Get the Most from a Crewed Charter

We’ve compiled a few key things to remember when going on a crewed charter, for those who are thinking of charter, or those who have booked a charter for the first time and are wondering what exactly to expect. A full list of things to consider can be found here.

• Before going on a charter, it is always good to be clear with your broker exactly what you want to get out of your experience. Is it for a particular family event, or a business contract? The more you help the broker, the more fantastic they can arrange your charter to be, making sure you relax the most you can while on board. For the benefit of the crew, let your broker know of any medical issues, and of any expectations from your charter, including your hobbies, so that the broker can help the crew to prepare for your charter.

• The Captain should be your best friend. Remember, they is at the helm of the yacht, so it’s important to respect them and their crew. At the same time, the more friendly you are to the crew on board, the more willing to make your charter even more memorable they will be.

• It’s important to be flexible (to some extent) on your itinerary. If the captain doesn’t want to sail to a particular place because it will be difficult for any reason, keep an open mind. Remember that the crew on these yachts sail for a living, and they know exactly when and where to go, making sure that you have the charter of a lifetime.

• While enjoying yourself, safety is a concern. Always remember you’re on a yacht, and don’t go over board enjoying yourself (excuse the pun). There are lots of rules that guests have to deal with. Please don’t try and get the crew to bend them, they are there for a reason!

• Help your broker as much as possible. Mentioned above, it’s important to help your broker with any expectations you have, or anything in particular you want to get out of your charter. If you establish a trusting relationship with the broker, share your needs, and ask for their advice, you will find that the process is enjoyable and you may learn about new yachts or destinations that you hadn’t heard about.

For help organising a charter, please go to www.boatbookings.com or email us at [email protected].

Three of the most exciting Luxury Charter Yachts for the French Riviera 2013.

The French Riviera is synonymous with luxury, exclusivity and a high quality of life. It is therefore no surprise that many return every year to spend their holidays there. What most people do not realise is that the French Riviera takes on another dimension from the water, becoming one of the most beautiful locations in the world. There is something special about the jagged coastline with old medieval towns perched into the hillside with  snow-covered mountains in the distance. We are able to provide boats for every budget from many ports along the Riviera and would love to help you organise the experience of a lifetime.

CALYPSO is a brand new 2013 Princess 60 luxury motor yacht, which we think will be very popular for single or multiple day charters from Antibes. She is a stunning motor yacht with a Flybridge, offering great space indoor and outdoor. She is a very sociable yacht, who we would recommend to those looking to charter with a close group of friends or close family.  We would highly recommend a luxury day charter to the prestigious Pampelonne Beach scene, with lunch at Club 55 before stops between the Iles de Lerins on your return.

L’OR is a stunning Azimut 30m luxury motor yacht berthed in Cannes. She is an elegant and sophisticated yacht with a fantastic crew of 5, who will attend to your every need to ensure that you have the very best possible experience on board.
Why not charter this yacht for 4 or 5 days and head up towards the picturesque Italian Riviera and visit the quaint towns around Portofino. She will definitely not disappoint and we would love to help you organise a great charter.

OUT is a 47m custom-built Amtec super yacht, which has been recently refitted and updated to modern standards. Her interior is contemporary, yet elegant and comfortable. She has 3 decks and provides great outdoor space for sunbathing, socialising and al fresco dining. She has a BBQ and large Jacuzzi, which make for excellent outdoor entertaining. There are six large staterooms with 12 berths, ideal for large families or special occasions from the French Riviera to Corsica and Sardinia.

For more information on how to make an enquiry about any of the yachts listed, please follow the links provided above and one of our experienced brokers will be happy to help you. Alternatively, please send an email to [email protected].

Luxury Yacht Charter for the Monaco Grand Prix 2013, Part II

Screen-shot-2012-11-06-at-12.57.501With a circuit that runs through the streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine, past the many superyachts which are moored in the harbour, the Monaco Grand Prix is considered to be one of the most prestigious and exciting sporting events in the world.

Known to be one of the most demanding courses in Formula One, the circuit contains both the slowest corner and one of the fastest in the Grand Prix calendar, as well as a variety of uphill and downhill sections.

Organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) and the Fédération International de l’Automobile (FIA), the Grand Prix circuit takes around 6 weeks to build and 3 weeks to disassemble.

In addition to the main Formula One race, other events in the FIA series (such as GP2 and GP3 touring-car races) are provided to keep crowds entertained. There are also hundreds of other related events and parties that draw some extremely high-profile guests. Many of these guests combine their trip with a visit to the Cannes Film Festival, which takes place at around the same time and is only a short boat ride away.Screen-shot-2012-11-06-at-12.59.47

In 1995, the harbour was also used as a location in the James Bond film GoldenEye. The title character (played Piers Brosnan for the first time) tries to stop Xenia Onatopp from stealing a military helicopter.

Charter guests watching the race from the marina have a perfect view as the cars emerge from the famous tunnel at speeds of 280 kilometres per hour and are forced to break sharply in order to successfully negotiate the tight left and right chicane. This is arguably one of the most exciting areas of the track as it is generally one of the only places that drivers can attempt overtaking manouvres. The chicane has produced some of the biggest accidents in the past few years.

After coming through a corner called Tabac, charter guests can continue watching the cars move quickly through the swimming pool section and through the two final corners (La Racasse and Virage Antony Noghes). The cars then begin the ascent back up towards Casino Square.

Renting a berth in Port Hercules may be too pricey for some, but anchoring just outside the port is free and an equally enjoyable experience. Boats anchored outside the port won’t have a perfect view of the race, but most clients cScreen-shot-2012-11-06-at-13.02.30hose to book a lunch and viewing spot on the private balcony or roof terrace of one of the many high-rises around Monaco. Guests are brought in by tender before the race starts. We can help you find the best viewing tickets as part of our comprehensive Monaco Grand Prix service.

Among the boats that we have available during the Monaco Grand Prix is D5, a Fairline Squadron 78 with plenty of indoor and outdoor living space. We recommend chartering her (or one of our other fantastic crewed motor yachts) as part of a 4 or 5-day charter from Antibes up to Monaco for the race on Sunday and along to Portofino or Corsica.

Please have a look at our Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Charter Overview for more information and a comprehensive listing of boats that are available for charter in Monaco.