Explore the Balearics on a Champion’s Yacht: Lionel Messi’s Sunreef Ultima 88 Power Catamaran

the sunreef ultima 88 mim ocean 10 cruising across the balearics water of spain

Lionel Messi Adds a New Sunreef to His Fleet

Lionel Messi is adding another yacht to his fleet, and this one is a real head-turner. The football star’s new Sunreef ULTIMA 88 power catamaran is now under construction and will soon bring a new level of luxury to his Balearic yacht charter offerings.

The ULTIMA 88, to be called the MIM OCEAN 10, will join Messi’s existing fleet of three Bali catamarans: the MIM OCEAN 1, MIM OCEAN 2, and MIM OCEAN 3. These smaller multihulls already cruise the stunning Balearics, letting guests explore the Spanish islands from the comfort of a private yacht.

The ULTIMA 88 will become the first Sunreef yacht in Messi’s MIM OCEAN fleet, marking an exciting addition to his growing yachting venture. Messi has also expressed his enthusiasm for the yacht’s design and features, particularly the opportunity to spend time aboard with his family.

A Peek Inside Lionel Messi’s New Yacht

The MIM OCEAN 10 puts a fresh spin on the classic catamaran. Her sleek, sporty exterior has the look of a power yacht, while the multihull design offers plenty of room to spread out. A shallow draft also makes it well suited to exploring the Balearics, including the quieter coves around Mallorca and Ibiza.

the sunreef ultima 88 mim ocean 10 main salon lounge and dining area, with formal dining set up
mim ocean 10's spacious and luxurious master cabin with huge glass windows

There will be plenty of space to enjoy the sunshine outdoors, while the aft area is designed to bring guests closer to the water, with a dedicated jet ski garage. Inside, the yacht is expected to feature 5 luxurious cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite. With its sleek design and generous space throughout, the ULTIMA 88 is shaping up to be an exceptional yacht for exploring the Mediterranean.

Why Charter the MIM OCEAN 10 in the Balearics, Spain?

There’s something special about exploring Spain by yacht. You can spend the morning anchored off a quiet cove in Mallorca, then cruise towards Ibiza for an evening ashore. With the Balearics’ beautiful coastline just beyond your deck, the journey becomes part of the holiday. The upcoming Sunreef ULTIMA 88 looks set to take that experience up a notch. With its striking design and next-level luxury, it’s one to keep an eye on if you’re dreaming of a Spanish yacht charter.

mim ocean 10 flybridge lounge and alfresco dining area

Can’t wait for MIM OCEAN 10? You can still get a taste of the Balearic lifestyle aboard the smaller catamarans in Messi’s existing MIM OCEAN fleet. They’re a great way to explore the islands while we wait for this gorgeous new Sunreef to make its debut. Get in touch with Boatbookings’ charter experts to reserve your stay on the new boat or explore your options, and start planning your own Spanish yacht escape.

Why the BVI Is 2026’s Hot Yacht Charter Destination for Luxury Holidays

A new year calls for new adventures, and in 2026, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is the destination topping the list for a luxury Caribbean vacation. With turquoise waters, unspoiled beaches, and vibrant island culture, a crewed catamaran charter in the BVI promises a holiday that blends relaxation, water sports, and discovery.

Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a birthday celebration, or a luxury escape with family and friends, there’s no better way to explore the Caribbean than aboard a private yacht. At Boatbookings, our mission is simple: to put you on the perfect yacht with the ideal crew, ensuring your experience is nothing short of extraordinary.


What Makes the BVI 2026’s Hottest Luxury Destination?

Exclusive Island-Hopping Adventures

From Tortola to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke to Anegada, the BVI offers more than 50 islands and cays to explore. Each has its own character – from secluded beaches to lively beach bars.

Perfect Climate for Yacht Charters

With warm trade winds and consistent sunshine, the BVI boasts some of the best sailing conditions in the world. In 2026, luxury travellers are prioritising destinations that offer both safety and guaranteed good weather – the BVI ticks every box.

A Playground for Luxury Celebrations

Whether it’s a honeymoon, anniversary, or milestone birthday, a BVI yacht charter offers a private and glamorous setting. Imagine dining under the stars, snorkelling in hidden bays, or toasting champagne on deck with the Caribbean sunset as your backdrop.


Top Experiences on a BVI Crewed Yacht Charter

The Baths at Virgin Gorda

Swim through natural rock formations, hidden pools, and white sand beaches. This is one of the BVI’s most photographed attractions – and for good reason.

Anegada’s Pink Flamingos

Head to the coral island of Anegada, where you’ll find powdery beaches, lobster feasts, remote beach bars such as Cow Wreck, and a chance to see flamingos in their natural habitat.

Jost Van Dyke’s Famous Beach Bars

The BVI isn’t just about tranquillity. Jost Van Dyke is home to legendary beach bars like the Soggy Dollar, where painkillers (the cocktail, not the medicine) were invented.

Snorkelling and Diving Paradise

With pristine reefs and shipwrecks, the BVI is a diver’s dream. Your crew can guide you to the best snorkelling spots, from Norman Island’s caves to the wreck of the RMS Rhone.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the BVI ideal for first-time yacht charter guests?

The BVI offers calm waters, short distances between islands, something interesting for everyone, and stunning scenery – perfect for newcomers. It truly is the ideal Caribbean vacation.

What makes a crewed catamaran different from a bareboat charter?

With a crewed catamaran, you have a professional captain and chef onboard. They handle sailing, meals, and service so you can focus on enjoying your holiday.

How much does a BVI crewed charter cost?

Costs vary depending on yacht size, season, and inclusions. Boatbookings provides transparent, tailored quotes for every client.

Can we celebrate special occasions on board?

Absolutely. From honeymoons to birthdays, crews are skilled in creating memorable celebrations with gourmet dining, decorations, and bespoke itineraries.

How far in advance should I book for 2026?

We recommend booking at least 6–12 months ahead to secure the best yacht and crew availability.

What are the best BVI charter yachts for 2026?

We select our favorites based on inspecting the boats, meeting the crew, and listening to the feedback from our valued clients. Here are our choices for 2026:
– The top BVI Crewed Luxury Motor Yachts
– The top BVI Crewed Catamarans

Sustainable Futures: How Will AI Transform Yacht Charters?

As the boating sector continues to embrace cutting-edge technology, the power of artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize yacht charters. From optimizing energy efficiency to streamlining logistics and pioneering sustainable design, AI is rapidly becoming a driving force that is helping lead the way toward a greener boating future. 

At Boatbookings, we champion all advances prioritizing sustainability, offering a range of greener crewed catamaran charters. We are excited to see how AI will help improve the sector and make yacht charters more sustainable. 

Here are some ways we think AI technology will contribute to more sustainable yacht charters:

 Energy Efficiency 

At the forefront of these technologies is the promise of enhanced energy efficiency. Various AI systems are being developed to optimize yacht operations based on many changing variables. The systems provide data-driven solutions that adjust propulsion, routes, and scheduling for maximum efficiency. AI-powered navigation tools can reduce fuel, emissions, and overall energy consumption, helping align the industry with sustainability goals. 

Streamlining Logistics 

Another area where AI is transforming the yacht charter industry is streamlining yacht charter logistics. Intelligent booking systems are simplifying the reservation process. These booking processes can also integrate preferences, highlighting more sustainable choices for guests. Predictive analysis can aid preventative maintenance and provisioning systems. Smart stocking and provisioning algorithms will be able to anticipate the yacht’s needs, cutting down on unnecessary deliveries and reducing food waste. 

Design Improvements 

AI is also upgrading boat design and engineering. From optimizing AI designs to enhancing the efficiency of systems such as HVAC, it is enabling significant reductions in carbon footprints. AI systems onboard can also intelligently control lighting, entertainment, and climate zones, further minimizing energy consumption with ease. 

The Future

The future will see many changes, one of which is the integration of AI assistants. This technology promises to elevate sustainability efforts further. Imagine having a virtual sustainability guide on your yacht charter, providing real-time awareness of your environmental footprint and offering friendly recommendations tailored to your itinerary and preferences. 

The power of these technologies in the boat charter industry has the potential to improve not only sustainability credentials but also the overall guest experience. Integrating AI into the boating sector will lead the yacht charter industry toward a better, lower-impact future as we become increasingly conscious of our environmental impacts. 

If you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint today, consider booking one of the greener crewed catamaran charters. Contact a Boatbookings team member today to learn more about our more sustainable yachting vacations. 

Eco-Conscious Charters: Our 5 Top Tips For New Boat Charter Clients

More and more boat charter clients are prioritizing sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint. At Boatbookings, we value this shift and want to guide new clients toward a better, more responsible boat charter for their next vacation. 

We have put together our top 5 tips for new boat charter clients: 

1. Choose a Greener Boat 

Within the Boatbookings fleet, there is an extensive range of boats to choose from. Whether you opt for a crewed charter catamaran, motor yacht, or sailing yacht. Or, if you want to go it alone, we also have bareboat yachts for charter, both motor and sail. It is more important than ever to choose a greener yacht in today’s world, which is why we work hard to offer a broader fleet of greener boats, such as our selection of greener crewed catamarans. 

2. Select Better Preferences 

While yachts are well-stocked for your vacation, consider opting for things that reduce your impact. For example, you can request reef-safe sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and eco-friendly toiletries. Selecting preferences will also ensure the crew knows exactly what you require for your trip, making it an unforgettable experience. 

3. Pick A Quieter Destination 

There are so many places worldwide you can explore this summer by boat. Our Boatbookings team can help you plan your itinerary and choose the best places to visit. The Mediterranean is one of our favorite spots, from the French Riviera to Greece. Although some of these hotspots are at risk of over-tourism, selecting a quieter, more off-the-tourist track destination will help you get away from overcrowded destinations. We can also advise you on the local marine conservation initiatives in these areas to get involved in while you are there.

4. Offset Your Emissions 

Despite efforts to reduce environmental impacts, most yacht charters will still release carbon emissions. You can help counteract this by purchasing carbon offsets that invest in clean energy projects and other activities that remove greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere. Our carbon offset calculator can help you accurately assess the yacht’s footprint throughout your vacation. 

5. Respect Marine Life

A huge advantage to a boat charter is the opportunity to observe diverse marine species. However, it is vital to do so responsibly, avoid disturbing or feeding wildlife, and never remove anything from the ocean. 

Following these tips and using simple eco-conscious practices means you and future charter clients can experience the joy of a boat charter while minimizing the impact on our fragile ocean ecosystems. Contact one of the Boatbookings team to find out more about our greener crewed charter catamarans. 

How to Have a Greener Family-Friendly Yacht Charter in the Mediterranean this Summer 

A yacht charter offers the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable, family-friendly vacation this summer. At Boatbookings, we understand the importance of quality time together while instilling eco-values from an early age. That’s why our fleet of greener crewed charter catamarans is family-friendly. 

Our child-friendly yachts check every box, from enhanced safety features and ample play space to overflowing toy boxes and chefs catering to all ages. We also go a step further by offering engaging eco-activities and more sustainable practices that will inspire the next generation. 

Here, we have put together some of the ways you can have a greener family-friendly charter in the Mediterranean: 

Marine Life Education 

While onboard in the Mediterranean this summer, there are plenty of activities to get your children excited about marine life and preserving it. You can start this process by using mobile apps to identify tropical fish, dolphins, turtles, and other creatures you encounter. The crew onboard a crewed charter catamaran can also teach children about marine habitats and how to be responsible visitors to the ocean, following the “no trace” principles. There are lots of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) throughout the region, from Greece and Croatia to the French Riviera and the Italian islands, where you can adhere to the strcit rules and regulations working to protect the habitats.

Beach Clean Ups 

Participating in a beach clean-up during your boat charter is a rewarding experience, perfect for all ages. Collecting litter and debris allows families to directly contribute to protecting the surrounding ecosystems. Initiatives such as these can help families feel empowered knowing they have been part of the solution to protecting our oceans and coastlines. 

Eco-Friendly Water Fun 

Children and adults alike on a crewed charter love the toy box. There are a whole host of greener toys you can play on, contributing to more eco-friendly boating and steering clear of the fuel-guzzling water toys and opting for the greener versions, such as the electric-powered toys or even the human-powered ones such as paddleboarding and kayaking while onboard. While ashore, the crew can also arrange responsible activities contributing to the local economy and supporting environmental and conservation initiatives. 

Better Boating Practices 

Our selection of greener crewed catamarans offers a greener charter experience for you and your family. These boats are a great platform to explain the best practices. The crew can educate everyone about the renewable energy sources being used, such as hybrid electric motors and solar panels. Onboard, you can get invovled in the responsible waste management programs and using the eco-friendly products. 

Book Today! 

If you are interested in a family-friendly boat charter, contact one of the Boatbookings team members to discuss this further. We have a range of greener crewed catamarans with still some available for this summer’s Mediterranean season. Get in touch today!