Top Six Best Sailing Apps – Part 2

Following on from our previous blog post, here are the last ten apps that we will be looking at before selecting the Top Six Best Sailing Apps in the third and final installment. Apps today range from the the incredibly useful to the darn right ridiculous with ‘Hold on’ claiming pride of place as an app whose objective is to track how long you can keep a finger on a static position on the touchscreen! Unbelievable! These following apps are much more useful and will eventually make up Top Six Best Sailing Apps.

First of all comes one of our favourite yacht charter apps. It is of course the Boatbookings app! Our team at Boatbookings has over 8000 yachts at it’s disposal. We are an online retail broker which means we have no bias as to which yacht we recommend. It is all about satisfying the client and we will find the very best boat for you, where as other suppliers will try and push you towards one of their own boats, rather than showing you a range. The Boatbookings app is a wonderful way to have access to Boatbookings on the go. It is compatible for both iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and will provide you with information on destinations all over the world. It also shows you the nearest boats to your current destination with all the information you need to make informed choices on chartering. Not to mention it’s FREE! A sure fire bet to get in the Top Six Best Sailing apps…or is it?

Next comes Aye tides. It is essential for the sailor to know everything there is to know about what the ocean beneath your feet is doing and aye tides as the names suggests, gives you up to date and detailed information on the world’s tides movements. It is based on information on over 10,000 tide stations worldwide and you don’t need connectivity on the boat to use it, as it stores all the data on your device! You can choose a station alphabetically, geographically, or near your location. You can set up your favorite stations, or pick a recently opened station so that the information comes immediately. One draw back of this app however is it’s price. It is one of the most expensive apps I am reviewing at £5.49 but could well be worth it for someone who regularly works around tides and a contender for inclusion in the Top Six Sailing Apps.

NOAA Buoy and Tide Data app is a delightfully simple app that. As the name suggests, it uses the data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration buoys and enables you to have all their information at your finger tips. It is invaluable. It measures wind speeds, gusts, and their direction as well as pressure and tide movements. It costs £1.49 and as a general overview is fantastic! Another app that is competing with this one is World Tides 2013 – an app that uses the Simply Harmonic Formula and harmonic constants provided by the UKHO to give 7 day tide predictions without the need for an internet connection. It uses historical measurements taken at various locations to determine values. It works without an internet connection and keeps you up to date with tide levels, proving a useful companion. It could be an interesting and useful comparison to use in conjunction with another app and costing just £1.49, it could well be worth it for those interested.

SailGrib could well be such app to have along side a tide app of your choice, however it must be stressed this app comes only as an Android version. It comes in a free and paid version – the difference being you can only download up to 48 hours of forecast data with the free app and 14 days worth with the £4.50 paid version. It is all done through your e mails through Saildocs – you simply send a request and open up the following attachment that will be sent back to you to view the data.

Now, everyone has those small games on your iPad or iPhone that fill those small moments of the day when you are on the bus or waiting for someone – highly addictive, but fantastic fun. Here is just one of those games that will get you in the mood for your up and coming charter or help you envisage the next overtake you will perform the following day as you relax after a hard days sailing. It is called Sailboat Championship. You can compete online with players from all over the world or against bots and you can upgrade and unlock new boats as you play and complete reasonably extensive courses for trophies and gold awards. It has some of the best graphics I have seen in a sailing game app and the online feature means that beating your friends becomes very addictive!

Another app that perhaps is so obvious that you wouldn’t think to select it for Top Six Sailing Apps is Flashlight. On a yacht at night, having a torch to hand is a necessity, as you never know what might happen. Therefore having a simple app such as Flashlight on your phone is something that is incredibly useful and practical!

If you have made the decision to actually go out and purchase a yacht – no matter the size, it will inevitably be your pride and joy. Just as you have baby monitors to check on your newly born baby, many yacht owners quite understandably want the equivalent for their yacht – especially if they are chartering it out for the first time or perhaps have lent it to friends. With such an investment you would be a fool to not have more than a passing interest in what is happening to your yacht. Therefore there are several apps that can help you here. We have selected three of this genre to give you an idea of what is on the market at the moment; Anchor Watch, Boat Warden, and Siren Marine Pocket Calculator. To take them in order, Anchor Watch is a very handy and simple app – it does exactly what it says on the tin. Namely, that if your yacht moves out of set limits, then an alarm will go off or a phone call will automatically be made to another phone. It is only a dollar and will provide you with a good nights sleep! Boat Warden is in fact an app that goes hand in hand with Boatwarden sensors. These are a series of sensors that you purchase and install on your yacht, which will monitor anything from bilge alarms to security perimeters to anchor dragging, or even battery usage. They cost upwards of $695 but provide complete remote control of a wide range of systems. This app comes with baggage in the form of $695 to purchase the initial set up but the app is a must if you are serious about the security of your yacht! Siren Marine Pocket Calculator is very similar to Boat Warden but does not have as many addable options – it is however cheaper at $499 but in my opinion you will either go the whole hog or not at all.

Now what did you make of all those apps? Many of which could be potentially vital and of great use to the sailor. In the next installment, we will select our Top Six Best Sailing Apps. Make sure you stay tuned to find out!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

How To Select The Best Day Charter Yacht in Cannes 2013

Choosing your perfect day charter yacht for this summer in Cannes poses a few potential headaches, due to the sheer amount of yachts that we have available! Hiring a boat in Cannes is not quite as simple as choosing one that you like the look of, with other pertinent factors of crew, itineraries and price being equally as important. This blog seeks to provide clarity and advice to ensure that you charter the very best yacht for your needs.

Step 1: The number of guests vs. the yacht’s capacity

Due to maritime law, the number of guests allowed on board for the majority of yachts is strictly restricted to 12. You should choose a yacht with a slightly higher capacity than your number of guests, to ensure that there is enough room for everyone to socialise and sunbathe comfortably. Please remember that costs per head will sharply rise on our event yachts if you only have 8 guests on a yacht with capacity for 36 passengers. If a yacht says that it has a maximum capacity of 12, please remember that it will be able to accommodate more than this for a party at port.

Step 2: What is your yacht charter budget and what is included in the price?

The charter rate includes full hire of your Cannes day charter yacht and will include the crew or skipper, as appropriate. We have a great selection of yachts that come with a complementary VIP package, which includes a bottle of champagne, soft drinks, a fresh fruit basket and towels. Please ask your broker to see if your yacht come with this package. You are more than welcome to bring your own refreshments or we would be delighted to help you provision. Fuel is either prepaid in part of the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) or paid at the end of the day.

Step 3: What style of yacht can I get for a day charter in Cannes?

99% of yachts available in Cannes for day charters are motor boats. If you want to go to Monaco or St Tropez on your day charter, we would recommend a larger and faster yacht to ensure that you get their speedily and in complete comfort. If you wish to slowly cruise along the French Riviera and visit the beautiful Iles des Lerins, we would recommend a yacht with expansive decks, where you can sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur.

Check out our website, www.boatbookings.com, and start searching for your luxury Cannes day charter yacht for this summer. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other aspects that make your charter special.

At Boatbloggings we will keep you updated on the latest industry show releases, news and gossip in the yachting world. If you are looking for more information on yachts, charters and other yachting gossip, please become a fan and like our Facebook page to receive up to date information on our publications. Follow us on Twitter and Google Plus too.

Posted on April 29, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

Similan Islands; a Snorkeler’s Paradise and a Perfect Yacht Chartering Destination

The final part to the top snorkeling destinations blog; brings us to the Similan Islands off the coast of Thailand, a truly remarkable chartering destination. Similan translates as the number 9 in the local Yawi (Thai) dialect. The Similan Islands are a collection of 9 islands scattered 70 kilometers off the coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. They are often described as paradise, thanks to their idyllic and secluded location, engulfing turquoise seas and rich marine life. The Thai government declared the group of islands a national park in 1982 and are kept in pristine condition all year round.

The vast and impressive array of marine life that can be spotted in the shallow and clear shores along the Similan coastline is truly breathtaking. Marvel at the black tip, white tip and leopard sharks gliding elegantly through the clear waters. Admire the colorful trigger and unicorn fish darting in and out of the sprawling coral reef. The variation of table and stag horn coral host an amazing selection of crustaceans, sea horses and conger eels. If you’re lucky, try and catch sight of the magnificent manta rays that occasionally visit these inviting shores.

The whole archipelago is generally off limits to tourists as a result of the monsoon season from the latter part of May until the end of November. We recommend visiting the national park during the drier months of December to April when the winds are gentle, waters are calm and the tourists are few.

ASIA is a 100ft luxury sailing yacht based in Southeast Asia. She boasts 5 well-designed cabins, suitable for 10 guests. The very spacious cockpit is lavishly furnished with teak decking and plush leather couches. The twin dining tables at the rear of this luxury yacht provide the perfect setting for light alfresco lunches or sunset cocktails. The on board PC and fully functioning internet connection is ideal for travelers who want to stay in touch with the outside world. Each cabin has been fitted with state of the art entertainment systems, air conditioning and en suite facilities. Experience the ultimate in luxury.

At www.boatbookings.com, we are here to help you plan your perfect luxury yachting holiday. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other aspects that make your charter special.

Posted on April 29, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

A Guide to the French Riviera: Yacht Charters For Large Groups

Chartering a luxury yacht on the French Riviera for more than 12 guests is a lot trickier than you might think. Due to maritime law, the vast majority of charter yachts are limited to 12 guests for safety reasons. However, at Boatbookings.com, we have established long and successful relationships with a number of key suppliers who have obtained permits to cruise with more than 12 guests. Whether you want a luxurious super yacht or a slow cruising catamaran, we have a selection of stunning event yachts for every occasion.

So how do you choose the perfect yacht to spend your next corporate or personal celebratory event? Two of our favourite large event yachts on the French Riviera are SHERAKHAN and NINAH. SHERAKHAN is a stunning Verkerk 228ft super yacht, accommodating up to 26 guests in 13 cabins. She epitomises luxury in every area, especially her lounges and vast deck spaces. Whether you wish to spend the majority of your time in the atrium, jacuzzi, lounges or simply relaxing on one of her decks, you will have an unforgettable experience.

NINAH is a large Fountain Pajot 78ft Tahiti crewed catamaran that accommodate up to 56 passengers for luxurious sailing trips from Cannes. Sit on her decks and let the wind brush through your hair whilst relaxing with your closest friends or colleagues. Her crew are extremely professional, as well as good fun, ensuring that all of your guests receive the very best service.

Posted on April 26, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

How to Obtain a Berth in Cannes – Get the Prime Location for the Film Festival

Are you looking to host your event, whether for business or pleasure, in Cannes? How about getting a berth in Cannes in the prime location? If you are interested in obtaining a Berth at Cannes right next to the Palais des Festivals, along the Jetée Albert Edouard, Boatbookings can help you.

There is a very specific process to follow when you apply for a berth in Cannes, no queue jumping allowed! Everybody has to follow the same rules when submitting a berth application – whether you’re famous or not, it’s all done in the same way. The berths at Cannes work on a first come, first serve basis; you need to plan ahead in order to get the best spot. In order to apply for the berth, you are required to chow the charter contract, company documentation, yacht license and documentation, and fill out an extensive application
form. This all then needs to be delivered to to Capitainerie (Port Office) and must be in perfect order otherwise it will be rejected – detail is key.

Boatbookings has years of experience getting berths for our clients during shows such as MIPIM, MIPCOM and, of course, the Cannes Film Festival. We would be more than happy to find you the perfect charter yacht and submit the berth application! As you can see, you need to be ahead of the game to obtain a berth, prepared with your charter yacht and ready to go, so charter with Boatbookings today.

One of our favourite yachts for event charters on the French Riviera is this Spertini Alalunga, ANTISAN. With a capacity of 70 guests at dock and 40 at sea, she is perfect for your Cannes event charter, be it a business meeting, evening cocktails or birthday party. ANTISAN has sprawling decks and spacious interiors, there is plenty
of room for you and your guests on board without it getting busy.

ANTISAN’s interiors are neutrally decorated, fitted out elegantly with furniture in walnut and expertly matched pastel coloured fabrics. The living area has a spacious sitting-room with plasma TV and BOSE Sound System, which is great for putting on some background music while entertaining your guests, and a separate dining room. Outside on deck, ANTISAN affords a large cockpit astern with a table for 10/12 guests, while forward there’s a spacious sun-deck. The enormous upper deck is certainly another of ANTISAN’s strengths; here you can lie on a large sun-deck or sit on the comfortable sofas in the shade of the bimini, which is also perfect for dinner under the stars.

Posted on April 26, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓