The Moorings News

The Moorings Announces New Crewed Yacht Charters from The Tuamotu Islands, Tahiti

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:00:00

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Nicklaus Roberts, Marketing Manager
727-437-5341
Nicklaus.Roberts@TuiMarine.com

The Moorings Announces New Crewed Yacht Charters from The Tuamotu Islands, Tahiti

April 10, 2013 – Clearwater, FL – The Moorings announced today, all-inclusive Crewed Yacht Charters are now available in the Tuamotu Islands in Tahiti from April to August 2013. Offering a one-of-a-kind vacation experience, a Crewed Yacht Charter within the Tuamotu Archipelago offers both adventure and relaxation in an exotic, less travelled destination.

Cheryl Powell, COO of The Moorings, commented, “The Tuamotus is an excellent addition to The Moorings portfolio of charter locations. We are pleased to offer a Crewed Yacht vacation option that opens up an area of the world which many never thought was reachable.”

The Tuamotu Archipelago is home to over 80 atolls across a 2485mi (4000km) barrier waiting to be explored, including Rangiroa - the world’s second largest atoll with a 124mi (200km) reef. A multitude of exciting activities are available throughout this remote cruising ground, including world-class scuba diving and snorkeling through a natural aquarium, watersports like kayaking and paddle boarding, horseback riding, and fishing. Guests can also visit Tahitian black pearl farms, see the wine fields of Rangiroa and enjoy delicious Polynesian cuisine.

The climate is sunny and pleasant year-round with little variation in temperature. Located in the South Pacific below the equator, winter runs from May to September with water temperatures averaging a comfortable 79°F (26°C) and air temperatures 78°F - 85°F (25°C - 29°C) making this region superb for a relaxed vacation afloat.

“Our highly popular Moorings 4600, which offers accommodation for up to 6 passengers in 3 private staterooms with en-suite bath, is the perfect sailing platform for a family or group of friends.
On this Crewed Yacht, guests will not only experience The Moorings characteristic five-star hospitality, but also will enjoy a fantastic sailing vacation with carefree ease as their professional captain and gourmet chef operate the yacht,” Powell added.

For more information on The Moorings Crewed Yacht charters from The Tuamotu Islands, visit www.moorings.com or call 1-800-535-7289.

Photo courtesy of Alain Portal

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The Moorings, world's premier yacht charter company, has delivered unmatched quality, service and attention to detail since 1969. Sail-it-yourself bareboat yachts, crewed yachts with captain and chef, and power yacht charters are available. The Moorings is a proud member of TUI Travel Group®. Your vacation is in safe hands.

Cays to paradise

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 08:45:00

By Steve MacNaull

It's day two aboard the Believe, the sails are at full mast and she's starting to giggle. It's the term given to that blissful state when a catamaran hits cruising speed and the boat "giggles" in a trifecta of wind, water and sail vibration. "See, I told you sailing forces you to relax," Captain Greg Marlo reiterates to us. We don't even have to answer. Our con- tented lounging on the foredeck is response enough. The champagne that was popped for the sail-away party is still partly sloshing in the glass and we are soaking up the sun en route from Man-O-War Cay to Great Guana Cay in the Bahamas' Abaco Sea.

This experience is the farthest thing from traversing the water in one of those mega cruise ships.

The Believe is a 39-foot catamaran and we're already likening it to our own private three-bedroom, two-bathroom floating villa.

On board there's only my wife and I, another couple and Captain Greg, who's also doing double duty as chef on this vacation dubbed 'Cays to Paradise'.

While it sounds expensive, elitist and exclusive, this holiday is actually affordable and accessible.

Later that night over barbecued strip loin steaks and shiraz at the Believe's aft deck dining table the captain tells us more and more people are choosing this bespoke way of seeing the world.

"It's unique and customized and personalized."

No kidding. We're on an itinerary that takes us to small islands accessible only by small boat and the mode of transportation we're using is as much an attraction and novelty as the places we'll visit and explore.

This week of specialty cruising starts at $800 per person based on a group sharing a three or four bedroom catamaran.

Flights, food and booze are all extra.

We flew down to Nassau from Toronto on WestJet and caught the island hopper SkyBa hamas flight to Marsh Harbor on Grand Abacos Island to begin our adventure at

Captain Greg Marlo has a Toronto-based business called Yacht Solutions that hooks people up with customized catamaran and sailboat vacations using the internationally renowned Moorings and its sister company Sunsail.

If you're an experienced sailor or motor boater you can skipper your own boat or you can abdicate all responsibility and book your ride complete with captain and chef.

We, of course, chose the latter and took full advantage of the situation.

While Captain Greg maneuvered in and out of ports we indulged in the aforementioned champagne sail away parties.

We put in a lot of hours lolling on deck being whisked over turquoise sea while the sails billowed above us.

And we discovered little cays with quaint villages, deserted swaths of beach and one-of- a-kind restaurants and bars.

Not to say we didn't have some boat duties.

My job was making sure the cooler was full of ice so the beer and wine was cold.

And all of us took turns winching to hoist the main sail when the wind was right and tying and untying lines when we docked and departed.

The best discovery was Nipper's, a cliff top bar overlooking a spectacular beach on Great
Guana Cay.

Johnny Roberts, the great grandson times 10 of the first white man to step foot on the island in 1773, is the proprietor and he makes a mean Nipper's Tripper.

The drink comes in an innocuous plastic cup and is a pretty pink colour, but its secret frozen blend of four types of rum and various fruit juices is lethal.

Man-O-War Cay, population 350, is a small boat building and maintenance port where the Albury ferry service that operates between the Abaco islands is based. There we wandered the town - there's only a few streets - marveled at the empty beach and ate blackened fish for lunch at Dock N Dine on pilings over the water.

Elbow Cay is home to cute little Hope Town, it's candy cane stripped lighthouse and Tahiti Beach at the southern tip of the island, which is considered the best strip of sand in the Abacos.

When not in port, the snorkeling off the boat in clear shallow water revealed a multitude of shells, sea urchins, sand dollars and plump starfish.

The sailing was easy and the sea calm.

The islands in the Abaco chain are all close together and protected where the Atlantic
Ocean meets the Abaco Sea and the Caribbean Sea beyond.

By the way, overnighting on a gently rocking catamaran with only the sound of lapping water falls into the category of best sleeps ever.

IF YOU GO...

Toronto-based Yacht Solutions can charter your group a catamaran (sail-motor combination or motor only) or sailboat from Moorings or Sunsail for vacations in not only the Bahamas' Abaco islands, but also in other great sailing destinations around the world such as The Virgin Islands, Mexico, Seychelles, Thailand, Tonga and the Mediterranean. TheYachtSolution.com and Moorings.com.

DestinationAbaco.net.

Indiana Boater Wins West Marine Sweepstakes Trip to BVI

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:00:00

Watsonville, Calif. (January 14, 2013) - West Marine, the largest specialty retailer of boating supplies and accessories, along with The Moorings (providing yachting holidays for over 40 years around the globe) announced today that Rita Flynn of New Albany, IN is the winner of a seven day, six night voyage on the British Virgin Islands. Flynn was selected as part of the company's "Moorings Dream Charter" sweepstakes that took place in all West Marine locations as well as on the web site at www.WestMarine.com.

Flynn enjoys boating and fishing with her husband. The couple discovered the Moorings years ago while on a trip to Tortola. "I've been dreaming about a yacht vacation since. I entered the sweepstakes and now our dream has come true," said Flynn. Flynn is able to choose between a Sailing Yacht Charter, Power Yacht Charter and Crewed-Yacht Sail-Away Stateroom as the grand prize.

About The Moorings:

The Moorings, world's premier yacht charter company, has delivered unmatched quality, service and attention to detail since 1969. Sail-it-yourself bareboat yachts, crewed yachts with captain and chef, and power yacht charters are available. The Moorings is a proud member if the TUI Travel Group®, your vacation is in safe hounds.

About West Marine:

West Marine, the largest specialty retailer of boating supplies and accessories, has over 300 company-operated stores located in 38 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and five franchised stores located in Turkey. Our Direct-to-Customer division, which comprises our call center, direct mail and e-commerce channels, offers Customers over 75,000 products plus the convenience of exchanging catalog and e-commerce purchases at our Store locations. Our Port Supply division is one of the largest wholesale distributors of marine equipment serving boat manufacturers, marine services, commercial vessel operators and government agencies. For more information on West Marine's products and store locations, or to start shopping, visit westmarine.com or call 1-800-BOATING.

The Moorings Announces National Sponsorship of The Leukemia Cup Regatta 2013 Series

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 02:00:00

The Moorings, the world’s premier yacht charter company, has announced its sponsorship of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Leukemia Cup Regatta, to help raise money to support lifesaving blood cancer research and patient services.

The Moorings has agreed to donate seven bareboat sailing charters to be auctioned at several Leukemia Cup Regatta events throughout the year. The charters will be featured auction items at the following five events:

Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, March 23-24, 2013
Eastport and Annapolis Yacht Clubs, Annapolis, Maryland, May 31-June 1, 2013
New York Yacht Club, Newport, Rhode Island, June 7-8, 2013
Columbia Yacht Club, Chicago, August 23-24, 2013
San Francisco Yacht Club, Belvedere, California, October 19-21, 2013

The Moorings is also hosting a national drawing to award a week-long British Virgin Islands sailing vacation to a Leukemia Cup Regatta participant raising $500 or more. Participants will receive one entry into the drawing for each $500 raised. The drawing will take place at the 2012 Fantasy Sail event with renowned sailor Gary Jobson, national chairman of the Leukemia Cup Regatta, taking place December 6-8, 2013 in Captiva, Florida. The charter will be aboard a Moorings 41.3 monohull, which offers a spacious 3-cabin/2-head accommodation.

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is very honored to have The Moorings’ support in our quest to beat cancer,” said Liza Munson, LLS senior vice president, campaign development. “Thanks to the support of the sailing community and companies like The Moorings, survival rates have improved over the past 40 years, but much more remains to be done for the patients who are battling blood cancers and their families."

The Moorings, world's premier yacht charter company, has delivered unmatched quality, service and attention to detail since 1969. Sail-it-yourself bareboat yachts, crewed yachts with captain and chef, and power yacht charters are available. The Moorings is owned by TUI Travel, PLC, one of the largest and most successful travel and tourism companies in the world. Trust in TUI: Your vacation is in safe hands.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

The BVI is the Destination of Choice for the Finale of the Stand Up World Tour

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:00:00

The BVI is the Destination of Choice for the Finale of the Stand Up World Tour
Tortola, British Virgin Islands, December 11, 2012 – The “Stand Up World Tour, Location X Finals” will be broadcasted live from the British Virgin Islands starting Tuesday, December 11th 2012.

The Stand Up World Tour is the Official World Championship tour for the sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing. It has grown into a dynamic global sports property with events in six countries and with participation from 15 different nations in establishing the undisputed Champion of the World. In this year’s Location X Finals there are three main title contenders and Stand Up World Tour fans from around the world are encouraged to tune in and watch as these competitors battle to be named the undisputed champion of the world for paddle surfing.

“The BVI was chosen because it provides the perfect atmosphere to add a special touch to the finale of this great event. We were looking for an exotic destination that provided a unique platform for Location X and the BVI definitely provided that and much more,” said Tristan Boxford, Tour Director and CEO of the Waterman League. “We are encouraging everyone to tune in and watch this prestigious world championship event for a chance to see the Worlds top 16 athletes compete in the BVI. This year’s finals has the closest title race ever seen, with the top three contestants being only one point away from each other.”

After a flurry of interest online and hundreds of voters from all over the globe sharing their favourite destinations, the decision was taken to host this unique event in the British Virgin Islands. The Moorings yacht charter company will present this groundbreaking event, as their fleet of boats will host the athletes and crew for an unforgettable adventure through the BVI. The BVI is 100% water-based which will provide the utmost mobility to the event, and ensure that the athletes benefit from the best possible conditions for this all important final showdown of the year. It will also allow them to explore the captivating beauty that is the British Virgin Islands.

The BVI is the Destination of Choice for the Finale of the Stand Up World Tour
Location X 2012 started in Hawaii in February and continued to various countries throughout the year including France, Tahiti, Brazil and now in the BVI for its grand finale where the world title winner will be decided. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize as well as bragging rights as the undisputed champion of the world for paddle surfing. This event features the world’s top 16 Stand Up Paddle Surfing athletes plus two wildcards. The event will be aired in 140 countries worldwide.

The “Stand Up World Tour, Location X Finals” can be viewed via live broadcast at www.locationxfinals.com. The live feed will be provided by Digicel 4G, where you can see the action as it unfolds for what is to be the most dramatic finale the Stand Up World Tour has ever seen. You will also be able to tune into the broadcast five days after the event on NBC, NBC Cable, Universal, Eurosport and Fuel TV Australia.

The BVI is the Destination of Choice for the Finale of the Stand Up World Tour.pdf

Chesapeake Bay Sailing: Short on Time? Charter for a Few Days

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:00:00

The Moorings offers partial and full-term bareboat and skippered trips via sail and power out of its new base at Annapolis Landing Marina. I had a chance to check out the fleet of mono and multi hulls and shore facilities, which include a restaurant, showers, water taxi, and pool, during the recent 2012 U.S. Sailboat Show.

Choices in boats range from 39- to 40-feet or longer; itineraries run from three days to multi week throughout the largest estuary in the United States, a world-renowned destination approximately 200 miles long. The bay offers consistent southwesterly winds averaging from 5-20 knots.

Monohulls available for charter include the Moorings 40.3 (40-foot, three-cabin/2-head) and Moorings 42CC (42-foot, 4-cabin/2-head center cockpit), both by Beneteau. The new Moorings 3900 catamaran and Moorings 393 Power catamaran also join the Annapolis fleet, both featuring three-cabins and 2 heads, generator, and air conditioning.

Cruising World Magazine October 18, 2012
The Moorings, 888-952-8420; www.moorings.com

Green Partners Support The Moorings 31st Interline Regatta’s Clean Regatta Pledge

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:00:00

Clearwater, FL (October 10, 2012) – The Moorings 31st Interline Regatta kicked off on Tuesday, October 9 as Racers and Spectators from over 18 airlines descended on the British Virgin Islands for 9 days of sun-soaked racing and sizzling parties. This year, participants will see a number of improvements as Regatta Organizers place significant emphasis on environmental responsibility and launch a new Green Partners Program, all in pursuit of earning a Sailor’s for the Sea Clean Regatta Certification.

“At The Moorings, we are dedicated to reducing our impact on the surrounding land and sea environments, and doing our part to protect the natural beauty of the destinations in which we operate. As The Moorings flagship regatta, it was simply a natural step for us to take the Clean Regattas Pledge and establish a series of best practices to spearhead our efforts at the 31st Interline Regatta,” said Nicklaus Roberts, Global Communications Manager and Regatta Organizer.

Prior to the event, an electronic charter booking and regatta registration process is used to reduce paperwork. After all regatta yachts are hauled and painted, stormwater pollution is prevented by collecting, filtering and re-using all waste water run-off. All racing yachts display re-usable bow numbers that were created from recycled sail cloth. The quantities of all printed materials have been reduced, and event programs are printed on paper endorsed by the Forest Stewardship Council. Furthermore, deep discounts are offered on gallon jugs of water to encourage refilling of complimentary reusable water bottles, thereby reducing the consumption of single-use bottles.

Roberts added, “In addition to these measures, we have also established a Green Partners Program. These regatta sponsors are also dedicated the environmental awareness and protection, and their support is essential to our Clean Regatta efforts.”

The BVI Tourist Board has outfitted each charter with a reusable, eco-friendly tote bag and also included durable, high-quality water bottles for every regatta participant to help significantly reduce single-use water bottles.

The SOL Group, agent for Shell Marine Products in the Caribbean, operates under a Health Safety & Environmental policy that seeks to set industry standards and promote responsibility amongst customers to protect the environment and its biodiversity. Since 2006, SOL and The Moorings have maintained an active green marine and environmental partnership that includes regular oil spill management training for The Moorings BVI staff. For the Regatta, SOL provides The Moorings with the best products to run the Race Committee and Support Boats, and have outfitted each with Mini Spill Responder Kits. Also, they have supplied each Race and Spectator Yacht with oil absorbent marine pads. SOL is also sponsor of the “Drinking Responsibly” glass recycling competition to help keep glass out of the waste stream and the incinerator where it accumulates and can clog the system.

SLAM was selected as the Official Sportswear Partner for their product quality, but also for their sustainable practices. SLAM garments undergo 1000s of hours of on-water product testing to ensure performance, comfort and durability, plus they are produced with minimal environmental impact — all processes are sustainable and in-line with ISO 9000, water is re-used and filtered at the manufacturing units, and international distribution is by shipping container to minimize carbon impact. This year, all participants and staff received exclusive Regatta t-shirts and hats by SLAM. Additionally, the first, second and third place winners across three race classes will be awarded their premium, yet practical sailing gear, including a wide range of luggage and duffel bags.

Renport, the Official Communication Provider, delivers vital support to all Moorings charter guests year-round and furnishes essential Wi-Fi services and electronic devices that enable the Race Committee and Regatta Staff to announce up-to-date results and activities via the web, allowing us to “be green”.

Royal BVI Yacht Club, who provides Race Committee Management, will reduce the amount of printed materials, utilize 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper for Sailing Instructions and display race results electronically.

Green VI Glassworks and its local artisans have hand-blown trophies made of glass recycled from bars and restaurants throughout the BVI. All members of the Regatta Grand Champion Boat, as well as the Best Lady Skipper, will receive this beautiful artwork.

Savon de Mer, a high quality Fresh & Saltwater Shampoo & Body Gel that foams in salt water, is biodegradable, pH-neutral and 100% safe for the environment – the green solution for sailors. They have provided each boat with complimentary bottles of Savon de Mer.

Going Green on Gorda, located on Virgin Gorda, is aiding in a glass and can collection / recycling initiative for the Regatta’s Lay Day Party at Leverick Bay Resort. In addition, GGoG is currently building the island’s first MURF facility, designed to remove recyclables from the BVI’s entire waste stream.

For information on The Moorings 31st Interline Regatta visit www.TheMooringsInterlineRegatta.com. Regular event announcements are also made via Facebook at www.facebook.com/MooringsInterlineRegatta.

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About The Moorings
The Moorings, world's premier yacht charter company, has delivered unmatched quality, service and attention to detail since 1969. Sail-it-yourself bareboat yachts, crewed yachts with captain and chef, and power yacht charters are available. The Moorings is a proud member of TUI Travel Group®. Your vacation is in safe hands.

About Sailors for the Sea
Founded in 2004, Sailors for the Sea is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers the boating community to protect and restore our oceans and local waters. For more information on or to participate in any of the Sailors for the Sea programs, or to become a member and support the organization, visit www.sailorsforthesea.org. To make a club or an event a Clean Regattas, visit www.cleanregattas.org

Media Contact:
Carol Hansen, Marketing Manager
727-437-5112
chansen@mooringsnet.com

The Moorings Announces New Destinations and Unrivaled Yachts for 2013!

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 02:00:00

Clearwater, FL – (October 1, 2012) – The Moorings will launch a wide variety of new Sail, Power or Crewed Yacht charter options in 2013, all of which will be formally announced at the Annapolis Sailboat & Powerboat Shows, held in October 2012.

“Year on year, The Moorings continues to push boundaries, leading the way with the very best in Sail, Power and Crewed Yacht vacations around the world. Our 2013 fleet investment is unrivalled in the industry with millions invested in over 45 new yachts, including 4 new extraordinary sail and power yacht models. Our customers can also look forward to 5 new cruising destinations across North America, the Caribbean and Mediterranean. We have also introduced The Moorings Price Promise, providing our customers with a worry-free approach to securing the best available rates on the widest choice of yachts and departure dates, plus the added benefit of receiving the best price - guaranteed,” said Cheryl Powell, COO of The Moorings.

New Price Promise
Announcing a new Price Promise program – an assurance to customers that should the cost of their charter yacht decrease in price at any time up to 30 days before their departure date, they are eligible to receive the price difference as a reimbursement toward benefits that include yacht upgrades, food and beverage options, water toys and more. In addition to offering unprecedented value, the program encourages customers to book their yacht charter early and be assured of receiving the best value with flexible charter dates, yacht selection, and the ability to make changes to their yacht charter reservation up to 90 days prior to their departure date with no change fees. All vacations reserved before November 30, 2012 are protected by The Moorings Price Promise.

New Destinations
Customers can now discover the US East Coast with The Moorings new bases for Sail and Power Yacht cruising in Annapolis, Maryland and Miami, Florida with stops in the scenic Keys; plus Crewed Yacht charters from St. Thomas, USVI. And for more choice in the Mediterranean, charterers can check out The Moorings new base in Corfu, Greece – a destination that offers the perfect mix of history and cosmopolitan life.

New Power in the Pacific Northwest
We are also now pleased to offer a Moorings 393 Powercat from our base in Anacortes, Washington. This roomy Powercat is now available for Power charters from Anacortes on the USA’s Pacific Northwest, where orca sightings and quaint fishing towns can be found, against a magnificent backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

New Moorings 5800 Flagship Catamaran
Introducing the Moorings 5800 catamaran, the most innovative and spacious yacht ever offered by The Moorings, is available for bareboat charter, or all-inclusive cruising with Captain, Chef and Hostess. Custom-designed by Robertson & Caine, the spacious Moorings 5800 features a forward cockpit lounge area and six air-conditioned guest cabins – all with en-suite bathrooms. An elevated fly-bridge with lounge seating, wet bar, additional grill provide a fantastic cruising space with 360-degree views of breathtaking landscapes. On deck, the luxurious feel is elevated with teak decking, state-of-the-art equipment and entertainment systems, as well as a fully equipped galley. This yacht is the perfect floating accommodation for groups of up to 12, and will be available in the British Virgin Islands beginning December 2012.

New Moorings 4800
Built on the success of the popular Moorings 4600 catamaran, the new and spacious 4800 catamaran will available for both bareboat and crewed charters in select destinations throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean beginning Spring 2013. Offering excellent performance under sail, it’s the perfect vacation platform – ideal for a crew of 8, but spacious enough for up to 10. Guests can enjoy luxury features including a covered forward cockpit, electric winches, inverter, generator and air-conditioning.

New 39 Powercat 4-cabin Accommodation Plan
A new expanded accommodation plan will be introduced aboard our highly popular 39-foot sail and power catamarans. Beginning summer 2013, guests can charter the 4-cabin/2-head Moorings 394 Powercat from Gocek and Turgutreis, Turkey, as well as Corfu, Greece. The new 4-cabin/2-head Moorings 3900 will be available in Gocek, Turkey.

New Moorings 42.3
Representing the heart of the Beneteau Oceanis range, the Moorings 42.3 offers incomparable volume and a new generation hull design that promises comfortable, fast sailing. The mainsail arch enables you to sail in complete safety and at the same time gives you more space in the cockpit. She offers spacious accommodation with 3 cabins, 2 heads and generous storage capacities for a fantastic week on the water. Also adding to her comfort is shore power air conditioning. The all-new Moorings 42.3 is a pleasure to sail, and will be available for sailing vacations in the British Virgin Islands, Belize, The Bahamas and both Gocek and Turgutreis, Turkey.

New Online Provisioning
Customers can begin their vacation sooner, saving time and money with a wide variety of personalized provisioning services available on the NEW online provisioning store. The Moorings can take all of the hassle out of arranging provisioning with the highest quality, freshest foods and the best service. Customers can order complete packages, or choose from an extensive a la carte inventory of everything they need to plan meals for their guests with ease.

For more information on what’s new for 2013, visit www.moorings.com or call 1-800-535-7289.

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Media Contact:
Carol Hansen, Marketing Manager
727-437-5112
chansen@mooringsnet.com

The Moorings Announces New Price Promise Program Offering Maximum Flexibility at the Best Price Guaranteed

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:00:00

Clearwater, FL – (September 25, 2012) – Announced today, The Moorings has introduced a new Price Promise program – an assurance to customers that should the cost of their Sail, Power or Crewed Yacht charter go down in price at any time up to 30 days before their departure date, they will be reimbursed with benefits equivalent in value.

In addition to offering unprecedented value, The Moorings Price Promise guarantees an attractive price protection feature that allows for reimbursement through benefits that include yacht upgrades, food and beverage options, water toys and more. The Moorings will issue the price difference in the form of a credit for vacations reserved before November 30, 2012.

Coinciding with the launch of The Moorings 2013 Sail, Power and Crewed Yacht vacation brochures, the Price Promise encourages customers to book their yacht charter early and be assured of receiving the best value. Not only will travelers be protected by the Price Promise, but they will also have flexible charter dates, with the ability to make changes to their yacht charter reservation up to 90 days prior to their departure date with no change fees.

“The Moorings Price Promise provides customers with a worry-free approach to get the best available rates on the widest choice of yachts and departure dates by booking early, plus the added benefit of receiving the best price - guaranteed,” said Cheryl Powell, Chief Operating Officer of The Moorings.

With the new Price Promise, customers can now secure their booking at an early date knowing they have the convenient flexibility to select the best travel dates, yachts and cost of airfare with an assured peace of mind.
For more information on The Moorings Price Promise, visit www.moorings.com or call 1-800-535-7289.

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The Moorings , world's premier yacht charter company, has delivered unmatched quality, service and attention to detail since 1969. Sail-it-yourself bareboat yachts, crewed yachts with captain and chef, and power yacht charters are available. The Moorings is owned by TUI Travel, PLC, one of the largest and most successful travel and tourism companies in the world. Trust in TUI: Your vacation is in safe hands.

Media Contact:
Carol Hansen, Marketing Manager
727-437-5112
chansen@mooringsnet.com

The Moorings Joins Forces with Sailors for the Sea

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00

The Moorings Joins Forces with Sailors for the Sea - Seeks Clean Regattas
Certification for The Moorings 31^st Interline Regatta

Regatta organizers implement policies and procedures to make The Moorings 31^st Interline
Regatta a model event for ocean conservation and protection

Newport, RI & Clearwater, FL – September 7, 2012 – Sailors for the Sea, the only ocean conservation nonprofit focused on the sailing and boating community, is proud to announce The Moorings has taken the Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas Pledge for Bronze level Clean Regattas certification of The Moorings 31^st Interline Regatta, held annually in the British Virgin Islands.

Clean Regattas certification provides independent, third-party verification that a yacht club, sailing program, or regatta is environmentally responsible, and is doing its utmost to protect and restore the waters upon which people sail. This program is an effort by Sailors for the Sea, in conjunction with committed participants, to reduce our impact on our oceans and coastal waters.

“The Moorings Interline Regatta is committed to serving as a model for responsible sailing,” said Annie Brett, program lead, Sailors for the Sea. “We are thrilled to support The Moorings throughout this annual event in their efforts to educate participants on environmental protection. Working with The Moorings, Sailors for the Sea will help to formalize their conservation efforts and help promote responsible environmental behaviors among regatta participants.”

The Moorings Interline Regatta is one of the Caribbean’s longest running regattas, and will celebrate its 31^st anniversary October 9-18, 2012. During this time, a new 9-day itinerary will lead Racers and Spectators throughout the British Virgin Islands with hot racing; non-stop beach parties; top-rated yachts and fun sailing days. The event is open to members of the airline industry, their family and friends, and typically draws over 300 participants annually.

Cheryl Powell, COO of The Moorings, said, “For over 40 years, The Moorings has actively worked to make travel experiences special while minimizing environmental impact, respecting the culture and people in destinations, and bringing real economic benefit to the local communities. In the BVI, we have built the Caribbean’s most modern and environmentally friendly charter base. Specifically, this facility includes a desalination plant that provides 60,000 gallons of water daily; laundry operation that recycles treated water to save 12,000 gallons daily; and a new marina with a flow-through breakwater-assisted by a pump, which can circulate over 50 million gallons of water in a week. This system has already greatly improved the water quality in the Road Town harbor.”

For this year’s Interline Regatta, organizers have assembled a Green Team that is responsible for communicating all Clean Regatta Best Practices to regatta participants and implementing a number of measures that are necessary to fulfill Bronze level certification criteria. Specific efforts will include:

Relying on re-usable bow numbers
Utilizing an automatic, electronic charter booking and registration process
Implementing a Recycling Program with glass collections used to produce hand-blown art by local gallery, Green VI Glassworks
Providing oil absorbent marine pads in each Skipper Bag, and outfitting each Race Committee and Support Boat with Mini Spill Responder Kits, both courtesy of regatta sponsor, SOL Petroleum
Preventing Stormwater Pollution by collecting, filtering and re-using all waste water run-off after all regatta yachts are hauled and painted prior to the event
Awarding trophies hand-crafted from recycled glass by Green VI Glassworks, and sailing apparel from Official Sportswear Partner, SLAM
Furnishing each boat with a complimentary bottle of "Savon de Mer”, a biodegradable body wash that can be used in salt water
Reducing printed materials, display race results electronically and utilizing 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper for event collateral

“We all have a responsibility to care for our planet and preserve the natural beauty of the places where we work, live and play. For over 40 years, The Moorings has been dedicated to sustainable practices, and our Clean Regattas Pledge is just another way we hope to heighten environmental awareness amongst our participants, help protect the BVI’s delicate ecosystems and reduce our environmental impact. Our commitment to Bronze Level Clean Regatta certification is just the beginning. With support from Sailors for the Sea, we look forward to achieving even higher environmental standards,” added Nicklaus Roberts, Global Communications Manager and Regatta Organizer.

Information on The Moorings 31^st Interline Regatta and the Notice of Race (NOR), as well as details for booking a Race or Spectator Yacht, is currently available at www.TheMooringsInterlineRegatta.com.

Regular event announcements are also made via Facebook at www.facebook.com/MooringsInterlineRegatta.

Benefits of Clean Regattas – Make the Pledge

By making the Clean Regattas Pledge, regattas, yacht clubs, and sailing programs commit to protecting clean waters and shores. The Sailors for the Sea's Clean Regattas program is a third-party certification program that helps participants achieve higher environmental standards. Participants vow to fulfill, and encourage others to fulfill, the goals and requirements of the program, and to work to protect oceans and locals waters for the use and enjoyment of this and future generations.

With three levels of certification (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) available, participants select their level of engagement, and work to fulfill the related certification requirements by first forming a Clean Regattas committee for the event or a permanent committee for all club/organization governance and events to oversee the certification criteria. The criteria relates to:

trash and recycling collection and disposal
discharge
oil spill prevention
green cleaning products and bottom paint usage
bottom cleaning and boat maintenance
global warming and carbon offsets
biofuel conversion
use of recycled materials in regatta awards

A Clean Regattas designation by the Sailors for the Sea organization means all competitors agree to abide by Clean Regattas Certification Level requirements. Sailors for the Sea provides support, materials, and the final certification that a club or event is a Clean Regatta. Found worldwide, the Clean Regattas program is available for all interested yacht clubs, regattas and sailing programs. By participating in the program, clubs and regattas can realize a range of immediate economic benefits including:

saving money by reducing reliance on plastic bottles, fossil fuels, and disposable products
getting discounts on environmentally friendly products through the Clean Regattas program
reducing excess spending by anticipating regulations and avoiding abrupt and costly changes due to new laws and related cleanup efforts
attracting new sponsors, donors, investors, and foundations for non-profit clubs through the positive awareness of the Clean Regattas efforts

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About Sailors for the Sea

Founded in 2004, Sailors for the Sea is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers the boating community to protect and restore our oceans and local waters. For more information on or to participate in any of the Sailors for the Sea programs, or to become a member and support the organization, visit www.sailorsforthesea.org. To make a club or an event a Clean Regattas, visit www.cleanregattas.org.

About The Moorings

The Moorings, world's premier yacht charter company, has delivered unmatched quality, service and attention to detail since 1969. Sail-it-yourself bareboat yachts, crewed yachts with captain and chef, and power yacht charters are available. The Moorings is a proud member of TUI Travel Group^®. Your vacation is in safe hands.

Contact:

Lauren Curley, Sailors for the Sea
781 383 6406
lauren@sailorsforthesea.org
Carol Hansen, The Moorings - Marketing Manager
727-437-5112
chansen@mooringsnet.com