West Coast of Corsica Part 1.

Broker Cordy gives an insight into her time working onboard Megayachts

One of my favorite places to cruise when I worked onboard mega yachts (Giga yachts weren’t around then!) was the stunning West coastline of Corsica. I was fortunate to work for a wonderful English family who adored this area, so it is where we spent the majority of the summer. On a displacement yacht cruising at around 12knots, the journey from Cannes to St Florent is around 10 hours which can normally be achieved overnight. So, if you are on the French Riviera and fancy something a little different, why not enjoy a wonderful dinner on board anchored at the Iles des Lerins, Cannes, and then start your journey after this. Be sure to ask the crew to wake you up at dawn to dolphin watch! One of the most amazing experiences at sea.

Arriving in St Florent is stunning, this pretty little fishing port has a host of local restaurants and bars huddled around the marina. Restaurant de l’Europe and Le Grill are perfect places to sit in the sun and watch the world go by!

Having relaxed in the sun, head one street back to the old town full of independent shops selling local charcuterie and souvenirs. Keep heading up and you will reach the citadel, steps from the citadel car park lead down to a small beach. The stunning cathedral de Nebbio is found on the other side of the town on the Chemin de la Cathedrale and is most definitely worth a visit.

For the more energetic persons amongst your group, Le Roya Beach can be found to the southeast of the town offering water sports including windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, jet skis and scuba diving! There really is something for everyone!

Heading west from St Florent is the beautiful town of Calvi. Coming into port you have an incredible view of the citadel, once docked, it is definitely worth climbing up the cobbled streets for breathtaking panoramic views of your surroundings. There are some great restaurants up here as well as the voguish Chez Tao bar!

Once you have soaked up the incredible views, wander around the shops through the old cobbled streets of the town. The marché de l’Orée des Pins is full of local charcuterie, grapes, cheeses, and amazing pastries!

Around the corner, further West from Calvi is possibly the most beautiful spot in the Med! Girolata is a fortified bay at the south of the Scandola Nature Reserve. The setting is spectacular, with the village perched on the peninsula and surrounded by the sea and the famous red rock mountains of this area. This bay is a wonderful place to anchor and swim ashore to the beautiful beach.

Further south in the Scandola National Park is the bay of Porto where you can find a pretty little village and see more of the stunning Calanques de Piana rock formations.

Having enjoyed the National Park, further south again you will find Ajaccio, famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte! You can visit the Maison Bonaparte, now a national museum, the ancestral home of the Bonaparte family, to discover more about his life. Ajaccio’s charming old town is a great place to amble and enjoy the beautiful architectural features and stunning landmarks such as the Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption.

The pretty port of Ajaccio is adorned with bars and restaurants serving seafood and pizzas. The perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and admire the view!

Contact Cordy at Boatbookings to plan your Corsican adventure and please keep reading the blog for part 2 of the West Coast of Corsica!

Posted on August 8, 2019 by Alice Newnham

An insight into Cruising the Croatian Coastline.

Aesthetically, Croatia is an incredible mix of Soviet and Mediterranean architecture. The impressively built iconic Soviet buildings can still be seen today in the larger towns. In contrast with the harsh architecture, the coastline offers a more Mediterranean, sailing vibe. Along the borders between land and sea are filled with fishing huts, ports, small cafes, and medieval architecture. There is a cathedral in Trogir which was built in the 13th century and stands proudly over the Dalmatian coast. It is an iconic landmark for the historic town of Trogir.

Don`t be fooled by the medieval style of the towns, the Croatians and tourists love to party! With restaurants and bars opening late you`ll be hard pressed not to find a spot to watch the sunset. Want to be part of the action? Why not check out some of our yachts based in the most famous ports in Croatia? We have an extensive collection of Hanses’, Bali catamarans, Bavarias, Dufours and many many more!

If partying to the early hours is not your idea of fun, then head north along the coastline to the quite islands around Šibenik. In this beautiful corner of Croatia, you are encompassed by various National Parks all within sailing distance of Split. The great thing about Croatia is that you can enjoy this country by both land and water. You really do get the best of both worlds with this charter.

Due to the versatility and accessibility, Croatia is increasing in popularity year by year with it becoming one of the hot spots for summer vacations. This does mean that yachts get booked up very quickly! To avoid disappointment why not enquire with us and see what is available?

Posted on August 1, 2019 by Alice Newnham

Top Kitesurfing spots in Greece

The Greek islands can be windy in July and August. This, however, is an advantage for our action seeking clients! Kitesurf is the new fad with an increasing number of devotees.

Kitesurfing requires a basic level of lessons from an instructor, but after some lessons, you can find yourself skimming on top of the waves –and if you are bold enough jumping above them!!! Some Greek luxury charter yachts have their own kitesurf instructors onboard, but there are several spots in the Greek islands where you can get your lessons. Here’s a selection of the best kite surfing spots in Greece:

Naxos Island is the most known kitesurfing spot in the Cyclades. When the meltemi is blowing, Mikri Vigla bay is the ideal playground for kitesurfers. A steady wind of 20-25 knots and relatively high waves combine to create the ideal conditions for spectacular jumps. When you are not wrestling with the wind and waves, take some time to explore the island of Naxos, particularly the Northern inland villages, which are unspoiled by mass tourism.

In the Ionian Islands, you can kitesurf in Lefkada island. The beach in Agios Ioannis is conveniently close to the marina and has some of the best waves in the area. In general, the Ionians boasts very calm seas on the Eastern shores (which represent the favorite yacht cruising ground in the area), but are exposed to the long stretch of open sea on their Western shores (which can be windy and abundant with waves).

Contact now our expert broker team and start planning your Greek motor yacht, sailing yacht or catamaran charter. Your captain will make sure you can go to one of many kitesurf paradises in the Greek islands and organize your adrenalin-filled lessons!

Posted on June 4, 2019 by Lambros Tsolakis

Contrasting Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park and Zrce beach, Novalja, Pag island.

When choosing a holiday destination, it sometimes becomes a stressful exercise. However, we are at hand to take that stress away. Here at Boatbookings we regularly visit the countries we have yachts in so we are up to date with advice for you! Questions like: “will they like it? Does it offer something for everyone? Can I have peace and quiet? But also some nightlife? I want nature, but also the parties, I want sea but also land” are regularly asked – and we know the answers! We advise you on everything from yachts, best anchorages, local knowledge, restaurants and even the best wines available!

Croatia is one of the top countries to be visited by not only the young party goers but for nature enthusiasts and of course the sailors! Because of Croatia’s diversity it truly offers something for everyone and here’s why…..

Croatia has diversity at every corner. A previously Soviet ran country, it has turned into one of the most popular sailing hot spots in Europe. Boasting over 2000 islands for you to explore and home to eight incredible National Parks what more could you want from one country?

Pag island.

Pag island is located 2 hours northwest of Split and is assessable by car. Pag island the capital of Croatia’s nightlife! With clubs such as Papaya and Kalypso open until the early hours of the morning be sure to pack some paracetamol! Festivals such as Hideout are based here because of the islands DJ history. This area has been partying until their feet give out for more than 30 years making it one of the pioneering places to let your hair down!

Plitvice Lakes

So, you’re picking your yacht up at 5pm (normal embarkation time) and yet your flight arrives early morning. What should you do? Well, why not visit one of the most incredible national parks in the world before you hop on your yacht?! This National Park is 1.5 hours inland from port Starigrad. Alternatively, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Split. It’s worth booking in advance, they only allow a certain amount of people in per hour so you are able to be at one with nature, and not shuffle around the crowds.

On your sailing holiday, you need to experience variety. You need to explore the land has to offer as well as sailing through the stunning Adriatic sea. Everyone has different tastes when it comes down to how they want to spend their time off. With Croatia, it gives you the opportunity to create a harmonious holiday and ensuring that everyone feels like they got the most out of their precious time off. Get in touch with one of our yachting experts to see how you could have your very own private yacht!

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Alice Newnham

#ItsbetterintheBahamas

As the saying goes, life really is better in the Bahamas. After spending January sailing around the Bahamas, broker Alice provides an insight into why a yacht charter in the Bahamas is the only place to be to avoid the winter.

The Exumas

Well-known for being the most exclusive island collection in the world, the sapphire-blue waters surrounding the Exuma islands make them a tropical paradise. These islands are home to Pablo Escabar’s sunken plane, the Bond famous Thunderball grotto, wild iguanas, Staniel Cay yacht club, swimming pigs, nurse sharks, and a national park!

The Abacos

The word I would use to describe the Abacos is underrated. If you love sailing, sunset bars island hopping and world-class fishing conditions the Abacos is, without doubt, the best place in the Bahamas. The 120-mile long chain of islands are full of beautiful towns, golf courses and sunset bars to explore! Book your flights to Marsh Harbour to charter from this sailors paradise! Send us a message to find out how you can experience the Abacos!

Wildlife

Swimming pigs – don’t forget to bring some food!

From swimming with pigs, feeding grapes to wild iguanas on deserted beaches, snorkeling with tropical fish to spearfishing, the Bahamas has an abundance of wildlife. Don’t forget that the iconic swimming pigs are both habitats of the Exumas and Abacos so don’t write off the Abacos as a sailing destination as the pigs are there too! Contrary to popular opinion the swimming pigs are not native to the uninhabited islands, rumor has it that they were left by sailors others say that they swam from a nearby shipwreck! Whatever did happen, there are now between 20-30 very famous pigs in both the Exumas and the Abacos! Email Alice to find out what food they like best!

Sunset catching

Each island in the Bahamas has its own culture and feel, which also means that there are typically different bars on each island. The best sunset bars in the Bahamas include Grabbers and Mr P’s, there is even a full moon party once a month at Mr P’s. Be sure to order a rum cocktail whilst you watch the sunset over the Bahamas!

Get in touch with us today to make your dreams a reality! With a range of day charters, bareboat sailing, and fully crewed yachts we are able to find something for everyone!

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Alice Newnham