Category Archives: Charter Types

Showcasing Sustainability At METSTRADE 2024

Last week, the maritime industry gathered in Amsterdam for the iconic METSTRADE show. At Boatbookings, we are passionate about sustainability and greener solutions for the boating industry. We regularly stay ahead of the developments and innovations; here we have put together some of our favourite launches and news from METSTRADE 2024: 

A Sustainability Focus

This year, the Superyacht Sustainability Route returned, highlighting solutions verified by the Water Revolution Foundation. These solutions aid efficiency, reduce environmental impact, promote corporate responsibility, and minimise waste. 

The show encompassed a range of seminars and workshops from leaders in the maritime industry to discuss the current and future goals of sustainability within the marine world. We were pleased to see that sustainability was truly a cornerstone of the discussions throughout the show, marking significant change and development in the future. 

The Launch Of YETI

Along with their involvement in the Sustainability Route, the Water Revolution Foundation also launched its new YETI software tool to reduce yachting’s eco-footprint. The Yacht Environmental Transparency Index results from an industry-wide collaboration and is designed for the yachting industry to access, compare, and improve its environmental footprint. The tool calculates critical ecological factors, such as propulsion and energy usage in hotel loads, providing an environmental profile for each yacht. 

Garmin Improve Packaging

Garmin also presented various solutions to minimise its footprint, such as packaging improvements. The company explained how it uses less packaging and drastically reduces plastic while eliminating 90% of foam within product boxes. 

Greener Teak From Flexiteek 

Flexiteek launched its latest synthetic teak decking, significantly improving performance and design. The new model builds on the company’s legacy of improving sustainability. The company produces teak that replicates the appearance of natural teak while using a renewable material that reduces emissions by up to 80%. 

Gori Present Hyrbid Sailing Propeller 

At METSTRADE, Gori Propellers announced the development of a new hybrid folding propeller designed for electric and hybrid sailing yachts, set to launch in 2025. The new design enables sailors to switch between optimal sealing performance and power regeneration modes. 

Sustainable Fabrics From Sunbrella 

Sunbrella highlights its dedication to sustainability by displaying the ‘Endless Stories’ fabric collection, designed in-house, it is developed from production waste materials with up to 50% recycled fibres. It is Sunbrrella’s first dedicated range of recycled materials for marine use. 

A Greener Future 

This year’s shows demonstrated that sustainability is no longer an option but a transformation in the boating world. From innovative software tools to exciting product designs, the marine sector is reimagining its approach. These developments represent a collective commitment to preserving our oceans. At Boatbookings, we are excited and optimistic about the boating sector’s trajectory and look forward to continuing to support and promote these initiatives.  

Check out our greener crewed charter catamarans for those looking to make a positive change and charter better. Contact one of the team members today to learn more about our commitment to sustainability. 

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Antigua: What To Do And Where To Go On A Yacht Charter

The Antigua Yacht Charter Show is fast approaching and will be held from 4 to 9 December in the iconic and idyllic Falmouth Harbour. The show is a perfect opportunity for our expert brokers to visit and get an insight into the boats for charter in the Caribbean this season. As Boatbookings plans for the show, we have put together a comprehensive guide on things to expect when visiting Antigua.

Paradise Found 

Antigua boasts an incredible 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – making it a dream destination for boat charters. The island’s strategic location in the Leeward Islands provides boats with consistent trade winds, calm Caribbean waters, and numerous sheltered anchorages, making it the epitome of a Caribbean vacation. 

A Rich Maritime Background

Located in English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s maritime past. This restored naval base provides visitors with a unique opportunity to dock in a historic location where Admiral Horatio Nelson once stationed his fleet. The surrounding national park offers stunning views, hiking trails, and a deep dive into maritime history.

Perfect Sailing Conditions 

The sailing season in Antigua runs from December to April, offering perfect conditions with:

  • Consistent trade winds (15-20 knots)
  • Average temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C)
  • Low rainfall
  • Calm sea conditions

The crystal clear waters offer plenty of suitable anchorages, perfect for launching an array of watersports from kitesurfing, paddleboarding, snorkelling to Jet Skiing.

Here are some of our favorite anchorages: 

  • English Harbour: Historic and picturesque, perfect for those seeking cultural experiences
  • Nonsuch Bay: Ideal for experienced sailors with excellent wind conditions
  • Green Island: A protected anchorage with pristine waters and incredible snorkeling
  • Deep Bay: Offers a serene setting with a shipwreck perfect for underwater exploration

Culinary & Cultural Finds 

Antigua isn’t just ideal for sailing; it’s a perfect vacation to delve into the island’s tastes, flavors, and history. You can sample local rum at the distilleries, enjoy freshly caught fish at waterfront restaurants, enjoy fine dining at the many beach clubs, explore local markets, and experience authentic Caribbean cuisine. 

Be Considerate 

When on a boat charter vacation in Antigua, it is important to consider your environmental impact on the island and surrounding waters. Antigua takes marine conservation seriously to protect biodiversity. We have a wide range of greener crewed catamarans available and ready to cruise the Caribbean. While on a boat charter here, respect marine protected areas, use eco-friendly sunscreens and products, minimize waste, and support local conservation efforts. 

Charter In Antigua Today! 

If you are interested in learning more about our greener crewed catamaran fleet for charter in the Caribbean or putting together a bespoke yacht charter itinerary for Antigua, contact one of the Boatbookings team today! 

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Greener Charters: Why You Should Choose A Boat For Thanksgiving 

While traditional Thanksgiving celebrations often involve gathering with family and friends at home, spending the holidays onboard a boat charter can add something special and unique to the usual. Combining the excitement of Thanksgiving with a boat charter offers the most memorable way to celebrate. At Boatbookings, we recommend booking a charter for Thanksgiving for various reasons, and here we outline how to do it while incorporating environmental responsibility: 

Why You Should Spend Thanksgiving Onboard: 

Perfect Balance: Enjoying your Thanksgiving celebrations provides the perfect balance between indulgence and relaxation and action and adventure, all while in stunning scenery. This time of year is ideal for charters in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Imagine a post-breakfast paddleboard around a tranquil and picturesque bay before enjoying a feast onboard with loved ones. 

Family Bonding: Being on a boat creates an intimate environment with family and friends and encourages the perfect bonding opportunities for Thanksgiving to reconnect with each other and enjoy quality time. 

New Traditions: Spending Thanksgiving on a boat in an exciting destination offers a refreshing change from the usual routine. It can be the ideal opportunity to create new traditions and memories. 

Embrace A Greener Thanksgiving: 

While celebrating Thanksgiving onboard, you can also opt for choices that contribute to a more sustainable celebration. Here are a few examples of how to do so: 

Choose an eco-friendly yacht: At Boatbookings, we have a range of greener crewed charter catamarans perfect for a Thanksgiving cruise. Choosing one of these electric or hybrid boats helps you minimize your environmental impact. These boats produce fewer harmful emissions compared to traditional combustion engines, helping further protect marine ecosystems. 

Enjoy local ingredients: You can request that your chef creates a Thanksgiving menu with sustainability in mind while sourcing local and organic ingredients. Depending on where you choose to charter, there will be a range of fresh produce markets. Not only does this support local economies, but it also reduces the carbon footprint associated with food miles. Local and seasonal produce is typically better and fresher. This could also be the best way to switch up traditions; instead of the usual turkey, why not indulge in fresh fish caught from where you cruise? 

Minimize waste: Practice sustainable habits by minimizing waste on your yacht charter. On your preference sheet before your charter, make your crew aware that you are happy with ways to reduce waste, such as reusable water bottles. The crew onboard will ensure that correct recycling procedures are carried out and will gladly outline these. 

Book Your Thanksgiving Charter Today! 

Spending Thanksgiving on one of our greener crewed charter catamarans offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate the holiday. By combining stunning scenery, quality time with loved ones, and breaking from traditions, you can be sure to elevate your Thanksgiving. Embracing sustainable practices onboard and being open to following environmentally responsible practices means your holiday will also be environmentally responsible. Contact one of the boat bookings team members to learn more about available boats for your next Thanksgiving. 

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Green Chartering: Understanding The Technology Driving Electric Boats

Electric boats continue progressing in technology and popularity within the yacht charter sector. The technology enables a more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vessels, offering reduced emissions, quieter operation, and typically longer-term reduced costs. 

At Boatbookings, we proudly champion a range of electric boats within our greener crewed charter catamaran fleet. Here we take a look at the technologies and the benefits of them:

The Components Of An Electric Boat 

The electric propulsion systems within electric boats replace traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) with electric motors, typically consisting of these main components: 

Charger: This transfers electric energy from the electricity source to the battery bank, replacing the need for a traditional fuel source.

Batteries: The energy storage system is crucial for electric boats. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common choice due to their high energy density, long lifespan, and ability to handle frequent charge-discharge cycles. Recent advancements in battery technology have significantly improved both range and performance, making electric boats increasingly viable for longer cruises.

Charge & Motor Controllers: Charge controllers regulate the amps and voltage during the transfer of electricity to the battery according to the battery’s specification before sending it to the battery bank, while the motor controller coordinates the motor’s speed, torque, and direction.  

Electric motor: Unlike combustion engines, electric motors convert electrical energy from the battery directly into mechanical energy, to power the propulsion

Propulsion unit: This moves the boat through the water using the mechanical power transmitted from the electric motor. 

There are far fewer moving parts than traditional enginers, which results in higher reliability, lower maintenance, and a longer lifetime. 

Renewable Energy 

Many electric boat designs also incorporate renewable energy sources to supplement battery power and extend range, such as: 

Solar panels: Photovoltaic cells integrated into the boat’s surface can harness solar energy and continuously charge the batteries. 

Wind turbines: Some boats have small wind turbines to generate additional power

Regenerative systems: When moving, the boat’s propeller can act as a generator, feeding power back into the batteries. 

Advantages Of Going Electric 

There are various areas for charter clients to consider when opting for an electric boat; here are some of the main advantages of a traditioanl combustion engine: 

Reduced emissions: The main environmental benefit is the lack of emissions. Electric boats do not release harmful greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change and ocean pollution. 

Silent cruising: Electric boats operate quietly, offering a more tranquil charter experience. The absence of engine noise improves the quality of the experience and protects marine life and habitats. 

Cost savings: There are considerable operational cost savings. Even for a week-long charter, you will not have to add a huge diesel bill to your overall costs. Electric propulsion systems are also much more efficient, converting a higher percentage of energy into propulsion. 

The Future 

The electric boat industry is developing rapidly, with many builders improving the technology, including safer and longer-lasting batteries and more powerful motors. As the electric boat industry increases in scale, the price will decrease, enabling the sector to offer electric boats across a range of budgets. 

Regulations are also on the horizon, and traditional motors will soon be denied access to more waterways due to their emission and noise pollution. Therefore, switching to electric will future-proof your charter decisions. 

Contact one of the Boatbookings team today to learn more about the best sustainable electric charter boats we have on offer and the benefits of chartering them for your next boating vacation.

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Boatbookings Top 5: Eco-Conscious Charters For Winter Boating Vacations

As the seasons change, the winter months offer a unique opportunity to explore some of the world’s best yachting destinations. These worldwide locations increasingly embrace sustainable practices, enabling you to enjoy a yacht charter with a lower environmental impact. 

At Boatbookings, we love helping our clients take advantage of some of the best cruising grounds while minimizing their carbon footprint; here are our favourite five:

The Bahamas 

The Bahamas is a perfect cruising spot for the Caribbean winter boating season, especially for our green crewed charter catamarans, thanks to the shallow anchorages ideal for catamarans. The archipelago boasts easy access from the US, and because of its pristine beauty, the islands are committed to protecting its biodiversity and marine life. Habacoa Marina will launch here in 2027; the new marina in South Abaco will integrate sustainable technologies and use environmentally responsible materials, and an important focus will ensure a connection to the island’s beauty. 

Antigua

Antigua is another iconic winter cruising destination. This Caribbean island has 365 beaches, one for each day, dotted along its vast coastline. Snorkeling and scuba diving are ideal activities on a boat charter, where you can enjoy the vibrant coral and marine life with minimal impact. The Cades Bay Marine Park is one of the best spots for hanging out with the island’s marine life. Above the water, where the Caribbean’s most iconic sailing race is held, the week-long yacht regatta, Antigua Sailing Week, is one of the island’s most notable events and is perfect for a sailing yacht charter. 

Indonesia 

The year-round summer here is putting Indonesia on a lot of charter yacht radars, gaining more popularity. There is endless adventure and exploration within these incredible islands on a winter yachting vacation. At the heart of the coral triangle, Indonesia is home to incredible marine life where the Indian and Pacific oceans meet. The Raja Ampat islands in eastern Indonesia are some of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions and are a UNESCO-protected site. The Marine Protected Area (MPA), here, means that illegal fishing and destructive tourism are managed to minimise the environmental impact. Another boating hotspot here is Lombock, the surfing haven – a perfect spot to try out a watersport that has minimal impact on the marine ecosystem. 

The Maldives

Another one of Boatbooking’s favorite winter charter destinations is the Maldives. The peak season is between December and March; during this time, the water visibility is great, and the perfect time to visit the islands. On a yacht charter in the Maldives, you can experience some of the world’s best beaches and underwater world. The archipelago is leading sustainable travel, with new standards for marine tourism to ensure boating here has a lower environmental impact. 

Thailand 

Thailand is an incredible yacht charter destination in southeast Asia, with plenty of adventures to be had. Known for its warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, and fantastic food, Thailand is a great spot to cruise. You can enjoy elephant trekking through Krabi’s National Park, scuba diving in Ko Tao, or the UNESCO anchorages of Similan and Surin Islands. Phuket, the yachting hub in Thailand, advocates for a more sustainable boating sector, with the Royal Phuket Marina prioritizing sustainable initiatives. 

Escape the colder months with one of these destinations perfect for adventure or relaxation, and charter one of our greener charter catamarans to have less impact on the environment. Whether you are looking at heading to the Caribbean, the South Pacific, or the Indian Ocean this winter, there is a boat charter destination ideal for your next vacation. To find out more, contact the Boatbookings team today. 

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