Not only does BOOMSHAKALA have a wonderful chef and crew, but she is also the most eco-friendly yacht we have had the pleasure of visiting. Her solar panels can keep the generators running for 12 hours! She uses eco-friendly products where possible and there are no plastic water bottles in sight! For more information about Green Chartering please visit this page.
Gourmet Portuguese Chef Josué Eliziario joins the wonderful team on board BOOMSHAKALAKA!
We had the pleasure of experiencing the amazing cuisine cooked by accomplished chef Josué Eliziario on board BOOMSHAKALAKA. His cuisine is full of flavour and extremely creative. Having worked in high standard kitchens with demanding teams in Michelin starred restaurants, 5* luxury catering, a private chef on yachts and in villas for high-end guests, he brings a wealth of experience to the BOOMSHAKALAKA.
Josué prepared wonderful canapés including gazpacho shot with oregano toast, Mediterranean bruschetta with kalamata olives, lemong, fleur de sel, olive oil and basil sprout, creme brûlée parmigiano, ceviche and chicken breast marinated in sesame oil wrapped in bacon.
The dessert was to die for! Chocolate lovers watch out, this one is for you! Chocolate ice-cream, sorbet, gelatine, cream, crumble and cake!
Petit Fours
All complemented by a stunning 3 tiered platter of more chocolate delights! Josué is also great with vegan food and other dietary requirements.
Yacht overview
The yacht has a stunning contemporary feel and her full beach master cabin is truly impressive with his ‘N hers sinks and large walk-in shower. The saloon area is bright with lots of natural light flooding in and leads onto her exterior dining area which is complemented by sofas and sun pads!
She is booking up fast for 2019, so please enquire now to secure your dates on board!
In this article, I will discuss the safety of traveling to Turkey post-2016 coup d’état and the effects this has had on tourism.
Istanbul
Over the past few years, specifically from 2016 onwards, Turkey has seen the downfall in tourism due to political conflicts and terror-related instances. In this article, I aim to dissect Turkeys conflicting past, understand what affects this is having to the present and what this means for the future.
Demographics
Turkey – where east meets west. A culturally vibrant corner of the Mediterranean enriched by its ancient history. Turkey is home to over 82 million people. Away from the larger towns, such as Istanbul or Bodrum lays a country of vastness. Approximately 104.5 people per square kilometer as opposed to England’s 427 people per square kilometer. (Statista, 2017).
While there are some problematic trends include rising unemployment and inflation, education in Turkey still remains strong. The literacy rate is high at 95.6%, a surprising statistic, however, the Turkish take their education seriously, even in rural areas. The most common foreign language, besides the native dialects, is English. Children residing in Turkey are enrolled in mandatory English classes from ages 8. Subsequently, in this culturally diverse country, the population can still communicate well with holidaymakers. (Turkey Population, 2018).
Turkey was consumed by a failed Coup d’état, a word that derives from the French language “To overthrow of an existing government”. Coups are generally a quick and sudden act of violence by a small sect of people, often military. Since 1950 an astonishing 463 Coup attempts have happened worldwide with an even more staggering statistic that 233 Coups were successful – just over 50% success rate. (Besaw, C. 2018). In the last century, there have only been two years where a Coup was not attempted, 2007 and 2018. According to OEFResearch’s Coupcast predicts that Turkey is down in the risk of another Coup, while countries like Thailand, ranked 2nd highest in `odds of a coup attempt` are up in their risk. (Coupcast, 2019).
Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Istanbul.
The Turkish Coup, arranged by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), attempted to seize control in several politically important areas including Ankara and Istanbul. The Coup was formed in retaliation to the Government, who was accused of controlling the media and what deemed to be enforcing undemocratic laws. The delivery of Coups are generally over quickly, however, the accusations towards to Government in question and the outcome never recede as quickly as the delivery of the Coup.
BBQ on the bow – what more could you want.
Turkey was in a state of shock, with many people killed and arrested it was a very dark time in Turkeys 95-year political history. What was often missed out in the media was something quite unprecedented. The civilians of Turkey took to the streets armed with kitchen utensils, garden tools to fight against the Turkish Armed Forces. Shoulder to shoulder with the loyalist soldiers and the Turkish police force, they were able to defeat the coup attempt within a few hours.
Early morning, Gocek.
Ancient trading routes
The years following the devastating events took a toll on Turkey in many ways – but most importantly the Tourism. Turkey is no stranger to hosting different cultures. Turkey is home to one of the many ancient networking trade routes that linked the east and west. These ancient trade routes, named famously as the ‘Silk Roads’ became established in the Han Dynasty of China era, which dates back between the times of 130BC – 1453CE. According to the European explorer Marco Polo, he noted down that the roads were used for the delivery of many goods including livestock, spices, foods, and carpets. (Masefield, J. 2011).
One of the many Silk Road routes.
The trading routes which networked through Turkey meant they were more advanced in their lifestyle development than what Europe ever was until it came to the industrial revolution. In the turn of the century, Turkey turned to tourism as being one of its main revenue sources. Turkey did this extremely well and what was impressive is that it didn’t even have to try, it sold itself. The country appeals to the masses. You have history, architecture, beaches, nightlife, sailing, exploring, tracking, health tourism and all at an extremely reasonable price. Direct flights from London means you can be totally immersed in the hustle and bustle of Turkish life within four hours.
One of my most favourite places on earth, Fethiye.
Tourism
In 2014, Turkey was ranked 6th most popular tourist destination in the world, 42 million foreign tourists traveled to enjoy all of what Turkey has to offer. This injected 32 billion euros of revenue, this provided socioeconomic growth throughout the country. (Daily Sabah, 2015). Since 2014 tourism started to decline due to the political situation that Turkey was involved in. In 2015 tourism dropped by 6 million and then in 2016 it dropped another 11 million resulting in a total drop of 17 million. This was detrimental to the country when they needed the money most. Recovery began in 2017 when tourism increased to 32 million, still 10 million less than when Turkey was in its heyday.
Ölüdeniz Belediyesi
Sailing
Nautical tourism is increasing in popularity for holiday choices. With the rise of Flotilla holidays where certificates are not always needed and thousands of bareboats around the world, it has created an accessible industry for various classes. Just like traveling by plane, yachting was seen as elitist. It was more expensive to charter yachts 30/40 years ago because there simply wasn’t a lot of yachts to charter. With the advancement of ship manufacturing, and marina building it has created a gap in the market for sailing holidays.
Two traditional sailing yachts, Gullets.
With more hulls in the water, this gave way to more accessible sailing, typically in the Mediterranean. Turkey grabbed at this opportunity and concentrated on building the infrastructure to hold yachts of all sizes and types. Turkey has many attributes that sailors look out for mainly sailing conditions and anchorages.
Marmaris
The Mediterranean is typically popular because of line of sight sailing which means even novice sailors can get around with ease. Adding to this, there is barely any tide to factor making anchoring, passage planning and general maneuvering of the yacht easier.
Temple of Apollo
Turkey is in the prime position for an eclectic mix of chartering. The wide range of yachts that take advantage of this historic country may surprise you. From traditional sailing boats all the way through to superyachts – this country has something for everyone. Not only does Turkey offer some of the best sailing in the Mediterranean, but it also offers a lot of excursions on land too.
Lycia, Fethyie
Historical sites dating back to a mind-blowing 10th millennium BC. Turkey is also famed for its Turkish Hammams, which are extremely popular not just in Turkey but worldwide. Turkish Hammams combines the Roman baths and the Arabic steam baths, Hammam is actually the Arabic word for ‘bath’.
Hierapolis
To date, France and Turkey have the same threat level on the UK Home Office travel advice page stating that attacks are very likely to be carried out. However, this did not stop 89 million tourists visiting France alone in 2018. This indicates that even though there are threat levels people are still willing to visit terror hit countries. It begs the question that perhaps culture is more the defining factor rather than the threat level.
Fethyie
Personally, I believe as a nation, and as a fellow sailor, we should not let these terrorist groups dictate our lives and hinder what we can and cannot enjoy in life. This is not to say we should not proceed with caution, but if we exercise too much caution, we could overlook some of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
2. Besaw, C. (2018). The conversation. Retrieved from 04/03/2019: https://theconversation.com/no-coups-occurred-in-2018-will-next-year-be-so-stable-108387
6.AFP. (2017). Turkey
tourism income slumps after attacks, coup. Retrived from 04/03/2019:
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1312674/turkey-tourism-income-slumps-attacks-coup/
7. Masefield,
J. (2011). Marco Polos The Silk Road (Art
of Series) (Art of Wisdom). London, United Kingdom.
8. M, Sariisik.
O, Turkay. O, Akova. (2011). How to
manage yacht tourism in Turkey: A swot analysis and related strategies.
Elsevier LTD: Amsterdamn, Netherlands.
If you haven’t visited the Italian coastline by boat, you probably have missed some unique destinations. A sailing holiday can offer you an exciting new experience to discover what this versatile country has to offer.
Have a look at 3 top destinations where to go sailing in this magnificent peninsula.
Sardinia
Sardinia is one of the best sailing destinations in Italy. The food, blue sea, beaches, sun, restaurants, and the local people are just so authentic. By visiting the Emerald Coast by boat you will reach unique beaches and secluded islands on assessable by yacht.
Aerial view of the famous Cala Luna Beach in Sardinia, Italy. Location: Gulf of Orosei, Province of Nuoro, East Sardinia.
The Emerald Coast is one of the most beautiful and famous coasts in the world, you will be able to visit bays, coves, and white sandy beaches. The perfectly clear turquoise waters seem to come straight out of a Caribbean dream!
You absolutely cannot miss visiting La Maddalena Archipelago! A National Park which consists of seven islands that could be compared to paradise on earth! We have a large selection of day yachts that are available for exploration through the park.
Mistral winds from the North West can set in for a few days during summer, which brings a pleasant breeze in the evenings. Exposed beaches on the North coast are the main areas affected by this wind, especially towards the straits of Bonifacio. This is why Porto Pollo is known as one of the best windsurfing beaches in the Mediterranean.
If this wasn’t enough very close to north Sardinia, there lays a beautiful island. Corsica. You are able to reach this island by sailing in just 2 and a half hours! You must visit the small island called Cavallo and the Bonifacio town.
Amalfi Coast
One of Italy’s most picturesque regions, the Amalfi Coast. This exclusive coast offers bays, coves, and unique landscapes. The houses almost look like they’re tumbling into the sea.
Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano, Capri, and Ischia are breathtakingly and beautiful spots where you can stop and try traditional Italian cuisine! Pizza with fresh mozzarella, pasta with clams, tiramisu and why not a good wine, all of this in one of the many restaurants with the sea view.
Not too far from the coast there
is the wonderful island of Capri, classified in 2018 as one of the 20 most
beautiful islands in the world. Surrounded
by clear turquoise waters, rocky coves, emerald green grottos, beach clubs and
stunning restaurants where you can spend your time.
In a one-week charter, you can also visit the Island of Procida and Ischia, two tiny islands off the coast of Naples, both rich in uncontaminated nature and history.
Sicily
With perfect winds, unique landscapes and a sunny season that starts in mid-April and lasts until mid-October, Sicily turns out to be a perfect sailing destination, but these are only some of the reasons why you should visit this amazing island. This island is abundant in both history and culture. Sicily also possesses a coastline with pristine warm waters and a cuisine to die for.
The most popular destination is the Aeolian Islands, a Unesco World Heritage site due to their outstanding natural beauty. It is a volcanic archipelago composed of seven enchanting islands: Stromboli, Vulcano, Panarea, Salina, Lipari, Alicudi and Filicudi.
The islands are extremely diverse, all with spectacular views and black rock formations, quiet picturesque villages and exclusive ports all within hours of each other.
SUP boarding, originating in Hawaii is a spin-off from surfboards. As opposed to the paddle-less sister, sup boarding offers a range of activities perfect for your summer and winter charters!
Standing Up Paddleboards have become available to the masses, with almost all bareboat yacht owners offering SUP boards as an extra to their charters why not add one onto yours? Most crewed yacht charters will now have SUP boards, along with other water toys. But did you know there are so many ways to use them?! See below!
The classic – SUP Boarding.
In the Mediterranean, you will often see people push their sups off the side of the yacht and go for a paddle – join them! Bend your knees and make sure you have the paddle the right way around! As you become an expert over the week start to use some technique and draw a ‘J’ in the water. By doing this you only need to paddle on the one side.
Yoga
Downward dog!
Get up early, enjoy the stunning scenery of Croatia, Greece, Italy, Caribbean, wherever you are and get out on the SUP board. Go through some simple yoga exercises to get you ready for the day. Early morning around 6 am is the most special time on the water – so get out and enjoy it.
Balancing
Back in my Flotilla days in Greece, SUP boards were used for almost everything. Something which was seriously good fun, with not only the kids but also the adults was ‘The Balance’. Very simple – how many people can you get standing. Not as easy as it sounds!
Sun Bathing
Sup boards come with a wrist strap, to save you floating away to one of the other islands attach it to your bathing ladders or your anchor chain. It’s super relaxing – until someone thinks its a great idea to jump off the yacht and splash you! Yes – even the adults sometimes cannot resist making someone scream out of shock!
Darling, lets go to the races!
In your stunning anchorage, be it Greece or the Caribbean some people on the yacht might need to expel some extra energy! Or to get the whole group up with a little bit of competitive sport! This is a great way to have some quality time together and make memories. Try racing around the yacht and timing each other – or attach a fender to a kedge anchor and use it as a racing buoy! Make sure you use the correct knot to attach the kedge!
Wobble wars
It is what it says on the tin! Get two people to stand up on the board and wobble the yacht until someone falls off! A simple and effective game that brings hours of fun on the water. Very popular with kids, but it has been known for some 68-year-olds to get involved.. perhaps the G ‘n’ T had something to do with it!
If you would like to know more about adding sups to your charters, or interesting in chartering with us this coming summer or winter do email here!
After having competed in the Antigua sailing regatta last week and gaining third place in class, charter broker and regatta expert, Alice gives her personal insight into the best parties, races, sailing, and restaurants that the regatta has to offer.
Every April, thousands of competitive sailors gather from all corners of the world to compete in the unmissable Antigua Sail Week. For any yachtie, this rum-fueled week is not to be missed out!
Rum-fuelled racing
The warm Caribbean trade winds allow for some of the world’s finest yacht racing conditions. The regatta has many different classes for yacht racing and welcomes boats of all sizes including bareboat, sports boats and many larger vessels.
Since the 1950s this prestigious event has been the home to some of the finest yacht performances in boating history. The week includes 6 competitive racing days in some of the best sailing conditions throughout the regatta world.
Many different types of boats will compete in the regatta, giving many different class options to join. There is even the option of entering this regatta in a bareboat class if you wish to add a different dimension to a standard yacht charter!
Regardless of the size of boat you are on, at the beginning of every race everyone is in the same position, competition for victory at the end of the day.
Expect to see:
Crews hanging over the boat rail.
All boats in the realm of possibility
Bruises.
Sunburn everywhere
Windswept sailors with a rum in hand at all times.
Windward-leeward racing
Ripped sails and ruined sailors!
Global sailing champions
The sunsetting every night in Paradise
Après-sail
No Caribbean regatta can be complete without dancing, copious amounts of rum and live reggae bands. Notorious live parties, team-building competitions, prize giving ceremonies, and onboard cocktail parties allow the perfection combination of sailing and socializing.
Be sure to walk up to Shirley Heights to get the best sunset and I may add the best rum punch that the island has to offer. This year, the sailing event was sponsored by Fever Tree tonics, as such the traditional Caribbean rum had some very strong competition for being the tipple of choice for the 2019 Antigua Sailing Week.
Tough competition, idyllic racing winds, structured race courses, rum punch and of course lobster on the BBQ are the key ingredients to a world class regatta for novices, experts or even beginners!
Please click here to get in contact with Alice for your next regatta charter. We specialize in global regattas and travel extensively to review the best regatta charters for you!
