Boater Weekly #12
Yachting in Crete, A Solaris Profile, An Azimut Magellano, the RYA Yachtmaster and Weekly Highlights from the Boater Team
Welcome to the latest edition of Boater Weekly, the definitive guide on the global boating industry. Our international team of seasoned boating enthusiasts is committed to delivering in-depth content on the best deals, the must-visit destinations, and the most important boating concepts. In this edition, we're thrilled to unveil a new weekly segment dedicated to helping you master the knowledge needed to become a RYA Yachtmaster. Join our growing community of Boaters, and subscribe to Boater Weekly today.
"'Believe me, my young friend,' he said, 'there is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing,' he went on dreamily: 'messing—about—in—boats; messing—'
'Look ahead, Rat!' cried the Mole suddenly.
It was too late. The boat struck the bank full tilt. The dreamer, the joyous oarsman, lay on his back at the bottom of the boat, his heels in the air.
'—about in boats—or with boats,' the Rat went on composedly, picking himself up with a pleasant laugh. 'In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you'd much better not.'"
- Kenneth Grahame in 1908, The Wind in the Willows
Weekly Highlights
2021 Azimut Magellano 84
Keywords: “MOTIVATED SELLER”
Price Drop: -$309,000 (-5%)
New Asking Price: $5,490,000
Location: Pompano Beach, Florida
Broker: MarineMax Yacht Center
2020 Prestige 590
Keywords: “MOTIVATED SELLER - BRING OFFERS”
Price Drop: -$50,000 (-4%)
New Asking Price: $1,349,000
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Broker: SYS Yacht Sales
RYA Yachtmaster
Dreaming of a life captaining your own vessel on the open sea? The RYA Yachtmaster certification is an important step in this direction. Established by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the U.K., this RYA Yachtmaster certification has become a globally recognized qualification, designed to provide you with the skills and confidence needed to safely and efficiently navigate a boat.
The RYA Yachtmaster certification consists of several levels, with the first being the Yachtmaster Coastal. As an entry-level certification, the Yachtmaster Coastal demonstrates your ability to skipper a boat in coastal waters by day and night. Building upon this foundation are the Yachtmaster Offshore and the Yachtmaster Ocean, which focus on more advanced navigation skills, longer voyages and a deeper understanding of meteorology, safety and seamanship.
Here at Boater Weekly, we'll be covering the content you need to know to pass the RYA Yachtmaster exams, starting with the Yachtmaster Coastal. Each week, we’ll be bringing you valuable information, tips and guidance from experienced Boaters. Next week, we'll kick off this series by diving into an important topic covered in Yachtmaster courses: safety and emergency procedures. We’ll explore essential equipment, emergency procedures and how to handle various onboard situations.
Crete
Coordinates: 35.2401° N, 24.8093° E
Body of Water: Mediterranean Sea
Largest Marina: Agios Nikolaos Marina
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The largest marina on the island is Agios Nikolaos Marina, located on the northeastern coast of Crete. The marina can accommodate up to 255 yachts, ranging from 6 to 70 meters in length, and offers high-quality facilities and services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for yacht owners and guests. The marina's strategic location provides convenient access to the island's main attractions and serves as a perfect starting point for exploring Crete's captivating beauty.
Balos Lagoon
Located on the southwestern coast, Elafonisi Beach is renowned for its pink-tinted sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Another beach is Balos Lagoon, an idyllic spot with shallow, warm waters and a stunning view of the Gramvousa Peninsula. For those who prefer a more secluded and tranquil atmosphere, Seitan Limania Beach, nestled between steep cliffs on the Akrotiri Peninsula, offers a unique, narrow strip of sand and mesmerizing azure waters. A trip to the historic Spinalonga Island, once a Venetian fortress, is a must-see that offers a unique insight into the island's history.
Spinalonga Island
Venturing further along the coast, Boaters can also discover the lesser-known but equally captivating beaches of Crete. Preveli Beach, located on the southern coast, is a hidden gem with a palm tree forest backdrop and a river flowing into the sea. Preveli is a perfect spot for relaxing and exploring, with the historic Preveli Monastery nearby. Additionally, Vai Beach is home to the largest palm tree forest in Europe and offers pristine white sand and clear, shallow waters, making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers.
Exploring Chania's Old Town is an enchanting experience, as you wander its narrow, cobbled streets and admire the blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture. We recommend dining at Tamam Restaurant in Chania, which is housed in a historic building that dates back to 1400 A.D., originally as a Venetian public bath and later as a Turkish 'Hamam.' The best time of year to go boating in Crete is generally in the late spring and early Fall, specifically from May to June and September to October. As a Boater, you will experience great weather, warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months of July and August.
A Princess on Crete
Vessel: 2011 Princess 42
Asking Price: €329,000
Location: Crete, Greece
Broker: Rockstar Yachts
Featured Manufacturer
For over four decades, Solaris Yachts has been synonymous with quality, luxury and performance. The company was established in the 1970s on the shores of the Venetian lagoon in Aquileia, Italy, an area with a rich maritime history that dates back to the Romans. Today, Solaris Yachts occupies a 26,000 square-meter site, where they not only build custom yachts but also refit and restore boats up to 100 feet. The company's dedication to craftsmanship, coupled with the experience of its skilled workers and a deep technical department, allows Solaris Yachts to create sailing vessels that seamlessly blend technology and tradition.
Solaris Yachts is renowned for the quality and finish of its interior joinery, appreciated by Boaters globally. The company's commitment to excellence is evident in the careful selection of fine woods and the meticulous attention to detail in its handcrafted interiors. The company's unique approach to yacht construction, dubbed "the double uniqueness of Solaris," is characterized by its extensive experience in building and refitting sailing yachts as well as its seafront location, allowing for comprehensive sea trials and a process of continual improvement.
Solaris 111RS
The structural integrity and safety of Solaris Yachts are unparalleled, with each model built according to the strict standards of Maxi Ocean Yachts. The company utilizes a "structural cage" approach, which involves composite bulkheads fully laminated to the hull and deck, rather than the mass-production method of silicone bonding. This results in yachts that are stiff, solid, and resistant to stress, ensuring comfort and safety even in extreme weather conditions. Solaris' emphasis on sturdiness and stiffness is evident in the attention given to the critical load-bearing points of their yachts, such as the keel-hull connection, mast base and chainplates.
The annual Solaris Cup, held at the Porto Rotondo Yacht Club in Sardinia, is a testament to the company's enduring legacy and the loyalty of its customers. This event brings together Solaris Yacht owners for several days of exciting regatta action and social gatherings, showcasing the history and future of the Solaris family. During the Solaris Cup, attendees have the opportunity to experience the exceptional performance and quality of Solaris yachts firsthand. With their dedication to craftsmanship, tradition, and continuous improvement, Solaris Yachts remains a leading force in the world of luxury sailing vessels.
Solaris 60
A 2017 Solaris 68RS
Price: €1,950,000
Location: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Broker: Grabau International
Material Price Drops!
Boater Weekly’s team has curated a list of our favorite boats that had price drops in the last month. Asking prices here are below $100,000.
Featured Price Drop #1
Vessel: 2003 Jeanneau 37
Price Drop: -$5,429 (-6%)
New Asking Price: $82,259
Location: La Roche Bernard, France
Featured Price Drop #2
Vessel: 2021 Cobalt R3
Price Drop: -$10,000 (-10%)
New Asking Price: $89,900
Location: Southampton, New York
Stay tuned for some of the best opportunities, builders and destinations in next week’s edition of Boater Weekly! Subscribe below.