This blog continues the ‘day in the life’ series, as a Boatbookings intern. A highlight of my internship was my first ever ‘fam trip’ (familiarisation trip) on board the M/Y SHAWLIFE on Friday 1st June. Fam trips are organised by yacht owners as a way for brokers to gain an understanding of the benefits of different yachts, such that they can better sell them to their clients.
Embarkation was at 10am in Port Vauban, Antibes, one of the largest ports in Europe! This quaint town is lined with stone walls and set between Nice and Cannes – the ideal location to start a day charter. Here, I joined 6 other brokers on an unforgettable day along the French Riviera. After a quick tour by the owner of the stunning 2016 70ft motor yacht, we set off on our French Riviera adventure. As we left Antibes, we headed up to the flybridge for a delicious brunch, including bacon, eggs, pastries, smoked salmon and fruit – all prepared by the fantastic crew!
Leaving Antibes and heading past the Cap D’Antibes was choppy, but the sunshine and food more than made up for it and everyone was in good spirits. After the short cruise past Cannes towards Théoule sur Mer, we anchored very close to the shore to take in the scenery and enjoy the fantastic weather. The owner of the yacht was very keen to show us all of the highlights of the yacht, such as the beds that electrically convert from double to single – ideal for family charters, or groups of friends. He really wanted us to enjoy the yacht as much as he did – his passion was truly infectious.
After a quick tour of the bay of Théoule, its restaurants and SHAWLIFE’s exterior from the tender, we headed to the Îles des Lérins, the stunning islands steeped in history and famed for their crystal-clear, cerulean waters. This was where the real fun began as the water toys were brought out and the champagne opened. We anchored here for the rest of the afternoon, enjoying the scenery, swimming in the cool water and trying out the sea bobs. After a late BBQ lunch, I was getting a little conscious of the time, as we were meant to be back in Antibes (and I had a flight to catch!).
When it was time to leave, we cruised slowly through the islands before heading full speed towards Saint Laurent du Var, the nearest port to the airport. This was great fun, as we were going about 30 knots and we managed to see the fabulous 143-meter sailing yacht ‘A’, the largest private sail-assisted motor yacht in the world!
We arrived at the port of St Laurent du Var for disembarkation and myself and one of the other brokers headed off to the airport. The day was a really great way to see exactly how clients finish their holidays, disembarking by the airport. SHAWLIFE truly is a stunning yacht and having been on board, she is definitely one of my favourite yachts based on the French Riviera!
Being able to meet other brokers, as well as the owner of this gorgeous yacht is an experience I will treasure and appreciate forever. Boatbookings gives interns a hands-on experience of the industry, offering responsibility that few other internships can beat. This is only topped by being surrounded by others who are passionate about their jobs and, of course, the opportunity to spend the day on a yacht!
