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Setting Sail: Is Yachting The Ultimate Luxury?

A World-Class Yacht Experience

Associated with the rich and famous, yachting has become one of the best-known lifestyle options available to the super rich. A synonym of exclusivity, independence and privacy, yachting is now an activity available for those who not only want to buy their own yachts but hire them. Leonardo DiCaprio, Rhianna, Jay-Z and Beyonce are all known to rent yachts much like those of Yacht Charter Greece for weeks at a time, hosting private parties and enjoying the anonymity that being on the open waters can give them away from the press.

But why is yachting the ultimate luxury?

“For me it’s always been about the freedom,” says Mike Simpson, an avid sailor and yacht aficionado. “The sea represents the ultimate freedom to me – you can just cast off and you’re your own master.”

The appetite for yachting has been on a steady increase as more and more people look to vacation in safer arenas away from crowds and bustling cityscapes. Of course, the luxuriousness of yachting has always been popular with celebrities, the super rich and the upper class. And for those who own them, it can signify wealth and status.“Owning a yacht means something exclusive,” says Sebastiano Pitasi, a sales yacht broker. “Most of the time we are talking about a really unique masterpiece built to satisfy the owner’s wish to own something fully customized. A yacht is probably one of the most expensive hobbies an owner may have, but it’s for sure one that will create unforgettable moments.”

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Travel abroad for UK citizens is currently forbidden except for neccessary purposes, meaning that Brits will only be allowed to travel for staycation holidays within the country’s common travel area which includes Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Travellers unable to offer an accepted reason for international travel could be fined up to £5,000. The earliest date that this rule could be eased is 17 May.

Austria is in a state of lockdown but plans to ease hospitality and travel restrictions by May 19.

Travel to the US and the islands of Hawaii is still banned indefinitely for anyone travelling from China, Iran, Brazil, the UK, and any Schengen countries. The border closure between Canada and Mexico could be reopened from May 21.

Which countries are open for travel?

More and more countries have begun to restart their tourism industries - albeit in a tentative and cautious manner. According to brokerage firm IYC, all foreign travellers can now visit The Bahamas without the need for a COVID-19 test if they are fully vaccinated. The tourism board website for French Polynesia has announced foreign tourists can now return to the islands. Travellers to Monaco will not need to quarantine if they can provide a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival.

According to the Croatian tourist board, travellers from the EU and Schengen states can enter without restrictions. Traveller from other countries are allowed without restrictions if they have been fully vaccinated.

Where you can go — and how to map it

When owning a yacht or renting them it’s important to map out where they want to go and whether or not the waters will be deep enough for it. Yachts can’t go to Turks and Caicos, for example, because the water is too shallow for them; whereas the south of France and Newport Rhode Island have quite deep harbors and so are frequent places for yachts to visit. Fueling – the cost and where to refuel – is also something owners and renters need to consider.

The celebrities that have owned super yachts

So, who are the top celebrities that have had the luxury of owning super yachts? Well let’s start with P Diddy, who purchased his 195 foot-long super yacht for $72 million from the executive chairman of Google. With a nightclub on board and an Aqua Glide water slide, he’s hosted parties with guests including Beyonce and Kanye West. Then there’s director Steven Spielberg’s Seven Seas; an 86 meter yacht he purchased from Dutch Builder Oceano with exterior and interior styling done by Nuvolari Lenard.

One of the most famous luxury yachts out there has to be the Necker Belle; previously owned by Richard Branson and named after his island – the Necker Belle is a 32 meter catamaran designed for socializing with water toys, accommodations and a massive sundeck.

Of course, some celebrities tend to choose a luxury yacht charter experience instead of purchasing it outright. That includes the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio who charters the boat Topaz when he’s looking to escape the limelight of Hollywood and has hosted various parties on it. The 483 feet super yacht is also home to conference rooms and a state-of-the-art gym as well as two helipads. So is yachting the ultimate luxury? Enjoyed by celebrities, entrepreneurs and the ultra-rich, yachting is certainly a fantastic experience and one that is incompa- Yachting

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