Tie-up responsibly: How are marinas facilitating the green revolution?

Whether you are on a bareboat charter catamaran or a crewed charter catamaran, alongside fantastic anchorages, you will likely also want to tie up in a marina or two on your travels.

But marinas significantly impact the environment. They cater to hundreds of boats coming and going, which can have various negative impacts. Firstly this movement can disrupt the local ecosystem if not managed appropriately, and visitors discharge multiple wastes and trash. Marinas are beginning to recognize that they can harm the environment without protocols and mindful practices in place, with now many keen to be greener.

The two leading global initiatives are the Clean Marinas Program and The Blue Flag award, both setting standards for better eco-awareness and environmental preservation.

At Boatbookings, we love hearing about innovative marina designs and sustainable practices being implemented. We take a look at some marinas around the world and how they are becoming greener:

Rybovich, West Plam Beach

The Florida-based Rybovich marina provides berths for boats up to 100m. They meet the stringent criteria to gain its ‘clean marina’ status through various procedures. The comprehensive recycling center and drainage system that captures almost all the water in the shipyard, which is then filtered and reused both contribute to this. The marina was one of the first partners supporting the Water Revolution Foundation, working to enhance the sustainability credentials of the boating industry. Rybovich is part of the Safe Harbour marina group, which recently partnered with X-Shore to allow and increase easier access to fully electric boats in the USA.

Blue Haven, Turks & Caicos

Recently reopened this year, the Blue Haven marina in Turks & Caicos Islands in the Caribbean has improved its green agenda while gaining the acclaimed Blue Flag award. The marina has increased ecological awareness and conservation commitments by utilizing eco-friendly cleaning and products at the facilities. Sustainable materials and renewable energy are also used throughout. It is part of the IGY group, which in 2021 also pledged to reduce and offset its carbon footprint across its network, helping future-proof its portfolio.

Port Vauban, France

Not only does the largest marina in Europe, Port Vauban in Antibes, have a Blue Flag award, but it was also the first in Alpes Maritime to join the French charter of the environment, striving for best practices in eco-preservation. The marina has gradually replaced fossil-fuel-powered vehicles with a fleet of electric golf carts and bikes. They also have robots collecting floating waste at various port locations and an extensive recycling system.

Flisvos Marina, Greece

Flisvos Marina in Athens won the ‘Smart and Sustainable marina award, 2022’ at the international competition at the Monaco Yacht Club. The marina uses electricity from 100% renewable sources, keeps water quality at swimming level, and has many environmental campaigns. They also facilitate 16 recycling streams and use environmentally friendly building materials within its walls. Flisvos is part of the D Marin group, recognized for its unwavering commitment to ESG and environmental concerns.

These are just some positive changes we have seen from innovative cleaning solutions, responsible waste channels, renewable energy, and environmental awareness. At Boatbookings, we hope these initiatives will be rolled out in all marinas soon. Contact us today to learn more about the greener catamaran charters we offer and what marinas you can visit!

Posted on October 2, 2023 by admin

How should I start my Yacht Charter Experience?

The Boatbookings Charter Broker Team are often asked whether it is a good idea to arrive the day before their Mediterranean yacht charter. The answer is always, yes! Travelling in the summer is busy, so arrive early, get into the time zone and make sure you’re relaxed ahead of embarking on your private yacht vacation.

Athens & Greece Yacht Charter

A Greece yacht charter will continue to be the standout activity for summer 2020. Flying from California takes over 12 hours, crossing 10 time zones. Stay in Athens and explore one of the most mystical cities in the world. We have just returned from the city and spent some time at the King George Hotel, which offers spectacular views over Syntagma Square, as well as the Acropolis. You will then your Greece yacht charter itinerary full of energy and excitement!

Eze & French Riviera Yacht Charter

The French Riviera is home to some of the best hotels, restaurants and beach clubs in the world, so it would be a shame to not include them in your South of France adventure. Set high above the bay of St Jean Cap Ferrat lies the ancient citadel of Eze and the world famous Château de la Chèvre D’Or. The hotel has dazzled the most discerning guests and even played host to Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson in the blockbuster movie The Bucket List. If you do not have time in your schedule, ask your Boatbookings Broker to include dinner on your French Riviera motor yacht charter itinerary.

Rome & Amalfi Coast Yacht Charter

Is there a more famous city in the world? Whether you feel inclined to visit the Pope and tour Vatican City, or step in the footsteps of Robert Langdon and hop from one Piazza to the next, Rome has something for everyone. Stay in the heart of the action at the Hotel de Russie in Piazza del Popolo and be pampered by world class service, cuisine and hospitality. The hotel has one of our favourite interior courtyards, which is the ultimate place to unwind ahead of your Amalfi Coast yacht charter.

Whichever destination you choose, our Brokers will guide you to the heart of the action so that you make the most of your time away. Complete our Enquiry Form today and set sail on an adventure like no other!

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Ben Sutton

Visiting Greek Wineries

Greece is one of the oldest vinicultural countries in the world, with a plethora of local grapes. The quality of Greek wines has tremendously improved over the past decades as new, highly educated and inspired sommeliers have applied themselves to the task of creating new labels. Many of the wineries have opened their gates to guests who can walk along the vineyards and then taste the wines in the cellars. Given this boom in the wine industry, an increasing number of yachties want to include a visit in wineries during their charters. Driven my own personal interest in wine, I am always happy to guide my clients and propose vineyard visits.

Santorini wines

The volcanic soil of Santorini island in the Cyclades offers the best terroirs for the Assyrtiko grapes. Assyrtiko wines are undoubtedly the flagship of Greek whites and a visit at the Hatzidakis winery in Sanotini offers a unique chance to view a unique and interesting wine in the making. Make sure to taste the award-winning Nukteri label. The thing, however, is that Santorini is way too far for a weekly itinerary starting and finishing in Athens, so I always advise my clients to fly to the island before or after their charter and combine this with a stay in one of the caldera hotels, enjoying the magnificent views.

Skouras Domaine

Much closer to Athens I recommend clients to leave their yacht in Nafplion port and take a 30-minute drive to Skouras Domaine – one of the most modern and spectacular visitor-friendly wineries in Peloponnese. The prevailing force here is the Aghiorghitiko grape, which grows in the rocky terroirs nearby and is used in the much acclaimed Megas Oinos and Labyrinth labels. My personal favorite, however, is the fruity Viogner Eclectique, which grows in a small terroir called “spilitsa – little cave”.

The tempting Greek islands sun and the surrounding sea, together with the hospitality of your crew may keep you onboard your yacht through your charter. Do try to taste Greek wines during your visit – your chef will surely recommend the best pairings to their culinary creations. Contact now our expert broker team and start planning your next Greek motor yacht, sailing yacht or catamaran charter!

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Lambros Tsolakis