GIIRA YACHTS - India's First Yacht Blog

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2008-11-24T13:26:00.004+05:30

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Weekly Update : 29th Sept ~ 5th Oct

2008-10-05T14:14:00.005+05:30

STOP PRESS !!!

The Mumbai Harbour has opened...all the energy and buzz in the air has returned. Boat-owners are out on their boats enjoying their evenings on their prized-possessions.

Charters enquiries are on the rise...with people demanding their slice of the waters.

Last week this year on GiiraYachts.com is all about -

29th September, 2008 - All you can do this season on the waters for your company...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/yacht-charters-corporate-affair.html

30th September, 2008 - A glimpse into the next level of boat-manufacturing facilities...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/factoreef-future-of-boat-making-is-here.html

1st November, 2008 - Fun when you want it to be fun and practical when you want it to be practical...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/10/my-jet-ski-seats-upto-6-people.html

3rd November, 2008 - Check out the new HOT CAT on the prowl...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/10/future-catamaran-porsche-studio-design.html

4th November, 2008 - Water-rafting, anybody?...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/10/white-water-rafting-rapid-grades.html

5th November, 2008 - Another attempt by the automobile industry towards the lifestyle of yachting...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/10/volkswagen-introduces-caddy-with-boat.html

See you on the waters soon...

Volkswagen Introduces A Caddy With A Boat Deck!

2008-10-05T02:29:00.001+05:30

Believe it or not... there's no ending when it comes to where or how one can get inspired. And if the next best car happens to be designed by a sailor, you've landed yourself the Caddy Topos Sail Design Concept of Volkswagen. Check out the car with a nautical theme...

A man and his boat can seldom be parted; you really need to own a boat to understand this phrase. Well, the thought must be right, because the likes of Volkswagen have come up with a design concept for their Caddy commercial van, which has a very nautical theme. The Topos Caddy Sail Design Concept takes inspiration from traditional yachts that transform the multi-functional roof to a sunbathing deck. Volkswagen has used the typical wooden floor deck trimmed with aluminum rails on the roof, replicating the effect of lounging on your boat deck. To access the roof one has to climb up the short flight of matching wooden and aluminum steps placed at the Caddy’s tailgate.

White-Water Rafting : Rapid Grades

2008-10-04T15:50:00.003+05:30

The weekend is here and you want to explore all your options of making that break away from the city...

If you are one of those adventurous kinds, you'd probably look into some kind of physical activity that would involve some serious and strenuous (but relieving from all the mundane weekly workload) physical activity around where you live.

And some of you might just want to head out and jump on to a raft on one of the exciting rivers around where you live.

Rafting or whitewater rafting is a challenging recreational activity utilizing a raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on whitewater or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid 1970s.

A simple and fun activity it sure is...but read on to know what to expect once on your raft.

RAPIDS

A rapid is a section of a river where the river bed has a relatively steep gradient causing an increase in water flow and turbulence. A rapid is a hydrological feature between a run (a smoothly flowing part of a stream) and a cascade.

A rapid is characterised by the river becoming shallower and having some rocks exposed above the flow surface. As flowing water splashes over and around the rocks, air bubbles become mixed in with it and portions of the surface acquire a white colour, forming what is called "whitewater".

Rapids occur where the bed material is highly resistant to the erosive power of the stream in comparison with the bed downstream of the rapids. Very young streams flowing across solid rock may be rapids for much of their length.

RAPID GRADES

Grade 1

Rapids are small regular waves. The passage is clear and easy to recognise and negotiate. Care may be needed with obstacles like fallen trees and bridge piers.

Grade 2

Rapids have regular medium sized waves (less than 1 metre), low ledges or drops, easy eddies and gradual bends. The passage is easy to recognise and is generally unobstructed although there may be rocks in the main current, overhanging branches or log jams.

Grade 3

Rapids with fairly high waves (1-2 metres), broken water, stoppers and strong eddies, exposed rocks and small falls. The passage may be difficult to recognise from the river and manoeuvring to negotiate the rapid is required.

Grade 4

Difficult rapids with high, powerful, irregular waves, broken water, often boiling eddies, strong stoppers, ledges, drops and dangerous exposed rocks. The passage is often difficult to recognise and precise and sequential manoeuvring is required.

Grade 5

Very powerful rapids with very confused and broken water, large drops, violent and fast currents, abrupt turns, difficult powerful stoppers and fast boiling eddies; with numerous obstacles in the main current. Complex, precise and powerful sequential manouvering is required. A definite risk to personal safety exists.

Grade 6

All previous difficulties increased to the limit of practicability. Very confused and violent water so difficult that controlled navigation by raft is virtually impossible. Significantly life threatening if swimming and unrunable by all but a few experts.

Coming soon...we go rafting on the Kundalika (river at some place on the Mumbai-Goa Highway) and share the experience with you....

The Future CATAMARAN - PORSCHE Studio Design!

2008-10-03T09:55:00.001+05:30

"PORSCHE" ... The name defines Speed, Thrill, Luxury & Over the Edge EXPERIENCE! Porsche has a history of getting its talented fingers into everything. So when we heard that a collaboration between Porsche and the Singaporean yacht builder Royal Falcon Fleet is set to take place we were not surprised.

The German car manufacturer will be designing the exterior and the interior for the luxury RFF135 yacht. RFF135 is going to be a stunning 135ft mega high speed catamaran. Topping the speed of 35 knots, the catamaran is going to be one of the fastest yacht for its size. The catamaran looks more like a spaceship and it would surely appeal your eyes even if you are not a boat lover.

The technology will be taken care by the Singaporean yacht builder and will feature everything that a billionaire would require. The catamaran design which looks like an inspiration from the Star Wars movie will cost u few million. The collaboration between the two companies does not end with the catamaran. They plan to work and built more hi-tech boats and a mega yacht too.

European design and Asian technology, the combination is surely going to make the heads turn and wealthy spend. Its not clear when the project completes or about the date when the yacht will reach the market. But i feel many wealthy people must have pre-ordered the yacht by now.

If you're wondering how an automotive merchandise design firm could translate their competence to the entirely separate field of naval architecture, just remember that, following the Fearless speedboat series, this won't be the first time Porsche Design has tangled its toes in the water..

My Jet Ski Seats Upto 6 People!

2008-10-01T06:12:00.001+05:30

Unbelievable? You better believe it! Checkout the Dockitjet 5.6m RIB, an unsinkable Rigid Inflatable Boat, powered by a Personal Water Craft, which can lock in and out of the Dockitjet hull at any time, in minutes. The Dockitjet RIB can fit most PWC, becoming a boat that's great for group outings, safe and dry in chop, stable and spacious for fishing, diving or lunch, and still free to undock for play. The best of all worlds!

Factoreef : The future of boat-making is here...

2008-09-30T11:08:00.000+05:30

You want a trip to the future ?...Go visit CROATIA...!

Three students from Studio Lynn at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna have designed a conceptual boat factory for the island of Cres in Croatia.

Called Factoreef, it has been designed by Julcsi Futo, Bika Rebek and Stefan Ritter, students on the course run by architect Greg Lynn.

The architects describe the project as "a large scale, smoothly undulating roof held by an intricate steel truss structure".

FACTOREEF

"factoreef" is a proposal for a boat factory in the mediterranean town Cres, designed by architecture students Julcsi Futo, Bika Rebek and Stefan Ritter. They are currently enrolled at Studio Lynn, an architecture course run by American architect Greg Lynn at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna.

This project is a large scale smoothly undulating roof held by an intricate steel truss structure. It covers a single space partitioned only by structural elements. The promenade on the roof creates an attractive public ground for the touristic town Cres. Visitors get glimpses of the production happening inside and arrive to the see.

THE PROJECT'S CONSIDERATIONS

The Design Team were interested in the contrasts of the dense interior versus the vast exterior space of the boat, and the soft sail towards the rigid body. The main contrast they want to work with is the way the hard boat hull rips the mellow waves as it hits the water.

The aesthetic reference is the clean slick surface of the boat opposed to the barnacle like structure that is fine grained and intricate.

URBAN & MASSING

After analyzing various coastline typolologies we worked with the archipelago, which consist of a multitude of piers, canals, ponds and islands.

ORGANISATION

The layout of the plan is open, it facilitates efficient transportation of the boats from one machine to the other.

Tooling areas for the hull fabrication and finishing procedures that require separate spaces are detached in an enclosed stripe in the north, while the building opens up to the south, towards the sea.

The cool air circulates through the building, as it heats up it is exhausted through the upper part of the column which has then reversed openings.

THE MOOD & THE SETTING

The whole structure is visible from the inside creating a dense atmospheric view.

From the outside the monocoque roof only bursts into openings where the columns pierce through it.

The next flight to the future leaves today...

Yacht Charters : A Corporate Affair !

2008-09-29T19:48:00.005+05:30

CEO of your company !?...but you surely have not reached the pinnacle if you have not been on a yacht.

Thinking of a Corporate Team-building activity ??!..Why not take a team of colleagues onto sailboats in the harbour...teach them a few simple moves that they need to coordinate with each other...and see who reaches the other side of the harbour first - a sureshot way of knowing who picks up new things faster, and that too as a team.

Ladies & Gentlemen of the Corporate World...whether you are a CEO or a Customer Representative...welcome yourself to the next level of leisure, lifestyle and luxury in INDIA, and globally too.

Yacht Charters and Events are the most exclusive and thrilling experience one could savour...you can have private boardroom meetings on a mega-yacht or have sail your way to glory...all possible now in your nearest harbour in India or abroad.

WHY CHARTER?

Exclusive experiences on the waters broaden one's horizon...

The interiors of a mega-yacht are the most private and safest of their kind designed by the best designers in the world. Whether it is a meeting where you decide the fate of your meeting, or an evening where you want to take the whole 'C-bunch' viz. CEOs, CFOs, CXOs etc. on a multi-cuisine meal in the harbour - it is a priceless experience - all at a price affordable by any corporate standards.

Lately, some companies specialise in corporate training on the waters where they are able to generate qualities such as communication, inspiration, motivation, team-building, team-training, styles of leadership (...and the list goes on).

Training takes place on sailing yachts, where the participants work and live together. All duties concerning the sailing of the ship are carried out by everyone.
Sailing and training lessons alternate, and each trainee is constantly required to bring in his whole personality.

Have a look at a detailed write-up by clicking here.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ON YOUR CHARTERED YACHT ?

A complete and comprehensive range of all you can do is backed-up with complete on-site logistics too...

Your Charter or Corporate Event can be...

* Corporate Meetings...

* Luxury Charters to reward your Executives, Esteemed Clientele and International Guests...

* Coastal Cruises...

* Corporate Off-sites and Human Resource Development...

* Water-sports...

...and more...

BOATING - A LIFESTYLE FOR ALL

A lifestyle that at times is mistaken as very elite...in the domain of games like Golf, Formula 1 and more...boating is infact all that and more also...

This multi-faceted lifestyle allows one to look into activities such as wake-boarding, fishing, parasailing, jet-skiing and more...

At Giira Yachts we are able to provide you with the best solutions for your boating requirements.

From International Charters on Mega-Yachts to Harbour Cruises on Speed-boats, Giira Yachts caters to all your needs with fully customized lifestyle options...

We can arrange for your stay and entertainment at any beach or coastal town that you decide to stopover...and hence provide you with a complete solution for your charters - with comfort, safety and convenience as key considerations.

Call or Mail us now...Pamper your senses...

Weekly Update : 22 nd~28 th September, 2008

2008-09-28T23:57:00.002+05:30

Its the end of September and the Mumbai harbor is going to get filled with new Yachts & Water Crafts soon. Just cant wait to see the harbor alive and on the move again!

Monaco Yacht Show took place last week and the show was a great success as always....

22nd September, 2008 - From the Cape of Town to the Beautiful coast of Bangkok, Yachting Craze Hits Bollywood..!!

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/yachting-craze-hits-bollywood.html

23rd September, 2008 - 40 Signature Series futuristic looking yacht by Foster & Partners for YachtPlus...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/yachtplus-signatured-by-foster-partners.html

24th September, 2008 - Monaco Yacht Show featuring the Competition for the Best Designed Range Rover with the Yacht Tender Theme...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/range-rover-yacht-tender.html

25th September, 2008 - The tale of the family who took up sailing to leave their problems and sickness behind...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/sailing-their-way-out-of-sickness.html

26th September, 2008 - Pershing tops it up at The Cannes Boat Show. Wins 3 prestigious awards...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/pershing-64-cannes-super-star.html

27th September, 2008 - The lead singer and lyricist of the world wide popular band U2 will soon be seen on his very on paradise on water...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/celebrity-yachts-bono-his-blue-cyan.html

28th September, 2008 - The rough and tough, highly durable RIBs by Madera RIBs...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/madera-ribs-virtually-indestructible.html

Madera RIBs - Virtually Indestructible

2008-09-28T11:58:00.000+05:30

RIBs are our favorite...simple, practical, fast...and all that too at a price which would make that sun-burn you get without a cabin feel like a bare essential (pun intended).

Madera RIBs are another very famous brand of RIBs available in the world market.

But unlike the GoldFish, this is the bare-basic dont-give-a-damn RIB that can carry a multi-millionaire or even a miner safely to his destination.

MADERA

Madera RIBs are designed, constructed and mainly used for military purposes and heavy duty offshore use.

A company that boasts of being ambitious and fast growing - it uses the best materials, a cost-saving product-management system and working with a specialized and experienced staff. This aids in keeping costs to a minimum while still ensuring that products meet with the very highest quality standards.

Mainly specialized in designing and building large RIBs from 8 meters to 21 meters; these boats are intended for professional use, such as fast transport, military, coast guard, Search and Rescue, Fire and Police departments - some of the menial tasks these undertake are moonlighting for sea-safaris and leisure.

FEATURES

Madera RIBS are well known because of their high fuel capacity to reach long distances, their strong hull and the use of multiple powerful engines ideal for fast transport of heavy cargo or to carry large groups of people.

Madera RIBs are the first and only RIB manufacturer in the world with higher placed tubes on their Ribs which has the following advantages:-

i) A Madera RIB has a proven, better sea-going behaviour than conventional RIBs with lower tubes.

ii) A Madera RIB has a safer work platform for the crew and passengers.

iii) Higher placed tubes prevent hard-slamming of the RIB and the tubes on the water above sea state 1.

iv) Because of the reduced slamming a Madera RIB has also less vertical accelerations and has an much effect on the physics of the crew, passengers or embarked forces.

Build quality

Exhaustive quality control, suitable for professional use in very heavy offshore circumstances, RIBs are built in a certified state of the art factory under the supervision of several Certification authorities.

Construction

Made from a GRP (glass reinforced plastic) hand lay-up, below deck a special construction is built reinforced with Kevlar, the boat is divided in small waterproof compartments filled with closed cells foam.

Navigational reliability

Navigate in extreme circumstances thanks to their build design and quality and the installation of the best equipment.

Safety

Designed and built for use in extreme circumstances without having to worry about personal safety on board.

An ergonomic design

More spacious – in volume and height - thus a larger cargo capacity load.

Applied technology

Only the best equipment from the best suppliers is installed.

Innovation

This places our RIBs at the technical and technological vanguard

The range

Length range for professional use running from 8 - to 21 meters

Price-quality ratio

The most attractive option on the market when compared to similar vessels due to their quality, reliability and cost.

For more information on these strong and sturdy RIBs, click here...

Celebrity Yachts - Bono & His Blue Cyan

2008-09-27T17:47:00.000+05:30

Rumor has it that Paul David Hewson aka BONO is the newest celebrity to own a yacht. The lead singer and lyricist of the world wide popular band U2 will soon be seen on his very on paradise on water…

The acclaimed singer who is also a known for his humananitarion acts and beliefs has in the past been seen taking his holidays with his family on yachts. infact reports also claim that Bono along with his family has taken “Test Cruise” on the yacht which according to reports has been built by the respected Codecasa firm of central Italy apparently after a "test cruise" with his family last year while they were vacationing.

About Bono’s Boat –

For starters the boat is already a preowned boat and was formerly known as “Renalo”. The “Cyan” (as it is known today) was built in 1997 and went through a major refit in 1997.

The Cyan is a 140-foot yacht and has six cabins with room for 12 guests. Other features include an on-deck Jacuzzi, swim platform and a garage full of water toys. Bono also seems to have recharged the color to blue from its original white.

The interior is constructed with mahogany and limed oak, with each of the rooms fitted with plasma screen tvs, satellite TV, and dvd players.

Until recently, the Cyan had a weekly charter price of between €140,000 and €175,000. the €200million man is estimated to have spent about €15-20million euros on his new found prized possession.

And offcourse being a music lover Bono has apparently decked up his beautiful yacht with hi end music system.

Quick facts about the boat –

Length Overall (m): - 48.70
Charter guest: - 10
Cabins: - 6
Cruise speed: 12 knots
Max speed: 19 knots
Refit: 1999

If anyone interested in doing a last minute charter on the boat can click here - http://www.charterworld.com/index.html?sub=yacht-charter&charter=my-renalo-1151

We do hope that Bono does eventually buy this boat. the large traditional interiors and the mahogany finish along with its modern design and technology make the boat a must have.

Pershing : The Cannes Super-Star...

2008-09-26T03:40:00.003+05:30

The SILVER LIGHTNING of the seas is at it again...it's time to proudly parade that long Rooster-Tail once more...

...and we have a WINNER !

Pershing...the best performance yachts of all time...has up-ped its marque by winning 3 awards...and in the process created a furore when the Pershing 64 won 2 back-to-back awards at Cannes in the 'The 2008 World Yachts Trophies Gala Dinner'.

...an incredible three awards at the 31st edition of the Festival de la Plaisance!

THE CANNES PARADE

On 13th September 2008, a splendid parade of yachts crowned the 31st edition of the Festival International de la Plaisance in Cannes, one of the most elegant and eagerly awaited events in the worldwide yachting calendar.

For a while a cloudy sky threatened to spoil the atmosphere of the closing gala celebrations, but in the end the dinner and the Yacht Parade all went off perfectly, even surpassing expectations. And for the Pershing yachts the evening was a momentous triumph.

As usual, the Cannes Boat Show closed with the World Yacht Trophy awards. Organised by Yachts Magazine, these awards are presented to the craft the magazine considers to be the best in the yachting world for that particular year. And this year Pershing’s distinctive combination of class and refinement swept the table with no less that three trophies.

In the Open Yacht Under 24 Mt category the Pershing 64' carried off awards for both Best Design and Most Functional Design, raising the Italian shipyard’s enviable prize record to even greater heights.

Then the Pershing 80’ won the trophy for the Most Innovative Boat in the Open Yacht Over 24 Mt category. This trophy was awarded after an appraisal of the craft’s structural design that guarantees superior overall performance and therefore a more luxurious onboard lifestyle for the owner.

It is no coincidence either that the two Pershing models received nominations in almost all categories, including Best Design, Most Functional Design, Best Decor (best internal layout) and Most Innovative Design.

WHY A WINNER...

These yachts boast numerous elements that make them stand out in this increasingly innovative segment.

First and foremost they are constructed using advanced techniques, such as the special Scrimp System fibreglass vacuum moulding process.

They also include a series of refined features that enhance every moment of life onboard, like the slideaway glass partition designed in collaboration with Besenzoni, the extendable and retractable hard top with its twin electric drive mechanism and the Genius gangplank that doubles as a swimming ladder.

And lastly, these craft boast highly original design elements, such as the special open-view maxi window in the Master Cabin, situated in the centre of the boat, which is a remarkably light and airy feature, thanks to the openable porthole set into the glass.

ADVANCED ENGINEERING

The Pershing 80’ and the Pershing 64’ demonstrate how Pershing insists on adopting only the most advanced technology and providing owners and their guests with new ways of surprising the future. This is the spirit that matches these new yachts perfectly with the brand’s new communication campaign: only the greatest ideas come true.

POWER, SPEED, INNOVATION...

A vision that focuses on the new, the unexplored, the yet to come and the need to improve and put oneself constantly to the test. Pershing is all this. Because ideas only become great when they are transformed into concrete actions. When they prove their brilliance by facing reality.

A GALA WITH A SPECIAL CAUSE

'The 2008 World Yachts Trophies Gala Dinner' ceremony was held in the splendid setting of the Hotel Carlton Inter-Continental beach terrace and the spectacular event was attended by some of the most famous celebrities in the world of international yachting.

The Pershing President, Tilli Antonelli, yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni and CEO Fabio Fraternale collected the awards personally, in front of an audience of a thousand invited guests.

This year, the gala evening, organised once again by Michel Karsenti’s Lux Media Group team, included a major new charity initiative. This involved introducing a subscription fee for every boat taking part in the parade, a move that succeeded in raising 41,500 Euros which the Yachts Magazine Group then donated to the ELA (European Leukodystrophy Association), an institution specialised in helping children suffering from muscular dystrophy .

80 AND 64

Pershing chose to enrol its leading models, the Pershing 80’ and Pershing 64’ at Cannes, as the French Salon is a natural continuation from the success enjoyed by the two craft during the Pershing Sea Show, this summer. This highly original event, in its second edition this year, moored in a number of prestige locations including the Milan Furniture Show, Portorose and Palma de Majorca.

At each of these stopovers the spectacular design and features of these splendid yachts succeeded in attracting attention and enchanting yachting experts as well as the press and the general public. Cannes was therefore the ideal place to continue the cruise.

And once again this year the Festival proved to be a not-to-be-missed opportunity for attracting worldwide attention and sizing up sector competitors. After all, this is an event that Pershing has created a very special bond with over the years and this, combined with its unique, prestigious atmosphere makes it the natural choice for celebrating the opening of the yachting season in style.

For more of our coverage on Cannes 2008...click here.

Sailing Their Way Out Of Sickness

2008-09-25T02:42:00.000+05:30

Live while you can, and make the best of it, because you never know what will happen next.

We found an interesting tale of a 10 year old girl, Olivia, who sailed for two years with her family. Her mum was struck with breast cancer but recovered from it. All the same the family decided to take a break from the daily hussle and bussle and hopped onto a sailboat for an unforgetable adventure!

"Waves rustle against the hull of Zora. A seagull shrieks to the rising sun as I open my hatch. Beyond the deck, a white-sand beach stretches off into the distance. Light dances in the turquoise waves. Later in the day, I might go for a snorkel or collect shells in that pristine sand. No, it isn’t a happy dream. It was my life for two years.

When I was four and five, my mother had breast cancer. I was so scared for her, but she survived. That left my family with an important morale: Live while you can, and make the best of it, because you never know what will happen next. So we made a decision; we would get a sailboat and go cruising for a while. My parents found Zora, our Mariner 39, in an old boatyard, lying in a field. Feral cats had been using her as a litter box. Stuff was falling off. She was going to take a lot of work.

For two years my parents fixed her up. While Dad sanded, I came and watched movies on a small TV. While Mom varnished, I drew. Every day after school, I was completely bored. During the second year, we rented out our house and moved out (I remember this so well) on Halloween night to my grandmother’s house on Great Diamond Island, in Casco Bay, Maine. Every morning, I took the ferry boat, sometimes alone (and once with actress Liv Tyler!) to school, then back in the evenings. Sometimes I didn’t see my dad for days on end because he worked all night on Zora in the boatyard. It was really hard, but then she was finished! Zora was finally finished and launched!

The first night of our two-year trip aboard Zora brought us an unexpected visitor: a baby beluga whale nicknamed Poco. We were motoring back to Zora in our little, soft-bottomed dinghy when… BUMP! “What on earth was that?” said my mom. BUMP! We looked over the side. Was it a rock? Then a friendly little white face peered up at us. Poco! He was like a dog, playing with our dinghy painter, letting us pet his rubbery skin. When we left to sail south the next day, who squirted Mom in the face but the friendly little whale! He followed us all day and night before turning around.

For my eighth birthday I got a great present -- a Siamese kitten! I named her Daisy and we spent hours and hours laughing at “Kittovision” – the new 24-hour-a-day cat-entertainment show. She was my best friend on the boat trip and helped keep me from getting bored as we motored down the ICW in cold fall weather.

“ICW” stands for IntraCoastal Waterway. The ICW was a string of locks and bridges and man-made rivers. And there we started home schooling. Although it only took one or two hours in the morning, I had just about the worst Math and English books ever. It was kind of neat, however, that my mom designed my classes and I got to study things that had to do with the trip, like Mayan civilization and sea creatures. Part of my Science class was studying my vast shell collection.

I had two encounters with wild horses on the ICW: The first, I was looking for the shaggy ponies that live on an island near Beaufort with some cruising buddies. Two paths crossed -- the one we were on, and a seemingly deserted one. Suddenly, we heard whinnying and hooves. We all flattened ourselves behind some bushes as the whole herd came thundering past. We got up after they were gone. We were a bunch of kids, no adults, in the middle of some wild island, and had almost gotten trampled by ponies! We all grinned and headed back to the beach to tell our parents.

My second encounter was just as odd: On Cumberland Island, Georgia, the whole troupe of cruising kids (again) were coming back from a beach on the other side of the island when a herd of wild horses was grazing right in front of our noses! We couldn’t resist: We mingled in with the uncaring horses and picked out “our” horse. I chose a white filly I named Snowflake, while my friend chose a mare who was obviously her mother, as they were grazing side-by-side. It was time to go, but as we were walking back to our dinghies, my friend whispered, “Turn around!” I did. Snowflake was following me, while her mother still grazed! The filly followed me to the edge of the field (it took all my will not to stroke her), whinnied, then ambled back to her mom. It was purely magical.

At last! Florida behind us, we were in the Caribbean! Our first stop was the beautiful Bahamas. On one island, I went to school there for five days. Everyone there was wearing uniforms! On the capitol island, Nassau, there were hustling, bustling streets and businesses. Most of the other islands were remote and we had lots of beaches to explore.

We then proceeded through the Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, and other small islands. In Dominica, someone climbed aboard our boat in the middle of the night! Dad was able to frighten the thief away, but it was quite a scare for us. We left Dominica the next morning, thoroughly shaken.

We kept sailing south until we reached Grenada, where we went on a little tour! We climbed into a bus with other people (including some of my cruising-kid friends) and set off. Our first stop was a waterfall. It was so beautiful, and we jumped off a smaller one. Then we stopped by a nutmeg factory. Now, Grenada nutmeg is very famous, but the island had just suffered a big hurricane at the time of our visit, and 95 percent of the nutmeg trees were knocked down. Grenada must have had a lot of nutmeg trees, though, because when we visited the factory the many, giant bins were overflowing! Each of the kids got a couple nutmegs, and long afterwards (we still have some) my parents grated the spice into their sundowners. Next, we visited a chocolate factory, where the chocolate was made straight from the cocoa beans in an old machine with very little else added to it. There were varying textures and grades of chocolate, from extra-light to super-dark, sweet to bitter. We got to try a few pieces -- they were all excellent.

Lastly, we visited a very old rum factory (what Caribbean island would be complete without rum?). It still used an antique rum press, and we got to see the ancient machinery work. Quite simply, it crushed the sugar cane (there was a whole field of it) and the juices went down a little tube into vats. We watched as the vats boiled the cane juice, and as it was put into oak barrels. Finally, the parents were supplied with a very small cup of rum and a very large glass of water. Apparently they really needed that water afterwards! My mom bought a tiny bottle of the rum and I believe we still have it -- nobody’s been brave enough to drink it yet.

After that we continued downwards to Trinidad and went on a “turtle tour.” We saw baby leatherback sea turtles hatching, and Mama Leatherback laying her eggs. We even got to hold the baby turtles! It was a great experience, and it went on until midnight!

After Trinidad, we went to Venezuela. From Venezuela, we tried to go to Panama. However, half way through the passage, our engine died! The situation gets worse, however -- Hurricane Wilma was forming to the north! We had of get out of there. There was no way we would make it to Panama, so we veered towards Colombia. We got into an anchorage whose entrance was guarded by two tall rocks by hitching our dinghy to Zora’s side as a tugboat! Colombia was very fun.

Soon we were in the San Blas of Panama. The string of perfect islands would have to be one of my favorite places! Some islands were inhabited by the Kuna Indians. They made beautiful cloth pictures called molas, paddled long, burnt-log canoes called ulus, and made jewelry from claws and teeth.

After the San Blas we went to go see Tikal, the great ruined Mayan civilization. There were huge temples of limestone, intricately carved, rising up out of the vast jungle. (Tikal was used in Star Wars as the rebel base.) There were parrots and monkeys, toucans and coatimundis. That was a truly amazing experience!

After Tikal we headed home. The funny thing is, I always wanted to go home on the trip, but now that I’m back in Portland, I want to go back out cruising again."

RANGE ROVER - A Yacht Tender!?!

2008-09-24T10:00:00.001+05:30

Monaco Yacht Show 08, which raises its curtain today, has lots to offer when it comes to fine luxury! You will get to see all sizes of high end luxury yachts and different makes such as Ferretti, Azimut, Benetti, Princess etc on display. And to add a spark to the Yacht Show, the visitors will get to see a sketch of megayacht-inspired versions of the Range Rover sport-utility vehicle.

So if you are buying a $60 Million 270ft luxury mega-yacht at the Monaco Yacht Show this month the next thing you probably would want is a Range Rover to go with it. So if that's the case consider yourself lucky! Edmiston the global yacht brokerage and sales company have come up with a program to have yacht designers create megayacht-inspired versions of the Range Rover sport-utility vehicle. The Range Rovers are pimped up to go with the multi million $ yachts.

Andrew Winch, Martin Francis, Terence Disdale, Ken Freivokh, Dickie Bannenberg, Tim Heywood and Redman Whitely Dixon are the Seven leading yacht designers who submitted their designs. The sketches will be on display at the Monaco Yacht Show and a winner will be chosen tomorrow, 25th of September. Customers can order an actual model, for a mere €200,000 to €800,000, or nearly $300,000 to $1.2 million! If that sounds expensive, Edmiston comments that its nothing when compared to a typical mega-yacht tender.

Amongst the design submitted, the design by Disdale and Bannenberg are the most interesting ones. Mr. Disdale created a convertible to become what he calls the “St. Tropez Al Fresco tender”. The luggage compartment is tucked beneath a teak cover and has large white waterproof seats.

The Bannenberg model has an entire rear deck, complete with a sun tent, custom-molded chaise lounge and champagne holders! Its unbelievable that a Range Rover can be modified to such an extent. Lets wait and see which designer is crowned as the winner for the ultimate Range Rover Tender!

YachtPlus - Signatured by Foster & Partners

2008-09-23T09:11:00.000+05:30

Architects Foster & Partners have designed the 40 Signature Series yacht for YachtPlus.

The 41-metre yacht is under construction at Rodriquez Cantieri Navali boat yard in Italy and will be available from this month.

'PIECE OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE'

Exclusive to YachtPlus, the Foster designed 40 "Signature Series" is a new concept private luxury super-yacht for a new generation of yacht owner. Her unique contemporary shape makes her unmistakably a piece of modern architecture.

Lord Norman Foster's work on luxury hotels and residences provided a fresh approach to achieving privacy, comfort and usage of space onboard a motor yacht.

A new emphasis was given to such issues as quality and quantity of space, outdoor terraces, light and views. As a result, the 40 "Signature Series" offers more deck space and interior comfort than any equivalent yacht of her size, offering our Owners a genuine extension to the modern spaces they life, work and holiday in around the world.

DESIGN

The yacht's design concept is the result of the work over a 15-month period by a permanent team of 7 architects at Foster and Partners in London and Italy, headed by Lord Foster himself. The result is a new concept private luxury yacht that compares very favourably to many predecessors in her type, with four genuine deck levels offering over 30% more outdoors and indoors space that any yacht in her category.

Special attention was paid to the quality of light and views, with all major areas of the yacht benefiting from forward-looking views, including the Master-Owner suite that has two private balconies forward. A lot of thought went into making the yacht user-friendly for families and children.

The result is a new yacht for a new generation of yacht owner, offered exclusively through YachtPlus for private cruising by its Owners.

SUPER HOT FEATURES

1) Unrivalled space and innovation captured in a visionary design

2) Four Genuine Decks

3) Full beam owner's cabin on main deck with forward facing windows leading to his and hers private balconies

4) Four guest / VIP cabins below, aft two cabins convertible into one large family cabin

5) Segregated crew access corridor between crew and guest cabins

6) Accommodation for up to 8 crew

7) Glass walled main saloon wth unrestricted 180 Degrees view

8) Glass walled upper saloon with aft, side and forward views

9) Extensive outer deck space, both forward and aft

10) Expandable main deck aft

11) Grand Staircase at transom

12) Unrivalled open space, both inside and out, with unobstructed view

13) Submergible beach deck

14) Separate jet ski storage from tender

15) Side launch of tender

INTERIORS

Foster and Partners' interiors for the luxurious private motor yachts have been created with an eye on beauty, function and luxury, right down to the smallest detail. They have reconfigured traditional boat interiors to create a fresh style that is contemporary, technologically advanced and timeless.

Taking advantage of the floor-to-ceiling windows and wide views. Foster and Partners has created a sense of continuity between the outside areas and interior spaces. On the main deck, solid teak wood continues indoors through the length of the spacious saloon (538 sq ft / 50 sqm) while the panoramic saloon on the upper deck has coconut husk fibre flooring, evocative of the laid-back interior style of a beach hut. On the lower decks the cabins' walls follow the rounded profile of the hull and are inset with lights, showing to best effect the unique 'eggshell'-curved living spaces.

Unusually for a motor vessel, the yacht is flooded with natural light on each of the four decks, which are in turn connected by a transparent glass spiral staircase. On the lower levels glossy, highly reflective finishes maximise the natural light available. The entire length of the owner's suite is glazed on both sides with full-length windows. Its position at the bow end of the main deck maximises the sea views and points to the course of the yacht.

State-of-the-art lighting systems have been integrated throughout the design of the interiors, with scene-setting ceilings which change the mood and atmosphere of every room, transforming the panoramic saloon from a beach hut by day to an urban lounge by night and also ensuring the right degree of privacy. At night, the windows appear opaque from the outside, while during the day, the strong outside light floods into the space, making the windows appear completely lucent and open to the seascape.

Designer: Foster & Partners

Naval Architect: Rodriquez Cantieri Navali

Builder: Rodriquez Cantieri Navali

Delivery: September 2008 (First of series)

Length, overall: 41.0m (132 ft)

Length, waterline: 35.0m

Beam (max.): 8.40m

Draught: 2.30m

Displacement: 205 tons (half load)

Propulsion: 2 x 1044kW Caterpillar C32 diesels

Speed max: 17.5 knots, cruising 16 knots

Fuel Capacity: 21,000 litres

Range: 1,500 NM at 12 knots, 620 NM at 16 knots

Fuel Consumption Approx: 510 LTS/H at 15 knots

Generators: 2 x 86 kW

Stabilisers: 2 x active fin with at anchor feature

Watermakers: 2 x 3100 lts/day

Anchors: 2 x CRQ

Construction: Hull & Superstructure Aluminium

Classification: RINa Hull Mach, Yacht (MCA) unrestricted navigation, AUT-UMS

Certificate of conformity to MCA's Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY2)

Flag: UK Flag

YACHT ON...!!!

Yachting Craze Hits Bollywood !!

2008-09-22T06:25:00.000+05:30

Whether they are being used as an intersting prop in bollywood songs, or as the next best thing for recreation, sailing & luxury yachts are everywhere.. in bollywood that is! Tashan & Bachna Ae Haseeno had them, now we got to watch out for them in Blue...
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt is having a whale of a time in Bangkok! He has hired a 40-foot-long luxury catamaran for his close friends while he shoots for the thriller Blue.

Sanjay, who is known for his generous ways, invited his closest friends to join him and wife Maanyata in Bangkok to party and relax while the underwater adventure Blue was being shot in the middle of the ocean.

"It's non-stop deep sea diving, music, snorkelling and barbeque in the middle of the bluest ocean god ever invented. This is the most thrilling holiday I've ever had," he added.

The glimpses of the yachting lifestyle also feature in the movie Bachna Ae Haseeno where Bipasha glams out in a villa next to a Marina! She is also seen on one of these luxury crafts along with Ranbir.

And who can miss the magnificent sail yacht in the song Chhaliya from Tashan! Well, there are certainly more exciting things to watch out for other than Kareena in a bikini- thats a promise!

Weekly Update : 15th~21st September, 2008

2008-09-21T10:26:00.002+05:30

Mid-way into September, and we all are slowly getting excited about the new season coming up...

Europe wakes up from it's siesta with the Cannes Boat Show that happens this week...and the Monaco Boat Show coming up soon....

15th September, 2008 - Feel the passion of rafting down the whitest of waters with our coverage on the Brahmaputra...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/brahmaputra-river-puts-india-on.html

16th September, 2008 - Villas on the seas? Not really...get to know what a 'Flotilla' is...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/flotillas-summer-camp-on-seas.html

17th September, 2008 - Every Riva is an ecstatic mix of passion, glamour and glory...with the 92 Duchessa it just gets more involving...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/riva-debuts-royal-member-of-family-at.html

18th September, 2008 - Here's the countdown to the BIGGEST Boat Show...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/monaco-yacht-show-2008-get-ready-for_18.html

19th September, 2008 - Not sure whether the boat he captained in the movie was his own?...NO PROBLEM...this one is surely his own!

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/celebrity-yachts-johnny-depp.html

Celebrity yachts – Johnny Depp

2008-09-19T09:19:00.001+05:30

Best known for his roles in the pirates of the Caribbean Johnny Depp also owns his own boat where he is the captain and the pirate whenever he pleases. Fear not its not the wrecked boat that was visible in the movie. It’s a beautiful 146 feet luxury mega yacht.

The boat has an old world charm to it and is not like the typical fiberglass megayachts. The traditional homely wooden finishes in the interiors truly portray the fine Turkish architecture.

About the boat –
It was built by Proteksan Turquoise was built in turkey in 2001 and is a large modern classic luxury superyacht that is about 47m (156ft) in length and has a wide beam of about 7m (23feet). Although the boat has its 2x 358kW CAT engines she also comes along with sails which gives the yacht an equal balance of tradition with modern technology.

Why Vajoliroja ??

The name Vajoliroja is a combination of Johnny’s family’s names. Va for Vanessa, Jo for Johnny, LiRo for his 9 year old daughter Lily Rose and Ja for his son Jack. It sounds like ‘The Jolly Roger’ if you say it just right.

The actor has always had fine taste for luxury products, Johnny Depp grows grapes and has a wine making facilities in his vineyard in Plan-de-la-Tour north of Saint-Tropez. Known for a fondness of French wines, among Depp's favourites are the Bordeaux wines Château Calon-Ségur, Château Cheval-Blanc and Château Pétrus, and the Burgundy wine Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

Qucik facts of the boat –

Owner – Johny Depp
Yacht Name - Vajoliroja
Length : 156.10 ft / 47.55 m
Beam : 23.00 ft / 7.00 m
Shipyard : Proteksan-Turquoise, TUR Year : 2001
Naval Architect : Tanju Kalaycyoglu
Stylist : Tanju Kalaycyoglu
Decorator : Redman Whiteley
Engine : 2x 358kW CAT 3406C diesels
Speed (cruise) : 12Hull /
Superstr. : steel and alu / composite
Guests : 11
Fuel : 36,000
Crew : 7

We guess its safe to assume that his boat and his passion for yachting could be one of the key reasons for taking up the series of movies (pirates of the Caribbean) which has helped exhibiting his true potential in the movies.

We at Giirayachts would like to wish Johnny Depp all the best for his new voyages, be it on the ocean or in movies.

Monaco Yacht Show 2008 : Get Ready for the Hercules of the Boat Shows...

2008-09-18T03:11:00.000+05:30

The 18th Monaco Yacht Show is all about BIG !

It's meant exclusively for superyachts over 25 metres in length...it's held at a port called Port Hercules...and to top it all it has nothing smaller than a whole city to sponsor it - Abu Dhabi !

MYS annually attracts a private clientele of the world's super rich from over 40 countries, held under the high patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. If you're anywhere near Monaco, it's visit you won't want to miss - from September 24-27.
(SOURCE)
18TH EXTRAVAGANZA

Eighteen years after its inception - since the wealthy residents and the yachting fraternity of Monaco felt it would be better to have a boat show for the rest of the world to follow - the Monaco Yacht Show sets the ball rolling for boat shows across the world, even now.

The Monaco Yacht Show brings together professionals from the international luxury yachting sector; ship-builders and designers, equipment suppliers, brokers and service providers. The MYS is renowned throughout the sector for being the show that must not be missed in the luxury yachting sector because it is the only yacht show exclusively devoted to super-yachts of at least 25 meters in length.

SOME NUMBERS...

1) 95 yachts from 82 to 300 feet and 25 tenders

2) 500 exhibitors

3) 28,000 visitors expected

4) Net stand area: 9,000 sq. mts.; on quay exhibition area: 14,000 sq. mts.

5) The yachts exhibited measure form 82 to 295 feet

6) 53% of the yachts are bigger than 40 meters

WHAT'S AT THE SHOW...

Visitors to the stand will be offered a personal presentation of drive’s modelling and visualisation processes tailored to the superyacht sector. Drive has proven that 20 years’ expertise and methodologies from automotive design, can be successfully implemented in the marine industry, as illustrated by their work on projects for such companies as Ken Freivohk, Redman Whiteley Dixon and Sunseeker.

Recent expansion means that drive’s design service for the marine industry now spans 2D concepts to physical models. A further addition to facilities is a new workshop area with the latest Dimension 1200 3D printer for rapid prototype ABS models. Clients can view a physical model of their superyacht during the digital development stages, giving them a real advantage when assessing designs, be they full size detail parts or scale models of superyachts.

H.S.H. PRINCE ALBERT II ON THE 18TH MONACO YACHT SHOW

Year after year, the Monaco Yacht Show has become the premier rendezvous for all players in luxury yachting.

The 18 th Monaco Yacht Show will mark another step forward with figures in constant progression: presence of nearly 100 yachts up to 90 meters long, above 500 leading companies participating and 28,000 visitors expected.

The Monaco Yacht Show is not just a prestige international event; it is also a team that is strongly committed to causes dear to the Principality.

Concerned with environmental protection, for the fourth year in a row this event will compensate its carbon dioxide emissions thanks to the “Carbon Neutral” programme.

Moreover, the Monaco yacht Show supports research to seek therapy for children with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, donating half its receipt to the Monegasque Dystrophy Association.

I would like to congratulate the organizers Luc Pettavino and his entire team who, through their ambition, determination and competence have made this Show a reference in worldwide yachting.

...AND WHY ABU DHABI?

So why exactly is Abu Dhabi sponsoring the Monaco show? - because Abu Dhabi wants to build its own superyacht credentials ahead of next year's debut of the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS). So it almost seems as though Abu Dhabi is in competition with its sister city Dubai.

...and maybe it is - Abu Dhabi has 700 kilometres of coastline and 200 natural islands, and it is also undergoing substantial urban, inland and coastal development to transform it into an international tourism destination.

The ADYS - if you are a boat show junkie, will be held 12 - 14 March next year at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), one of the world's most modern show venues, and in its 2.4 kilometre marina.

Click here to know more on how the 18th Monaco Yacht Show is already sold-out...

Riva Debuts 'Royal Member Of The Family' At Cannes

2008-09-17T04:44:00.001+05:30

For the opening of the nautical year 2008/09, Riva presented itself at the Cannes boat show with a display of its entire range. From Aquariva Super to 115’ Athena, the 10 models currently in production at the Sarnico and La Spezia shipyards are on show in a parade to celebrate the debut of the “royal” member of the family – the Duchessa. This 92 footer flybridge, presented as a preview to Riva owners during the annual gala dinner in Porto Cervo in August, will grace the stage at the 31st Festival de la Plaisance for the very first time, in the brand new setting dedicated specifically to megayachts.

Revealed to the international press during the press conference held on September 11th, the new 92' Duchessa immediately achieved great success among the visitors come to see her, thanks to her exclusive design that marks another step forward in the history of the shipyard. Moreover, besides the eleventh pearl of the Riva collection, those visiting the boat show had the chance to admire Aquariva Super, Rivarama, Rivale, SportRiva 56’, 63’ Vertigo, 68’ Ego Super (another new model for 2008), 75’ Venere, 85’ Opera Super and 115’ Athena.

Riva’s latest full size yacht, the 92 Duchessa, takes cues from the 115 Athena Flagship as well as incorporates design cues from the legendary Aquarama. The yacht sleeps eight guests in four cabins with a separate section of the boat containing the galley and crew cabins. The entire interior has been designed so that every room and cabin receives plenty of sunlight, the yacht features a room in the bridge deck to stow a 4.2-meter tender and a jet ski. The yacht is powered by two 2200 horse power diesel MTU engines which give it a top speed of twenty nine knots.

The novelties are numerous, both in the exterior design and in the interior layout and fittings, that won't miss to match the requests of the most demanding owners!

For more exciting images of the eleventh pearl click here...

Flotillas - Summer Camp On The Seas...

2008-09-16T04:06:00.000+05:30

A flotilla (from Spanish, meaning a flota of small ships, and this from French flotte), or naval flotilla, is a formation of small warships that may be part of a larger fleet. A flotilla is usually composed of a homogeneous group of the same class of warship, such as destroyers, torpedo boats, submarines, gunboats or minesweepers. Larger warships are grouped in squadrons.

A flotilla is usually commanded by a Rear Admiral, a Commodore or a Captain, depending on the importance of the command. In modern navies, flotillas have tended to become administrative units. As warships have grown larger, the term squadron has gradually replaced the term flotilla for formations of destroyers, frigates and submarines in many navies.

Flotillas have through the years developed a brand new fun filled meaning absolutely peaceful and nothing to do with warfare!

One popular way of cruising on a holiday is in a flotilla - which is a group of boats sailing together under the supervision of a lead boat operated by the charter company. Flotillas are arranged so that singles, couples and small groups who don’t know each other can join together and form a flotilla of about 6 boats. The staff assists in itinerary planning and helping the participants learn the local conditions, translate, find the best restaurants - in other words - they help you make the most of the experience.

It is a great way to make new friends, kind of the grown-up version of summer camp. These are not small boats. These are nice boats between 30-60 feet. Although you will have a skipper experienced with sailing in the waters, at least one person on each boat is required to have an internationally recognized sailing certificate. There are also special interest flotillas for example archaeology, or culinary and even flotillas for naturalists. (In other words you sail around naked!)

You can sail from your overnight anchorage following the other yachts to your destination, having a fun race along the way, stopping along the way for lunch and a swim.

You may choose to just amble along at your own pace, or sail off on your own exploring the many villages and towns or stop at a bay to have a swim before you arrive at your overnight destination.

If you would like to overnight at a different port, you can. This is your holiday, and you choose to combine any of the above options to suit.

One, two, or more weeks sailing holidays are available - the choice is yours.

Brahmaputra River Puts India On The International White Water Map

2008-09-15T14:08:00.002+05:30

The Brahmaputra enters India in the far eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh after traveling hundreds of miles across Tibet as the Tsangpo from its birthplace near the holy lake of Mansarovar. It is one of the world's largest, on a scale with the Indus, Mississippi, and the Nile.

One of the great rivers of Asia, the Brahmaputra commences its 3,000-km journey to the Bay of Bengal from the slopes of Kailash in western Tibet. As Tibet's great river, the Tsangpo, transverses east across the high-altitude Tibetan plateau north of the Great Himalayan Range, carving out myriad channels and sandbanks on its way. As it tumbles from the Himalayan heights towards the plains of the subcontinent it twists back on itself, cutting a deep and still unnavigated gorge, until finally turning south it emerges in Arunachal Pradesh as the Dihong. Just beyond Pasighat, it meets the Dibang and Lohit where it finally becomes the Brahmaputra.

It runs through dense forests and tribal settlements. Rafting trips starts in a place called Tuting, so remote that we have to reach there via helicopter ride! A seldom-run river, the Brahmputra offers beautiful scenery, excellent big white water and great wild life in a less-visited corner of the sub-continent. After having big fun and adventure, you finish our rafting at Passighat. The Brahamputra has its source at holy Mount Kailash Mansarover in Tibet, traverses the entire Tibetan plateau, and then makes its great bend into India, cutting into the Himalaya the deepest gorge in the world, a canyon which has as yet eluded all attempts at exploration.

The various adventurous sports held in the Bharmaputra river has helped the India's poor high-end adventure reputation to be changed. The experienced crew of rafters and kayakers have put together a rafting expedition down the mighty Brahmaputra. Aimed at putting India on the international white water map, 180-km stretch of the Brahmaputra will mark the first non-military expedition on the river and the first commercial foray in the politically sensitive region.

Making My First Model Yacht !

2008-09-14T15:41:00.000+05:30

Almost any kid can spend an afternoon fishing with a homemade pole on the banks of a river, or building dams, bridges and pools. It only takes a little bit of imagination to create a small raft to float in your backyard streams.
With some parental guidance and a chunk of balsa wood you can create a genuine craft to navigate that brook that will last for years to come. Follow this step-by-step guide and build your own floating masterpiece.

DIRECTIONS

The Keel and Hull:

1. Draw an outline for your boat on the 7-inch balsa block. Mark the boat's top edge on the 2-inch-wide surface.

2. For the hull, carve away the wood around the outline. Continue downward, tapering the sides of the boat so they meet to form a rounded ridge along its bottom.

3. Use a scoop blade (adults only) to hollow out the hull. Leave a 1/4-inch thickness around the sides and 3/4-inch along the bottom.

4. Carve a lengthwise groove (1/4 inch deep, 1/8 inch wide, and 3 3/4 inches long) along the middle of the boat's bottom.

5. For the keel, cut a 1 3/4- by 3 3/4-inch rectangle from the sheet of balsa.

6. Make a diagonal cut along one short side of the rectangle; the resulting tip should face forward when you join the keel to the boat.

7. Affix fishing weights with Krazy Glue along the bottom of the keel. Coat the groove with glue before sliding the keel in place.

8. Inside the hull, drill a 3/16-inch-diameter hole, 1/4 inch deep and 2 1/2 inches from the bow. Cut a 7 1/4-inch mast from the dowel.

TIP: Since the thinness of balsa wood can be challenging to work with, use a gentle hand when cutting and shaping.

The Boom and Sail:

Your child can personalize his boat by choosing the material for the sail, or by painting the canvas with fabric paint.

1. For the boom, cut a 1/4- by 5 1/2-inch strip from the sheet of balsa.

2. Glue on the boom at a right angle, 1 inch up from the bottom of the mast.

3. For a sail, cut a right triangle from the cloth that measures 5 1/2 inches wide and 6 1/2 inches tall.

4. Sand and paint the boat parts before affixing the sail. Put a few drops of glue in the drill hole, then insert the mast.

5. Spray the finished boat with a silicone sealant.

Voila!...

Weekly Update - 8th - 13th Sept 08

2008-09-14T04:56:00.000+05:30

Bellow are last weeks articles -

8th
Beautiful Sailing / Water-Sports Destinations : Yachting In The Stockholm Archipelago - A Midsummer Night's Dream ! –
With almost 24hrs of daylight with magic like sightings and surroundings find out why Stockholm is our this weeks charter destination.

9th
From Handbags to Super-Yachts...LVMH buys Feadship ! –
its just recently that LVMH bought over the UK based Princess yachts and now they have acquired 'Fedship' one of the worlds largest super yacht builders. want to know why?? read on...

10th
All About the Russian Boat Market –
did you know Russia contributes to more that 30% of yacht sales worldwide and yachting seems to have caught up big time. Read the article to know more about the Russian boat market.

11th
Match Racing : Meet your Match... –
one of the worlds most exciting sailing events and even a part of the Olympics. Read more to know more about this adrenaline pumping race and its Indian presence

12th
Cannes International Boat Show 2008 : 31derful –
the title speaks for itself. Giirayachts has covered this years 31st Cannes boat show giving you an insight of the show with highlights and history of this one of kind boat show.

13th
New York’s Dining Cruise – Will Mumbai Have One Too? -
Charter a private yacht, reserve a deck privately for your group, arrange for a section of the ship, or enjoy a romantic dinner for two at your private table. New York’s World Yacht Dinner Cruises aboard luxurious yachts is a fabulous package of dining, dancing, entertainment and sightseeing all wrapped up in a 3 hour escapade on the New York harbor... Read more to know what this fabulous city has to offer to its guests.

Hope you have a great week ahead.

New York’s Dining Cruise – Will Mumbai Have One Too?

2008-09-13T11:32:00.003+05:30

Charter a private yacht, reserve a deck privately for your group, arrange for a section of the ship, or enjoy a romantic dinner for two at your private table.
New York’s World Yacht Dinner Cruises aboard luxurious yachts is a fabulous package of dining, dancing, entertainment and sightseeing all wrapped up in a 3 hour escapade on the New York harbor...

Step aboard World Yacht, The New York Dining Cruise, and discover New York and the island of Manhattan the way Henry Hudson did centuries ago. Cruise down the Hudson River as you enjoy fine American cuisine in a setting of elegant service and modern design, accompanied by the most exceptional views of Manhattan.
World Yacht is a true American Experience, celebrating the history and culture of a city that continues to inspire people from all corners of the world. The cruise is a must for any New Yorker or visitor alike looking to pay tribute to this great city while catching the first glimpse of the cityscape at sunset.

The luxury yachts are the perfect place for any special occasion that demands an elegant and unique setting and the best food and service New York has to offer.
World Yacht provides the perfect ambience to accommodate a wide range of events, including a romantic dinner for two, a small dinner party or a formal corporate event.

With a two-level dining room, a spacious outdoor sundeck, music, dancing, and dazzling views of the most famous skyline in the world, World Yacht is a great success.

Speaking of the question – will Mumbai have a dinner cruise too? Well, its not too far off from having one - is all we can say as of yet. Watch this space for more info on similar cruising possibilities in the Mumbai Harbour!