Owers of Southwest Florida Yachts (SWFY) said today they have added two power cruisers to their charter fleet for cruising scenic river and inland waterways laced with barrier islands from Sanibel/Captiva to Boca Grande. The SWFY power yacht fleet now numbers 15 vessels from 28 to 43 feet in length.

The newest vessels in the fleet at Marinatown Marina in N. Fort Myers are Tricia Ann, a 2006 Silverton 43 Sport Bridge cruiser, and Blue Runner, a 2008 Mainship 40 Expedition Trawler.

Barb Hansen of Southwest Florida Yachts said Tricia Ann, the Silverton 43, is a floating home with cabins fore and aft plus two convertible salon sofas. Amenities on the Tricia Ann include stereo, televisions, air conditioning, stove, microwave, refrigerator/ice maker, plus a second refrigerator and wet-bar on the flybridge. Powered by twin engines, Tricia Ann also has a bow thruster for smooth, impressive maneuvering in tight quarters.

Blue Runner, the Mainship 40, has a queen-berth cabin and a twin-bunks cabin. In addition the dining table converts to a double berth. The comfortable salon has headroom of 6 foot 6 inches and amenities like stereo, DVD and television. The convenient galley has a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave and more. The skipper enjoys two control stations with a full complement of navigation/operation equipment including VHF radio, GPS, depth sounder, and radar. A single engine vessel, Blue Runner cruises economically but docks precisely with bow and stern thrusters, Hansen said.

Tricia Ann charters for only $3,789 for five days in the high season and only $3,030 in the summer season, between May 1 and December 14. Blue Runner charters for only $3,373 for five days in the high season and only $2,699 in the summer season.

Free Cruising Days

Through 2010, as part of the company’s 25th anniversary, charters receive extra cruising days for every charter of three days or longer, one extra day if chartering between Dec. 15 and April 30 and two free days if chartering between May 1 and Dec. 14, Hansen said.

Founded in 1984, Southwest Florida Yachts also charters sailing yachts from 24 to 34 feet, including catamarans, out of Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda.

Southwest Florida has been ranked among the top 10 yacht sailing and cruising areas in the world and the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva have scored as the best islands to visit for their ambiance, beaches, friendliness, restaurants and scenery.

For more information about Southwest Florida Yachts and Florida Sailing & Cruising School visit www.swfyachts.com , www.flsailandcruiseschool.com, www.swfyachtsales.com