rikki davis at churchill yacht partners
charter news luxury yachting vacations | volume 1 | issue 2
April Showers Bring May Flowers
Contact us to plan your next luxury yacht charter vacation. Rikki Davis Yachts at Churchill Yacht Partners orchestrates luxury yacht charters for an elite clientele, specializing in yachts—power and sail—from 60 (18m) to 400 feet (120m) in length. We ensure the luxury
As we bid farewell to winter weather and welcome a new spring, we’d like to share some amazing itineraries to consider as you plan your summer vacations. We hope you enjoyed reading the Bahamas and San Juan Island journeys that we featured earlier in the year. This time around we focus on the beautiful country of Croatia and the surrounding areas of the Adriatic Sea. Whether you are traveling from the Western Hemisphere or in and around Europe, these itineraries offer all charter guests easy embark/disembark locations with a myriad of historical sites, complemented by beautiful Eastern European beaches along the Dalmatian coast. They also provide a wonderful learning experience for guests of all ages to share with friends and family upon returning home. Whether you enjoy the action of a luxury sailing yacht or the lifestyle and water toys of a motor yacht, we have included examples of a few fabulous yachts available for charter in Croatia this summer.
charter yachts we offer meet the finest standards suitable to our client’s expectations through personal knowledge of the boats and their crew and of the world’s most enchanting locales. give us a call or visit us online to find out how we can help you plan your dream yachting vacation.
tel 954.761.3237 www.rikkidavis.com charter@rikkidavis.com
For those interested in sailing yachts, we recommend beginning in the north, either in Venice, Italy or Trogir, Croatia and sail south towards Montenegro with a finish in Dubrovnik, Croatia or Kotor, Montenegro. For those keen on a motor yacht, these itineraries can be reversed to suit your schedule and desires. When discussing Mediterranean charters keep in mind that the Med has a low and high season with two distinct price points. June and September are typically considered the “low season” where charterers can obtain the best pricing and discounts. July and August are the “high season”, where demand is high for the popular charter yachts
and crew. In the current economy discounting is ubiquitous. As demand continues to pick up, the discounts have become milder as previous discounts have become permanent charter rates. The summer months provide the opportunity for yacht charters around the world—the Med, New England, the Bahamas, and the Pacific Northwest. This year we also have a few large motor yachts available for charter in Norway and many yachts that are staying in the Virgin Islands to offer charters during a season free from crowds. We hope that you enjoy the rest of your Spring and we look forward to assisting you with your next luxury yacht charter. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” —Mark Twain Croatia Itineraries: Croatia is a country in the Balkans on the east side of the Adriatic Sea, to the east of Italy. It is bordered by Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the north, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, Serbia in the east, and Montenegro to the south. The Adriatic coastline provides views of low mountains and highlands and boasts over 1200 islands, the largest ones being Krk and Cres.
Cruising Croatia Venice to dubrovnik | 12-Day suggested Itinerary Chartering a yacht in Croatia allows access to one of the most dramatic coastlines in all of Europe—soaring mountains, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, immense fields of lavender and gently rolling hills dotted with ancient olive trees. More than a thousand islands, mostly uninhabited, rise out of the spectacularly clear waters. Day 1 | Known as the “Queen of the Adriatic”, Venice has a rich nautical history and it is the perfect place to spend the day before embarking on your Croatian yacht charter. Venice has been described as “undoubtedly the most beautiful city on earth”, and as you enjoy a coffee amid the Renaissance splendor of St Mark’s square, you will surely be inclined to agree. Day 2 | The second day of your charter brings you to Croatia’s northwest coast and Rovinj, a picturesque fishing port, and one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic coast. Close by is the Limska Draga Fjord, an area of outstanding natural beauty, known for its oyster breeding. huntress | 180' Feadship M/Y Cabins: 5 | Guests: 10 | Crew: 14 From: $275,000 per wk. + exp.
ORLANDO L | 78' Ferretti M/Y Cabins: 4 | Guests: 8 | Crew: 4 From: €40,000 per wk. + exp.
ELISA | 107' Cantieri di Pisa M/Y Cabins: 4 | Guests: 10 | Crew: 6 From: €63,000 per wk. + exp.
ANNA J | 120' Palmer Johnson M/Y Cabins: 4 | Guests: 9 | Crew: 6 From: €66,500 per wk. + exp.
Day 3 | Set sail for the Brijuni, a group of fourteen small islands, separated from the Istrian Peninsula by the Fažana Straight. Enjoy the beauty of the national park of Brijuni, known for its rich harmony of flora and fauna, historical monuments and fine hotels. Day 4 | Your Croatian adventure brings you to the famous Dalmatian coast and the ancient town of Zadar, dating back to the 9th century BC. Wander through the streets of this walled peninsula town and visit the carefully preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque monuments. Day 5 | Close to Zadar is the Kornati Archipelago, a group of some 130 islands many of which comprise the Kornati National Park. Admire the impressive rugged coastline, countless caves and coves, and its amazing seabed, featuring stunning reefs and steep pinnacles. Day 6 | At the mouth of the Krka River lies the fortressed village of Šibenik, one of the oldest towns of the Adriatic. Visit the Cathedral of St James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Close to Šibenik is the Krka National Park, full of spectacular scenery, including cascading waterfalls, and archeological remains. Day 7 | Set on an islet between the mainland hills and Čiovo Island, Trogir is a historic town replete with architectural treasures, Romanesque churches and fine Venetian villas. Split lies 27 kilometers to the east of Trogir, and is not to be missed! The historic centre of Split is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is one of the cultural centers of Croatia. Day 8 | A short cruise of 30nm brings you to the island of Hvar, one of the longest Adriatic Islands and host to lavender fields olive groves and vineyards. Hvar is an extremely popular tourist destination and possibly one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Day 9 | On the eleventh day of your Croatian yacht charter a short cruise from Hvar takes you to the wooded island of Šćedro. Following your visit to Šćedro, set sail for the island of Korčula with its olive trees and quiet coves. Amidst the
winding streets of the medieval town of Korčula you will find the birthplace of the famous explorer, Marco Polo. Day 10 | South of the Peljesac Peninsula is the volcanic island of Mljet, with numerous chasms and gorges, the longest of which is Babino Polje, connecting the north and south of the island. A third of the island is a national park, making this an ideal spot to swim or cycle. Day 11 | Dubrovnik is the “Jewel of Croatia” and it is best known for a beautiful and well-preserved historical center contained within its thirteenth century city walls. The city has a rich nautical tradition and during the middleages it was one of the few local ports that could rival Venice. Day 12 | Your Croatian yacht charter draws to a close in Cavtat, an attractive seaside resort and one of the closest towns to Dubrovnik’s airport.
yacht charter specialists From a quiet honeymoon, to a private getaway, corporate event or active family holiday, our charter specialists will work with you to create the custom itinerary that you desire.
tel 954.761.3237 www.rikkidavis.com charter@rikkidavis.com
From Croatia to Montenegro Day 1 | Your Captain awaits at the Trogir (Split) airport to take you to your yacht on historic Čiovo Island. Settle in aboard and explore the winding streets and shops of the old town of Trogir. Dinner can be enjoyed within Trogir or prepared by your chef dockside or on a sunset cruise to a nearby overnight anchorage. Day 2 | Enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing on the sundeck as your yacht cruises up the calm waters of the Krka River, through the Prukljansko Jerzero Lake, and onto the picturesque village of Skradin. After lunch, enjoy a guided excursion to the famous waterfalls and lakes of Krka National Park. Day 3 | Depart Skradin and enjoy breakfast while cruising down the Krka River. Continue past Šibenik on to Primosten for lunch near the beautiful beach that stretches the length of the north side of the peninsula. Nature has given the southern side of the peninsula a rocky make-up and the north side— pebble beach. Raduca beach has been honored with the Blue Flag award which guarantees a clean and safe environment and many facilities.
Later in the day anchor in Primosten, a former fishing town and a haven for travelers. One of the most beautiful small towns on the Adriatic, it boasts lovely Mediterranean narrow streets in the old town center, which is alive with cafes, cellar bars and restaurants to satisfy your cravings. The local specialty is spiny lobster ala Primosten. Day 4 | Depart early and cruise to the south side of Brac to anchor off Croatia’s most spectacular beach—Zlatni Rat. The vast, golden shingle sandbar, almost 575 meters long, is known as the Golden Horn, jutting out into the water at Bol. After lunch, cruise to the town of Hvar and spend the night. Located just off the Dalmatian coast, Hvar is one of the best known islands in Croatia and has been a favorite getaway since Roman times. Day 5 | Cruise the short distance to the Parlini Islands, this archipelago is the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera. The yacht will anchor off a secluded beach for lunch and afternoon play. Afterwards, she will continue to the nearby island of Korčula to spend the night in town.
Justly called “a little Dubrovnik”, Korčula offers beautiful squares and a medieval atmosphere. While the works of skillful Korčula stone-masons cause wonder by its perseverance, Moreska brings liveliness to the streets, as one of the three chivalrous dances you can see only on this exceedingly beautiful island. Day 6 | Depart Korčula and cruise to the Lumbarda beach on the eastern end of the island. Enjoy lunch and water sports before continuing onto Pomena for the night. Day 7 | After a morning bite to eat, cruise along the coat of Mljet and anchor in the bay of Saplunara for lunch and a swim. In the early afternoon, continue cruising southeast to the historic city of Dubrovnik and berth in the old port. Take a tour of the historic sites or spend the evening walking the streets and stores of the old city. Day 8 | Depart Dubrovnik and enjoy a leisurely brunch while cruising to Kotor in Montenegro, where guests will be met by ground transport to Tivat airport to meet their flight home.
oHANA | 142' Perini Navi S/Y Cabins: 5 | Guests: 10 | Crew: 7 From: €105,000 per wk. + exp. Photo courtesy of: Billy Black
trogir to kotor | 8-Day suggested Itinerary
Photo courtesy of: Perini Navi
SAPPHIRE | 85' Belliure S/Y Cabins: 3 | Guests: 6 | Crew: 3 From: €22,000 per wk. + exp.
andromeda LA DEA | 154' Perini Navi S/Y Cabins: 4 | Guests: 8 | Crew: 8 From: €99,000 per wk. + exp.
CLEVELANDER | 82' Nautor’s Swan S/Y Cabins: 4 | Guests: 6 | Crew: 3 From: €26,000 per wk. + exp.
Venice
Croatia
Norway
an idyllic start or grand finale to your charter vacation
a bit of hvar history
extraordinary yacht charters in this land of breathtaking fjords and mountains
To begin your charter, either sail down the Grand Canal out to the Adriatic, or cruise into Venice at the end of your charter and dock next to St. Mark’s Square or tie off on the large pilings in the Grand Canal to enjoy this unique city on the water. Explore the city canals by gondola, water taxi or on foot through the myriad of small streets that spider out throughout the city on either side of the Grand Canal.
Only reachable by sea, the island of Hvar is a natural stop on a crewed yacht charter along the Croatian coast. Sitting in a strategic trading location, Hvar has been a natural stop for travelers throughout the ages, with each civilization leaving a mark on the face of this island with many of the historic buildings and ruins still remaining and waiting to be rediscovered.
Something out of the ordinary for 2011 are the new yacht charters available in Norway. Approximately six experienced charter yachts will make Norway their summer home. Itinerary highlights include Oslo, Larvik, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Bergen and other exciting stops. Call us for full details.
Rikki Davis Yachts has been providing luxury yacht charters for our clients, worldwide, for over 30 years. Contact us today and we’ll help you plan the most exclusive charter vacation! tel 954.761.3237 | www.rikkidavis.com | charter@rikkidavis.com
Specifications are believed to be correct but are not guaranteed. All prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
801 Seabreeze Blvd | Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 954.761.3237 | charter@rikkidavis.com www.rikkidavis.com