Category Archives: Luxury Yacht Charter

Responsible Sailing: How to Embrace Greener Boating Using the 4 ‘R’s’

Not only are we passionate about bringing you an unforgettable crewed charter catamaran and barefoot charter catamaran experiences, but we also want to help you partake in responsible sailing and protect our oceans. 

Greener Boating 

At its core, to have a more sustainable boating industry is about minimizing the negative impacts on the environment and maximizing the benefits for everyone involved. One aspect of this mission of greener chartering is to promote and incorporate the ‘R’s throughout our entire operation and growing fleet.

These ‘R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle – provide a roadmap for achieving these goals. We take a look into this framework that are the cornerstones to sustainability with regards to Boatbookings: 

Reduce

The first ‘R’ is all about how you can reduce your environmental impact. At Boatbookings, we have made conscious choices to offer a range of greener crewed catamaran charters for you to choose from. We prioritize the selection of yachts we offer to ensure they are showcasing more sustainable technology, ensuring lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. We aim to provide options from catamaran builders such as Silent Yachts, Sunreef Eco, and Fountaine Pajot. 

But our commitment to reducing doesn’t stop there. Our carbon emissions calculator helps us assess and continually improve our environmental practices. 

We advocate for our operators to reduce the amount of waste and pollution while promoting eco-friendly brands. We also encourage our clients and yachts to reduce speed, especially when sailing near vulnerable marine life habitats. Going slow reduces impact and enables clients to soak up the ocean’s magic. 

Reuse 

We ensure that our crewed charter partners regularly maintain and service their fleets to ensure longevity and reduce the need for unnecessary repairs. We also work with partners who are aligned with sustainable practices that reduce resource consumption and waste generation. 

Repurpose

At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves on promoting repurposing by collaborating with companies that repurpose marine waste into innovative products, contributing to a more circular economy. 

We want to raise more awareness about the critical issue of marine pollution that our oceans face. Education is essential in changing consumer behavior and inspiring a new sense of responsibility. 

Recycle 

The final ‘R’ is recycling, which you are probably already familiar with. We advocate responsible recycling throughout our operators and clients. We are always looking for better recycling initiatives within marinas worldwide to facilitate easier recycling for our clients. 

Responsible chartering is an integral part of experiencing the beauty of our oceans. By promoting these ‘R’s, we are not only committed to reducing the environmental impact of our selected fleet but also dedicated to creating eco-conscious charter experiences for our clients. 

Contact us today to discuss our greener crewed charter catamaran options for your next vacation. 

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Charter Guest 101: How to be a More Eco-Conscious Guest

Being a charter guest onboard a luxury charter catamaran is an incredible experience, being able to cruise the world’s oceans while being looked after by a professional crew with all the amenities. But, today, charter guests must consider the impact that boating is having on the environment. 

This environmental impact of yachts can no longer be ignored, and at Boatbookings, we advocate for a more sustainable boating industry, choosing to work with yachts that implement sustainable initiatives into the build process and operations. 

Aside from choosing from one of our greener crewed charter catamarans, there are plenty of other ways to ensure you are a better, more eco-conscious and responsible charter guest. 

Here are some tips on how to enjoy your yacht charter while minimizing your impact: 

Better Preferences

Crews ensure they always go above and beyond when running a yacht charter, and this extends to ensuring guests have what they ask for onboard a crewed charter catamaran. When filling out a preference sheet, there are a few things to consider to have a greener charter. Minimize plastic waste by drinking from refillable bottles, and utilizing the onboard water filtration system instead of requesting branded water bottles. Toiletries are another factor to consider; you can request that there be reef-friendly and environmentally safe toiletries onboard.

When it comes to food, the chefs are heavily involved in preferences. If guests request something, they will be sure to fly it in, which contributes significantly to the yacht’s carbon footprint. Be sure to request locally sourced and seasonal menus when onboard. Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint, but it also allows you to savor the freshest produce and local specialities. 

Respect the Underwater World 

Getting underwater is a big part of a yacht charter, especially in tropical locations where the underwater world is pristine, such as Tahiti, the BVIs, and the Bahamas! To preserve these ecosystems, minimize your disruption when partaking in any watersport. Avoid feeding or touching marine life, and keep a safe distance when swimming.

Reduce Consumption 

While crewed catamarans have an array of luxury amenities and facilities, this doesn’t mean that there needs to be excessive use of them. Guests can easily conserve energy and resources by switching things off when not in use. This reduction in consumption can also help reduce the yacht’s carbon footprint. You should also always embrace vacation mode and cruise at a leisurely pace; not only does this allow you to take in the destination better, but a slower cruising speed further reduces emissions. 

Support Local 

Practicing responsible sailing doesn’t just stop on the ocean. When you step ashore, it is important to support the local economy. If you go on excursions ashore, consult the crew to ensure you participate in ones that benefit the community. There are always plenty of organizations and initiatives you can get involved with ashore that are helping minimize environmental impact, such as beach clean-ups. 

Listen to Your Crew 

The yacht crew onboard our charter catamaran ensure that the boats are run extremely safely to adhere to all rules and regulations, including the environmental aspect. The crew will ensure you recognize the environmental impact that the yacht and operations will have and the correct waste disposal practices you can do while onboard. 

Spread Awareness

Never hesitate to ask the crew about any small changes you can make to minimize your impact onboard. You can inspire positive change throughout the charter community by spreading awareness about eco-friendly swaps. 

Every small change contributes to a greener future for boating. It is a collaborative effort, and as guests, you can play a vital role in preserving and protecting our oceans. Contact the Boatbookings team today to find out which greener crewed charter catamaran you can book for your next vacation!

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How to Have a More Sustainable Caribbean Yacht Charter

We are approaching one of our favorite times of the year – the Caribbean boating season! At Boatbookings, we love cruising the Caribbean, from the azure waters and abundant marine life to pristine beaches. But, like the rest of our planet, the islands are under threat.

The Caribbean is a fragile ecosystem suffering under the various challenges climate change brings. The Caribbean faces many threats, from rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather to ocean acidification. There are so many things we can do to leave less of an impact on our crewed charter catamarans.

Here are some ways you can help minimize your impact this Caribbean season:

Choose a Greener Yacht

The first step is to choose a more eco-friendly yacht from our greener crewed charter catamaran selection. At Boatbookings, we showcase more sustainable boats and look at incorporating catamaran builds, such as Sunreef and Silent Yachts, that champion sustainability. Crewed catamarans are better for our oceans and boast more advantages, such as better efficiency, shallow draft, expansive living areas, and comfortable cruising. The recently launched Sol is perfect for a greener Caribbean charter in the BVIs. This Sunreef 80 power eco has all the luxury facilities and amenities while having sustainability at the core, including vegan interiors and the solar and battery tech found within this Eco-Catamaran range.

An Eco-Conscious Itinerary 

There are a few factors that can help minimize your impact by choosing a more eco-conscious itinerary for a Caribbean charter. Overcrowding can have a negative impact on an ecosystem, so cruising destinations and anchorages that are less crowded will help. Opting for quieter spots also makes for a better experience. There are plenty of natural reserves and marine parks in the Caribbean, especially within the Bahamas, such as Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. Visiting these on your charter means you will help support the conservation efforts by abiding by the strict conservation regulations to protect the area.

Better Onboard Practices 

While the crew onboard will already implement sustainable practices, it is important that you are aware of these. The main culprit in the Caribbean is the use of single-use plastic, but most boats now have water filtration systems onboard so that you can reduce any plastic water bottles needed. While in the Caribbean, you will undoubtedly be in the water a lot, so it is important to wear reef-friendly suncream to protect from the toxicity of regular suncream when exploring reefs and marine life. Another way to ensure a greener charter is through the menus you enjoy; ask your chef to create menus that are prioritized with local and seasonal ingredients in mind, helping reduce the carbon footprint of your charter. Always look for opportunities within the Caribbean to incorporate responsibly sourced seafood and avoid overfished species, such as parrotfish that have been overfished in the Caribbean for decades. 

Support Conservation Efforts 

As well as choosing to visit marine parks and natural reserves while following the regulations as charter guests, you can also support by donating to local conservation organizations or participating in beach cleanups. By aligning your charter experience with minimizing your impact, you are contributing to the long-term health of our oceans. Before your charter, you can also use our carbon offsetting calculator.

Charter the Caribbean Today! 

These are just some steps you can take to ensure the Caribbean’s natural beauty lasts for generations to come. Contact the Boatbookings team to book a greener crewed charter catamaran to enjoy the Caribbean this coming season. 

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Charter Sustainbly: Spotlight on our new Sunreef 50 Eco, Tiril

We are excited to announce an addition to our crewed charter catamarans. This Sunreef 50 Eco, Tiril, is perfect for those wanting a quiet luxury and a lighter carbon footprint on their charter. 

What makes Tiril more sustainable? 

This isn’t just any charter catamaran; the Sunreef 50 Eco range is electric, innovative, and eco-conscious in design and operation. 

One standout feature is that you can cruise silently with Tiril. The Sunreef is fitted with solar panels, and with energy produced by these and the hydro-generators and wind generators, it boasts silent cruising. The energy is stored in ultralight battery banks, custom-engineered for the Eco range. 

The onboard air conditioning system is revolutionary, designed to keep you cool while conserving energy efficiently and not requiring a noisy generator.

Where will Tiril be?

Tiril will be available for charter across French Polynesia. An incredible, once-in-a-lifetime destination, the islands have plenty to offer. From lush islands and pristine waters to an abundance of tropical marine life. Cruising them in a Sunreef is perfect due to the shallow draft – well suited to easily navigating the atolls and idyllic anchorages. 

Our team can help you with bespoke and tailor-made itineraries, from Moorea to The Tuamotus, helping you explore the best of Polynesia while minimizing your carbon footprint. 

What does Tiril offer?

The Sunreef Eco 50 has four double ensuite cabins and a bunkbed cabin accommodating up to 10 guests. The yacht is fully equipped with everything you will need on a charter and has been finished with eco-responsible materials and sustainable decor.

You cannot cruise French Polynesia without plenty of watersports gear. Trill has sustainable sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and wing foiling equipment. 

Onboard Tiril, you will be well looked after by its crew. Captain Clement has a passion for sailing and sustainability. He has sailed extensively for years and the last few have been spent exploring French Polynesia. He has also created an eco-responsible cocoa trading company. Lili, the cook and host, is a native of the Tuamotus. She will show you the incredible warmth of the people and culture of the islands. She will also ensure the highest level of luxury and comfort onboard. 

Get onboard Tiril today! 

What are you waiting for? To enjoy a greener crewed charter catamaran on Tiril in French Polynesia, contact the Boatbookings team today. We are passionate about our oceans and the impact the boating industry is having; that’s why we make sure we champion these greener alternatives going forward. Make a difference today and book a more sustainable charter option. 

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Lagoon Catamarans step up their sustainability efforts

Over the years, we have loved seeing the developments of the crewed charter catamarans we offer, especially from the builders who prioritize sustainability – such as Lagoon catamarans. 

The Lagoon brand of catamarans is part of the Beneteau Group and has been committed to preserving our oceans for years ever since the brand was launched in 1984. Here are three key initiatives that Lagoon is incorporating into its catamarans to make them more environmentally friendly. 

1. Greener propulsion systems 

Many clients that charter a Lagoon tend to sail in remote areas, so energy autonomy is crucial. Lagoon has focused on energy efficiency for some time, using solar panels and wind turbines, carefully selecting energy-efficient equipment and appliances while maintaining a high level of comfort onboard. 

In terms of propulsion, they are a pioneer in offering hybrid propulsion, as well as solar panels integrated into the coachroof, which is why we have been offering them with Boatbookings for many years. They have also invested heavily in studies to improve hull shapes and their models’ efficiency continually. 

2. Sustainable materials 

They are also built better! Lagoon now uses many more sustainable materials within its build process. For example, the wood is derived from FSC-certified forests, and the upholstery is made entirely from recycled materials. Plans for Lagoon include replacing all glass fiber with natural hemp fiber. They have also made substantial technological advances in resin and fiber, which looks promising for their future models – watch this space. 

3. Sustainability is high on their agenda 

Lagoon continuously innovates to improve, and sustainability is a key focus. Aside from enhanced energy efficiency and greener materials, Lagoon also includes ecological and biodegradable boat maintenance kits with each catamaran. 

Another commitment that Lagoon has made is to Anima Mundi, and their partnership is seeking to create the first complete database of plastic waste on the coastline with the assistance of Lagoon owners. Lagoon has also partnered with Escape to Nature. Their expert cinematographers are onboard a Lagoon 55 in remote areas of the Pacific to highlight the importance of preserving the underwater world. 

Lagoon takes a holistic approach. The Research and Development team is constantly researching construction methods to improve the sustainability of their yachts. They have also invested in their facilities, which are certified to high standards of environmental management and energy performance. This year the yard’s Bordeaux site has officially been certified in recognition of their efforts. 

How about a beautiful Lagoon for your next charter? While Lagoon catamarans are the epitome of comfort and performance in the catamaran world with their spacious interiors, stability, versatility, and sailing capabilities, they are also helping sailors minimize their impact. Contact one of the team at Boatbookings today to learn more about our crewed charter catamarans with Lagoon. 

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