Category Archives: Destinations

What boats and yachts are HOT!

Dunya Yachts 236’ Red Square: Largest Turkish Build to Date

Although a relative newcomer in the shipbuilding business, Dunya Yachts is certain to command significant attention at their Monaco Yacht Show display this year. Cutting-edge designs from the yard include a 213’ eco yacht, designed to incorporate the latest trends in green technology, two 236’ yachts under construction and a 289-footer in the works.

236' Red Square has a voluminous six-deck floor plan with notable features that include a health and beauty spa, a sea-level gymnasium, a sizeable swimming pool, sweeping 50-foot balconies and a dedicated owner’s deck. Interiors by celebrated designer Alberto Pinto juxtapose modernism with Old World elegance to achieve a plush yet vibrant style. Also under construction at the yard is 236’ Warrior, described with even greater interior volume. Both yachts are scheduled for launch next year.

Visually even more radical is 289' Blade, an appropriate monicker given her dramatic axe-bow. The design represents a collaboration between Dunya Yachts and renowned Ken Freivokh Design. The use of unprecedented amounts of glass results in a daring profile and stunning, ultramodern interiors. A triple-height glass atrium, all-glass swimming pool, seamless panoramic windows and seven guest suites that can be converted to create additional cabins are a few of Blade's innovative features.

Dunya Yachts is located in Istanbul Turkey, a country that has witnessed tremendous growth in the past decade in yacht design, build and repair. The well-equipped shipyard sprawls over 330,000 square feet including sheds, construction halls and boasts the only climate-controlled dry dock in the country. The shipyard exhibit at the Monaco Yacht Show will be situated at stand QC13 on the Quai Chicane. Please contact Esra Tarlan PR & Marketing of Dunya Yachts for additional information.

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MY Willpower To Debut at Cannes Boat Show

The Cannes Festival de la Plaisance (Cannes Boat Show) this September provides a wonderful opportunity to see many fabulous yachts on display. Among them will be Heesen Yachts’ ninth in the 3700 series, MY Willpower. The yacht, styled by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, derives a particularly impressive presence form her streamlined profile and lustrous Super Jet Black hull.

The goal of interior designer Gabriel Bernardi of was to create a timeless sense of style through the use of interior elements reminiscent of classic yachts. He states, “My inspiration for this interior and most of my interiors in general, is this incredibly sophisticated era between the two world wars, where style and entertainment took position over outward displays of wealth. Craftsmanship, style, beauty and above all charm were important ingredients to life and people had an aesthetic appreciation and were rarely vulgar.”

Although unusual in contemporary interiors, classic yachts featured freestanding furniture that could be rearranged to accommodate varying social situations, from business meetings to cocktail parties. Bernardi reintroduces this functionality with the same high-level sophistication and quality craftsmanship found on storied vessels of the mid-war period.

Despite MY Willpower’s retro aura it is a thoroughly modern yacht. The owner’s suite, located on the main deck, and four guest cabins are located on the lower deck, are beautifully appointed with convenient amenities and ample storage. Exterior social areas include the spacious sundeck with sitting area, wet bar and spa pool. Powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesel engines, MY Willpower can slice through waves at a speedy 31 knots. In addition, VT Naiad, Active trim tab stabilization helps to insure a smooth ride.

LOA: 122’

Beam: 24′

Draft: 7’

Maximum speed: 31 knots

Range: 2,000 nm @ 12 knots

Fuel: 8,700 Gal.

Water: 2,100 Gal.

Hull type: twin screw, hard chine, semi-displacement

Hull and superstructure material: aluminum

Photo Credits: profile Ren̩ Keuvelaar Рshed Dick Holthuis

We will be blogging all the news from the Cannes Boat Show – and if you plan to be there and would like to look at specific charter yachts, please feel free to contact us – we’d love to meet you!

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New Moonen 133′ Yacht Sophia III: Size Matters

Moonen Shipyard reaches new lengths in undertaking construction of the elegant Moonen 133, their largest build to date, that is scheduled to debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2012. The modified long-range explorer yacht is easily recognizable as a Moonen progeny, combining traditional features within a modern context.

The overall design created by the Moonen design team, in collaboration with René van der Velden, gracefully succeeds in overcoming some unique design challenges. For example, the owner, an experienced yachtsman and a repeat Moonen client, wished for long-range capabilities yet ability to access smaller areas with a shallow draft.

Another design challenge was to house and launch the owner’s personal two-man submarine as safely and efficiently as possible. The solution was to store the submarine on deck and to launch with a hydraulic ramp, creating a space that then converts to a voluminous swim platform. Another notable design feature places the tender on the wheelhouse deck to be launched either to port or starboard via a centerline crane.

Spacious interiors include six guest cabins with a full-beam master suite and social areas that feature oversized windows for spectacular views. The owner has again chosen to work with Artline for stylish interiors that will likely be elegantly contemporary. The Moonen 133′ is designed and built as a family yacht, making it the perfect option for future family charters. In the meantime, please visit Boatbookings.com to charter your ideal yacht today!

Moonen 133 Sophia III

LOA: 133′

Beam: 29′

Draft: 7’8″

Fuel: 11,348 GAL.

Water: 2,639 GAL.

Engines: 2 x Cat C32 DI-TTA Acert MKIII

Maximum Speed: 14.5 knots

Cruising Speed: 12 knots

Range: 5,000 nm at 9 knots

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Lürssen Yachts’ 196’ KATIE SUE II: Much Anticipated July Delivery

On May 31st, Lürssen launched project Katie Sue II, with delivery scheduled for the end of July. The archetypical gleaming white yacht embodies classic styling by Espen Oeino, who has sensually softened the dynamic, thrusting profile with curved architectural features and 180-degree panoramic windows.

Interior design by Glade Johnson merges stylish, contemporary furnishings with sophisticated, traditional details that serve to divide voluminous spaces into social areas that project elegance, warmth and serenity.

The spectacular sweep of windows on the main and upper decks infuses these areas with natural light. On the main deck, guests may enjoy an exquisite dinner in the formal dining area or opt for a casual respite outside aft. Of the five guest staterooms, one is located on the upper deck and four on the lower deck. All suites are spacious and characterized by thoughtfully appointed amenities including oversize vertical portholes for splendid views.

Up on the sun deck, special features include a wind-protected area amidships that may function as a gym, and a plush seating area for sunning that wraps around the Jacuzzi forward. When the sun goes down, this deck becomes party central, equipped with a disco sound system and lighting.

Please visit Boatbookings.com to view our stunning selection of Lürssen Yachts available for charter.

Loa: 196’10’’

Beam: 37’6’’

Maximum speed: 15.5 knots

Range: 7,000 nm.

Engines: 2x Caterpillar 1,455 kW

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MY Sorana Flybridge 67: 20% Off Summer Deal in the Grenadines

Sorana Luxury Motor YachtLuxury Motor Yacht Sorana is available for charter in the Grenadines all summer long at a fantastically reduced 20% 0ff the regular rate.  This speedy Princess P67 flybridge yacht combines the spirit of fun with the essence of luxury. Contemporary furnishings are soothing, uncluttered and facilitate circulation.

In the cozy main saloon guests can sink into the plush opposing sofas to plan or recount adventures of the day. Accommodations are for six guests in a spacious master, V-berth VIP and charming twin. High up on the flybridge is an exhilarating spot to breathe in the sea air and thrill to the panoramic view. On the bow, sun worshippers can sprawl across the oversize sunpad and soak up the Caribbean rays.

The optimal choice for sipping a refreshing beverage and enjoying a gourmet snack prepared by the chef is in the shade of the flybridge overhang aft. What adds to this yacht’s perfection is the highly acclaimed crew who are determined to make your experience onboard Sorana flawless. Contact [email protected] now to arrange for your charter as availability for this deal will not last long.

LOA: 68 ft.

Beam: 17 ft.

Draft: 4.5 ft.

Engines: 2x 1200hp MTU

Maximum speed: 17 knots

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