Custom Sport Yacht Charters Boost Yachting Popularity

March 20, 2006 -- Spending the day on a yacht was once a leisure time activity available only to those who owned one. Now, people from all walks of life are enjoying the pleasures of yachting, on the smaller customized Miami sport yachts offered for charter by area companies.

Customized charters are proving to be an attractive and affordable option for many. Whether they are veteran fans of offshore cruises, or people who may never have tried yachting before, Miami sport yachts are comfortably sized for groups of various sizes, and staffed with professionals trained to provide guests with a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience on the water.

Island Queen Charters' Haley Sofge says that the ability to spend a day or an evening on a fully appointed yacht is becoming more and more popular. "Because of the comfort and flexibility charters provide to a guest just getting acquainted with the fun of yachting, many more people than ever before are able to enjoy it, while our crew does the work."

Charters can be designed for nearly any duration, purpose, and course. Half-day and full-day charters, with a licensed captain and certified mate provided, are popular highlights on vacationers' itineraries. Fees include fuel, food and beverages, and a customized plan for the trip that allows guests the freedom to cruise along at their own pace.

Sofge points to the ability of guests to create their own itinerary and set the pace for their cruise as one of the most attractive features of the Miami sport yachts. "It gives our guests the maximum amount of control over their day, with a minimum amount of effort."

Charter companies find that returning customers will often request a particular yacht on which they enjoyed past cruises. Island Queen Cruises, the area’s leading contact for chartering Miami sport yachts, offers charters aboard two vessels. The "Later" is U.S. Coast Guard certified for up to 20 passengers. Its companion sport yacht, the "Recess," accommodates up to 12 passengers. Both vessels have been customized for maximum comfort and safety with all the modern amenities. The two yachts are also part of the Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters fleet (www.biscaynelady.com), and are frequently chartered for small meetings, weddings, and other functions.

Hofge says that charters remove all the barriers to enjoying the waters off the South Florida coast. "Being able to charter one of the Miami sport yachts, with an expert crew and the ability to completely design your own cruise, gives anyone the luxury of enjoying a day on the water."

SOURCE Islan Queen Cruises