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<rss version="2"><channel><title>The Moorings News</title><link>http://www.moorings.com/news/</link><description>The latest news from The Moorings</description><image><url>http://www.moorings.com/sites/all/themes/moorings/images/logo-head.png</url><title>The Moorings</title><link>http://www.moorings.com</link><copyright>Copyright 2012,The Moorings</copyright></image><item><title><![CDATA[The Moorings featured in a Chicago Tribune Article]]></title><link>http://www.moorings.com/news/moorings-featured-chicago-tribune-article</link><description><![CDATA[<h3>Taking the Kids -- on an un-cruise cruise</h3><p><span style="font-style: italic; color: #bdbdbd;">By Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Media Services<br />Taking the Kids<br />January 26, 2012</span></p> <div id="story-body-text">For once, we're masters of our own destiny -- in paradise, no less.<br /><br /> Really.<br /><br /> Now if we can just survive the week of togetherness!<br /><br /> My far-flung gang has come to the British Virgin Islands -- the  undisputed Sailing Capital of the World -- for a week aboard a chartered  Moorings sailboat (<a href="http://www.moorings.com">www.moorings.com</a>).  It is the first time my husband and I and our three kids (plus my  daughter Reggie's boyfriend) have been in the same place at the same  time in more than a year. My youngest daughter has just returned from a  semester abroad; Reggie and Dan live and work in San Francisco; my son  works and attends graduate school in New York. My husband and I live in  Connecticut.<br /><br /> I was desperate to figure out a way to get us all together away from  home in a place we'd all enjoy. A sailing trip was their top pick --  we'd happily done it before. The British Virgin Islands (<a href="http://www.britishvirginislands.com/" target="_blank">www.britishvirginislands.com</a>)  have long been popular with sailors because of the constant winds and  the fact that you are rarely out of sight of land. It's no wonder then  that more than 700 sailboats and yachts, the largest fleet in the  Caribbean, are moored in Tortola. The Moorings has been in business for  more than 40 years here and this trip we're aboard a 46-foot Catamaran  with four cabins -- the largest boat we've ever sailed ourselves.<br /><br /> Everywhere we look here there is turquoise blue sea, bobbing sailboats,  cruise ships and mega yachts, not to mention the small islands off in  the distance. (This is an archipelago of some 60 islands, after all.)<br /><br /> The best part: There is no one telling us what time we have to eat  dinner or even where we are going next. Welcome to the alternative to  mega cruise ships and fancy resorts.<br /><br /> My three kids, Matt, Reggie and Melanie, all experienced sailors, nixed  the idea of a captain, much less a cook, though that certainly is an  option on charters. (Captains cost $185 a day.) Being the master of your  own vacation destiny can be cheaper than you might think, though,  certainly cheaper than a big resort where you're paying $5 for a soft  drink, double that when the kids are old enough for alcoholic  concoctions. Sailboats with two cabins start at around $330 a day. Look  for the latest deals on <a href="http://www.moorings.com" target="_blank">www.moorings.com</a>.<br /><br /> This is our third sailing trip in the Virgin Islands, though our first  in six years. I joke that I don't think we'll be searching out women to  braid the girls' hair this trip, or that Melanie will fall asleep at  dinner. "You just have to chill, mom," says Mel, who, like her older  sister, has taught sailing. "You don't have to take care of everything  anymore!"<br /><br /> Certainly, I don't expect everything to go as planned. It never does  when kids, no matter how old they are, are part of the equation. But  it's still hard to let go of those expectations when the kids bicker  (sibling issues don't disappear in paradise), it rains (and I forgot my  rain jacket), food freezes in the small fridge (it happens no matter  what we do) and I discover I've forgotten the meat for our planned  fajitas dinner.<br /><br /> "We'll eat veggie fajitas," my daughter Reggie says with a shrug. "This  is an adventure, not a resort where everything is done for you!"<br /><br /> She's right. And that means the most memorable aspects of the trip will  likely be what I didn't plan or anticipate -- from the kids beating me  at <span class="taxInlineTagLink">Scrabble</span> (I used to be the family champion) to my husband diving 40 feet --  literally -- to retrieve the top to our dinghy's motor, which fell into  the water when he tried to repair it. (Thanks Sail Caribbean for lending  us the needed gear after our dive), to Melanie's regaling us with her  expertise on reefs after a semester studying environmental issues in  Thailand.<br /><br /> We wake up with the sun in a place where pirates once ruled. The British  Virgin Islands is not nearly as developed as the U.S. Virgin Islands so  the ambiance is far more relaxed, especially offshore. We jump from the  boat to snorkel and swim. We eat gargantuan lobsters on the island of  Anegada, home to just 300 people and famous for its lobsters. The kids  try windsurfing and paddle-boarding at The Bitter End Yacht Club (<a href="http://www.beyc.com/" target="_blank">www.beyc.com</a>) on Virgin Gorda, which boasts an unparalleled array of watercraft for sailors and guests.<br /><br /> The biggest issue of the day -- besides where to go -- is whether we  have enough ice. A trip like this requires that you be willing to let go  of some of your creature comforts. We may have a blender and microwave  on board, but we're the only dishwashers and we've got to pump the water  after a shower that isn't always hot.<br /><br /> "Who cares!" my kids say. When the watermelon freezes, they use it in drinks.<br /><br /> Along the way, Reg and her boyfriend, Dan Foldes, will become certified divers, thanks to PADI's online course (<a href="http://www.padi.com/" target="_blank">www.padi.com</a>) and Sail Caribbean, which also has run summer teen programs here for more than three decades (<a href="http://www.sailcaribbean.com/" target="_blank">www.sailcaribbean.com</a>).  We'll dive together as a family (more about that in another upcoming  column), snorkel, kayak and most importantly, catch up on our lives.<br /><br /> It takes a lot of pulling together on a trip like this -- from deciding  our course to what to make for breakfast, putting up and taking down the  sails, deciding where to moor the boat and getting the dinghy going  when it stalls. We can't just get away from one another either -- short  of jumping off the boat.<br /><br /> We disagree -- sometimes loudly -- over sailing technique, what to cook  for dinner, whether we need more beer, as well as some more important  issues of the day. A floating mat we've rented from Last Stop Sports (<a href="http://www.laststopsports.com/" target="_blank">www.laststopsports.com</a>) blows overboard.<br /><br /> At The Bight, an anchorage and long-ago hideout for pirates, located on  Norman Island, just a quick sail from Tortola where we started, there is  no one else around but other sailboats. When I offered the kids the  chance to go eat at the waterfront restaurant, they said they preferred a  just-us dinner onboard our boat.<br /><br /> I smiled. That was the point, after all.<br /><br /> (For more Taking the Kids, visit <a href="http://www.takingthekids.com/" target="_blank">www.takingthekids.com</a> and also follow "taking the kids" on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/" target="_blank">www.twitter.com</a>, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)<br /><br /></div> <div id="subFooter" class="clearfix"><p class="copyright">Copyright © 2012, <a href="http://tms.tribune.com/" target="_blank">Tribune Media Services</a></p></div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:00 </pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sailing the British Virgin Islands by Julie Wilson ~ Islands Magazine]]></title><link>http://www.moorings.com/news/sailing-british-virgin-islands-julie-wilson-islands-magazine</link><description><![CDATA[<p>The BVI has over 60 islands, crystal clear waters and gentle tropical winds, making it one of the top sailing destinations in the world. These were a few of my favorite island stops on a charter from the Moorings.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/News/123011/1-diamond-cay.jpg" alt="Diamond Cay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands Yacht Charters" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;" /> <h2>Diamond Cay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands:</h2> <p>This has one of the best unknown snorkeling spots in the BVI if you are willing to wade through the flats and follow the shoreline to the tip of the island. The cove is a great place to moor for the night and is home to hawksbill sea turtles, stingrays and lots of tropical fish. Don’t feel like cooking? Head over to Foxy’s Tabu for an amazing local island meal.</p></td></tr> <tr><td><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/News/123011/2-devils-bay.jpg" alt="The Baths, British Virgin Islands Yacht Charter" style="float: right; padding-left: 20px;" /> <h2>The Baths, British Virgin Islands:</h2> <p>The Baths are probably the most popular and unique beaches in the BVI. Boulders the size of houses are perfectly stacked, creating grottos and caves to climb through and snorkel around. Moorings are available along the coastline for overnight anchoring and easy access to the beaches.</p></td></tr> <tr><td><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/News/123011/3-peter-island.jpg" alt="Peter Island, British Virgin Islands Yacht Charters" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;" /> <h2>Peter Island, British Virgin Islands:</h2> <p>Peter Island is considered one of the most romantic islands in the BVI.  The Peter Island Resort &amp; Spa welcomes day guests to enjoy their private restaurants, beaches and shops. Ask Captain to make one of his popular cocktails.</p></td></tr> <tr><td><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/News/123011/4-tortola.jpg" alt="Tortola, British Virgin Islands Yacht Charter" style="float: right; padding-left: 20px;" /> <h2>Tortola, British Virgin Islands:</h2> <p>The capital of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola has numerous anchorages and secluded beaches to roam. Cane Garden Bay is loaded with beachfront restaurants, live music and plenty of bars pouring delicious rum concoctions.</p></td></tr> <tr><td><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/News/123011/5-cooper-island.jpg" alt="Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands Yacht Charters" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;" /> <h2>Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands:</h2> <p>Cooper Island is one of the smaller, more laid-back islands. The shoreline has colorful bungalows, a dive operation and one of the best gift shops in the BVI.</p></td></tr> <tr><td><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/News/123011/6-the-indians.jpg" alt="The Indians, British Virgin Islands Yacht Charter" style="float: right; padding-left: 20px;" /> <h2>The Indians, British Virgin Islands:</h2> <p>The Indians are located near Norman Island and stick out like a sore thumb in the middle of the Drake Channel. Considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the BVI, they are home to a rare triggerfish, and have an underwater tunnel. Make sure to anchor early as it gets busy with tour boats.</p></td></tr> <tr><td><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/News/123011/7-sandy-spit.jpg" alt="Sandy Spit, British Virgin Islands Yacht Charters" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;" /> <h2>Sandy Spit, British Virgin Islands:</h2> <p>Located between Jost Van Dyke and Tortola, Sandy Spit has powder white sand, calm and clear waters and can be circumnavigated in about 3 minutes. Great for a lazy day on the beach.</p></td></tr> <tr><td><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/News/123011/8-monkey-point.jpg" alt="Monkey Point, Guana Island, British Virgin Islands Yacht Charter" style="float: right; padding-left: 20px;" /> <h2>Monkey Point, Guana Island, British Virgin Islands:</h2> <p>This island is only accessible by boat and well worth the stop. With an abundance of marine life, this rocky shoreline is home to big tarpon, schools of minnows and assorted tropical fish.</p></td></tr> <tr><td><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/News/123011/9-norman-island.jpg" alt="Norman Island, British Virgin Islands Yacht Charters" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;" /> <h2>Norman Island, British Virgin Islands:</h2> <p>This uninhabited island is famous for its stories of pirates and treasure caves. It also has secluded coves for snorkeling, an amazing hiking trail that leads to breathtaking views, and the Willy T, a permanent floating bar known to draw an enthusiastic crowd.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:00:00 </pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Excitement Reaches an All-Time High at The Moorings Interline Regatta]]></title><link>http://www.moorings.com/news/excitement-reaches-all-time-high-moorings-interline-regatta</link><description><![CDATA[<p><strong><em><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Tahoma; text-align: center;">Participation Doubles for the 30<sup>th</sup> Anniversary</span></em></strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Clearwater</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">, FL</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> (November 2, 2011) – <a href="vacation-options/regattas/moorings-interline-regatta?cid=EMC-PR-BB-NOVA">The Moorings 30<sup>th</sup> Interline Regatta</a> (October 11-20, 2011) was an electric birthday celebration with over 300 participants and 50 yachts filled with the airline industry’s wildest employees, family and friends. Everyone enjoyed the British Virgin Islands fantastic weather, professionally managed race courses, and as always, a week filled with killer parties at the best BVI haunts.</span></p><p><img src="/files/ASSETS/regatta/interline/2010-Moorings-Interline-Regatta-Sailing-Event_Sailboat-Race-Image.jpg" alt="Moorings Interline Regatta - 30th Anniversary Sailing image" width="400" height="267" style="float: right; padding-left: 8px;" /><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Racing<br /> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The 30<sup>th</sup> anniversary included a record number of racing entries with 31 new Beneteau-built yachts creating stiff competition across three classes. This year, the models included the <a href="charter-fleet/moorings-413?cid=EMC-PR-BB-NOVA">Moorings 41.3</a>, <a href="charter-fleet/moorings-433?cid=EMC-PR-BB-NOVA">Moorings 43.3</a>, <a href="charter-fleet/moorings-434?cid=EMC-PR-BB-NOVA">Moorings 43.4</a>, <a href="charter-fleet/moorings-515?cid=EMC-PR-BB-NOVA">Moorings 51.5</a> and all-new <a href="charter-fleet/moorings-50-5?cid=EMC-PR-BB-NOVA">Moorings 50.5</a>. And the winners were… </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Class A – Moorings 41.3:<br /> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">- First Place: Renita Ann, Skipper Claus Bærentsen, team SAS 2<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">- Second Place: Ruby Dawn, Skipper Jari Soukka, team Finnair<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">- Third Place: Jupiter, Skipper Burkhard Justus</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Class B – Moorings 43.3 &amp; Moorings 43.4:<br /> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; font-weight: normal;">- First   Place: Wild Irish Rose, Skipper Søren Blume Svendsen, team SAS 1</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; font-weight: normal;">- Second   Place: After Life, Skipper <span class="profilename">Christer Weyde</span>, team SAS 2<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">- Third Place: Princess Ivoire, Skipper Kristian Heinila, team Finnair</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Class C – Moorings 50.5 &amp; Moorings 51.5:<br /> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">- First Place: Gemini II, Skipper <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">ø</span>ivinn Brudevoll, team SAS 1<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; font-weight: normal;">- Second   Place: Bella Christina, Skipper<span class="MsoHyperlinkFollowed"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">, </span></span><span class="profilename">Aarne Helminen</span>, team Finnair<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">- Third Place: Tiger Pause, Skipper Hugh Carmichael, team Abbey</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Throughout all five races, Gemini II (SAS 1) and Bella Christina (Finnair) duked it out in a tightly contended race for the title of Regatta Grand Champion; ultimately, Gemini II pulled into the lead taking first in three of the five races and claiming the title for 2011. <span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Cheryl Powell, COO of The Moorings, remarked, “This year was truly a global gathering of the industry’s most fun employees with record levels of participation from over 20 airlines around the world, including Lufthansa, American Airlines, All Nippon, SAS (Scandinavian Airlines), Wideroe, UPS, AirTran, Croatia Airlines, Emirates, United, MJet, Austrian, Eithad Airways, Cargolux, Continental Airlines, Neos, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Finnair, Delta, SkyWest, NetJets and more. The Moorings would like to congratulate all racers on the exciting week of sailing, and thank all Racers and Spectators for making this 30<sup>th</sup> Interline Regatta one of our largest to date!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">For complete results in the Class Series and Team Competition, visit the <a href="http://result.vg/interline/minisite?series_id=3&amp;cid=EMC-PR-BB-NOVA">30<sup>th</sup> Interline Regatta results</a>.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Parties<br /> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Interline Regatta is famous for hosting nightly theme parties with racers and spectators once again topping the charts with fantastic costumes at variety of beachside shindigs, including Pirates Bight Bar &amp; Restaurant, Oceans 7 Beach Club, The Jolly Roger, Pusser’s Restaurant Marina Cay, and Saba Rock.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Mariner Inn also celebrated 30 years with the Interline Regatta participants, hosting a great Welcome Dinner and Awards Dinner. New for 2011, Leverick Bay Resort &amp; Marina hosted a dynamite “Spectator / Lay Day” celebration with an afternoon of live music and activities, including the blind-folded kayak race, frozen t-shirt contest, tattoo competition and more. The dinner party continued until the wee morning hours with flowing drinks, music by DJ Heavy B and parade of entertainment by Mocko Jumbies and Pyros of the Caribbean fire dancers.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">2011 Sponsors<br /> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The support provided by our 2011 sponsors helped make this year a hit in the record books. A big thank you goes out to all of the nightly party venues, as well as the BVI Tourist Board, SOL, Digicel, Road Town Wholesale (Heineken, Mount Gay Rum &amp; Barefoot Wine), Sail Caribbean Divers, Yacht Shots BVI, The Royal BVI Yacht Club &amp; Race Committee, Renport, Savon de Mer, SAIL Magazine, BVI Beacon and Quito &amp; The EDGE, Wheatley Transport Co, Road Town Fast Ferry, Bamboushay Pottery, and Amara Spa.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">With raffle prizes donated by Last Stop Sports, Dolphin Discovery, Cooper Island Beach Club and Sail Caribbean Divers, participants donated over $400 to support Sailability, a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization, which uses sailing as an activity to enrich the lives of people with any type of disability, the elderly and socially disadvantaged.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">In addition to sponsoring the race committee yachts and dinghy management teams, SOL also teamed up with regatta organizers and artists of the Green VI Glass Studio to host a Green Marine award, which encouraged participants to “drink responsibly” by collecting all glass bottles and saving them for recycling at the Tortola-based glass studio.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">2012 Event Schedule<br /> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Moorings 31<sup>st</sup> Interline Regatta will be held October 9-18, 2012 and plans for another fantastic 9 days of great racing and parties are currently underway. Call 1-800-633-7348 (1-727-535-1446 outside US &amp; Canada) or e-mail <span style="color: #00529c;"><a href="mailto:interlineregatta@mooringsnet.com">interlineregatta@mooringsnet.com</a> </span>today to check availability of your preferred yacht, and learn more about the Race and Spectator Packages that are available.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">For further details visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MooringsInterlineRegatta?cid=EMC-PR-BB-NOVA">http://www.facebook.com/MooringsInterlineRegatta</a> or <span style="color: red;"><a href="vacation-options/regattas/moorings-interline-regatta?cid=EMC-PR-BB-NOVA">www.themooringsinterlineregatta.com</a></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">###</span></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Moorings</span></span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">, 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<sup>®</sup>. Your vacation is in safe hands. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Media Contact:<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Carol Hansen, Marketing Manager<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">727-437-5112<br /> chansen@mooringsnet.com</span></p>]]></description><pubDate>Tue,  8 Nov 2011 12:00:00 </pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sol initiates recycling challenge for Moorings Interline Regatta]]></title><link>http://www.moorings.com/news/sol-initiates-recycling-challenge-moorings-interline-regatta</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Tortola, British Virgin Islands, October 12, 2011 – The Moorings Interline Regatta takes place October 11 – 20 celebrating thirty years of racing, parties and activities in the BVI. This year, Sol has teamed up with the organisers to offer a green awareness award produced by its environmental partner, the Green VI Glass Studio. The award will be presented to the sailing team that collects the most glass bottles to be recycled at the studio. Sol also is expanding its community support of the sailing industry in the Virgin Islands through its sponsorship of the race committee yachts and dinghy management teams.</p> <p>The annual Moorings Interline Regatta is a pre-cursor to the official start of the sailing season in the territory. This year the event has a record entry of fifty yachts filled with the airline industry’s global employees and their friends and families.</p><p style="margin: 0 auto; text-align: center;"><img src="/files/ASSETS/regatta/interline/Sol_Logo-Grey-Sml-Portrait.jpg" alt="Sol logo" style="padding-right: 15px;" /><img src="/files/ASSETS/regatta/interline/Moorings-Interline-Regatta-Wht-Sml-Portrait.gif" alt="Moorings Interline Regatta - logo" height="169" /></p> <p>This is the first year that Sol has become involved with the regatta although the green marine and environmental partnership with The Moorings has been active since 2006. In that year, Sol conducted the first of its marine clients’ oil spill management training days at the charter company’s marina base in Tortola.</p> <p>“Sol operates under a Health Safety and Environmental policy that seeks to set industry standards and promote responsibility amongst customers to protect the environment and its biodiversity,” said Deborah Benjamin, country manager for Sol. “We saw an opportunity to introduce an environmental element to our support of the Interline Regatta. We have worked closely with The Moorings and our community partner, Green VI Glass Studio, to integrate the glass recycling competition as part of the regatta so that we can help to keep the glass out of the waste stream and the incinerator where it accumulates and clogs the system."</p> <p>Sol signed a MOU with Green VI in 2009 to support a glass blowing studio to facilitate the removal of glass from the BVI’s waste stream and from the incineration process. Sol donates the LPG necessary to fire the furnaces 24 hours a day. The mission of Green VI, a not-for-profit organization, is to demonstrate the principles and benefits of sustainable living and to enhance capacity for adaptation to climate change through education and practical projects. For more information visit <a href="http://www.greenvi.org/Index.asp?pagename=Home&amp;site=1&amp;siteid=132" target="_blank">www.greenvi.org</a>.</p> <p>Sol is the largest petroleum company in the BVI with service stations in Tortola and Virgin Gorda. It has been supplying The Moorings with fuel and LPG for more than ten years as well as the marine community at Hodges Creek, Nanny Cay Marina, Village Cay, Bitter End, Biras Creek, Oil Nut Bay, Peter Island, Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour and Leverick Bay. Sol is a committed supporter of community initiatives including the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, the Royal BVI Sailing Club Junior Sailing Programme, Virgin Islands Search and Rescue, the Leverick Bay Poker Run, the Charter Yacht Society Crewed Yacht Show and is also a partner of the BVI Athletics Association.</p> <p>Ends</p> <p>About sol<br /> The Sol Group was formed through the acquisition of Shell's petroleum distribution and marketing businesses in the Eastern Caribbean, Guyana, Suriname and Belize in February 2005. Sol acquired The Shell Company (Puerto Rico) Limited in August 2006, which was subsequently renamed Sol Puerto Rico Limited. Sol made a further purchase of Esso's assets in Suriname and Guyana in November 2007 and in Haiti on February 29, 2008.</p> <p>Sol supplies fuels, lubricants, bitumen and LPG through an extensive service station network, marine and commercial operations, as well as acting as an agent for Shell Aviation and Shell Marine products. Sol uses the Shell brand under license across its service station network, and acts as the sole distributor of Shell's fuels and lubricants. This is fully backed by Shell's world-class technical expertise.</p> <p>About The Moorings<br /> 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 in over 27 destinations worldwide. The Moorings is proud to be a member of the TUI Travel® Group. Trust in TUI: Your vacation is in safe hands.</p> <p>For more information contact:<br /> Deborah Benjamin<br /> Country Manager<br /> Sol St. Lucia Ltd (BVI Office)<br /> Tel: 1-284-494-2107<br /> Email: <a href="mailto:deborah.benjamin@solpetroleum.com" target="_blank">deborah.benjamin@solpetroleum.com</a></p> <p>For information on The Moorings contact:<br /> Carol Hansen, <br /> Marketing Manager<br /> The Moorings<br /> Tel: 1-727-437-5112<br /> Email: <a href="mailto:chansen@mooringsnet.com" target="_blank">chansen@mooringsnet.com</a></p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 </pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Moorings Announces New Destinations & new Catamarans at Annapolis Boat Shows]]></title><link>http://www.moorings.com/news/moorings-announces-new-destinations-new-power-catamaran-annapolis-boat-shows</link><description><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p><p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Clearwater, FL (September 20, 2011) – </span></span></span></span></span><a href="/"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Moorings</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">, the world’s premier yacht charter company, will be at the Annapolis Sailboat Show, October 6-10, Booth #15 / Dock I and the Powerboat Show October 12-16, 2011.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">At the Sailboat show, The Moorings will be showcasing the new </span></span></span></span></span><a href="/charter-fleet/moorings-3900?cid=EMC-PR-BB-OCTA"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Moorings 3900</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"><span> </span>catamaran, an ideal entry level family cruising catamaran with a 3-cabin master suite layout, fully equipped galley, generator, air-conditioning and raised helm with centralized controls.<span>&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">For those who might enjoy a more relaxing sailing vacation, The Moorings is also launching new all-inclusive Crewed Yacht sailing destinations with Captain and Chef.<span>&nbsp; </span>Give yourself the vacation of a lifetime in the Indian Ocean’s exotic and alluring </span></span></span></span></span><a href="/vacation-options/luxury-crewed-yacht-charter/destinations/indian-ocean/maldives/mal%C3%A9"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Maldives</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">, available from spring 2012 with by-the-cabin and full yacht options.<span>&nbsp; </span>Or follow the wake of ancient seafarers, exploring the authentic locales of the Mediterranean from cosmopolitan </span></span></span></span></span><a href="/vacation-options/luxury-crewed-yacht-charter/destinations/mediterranean/france/nice"><a href="http://www.moorings.com/vacation-options/luxury-crewed-yacht-charter/destinations/mediterranean/france/nice"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Nice, France</span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">, historical <a href="http://www.moorings.com/vacation-options/luxury-crewed-yacht-charter/destinations/mediterranean/greece/athens-lavrion" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Athens</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, Greece</span></a>, or bustling <a href="http://www.moorings.com/vacation-options/luxury-crewed-yacht-charter/destinations/mediterranean/turkey/turgutreis" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Turgutreis</span></a><strong>, </strong>on Turkey’s southwest coast near the popular port town of Bodrum. Mediterranean crewed yacht charters are available from June 2012. <br /></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The following week, the brand new </span></span></span></span></span><a href="/charter-fleet/moorings-393-pc"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Moorings 393 Power Catamaran</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">makes its debut at the Powerboat show, featuring 3 deck levels, a roomy saloon and galley plus 3 cabins and 2 heads, with the starboard hull dedicated to a luxurious master suite. On the flybridge, a centrally positioned helm station offers superior visibility. Twin 110 hp Yanmar diesel engines, excellent fuel efficiency, air conditioning, generator, upgraded electronics and modern interior amenities mean you have everything necessary for comfortable cruising.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 150%;">&nbsp;</p><p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">New Moorings Power destinations for 2012 include Nice, Croatia and Greece. Starting from June 2012, you can explore the Mediterranean under power and discover enchanting villages, historical sites and delightful cuisine.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Cheryl Powell, Chief Operating Officer of The Moorings, remarked, “we are delighted to bring these new choices to our customers, who are seeking premium travel experiences with the level of yacht features and service that only The Moorings can guarantee.”<span>&nbsp; </span>Availability is very limited, so book now online at </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.moorings.com"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">www.moorings.com</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> or call The Moorings’ Vacation Planning Team at 800-368-9991.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Helv; color: black;">The Moorings 3900 and 393PC may be purchased through The Moorings’ Yacht Ownership program, where owners enjoy up to 12 weeks of use each year on their yacht or a sistership at over 27 destinations worldwide, receiving guaranteed monthly revenue check to cover their boat loan, no monthly out of pocket expenses, and professional maintenance included at no cost. Current yacht sales specials include low money down financing offers and fall discounts. Contact the ownership team at 1-888-952-8603 or visit </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.mooringsyachtownership.com/"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Helv;">www.mooringsyachtownership.com</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Helv; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Helv; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span><span><span><span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">– END –</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span>&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span><span></span><span></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Editors Note: As the world's premier yacht charter company, The Moorings 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 proud to be a member of TUI Travel ® Group, one of the world’s most successful travel and tourism companies.</span></p><p style="line-height: 150%;">&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-family: Tahoma; font-weight: bold;">PRESS RELEASE</span></p><p><span><span><span><span><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Media Contact: </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Carol Hansen, Marketing Manager </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">727.437.5112</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">chansen@mooringsnet.com </span></span></span></span></span></p>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:00:00 </pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Moorings Celebrates the 30th Interline Regatta with New Races, Parties & Activities]]></title><link>http://www.moorings.com/news/moorings-celebrates-30th-interline-regatta-new-races-parties-activities-0</link><description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/regatta/interline/interline30-logoLowResGif4Web-144x55.gif" border="0" style="padding-right: 8px;" /> <img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/press_releases/The-Moorings_Yacht-Charters-Sailing-Vacations_Logo-124x55.gif" border="0" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Tahoma;">The Moorings Celebrates the 30<sup>th</sup> Interline Regatta with New Races, Parties &amp; Activities</span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: 150%;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Clearwater, FL (July 29, 2011) – The <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/destinations/caribbean/british-virgin-islands?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULB">British Virgin Islands</a></span> festive spirit will be re-ignited from October 11-20, 2011 as <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/vacation-options/regattas/moorings-interline-regatta?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULB">The Moorings 30<sup>th</sup> Interline Regatta</a></span> anniversary celebration commences with 9 days of great racing and non-stop beach parties exclusively designed for this global gathering of the airline industry’s wildest employees, as well as their family and friends.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Racer or not, there’s something for everyone! To celebrate the Interline Regatta’s 30<sup>th</sup> anniversary, The Moorings has planned new activities appealing to Racers and Spectators alike. The schedule includes everything from new race courses and party themes to an official Spectator Day with special prizes, and Rendezvous Diving programs. Racers will compete to win the Grand Prize 7-day Moorings BVI Sailing charter and vie for the title of the 30<sup>th</sup> Interline Regatta champion!</span><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/regatta/interline/2010-Moorings-Interline-Regatta-Sailing-Event_Sailboat-Race-Image.jpg" alt="The Moorings Interline Regatta - Sailing Race &amp; Event" border="0" style="float: right;" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Race &amp; Party Itinerary</span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The regatta will feature five races and nightly theme parties in the best BVI haunts, including Norman Island, Peter Island, Soper’s Hole, Marina Cay, Leverick  Bay, and North Sound. The all-new Race ‘round Virgin Gorda is highly anticipated.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Interline is widely recognized for its costume parties, and 2011 will certainly impress with beachside shindigs at locally sponsored venues, including Pirates Bight Bar &amp; Restaurant, Oceans 7 Beach Club, The Moorings Mariner Inn, The Jolly Roger, Pusser’s Restaurant (Marina Cay), and Saba Rock Island Resort. In addition, The Moorings is pleased to partner with SOL Petroleum, who is sponsoring the regatta’s race committee yachts and dinghy management team. The official photographer, Yacht Shots, will be offering special photography packages and sponsoring the “Best Spectator Boat” photo competition, which is open to the regatta’s official spectator boats. </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">NEW Spectator Day</span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Interline Regatta also welcomes new activities specifically for the event’s official Spectator participants. The Spectator Day event and dinner will be hosted in conjunction with Leverick Bay Resort &amp; Marina. </span>Cheryl <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Powell, COO of The Moorings, commented, “Interline is about everyone having the time of their life! These Spectators have traveled to cheer on their favorite airline, and we felt it was time to organized a day specifically for them. This year, the Lay Day will become a Spectator Day where racers become spectators and spectators compete in fun events like the blind-folded kayak race, frozen t-shirt contest, treasure hunt, limbo and more.”</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">NEW Rendezvous Dives</span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Also new for 2011, The Moorings has partnered with Sail Caribbean Divers to organize a Rendezvous Dive at the Wreck of the RMS Rhone, a Discover Scuba Dive for non-certified divers, and la carte dives throughout the regatta. </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Join The Interline Regatta – The Fleet</span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">As part of The Moorings 2011 fleet investment, over 35 new Beneteau-built yachts have entered the fleet across all three regatta classes, assuring exciting competition for all. Each Moorings yacht is custom designed for easy handling and maximum performance – ready to sail when the crew arrives.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Barb Daetwyler, Interline Regatta Sales Specialist, noted, “We currently have over 50 yachts racing in the 30<sup>th</sup> Interline Regatta, plus Spectator yachts filled with fans coming to cheer on their favorite airline.” Racing yachts across all three classes, as well as Spectator monohulls and catamarans, are still available, but availability is limited. Daetwyler continued, “The count-down is on as everyone finalizes their crews and travel arrangements. Class A features the all-new <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/charter-fleet/moorings-50-5?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULB">Moorings 50.5</a></span>, but we’ve sold out! To continue enrolling Class A racers, we’ve added the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/charter-fleet/moorings-515?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULB">Moorings 51.5</a></span>, which will be rated accordingly and handicapped for competition. Class B features the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/charter-fleet/moorings-433?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULB">Moorings 43.3</a></span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/charter-fleet/moorings-434?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULB">Moorings 43.4</a></span>, and Class C features the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/charter-fleet/moorings-413?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULB">Moorings 41.3</a></span>.” </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Call 1-800-633-7348 (1-727-535-1446 outside US &amp; Canada) or e-mail <span style="color: #00529c;"><a href="mailto:interlineregatta@mooringsnet.com">interlineregatta@mooringsnet.com</a> </span>today to check availability of your preferred yacht, and learn more about the Race and Spectator Packages that are available.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">For details and to download the itinerary, visit <span style="color: red;"><a href="/vacation-options/regattas/moorings-interline-regatta?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULB">www.themooringsinterlineregatta.com</a></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; color: red;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">###</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; color: red;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Moorings</span></span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">, 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 <a href="http://www.tuitravelplc.com/?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULB">TUI Travel, PLC</a>, one of the largest and most successful travel and tourism companies in the world. Trust in TUI: Your vacation is in safe hands.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></p><p><strong>PRESS RELEASE</strong> <br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  <br /><br />Media Contact: <br />Carol Hansen, Marketing Manager <br />727-437-5112 <br /><a href="mailto:chansen@mooringsnet.com">chansen@mooringsnet.com </a></p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00:00 </pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Moorings Sponsors Regional Events of The Leukemia Cup Regatta 2011 Series]]></title><link>http://www.moorings.com/news/moorings-sponsors-regional-events-leukemia-cup-regatta-2011-series</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Clearwater, FL – (July 15, 2011) – <a title="The Moorings Sailing Vacataions &amp; Yacht Charters - Home Page" href="http://www.moorings.com/?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULA">The Moorings</a>, world’s premier yacht charter company, will support regional events of The Leukemia &amp; Lymphoma Society’s Leukemia Cup Regatta. By donating <a title="The Moorings Sailing Vacataions &amp; Yacht Charters - Bareboat Yacht Charters and Sailing Vacations" href="http://www.moorings.com/vacation-options/bareboat-yacht-charter?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULA">bareboat sailing charters</a>, The Moorings will assist four local chapters in fund-raising for lifesaving cancer research and patient services. In addition, The Moorings is hosting a national drawing to award one British Virgin Islands sailing charter to an individual raising $500 or more for the Leukemia Cup Regatta Series.<br /><br />Specifically, The Moorings four charters will be featured auction items at regional Leukemia Cup Regatta events, including the event recently held at the Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis, MD (June 11, 2011), as well as those held together with the Cleveland Yacht Club, Rock River, OH (July 21-24, 2011); Columbia Yacht Club, Chicago, IL (August 26-27, 2011); and San Francisco Yacht Club, Belvedere, CA (October 1-2, 2011). “The Moorings is proud to sponsor these Leukemia Cup Regatta events, and support their efforts to raise funds and bring awareness to such life-changing illnesses,” said Cheryl Powell, Chief Operating Officer, The Moorings. Winning bidders will enjoy 7-days/6-nights of sailing the <a title="Bareboat Yacht Charter &amp; Sailng Vacation Rental Yachts - British Virgin Islands" href="http://www.moorings.com/vacation-options/bareboat-yacht-charter/destinations/caribbean/british-virgin-islands/tortola?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULA">British Virgin Islands</a> aboard a Moorings 39’ to 40’ monohull, which offers a spacious 3-cabin/2-head accommodation plan.<br />&nbsp;<br />On a national level, during Gary Jobson’s Fantasy Sail event held on October 15, 2011, The Moorings will host a drawing from all 2011 Leukemia Cup Regatta fund raisers, with participants receiving one entry for each $500 raised. The winner will win a week-long Moorings Bareboat Sailing charter in the British Virgin Islands aboard a 39’ to 40’ monohull. The Fantasy Sail event with Gary Jobson is held in conjunction with the October 14-15, 2011 Fantasy Sail Weekend with Gary Jobson in New York Harbor.<br /><br />Liza Munson, Vice President, Priority Campaigns, The Leukemia &amp; Lymphoma Society, remarked, "We’re very honored to have the support of The Moorings in The Leukemia &amp; Lymphoma Society's mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Thanks to the support of the sailing community and companies like The Moorings, survival rates have improved in the past 30 years, but much more remains to be done for the patients and their families who are on the front lines of the battle against blood cancers."<br /><br />###<br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.tuitravelplc.com/?cid=EMC-PR-BB-JULA" target="_blank">TUI Travel, PLC</a>, one of the largest and most successful travel and tourism companies in the world. Trust in TUI: Your vacation is in safe hands. <br /><br /><br />The Leukemia &amp; 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.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 </pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Host with the MOST - Boating New Zealand, July 2011]]></title><link>http://www.moorings.com/news/host-most-boating-new-zealand-july-2011</link><description><![CDATA[<p>The weather might not have played ball but the Leopard M47 was still a perfect host when <strong>Sam Stewart</strong> checked out The Moorings’ new powercat. Photos Sam Stewart</p><p>The Bay of Islands looked like a seriously nice mansion - the morning after a wild party. Water was pouring from a hole in the<br />roof, the normally tranquil blue carpet had been churned up and stained a horrible grey and the 20-knot easterly<br />which gatecrashed in the wee hours was still haphazardly stumbling around, yet to sleep.</p><p>This was not a good day for boating. But we would quickly learn you don’t necessarily need blue skies and rainbows when the Leopard M47 Powercat is your host. Nine of us stepped off the dock, out of the rain, and disappeared into the 14.42m multihull, a charter version of the Leopard 47.</p><h5>At a glance:</h5><p>➤ loa x beam 14.42m x 7.57m ➤ engines power twin 225hp Volvo D4 diesels ➤  cruising speed 12 knots ➤ maximum speed 17.5 knots</p><p>The first thing you notice is the cat’s volume and its ability to seemingly swallow passengers within its three levels amidst a range of entertaining areas. The boat is a platform made for socialising, and this particular one is heading to Tonga to perform its duty as part of the Moorings<br />charter fleet.</p><p><strong>View from the top</strong><br />A pair of 225hp Volvo D4 diesels fired up and with a couple of helping hands on the dock, we were away. We exited the boat’s temporary berth at Opua without any sort of song and dance.</p><p>From the flybridge’s central helm station you can see the tip of each hull’s bow out one side, the two sterns out the other and – on this trip – the seedylooking black sky above. The dashboard has plenty of space for electronics and this boat<br />features a Raymarine C80 GPS unit. Both throttles and wheel fall nicely to hand, whether standing up or sitting on the double bench seat.</p><p>The flybridge itself is open and spacious with an L-shaped couch forward and plenty of standing room aft. We had eight people in it, with four<br />separate conversations happily taking place. Zip-off clears took the bite out<br />of the rainy old day.</p><p>We headed out of Opua and chugged north, then hooked a right at Russell to take on the slop. A nice wee rolling swell had been forming for about a day, so we punched our way through that, determined to find a sheltered anchorage for lunch.</p><p>But finding one on a stormy day like this was going to be about as easy as finding a cat that likes going to windward. The typical jerky motion a multihull exhibits when faced with a head sea was apparent, but the M47’s ample waterline length did go some way to reducing its erratic pitching movement.</p><p>One thing’s for sure, the South African import feels solid. The Morrelli and Melvin-designed Leopard, built at Cape Town’s Robertson and Caine, has been in production since 1996 and there are nearly 1000 boats on the water.</p><p>“One of the biggest things about this boat is they’re designed by guys who design ocean-going cats,” says The Mooring’s yacht sales manager, Brendan Brits. “Its first voyage will be a blue water one leaving Cape Town. “</p><p>Wellington sailors are slightly unhinged in that, when it blows 30 knots, they start to get excited. This is built in South Africa where that’s the norm.”</p><p>The M47 is largely based on the Moorings sailing cats. From the waterline up, about the only difference is the absence of a stick and some sail cloth. Below the waterline, the M47 has done away with long stub keels running amidships like those found on the sailing cats in favour of small skeg keels protecting the props and rudders. The clean runs aft help the powercat get out of the hole and although you can’t beach it, the relatively minimal 0.95m draft means you can still get pretty close to shore.</p><p><strong>Time out</strong></p><p>Holed up in Otehei Bay on the southwestern  side of Urupukapuka Island (just east of Russell), the cat really came  into its own. The cockpit has enough room to seat 12 people, six of them  comfortably around the table, the ideal place to escape the sun (or  rain) and solve the world’s problems under one fixed roof. An elaborate lunch was under construction in the galley and we couldhappily chat with the chefs charged with making it. Having the kitchen incorporated into the saloon means no-one is banished to one of the hulls come meal time and the chef can enjoy a sundowner with the best of them while getting dinner started. Two people can comfortably work in the galley, which features a gas oven and three-burner hob, ample bench space and plenty of stowage. Space in the saloon isn’t affected dramatically by the galley, with a large table and U-shaped seating for eight still dominating the main deck. The navstation sits to starboard.</p><p><strong>Play time</strong><br />Even 30 minutes after the salubrious spread had been demolished no-one was volunteering to drop the aft swim platform – which doubles as a three-person transom seat – and get in the water.</p><p>Instead, it was a trip to the bow for a different perspective of the boat. The large louvres spanning the width of the saloon’s windows are near-impossible to miss. From an aesthetics point of view, the grandstand-style seating is debatable, but as another area to soak up the sun, it’s a great use of otherwise unused space. Interior light isn’t compromised terribly and they are probably welcome sunscreens in tropical clime like Tonga’s. A bean bag and a book on the large foredeck wouldn’t go astray on a warm summer’s day either.</p><p>Back inside, the conclusion had been drawn that despite the average weather, this was hands down better than a day in the office. We began to entertain the thought of spending a night in one of the four double cabins.</p><p>Each hull is home to two cabins, all with ample stowage. The forward cabin on the port side has an extra cavity extending into the bow, useful as extra stowage or even as a berth for a small child.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Go to www.facebook.com /boatingnz for more pictures</p><p>Engine access is under the two aft double berths so working on the donk is easy, although sleeping while underway might not be. The same space under the two forward doubles is utilised as stowage, although it can be transformed into extra freezer room. Another layout option sees just three double cabins with an owner’s lounge incorporated in the starboard hull. The floor panels in each hull lift to reveal easy access to all the seacocks and must-reach systems.</p><p>A bathroom with shower and electric head is located in each hull.</p><p>While a  night on board would’ve been nice, it wasn’t to be. Instead we ditched  the mooring and headed back into the slop, setting a course for Opua.</p><p>Both engines were pulling a nearmaximum 3600rpm to keep us sitting at  17.5 knots with the sea behind us, which was naturally far more  comfortable than punching into a head sea. Again, the waterline length  came into play aswe sliced through the backs of waves but when the sea  came around to the quarter, keeping the M47 on course took a bit more  focus.</p><p>At a cruise speed of 12 knots, the engines were sitting at  2500rpm burning a measly 20 litres each an hour. With a fuel capacity of  2000 litres, that’s a lot of cruising.</p><p>Back at Opua, friendly hands  were waiting with dock lines and parking was no harder than when we  left. In fact, it summed up the boat: incredibly easy to handle,  functional, and the more people involved, the better.</p><p>Leopard M47 Powercat<br />➤ loa 14.42m (47ft 3in) ➤ beam 7.57m (24ft 10in) ➤ draft 0.95m ➤ displacement 15,000kg ➤ construction vacuum-bonded balsa<br />core with a GRP sandwich construction and 12mm of glass ➤ fuel 1200 litres ➤ water 1210 litres ➤ accommodation eight ➤ engines<br />twin 225hp Volvo D4 diesels ➤ cruising speed 12 knots ➤ max speed 17.5 knots ➤ price from xxx ➤ designer Morrelli and Melvin<br />➤ builder Robertson and Caine ➤ enquiries The Moorings New Zealand 09 378 7900 www.southpacifi csailing.com</p><p>PROS<br />❚ Big volume<br />❚ Social layout<br />❚ Economical cruiser</p><p>OUR VERDICT<br />If you’ve got the time and the mates, there’s no question that a cat of this size is a great platform for cruising the NZ coast or holidaying further aboard. With oodles of accommodation and socialising space it wouldn’t be hard to whittle away a week or two aboard the M47. The big Leopard’s finish is on par with most mass production fibreglass boats - it’s no superyacht but then you aren’t paying for that. This is a pleasure platform, pure and simple, and it comes with the added ability of being able to cruise bluewater.</p><p>CONS<br />❚ Interior finish<br />❚ Needs a big marina berth</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a title="Host with the MOST - Mooring Power 474 article - power boat yacht charter" href="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/PDFs/News/Leopard_M47_Powercat_BNZ_July11_Edited.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/icons/pdf-icon.jpg" border="0" alt="Article PDF version | The Moorings yacht charters and sailing vacations" width="30" height="30" />Download the PDF version here</a></p>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:45:00 </pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Moorings Introduces New Moorings 393 Power Catamaran]]></title><link>http://www.moorings.com/news/moorings-introduces-new-moorings-393-power-catamaran</link><description><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS/Fleet/Power/393PC_3cab_Cat/L39P_Rendering_20.jpg" border="0" alt="Moorings 393 Power Catamaran - 3d Rendering" title="Moorings 393 Power Catamaran - 3d Rendering" width="300" height="188" style="float: right; padding: 4px;" />PRESS RELEASE<br /><strong>The Moorings Introduces New Moorings 393 Power Catamaran </strong><br /><br />Clearwater, FL (June 13, 2011) – <a href="http://www.moorings.com/vacation-options/powerboat-charter?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNB">The Moorings Power Yacht Vacations</a> is pleased to introduce the newest yacht in their power charter fleet — the 3-cabin/2-head <a href="http://www.moorings.com/charter-fleet/moorings-393-pc?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNB">Moorings 393 Powercat</a>. This new power catamaran joins the fleet as part of a recent $65 million investment towards the purchase of more than 140 new power and sailing yachts for The Moorings’ 2011-2012 charter season.<br /><br />Representing the highest standards in semi-custom charter yachts, all of The Moorings new power yachts are built exclusively through one of the world’s leading catamaran builders, Robertson &amp; Caine.&nbsp; The new 393 PC is being delivered to the <a href="http://www.moorings.com/vacation-options/powerboat-charter/destinations/caribbean/british-virgin-islands/tortola?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNB">British Virgin Islands</a> this fall, for power vacations starting in November.<br /><br />Cheryl Powell, COO of The Moorings, remarked, “By building these Powercats exclusively for us, we can ensure that our guests receive the most innovative, comfortable and safe yachts available for charter vacations. All of our power catamarans are delivered to their assigned cruising grounds on their own bottoms, an industry first and testament to the excellent handling, comfort and safety that’s inherent to each yacht’s design.”<br /><br /><strong>New Model: Moorings 393 PC</strong><br />Designed by multihull architects Morelli &amp; Melvin and built in the Robertson &amp; Caine factory, the <a href="http://www.moorings.com/charter-fleet/moorings-393-pc?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNB">Moorings 393 PC</a> is a cutting edge design that merges the best features learned from customer expectations and many years of yacht design. This is an ideal cruising yacht boasting 3 deck levels with large functional living spaces, ease of handling, versatility and a range of design features and amenities to ensure a memorable on-board experience, including flat screen TV and DVD player, and sound system with MP3 connection.<br /><br />The Moorings 393 PC features a roomy saloon and galley plus 3 cabins and 2 heads, with a luxurious owner’s suite in the starboard hull. On the fly bridge, a centrally positioned helm station offers excellent visibility on all corners of the yacht for ease of maneuvering. Powered by two 110 hp Yanmar diesel engines, the Moorings 393 PC offers excellent fuel efficiency, with solar panels on the hard top to provide additional power supply. She features air conditioning, generator, upgraded electronics, including color chart plotter and fishing rod holders.<br /><br />For information about The Moorings Power charter vacations and fleet, visit <a href="http://www.mooringspower.com/">http://www.mooringspower.com/</a> or call <br />1-800-416-0224.<br /><br /><strong>Yacht Ownership</strong><br />The Moorings 393 PC may be purchased through The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program. Owners enjoy up to 12 weeks of use each year, access to yachts in over 30 destinations worldwide, guaranteed monthly revenue to cover their boat loan, no operating or insurance expenses, and professional maintenance at no cost. For additional details, visit <a href="http://www.mooringsyachtownership.com/">http://www.mooringsyachtownership.com/</a>. For Yacht Sales media inquiries contact slong@tuimarine.com.<br /><br /><br />– END –<br /><br />Editors Note: As the world's premier yacht charter company, The Moorings has delivered unmatched quality, service and attention to detail since 1969. Sail-it-yourself bareboat yachts, all-inclusive 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.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:00:00 </pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Moorings to be Featured in Upcoming Episode of ABC’s The Bachelorette]]></title><link>http://www.moorings.com/news/moorings-be-featured-upcoming-episode-abc%E2%80%99s-bachelorette</link><description><![CDATA[<p>PRESS RELEASE<br /><strong>The Moorings to be Featured in Upcoming Episode of ABC’s The Bachelorette</strong></p><p>Clearwater, FL (June 8, 2011) - The Moorings will be accommodating a special date in the fourth episode of <em>The Bachelorette</em>, which airs on June 13, 2011. The episode will feature an adventurous date on a Moorings yacht on the high seas in Phuket,  <a href="http://www.moorings.com/destinations/far-east/thailand?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">Thailand</a>,  amidst stunning limestone cliffs and sea caves, with the newest Bachelorette,  the energetic and vivacious Ashley Hebert, who is ready to start a new life  with a soul mate she might soon meet.<span>&nbsp; </span>Ashley will get a second chance at love, on the seventh edition of “The  Bachelorette.”</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Moorings is the world’s premier yacht charter company, managing over 600 yachts in 30 of the world’s best cruising grounds, in pristine and exotic locations such as the <a href="http://www.moorings.com/destinations/caribbean?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">Caribbean</a>, <a href="http://www.moorings.com/destinations/south-pacific?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">South Pacific</a>, <a href="http://www.moorings.com/destinations/mediterranean?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">Mediterranean</a>, <a href="http://www.moorings.com/destinations/indian-ocean?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">Indian Ocean</a>, <a href="http://www.moorings.com/destinations/north-america?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">North America</a> and <a href="http://www.moorings.com/destinations/far-east?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">The Far East</a>.<span>&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Moorings offers three enviable ways to enjoy cruising in Thailand: bareboat (captain yourself) sailing charters; luxury all-inclusive crewed yachting vacations with a professional captain and gourmet chef; and new-generation power catamaran charters.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Tahoma;">The Bachelorette </span></em><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Tahoma;">airs Mondays at 8/7 Central on ABC. For more information on <em>The Bachelorette,</em> visit <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette</a>. To learn more about The Moorings visit <a href="http://www.moorings.com/?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">www.moorings.com</a>.</span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Tahoma;">###</span></p> <p><em>ABOUT THE BACHELORETTE:</em><br />In the hit primetime romance reality series <strong><em>The Bachelorette,</em></strong> one lucky woman gets the opportunity to find the man of her dreams — and hopefully her groom-to-be — in this reality series. This single, very eligible bachelorette — a confident, successful and sensitive woman who is ready to find love — will embark on a romantic journey as she meets 25 handsome and intelligent men. As the Bachelorette gets to know each one, she'll continue to narrow the field. They will travel to exotic locations and spend time getting to know each other; she will introduce them to her family and friends and meet some of theirs. At the end of her romantic voyage, if she has found Mr. Right, will there be a proposal, from whom – and will she say yes? Hosted by Chris Harrison, <em>The Bachelorette </em>is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television.</p><p><em>ABOUT THE MOORINGS:</em><br /> As the world's premier yacht charter company, The Moorings has delivered unmatched quality, service and attention to detail since 1969. Sail-it-yourself <a href="http://www.moorings.com/vacation-options/bareboat-yacht-charter?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">bareboat yachts</a>, all-inclusive <a href="http://www.moorings.com/vacation-options/luxury-crewed-yacht-charter?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">crewed yachts</a> with captain and chef, and <a href="http://www.moorings.com/vacation-options/powerboat-charter?cid=EMC-PR-MP-JUNA">power yacht charters</a> 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.</p><h4><strong>PRESS RELEASE</strong></h4> <p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p> <p>Media Contact:<br />Carol Hansen, Marketing Manager<br />727-530-5424 ext 13512<br /> chansen@mooringsnet.com</p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed,  8 Jun 2011 08:00:00 </pubDate></item></channel></rss>

