A Very British (Virgin Islands) Christmas!

Specializing in Caribbean charters, here are our top 5 reasons to charter a yacht and why the British Virgin Islands is officially one of the best places in the world to charter for your 2020 holiday season!


Escape the bleak mid-winter and spend Christmas 2020 island hopping between the white sand beaches of the British Virgin Islands. The world’s best sailing conditions, island hopping, world-class scuba diving grounds, and a Christmas day conch meal. All of this plus an unforgettable New Year’s Eve makes the British Virgin Islands the only place to charter a yacht this Christmas!!


Christmas day on the yacht

Whether you’re a seasoned yachtie or sailing around the best sailing grounds of the Caribbean is something you’ve always dreamt of, a yacht charter in the BVI is guaranteed to make 2020 your best Christmas yet.

Although you’ll be on a yacht in the Caribbean, don’t worry there’s still plenty of decorations to make you feel just at home. Expect to see masts with fairy lights going to the top, red and white bikinis and palm Christmas trees!

Spend this Christmas walking around the white sand-beaches of Anegada and join in the local celebrations! Chose from having your own personal crew onboard to sailing solo around the many BVI white-sand beached islands.


New years eve at Foxy’s

Be sure to head to the island of Jost Van Dyke to bring in the New Year. Foxy’s on the island is renowned as being one of the top 5 parties in the world on New Year’s Eve.

Instead of celebrating the ‘New Year’, this bar celebrates the ‘Old Year’s Night’, making this iconic location different from every other New Year Party on the globe.

Hop off your boat and enjoy being in one of the best places in the world this New Year. Be sure to catch the theme before deciding on your outfits!


December diving

Switch the traditional family board games on Christmas day for a scuba diving lesson! Scuba dives are an extremely popular Christmas day activity and really make it a Christmas day to remember.

The BVI waters surrounding the islands of Norman Island are renowned for being extremely clear during the months of December and January. The Caribbean waters are full of different corals, turtles, shipwrecks and thousands of different species of fish.

Surprise your loved ones with a diving course and give the gift of the ocean this Christmas!


A Caribbean Christmas lunch

Eat like a local and celebrate the festivities with a freshly grilled lobster or conch! Head over to the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda for your Christmas lunch, be sure to book early this year as most restaurants serving local Caribbean Christmas delicacies tend to get booked up very quickly.


Unrivalled weather conditions

The trade winds blowing across the islands of the BVI offer a consistent breeze, ideal for sailing and for keeping slightly cool during this period. Christmas is without a doubt one of the best times of year to visit the BVI due to long, sunny days with ocean breezes coming through in the afternoon and slightly cooler evenings.

The BVI is known for ‘line of sight’ sailing and protected bays for anchorages and sailing. Unlike other locations in the Caribbean, the waters in the BVI are usually a lot calmer than many other locations.


Aftermath of Irma

Despite the saddening damage, caused by hurricane IRMA in 2017, the BVI’s are being cared for and maintained. The process of rebuilding infrastructure has been a work in progress since the hurricane struck, however, the BVI is back on track and the boat standards and sailing grounds are as popular as ever.

Don’t let the damage caused in 2017 put you off from a yacht charter in the BVI this Christmas – the BVI is up and running. For current information, we please see our “what is open in the BVI after Irma” page, which is updated regularly.

Give Santa a change from the chimney and let him slide down your mast this Christmas! Get in touch today!

Toiletries and Clothes for a sailing holiday

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Toiletries!

Small!
Bathrooms, heads, whatever you want to call it – they are small! You will find that a lot of showering will be done on the Aft deck. For ease, comfort but above all, it’s a far better view! I’m unsure if I had one shower in the head where I came out without bruises all over my arms!

Shampoos
Bar shampoos are increasing in their popularity. Not only are they eco-friendly but they last for ages, they end up being very economical! Try opting for eco/marine safe soaps. Shops around the marinas often stock marine friendly soaps, if not have a shop around – there’s a lot available out there.

Conditioners
Sea salt is damaging for your hair, this coupled with exposure to the sun means your hair is likely to be damaged. In order to prevent this opt for heavier conditioners, or hair oil. I used a rich shampoo and hair oil – this kept my hair from breaking and becoming frizzy.

Skin care
Like it or not you have to wear sun cream and it’s not up for debate!! You are exposed to not only the sun but also the wind that can damage your skin. Take care of it! Opt for heavier skin creams, factor 30+. I used to wear ski sunscreen on my face as it also protects from wind. At night use coconut oil in the raw form it’s fantastic! Coconut oil has many uses. You can cook with it, use it on your skin or use it as an alternative to conditioner. Subsequently, this saves space in your bag!


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Clothes!

Out and about
When packing clothes for your charter its best to pack for what sort of holiday you are going to be experiencing. If, for example, you are going to high-end restaurants along the South of France, or the Amalfi coast then perhaps add some shirts and heels! If you are opting for a more relaxed charter in places such as Greece, Caribbean, Croatia and the Bahamas op for more casual clothing. Remember that hanging space is limited in yachts with hangers becoming scarce! Keep it loose and airy, like any warm holiday you don’t want clothes that are thick and clingy.

Sailing
I found that when I was sailing in the Med I would typically be in bikini bottoms and a long t-shirt. Loose, soft t-shirts were my go to. I would rarely ever wear fabrics that were nylon based. Linin is great to wear when sailing.

Sunglasses, caps, and water shoes are a must. When long lining mooring- or simply snorkeling around the coast (best places for snorkeling hands down is the Bahamas or Caribbean!) put on some water shoes! They might not be the most flattering of shoes, but it beats treading on sea urchins or slicing your feet on rocks! Yes, I had to take out sea Urchin needles out of a guests foot! Plus, once you’re in the water no-one can see your feet!

When chartering, especially mid-season the lines can become a bit stiff with sea water so if you have delicate hands chuck on a pair of gloves… I promise people won’t take the mick out of you….. too much!

Sleeping
You will be warm. End of! Keep it light, shorts and a vest top will be fine. If you have the opportunity to sleep on deck grab it with both hands! You’ll sleep a lot better.

Bring a hammock with you and tie it to the forestay and shrouds. Not only are they comfortable to sleep in, but during the day they are exceptional to read a book in, or if you are like me a glass of cold white wine! You can tie them up with either a Double Clove Hitch or you can get fancy with a Prusik knot.

Captivating Catana Catamarans – BALI LINE

Bali cats, how what where and when?

(Artist: John Webber, artist aboard Cook’s ship. Source: Scanned from page 20 of the following book. Grant, Glenn (2004) Hawai`i Looking Back: An illustrated History of the Islands, Mutual Publishing, pp. 454pp)

The 1600s marks the birth of the new multihull ideology which would later become one of the most recognized yacht models across the sailing community. It was first believed to have been two logs bound together and later developed into two cannons being held together to give that famous multi-style. Catamarans have moved on from this once prehistoric engineering into some of the most celebrated yachts in the world. This was not without skepticism, the first recorded Catamaran designed by William Petty was not a commercial success. The multihull design was virtually unused for around 160 years following its initial introduction.

Come the mid-1900’s century catamarans started to come into a league of their own. The cat designs traveled worldwide, with England and the Americas jumping on the bandwagon to start producing the multihull sailing yachts. Famed for stability, these yachts started to beat Monohulls in regattas all over the world. Nowadays catamarans exude luxury and racing excellence.

They’ve become so popular in the sailing-holiday-cruising-style due to their space, catamarans are not only novice sailors favorites but are fast becoming the Luxury crewed alternatives to monohulls. This versatile yacht can be utilized in many different ways, not only been built for cruising but have also developed into hydrofoiling racing cats and power cats .

We have Bali catamarans based in some of the most elite sailing destinations in the world. If you are after luxury, space, and easy sailing then this yacht is for you! Space is hard to find on monohull yachts that are under 40ft, but even with 32 ft cat space will never become an issue. Built for speed and cruising, these yachts are perfect for exploring shallow waters around the Caribbean, or island hopping in the Greek or Croatian islands.

With large Balis accommodating up to 12 guests, these yachts provide ample space for a stunning charter with family and friends. Bali has furnished their yachts to a high specification creating a dynamic, comfortable sail. Bali catamarans are pioneers in the way that they develop their yachts. They are always searching for rules to break, and putting sailors comfort and ease of sailing at the forefront of everything they create. Check out our catamaran yacht charter guide for more information on chartering a catamaran.

Cannes Film Festival Fashion 2017

Boatbookings took to the streets today to scout out the most captivating fashion garments and accessories that are gracing the windows of Cannes’ most elite designers for the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival. Every year all eyes are on the VIPs and celebrities that come from far and wide to shore-up their luxury super-yachts next to the Palais des Festivals, and dress to the nines in the most fabulous gowns that are at the very height of fashion.

Sylvie Embroidered Leather Top Handle Bag, Boatbookings Luxury Yacht Charter

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Set Sail for the Most Exclusive Mykonos Beach Clubs

If you’re looking for a paradise island with a vibrant nightlife as well as stunning scenery and long sandy beaches, then Mykonos is the island for you. Easily accessible as part of your Cyclades yacht charter itinerary, this island is home to some of the most chic and and beautiful beach clubs in the Mediterranean. We’ve listed a  few of our favourites to give you a taste of the luxury and fun you will have!

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Scorpios

For a wonderful rustic feel, head for Scorpios beach and restaurant near Paraga Beach for ultimate tranquillity and beauty with its simplicity adding to the sophistication. The beachfront restaurant offers wonderful traditional Mediterranean and Greek dishes made from fresh and local produce that are sure to leave you wanting more. Unwind in the sun or shade on the sun loungers with a cool glass of wine and a good book in complete serenity. As the sun goes down, the sound is turned up and you can expect to enjoy some amazing DJs at this dreamlike destination.

https://www.scorpiosmykonos.com/
https://www.scorpiosmykonos.com/

Cavo Paradiso

Visit the premier party venue on the vibrant island of Mykonos built on a deserted hilltop, overlooking the Aegean Sea. The club boasts bars on two levels, a pool in the shape of Mykonos and is host to world-renowned DJs every year, making it an incredibly popular dance destination. With its unique setting outside of the usual clubbing area of Mykonos and with stunning views of both sunrise and sunset, this is a must-visit for anyone who likes their music loud and the drinks flowing. On popular nights, it’s worth reserving a table for priority entry and a space to socialise all to yourself.

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www.residentadvisor.net

Jackie O’

This beach club offers the epitome of sun, sea, sand and sensational cuisine! With its own oyster bar serving fresh seafood dishes while you sip at champagne, Jackie O’ offers an unforgettable beachside experience. There is a separate amphitheatre-style restaurant where you can delight in the culinary delights of the Mediterranean while looking out over the azure Aegean waters. Make a splash in the pool, soak in the jacuzzi or stretch out on a sun lounger before your toes even touch the sand. The beach is part of one of the most stunning natural bays on Mykonos – you can sink into big cushions while you enjoy the sounds of the lapping waves.

www.jackieobeach.com
www.jackieobeach.com

Solymar

Located on the long golden sands of Kalo Livadi beach, this beach club serves a selection of fabulous Mediterranean cuisine in its naturally blended surroundings for a traditional beach feel. Stretch out on a sun lounger beneath a palm leaf parasol while you sip on one of many cocktails from the bar. The staff are there to fulfil your every need to make the perfect day by the sea. Enjoy the fabulous Tiki restaurant after a day soaking up the sunshine for yet more traditional Mediterranean cuisine and perhaps yet more yummy cocktails.

www.solymarmykonos.com/
www.solymarmykonos.com/

Hippie Fish

This luxury beach restaurant and bar was featured in the film Shirley Valentine and is quirky yet beautiful. Enjoy lounging on the large sun pads or a dip in the crystal clear waters of Agios Ioannis in complete comfort. Be sure to try a few cocktails from the Hip Mixology Bar and enjoy a massage from the resident masseuse to feel completely at one with the surrounding relaxed atmosphere of Mykonos. For especially good seafood, take a seat in the restaurant and you can enjoy a lighter bite from the amazing sushi bar.

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www.hippiefish-mykonos.com/

If you want yet more inspiration or are ready to book an unforgettable holiday in the Cyclades, then don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and to see some amazing yachts!