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Yachts in St Tropez; July 9-22.

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by Raph, May 15, 2008.

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  1. Raph, May 15, 2008
    #1
    Raph

    Raph New Member

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    Hi Guys & Gals,

    I'm fresh on this forum. So I still need to read a lot !!! Being a yacht enthusioastic as all of you here ! But probably with a lot less experience...

    Anyway, now I'm wondering, since I'm going to be in Saint-Tropez from July 9-22. Which yachts can I expect to be there that period ?

    and......

    What are my chances on getting aboard one ? I ask this for several reasons....

    - Just to visit and view, admire in all discretion
    - or, to take pictures on it (I'm starting a clothing brand which should have a nautical image, and would love the pics for my site)
    - and/or to have a little trip in that St-tropez beach or bay-area ...? preferably with my wife and 8-year old daughter, who are both yachting-addicts as well ?
    - getting a tour on one of the vessels presnet there at that time

    P.S. If you wonder, we won't embarras the owner/charterer or captain. We are alike: Stylish enough to board and socialize, discrete enough to see and hear nothing, passionate about boats, enjoying mediterranean lifestyle,

    We just are temporarily in lack of the budget... ;-)

    Any tips on how I can get one of the previous ?

    We've already been on a 26 or 36 meter classic one (can't remember the name, will post it later) of the father of one of my best friends. unfortunately, we didn't have the change to 'sail' aboard on it....

    Boarded several classic sailing yachts at several Nioulargo's.....

    Any tip from anyone in this beautifull yachting world is greatly appreciated !

    Aren't we all passionate about water and boats ??

    Please advise urgently as time is running out !

    Nautical regards
    Raphaël from Belgium
  2. AMG, May 15, 2008
    #2
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    Hi Raphael,

    Why do you like to come onboard a yacht in St Tropez? It is just boring sitting on deck with a silly drink....

    Or not! :D But anyway, this is the time when yachts are used and with small chances for a guided tour. But perhaps if you are at the right Pampelonne restaurant at the right time and happens to meet an owner of a yacht anchored outside, you might be lucky enough to get invited..! ;)

    http://www.villalabegude.com/fileadmin/bilder/VLB/Location_Pampelonne_ViewEscalet_BIG.jpg
  3. Raph, May 15, 2008
    #3
    Raph

    Raph New Member

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    it's not silly, it's fun. Especially with 'the right' drink. ;-) ...

    Anyway, we already met a lot of yacht-owners at the pampelonne beach/restaurants (Nioulargue)

    But hey, I'm expanding horizons and want to visit/be/know a larger yacht !
    Can't blame me for that, do you ?

    Don't want to suck up to someone who chartered one, just to show-off. Want to see/meet the real amateur who loves it for what it is: yachting !

    Being it a 20/25 footer motor/sail, or a 200-footer.... or a Riva, or a classic sailing yacht, or a mega-yacht.....

    ;-) It's the spirit and lifestyle that counts !!!
  4. GrahamF, May 17, 2008
    #4
    GrahamF

    GrahamF Senior Member

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    All i can say is good luck as you and many others would like to do that. The best way to get to see one of these super yachts are at the boats shows. And then it is difficult as it is viewing by appointment only. Trying to get on a yacht is like asking somebody that you don’t know if you can come into to their house. Would you let a stranger come into your house!!!!!
  5. Raph, May 17, 2008
    #5
    Raph

    Raph New Member

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    Indeed Graham, you're absolutely right.
    But on boat shows on Holland and Belgium, there aren't any special things to visit.
    During the Nioulargue/Voiles de Saint Tropez for example, sometimes it's easy to visit yachts. It's just how and what you say o the crew/captain/owner.
    I've had the change already to visit some real nice classic sail yachts like that.
    And while I was a guest, pfff years ago, on the 'Loyalist' (26m/85', a classic motor yacht), I found it easy to get onto other boats, moored next to. But yes,... that's like owners...' I show you mine if you show me yours'.; -)
  6. Raph, May 22, 2008
    #6
    Raph

    Raph New Member

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    nobody with a valaubale lead or tip ?
  7. Ken Bracewell, May 23, 2008
    #7
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    Raph. You're going about this the wrong way. Would you ever invite someone into your home when they pitched up on the internet saying that they've been in some homes similar to yours before? AND that they want to take pictures of your home to use for marketing purposes?

    To be honest, the only chance you have of boarding any boat is to meet people in person. You may meet an owner who will invite you aboard, but the chances of that are slim (when owners are aboard they usually have a gaggle of friends surrounding them whenever they are ashore). You may get lucky and meet a captain around town- if you do so, be aware that you won't be unique in that you are the only person looking to have a tour. We are very used to defending our owners' privacy and can sniff it from afar when someone is specifically befriending us with the intention of touring the boat. That being said, there are many times when I have invited friends aboard for a look around (even if only the exterior decks, depending on my level of familiarity with the person).

    Now, let me be clear. If you were to approach me in person in the manner you approached this forum, I wouldn't give you the time of day. If you take the time to get to know the people involved, you may get the opportunity to know the boats.

    If none of this works out for you, there is always the option of chartering a boat. For a mere hundred thousand euros you could pitch up at my boat for a week, treat me any way you wish, and take as many photos as you like. :D
  8. Raph, May 23, 2008
    #8
    Raph

    Raph New Member

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    Hi Ken,

    You're absolutely right about that ! 100 % . Privacy and discretion are a 100% priority. I surely agree on that !
    - But anyway, my first goal is not to use pics for marketing purposes. It just might be a + for me when the opportunity or change presents itself.
    - You are definitively right about protecting the owners privacy. That is a fact that needs to be protected. And I don't want to intrude in that.
    - I don't mean that, because I've been on some yachts, other people should grant me access to theirs as well. I just said that to illustrate that it is not always that difficult to enter board.

    Anyway, hey, I'm not being rude or frank here..... just want some connectons/tips etc.... for when I'm in St Trop this summer.... ;-) And maybe, just a small maybe, I might hook up an interesting connection...

    And, as always, any 'constructive' tips/advise/comments (besides: the 'go visit a boat show' etc..... I'm not that stupid ) are always welcome....

    greetzzzz to all !
  9. GrahamF, May 24, 2008
    #9
    GrahamF

    GrahamF Senior Member

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    Raph
    Just reading your comments that you wrote to me and Ken i have to say that I would not give you any leads or tips. And that is why you have not got any response to your request. I know several boats that are in St Tropez now and several boats that will be going there the time you are on holiday but for me that is information is private and I will not share with anybody as those Captains are my friends and that info is not to be used. I dont know you from a bar of soap so why would somebody give you that kind of info or contact.

    You don’t want to go to boat shows to have look, it seems to me it is more of an image thing for you to board a yacht in St Tropez as there will be people watching you going onto a yacht.
    If you really wanted to enjoy looking at a yacht and you are really interested in yachts then it would not matter where you get on one.
    Good luck with you future clothing line.
  10. K1W1, May 25, 2008
    #10
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Well put Graham.
  11. Raph, May 25, 2008
    #11
    Raph

    Raph New Member

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    I'm sorry if you guys got me wrong, but you don't understand.
    A yacht in Belgium or holland would be fine as well. It has nothing to do with being seen boarding in St Tropez. It's just that I happen to be there this summer, and the mediterrean is nicer and more beautifull than the northsea. And the boats there are more beautifull as well ;-)
    that's all. but I do understand what you guys mean, and as I said before, I understand your point of views.

    no harm done here
  12. GrahamF, May 25, 2008
    #12
    GrahamF

    GrahamF Senior Member

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    Raph

    It is not that we don’t understand you. Myself and many other Captains have dealt with people similar to you and like you. We are not trying to be funny or rude we are just honest in our opinions and some time it is not what people like yourself want to hear. If you really thought that we will give you info or contacts on the people we know or boats we know then you are on the wrong forum. It is like Ken said, "you did this the wrong way". Some of us have been in this industry for a long time and the info we have on yachts, owners and their movements are private. I would not let any Tom, Dick or Harry on the boat that I was skippering. The only people I would let on are people I know personally.
    Good luck and from my point of view there has been no harm done. In future take what is said on this forum as very, very sound advice as many people on this forum have come a long way in this industry and they have a lot of experience.