Renowned British dive yacht operator Worldwide Dive and Sail introduced the S/Y Philippine Siren, its newest and biggest liveaboard vessel, to the European dive market at the recently held Dive Birmingham Show.
Owned and managed by experienced divers and sailors Mark Shandur, Frank Van Der Linde, Steve Wessel and Brett Robertson, the S/Y Philippine Siren starts sailing in November 2009, covering dive site routes of South Visayas from Mactan to Apo Island, Southern Leyte to Bohol, Boracay via Apo Reef to the wrecks of Coron and Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park.
"These are just start-up dive site packages. The UK market is aware of the uniqueness and diversity of our waters. We offer reefs, drift dives, wrecks, coral gardens, night diving, caves, big and small fish – no other country can offer more than 7,100 islands," said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
Offering a very exclusive dive package that costs 2,400 euro per person for 10 days and 10 nights, the Philippine Siren caters to divers of all levels, from the novice to the most fussy.
"Liveaboard vessels like the Philippine Siren tap the high-spending tourists with frequent returns, averaging at ten times per person," added Durano.
On the diversity of the Philippine waters, Eduardo Jarque, Jr. Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions said, "Aside from being a diving haven, the country’s warm waters are ideal for kayaking, fishing, wakeboarding and waterskiing, activities which the Philippine Siren also provides."
The luxury craft also carries the tropical Filipino spirit. "The passengers will get a taste of gastronomic delights from our local cuisine. The crew will likewise give the clients a warm and gracious experience of Filipino hospitality," Jarque added.
The 40-meter yacht is the biggest member of Worldwide Dive and Sails’ fleet, accommodating 16 guests each trip. It is equipped with 7 sails, an expansive leisure deck area, covered outdoor dining area, air-conditioned saloon with cocktail bar, 42 inch flat screen & computer server supporting the inter-cabin network, larger air-conditioned cabins with a personal computer, and audio-visual entertainment system.
Mark Shandur who was at the event to welcome inquiries and book guests also highlighted the yacht’s fully outfitted features for underwater photographers and videographers, "The yacht is built for divers by divers that’s why our deck has more space and we have improved the facilities for charging and preparation of your camera and video equipment."
Each cabin has a 20" high definition flat screen, integrated with network server in the saloon, workstations for the preparation and maintenance of cameras and large rinse tanks with fresh water solely for cameras and videos, said Shandur.
Worldwide Dive and Sail started in 2003 with its first sailing leisure yacht the S/Y Sampai Jumpa cruising the Similan and Surin islands.
Built in the Island of Sulawesi, the S/Y Philippine Siren is a traditional "gaft rigged Phinisi" handcrafted from ironwood and teak, constructed with the approval of Lloyds Standards, the leading international body of maritime safety standards. Trained crew and the latest safety features aboard the vessel assure guests of care and safety of the highest standards.
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