Clearwater, FL (November 2, 2011) – The Moorings 30^th Interline Regatta (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.

 The Racing
The 30^th 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 Moorings 41.3, Moorings 43.3, Moorings 43.4, Moorings 51.5 and all-new Moorings 50.5. And the winners were…

 Class A – Moorings 41.3:
- First Place: Renita Ann, Skipper Claus Bærentsen, team SAS 2
- Second Place: Ruby Dawn, Skipper Jari Soukka, team Finnair
- Third Place: Jupiter, Skipper Burkhard Justus

 Class B – Moorings 43.3 & Moorings 43.4:
- First Place: Wild Irish Rose, Skipper Søren Blume Svendsen, team SAS 1 
- Second Place: After Life, Skipper Christer Weyde, team SAS 2
- Third Place: Princess Ivoire, Skipper Kristian Heinila, team Finnair

 Class C – Moorings 50.5 & Moorings 51.5:
- First Place: Gemini II, Skipper øivinn Brudevoll, team SAS 1
- Second Place: Bella Christina, Skipper, Aarne Helminen, team Finnair
- Third Place: Tiger Pause, Skipper Hugh Carmichael, team Abbey

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.  

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^th Interline Regatta one of our largest to date!”

For complete results in the Class Series and Team Competition, visit the 30^th Interline Regatta results.

The Parties
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 & Restaurant, Oceans 7 Beach Club, The Jolly Roger, Pusser’s Restaurant Marina Cay, and Saba Rock.

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 & 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.

2011 Sponsors
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 & Barefoot Wine), Sail Caribbean Divers, Yacht Shots BVI, The Royal BVI Yacht Club & Race Committee, Renport, Savon de Mer, SAIL Magazine, BVI Beacon and Quito & The EDGE, Wheatley Transport Co, Road Town Fast Ferry, Bamboushay Pottery, and Amara Spa.

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.

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.

2012 Event Schedule
The Moorings 31^st 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 & Canada) or e-mail interlineregatta@mooringsnet.com today to check availability of your preferred yacht, and learn more about the Race and Spectator Packages that are available.

For further details visit http://www.facebook.com/MooringsInterlineRegatta or www.themooringsinterlineregatta.com

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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.

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

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.

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.

“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."

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 www.greenvi.org.

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.

Ends

About sol
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.

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.

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 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.

For more information contact:
Deborah Benjamin
Country Manager
Sol St. Lucia Ltd (BVI Office)
Tel: 1-284-494-2107
Email: deborah.benjamin@solpetroleum.com

For information on The Moorings contact:
Carol Hansen,
Marketing Manager
The Moorings
Tel: 1-727-437-5112
Email: chansen@mooringsnet.com

Clearwater, FL (September 20, 2011) – The Moorings , 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.

At the Sailboat show, The Moorings will be showcasing the new Moorings 3900  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. 

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.  Give yourself the vacation of a lifetime in the Indian Ocean’s exotic and alluring Maldives , available from spring 2012 with by-the-cabin and full yacht options.  Or follow the wake of ancient seafarers, exploring the authentic locales of the Mediterranean from cosmopolitan Nice, France , historical Athens, Greece, or bustling Turgutreis, on Turkey’s southwest coast near the popular port town of Bodrum. Mediterranean crewed yacht charters are available from June 2012.

The following week, the brand new Moorings 393 Power Catamaran 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.

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.

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.”  Availability is very limited, so book now online at www.moorings.com  or call The Moorings’ Vacation Planning Team at 800-368-9991.

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 www.mooringsyachtownership.com  

– END –

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.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Carol Hansen, Marketing Manager

727.437.5112

chansen@mooringsnet.com

The Moorings Celebrates the 30^th Interline Regatta with New Races, Parties & Activities

Clearwater, FL (July 29, 2011) – The British Virgin Islands festive spirit will be re-ignited from October 11-20, 2011 as The Moorings 30^th Interline Regatta 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.

Racer or not, there’s something for everyone! To celebrate the Interline Regatta’s 30^th 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^th Interline Regatta champion!

Race & Party Itinerary

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.

Interline is widely recognized for its costume parties, and 2011 will certainly impress with beachside shindigs at locally sponsored venues, including Pirates Bight Bar & 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.

NEW Spectator Day

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 & Marina. Cheryl 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.”

NEW Rendezvous Dives

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.

Join The Interline Regatta – The Fleet

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.

Barb Daetwyler, Interline Regatta Sales Specialist, noted, “We currently have over 50 yachts racing in the 30^th 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 Moorings 50.5, but we’ve sold out! To continue enrolling Class A racers, we’ve added the Moorings 51.5, which will be rated accordingly and handicapped for competition. Class B features the Moorings 43.3 and Moorings 43.4, and Class C features the Moorings 41.3.”

Call 1-800-633-7348 (1-727-535-1446 outside US & Canada) or e-mail interlineregatta@mooringsnet.com today to check availability of your preferred yacht, and learn more about the Race and Spectator Packages that are available.

For details and to download the itinerary, visit www.themooringsinterlineregatta.com

###

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.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

I floated face down in water as clear as gin and, ahem, I should know. The white sandy bottom was a couple of dozen feet away, but I felt as if I could reach out and touch the sugary powder. I had the eerie feeling that there really was no water: I was supported by invisible threads in  mid-air.

The only sound was my breathing through the snorkel and, I admit it, my mind drifted wickedly. I thought of the phone calls I’d had in recent days before catching a flight to Belize for a week of bareboat chartering.

I’d talked to a good friend in Chicago, who told me the slush on the streets was eight-inches deep, that another storm was due that night, and he was worried about keeping his driveway clear. I talked to a  friend in the Northeast, who said it had gotten as high as 11-degrees that afternoon. And I talked to friends in Seattle who hadn’t seen the sun in two months.

Here’s a tip: Don’t laugh with a snorkel in your mouth.

Yes, things were far better in Belize. The air temperature was in the high 70s, the water temperature was in the mid-70s and, frankly, it was hard to tell where one started and the other stopped. Fluffy white clouds  drifted past overhead, and the sunsets were spectacular. I think Belize is the way they spell “paradise” in the Western Caribbean.

Let’s cut to the chase: Why would you charter a bareboat in Belize? Well, for one thing, because it’s what the Caribbean used to be fifty years ago. Although it shows some stirrings (a superyacht marina is being built in Placencia), it remains as untouched and laid back as when it was a Crown colony known as British Honduras.

Most important, however, is that Belize is absolutely gorgeous. You’ll be the first person to put footsteps on most of the beaches, the water is perfect, and the snorkeling is out of this world. Trade winds blow steadily most of the time, so you not only have good sailing but you have natural cooling at anchor. And, speaking of anchoring, you don’t have to race from harbor to harbor just to get a good spot. You may find yourself surprised to see another boat.

Now, for your geography lesson. Most people don’t place Belize within a thousand miles of where it really is, which is on Caribbean side of Central America, tucked under the bulge of Mexico’s Cancun Peninsula and with its southern and western sides pressed against Guatemala.  Flying time is just two hours from Miami, and Belize City is served by nonstops from a number of North American hubs.

But, in a word, the reason you’ll come to bareboat in Belize is the reef. Stretching for more than 350 miles south from the tip of Cancun and protecting the shore of Belize, the Mesoamerican Reef is the second largest barrier reef (behind Australia) in the world.

Scattered behind and around this reef are more than 400 islands and cayes. Many are deserted and look just like your mental picture of a beachcomber’s dream: A few palms, blue-green waters, a perfect sandy islet. In the waters around these islands are more than 500 species of fish, and it is like swimming in an aquarium.

Here’s the disclaimer: If your idea of fun is spending your evenings in a marina and going ashore to dine and dance, stop reading right here. If you want  cutesy pastel tourist villages with shops selling faux native crafts, well, you’re out of luck.

What you will find in Belize, however, is serenity. The serenity that comes from having an anchorage all to yourself. Of swimming from a pristine beach and snorkeling above a huge reef of living coral. Of your kids touching a starfish for the first time and giggling helplessly. Or of just sprawling in the cockpit with a trashy novel, a little Diana Krall gentle in the background, and something rummy and cold in the foreground.

There are three major bareboat charter companies in Belize: The Moorings and its sister company, Sunsail, both of which are based in Placencia; and Tortola Marine Management in San Pedro. All offer a range of monohulls and catamarans in sizes to fit your planned crew. For our adventure, we went through The Moorings and reserved a Moorings 4000, a 39-foot catamaran with three staterooms and two heads that was perfect for
two couples and some kids.

We chose the catamaran not just because it gave us great privacy with the cabins in each corner of the two hulls, and not just because we liked the spacious deck areas, and not just for the springy trampoline at the bow on which we lay to watch the stars at night. We chose it because, by and large, the Belizean waters inside the reef are fairly shallow. With just a three-foot draft, we wouldn’t have to watch the chart as closely as we would with the six-foot or more draft of a monohull. And, because we could navigate thin water, we were able to get close to the beaches and into quiet anchorages.

Sailing the waters of Belize doesn’t require the skills necessary for a voyage through, say, the swirling waters and rocks of the Scottish Hebrides; but, on the other hand, you need to pay attention. Most of the charter boats have chartplotters and GPS, all have paper charts and cruising guides, but your primary navigation tools are your eyes. Take polarized sunglasses so you can read the changing colors of the water: Deep water is blue; skinny water is increasingly pale or turquoise.

One interesting option for bareboating in Belize: Choose a one-way charter. This costs extra, but it allows you to mosey through the islands without having to double back.

If you’re a qualified scuba diver, you can arrange to rendezvous with one of the many dive shops in Belize that will provide you with tanks and gear, as well as guides to the best diving sites.

I won’t bore you with the minute-by-minute details of our charter, because Belize offers a diversity of possible charter itineraries. Unlike the British Virgin Islands, where most charterers depart Tortola and then make a counter-clockwise circuit of the islands, you can cruise Belize several times and never follow the same path. So here are some tasty destinations for you to consider:

Wippari Cay—Mooring buoys are usually available and, since this is a just 14 nautical miles from Placencia, a good place for your last (or first) night. The Sea Urchin Bar has great seafood, and there is impressive bonefishing nearby.

South Water Cay—About 22 nautical miles from Wippari, this is your introduction to fabulous snorkeling, with a menagerie of brightly colored tropical fish and even the occasional ray. Part of Belize’s World Heritage Site, this 15-acre coral island is dotted with coco palms and mangrove islets. Several mooring buoys are available with good protection from the prevailing easterlies. Ashore, there are some restaurants (freshly
caught lobster, yum!), bars and a dive shop. With so much wildlife, it’s no surprise there are two scientific research facilities (one from Smithsonian) on the island.

Cocoa Plum Cay—Several mooring buoys and a dinghy dock with water lead to a resort and restaurant ashore. Nature paths wander around the caye, where you’ll see coatimundi, Belizean raccoons and sea iguanas.

Lagoon Caye—Really two cayes separated by a deepwater channel, there are moorings, a ring of shallow coral for snorkeling and a chance to kayak in the lagoon.

Queen Cays—Three pristine islets with beautiful reefs for snorkeling and moorings off the southern caye offer good shelter. This is where huge whale sharks come after the full moon between April and June and, though harmless, they could be heartstopping if you weren’t expecting them.

Caye Caulker—With a charming village, this caye is a popular international destination in a relaxed and barefoot style. Don’t miss Glenda’s for freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

Tobacco Caye—More good snorkeling and great for dinghy exploration. The perfect desert island of sand and palms.

Laughing Bird Cay—Named for the laughing gulls, there is a coral restoration project here, and you may meet the “coral gardener” responsible for nursing the growing reef.

One bit of advice: Almost every bareboat charter crew returns wishing they’d left a few days to explore Belize after their charter trip. Save a few days at the end, and you’ll be well rewarded.

The Mayan civilization dates back to 2500 BC, and their sophistication and knowledge is well documented. The Mayans were building great  pyramids at a time when much of Europe was still living in mud cottages. Belize has an abundance of Mayan ruins, but the best is Tikal, just across the Guatemalan border, with excursions readily available.

Then there is the Great Blue Hole, one of the most unique geological features on Earth, and one that astronauts can clearly see from space. A circular limestone sinkhole outside the reef, it provides unbelievable wall diving for novices and experts alike. Jacques Cousteau named it one of the 10 best dive sites in the world. Novices can marvel at the sheer walls covered with elkhorn coral, and experienced divers can venture down into a forest of stalactites protruding upward in a cave formed during the Ice Age more than 15,000 years ago.

You also might enjoy a boat excursion up the Monkey River near Placencia to see the wildlife, or a visit to a jaguar preserve.

A laid-back paradise where time seems to have stopped back in colonial days, Belize offers superb sailing in protected waters, world-class snorkeling and diving, and a pristine beauty that can’t be described.

En route to our charter base, our taxi driver summed up Belize best when he turned around, grinned and said, “Welcome to the most peaceful and beautiful place in the world.”

Belize Charter Tips
Getting there: Gateway cities to Belize are Miami, Houston and Dallas via American, Continental and TACA airlines. Once in Belize, Tropic Air is your commuter airline to the charter base, and it’s a good idea to book this flight through your charter company.

Currency: Two Belize dollars are worth about one U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are generally accepted, with change given in Belizean dollars. Visa (best) and Mastercard (next best) are accepted at hotels and restaurants on the mainland, but supermarkets and services in the islands require cash. ATMs are non-existent.

Language: English is the official language and widely spoken, along with Spanish.

Immigration: Passports but not visas are required for U.S. and Canadian citizens. You must have either a return or ongoing ticket. A departure tax of about US$40 is charged per person.

Climate: Dry season is January to April; rainy season is July to October. What to take: Two swimsuits (so one can dry), walking shoes, sandals or reef runners for exploring, hat or cap, polarized sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

Provisioning: Once you’re away from the charter base, there isn’t much available, so plan to take all your food and plenty of water with you. Each of the charter bases has grocery stores within taxi distance, or you can have the charter companies provision the yacht for you.

Additional fees: Park fees of US$10 per person per day are charged at marine reserves in the cruising grounds. A departure tax of about US$40 is charged per person. Fishing licenses of US$25 per week are required if you plan to fish, with large fines and prison terms for violations.

Communications: Cell phone service, particularly with Sprint or Verizon, is good, but check with your carrier to make sure you have international roaming. — C.C.

Clearwater, FL (March 9, 2011) – The Moorings is pleased to introduce the newest yacht in their bareboat sailing charter fleet --- the 3-cabin/2-head Moorings 3900. This new catamaran joins the fleet as part of a recent $65 million investment towards the purchase of more than 140 new yachts for the 2010-2011 charter season, including 7 current models and the recently introduced Moorings 50.5 monohull.

Moorings 3900

Over 140 New Yachts

Representing the highest standards in semi-custom charter yachts, all yachts are built exclusively for The Moorings through partnerships with two of the world’s leading builders, Robertson & Caine and Beneteau.  The new yachts are being delivered to 12 of The Moorings charter destinations, including the British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, St. Lucia, St. Martin, Grenada, Belize, Mexico, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Tahiti and Thailand.

Cheryl Powell, COO of The Moorings, remarked, “By working solely with these industry partners, we can ensure that our guests receive the most innovative, comfortable and safe yachts available for charter vacations. All of the catamarans and a majority of the monohulls are delivered to their assigned cruising grounds on their own bottoms. This is an industry first and true testament to the excellent handling, comfort and safety that’s inherent to each yacht’s design.”

New Model: Moorings 3900

A luxurious new catamaran model designed by multihull architects Morelli & Melvin and built in the Robertson & Caine factory, the Moorings 3900 was based upon the award-winning hull design, interior accommodation plan and helm station of their private model Leopard 38, named Cruising World’s Boat of the Year 2010 and Best Boat 2010 by SAIL. With a generous sail plan and hull design, the 3900 offers high performance yet is highly practical and easy-to-use.

The Moorings 3900 features a raised helm station, which offers 360-degree visibility beneath a hardtop bimini, while a separate extended hardtop with hatch ventilation shades the spacious cockpit. Solar panels installed on the cockpit hardtop charge the onboard batteries.  She is equipped with a full suite of Raymarine navigational electronics, cockpit-led sail controls, anchoring system with electric windlass, convenient dinghy davit with electric winch, and generator. Inside, comfort remains a priority with a galley-up design and air-conditioning throughout the saloon and roomy 3-cabin/2-head accommodation plan. Fully equipped, the ergonomic galley layout features heat-resistant Corian countertops, standard stainless steel stove with oven and broiler, deep sink with mixer tap, large refrigerator-freezer system and ample counter and cabinet space.

Powell continued, “The Moorings 3900 is a uniquely designed yacht and welcome addition to our fleet with luxurious amenities.” The entire starboard hull is dedicated to a private, well-appointed charter suite with queen-size berth, study area, hanging storage, en-suite bath with electric head and enclosed shower compartment. Two large double cabins with a shared bath fill the port hull, and the saloon converts into a single berth.” There’s generous headroom throughout and substantial storage capacity provided by under-bunk lockers.

The Moorings 3900 will first be available at The Moorings charter bases in Greece beginning June 2011; then the British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, St. Lucia, and Mexico in late 2011.

Moorings 50.5

The Moorings newest monohull, the Moorings 50.5 is now available for charter vacations at The Moorings bases in the British Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, St. Martin and Grenada. Additionally, the 50.5 will be available June 2011 at The Moorings Greek bases in Athens, Kos and Lefkas.

This Beneteau-built yacht is equipped with the latest marine technology, including a full suite of Raymarine electronics, bow thruster, electric winches, dual helm, aft-lead sail controls, furling genoa, full bimini with dodger and a wholly-integrated mainsail arch with traveler. Her interior amenities ensure comfort for all aboard in four staterooms with en-suite electric heads, a forepeak cabin with head, air-conditioning, generator, flat screen TV/DVD player and fully outfitted galley.

For information about The Moorings charter vacations and fleet, visit www.moorings.com or call 1-800-535-7289.

Yacht Ownership

The Moorings 3900 and Moorings 50.5 yachts 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 www.mooringsyachtownership.com.

– END –

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. For Yacht Sales media inquiries contact slong@tuimarine.com.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Josie Tucci, Marketing Director North America
727 451 7755
Jtucci@tuimarine.com

The Moorings Sponsors Expedition Biosphere Fakarava in Tahiti

Clearwater, FL (October 6, 2010) - The Moorings, the world’s premier yacht charter company, is pleased to sponsor Expedition Biosphere Fakarava, a marine mammal research and conservation initiative. This research mission focuses on studying whales and dolphins in a vast region of the South Pacific, French Polynesia’s Tuamotu and Gambier Islands, with special emphasis at Fakarava, Raraka, Aratika, Toau, Kauehi.  These coral atolls near Tahiti have been designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

Dr. Michael Poole, expedition leader, commented, “This area may harbor a distinct humpback whale population, as well as several dolphin species that remain poorly understood, and could be a crucial component for the conservation and management of marine mammals throughout the South Pacific.” Noting their research findings to date in the Gambier Islands, Dr. Poole added, “…all of our data here are research firsts. No one has ever before photographically identified humpbacks at these islands; no one has recorded whale song here; no one has obtained DNA from whales here. So, this is all very good and very important for understanding this endangered species within French Polynesia and across the entire South Pacific, which in turn allows appropriate conservation measures to be taken on their behalf.”

The Moorings is dedicated to leading the industry in sustainable tourism and providing vacations that offer unique cultural experiences, produce economic benefits for local communities and have a minimal impact on the environment. Cheryl Powell, Chief Operating Officer of The Moorings, remarked, “Preservation of our marine environments for future generations is imperative, and as a company, we’re dedicated to bringing heightened awareness globally to environmental conservation and preservation. The objectives identified by the Expedition Biosphere Fakarava researchers are a perfect complement to our efforts as well, and we’re proud to sponsor such an important project.”

The Moorings provided the research team with a Moorings 4600 4-cabin/4-head catamaran from their charter base in Raiatea, French Polynesia, which was used as a mobile operations base for investigation and reporting during a period of their research in September 2010. Throughout this time, regular field activity reports, photos and videos were provided at http://www.moorings.com/ExpeditionBiosphere, and further updates will be added as new findings are evaluated.

The research team includes Dr. Michael Poole, Dr. Marc Oremus, Renee Albertson, Pamela Carzon and Captain Alain Portal. Expedition Biosphere Fakarava has also been made possible by the Ministry of the Environment in French Polynesia, the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Dolphin & Whale Watching Expeditions (DWWE).

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The Moorings, the 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.

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Clearwater, FL (September 30, 2010) – The Moorings, the world’s premier yacht charter company, will be at the Annapolis Sailboat Show, October 7-11, 2010, in Booth #15 / Dock I to debut the all-new Moorings 50.5 monohull, showcase the Moorings 4600 flagship catamaran and promote their newest sailing destination in Grenada. Cheryl Powell, Chief Operating Officer of The Moorings, remarked, “Each year, the Annapolis Sailboat Show is a significant event as we announce our latest charter offerings to our customers and the industry. This year will be noteworthy with the debut of our most innovative monohull to date and a superb new sailing destination with the opening of our new base in Grenada.”

New Yacht: Moorings 50.5 Debuts at Annapolis Boat Show
Designed by Berret-Racoupeau and custom-built by Beneteau for The Moorings charter vacations, the Moorings 50.5 is outfitted with the latest marine technology advancements for outstanding performance and comfort. On deck, she features a full suite of Raymarine navigational electronics, all electric winches, aft-led sail controls, a dual helm station and a powerful bow thruster that makes docking a breeze. A full bimini, dodger, and wholly-integrated mainsail arch with traveler not only enhance her aesthetic appeal, but also serve as a safety feature. Combined with a generous sail plan, these features have produced a yacht that is as maneuverable and fun to sail as a 35-footer; established a new benchmark in the yacht charter industry. Fully air-conditioned, she accommodates up to 11 passengers in four staterooms with en-suite electric heads and forepeak cabin with head. A generator, inverter, flat-screen TV/DVD, radio/CD/MP3 player and fully-equipped galley enhance her modern amenities. She is outfitted with LED lights, which consume 5-times less power than standard halogen lighting, increasing their lifespan and reducing battery charges. Visit The Moorings at Booth #15 to view the new Moorings 50.5.

The Moorings 4600
Custom-designed by world-renowned naval architects, Morelli and Melvin and builders, Robertson & Caine, the Moorings 4600 flagship catamaran is a luxurious 4-cabin/4-head yacht that offers an exceptional sailing platform for up to 12 family and friends to fully enjoy the world’s best cruising destinations. On deck, sailing is comfortable and easy with 360○ views from the raised helm station with hardtop bimini, and a self-stacking mainsail, roller-furling genoa, and twin 55HP diesel engines. All sail controls are aft-led to the cockpit, and an electric windlass, full electronics package, autopilot, stereo/CD player round out her sailing features. Interior amenities are a premium with a spacious galley-up design, which accommodates a roomy U-shaped saloon, entertainment center with flat-screen TV/DVD, and fully-equipped galley. The four double staterooms feature an en-suite electric head and separate shower stall. A generator and three separate air-conditioning units are standard. Supporting The Moorings continued effort to pro¬tect our environment, solar panels have been fitted to new 4600’s, increasing battery life and reducing battery waste.

New Destination: Grenada
The Moorings newest destination opens on October 1, 2010, at the first-class Port Louis Marina in St. George’s, Grenada; offering bareboat (sail-it-yourself) charters and all-inclusive crewed yacht vacations with diverse itinerary options throughout the Southern Caribbean. The fleet will consist of 35’ to 51’ custom-built catamarans and monohulls from world-class yacht builders Robertson & Caine and Beneteau.

Yacht Ownership
The Moorings 50.5 and Moorings 4600 may be purchased through The Moorings Yacht Ownership program. Owners enjoy up to 12 weeks of use each year on their yacht or a sistership at over 30 destinations worldwide, 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 today: 1-888-952-8603 | buyayacht@moorings.com | www.mooringsyachtownership.com

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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 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. For Yacht Sales media inquiries contact slong@tuimarine.com.

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Clearwater, FL – (August 23, 2010) – The Moorings, world’s premier yacht charter company, will support regional events of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Leukemia Cup Regatta. By donating bareboat sailing charters, The Moorings will assist four local chapters in fund-raising for lifesaving cancer research and patient services.

Specifically, The Moorings four charters will be featured auction items at Leukemia Cup Regatta events held together with the Washington Sailing Marina, Alexandria, VA (September 10-11, 2010); Charleston Ocean Racing Association, Charleston, SC (October 1-2, 2010); Savannah Yacht Club, Savannah, GA (September 24-26, 2010); and San Francisco Yacht Club, Belvedere, CA (October 2-3, 2010). “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 sailing the British Virgin Islands aboard a Moorings 39’ to 40’ monohull, which offers a spacious 3-cabin/2-head accommodation plan.
 
Liza Munson, Vice President, Priority Campaigns, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, remarked, "We’re very honored to have the support of The Moorings in The Leukemia & 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."

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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.

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.

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The Moorings Announces New Charter Destination in Grenada

Clearwater, FL (July 28, 2010) – The Moorings announces the opening of their new base at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in St. George’s, Grenada for vacations beginning October 1, 2010. A year-round destination, The Moorings will offer bareboat (sail-it-yourself) charters and all-inclusive crewed yacht vacations with diverse itinerary options to explore the Eastern Caribbean. The fleet will consist of 35’ to 51’ custom-built catamarans and monohulls from world-class yacht builders Robertson & Caine and Beneteau.

Sail The Eastern Caribbean with The Moorings Grenada

Situated in the Windward Islands’ southernmost region, this Grenada base grants immediate access to the breathtaking cruising grounds of Grenada and the Grenadines. Cheryl Powell, The Moorings Chief Operating Officer, remarked, “This new base is a shining example of our dedication to scouting out the world’s best cruising grounds, shore-side surroundings and welcoming cultures for our guests’ enjoyment. Grenada reflects this perfect balance.” Around Grenada, countless islands and anchorages, sandy beaches and historic sites await. Tours of rum distilleries, spice plantations, waterfalls and national parks pose a rare treat.

The Moorings will also offer one-way charters to Grenada from our St. Lucia or Canouan bases, creating the opportunity to explore the Tobago Cays, Mayreau, Mustique, Bequia, St. Vincent and St. Lucia along the way.

Grenada is easily accessible via direct and indirect flights from the US, Canada and United Kingdom to Maurice Bishop International Airport, the closest international airport to sail the Grenadines and only five miles from Port Louis.

The Camper & Nicholsons full-service marina offers guests state-of-the-art amenities including a swimming pool, bar and restaurant, and a range of duty-free shopping. The marina also forms part of the planned Peter de Savary Port Louis development which will include hotels, restaurants, shopping and luxury villas. The marina is a few minutes ride from the centre of St George’s, the island’s capital.

James Beaver, Operations Director of Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, said, “I have no doubt that Grenada will become a favourite destination for The Moorings’ charter customers. The sailing is outstanding, the shoreside welcome is second to none, and Port Louis Marina is the ideal base from which to explore the region.”

Award-winning Fleet

The fleet will include the Moorings 4600, flagship of the catamaran fleet and luxuriously appointed yacht with air-conditioning, generator, large color chart plotter, raised helm station and 4-cabin accommodation plan with en-suite baths. This model may be chartered as a bareboat or crewed yacht. The Moorings 4700, Moorings 4300, and Moorings 4000 will be available too.

Monohulls will also be offered, including the Moorings 51.5, which boasts state-of-the-art sail systems, aft-led sail controls, dual helm stations and navigation electronics suite. On-board comfort is enhanced by a 5-cabin/5-head accommodation plan, spacious fore-and-aft galley, generator and air-conditioning. Other monohulls will include the Moorings 44.3, Moorings 403 and Moorings 352.

For information on sailing vacations in Grenada, visit www.moorings.com or call 1-800-535-7289.

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Clearwater, FL (June 11, 2010) –The Moorings, the world’s premier yacht charter company, is proud to have recently sponsored Sailability Greater Tampa Bay in a charitable mission and sailing charter to the British Virgin Islands, where the group donated much-needed mobility equipment to a local special needs school.

During a ceremony on May 19 at the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre in John’s Hole, three wheelchairs were presented; one was a custom-built, motorized wheelchair by Custom Mobility for Reyah Fonesca, one of the physically challenged students. Local dignitaries attended, including Acting Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcia Potter, who attended on behalf of Honorable Andrew Fahie, Minister of Education; and Education Officer of Special Needs, Ms. Lorna Dawson.

Reflecting on their trip, Claudia Nable, President of Sailability Greater Tampa Bay, said, "It’s about working together to make something happen. A few months ago, we organized a BVI team-building trip aboard two yachts donated to us by The Moorings and while planning, we learned of the school’s needs. With Custom Mobility’s commitment to donate the wheelchairs, all of the pieces fell into place."

Nine Sailability volunteers journeyed to the BVIs for the occasion. Dennis Denninger, who has been a volunteer for over 8 years and currently serves as Sailability Instructor/Coach and Board Member, noted, "There are times in life when you can have a direct positive impact on someone's life and The Moorings gave me the opportunity to have that impact with Reyah."

Lex Raas, CEO of The Moorings, remarked, "Originating from our relationship with Sailability near our corporate headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, we were delighted to donate the two week-long charters in recognition of their volunteers’ dedication to sharing the joys of sailing with those who otherwise do not have the physical or mental abilities to sail. An enduring cornerstone of The Moorings focuses on community involvement, and this is a continuation of our community support in the BVI, a place we’ve also called home since our founders established The Moorings in Road Town, Tortola in 1969."

This donation was also facilitated by Sailability BVI, specifically Alison Bramble, Centre Principal, and Colin Bramble, Managing Director & Chief Instructor, who helped organize the ceremony and built a growing friendship with Sailability Greater Tampa Bay. Colin and Alison noted, "Our staff and students were delighted to welcome our fellow Sailability volunteers, and look forward to future opportunities with them. We’re also grateful to The Moorings for making this possible, and for bringing more awareness to the plights and successes of all our individuals with special needs."

The Moorings:
The Moorings, the 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 world’s largest and most successful travel and tourism companies.

Sailability Greater Tampa Bay:
Not-for-profit providing affordable, accessible sailing activities and education to children and adults of all abilities to improve the quality of life for everyone. In 2009, they hosted 24 events with 15 sailboats giving over 400 people access to sailing. Visit www.sailabilitygreatertampabay.org

Sailability BVI:
The only overseas-recognized RYA site of its kind; it comes under the protective umbrella of the BVI Watersports Centre, headquartered at Manual Reef in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola.

Custom Mobility:
Specializes in custom wheelchairs to address their client’s unique seating needs.

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Van Perry, Head of Marketing, North America
727-437-5127
vperry@mooringsnet.com

Download Full Article (PDF Document - 37K)

Download Full Article (PDF Document - 39K)

Whether attendees race, cruise, practice or party, this 7-day event is sure to please all! The festivities begin Monday night with a welcome party; then the 4-day Sailing Festival commences with destination cruising and swift open-water racing from Nanny Cay down Sir Frances Drake Channel to Bitter End Yacht Club. With crews and spectators all warmed up, the BVI Spring Regatta hits full swing on Friday with a weekend of hot Caribbean racing across 17 classes. Plus, a class has been added for the BVI Windsurfing Championship, which will be hosted by and run concurrently with the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival!

Cheryl Powell, Chief Operating Officer of The Moorings, remarked, “The Moorings is pleased to have sponsored the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival for over 10 years, and be involved with this celebrated event. As Gold Sponsors, we’re providing yachts for racers to charter, plus two Moorings catamarans for the BVI Spring Regatta Committee. An exciting time for sailors and spectators, this week always produces great stories and memorable experiences that keep attendees coming back.”

The Moorings will be providing yachts from their top-notch fleet of 32’ to 54’ monohulls and 40’ to 47’ catamarans with special regatta prices ranging from $435* per day plus racing package. If racing a Moorings 51.5, charterers SAVE 10%* when booking by February 12, 2010! Review our Regatta Event details and call 888-952-8420 to reserve your yacht!

* New bookings only of 5+ days. Subject to availability. Applies to charter cost of Moorings 51.5 Club. Price based on a 4-passenger Moorings 32.2 Club, and only includes the yacht charter cost. Rates subject to change without notice.

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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, power, and crewed yacht charters with captain and chef 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.

Download Full Press Release (PDF Document - 44K)