboard. This party will really stand out if the food features raven banners set on top of it and if there are fake swords and fake Viking axes set around the yacht. As far as food goes, barbecue fare just seems to fit this theme so well. Since guests should dress like Vikings, naturally that means that no one can come aboard without a Viking helmet.

Renting a yacht at a boat club is a great way to party away the night, no matter what the theme.