SUP paddle boarding – HOW?!

SUP boarding, originating in Hawaii is a spin-off from surfboards. As opposed to the paddle-less sister, sup boarding offers a range of activities perfect for your summer and winter charters!

Standing Up Paddleboards have become available to the masses, with almost all bareboat yacht owners offering SUP boards as an extra to their charters why not add one onto yours? Most crewed yacht charters will now have SUP boards, along with other water toys. But did you know there are so many ways to use them?! See below!

The classic – SUP Boarding.

In the Mediterranean, you will often see people push their sups off the side of the yacht and go for a paddle – join them! Bend your knees and make sure you have the paddle the right way around! As you become an expert over the week start to use some technique and draw a ‘J’ in the water. By doing this you only need to paddle on the one side.


Yoga

Downward dog!

Get up early, enjoy the stunning scenery of Croatia, Greece, Italy, Caribbean, wherever you are and get out on the SUP board. Go through some simple yoga exercises to get you ready for the day. Early morning around 6 am is the most special time on the water – so get out and enjoy it.


Balancing

Back in my Flotilla days in Greece, SUP boards were used for almost everything. Something which was seriously good fun, with not only the kids but also the adults was ‘The Balance’. Very simple – how many people can you get standing. Not as easy as it sounds!


Sun Bathing

Sup boards come with a wrist strap, to save you floating away to one of the other islands attach it to your bathing ladders or your anchor chain. It’s super relaxing – until someone thinks its a great idea to jump off the yacht and splash you! Yes – even the adults sometimes cannot resist making someone scream out of shock!


Darling, lets go to the races!

In your stunning anchorage, be it Greece or the Caribbean some people on the yacht might need to expel some extra energy! Or to get the whole group up with a little bit of competitive sport! This is a great way to have some quality time together and make memories. Try racing around the yacht and timing each other – or attach a fender to a kedge anchor and use it as a racing buoy! Make sure you use the correct knot to attach the kedge!


Wobble wars

It is what it says on the tin! Get two people to stand up on the board and wobble the yacht until someone falls off! A simple and effective game that brings hours of fun on the water. Very popular with kids, but it has been known for some 68-year-olds to get involved.. perhaps the G ‘n’ T had something to do with it!


If you would like to know more about adding sups to your charters, or interesting in chartering with us this coming summer or winter do email here!


FIRECRACKER REVIEW

25% discount if you book in May 2019! Contact us now!

FIRECRACKER has long been one of our favorite yachts on the French Riviera. With her defining shape, and dark hull you will often see her in some of the most exclusive places. Her home is in the French Riviera, and here she stands proudly amongst her Superyacht sisters.


Captain

Fly helm station

Long-standing Captain Jonathan has been at her helm for 3 years and is looking forward to his 4th season on board. He is a firm favorite with our clients and knows all the best spots the Riviera has to offer.


Food

New chef Daniel comes with a wealth of experience from cooking at one of the top 50 world restaurants, Maido in Peru.

Adding to this, he has worked in various Michelin Star and AA Rosette rated restaurants such as Kilworth House Hotel, The Whitebrook (where the Head Chef Chris has just won for his main course “The Great British Menu”) and Adams Restaurant.

He then moved on to a 55m motor yacht in Greece before joining FIRECRACKER where he is super excited to impress each and every client to come aboard.


Social

Aft dinning area

We love FIRECRACKER as she is constantly updated and maintained to the highest standard. Her light and the modern interior offers great volume for her size and leads seamlessly to her vast aft deck where you can dine and relax al freso.


Lounging

Bow sunpads

Her sunpads on the bow are great for cruising along in the summer sun and taking in the stunning views of the French Riviera.


Activities

She also has an impressive list of water toys for the thrill seekers amongst you! The list includes: seabobs, snorkel gear, wakeboards and more!

All this for 25% off the asking price in May?! I couldn’t believe my eyes either… get in touch and speak with Cordy now for more information on this amazing opportunity!

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…..


Aerial view of Brijuni islands, Croatia

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?


Croatia, Pag Island – Zrce beach.

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

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 of our Bali Cats in Croatia!

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!

Top 3 Bars and Nightclubs on the Amalfi Coast

An Amalfi Coast crewed yacht charter has something for everyone; hospitable crews, picture-postcard villages, thermal spas, fine-dining restaurants and haute-couture boutiques, but does it really have a nightlife scene? If you’re looking for more than your Aperol Spritz, a picturesque piazetta and want to dance the night away, you’ll find it hard to beat the three best nightclubs in Capri and the Amalfi Coast below.

Africana, Praiano

Via Terramare, 84010 Praiano

Welcome to the most famous club on the Amalfi Coast. Every mega club is a groundbreaking venue, but Africana takes your rave levels to a whole new dimension. Born within a mammoth natural cavern, Africana benefits from stunning views out to sea, and a unique hedonistic atmosphere to party. From Aristotle Onassis in the 1960’s to the modern day rockstar, Africana continues to dazzle the elite 2019 jet-set.

Music on the Rocks, Positano

Via Grotte dell’incanto 51, Positano

Positano is everyone’s favourite Amalfi Coast hotspot; the area is full of world class hotels and eateries, but the quaint town only has one nightclub. Located on the edge of the cliff overlooking the beach, Music on the Rocks welcomes you for dinner on the first floor, before offering cooling cocktails in the Fly lounge and dancing until dawn.

Aneme e Core, Capri

Via Sella Orta 39/e 80073 Capri

Anema e Core Capri is the island’s institution. Don’t be fooled by the lack of an impenetrable guest-list or the humble ‘tavern’ interior, this is the must experience Capri hotspot. Welcoming supermodels and megastars from all around the world, you will be entranced by the rhythm and spirit of this iconic establishment. Guido will have even the most discerning celebrity up on their feet, dancing the night away as only the Italians can! 

Stay tuned for the next blog in our Amalfi Coast series, where we will continue to show you the must-visit hotspots to ensure an unrivalled Amalfi Coast yacht charter experience. Don’t leave your holidays to chance, leave It with your dedicated Boatbookings Brokers

#ItsbetterintheBahamas

Great Exuma Island

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

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

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!