Kevin’s Favourites at the Singapore Yacht Show 2014

The yachting industry in Asia is bigger than ever and well on its way to booming. With ever more yacht enthusiasts looking to explore the Far East in search of something new and exciting, more of the world’s most impressive yachts are making their way east. This was abundantly evident at the recent Singapore Yacht Show last week. Whilst not yet as big as some of the yacht shows in Monaco and Antibes for example, the Singapore Yacht Show is a great place to get aboard some truly amazing yachts with many yachts offering guided tours; giving you the chance to see what super yachts are all about.

In our preview blog a couple of weeks ago, CLOUD 9 was touted as one of the potential highlights of the show. Boatbooking’s charter expert in Asia, Kevin, was lucky enough to look around her and reports that she most certainly lives up to the billing. Massive amounts of light streams into an indulgently spacious yacht whilst the garage stocks every water toy known to man.

Kevin has also been raving about KERI LEE III. The owner’s wife is an interior designer and, judging from the finish found on board, she won’t be out of pocket any time soon. Better resembling a grand mansion than a yacht, KERI LEE III is decorated impeccably with original artwork, French antiques as well as glorious marble linings and the most inviting of salons.

No expense has been spared in order to create a yacht which is quintessentially luxurious throughout. A magnificent spiral staircase connects the three stunning interior levels. The sky lounge is nothing short of jaw dropping, featuring everything that you could possibly want for the perfect day.

Dine al fresco, lounge in the sun, cool off in front of a film in the jacuzzi and then clear everything away, turn the music up and dance the night away. KERI LEE III has it all and sums up what luxury yachting is all about.

Posted on April 23, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

10 Simple Steps to Luxury Yacht Charter!

Chartering a luxury catamaran, motor or sailing yacht has never been so simple, thanks to our dedicated team of charter brokers who will help you plan the trip of a lifetime anywhere in the world. Here at Boatbookings, we pride ourselves on customer service and we will not stop until we find you the perfect yacht. There are 10 simple steps from turning a dream into a reality.

Step 1 – Most importantly, guests must decide where they would like to start their charter and what sort of yacht they would like. We offer charters from all around the world, including the United States, the Caribbean, French & Italian Riviera’s and the Far East. We have access to a vast amount of motorboats, sailboats and catamarans in each of these destinations.

Beautiful Beaches of the BVI — The natural beauty of the BVI

Step 2 – Once you have decided where and how you want to travel, contact us. Please enquire via our website or send an email to [email protected]. Once we have received your enquiry, one of our brokers will assist you and start searching for suitable yachts.

Step 3 – We ask guests to provide the following information, so that we can gain a clearer idea of what you really want. Are you looking for a bareboat or a crewed charter? Are your dates flexible and how long would you like to charter for? Do you have a particular budget in mind for your charter? If you are looking for a sailboat, please be aware that you must start on a Saturday for a weeks duration.

Van Dutch 40 — The stunning VanDutch 40, PURE DUTCH

Step 4 – Once we have received this information, our brokers will then start the search for possible yachts that meet your criteria. We will then find which yachts are available for your charter dates and propose at least three options which are suitable for you to review and compare.

Step 5 – Once you have reviewed and compared the yachts that you have been sent, our broker will then arrange the charter for you. For example, you have chosen to charter M/Y MOSKING, a stunning Mangusta 108 from Antibes, France for 4 days.

M/Y MOSKING, Mangusta 108 Luxury Motor Yacht

Step 6 – Our broker would then reserve this for you and start preparing the charter agreement and invoice. Once all the paperwork has been signed and the invoice has been paid by either bank transfer or credit card, we can start to make some final itinerary plans.

Step 7 – Our broker will arrange all the meeting details, can arrange restaurant reservations and help to organise an itinerary. For example, guests wills depart from Antibes and spend one day cruising slowly towards Monaco, enjoying a long lunch in St Jean Cap Ferrat. Then guests could head towards Portofino and along the Italian Riviera before heading back to Antibes.

The magnificent Italian Riviera town of Portofino

Step 8 – We will send a preference sheet to you to note down all the provisions you would like on the yacht. This can cover anything from champagne and wine, to food and flowers. All provisions will be bought before you step foot onboard and therefore ready for you to enjoy immediately.

Step 9 – The final meeting place and timings will be sent for your embarkation. You will be given the captains details for any last minute requests or discussions on itinerary.

Sunset — The end to a perfect day onboard a Luxury Yacht

Step 10 – Guests will board and start their charter. The crew will do everything that they can to make sure that you have a successful charter. They will be able to arrange any emergency provisions and last minute restaurant reservations, leaving guests to relax fully and enjoy the natural beauty that is the French and Italian Riviera.

Posted on September 20, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

Christmas Specials Newsletter is Out!

We’ve just sent our Xmas and New Years Newsletter, with special offers in Thailand, the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mauritius and elsewhere. Still availability left if you want to go for it, or we also have suggestions for Yachts you can put under the tree as a present for next summer!

If you’ve signed up for the newsletter, you’ve already received it, otherwise, you can just click here for all the offers and details. Or you can click her to see our Xmas Specials.

Posted on December 9, 2009 by Tom Virden — 1 Comment ↓

Is the Indian Ocean Safe for Charter?

There’s been a lot written about pirates in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Somalia. And there has been some pirate activity within 60 miles of the Seychelles. So we’ve gotten a number of enquiries as to whether its safe to charter in the Indian Ocean.

First off, the Indian Ocean is HUGE, and there have been no instances to our knowledge in the beautiful and inviting charter areas of the Maldives, Mauritius and Madagascar. So if you’re thinking of a charter in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, we recommend you choose one of these areas.

Secondly, the recent hijack of a British couple was in open waters as they were sailing to Mozambique from the Seychelles. It is far safer to stay in standard charter areas, near the coast.

If you’d like to charter in the Indian Ocean, but have any safety concerns, we recommend that you speak to our Indian Ocean office – please contact them here.

Posted on October 29, 2009 by Tom Virden — No Comments ↓

Boatbookings.com Expert Commentary – Mauritius and the Indian Ocean

Our charter consultants know so much about the area, we decided to do an ongoing series of expert advice about key things to know, what to do, and trends in the regions. We start with an interview with Peter Piper, the original Charter Consultant at Boatbookings.com, who has relocated to Mauritius (someone has to do it) to cover the Indian Ocean. Here are his comments:

Peter, tell me what you’re seeing in the Indian Ocean Charter Scene right now.

Despite the global recession, we’re seeing great growth in our Indian Ocean business since we opened our office about a year ago. The market in general is growing about 10% per year. People are coming here because the weather is normally great, there’s amazing diving and snorkeling, and it’s new, interesting and exotic. You can find anything you want in the Indian Ocean.

What are the main destinations?

Right now we’re seeing the most demand for the Maldives and Mauritius. The Maldives are a fantastic destination for people who really want to relax, or for a honeymoon or romantic cruise. Mauritius, having a culture that has evolved from African, European and Asian traders, offers a bit of everything, from great sailing, to exotic food, to nightlife. I personally think that Mauritius offers it all, but I’m a bit biased because I live here!

What type of yachts do you normally charter?

The most common charter is a crewed catamaran. It’s relaxing, has plenty of space, rests close to the water, and it really is perfect for these islands. It is important to note, that because of the coral, there are no bareboats allowed here. But the skipper gives you a much better understanding of the area and is normally happy for you to sail the boat if you want!

Mauritius Super Yacht There are a few great new motor yachts starting to appear in the Indian Ocean. We have two beautiful new Azimuts in the Maldives, and will soon have a unique superyacht called Ocean Solace (pictured) that is arriving in Mauritius.

Regarding Mauritius, what type of itinerary do you recommend?

Most charters we do circle the island, and definitely visit the two groups of islands to the north and east of Mauritius. There is fantastic diving between the islands in the north – Coin de Mire, Flat Island and Gabriel Island. Ile aux Cerfs, to the east, is also a beautiful island, perfect for a relaxing day. Then after you’ve had plenty of diving, relaxing and solitude, you can always visit the main port cities such as Grand Baie or Port Louis for great restaurants, entertainment, and even casinos if that’s what you’re looking for.

What do people do in the Maldives?

Snorkelling in the Maldives Like everywhere in the Indian Ocean, diving, snorkelling, and just plain relaxing are the major activities there. Plus of course island hopping. That’s why we recommend it for a honeymoon – you couldn’t imagine a better place for a relaxed honeymoon in a romantic island setting, with your view changing every day. We have a number of boats that specialise in pampering you during a first, second or third honeymoon! See our Honeymoon Yacht Charter Guide for more information.
When is the best time to charter in these areas?

The nicest time of year in Mauritius is from May to December. The Maldives are best from November to April, so you have a great destination in the Indian Ocean year round!

But aren’t these waters dangerous because of Pirates?

We have never had a problem! I get lots of calls asking if it’s safe, and point out that the pirate activity is 3000 nautical miles to the north. Mauritius and the Maldives are very relaxed places. Pirates want tankers that can pay million dollar ransoms, not pleasure boats.

If you would like to know more about these areas, you can contact Peter at [email protected] or call him at +230 919 4848 or skype him at peterjpiper. Please also read our Mauritius Yacht Charter Guide and our Maldives Yacht Charter Guide for additional background on these two paradises.

Posted on May 27, 2009 by Tom Virden — No Comments ↓