Horizon Yacht Charters

Being the largest estuary in the United States, one would expect that the Chesapeake Bay would have a lot to offer the average charter guest…and you’d be right!

200 miles long and scattered with quaint, historic towns and villages, there is an abundance of sightseeing opportunities available for the entire family.  On and off the water, Annapolis, Maryland’s state capital, has a calendar jam packed  full of events throughout the summer months and beyond. And with the addition of the Annapolis Spring Boat Show that took place at the end of April, it’s no surprise to see why the area is considered the sailing capital of the US.

Our base is conveniently located at Yacht Haven Marina, a 5 minute ferry ride (or 2 minte drive) to the hustle and bustle of downtown Annapolis and a short sail to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

A loyal Horizon charter guest? Then take advantage of a 15% discount that can be used against a charter on any of our 2011 Farr Yacht designed Bavaria Cruisers .

Haven’t got enough vacation? Don’t worry, come and experience the Chesapeake for the weekend and we will guarantee that you’ll be back!

For more information on booking a charter please email info@horizonyachtcharters.com or call 1 (410) 990 0269.

If you are a sailor who appreciates the finer things in life, consider the sleek and graceful Bavaria Vision 46 for your next charter.

The brief for the Vision 46 was for a yacht to combine elegance, comfort and ease of handling. The Vision 46 was six months in the conceptual stage alone, with input from dealers and customers around the globe taken into consideration. A further six months was spent in developing and building the prototype.The result is nothing short of what you would expect from a close collaboration between the Bavaria shipyard, Farr Yacht Design ( FYD) and Design Unlimited, a British custom interior design specialist. Design Unlimited were responsible for the interior design on Sojana, a Farr 115 footer, and Wally Cento, a 98 foot Wally, among many other mega yacht commissions.

The hull design by FYD has a performance thatyou would expect from the worlds most successful  performance yacht design group. Easily sailed shorthanded, with many high tech sailing options such as electric rewind winches for bother genoa and mainsail sheets, and an electric coach roof winch to roll the mainsail in and out, this yacht is incredibly easy to handle. You will find the 106% genoa a joy  compared to an overlapping genoa, and the powerful mainsail is easily controlled via the double mainsheet system which acts as both a traveller and a mainsheet in an extremely efficient and safe manner. The powerful Selden Rodkicker makes vang sheeting upwind a straightforward operation. Navigation is enhanced with a Garmin 4008 colourchartplotter in the cockpit.Handling the yacht in tight marinas was also given careful consideration, and the  bow  thruster, makes picking up a mooring a stress free experience!

The companionway is offset to starboard in the cockpit, which means when you are dining at anchor,you do not have to drop a table leaf to squeeze past when it is time to get below for the next bottle of wine! This yacht has  theelectricallylowerable cockpit table, so that you can drop the table to make a very large sun pad in the cockpit – perfect to enjoy a good book under the shade of the bimini.You can even shower on the  signaturelowerable swimming platform, without holding the shower head, as this yacht has a shower holder on the underside of helm seat.

Below decks, Design Unlimited have incorporated style and practicality in equal measure. Oak joinery and the mocca leatherette upholstery  is enhanced by the custom ambient lighting.  Hatches and portlights supply an abundance of light, and the reflective tint on the windows assist the Air conditioning when the tradewinds are not quite enough in the height of summer.  The L shaped galley is functional with generous  food preparationareas, and ample refrigeration space. There is plenty of storage space, even a bespoke cabinet for wine storage with a convenient pull out rack which holds the glasses by their stems. The owner’s stateroom is forward, with a Queen-size island berth, and en suite head and shower. The port aft cabin is a King-size double, which neatly converts to a twin, and there is a double berth to starboard. Above the starboard aft berth,you can sleep under the stars, as the cockpit seat above the berth hinges open.The starboard  aft head and shower is accessed both from the Saloon and also from the starboard aft double berth.The electrically lowerable saloon table on the starboard side, gives you the flexibility of a double in the saloon.

Check out the video to see the design process taking place.

Available to view in Annapolis from June or for charter out of our BVI base from November 15, 2012. Or if you are interested in yacht sales and would like further information, please contact info@horizonyachtcharters.com or call 1 (284) 494 8787.

Following the success of the Caribbean 1500 back in October last year, we are excited to be able to announce that we  are offering you the chance to sail with us again in this year’s Atlantic Cup Rally.

Departing from Nanny Cay Marina in the British Virgin Islands, sailing to Bermuda, then onto a choice of East coast harbours, we have space available for crew members to join in the fun.

A diverse mix, The Atlantic Cup fleet consists of around 20-30 boats, that includes returning Caribbean 1500 Rally participants and boats heading off to the East Coast to enjoy summer sailing in the States.

As sponsors of World Cruising Club, we will be sailing our own 2011 Bavaria 36 from our head office in Nanny Cay, back up to our stateside base in Annapolis, to coincide with the start of the summer charter season on the Chesapeake.

We will also have an additional three yachts from our BVI charter fleet sailing north. Fantastic Bill and Eva Fraser-Harris, owners of ‘Namaste’, a 2008 Jeanneau 54, are just one of our many owners who make the annual migration south every November in the Caribbean 1500 Rally, where their yacht is left to earn high-season revenue when they are not enjoying some Caribbean cruising themselves.  “Horizon Yacht Charters has become our model as to how this lifestyle can be managed both personally and professionally. Horizon provides the absentee owner with the assurance and follow through that their boat is in good hands.” comments Bill.

Horizon Yacht Charters is also offering crew members a 10% discount on charters in the BVI, prior to the start of their sail north.

The Atlantic Cup will depart from Nanny Cay, Tortola, BVI, on Thursday, May 3^rd, 2012 (weather permitting) with rally activities starting ashore from Monday, April 30, 2012. Costs for a berth start at $1,495 per person for a single cabin occupancy, rising to $2,495 per couple in a double occupancy cabin. Prices include a qualified Captain, all food and fees.  This is a great way to gain offshore experience and sea miles under the guidance of a professional skipper.

Interested? Then please contact Kate on marketing@horizonyachtcharters.com or call 284-494-8787

With the BVI Spring Regatta now in full swing, you will have to excuse anyone who lives and works in Nanny Cay, for being a little bit excited.

Now into its 41st year, the Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival has planned even more excitement and surprises for those who have travelled from all over the world to race and spectate.  With over 150 boats taking part on three courses around the Sir Francis Drake Channel, the British Virgin Islands are never more alive than they are throughout this week long event.

Team Horizon will no doubt be aiming to match last year’s success. Our ever faithful Bavaria 36 ‘Durley Dene’ easily won its class and despite its age,  proved itself a tough contender. 

Even if you’re not able to race, just having a boat out on the channel is great fun. Take a picnic, a few drinks and sit back and enjoy the spectacle. It really is a sight to be seen.

And when the sun goes down, the party really begins. Local Caribbean food and live music adorn the beach at Nanny Cay Marina, culminating in a  last night extravaganza.

For a full list of the schedule of events, please click here.

For those of you who are now tempted to come and see the sights and sounds of the regatta for yourselves, why don’t you book yourself a spot for next year and save yourself 10%!  Or if you simply cannot wait that long, be sure to take advantage of our last minute deals.  Any remaining weeks in our High Season are now available at Mid Season Rates so what are you waiting for…?

For more details, email info@horizonyachtcharters.com

Enjoy chartering with us 365 days of the year!

For those of you who prefer to sail without the bustling crowds,  you’re in luck. Check out our Top 10 reasons why it’s great to charter in the Summer

1)  All of the restaurants, beach clubs and resorts are open and less crowded than in high season – Be the first to be served at the bar!

2) Empty anchorages – take your pick and guarantee the best spot to spend the night

3) Deserted snorkel spots – take in the underwater world without worrying about scaring away the fish

4) Spend time with your family – enjoy the kids school vacation together on one of our catamarans or spacious monohulls

5) Carnival Time!!!  Take your pick of the best parties taking place across the Caribbean throughout the summer months

6) Al Fresco Annapolis – If busy bars and Summer soirees are what you crave, then head to the Chesapeake Bay

7) Learn to sail -  Enjoy uncrowded waters, ideal conditions for beginners

It stays lighter longer – more time to sail!

9) Weekend Sailing – Spend your downtime on the water by taking advantage of our 2 day charter rates at our base in Annapolis

10) Enjoy fantastic low season Caribbean charter rates – see below for a choice of special offers we have available!

* All remaining High Season weeks are now available at Mid Season rates!

* Get 3 nights free! Enjoy 10 nights for the price of 7 on any of our monohull yachts, throughout the month of May, 2012. Or if time is an issue, enjoy 10%  off a 7 night charter.

* Small boats with BIG discounts. Enjoy 10 for 7 or 15%  on any monohull under 41 feet from May 1 – October 31, 2012.

Please email info@horizonyachtcharters.com  or see our main website for more details.

We have been a very excited  Horizon team over the last few weeks, not only due to the fact that we had one of our best boat shows ever at Annapolis  last month, but also because of the fantastic feedback the new Bavaria Cruiser Line has received.  

Editors from all the key sailing publications have raved about how the four models (32, 36, 40 & 45) have crashed onto the US sailing scene and made their mark. So much so, the range has been nominated, across different catgeories, for SAIL’s 2012  ’Best Boat’ Award, Cruising World’s 2012 ’Boat of The Year’ and Sailing World’s 2012 ‘Boat of The Year’.  The new range is the result of collaboration between Farr Yacht design, BMW Designworks USA, and the Bavaria factory team, headed by Jens Ludmann, formerly Chief Engineer with Ford Europe.

With Farr Yacht design at the helm, the new Cruiser series are structurally engineered to be impressively strong and stiff yachts. Hand laid fibreglass lamination below the waterline, a divinicell foam core above the waterline and easily driven hull shapes, Bavaria yachts are the “BMW’s” of the ocean – luxury yachts with a performance edge. Additional features such as the signature stern-wide swim platform, has certainly made the range stand out from the crowd.

Horizon Yacht Sales is the authorized importer and dealer for Bavaria Yachts in the British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Grenada and St. Maarten. We are also an associated company with Bavaria Yachts USA, the East Coast importer for the USA.

For more information about chartering or buying a new Bavaria Yacht, please see our webiste for more information, www.horizonyachtcharters.com or email us at info@horizonyachtcharters.com or call 284 494 8787 or  Toll free 877 494 8787.

As winter approaches and the nights are drawing in, isn’t it time to pack your bags and take a sailing vacation in the Caribbean?  With beautiful sunny days, warm, turquoise waters and balmy tradewinds, there couldn’t be a better time of year to enjoy some R&R. 

And as we are all feeling in the festive mood (albeit a little premature), we have decided to offer a pre-Holiday discount for you to enjoy. Charter 7 nights at either one of our four Caribbean bases; BVI, Grenada, Antigua or St Maarten, between now and December 18th, 2011 and you will save 20%!!!

Click here to book now!

And if the 20% discount is not enough to get you excited, check out our Top 10 reasons to charter in the Caribbean over the Holiday period:

1 – Swap the pre-Holiday shopping mall mayhem, with the laid back sophistication of St Barts

2 – Because sand and swimmers sure beats wearing a scarf in the snow

3 – Bored of the traditional Roast Turkey? Swap it for fresh seafood, served on the beach in Dickenson Bay

4 – No more family arguments – relax, start Limin, the Caribbean is a stress-free zone

5 – Average temperature in December is 83 degrees  – need we say more!?

6 – Because everyone will be jealous of your sun tan on your return home

7 – Looking for the liveliest New Year’s Eve party? We will let you into the best kept secrets on island  

8 – Swap Christmas movies by the fire for Christmas snorkeling in the Grenadines

9 – Enjoy the famous BVI 15-20 knot Christmas trade winds on one of our immaculate yachts

10 – Because Horizon Yacht Charters is your home away from home!

For those of you who could not attend the Annapolis Boat Show this year, fear not, all is not lost. We are still giving you the opportunity to enter our fabulous competition. 

All you have to do is fill in a few details and you could be on your way to winning a 7 night charter in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). On top of this, we are also offering you a money-can’t buy sailing masterclass with America’s Cup Skipper, Peter Holmberg, giving you the opportunity to discover the tricks of the trade from a sailing legend.

If you’d like to be in with a chance to win, please click here.

The winner will be chosen at random on the 31st December, 2011.

GOOD LUCK!