Horizon Yacht Charters
Horizon Yacht Charters has added a new Bavaria Cruiser 45 to the company’s Grenada-based fleet; it’s available as of December 2010. The new Cruiser 45 has been designed and developed in collaboration with Farr Yacht Design and BMW Group DesignworksUSA, a subsidiary of BMW. The Cruiser 45 was nominated for a European Yacht of the Year award for 2010/11 in the Family Cruisers category. For more brokerage or charter details, consult the company website (www.horizonyachtcharters.com).
Cruise to Alaska Aboard Trawlers
Northwest Explorations has added Dream Catcher, a 49-foot Grand Banks Classic, to its Grand Banks trawler fleet based in Bellingham, Washington. In 2011, the company plans to add a new leg—through the Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia—to the itinerary of its Mother Goose guided flotilla. The company’s expanded training school will include a weeklong learn-and-cruise session with an onboard skipper/instructor; take 10 percent off for each additional week that you book. For additional details and to explore Northwest Explorations’ online web discounts, visit the company’s website (www.nwexplorations.com).
Take 10 Percent Off with Maine Cat
Maine Cat, located in Bremen, Maine, offers a 10-percent discount on charters for its sail and power fleet in Maine and in the Bahamas that are booked by December 31, 2010. The company also knocks 10 percent off any extra days booked beyond the first week. Contact Maine Cat (www.mecat.com) for details.
Cruise European Waterways
Le Boat, the self-drive canal-barge company with bases throughout Europe’s waterways, introduces the Le Boat 1500 Series, a luxury fleet of energy-conserving self-drive leisure motorcruisers built by Groupe Bénéteau and exclusive to Le Boat. The new Le Boat 1500 Series will be available in two-, three-, and four-cabin models in France, Germany, and Italy. The first 50 boats will join the fleet at the start of the 2011 season. The new fleet allows customers to cruise via a conventional diesel engine or electric power. Each boat has six solar panels supplemented by a generator and shore-power connectivity.
The specially designed hull minimizes bank erosion by leaving only a small wake, and large holding tanks store all gray and black water. A range of other technology enhancements and guest benefits are being developed, from low-wattage L.E.D. lighting to minimal-flush toilet systems. The drive system, which is connected to the boat’s bow thruster, gives customers greater cruising control; a joystick enables the boat to rotate 360 degrees and enhances maneuvering when docking alongside the canal bank.
All cabins offer a flexible twin/double layout, and each has a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and an en suite bathroom; additional space is available for children via fold-down beds. The open galley features a large fridge/freezer plus an ice compartment and a regular-size oven. The spacious top deck has plenty of comfortable seating, a large bimini, a gas barbecue, a bar fridge, and an outdoor shower/sink. For more details, contact the company (www.leboat.com).
