Category Archives: Antibes

Tie-up responsibly: How are marinas facilitating the green revolution?

Whether you are on a bareboat charter catamaran or a crewed charter catamaran, alongside fantastic anchorages, you will likely also want to tie up in a marina or two on your travels. 

But marinas significantly impact the environment. They cater to hundreds of boats coming and going, which can have various negative impacts. Firstly this movement can disrupt the local ecosystem if not managed appropriately, and visitors discharge multiple wastes and trash. Marinas are beginning to recognize that they can harm the environment without protocols and mindful practices in place, with now many keen to be greener. 

The two leading global initiatives are the Clean Marinas Program and The Blue Flag award, both setting standards for better eco-awareness and environmental preservation. 

At Boatbookings, we love hearing about innovative marina designs and sustainable practices being implemented. We take a look at some marinas around the world and how they are becoming greener: 

Rybovich, West Plam Beach

The Florida-based Rybovich marina provides berths for boats up to 100m. They meet the stringent criteria to gain its ‘clean marina’ status through various procedures. The comprehensive recycling center and drainage system that captures almost all the water in the shipyard, which is then filtered and reused both contribute to this. The marina was one of the first partners supporting the Water Revolution Foundation, working to enhance the sustainability credentials of the boating industry. Rybovich is part of the Safe Harbour marina group, which recently partnered with X-Shore to allow and increase easier access to fully electric boats in the USA. 

Blue Haven, Turks & Caicos

Recently reopened this year, the Blue Haven marina in Turks & Caicos Islands in the Caribbean has improved its green agenda while gaining the acclaimed Blue Flag award. The marina has increased ecological awareness and conservation commitments by utilizing eco-friendly cleaning and products at the facilities. Sustainable materials and renewable energy are also used throughout. It is part of the IGY group, which in 2021 also pledged to reduce and offset its carbon footprint across its network, helping future-proof its portfolio. 

Port Vauban, France 

Not only does the largest marina in Europe, Port Vauban in Antibes, have a Blue Flag award, but it was also the first in Alpes Maritime to join the French charter of the environment, striving for best practices in eco-preservation. The marina has gradually replaced fossil-fuel-powered vehicles with a fleet of electric golf carts and bikes. They also have robots collecting floating waste at various port locations and an extensive recycling system. 

Flisvos Marina, Greece

Flisvos Marina in Athens won the ‘Smart and Sustainable marina award, 2022’ at the international competition at the Monaco Yacht Club. The marina uses electricity from 100% renewable sources, keeps water quality at swimming level, and has many environmental campaigns. They also facilitate 16 recycling streams and use environmentally friendly building materials within its walls. Flisvos is part of the D Marin group, recognized for its unwavering commitment to ESG and environmental concerns. 

These are just some positive changes we have seen from innovative cleaning solutions, responsible waste channels, renewable energy, and environmental awareness. At Boatbookings, we hope these initiatives will be rolled out in all marinas soon. Contact us today to learn more about the greener catamaran charters we offer and what marinas you can visit! 

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A Day in the Life of an Intern – Part XI

June 14th was a special day during my internship at Boatbookings. After spending a couple of hours in our office in Cannes, I headed to Antibes to meet Broker Ben, who had spent the morning meeting some of his clients for their embarkation. We headed to Port Vauban for a brokers’ day out on REHAB – one of our all-time favourite day charter yachts along the French Riviera. Broker days are organised by the owners of the yachts such that the Brokers can get to know the boat and its crew better.

We were greeted on board REHAB by the fantastic crew made up of Captain Chris and Stewardess Justine. Once the other brokers arrived and had settled in, we headed west, past the stunning Cap D’Antibes, towards Cannes and the beautiful Iles de Lérins. The islands are an incredibly popular destination thanks to the crystal-clear water, making them the perfect place to drop anchor, relax and swim. As it was still early in the season, we were able to experience the beauty of the islands without many other people there.

Broker Ben, always chatting to clients!

Once we had found the perfect spot to anchor, our lovely hosts had prepared a quiz for us. As brokers are of the competitive kind, it’s not like us to ever back down from a challenge, so we quickly got into our teams, boys vs. girls of course, and the game of 20 questions commenced. After a mix of technical questions about REHAB and other yachts, as well as general knowledge questions about the industry, the girls came out on top!

In the afternoon, everyone enjoyed relaxing on board this stunning Sunseeker yacht, whilst indulging in French crudité platters overflowing with local cheeses, baguettes and olives beautifully prepared by Justine. It was incredibly interesting meeting other people from the Industry and getting to know the faces behind the names. As the day came to an end, we cruised back towards Port Vauban past the stunning villas on the Cap d’Antibes.

Anna taking in the views from the bow.

This day was a fantastic way to get a taste of what Boatbookings’ clients experience, whilst also getting to know REHAB and it’s lovely crew as well as the other Brokers. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to talk to so many fascinating people – is there a better place to mingle than aboard a beautiful yacht?

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The French Riviera: Taking ‘Al Fresco’ to the Extreme

The French Riviera is famous for its glistening turquoise water, golden beaches, Mediterranean culture and views that you just wouldn’t find elsewhere. The Cote d’Azur is the perfect composition of sun, sea and serenity, with the picturesque scenes of sailboats gently bobbing along; the rows of sunbeds nestled into the invitingly dazzling coastlines; high end shops and artisan districts that seem to clash yet complement each other so beautifully, resulting in a burst of colourful culture secreted within the bejewelled exterior of the French Riviera. You would think the Cote d’Azur was expertly tailored to suit those who seek a holiday for the luxuries, the materials, the sunbathing and the relaxation.

Monaco, in all its twinkling glory!

However, there is a side to the French Riviera that has only recently started to make an appearance; the Cote d’Azur has a surprisingly vast amount of adrenaline fuelled activities, such as wakeboarding, windsurfing, SCUBA as well as freediving. The serene imagery of the tranquil, bronzing vacations can be completely left behind in the foaming, turbulent wake of a water-skier being dragged along effortlessly by a high-speed RIB. The hustle and bustle of the thousands of holidaymakers, flocking to the allure of the sun-kissed shoreline can speed past in just the blink of an eye, the sounds and scenes of the Azure Coast drowned out by the tigress purr of a SeaDoo jet ski.

Glisse-Evasion, Nice: Wakeboarding

Whilst it may be easy to stumble into the belief that the Cote d’Azur is reserved for those seeking the sun and the sundries, the thrust and excitement of your first parachuting experience, with the wind in your hair and the land in your distant memories, is sure to rip those woollen sunglasses right off your eyes.

Blue Addiction: Freediving

Here are a couple of ideas, hand-plucked from the plethora of water sports that the French Riviera has to offer, ranging from toe dabbling along the coastline to jumping right in at the deep end like a true daredevil.

Glisse Evasion– For the Adrenaline Junkie in all of us.

Glisse-Evasion is a Nice-based water activities company with a wide range of experiences on offer, ranging from Banana Boats, Parachuting and Paddleboarding.

Located just along the Promenade des Anglais, by Blue Beach, Glisse-Evasion is not hard to find, so don’t be afraid to pop along and plan an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime!

Blue Addiction– For the more exotic Daredevil.

Blue Addiction provides a freediving experience- that is essentially SCUBA diving but without the air. Don’t worry, you are in safe, professional hands!

Blue Addiction is situated in La Londe-les-Maures, in between Marseille and St. Tropez. It is run by a team of professionals with some very impressive credentials behind them.

However, Freediving isn’t just an extreme activity; in Malaysia and Indonesia Bajau Fishermen freedive amongst the corals to make a living, with nothing but a lungful of air and a spear, they dive down to depths of 20 metres to seek out reef fish. Some may spend as long as 5 minutes underwater!

So, if you’re on the search for a holiday packed full of adventures, adrenaline and long lasting memories, look no further than the French Riviera. From luxury to energy; sun to salt spray; it’s safe to say that a French Riviera Yacht Charter with Boatbookings offers something for everyone!

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