An Insight into the BVI this Winter

According to Charter Director, Allison Cecilio, why should you choose just one island when you can explore as many as your heart desires! The stunning 50-plus islands and cays that comprise the British Virgin Islands have two great assets, they are easily accessible and its virgin beauty. They have been known for years as a “sailor’s paradise” and what better way to explore these islands than on your own private charter catamaran. Discover one of “Nature’s Little Secrets” with your family and friends this January on one of the best holidays of your life; you’ll treasure every memory!

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One of my favorite places to visit in the BVI’s was Saba Rock, which is located in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda. Saba Rock was originally the home and scuba diving headquarters of the legendary scuba pioneer and treasure hunter, Bert Kilbride. In 1997 John McManus bought the island and with the help of local architect, Paul Wattley, they created the paradise it is today.

It is primarily a restaurant and bar with wrap around seating that ensures all diners a fantastic view, especially at sunset when the happy hour offers great drink specials. The food is absolutely delicious and make sure to have one of their signature drinks! There is also plenty to explore on this one-acre island that includes the mini museum/gift shop, which displays many of the artefacts that Bert Kilbride salvaged and the small aquarium that contains the last anchor of the Rhone.

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There is no better way to vacation in the BVI’S other than by boat and there is no better choice than the newly launched luxurious sailing catamaran, Tell Star 62. Add a very energetic, popular and talented crew, and the journey is guaranteed to be unforgettable. The new Tell Star, a 62 Lagoon, has a very spacious modern open layout with wonderfully expansive decks for enjoying the gorgeous turquoise waters of the BVI.

The large windows allow plenty of natural light in the interior as well as amazing views of the picturesque coastline. She accommodates 8 guests in 4 luxurious, well appointed cabins: 3 with queen berths and 1 with two twins. The master suite features a walk-around bed with private sitting area and direct access to the cockpit.

The aft deck offers a spacious lounge area and outdoor dining with magnificent views. From the aft deck there is easy access to the water via the wide steps on each pontoon. The foredeck with its two large trampolines is a favorite area for sunbathing and lounging while under sail. The expansive fly bridge is yet another wonderful spot to take in the spectacular scenery with a hard top bimini providing shade from the sun.

Relaxing in the BVI

Captain Chad Van Roden and his brother Chef Tyler Van Roden are known for wow-ing their guests with extraordinary yachting vacations. Their personalities are most welcoming, ready to do everything possible to ensure an unforgettable charter. They are joined by Elizabeth Rapp as hostess/stewardess to complete the 3-person crew.

The Boatbookings team know the very best crewed catamarans to meet your requirements. Moreover, our first hand experience of the boats, crews an destinations will ensure that you have a unique and memorable experience. Learn more about your charter today!

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Ben Sutton — No Comments ↓

Catamaran Yacht Design: From The America’s Cup to the 2014 Cannes Boat Show

The humble catamaran was originally designed by the natives of Polynesia and Micronesia. Their raft-like structure was stable enough to withstand the heavy waves of the South Pacific, which meant that they could successfully sustain their community. In the second half of the 19th Century, the American naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff took inspiration from the natives’ designs to create the twin-hulled sailing vessel that we are all so familiar with today. Herreshoff revolutionized yacht design, producing a succession of unbeatable America’s Cup yachts between 1893 and 1920.

Catamarans have come a long way since the 19th century, but their fundamental design remains the same. Fountaine Pajot catamarans are synonymous with innovation, technology and luxury. Nevertheless, the founding fathers have never forgotten their passion for sailing, or their desire to produce the very best sailing catamarans possible. The 2015 Saba 50 is no different, illustrated by the superb layout which creates a natural flow aboard the yacht. Lines of communication are clear from the front to the back, ensuring direct contact from the cockpit, the helm station, and the lounge deck. The ingenious layout makes everyone feel at ease, providing an heir of conviviality between all charter guests and crew.

The Saba 50 offers magnificent living spaces, which fold out onto the majestic decks. Interior architect, Isabelle Racoupeau, incorporates natural materials with light fixtures and fittings to create a comfortable ambiance. Her deck spaces combine trampolines with al fresco dining and sunbathing spaces galore, perfect for the contemporary catamaran charter guest. The brand new catamaran series is available in either a 6 cabin layout or our favored maestro version, with 3 grand guest cabins and a spacious master owners suite.

The brand new series of Fountaine Pajot catamarans are available at a boat show near you! The next available date to view this fantastic new series is at the 2014 Cannes Boat Show, held between the 9th and 14th of September. We will be at the show to view all of the best catamarans, sailboats, and motor yachts available for charter. Watch this space for up-to-date yachting news, show updates, and yacht charter exclusives.

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Ben Sutton — No Comments ↓

Stunning Sporty Motor Yacht Shalimar Available this July in Ibiza and Formentera

Ibiza is this summer’s most talked about yachting destination, due to a fantastic line up of DJs and musical acts, as well as the introduction of some of the most exciting beach clubs in the western Mediterranean. Whether you are anchoring in one of the island’s countless coves, dining in a luxurious beach club or partying in Pacha, Ibiza is able to please the whole family. We have an extensive selection of crewed motor yachts available for charter in Ibiza for groups of all tastes and sizes. If you are looking for a sporty, modern crewed motor yacht for up to 6 guests this July, do not overlook the stunning Shalimar.

Shalimar is a pristine Pershing 72 crewed motor yacht, with a secured berth in the luxurious VIP Marina Ibiza for the summer. She will take pride of place in a prime berth next to the famous Lio Restaurant, which is the ideal location for dinner and your night’s entertainment. Shalimar hosts 6 /7 guests in 3 spacious cabins, perfect for a family yacht charter or a group of friends.

Her dedicated crew of 3 are the perfect guides for the local area, ensuring that you make the very most of your time onboard. Moreover, Shalimar is powered by twin MTU 2000 engines which propel her along at 40 knots, meaning that you can spend all day relaxing in Formentera before being back in Ibiza well in time for dinner!

Our brokerage team are extremely knowledgable on not only yachts and their crews, but have first hand experience of the very best places to go. Whether you are a group of friends who want to party your way around the island or a family who are looking for peaceful anchorages and relaxation, make sure to ask your broker for their recommendations. Each itinerary is unique to your requirements and it would be a pleasure to help you plan an unforgettable experience in Ibiza this summer!

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Ben Sutton — No Comments ↓

Welcome Concept DP028: The Stunning Primadonna from Oceanco

Oceanco are renowned for delivering some of the most aesthetically pleasing superyachts in the world. From their headquarters in Holland and sales office in Monaco, Oceanco pride themselves on delivering products that are unbeatable in terms of design, quality and innovation. Oceanco’s impressive team work closely with some of the most talented designers in the world, ensuring that their yachts are always one step ahead of the rest.

Their new concept, DP028, is a remarkable 110 metre superyacht based on an Oceanco hull, which is complimented by black glazing to make the yacht seem larger than it is. Moreover, the darkened glazing makes the yacht appear increasingly streamlined, which is quite an achievement given its size!

One of the most striking features about this 110m Oceanco crewed superyacht is her incredibly low stern, as well as her impressive deck structure. The design flow from the swimming pool on the main aft deck to the spa on the lower aft is visibly stunning, illustrating the attention to detail that has gone into the design of the whole yacht. Primadonna maximises the use of her decks, which flow beautifully into the entertaining spaces inside. This is clearly evident in the enclosed spa area on the lower aft deck, where guests can full relax, no matter what the weather is doing.

Accommodation is provided in 7 luxurious staterooms; the master suite takes precedent on the private owner’s deck, incorporating a large saloon, gym and even a private deck with its very own jacuzzi. The remaining 6 staterooms include 4 VIP cabins with private balconies, accommodating 18 guests in total. In terms of performance, Primadonna matches her luxurious accommodation with speed! The top speed is estimated to be 18.5 knots, which is achieved through the use of 4 x 4,290hp MYU 20V 4000 M73 engines.

The team at Boatbookings.com wait in great anticipation for the development of concept DP028. Oceanco will release a model of the stunning 110m superyacht in time for this years Monaco Yacht Show, which is one of the most important and exciting yacht charter shows in the world. Stay tuned for all of the latest yachting developments, including yacht reviews, new releases and our comprehensive destination guides.

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Ben Sutton — No Comments ↓

An Insight into Ibiza onboard Motor Yacht Sensei this Summer

Chartering a crewed motor yacht around the Balearic Islands has always provided guests with unforgettable memories, sparked by the stunning scenery, crystal clear waters and hedonistic culture. Ibiza is widely regarded as the nightlife capital of the world, yet La Isla Blanca (The White Island) possesses more qualities than the sole ability to host an unforgettable party. Whether it is discovering your very own private bay, sitting down to some of the best seafood in the Med or relaxing with friends at a luxurious beach club, Ibiza is able to please guests of all ages, needs and expectations.

One of our favourite bays is close to the southern town of Porroig, where you will find Es Xarcu restaurant. The restaurant takes pride in its ‘virgin cove’ location, and consequently makes full use of the freshest fish and seafood, which is carefully prepared and cooked in a simple and authentic manner. Prepare yourself for prawns cooked on a charcoal grill, delicious paella with seafood and simply cooked fish with traditional sides. The virgin cove has welcomed some of the most stunning super yachts in the world, including the iconic Motor Yacht A from the Blohm+Voss shipyard, ensuring that you will be in good company.

During a recent business development trip, Charter Brokers Charles and Ben carefully chose to dine at Amante Beach Club, which sits overlooking Sol D’En Serra Bay. Amante won Ibiza’s award for the best beach club in both 2012 and 2013, which does not fully do it justice, as it would be able to compete with the very best beach clubs anywhere in the world. Whether you attend the early morning yoga class followed by breakfast, anchor for lunch or dinner, the Amante experience is one that you will remember forever. Make sure to try the stunning fish stew, comprising of poached monkfish, clams and prawns in an intense, complex, yet beautifully balanced sauce.

Summer 2014 welcomes the impressive Motor Yacht Sensei to Ibiza and the Balearic Islands. Having spent a successful start to the season chartering along the French and Italian Rivieras, she embarks upon a new challenge to impress her charter guests in Ibiza and Mallorca this July and August. The most striking feature of this motor yacht is the amount of space on board for her price. At 39m in length, she boasts 3 stunning decks, which is perfect for entertaining, relaxing and soaking up the golden rays of the Balearics. Sensei hosts 10 guests in 5 spacious cabins, making her ideal for family charters, as well as being able to successfully accommodate large groups of friends. We look forward to receiving your enquiries and helping you plan an unforgettable yacht charter vacation this summer!

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Ben Sutton — No Comments ↓