Sunseeker Yacht Lineup for Cannes – Robb Report

Read article : Sunseeker Yacht Lineup for Cannes – Robb Report

British yacht maker Sunseeker has had an extraordinary run over the past three years, launching a record number of new models across its different lines. All reflect the design prowess of the U.K.’s largest yacht-builder, but also demonstrate its versatility in catering to very different types of owners. At the Cannes Yachting Festival, eight models will be docked one after the next. They include one world premiere, three show debuts, and four recently launched models. All told, the new Sunseekers show exactly why James Bond’s favorite boat remains at the top of its game.

Sunseeker Predator MKII.  Photo: Courtesy

Predator 57 MK II: World Launch

The Predator series is one of Sunseeker’s signature achievements. Aggressive, elegant, and fast, the Predator 57 and 68 have two of the most advanced cockpit designs in yachting. Defined by curves and nonstop glass, the overhead enclosures also have opening sunroofs covering a third of the space. This feature brings the outdoors in with the push of a button, but it also let Sunseeker turn the cockpit into a climate-controlled saloon.

Who says you can’t do a good thing better? The Predator 57 MK II, an evolution of the two-year-old 57, retains the giant sunroof, multiple social areas, three staterooms, and a captain’s cabin. The MK II’s sweeping side windows are now pillar-less, allowing for uninterrupted views of the ocean. Social possibilities aboard the MK II are covered in every type of weather: The cockpit buttons up nicely in rain or wind, but when the sun’s out, the patio door between the saloon and outer cockpit actually lowers into the sole, turning the deck into an entertainment area. The 57 MK II also has an optional mini-beach club, with an integrated barbecue, overhead shower, and fold-down seating. Belowdecks, the full-beam master suite and large, forward VIP stateroom are both feature en-suite bathrooms. The galley-down layout adjoins an L-shaped lounge and allows for more open space on the main deck.

Beyond its head-turning profile, the Predator 57 MKII reaches speeds up to 40 knots, depending on engine and drive choices. It’s a nimble boat, able to carve turns like much smaller sportboats.

Sunseeker Manhattan 66.  Photo: Mike Jones

Manhattan 66: Cannes Debut

Over the years, the Manhattan line has pushed flybridge design away from plodding, boxy boats into sleek, fast motor yachts. Sunseeker’s new 66 Manhattan fast-forwards yacht design a step further by maximizing volume, both inside and out, and bathing the interior in natural light through supersized windows on the upper deck and large through-hull windows in the staterooms. The flybridge size has also expanded, with sunning areas beside the helm station and aft along the overhang. The open-plan saloon, with the aft galley and high headroom, also feels larger than most 66-footers. (The galley can also be configured on the deck below for more entertainment area in the saloon.)

Sunseeker Manhattan 66.  Photo: Courtesy

The galley-up design, however, let Sunseeker expand the four staterooms, which include two large twins, a forward VIP suite, and a full-beam master suite. The master stateroom has big picture windows on either side, with a sizable en-suite bathroom and closets. It also has a first for a Sunseeker this size: a private stairway that keeps the room secluded and homey. The new 66 also has an optional twin cabin for crew, with separate access through the transom.

Like the Predator 57 MK II, an optional beach club on the transom includes the barbecue, foldaway seating, and a pop-up rain-forest shower that is perfect for washing off the salt after a swim or snorkel. The swim platform is capable of holding a 13-foot Williams 385 Jet Tender. The bow area on the 66 is also worth pointing out, with a significantly larger table and loungers than most similar yachts. Upgrades like these make it clear why the 66 Manhattan has attracted 34 new owners since it was first launched in January. It could easily be one of Sunseeker’s most popular yachts ever.

The 66 Manhattan can be powered by Volvo or MAN diesels, with a potential top speed of 32 knots. At 10 knots, its range is 550 nautical miles.

Sunseeker 68 Sport Yacht.  Photo: Quin Bisset

68 Sport Yacht: Cannes Debut

The 68 Sport Yacht has a modern look, thanks to a curvy but angular superstructure that gives it a contemporary, almost edgy, profile. Add dozens of square feet of tinted glazing to the hardtop, and yet more windows along the hull side, and the 68-footer really has no peers in its class. Thanks to the shape of the superstructure, headroom is extremely generous in the saloon, while the windows provide a clear view to the sea. Sunseeker’s carpenters do exceptional work, so the craftsmanship in the saloon’s furniture and cabinets is outstanding. The same levels of fit and finish can be seen belowdecks, in the full-beam master suite, with its large en-suite bathroom, desk and lounge, and, surprisingly for a boat this size, a walk-in closet. The VIP suite in the bow has a queen-size bed and two hanging lockers, while the third stateroom has twin beds and its own en-suite bathroom. The crew quarters in the stern has twins for the captain and first mate.

Beyond the expansive interior, the 68’s social areas outside are also unusually large. A sunbed on the bow can accommodate a family of four rather than the usual couple, while the L-shaped lounge at the cockpit could provide seating for a party of 12. The cockpit doors slide open normally or, with the push of a button, lower into the floor to create an unbroken space between the saloon and cockpit. It’s that kind of advanced feature that demonstrates the forward thinking behind the 68.

Speaking of which, the swim platform also lowers into the water for launching and retrieving the Williams Jet Tender, or guests can also just have easier access to the water. Depending on engine choice, the 68 Sport Yacht can reach a top end of 38 knots, with a range of 300 nautical miles.

Sunseeker 131.  Photo: Mike Jones

131 Yacht: Cannes Debut

Sunseeker’s new 131 Yacht, which launched last year, has already seen its order book balloon with 10 orders. The beauty about this tri-deck Sunseeker is that no two will look alike. Sunseeker’s bespoke service not only customizes the interior design, but also the internal configurations. The standard layout is for 10 guests in five cabins, though the number of staterooms can be increased or decreased, according to the owner. Sunseeker can also add many, many nice touches like fabric or wood upgrades. The builder will even install “feature” glass panels near ceilings in the master suite, saloon, and upper saloon to augment natural light from those rooms’ already sizable picture windows.

Sunseeker 131 saloon.  Photo: Andy Cahill

Taking the place of the former Sunseeker 130, the 131’s designers made quality-of-life improvements like extending the sky deck and upper aft deck by 7 feet. That extra length allows for a larger, fully equipped bar and stools, and more ample seating. The sky deck also has lux extras like a Jacuzzi. The cockpit on the deck below features a dining table for 10 that adjoins the upper saloon. On the main deck, the open-plan saloon has a large social area with sofas and a formal dining table. The enclosed professional galley just forward of the dining area comprises about a quarter of the main deck, while the master suite toward the bow is even larger. The palatial master includes a large bedroom, separate desk and lounge areas, and a full-beam bathroom forward, with his-and-her sinks, shower, toilet/bidet, and even a bathtub.

Sunseeker 131 master stateroom.  Photo: Andy Cahill

The garage will accommodate a 20-foot tender, plus two jet skis. The new 131 can reach a top end of 25 knots, making it unusually fast for a superyacht, or cruise at 10 knots to provide a 1,500-mile range. The hull was designed to perform across its speed curve, providing a smooth, comfortable ride.

South Florida's most expensive hotel rooms

Read article : South Florida's most expensive hotel rooms

November 4, 2011|By Doreen Hemlock, SunSentinel

Luxury resorts in South Florida are getting even pricier this winter. Try $7,500 a night for the presidential suite at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

Few can afford that. But hotel consultant Scott Brush says there are plenty of celebrities, entrepreneurs and foreign guests who can pay for South Florida's deluxe digs, some with private elevators.

"The top 1 percent in the country is people making more than $400,000 a year. And if we're 300 million people, that's 3 million," said Brush of Brush & Co. in Miami. "That's a fair size market."

The Boca resort's presidential suite, for example, has hosted actress-singer Jennifer Lopez and the Egyptian billionaire father of Dodi Fayed, whose son died in a car crash with Princess Diana.

The price gap is wide between top suites and most rooms. Average hotel rates were $125 a night in Broward and $155 a night in Palm Beach county last January.

Here are six of the most expensive rooms in the area and what you get for the money:

• W Fort Lauderdale: The Extreme Wow Suite at the hip W spans 4,330 square feet, including a wrap-around balcony accessible from each room and equipped for entertaining. The terrace can hold up to 25 people on its lounge furniture and dining table – more than many homes.

The two-bedroom suite on the 24th floor sports the latest technology: a Bang & Olufsen entertainment system with a 50-inch LCD TV, DVD player, Tivoli alarm clock/radio and an iPod docking station in the living area, smaller flat screen TVs in each bedroom and high-speed Internet access.

It also offers hip comforts in its 2-and-a-half bathrooms: a whirlpool bath-tub, a rain-forest shower that opens to the balcony, plus a free-standing concrete cast tub surrounded by river rocks.

The price this winter: $5,000 a night, up from $4,000 a night last year.

• The Atlantic Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale: Both Oceanfront Penthouses offer luxury brand-items: Molton Brown bath amenities, Frette bathrobes and La Belge chocolates at turndown.

Each has two-bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and marble bathrooms in its 2,200 square feet, not counting the wraparound balconies.

The price this winter: From $1,500 to $3,000 per night, depending on the date, which is similar to last year.

• Boca Raton Resort & Club: The Tower Presidential Suite starts on the 26^h floor and includes two levels on 6,000 square feet, linked by a private elevator and by a spiral staircase.

The suite has three bedrooms, each with a king-size bed and private bathroom. The master bedroom also has fitness equipment inside and an oversized marble bathtub with jets in it.

For entertaining, there's a grand piano. That's in addition to double-height living area with ample seating areas and picture windows, wet-bar and a media pit sporting a large projection TV with surround sound.

The price this winter: $7,500 a night, up about 5 percent from last year.

• The Breakers Palm Beach: The Imperial Suite was renovated last year before other rooms were redone in an $80 million resort upgrade. Its new décor has a marine theme, with starfish designs on pillows and white coral-like branches on lamp bases.

The one-bedroom suite has five step-out balconies with ocean views. There's a six-seat dining area, wet bar, half bathroom for guests, a new sound system and personal concierge services.

The price this winter: Reduced to $5,400 a night from $5,900 because other rooms are more newly renovated.

• Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach: The Deluxe Oceanfront Suite has two furnished terraces and a railed-in Juliet balcony to step outside the way Romeo's beloved once did.

It has two bedrooms and can expand to three or four bedrooms by adding a connecting room. Newly renovated by Canadian designer Brian Gluckstein, the style is upscale beach house, with fabrics in sea-glass colors and custom furnishings with seashell glaze.

For children, there are brand-name accessories, including a crib and changing table from Maclaren's Cabine collection.

The price this winter: $4,500 a night, up from $4,000 a night last winter.

• Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale: The Two-Bedroom Oceanfront Residential Suite on the 17th floor comes with access for four to the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. The 8th floor lounge has free food and drink daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., a separate TV room, sitting area, computer station and a dedicated concierge.

The suite has 1,345 square feet, not counting the balconies. It offers a granite-countertop kitchenette, dining table for four, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, marble bath, plush bathrobes, free DVD rentals and a "digital guest control system" to help you turn on and off the TVs and lights.

The price this winter: $2,500, up from $2,000 last winter.

dhemlock@tribune.com or 305-810-5009

Winter Custom Yachts 60 Wolverine Boat Review

Read article : Winter Custom Yachts 60 Wolverine Boat Review

I met Tim Winter and Capt. Rocky Hardison in Morehead City, North Carolina, as Winter was finishing up the last details prior to delivering Wolverine, his newest 60-footer, to the Fletcher family, and before it made its public debut at the Palm Beach Boat Show in March.

Wolverine’s curved transom, flowing broken shear line accentuated by her intermediate bumper, and beautiful Carolina flare met my expectations the moment I stepped on the dock. The sight of Hull No. 22 from Winter Custom Yachts triggered the special place in my heart for custom Carolina boats. I had watched the progress of the build for the past few months and eagerly awaited stepping aboard the ­beautiful rig to see what Winter had done with his ­latest creation.

Specs:

LOA: 60'6" | Beam: 18'3" | Draft: 5' | Disp.: 79,500 lb. | Fuel: 1,925 gal.
Water: 250 gal. | Power: Twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT 1,700 hp diesels

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“We built Wolverine to be a traveling boat as well as a family boat. They will fish tournaments as a family, and it’s not important to them whether they win or lose, as long as they’re all spending time together,” says Winter. “Wolverine will spend time in the Bahamas, and then fish the tournaments in North Carolina and Bermuda. She will head for the Pacific next year. The Fletchers wanted a boat capable of extensive travel with extra fuel, the ability to fish for multiple species, and all the amenities of home so they can live aboard.”

Cockpit

Wolverine’s cockpit is built to allow the family to have plenty of room to fish and have a good time together. A Release Marine chair with a massive eight-hole rocket launcher and tray is the ­centerpiece of the cockpit. Winter is a man of details: He placed tuna tubes on both the port and starboard gunwales with lids that are a positive fit into the tuna tubes. This simple design element will eliminate rattling and movement while underway. There are also tuna tubes on the transom within the combination livewell/fish box. The mezzanine is complete with gaff, mop and chamois storage below the seat, and also features cockpit freezers on both sides. There is additional storage, including a teak tackle locker to starboard under the overhang. The ice maker dumps into an upper compartment beneath the seat and flows down into a lower box within the step.

Accommodations

Upon entering the spacious salon through the teak sliding door, you immediately notice the beautiful teak veneer work, which was cut from the same log to produce a consistent grain throughout the living areas. A flat-screen TV is tucked inside a teak cabinet to starboard. The aft end of the cabinet contains a storage area for cameras, and is heated by the engine room to minimize lens fogging when traversing from the cool salon to the cockpit on a hot day. Built into the forward end of the cabinet is a comfortable bucket jump seat facing the L-shaped sofa to port. A raised settee sits forward on the starboard side. Below the settee are two drawers that can house an assortment of lures and teasers.

The galley is forward to port and features a pair of Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer combos. A Keurig coffee maker rises up from under the countertop to utilize space that is typically wasted. A cooktop sits forward, along with a microwave in the forward cabinets; the upper cabinets contain custom CNC-cut dividers for cookware and pantry items.

The three staterooms below are accessed by a stairway: To port is the master with a queen bed and an accompanying bath with full-size shower. Moving forward is an over/under berth that is full of storage for rods, clothing and linens, and the day head is just aft. A tackle/rod storage closet sits between the laundry closet and the starboard bunkroom with three bunks. Typically, bunks fold up to allow access to storage, but Winter designed drawers onto the face of the bunks to make accessing this usable space easier. Winter incorporated another unique feature that affords an extra bunk: One of the lower bunks extends below the stairwell to create an additional sleeping area.

Engine Room

The Seakeeper 16 is located directly below the access to the engine room from the mezzanine. Wolverine’s engine room is spacious, allowing ample room to access the outside of the engines. All wiring is concealed behind accessible panels, creating a clean, visually appealing snow-white engine room. The dual 21.5 kW Caterpillar generators are aft of the engines and are easily accessed, just like the rest of the systems on board.

Bridge

The helm console sits port to center with a faux-teak electronics console, pod and dash. Winter typically mounts the electronics under a door, but Wolverine has three Simrad MO19-T monitors mounted to a black acrylic background with two rows of Bocatech switches for pumps and lights, producing a sleek array of electronics. A lid to port of the helm pod houses the Simrad autopilot, trim tabs, FLIR camera and the VHF command mics. Two Release Marine helm chairs sit behind the helm, and bench seating is forward of the console and on the starboard side of the bridge. A freezer under the forward bench can accommodate plenty of bait or food for when the boat is ­traveling. Other handy features include an air compressor to fill polyballs, as well as a separate washdown for cleaning the bridge after a long day of fishing.

Construction

Boatbuilding methods have advanced in recent years, but many builders continue to utilize plywood hulls. Wolverine is no exception, incorporating a triple-plank fir bottom and fir stringers. The remainder of the boat is constructed from Diab closed-cell foam to create a strong and light structure, and all of the hatches and hatch gutters are molded fiberglass. All areas of the boat are ventilated with forced air; Winter also utilizes an Arid dry-vacuum system to keep all bilge areas completely dry.

Performance

A pair of 1,700 hp Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines matched with ZF gears turns the set of Veem propellers to provide the power for Wolverine.

As we approached Beaufort Inlet, Capt. Hardison eased the throttles forward, and she quickly raised out of the water and accelerated with no bow lift. She settled into her cruising speed of 31-plus knots at 1,900 rpm while burning 118 gph; wide open, Wolverine makes 42 knots at 2,360 rpm with a fuel burn of 180 gph.

It was a calm day, so we were unable to observe how she handles in rough water. However, as any Winter owner will attest, the boat will exceed your ­expectations in any sea condition.

“Wolverine is a culmination of all I have learned in the previous 21 boats, and I could not be prouder,” said Winter as we returned to the dock. In the custom-boatbuilding arena, Winter is proving to be a hard worker with a talented team of craftsmen seeking to learn and make each boat better than the last.

Motor Yacht RM ELEGANT – ‘THE PARTY BOAT’ available for Cannes Film Festival & Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter

Read article : Motor Yacht RM ELEGANT – ‘THE PARTY BOAT’ available for Cannes Film Festival & Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter

Known as ‘ The Party Boat’,  motor yacht RM ELEGANT is the best choice if you are in search of a superyacht to host a large party or a corporate event. This extremely large and spacious luxury vessel is available for €65,000 per day plus expenses during the Cannes Film Festival as well as Monaco Grand Prix. Mega Yacht RM Elegant was built by Lamda Shipyard according to naval architecture by Nafpigiki Hellas and design by L.Poulias. She is one of the few private luxury yachts based in the Western Mediterranean (French Riviera, Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Spain etc.) able to accommodate up to 30 guests overnight in 15 staterooms. RM Elegant is extremely well suited for hosting  parties, birthdays, special events, charity events or anniversaries, with a capacity of 100 guests at anchor and 150 guests when berthed.

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Luxury mega yacht RM ELEGANT

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Charter yacht RM ELEGANT at night

Known as one of the most elite charter yachts, her dynamic and futuristic profile ensures that the RM Elegant yacht is the most unmistakable mega yacht in the world. At 72 m and with accommodation for 30 guests she is indubitably a world leader. This yacht has been created for those who appreciate truly luxurious living and are ready for the sheer joy of life aboard a design masterpiece. Together with her highly trained crew of 31, RM ELEGANT can guarantee that you will be provided with an outstanding level of service ensuring the perfect charter.

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Motor yacht RM ELEGANT - Sundeck

It is impossible not to awestruck by the yacht’s vast open deck space. 250 sq m provide an enormous area for both sunbathing and partying. The 12-person spa-pool is serviced from the double sided bar where, alternatively you can sit and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views sipping a glass of champagne. The Sun Deck is accessed by a lift from all the guest decks and there are two shower-rooms on either side of the superstructure.

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The aft saloon deck - Mega Yacht RM ELEGANT

Mega Yacht RM Elegant‘s  covered outdoor dining area has four round tables convertible into two large oval tables for a total of 30 guests. Should your party be but  a handful we do not want you to feel lost, therefore the ability to have this flexible seating arrangement allows for intimate dining. The area is serves by a fully equipped bar and has direct access to the galley from where, our four first class chefs, produce the most delectable menus.

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Motor yacht RM ELEGANT - MAIN SALOON

Effortlessly elegant, the Main Saloon exudes a sense of luxury, while simultaneously giving an informal atmosphere. The room is finished in light colour, thus emphasising the triptych painted by the renowned artist Katerina Georgantas that adorns one entire wall. Equipped with a boudoir grand piano, a games tables and a 55 inch plasma-screen television, it is indeed the ideal place to relax and perhaps indulge in an after-dinner aperitif.

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Mega yacht RM ELEGANT - INTERIOR DINNING

For more formal dining aboard RM ELEGANT superyacht  it is definitely worth experiencing a meal in these superb surroundings while you indulge in an exceptional culinary experience. The style here is modern and clean with an art deco ambience. The innovative kidney shaped dining tables each seat 15 guests and there is a cozy corner where a further 5 guests cab enjoy an intimate meal. Cleverly separated from the rest of the room by curved wall and deep sofas is a fully equipped bar where our crew are ready to serve you the drink of your choice.

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Motor yacht RM ELEGANT - Owner's Saloon

The Owner’s saloon is an extremely attractive room with a library atmosphere, leather sofas and a fireplace. Although classic in looks, the entertainment system is right up to date with another large plasma screen television and full cinema surround system.  The yacht’s extensive DVD and CD library are housed here. As this room backs on to the Diamond Suite it cab be closed off for exclusive use.

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Motor yacht RM ELEGANT - MASTER DIAMOND CABIN

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Motor yacht RM ELEGANT - MASTER Diamond Bathroom

Diamond Suite is the Owner’s Stateroom and is located on the Bridge Deck just aft of the Bridge and occupies the full width of the superstructure, thus providing ample space for searing area, desk and vanity table. It is extremely appointed in copper tones with oak panelled marquetry and sand blasted glass with copper leaf inlay. The adjoining immense bathroom is equipped with both a circular shower and full-sized spa bath overhead Swarovski crystal fibre optics setting the scene for a very romantic bath time.

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Motor yacht RM ELEGANT - VIP RUBY CABIN

The VIP suite on board luxury charter yacht RM ELEGANT is called the Ruby Suite and is made up of a main bedroom, a small sitting room and a large bathroom with full-sized spa bath and shower. Like all areas of the yacht everything cab be regulated by Creston remote control. This includes the adjustable lighting with which you can set the mood in your stateroom. Both the Diamond Suite and Ruby Suite have their own lap top computers.

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Motor yacht RM ELEGANT - Cabin

The staterooms aboard the charter yacht RM ELEGANT are all similar in size but vary in colour schemes. Designed with oak panelled marquetry and mirrored walls, they each incorporate a seating area, have a small desk, a full entertainment systems including an LCD screen and a safe. Each room has direct dial telephone and internet access. All the beds convert from king sized to twin. The most interesting aspect of these staterooms is the curved glass panels decorated with silver leaf that separate the main bedroom from the marble finished en-suite bathroom.

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Motor yacht RM ELEGANT - BUSINESS

There is also a Business Centre set up in order to facilitate the business man. The computers, fax machine and printer are all for the guests’ use. Video conferencing is also available and an LCD screen can constantly transmit the news or stock markets via satellite TV. Internet is accessible from this centre but also from all areas of the yacht.

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Motor yacht RM ELEGANT - MASSAGE

The fitness centre on the main deck of RM ELEGANT is equipped with professional CYBEX equipment televisions and music system. The sauna is there for your use and the yacht’s on-board beauty therapist will be happy to give you a relaxing massage. Also available to guests is RM ELEGANT’s professional hairdressing saloon.

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Water sports - Luxury yacht RM ELEGANT

When it comes to the water sports, there is a direct access to the sea from the extendable aft swimming platform. From here boarding tenders is made easy. The three jet skis and the mass of toys are all at the guests’ disposal.

RM ELEGANT is only one of many luxury yachts available for charter during the upcoming Cannes Film Festival as well as the Monaco Grand Prix. Our team at CharterWorld will help you to choose the best yacht to suite your needs and expectations. We have a large list of  charter yachts available in Cannes or the Mediterranean in general, within several price ranges in different size groups, being it for a small private charter or large corporate functions.

Dream Camper Floor Plan Contest

Read article : Dream Camper Floor Plan Contest

Readers reveal 14 dream truck camper floor plans that are sure to have industry pens, pencils, and mousepads wagging from coast to coast.  The dream plans start here. This whole thing is another hair-brained idea of mine gone completely amok.  About a month ago I was supposed to be working on an article but, in the back of my inexplicable brain, I was attempting to design a sofa camper, with a booth dinette, dry bath, and no slides. Eventually Photoshop opened and I started creating my dream floor plan.  Two hours later, it was done; a non-slide dry bath sofa camper.  It’s alive!

The problem was that Angela would not be pleased with my lack of progress against my to-do list.  Even so, I wanted to show her my design.  How could I show her my floor plan without spending another night on the slacker sofa of solitude?

“I was thinking we could do a dream truck camper floor plan contest.  To see if the idea could work, I designed my own dream floor plan.  What do you think?”

Angela glanced at me with that, “I know what you’re up to” look, and promptly fell in love with my floor plan and contest idea.  Sometimes being creative can get you out of trouble as fast as it gets you into it.  Not always, but sometimes.  Don’t tell Angela.

What follows simply amazes me.  I was a bit concerned that no one would actually draw and submit a dream floor plan.  It’s a lot to ask, and quite a commitment.

It turns out I had nothing to worry about.  Within hours we had our first floor plan entry.  Within days we had over a dozen.  What follows are the first fourteen of twenty-six reader submitted dream floor plans.  How awesome is that?

Later this week we will publish twelve more dream floor plans and the winner.  And all of this happened because… squirrel!

Click to enlarge the floor plans below to see them bigger.

#1 – Andrew Bengtson, Riverside, California (age 16)

This is my dream 11-foot, side-entry, dry bath truck camper.  It has a passenger side slide-out that includes a large-booth dinette, and a floor to ceiling pantry/closet.

The kitchen is located on the rear and driver side, like most fifth wheel trailers, to give the floor plan a more spacious feel.  The dry bath is huge with one of those roll doors.

In the bedroom, the camper features a queen-sized bed.  This camper has storage everywhere, and large windows everywhere.

#2 – Lorin Lowe, Orem, Utah

This is a 9’11” camper with a dry bath and 57-inch wide floor.  It’s a perfect size with everything you need!

Here are the key features:

1. U-Shape Dinette.  Why a U-shaped dinette instead of a full-booth dinette?  Well, with a U-shaped dinette, all you need to do to convert it into a couch is to remove the table top and leg.  You just saved two feet of camper length, an extra slide, and 600 pounds (and a redundant sitting device and sitting area).  Just store the table top and leg in the shower, under the bed, between the wall slide, or some other handy spot until you are ready to use it again.  Plus, you get an added, long storage compartment outside.

2. Dry Bath in Rear.  Who wouldn’t want a dry bath without adding extra length to a 9’11” camper?  That way you can tow without needing an excessively long hitch extension.  Plus, by putting the dry bath in the rear, it opens up the floor space so the camper feels big and you are not bumping into each other.  Ah… space.

3. Swing-Out Pantry.  Look at that open space in front of a full-wall slide refrigerator just begging for productive use.  This nifty cabinetry allows you to swing open your pantry and have full access to your food items on height adjustable, full-depth shelves.  This allows space on the other side of the camper for a dry bath.  Okay, so you need to open the pantry before you open the refrigerator, but how often are you getting in the refrigerator anyway?  And aren’t you accessing your pantry items most of the time when you open your refrigerator?

Here are the specifications:

9’11” floor length.  This is a manageable length for a camper.

57-inch floor width.  Over the wheel-well height basement design.  Yes, it has winglets, but who cares when you have 57-inches of floor width?

Dry weight 3,200 pounds.  This will be a challenge for the manufacturer, but doable.

Reasonable tank capacities.  45 gallons fresh, 40 gallons grey (yes, 40 gallons so we can take showers for a week), 35 gallons black (dump your excess grey water in your black tank).

Synchronized jacks.  Jack manufacturers take note.  We need jacks with turn counters so they all go up and down at the same rate.  If I press two or more buttons on the remote, the corresponding jacks should move at exactly the same rate.  The next advancements should be height memory settings and auto-level using an accelerometer.  Who will be the first to develop this feature set and take over market share?

#3 – Donald Fox, Chesapeake, Virginia

I would like the bathroom to be smaller.  One way to do that is to incorporate the sink into the wall of the shower.  The sink could fold down during showering and transportation.  You would have to step into the shower to brush your teeth and wash your face, but it would save a lot of space for other stuff.

In order to incorporate the sink, you would move the shower drain to the outside wall and then the sink could have its own drain behind the shower.  Or, it could lay against the shower wall incorporated into that shower wall with a bump out.  This would also place all water systems in the bathroom against an outside wall making maintenance easier.

I would also move the toilet ninety degrees which will give ample leg space between the shower and toilet.  This would free up space for a large pantry; drawers on bottom, and doors on top.  I would install a sliding door to the bath.

Part of the shower would have a side wall, near the door area.  To give more space in the bathroom, the sliding door could be on the outside, or just install a regular door.

I would also like the dinette to be six feet or more in length so that it could be made into a bed.  I’m not certain how long it is in our drawing.  I think it is only five feet.  I would want one dinette seat to slide back toward the sofa to allow for a six foot bed at night.  That would cramp the sofa.

If I could, I would do one of three things to the sofa:

1. I would like to lengthen it once settled so that the sofa could provide more seating.  The sofa could be pulled out toward the steps when desired.  This would also allow it to convert into a bed long enough for a person almost six feet tall.  I know this would interfere with the entrance, but once in for the night, or when inside due to inclement weather, it would provide more space to stretch out.

2. I would like the sofa to slide to the right toward the door once settled in for the night giving more leg room for the person seated on the left of the couch.

3. If that’s not possible, then I would want two small comfortable recliner chairs that, once settled into a place, could be unlocked and moved around.  Once the food is cooked it would be nice to move a recliner chair near the area of the stove providing more comfortable room.  The chair or recliners would be the two options to choose from.

I have on order a Lance 1172 (due for delivery in mid-June).  Had this model been made available, I would have purchased this rather than the two-slide model.  I only went with the 1172 because of the sofa.  Another possibility with your design, which is the best non-slide design I have ever seen, would be to not have a window at the bed step area.

If I could purchase this floor plan from Lance, with a single slide, I would select your design and have the dinette and refrigerator slide out.  I would have the sofa installed like you show it and could easily not slide out when boondocking for the night.  Everything could be used without sliding out but obtain the extra space when needed.

Thanks for the opportunity.

#4 – Tom Rives, San Diego, California

I have a Phoenix pop-up.  Phoenix Campers are custom built to your own floor plan, so it’s exactly what I wanted.  My constraints were how to have a wet bath and queen size bed on a six foot bed, and be self-contained.  The underfloor plan was just as important.

The most innovative item is the passenger side 45-degree seating area.  Even on a narrow truck it gives you enough seating depth and leg room to lounge rather than sit upright.  It gives the cook more room and, at 90-degrees to each other, you can play cards without cheating.

The driver’s side from front to back is a sliding bed over cab, refrigerator/freezer, sink/stove, and the wet bathroom under a flip-up counter/wall at the rear.

There is ample storage because a 7-inch raised floor (basement) accommodates the 25 gallon fresh water, 10 gallon gray water, batteries, and storage for table, two chairs, firewood, and outside kitchen box, all without intruding into the living floor plan above.

During the day, the floor plan is all kitchen and seating with extra windows all around.  This camper provides great air flow and a very spacious (no upper cabinet) feeling.  At night there is a queen-sized bed.

It is very comfortable to live in.  The flow and functionality is amazingly good for such a small space.  For us, it’s all about being comfortable without sacrificing drivability or economy.

#5 – Howard Bisco, Washington, Illinois

Not to cheat, but if this Okanagan 90W had a cassette toilet, this is the floor plan that I would like.

#6 – Scott Mote, Westport, Indiana

My ultimate truck camper would have an L-shaped sofa in the back with an extension that would slide back into the sofa when in travel mode.  The picture doesn’t show it, but a sliding door for the bathroom would make it accessible with the slide-out in.

#7 – Bill and Sue Billyard, Fort Erie, Ontario

Gordon, while Sue and I were impressed with your floor plan, we feel it could be even better.  A copy of our revised plan is included with this email.

The changes we made are:

1. Move the dinette closer to the sofa so the sofa could be used as a seat on one side of the table.  You could also add a removable table extension which would allow two people to sit side-by-side on the sofa and eat, use a computer, or whatever.

2. That would also move the refrigerator closer to the rear and closer to the kitchen area making it more accessible.

3. By making that move, you would have space for a pantry and a hanging closet.

4. Put a microwave over the stove taking part of the overhead storage away.

5. To make up for the microwave storage loss, put overhead storage above the sink.

6. Put overhead storage above the head of the bed.

#8 – Stan Carman, Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Since most manufacturers seem hooked on slide-outs, we offer the attached modifications to the new Lance 975 plan.   Swapping the dinette for a sofa with overhead storage and a skinny wardrobe should be possible in the same slide-out.

Replacing the bathroom door with a slider or folding door might make it possible to access the bath with the slide-out in.  A small folding table in front of the sofa could be stored under the sofa or in the wardrobe.

#9 – Fred Patterson, Fairfax Station, Virginia

Over the years, truck camper manufacturers have steadily improved design and efficiency to the point where we, truck camper owners, can only think we could do a better job if we started from scratch.

That said, there are a couple of improvements most truck camper owners agree should be made and it seems are never adequately achieved – at least in light-weight and mid-weight campers.  This design intends to correct that problem while still maintaining a weight suitable for a single rear wheel truck.

The goal is to add more and bigger windows, so one feels like they are outside, and to add more interior wardrobe/pantry/counter space while not significantly increasing weight.  Most campers without this extra storage space are 9-foot to 9.5-foot floor length, so this design is 10-foot to 11-foot floor length without adding significant weight.

The entire rear half of camper consists of as much window space as possible without weakening the structure.   Most of this design comes from existing camper designs, but the areas marked by red arrows show the storage improvements.

Specifications:  8-foot bed, hard-side, non-slide, shallow basement to allow facing dinette.

#10 – Mary Grandlund, Babbitt, Minnesota

#11 – Burt Brar, Surrey, British Columbia

My dream floor plan is a hard-side, four season design with a north-south cabover and a queen-size bed.  There would be overhead storage and cupboards on both sides of the cabover bed.

The kitchen would feature a small sink, two burner stove, and a refrigerator/freezer in the center of the camper.  The center of the camper would also feature a dry bath with shower, toilet, and sink.  Next to the dry bath would be a storage cupboard.

The rear of the camper has a three seat roll-out sofa that opens into a double bed for two adults.  The entry into the camper is a side-entry.

There would be a large rear window, a large window in the kitchen area, smaller windows in the cabover area, a small window in the dry bath, and a skylight.

This is a basement design with two large drawers for additional storage.  The camper would have two propane tanks, a generator, 100-watts of solar panels on the roof, two batteries, and a furnace that runs of propane, coal, or wood for colder climates.

The camper is aluminum framed with fiberglass or aluminum skin.  The interior cabinetry is also aluminum framed with fiberglass skin.  The floor wold be laminated or aluminum.

Everything on this camper can be 100% recycled.  The weight would be about 1,500 pounds with a 2,500 pound dry weight maximum.  This camper would be for a short box truck, and have full-size truck options.

#12 – William A. Ortiz, Nathrop, Colorado

#13 – Francois Jasmin, Montreal, Quebec

Thanks for your floor plan idea Gordon.  I want one.  Here’s an entry for the floor plan contest based on your camper.

1. Is it possible to move the refrigerator in place of the toilet, and the toilet at the place of the refrigerator?  Then put a flip lavatory sink in the shower, like in a boat.

2. Place the back of the toilet on the wall and put a flip lavatory sink in the shower.

3. Put a smaller window in the bedroom and a larger wardrobe.

#14 – Steve Machen, N. Little Rock, Arkansas

Everyone designs campers for as many people as they can squeeze in.  Nothing is designed for a single person.  Here’s how I would build a Northern Lite 6-10.

Eliminate the oven, move the grill outside to make room for a bathroom.  Seating would be one comfortable chair that you could swivel to the door.  Sit and take off your shoes.  There would be a small swing-up table and an area for pets.

Click here to go to Part 2 and see the winner of the Dream Floor Plan Contest.

Related Items:

HOME PROFILE: Well-planned home ready to go - News - North Andover Citizen

Read article : HOME PROFILE: Well-planned home ready to go - News - North Andover Citizen

Everything about this 22-year-old Colonial rates rave views. From the sweet arbor over the paver front walk that ends at a classic stoop — the house has black shutters, too — curb appeal, for example, is a "10." Colorful flowering perennials accent the neatly manicured lawn. Oh, the house is on a tree-lined street.

By Barbara Forster / GateHouse Media

 　

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, July 30, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

ADDRESS: 8 Morgan Drive, Danvers

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 3 full; 1 half

LIVING SPACE: 2,670 sq. ft.

PRICE: $699,900

 

Everything about this 22-year-old Colonial rates rave views.

From the sweet arbor over the paver front walk that ends at a classic stoop — the house has black shutters, too — curb appeal, for example, is a "10." Colorful flowering perennials accent the neatly manicured lawn. Oh, the house is on a tree-lined street.

That same rating continues inside starting immediately at the foyer, which is large enough for a chest/table. Hardwood flooring that begins here is also throughout the first floor. Then it gets better.

What you get

Multi-glass paned French doors open to a spacious dining room with double crown molding and detailed bump boards. Two-built-in, lighted corner cabinets as well as shadowbox wainscoting are classy traditional touches. Seating eight to 10-plus for dinner is very easy in this elegant room. Recessed ceiling lights are another plus.

Another dining area — albeit more casual but almost just as large as its formal counterpart — is open to a wonderfully spacious kitchen and has access to an exceptionally wide deck that overlooks the grounds. Full glass pane sliders also allow in natural light.

A sizable mudroom area with access to both the deck and the two-car garage is nearby. So is the laundry room that has full size machines and, for added convenience, a sink.

The U-shaped kitchen is a showcase of good (and thoughtful) planning. In addition to an excellent work triangle, this large room has more than an ample amount of cabinet and granite countertop space. The pantry is a bonus.

The step-down "L" not only seats three but also doubles the amount of available work/prep space. Built-in desk space adjacent to the kitchen’s eat-in space also works as a server.

The family room, however, is a wonderful treat. Big and bright, this room is an inviting retreat with a soaring cathedral ceiling and a floor-to-ceiling brick-front fireplace. Accommodating conversation and play areas simultaneously is easily doable in this large room that overlooks the grounds.

A half bathroom is also on the first floor.

More upstairs

Like the rest of the house, the master suite exemplifies good planning. Yes, the sleeping chamber is big enough for a king-sized bed and even though the entire house has central air conditioning, an attractive ceiling fan provides an excuse to open the windows and enjoy soft summer night breezes.

A big walk-in closet (lighted, of course) is a great perk.

Recently remodeled/renovated, the en suite bathroom is a head-turner — especially the large walk-in shower with a rain shower head that has modified barn sliding doors (in glass). These are simply stunning.

Two sinks, a tile floor and an in-bath linen closet demonstrate that "practical" was not overlooked.

Of the three remaining bedrooms on this level, one is big with a double closet and the other is really big. This huge space has an extra wide double closet and is very bright. A slightly smaller bedroom — think office/nursery — has an oversized double closet but its view of the back yard makes this a most desirable spot.

The shared full bathroom with a tub/shower combination is another nicely sized space. Two sinks make this user friendly too. A large linen/medicine closet is an added convenience.

A pull-down, stand up attic great for storage is accessible from this level.

Let us not forget …

The fully finished lower level has several surprises. One is a huge office with a wrap-around desk and custom built-in cabinetry. Another finished room works as a play room or exercise space. However, inasmuch as this level has a large closet and a full bathroom with a stand-up shower, creating an in-law or au pair suite are certainly other options.

Hardly average, the oversized two-car garage comes with extras, too. Built-in storage cabinets — and plenty of them — are useful for sports and garden equipment. They help keep the garage neat-looking, too.

Contact Craig Sager of Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty at 617-901-8707 or by email: craigsager@aol.com.

 

　

　

In Search of Dragons and Gods with the WAOW Liveaboard

Read article : In Search of Dragons and Gods with the WAOW Liveaboard

A coral cat shark peeks out from under a ledge
 

Most of us are not exclusively shooters of the world below the waterline. Whisk us off to some exotic destination, and we’ll snap our cameras out of their housings, and indulge in some topside photo adventures, as much as anyone. So when my recent trip aboard the MSY WAOW turned into an expedition in multiple types of photography, I was in my element.

To begin with, the enchanting ship itself was so photogenic, a photographer could be satisfied for days above water enjoying photographing her from every angle. The attention to detail made it a true luxury experience, with things like live orchids in the dining room, lovely art on the walls, and even wood and stone accents in the bathrooms. Meals were an event in culinary beauty that had me leaving the table to rush to my cabin to get my camera. And, of course, the diving in Komodo National Park is a journey in color and life—with wide-angle and macro opportunities galore. There wasn’t a moment during the trip I didn’t have my camera—or if I didn’t, wishing I had it.

A traditionally built phinisi-style sailing vessel, the WAOW is entirely constructed using beautiful—and seemingly almost indestructible—ironwood. The 850-ton vessel is just under 200 feet long, with a beam of 36 feet, and has three masts, making it one of the largest in Indonesia and giving divers the ultimate experience in spacious luxury. With 10 cabins and the possibility of 20 passengers (though there were only nine on my trip), the ship has a crew of 25 that makes every part of the voyage lavish and run seamlessly.
 

The WAOW is a photographer’s dream—every detail is picture-perfect
 

I was in a state of pure bliss as I lounged about the large sundeck, surrounded by comfortable pillows and towels, gazing off into the cobalt water. Or maybe it was from the massage I’d had—which were available throughout the trip. I found myself continuously wandering up to the bow of the vessel, taking the same photo with the boat in the middle and the gorgeous backdrop of the ocean and green, hilly islands of Komodo to the sides, ever-changing as we journeyed from Bali to Flores. It was tough to stop taking photos. We were blessed with sunny days throughout the trip, with cotton candy pink sunrises and sunsets, and the boom, masts, sails, and every coiled line all seemed worthy of an image.

The beauty of the ship was surpassed only by the excellent service provided on-board. My morning egg order was already remembered by the second day, and no matter what time of day you wandered around the charming ship, you were met with smiles and requests to see if you were okay or needed anything. The crew quickly made us feel at home on their ship—and a lovely home it was.

My cabin was spacious and comfortable, with a king size bed (that could be two singles if necessary), a big couch for relaxing and even an ample desk, which was great for post-dive photo editing. Port holes let in natural light and views of the ocean. The large bathroom area was decorated elegantly with a granite sink; stone, wood, and tile accents in the shower; and big fluffy towels. The rooms also have robes and slippers, flat-screen TVs connected to media servers with movies and music (though I didn’t even turn mine on once), and several lighting options to set the perfect mood.
 

The lovely WAOW under full sail
 

The comfortable and spacious cabins make you feel at home
 

The WAOW offers three different cabin types; mine was a deluxe cabin. On the main deck are two roomy superior cabins with semi-private sundeck areas. The upper deck has one stunning master suite with its own private lounge and sundeck area, massive bathroom, sofas, and more. I know this because the lovely couple staying there during my trip were kind enough to let me take a look. They commented that it was bigger than their apartment in Paris, and I nodded my head in agreement, as it was also larger than several apartments I’ve lived in as well. (On the last night of the trip, they threw a little cocktail party for everyone on their private sundeck, which really went to show how comfortable we all had become on-board.)

The dining room area also became a favorite spot of mine. With comfortable couch-like seating, plenty of table space, and lots of light, it was the perfect spot to work on photos or read a book when it was too windy to be on the sundeck. And then there was the food. Every meal was a foodie photographer’s dream. (I’m really not the “photograph-your-food” type of person, but WAOW turned me into one!) The variety of dining included elegant traditional Indonesian meals served on banana leaves, Western-style meals like pasta, and even an excellent sushi night. Beyond the mouthwatering cuisine, each meal was paired with carefully selected wines, and afterwards, a perfect cup of coffee to help you wake up from your sublime food coma.
 

The reef life in Komodo National Park is an endless lesson in color

Diving in Style

With its spacious deck area, the WAOW makes it easy to get ready for diving. The crew takes care of all your dive gear, including changing tanks, bringing gear to the tenders, and rinsing it each night. Our wetsuits were laid out waiting for us before each dive, with the cruise director providing informative site briefings. Diving was done from three dive tenders, two of which were ridged fiberglass, making them very stable.

After the dives, our wetsuits were taken by the crew to rinse and hang up, and the two hot water showers and dry towels made us quickly forget the chilly wind. Attention to safety, in all aspects, was impeccable: I was pleasantly surprised that the crew provided Nautilus Lifelines free of charge to each diver in the unlikely event of a problem.
 

At Siaba Besar, a turtle finds a soft bed of coral to rest on
 

Diving is done in groups of up to four, and with our small group of passengers, there were no more than three of us to a dive guide. I can’t say enough about the dive guides and their experience in these waters. They were excellent at critter finding and made the sometimes more-challenging conditions seem easy and safe. At one point, in a moderately strong current, I was trying to take a photo and kept drifting past. The dive guide came over and held the back of my tank to help steady me. That’s what I call service!

I’ll admit that I’m usually weary of letting my camera out of my sight, but after a day I was confident in the crew’s care for the photo gear—I think they might have actually treated it even better than I do. Each camera had a separate carrying container, used to move it to and from the tenders, and cameras were rinsed in two different tanks after every dive. There is also a well-equipped camera room with lots of shelves, towels, and electrical power points, which was perfect for setting up gear, charging, and downloading photos.
 

Komodo has some of the most biodiverse waters on Earth—you never know what you might encounter, such as this cuttlefish
 

Looking at WAOW’s itineraries, I get the same feeling as when I see airline in-flight magazine routes: “I want to go there, and there, and there!” The WAOW doesn’t just visit popular Indonesian dive spots such as Komodo and Raja Ampat; it also journeys to some lesser-known and more-remote locations like the Forgotten Islands and the Banda Sea. Indeed, the boat traverses almost every corner of Indonesia, and I would like to sign up for them all.

The trip I took part in, romantically entitled “Dragons & Gods,” explored Komodo National Park, starting in Bali and ending in Flores. It wasn’t just a dive trip though; it felt like an expedition. Not only did we go diving on all the famous sites Komodo is known for, but we also went on land excursions looking for the infamous dragons and spent another evening hiking to the top of Gili Lawa Darat for a postcard-worthy sunset—especially since we looked down to the harbor to see the lovely WAOW accenting the photo perfectly. And who could forget being met by the crew on the beach afterwards—with sangria and appetizers—and being serenaded under a star-filled sky?
 

A corallimorph decorator crab: Night dives with the WAOW were just as exciting as the day dives

Komodo Mojo

The diving around Komodo National Park is some of my favorite because it offers so much variety. You don’t want to miss a dive because each one can be drastically different than the next. Some of the dive sites are known for their current and the pelagics that show up, such as Manta Alley (we must have seen at least 40 mantas on one dive), while others, such as Torpedo Alley in Horseshoe Bay, are perfect muck-diving macro dives, with Coleman shrimp in fire urchins, nudibranchs, and the occasional octopus. Dive sites such as Batu Bolong attract massive fish schools, with sharks and eagle rays swimming by, making it impossible to choose what lens to shoot.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site sitting right in the middle of the Coral Triangle, Komodo National Park is about 200 nautical miles from Bali and in-between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. It includes the three large islands of Komodo, Padar, and Rinca, as well as 26 smaller islands. It’s also one of the driest regions in the country, and the landscape is very different from the lush greenery you usually expect from Indonesia. While the park was primarily established for the protection of the Komodo dragon, the life in the water—no disrespect to the planet’s largest lizard—has a beauty on a whole other level. 
 

The dive guides aboard the WAOW are masters at finding tiny critters like this juvenile frogfish—about the size of a thumbnail
 

A crab poses for a photo
 

Our trip began in Bali, where the boat has just finished its yearly dry dock for standard maintenance, and we sailed over 24 hours past Lombok and around Sumbawa for our first dive. Several white sand muck dives got us off to the right start with three frogfish, seahorses, and even a rare Halimeda ghost pipefish. We continued to move east, diving along the way and entering Komodo National Park. Due to a forecast of strong winds, it was decided that we go to southern Komodo early in the trip in case it was too windy to get there later.

Arriving at Manta Alley, at the southern tip of Komodo Island, we back-rolled off the tender and were met with water a bit chillier than we’d experienced so far. But our shivers were soon forgotten when a dozen mantas glided in and strobes began firing. After snapping dozens of photos, my guide motioned us to swim and we headed around the reef area. It really was like being in the middle of a manta highway: Mantas came directly towards us and every time I looked behind me there were mantas coming from behind us, too. We happily did three dives at this site, and I think I could have spent several days if they’d have let me.
 

The famed Manta Alley, on the south end of Komodo Island, is wholly deserving of its moniker
 

A school of yellowmask surgeonfish at Castle Rock
 

For our next stop, we moved to the southern part of Rinca Island, to the famous Horseshoe Bay. Water clarity wasn’t so great—which is common in the colder months—but the marine life was spectacular. On one dive, we came across dozens of fire urchins, home to Coleman shrimp and zebra crabs. Examining each one, I found two of the crabs and then hit the jackpot with a pair of Coleman shrimp. After taking a few shots, I noticed the smaller one was acting a little strange, and then I realized that it had just removed its exoskeleton—a most unusual sight to witness.

With the wind picking up, we headed north to the well-known sites of Castle Rock and Crystal Rock. Both underwater pinnacles are subject to strong currents and are teeming with life, both large and small. Big schools of yellowmask surgenfish, trevally, and batfish swarmed the pinnacles as sharks, turtles, and eagle rays swam by in the blue.
 

A Coleman shrimp after shedding its exoskeleton
 

The fabulously colored Nembrotha chamberlaini nudibranch
 

The next morning we ventured on shore to get a glimpse of the Komodo dragon. These ambush predators are at the top of the food chain on their islands, and their bite can deliver toxins that slowly kills their prey while the dragon waits patiently for its meal. We were treated to a walking tour by a local ranger (toting a stick with a V-shaped end to deal with any overzealous lizards, if necessary), and we saw five different dragons plus lots of crab-eating macaques. We were also warned of saltwater crocodiles and a dozen species of snake—including cobras, pythons, and vipers—and the boat looked better and better after a few hours on land.

After our reptilian excursion, we dived a site known as Shotgun, which is an incredibly fun dive between two islands. Their proximity causes the current to increase throughout the dive and “shotgun” you through a small channel in the reef. After we flew past the narrowest part, a manta was in the channel, and it stayed alongside us for several minutes as we used our reef hooks to cling on—fabulous! (We heard that at the same spot, two days later, some lucky divers encountered the extremely rare megamouth shark. Oh well, day late and a dollar short, I suppose, but definitely something to go back for!)
 

If you go night muck diving, you can only blame yourself for finding creepy critters like this!
 

A flamboyant cuttlefish shows off its exuberant colors
 

A longnose hawkfish with some unwanted interlopers
 

Quick Shooting Tips for Komodo

• Bring every lens you have. In fact, bring more than one camera on every dive with you. I’m serious. The hardest decisions you will have to make on the WAOW is what lens to use (and maybe whether red or white wine with dinner).

• Komodo is biodiversity overload, and when you’re shooting wide angle, you can almost guarantee you will see a nudibranch you’ve never encountered before. Or when you’re shooting macro, a megamouth shark might just swim by. At almost every dive site, you can’t go wrong with either, and no matter what you choose, there will be plenty to shoot.

• Sometimes shooting conditions are difficult in Komodo. Visibility can vary with incoming and outgoing currents as well as the warm and cold currents that frequently change throughout the dive. Ask the cruise director and dive guides their recommendations, as they can usually predict current conditions.

• If there’s a strong current, macro can be difficult. If there’s a dive site that often has strong current but the tides aren’t correct for a current dive, the large animals are less likely to show up, so shooting macro may be the best option.

Costasiella sp., otherwise known as the sheep nudi
 

A tiny juvenile filefish nosing around the muck
 

Throughout the trip, we did several night dives, which I highly recommend. A nice change from the current we usually experienced during the day, the night dives were in protected bays and made for great muck diving. As well as numerous species of flatworms and nudibranchs, we saw squid in the water column, flamboyant cuttlefish, and countless other weird and wonderful critters.

The WAOW also has kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for those looking for something else to do—not that there was much free time between the diving, the land expeditions, the on-board massage service, and just general chilling out around the boat and taking in all the beauty.
 

The twinkling eggs of the golden damselfish
 

A squid poses for a perfect portrait on a night dive
 

In Komodo, strong currents that change drastically during a dive are common and that can make the diving a bit challenging—as can taking photos in such conditions. But I was constantly impressed by how easy the crew made it for us. Yes, the current was ripping, and we had some rough seas and wind, but you wouldn’t have even known the conditions weren’t easy and perfect by the way the crew handled everything.

Rest assured, you will be thoroughly spoiled aboard the WAOW. The indulgence of every aspect of the trip—from the exquisite ship, the incredible food, and the excellent crew, to some of the best diving Indonesia has to offer—will make you want to move right into your cabin for an extended trip and not leave until you’ve seen every corner of Indonesia. Can I sign up for that please?
 

Komodo’s iconic dragon