Red Sea Brief

Red Sea Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Red Sea Resorts El Gouna and Taba Heights offering luxury yacht marinas

June 20, 2011

El Gouna and Taba Heights, two luxurious resort towns on the Red Sea, are growing to provide the perfect mooring for luxury yachts of all sizes.

Abu Tig Marina in El Gouna, open since 1999, is a prestigious anchorage for both visiting and resident yachts in the Red Sea. Due to unprecedented demand for space, the Marina has recently expanded and now provides dedicated mooring for super yachts. The new North Basin can accommodate an additional 106 vessels from 6m to 80m.

El Gouna

El Gouna

The Marina recently added El Gouna Yacht Club to its repertoire, complementing the marina services with social activities and access to private rooms reserved for members.

Exciting projects underway at Abu Tig Marina include a power boating and sailing school recognised by the Royal Yachting Academy, channel dredging to improve access from the sea and the addition of a new dry storage facility for 100 craft.

Taba Heights Marina, located on the east coast of the Sinai Peninsula, was the first official port of entry into the region. Maritime visitors now have direct access and secure moorings, making the Gulf of Aqaba a very appealing destination to sail to. The marina currently has 11,500 square metres of water area, with capacity for 50 yachts. The location of Taba Heights Marina is integral to its popularity, as it overlooks four countries – Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Day trips to Petra and the Dead Sea are available, making it the ideal base from which to explore the region, all while moored in a luxurious resort town with superb amenities.

Spread across pristine islands, unspoilt lagoons and ten kilometres of sandy beach, El Gouna is the Red Sea’s premier leisure destination. Renowned as Egypt’s most environmentally-friendly resort, El Gouna is committed to the long term sustainability of its beautiful scenery, award-winning architecture and breadth of accommodation.

Situated against a natural backdrop of untamed desert, cinnamon mountains and vibrant sea, Taba Heights claims an exceptionally picturesque location on the Sinai Peninsula. With an idyllic climate, the destination boasts an array of luxury five-star hotels, award-winning architecture and golf courses and some of the world’s best diving, making it the ideal leisure retreat year-round.

More about Taba Heights in the Red Sea:

Taba Heights is a picturesque, year-round resort ideally situated in one of the most beautiful spots on the Sinai Peninsula. The resort’s village and hotels meld smoothly into the breath-taking natural backdrop of untamed desert, cinnamon mountains, and vibrant sea.

Located in close proximity to three different countries: Israel by land, Saudi Arabia and Jordan by sea; Taba Heights is the ideal port of call, especially now for seafarers who wish to take a voyage up the Red Sea and cruise the Gulf of Aqaba

The breath taking natural setting is complemented by an offering of lavish five-star hotels. Worldwide hospitality leaders provide an unparalleled experience in relaxation and leisure. Each hotel offers an astonishing array of services and comforts set in innovative, state of the art facilities designed for those who wish simply to sit back and enjoy.

Swimming pools, massage, gourmet cuisine and awe-inspiring views are only a few of the features offered across the board at Taba Heights.

More about El Gouna marinas:

Drop anchor in El Gouna, where two marinas and a pristine harbor town offer seafarers the Red Sea’s best in service, comfort and style. Boasting multiple marinas, comprehensive services, and an aesthetically unified harbor town designed by Italian architect Alfredo Freda, El Gouna has quickly become a favorite docking place for pleasure craft traversing the Red Sea.

Abu Tig Marina:
The first purpose built yacht marina in the Red Sea, Abu Tig is in a league of its own among Red Sea marinas both for its standard of services and harbor town which houses El Gouna’s most exclusive shopping and dining. Abu Tig has been the harbor of choice for several international yacht rallies, such as the Med-Red, Vasco de Gama, and Blue Water rallies.

Abu Tig Marina Extension:
The expansion of the existing marina is already underway; a new and larger North Basin for the Abu Tig Marina which will cater to the rapidly-expanding mega yacht market by offering berthing for vessels up to 60 meters in length.

Abydos Marina:
El Gouna’s second marina has a capacity of 40 vessels and harbours El Gouna’s many diving boats. It offers dry dock and repair services, with a ship lift for vessels up to 19 meters, and it has a diesel fuel station, electricity lines, channel-6 VHF and a maintenance centre.

40m Luxury Red Sea Charter Yacht ‘Seven Spices’

May 26, 2011

Independence and private cruising in luxury, is what this sexy 40 metre Motor Yacht SEVEN SPICES offers to her discerning charter guests. Not only she boasts ultra-spacious accommodation for up to 12 guests, charter yacht Seven Spices is also fully equipped with the latest scuba diving equipment.

Charter Yacht Seven Spices available in the Red Sea - Image credit Luxury Motor Yachts Inc

With a launch scheduled for this month, M/Y Seven Spices will be the only super yacht available in the Red Sea offering unique accommodation in 6 spacious and hand-crafted luxury suites, rather then the usual 12 cabins. Her charter guests will be looked after by an international mixed gender crew of 10 professionals, providing an outstanding and top quality service.

Al Fresco dining on board of the Red Sea charter yacht Seven Spices - Image Luxury Motor Yachts Inc

Al Fresco dining on board of the Red Sea charter yacht Seven Spices - Image Luxury Motor Yachts Inc

Accommodation for 12 guests includes a 45 square metre Royal Suite with private panoramic views, lounge area with 55” SD TV, in-room breakfast bar, mini-bar, his & her workstations, walk-in wardrobe, ultra king-size double bed and a luxury double basin bathroom. The full beam Sky Suite has 40 square metres and features a private lounge and beautiful sea views. Also a mini-bar, dressing table, work station, 55” 3D TV entertainment system and a direct access to sun-deck. All of Seven Spices’ suites are individually hand crafted and feature a contemporary international design, latest in-room entertainment systems including 3D LED TVs, Blue Ray and Media Centres.

Superyacht Seven Spices for charter in the Red Sea - Image credit Luxury Motor Yachts Inc

Superyacht Seven Spices for charter in the Red Sea - Image credit Luxury Motor Yachts Inc

Motor Yacht Seven Spices provides full scuba diving equipment for 12 divers and 2 dive guides. The equipment includes NITROX compressors, BCD’s, fins, masks, wetsuits, consoles, dive computers, Nitrox Analysers, underwater torches and other useful stuff. There is also additional diving related material, such as Red Sea marine life, Dive Site Guides and Maps, Scuba Diving course material, Nitrox training videos etc.

Motor Yacht Seven Spices Sky Suite - Image credit Luxury Motor Yachts Inc

Motor Yacht Seven Spices Sky Suite - Image credit Luxury Motor Yachts Inc

For those who wish not to dive, there is choice of kite surfing, wind surfing, water skiing, under water video photography, as well as other activities. Al fresco dining for 16 on the sky deck with Jacuzzi, sky bar and sun loungers offer another great way to unwind and relax.

Dining on board of M/Y Seven Spices - Image by Luxury Motor Yachts Inc

Dining on board of M/Y Seven Spices - Image by Luxury Motor Yachts Inc

Seven Spices Yacht offers a perfect RED SEA charter holiday experience. From the Scuba Diving Safari with best dive sites for certified divers, Snorkel & Diving Cruises for mixed group of divers and non divers and those wanting to learn to dive, to Family Cruising with a wide variety of family activities. Other then these, there is also a possibility to do a Water Sports Cruise with destinations suitable for water sports, Corporate Cruising specially designed for Corporate entertaining as well as Private Cruising with private and secluded destinations. Of course there is a wide range of possibilities. Seven Spices and her crew will do their best to satisfy all of their guests’ dreams and requirements.

Yacht Seven Spices Private Dining in the Sky Suite - Image credit LuxuryMotorYachts

Yacht Seven Spices Private Dining in the Sky Suite - Image credit LuxuryMotorYachts

Hurghada superyacht Marina, Egypt to be managed by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas

October 21, 2010

Hurghada Marina, Egypt has a new Harbour Manager and signed a ten year operations contract with Camper & Nicholsons Marinas

Hurghada Marina to be managed by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas

Hurghada Marina to be managed by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas is delighted to extend its marina portfolio to include Hurghada Marina in Egypt and to announce the employment of William Bowman as the marina’s new Harbour Manager. This latest signing means C&N now has a presence in the Red Sea to add to current locations in Malta, Italy, Turkey, Grenada, and Cyprus and St Kitts (under construction).

For Hurghada Marina, this association means being encompassed by the renowned Camper & Nicholsons Marinas brand and its strong reputation in the marketplace. With C&N’s history dating back to 1782, Hurghada will benefit greatly from the knowledge, experience and expertise of the oldest name in yachting. A key aspect of the operations contract will be to ensure the service and facility levels meet the very high standards expected from C&N customers around the world.

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas now operating Hurghada Marina

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas now operating Hurghada Marina

William Bowman joins C&N Marinas with over 15 years project management experience in the marina industry. As Harbour Manager, Bowman will manage the enhancement works to be carried out imminently to align Hurghada Marina to C&N’s exacting standards. This includes construction and fitting-out of new washrooms, laundry and Capitainerie with relaxation areas.

Hurghada Marina, with 200 berths capable of taking vessels and superyachts from 10m to 80m LOA, is situated inside Hurghada City on the western coast of the Red Sea near the entrance to the Gulf of Suez. Since opening, the marina has had a large impact on the city with its chic, waterfront bars and restaurants and retail offering; providing visitors with a fantastic, relaxing atmosphere for year round alfresco dining and shopping. In total, the development covers some 120,000m2 and including 100 established retail outlets.

Hurghada City has been a thriving maritime port for generations and offers plenty of variety and sophistication. Only at Hurghada Marina can you enjoy the contemporary Red Sea yachting scene, from the vibrant environment of an authentic Egyptian city port.

Hurghada Marina is owned by an experienced group of Egyptian businessmen with 5 star hotel interests in the Red Sea. General Manager of the holding company, Mr Namazi Mekkawi, said „We are very pleased to be working with Camper & Nicholsons Marinas. We understand the importance of a successful partnership with a marina operator with a brand and reputation such as theirs. C&N Marinas has a total dedication to maintaining superior standards and service levels. While they work with the utmost professionalism and understanding of the international yachting market, it is clear that they are sensitive to local cultures and traditions. We look forward to seeing the difference in our marina and the benefits to our customers.‟

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas is excited about the new 200 berth superyacht marina on the Red Sea, increasing berthing destinations available to yachts of all sizes. Operations Director, James Beaver, regards Hurghada as a strong complement to the company’s network. “We are familiar with yacht owners demanding the highest service standards in the marinas they visit” he said. “What we are now seeing is that marina owners and investors are also seeking similarly high levels of professionalism in marina management. We are delighted to be working with Hurghada Marinas shareholders to satisfy the demands of both investors and customers.”

Luxury CNB sailing yacht SPIIP to charter in Egypt and the Red Sea

March 09, 2010

  

Sailing yacht SPIIP is a CNB 86, designed by the naval architect Philippe Briand. This luxury super yacht measuring 26,21m (86′) exudes performance, luxury and opulence and will be in Egypt (Hurgadha) from January to April 2010.

The archipelago around the Hurghada area has some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. This unique charter destination is totally isolated with the exception of a few dive boats and fisherman. Amongst the atolls you have the feeling  of being anchored in the middle of the sea and yet you are totally protected. All though the area is renowned for being windy at times, due to the numerous reefs you are able to sail in sheltered waters.
Please see below for a sample itinerary in this amazing untouched destination.

Day 1 – You are welcomed aboard sailing yacht SPIIP at El Gouna. After a welcome drink,  explore local markets at Hurghada and sample the refreshing sugar cane juice – or explore the El Gouna resort area and treat yourself to a health spa or game of golf in the middle of the desert.

Day 2 – Set sail for Shab el Erg about 2 hours away. Shab el Erg is an atoll with great anchoring inside and crystal clear water. There is an idyllic pinnacle which you can snorkel with lots of lion fish and sometimes dolphins.

Day 3 – Set sail to Bluff point (3 hr sail). This spectacular anchorage has a beautiful  beach and a fantastic wall dive or snorkel, abundant with fish, turtles and a resident napoleon fish.

Day 4 – Shab umm Usk (1 hr sail ) is another atoll that you can enter with a variety of snorkels depending on the wind. It is however best known for its group of resident dolphins that often come for a play. For dinner it is possible to select a fresh fish or lobster from the local fisherman. 
 
Day 5 – For those who like water sports, Endeavour Island is your spot  which is a 1 hr  sail away. This very protected anchorage is great for water sports and some beach combing.

Day 6 and 7 – Depending on the weather it is possible to visit the national park of the Giftun Islands ( 3 hrs ) or Shab Ali (2 hrs ) in the straits of Gubal. If the weather is too windy which happens sometimes we can organise a trip to Luxor to see the Karnak temple and the valley of the Kings and Queens. If you wish to dive some of the numerous wreck dives it is no problem to rendezvous with a dive boat. It is also possible to incorporate the week with a PADI diving course, organised with a Swedish diving company called Colona dive situated at the marina of El Gouna.
 

The sleek and speedy exterior of the beautiful sailing yacht SPIIP is matched by her sumptuous interior which offers a light and airy design with splashes of bright fresh colour.  Charter sailing yacht SPIIP can accommodate 6 guests in 3 cabins with ensuite bathrooms including a huge master cabin located aft, a double and a convertible cabin that can either have a double bed or two twin bed configuration.

In April the yacht will relocate to the Western Mediterranean. Contact the team at CharterWorld to check availability and location details for the luxury sailing yacht SPIIP.