52nd Genoa International Boat Show

The countdown to the 52nd Genoa International Boat Show has begun. With more than 1,400 boats on show over the coming week, this year’s event promises to be bigger than ever. The Show is organised by Fiera di Genova SpA and UCINA (Italy’s professional association of the yachting industry) and is set on a 200,000 square-metre exhibition area that includes parts of the old town and port of Genoa.Screen-Shot-2012-10-04-at-16.13.58Due to Genoa’s prominence in the ship and yacht building industry, and the popularity of nautical tourism along the Italian Riviera, the 1st International Boat Show took place in January 1962. With more than 300,000 visitors that year, it was an instant success and has continued to draw huge crowds ever since. This year’s Boat Show will offer a wide range of sea sport opportunities for younger visitors and features a wonderfully-planned itinerary that is devoted to Italian sea sport and local Genoese boat building traditions. The Show will be open every day next week (Saturday 6th – Sunday 14th October) and will feature a special entertainment programme for the public on its opening evening.

Visitors do not only marvel at the many yachts on show but can also browse through the many stands exhibited by more than 900 companies selling ship components, accessories, motors, electronics and water sports equipment.

One company that is ever-present in Genoa is the Azimut Benetti Group, who have always had a particularly strong relationship with the organisers of the Boat Show. Such is their relationship that this year Azimut Benetti will have the highest number of motor boats on show exceeding 10 metres.

Included among the 26 Azimut Benetti boats on show is the fantastic Azimut 62S. In 2007, the 62S was voted “Boat of the Year” by the British boating pressin for the over -45’ sport cruiser category, while she also won European Boat of the Year at the Dusseldorf Boat Show.

Boatbookings is lucky enough to have two of these luxury crewed motor yachts for charter in the beautiful island of Sardinia, just off the coast of Italy.

If you are interested in chartering a yacht in the Italian Riviera then please have a look at our website or send an email to [email protected].

Luxury Yacht manufacturer Princess introduces its new range for 2013!

The Revolutionary Princess V48

Prestigious yacht manufacturer Princess is set for an exciting year in 2013 with the launch of a new V48, a 52 Flybridge, 82 and 88 motor yachts to their range.  The new V48 is the biggest new development, with the introduction of Volvo’s IPS system, which is set to dramatically increase fuel efficiency, speed and onboard comfort. The IPS system is truly remarkable and boasts impressive performance, which include the following:

• 30% reduced fuel consumption
• 30% less CO2 emissions
• 50% lower perceived noise level
• 40% longer cruising range
• 20% higher top-speed

The model will feature triple sliding cockpit doors and a large electronically retractable panoramic sunroof, leaving guests open to elements and maximising light onboard. She will feature 2 double cabins, both with en suite, as well as a spacious galley and saloon area.

Princess 52 Flybridge

Princess’s new 52 Flybridge model is an excellent replacement for the outgoing 50, having been inspired by the Princess 56, which was recently seen at the Southampton Boat Show. She features the brands trademark pane of glass, which floods light into the master cabin and the yacht below. The new 52 is set to be much more spacious than her predecessor, as well as offering great performance thanks to resin infusion technology, which reduces weight, increasing speed and fuel efficiency. Resin Infusion Technology is a specialized laminating technique, which greatly improves the quality and strength of fibre glass parts, in comparison to normal hand lay up parts. This creates the optimization of a part in terms of strength and durability. She would be a great choice for a luxury day charter yacht, featuring a large U-shape seating forward faced by a two-person sofa, making her a very sociable vessel.

Master Stateroom on the 82

The new Princess 82 motor yacht epitomises sleek lines, spacious interiors and impeccably appointed exteriors. She has extended window lines, which give a sporty and sophisticated feel to the yacht, whilst providing natural light throughout the yacht. Her interior is light, sophisticated and beautifully detailed with an intelligent use of space throughout.  The main deck saloon incorporates comfortable furnishings and a formal dining area, which is separated from the wheelhouse and highly, specified galley to ensure guest privacy, particularly important for owners with crew or chartering intentions.  She is a great choice for family charters with her 4 beautifully appointed en-suite cabins. The master cabin is modern, yet elegant, with a great mixture of dark wood and soft furnishings.

The Princess designers of the 88 have once again excelled in creating exterior and interior spaces that are generous in size, exceptionally well finished and incredibly flexible whether entertaining or relaxing.  For the first time on a Princess of this size, a powered balcony can be specified which folds neatly from the starboard side deck, connecting the saloon with the anchorage through sliding glass doors and the lower deck accommodation is also wonderfully versatile providing owners with the choice of four or five en-suite cabins to suit their needs. The Princess 88 promises to be yet another class leading model from the brand when she launches in 2013.

We have a great range of Princess yachts available from ports all around the Mediterranean. If you would like to charter a Princess yacht from the French / Italian Riviera, Greece, Spain or the Balearics, please enquire via our website or send an email to [email protected]. Watch this space for more press releases and news on industry shows.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

 

 

Chartering a Yacht in the Italian hotspot of Sicily aboard sailing yacht REE

Sicily is one of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating yacht charter destinations that we offer, thanks to its unique culture, arts, cuisine, architecture and even language. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, dominated by Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Natural beauty of the Sicilian coastline

Sicily’s volcanic foundations create an amazing variety of terrains, producing some outstanding rock formations that can be most admired from the sea. Due to mild/warm winters and hot/dry summers, a boat charter in Sicily is truly an all year round yachting destination.

The capital of Sicily, Palermo, is a majestic city of both decay and splendour. It has so much to offer, whether that be visiting palaces, castles and churches which offer an architectural fusion of Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Renaissance and Baroque styling. Unlike Florence or Rome, Palermo’s treasures are hidden and waiting to be found and explored. Sicily is notorious for having a mafia-driven past and this is still clear to see today.

Sicily is also home to some of the world’s  most splendid gastronomic experiences. From the blend of Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman invaders, comes a luscious range of local foods, making this region a culinary paradise. Sicily is also renowned for its seafood. Seppia (cuttlefish) is served in its own black sauce with pasta.

Meat dishes are always popular. Many are traditionally made with lamb or goat. Best known outside Sicily is vitello alla marsala (veal marsala), one of many regional meat specialties.

And let’s not forget about desserts! The mouth watering Cannoli  are tubular crusts with creamy ricotta and sugar filling. Frutta di Martorana (or pasta reale) are almond marzipan pastries coloured and shaped to resemble real fruit and of course we could not forget the Sicilian gelato (ice cream)!

Chartering in Sicily

THe Luxury sailboat Ree is a perfect example of a boat rental in sicily.In order to enjoy Sicily to the fullest, we would highly recommend a sailing charter around the island, either aboard a crewed or bareboat sailboat.  As an example, we can recommend REE, one of our favourite luxury Sailboat charters. She accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 lavish staterooms, making her an ideal choice for both couples and families. She has recently had a full refit, which now offers the ultimate experience for the most discerning of guests.

Sicily is one of the finest yachting destinations in the world. If you would like to find out more about yacht chartering in Sicily, please do enquire via our website.  Alternatively, you can contact us directly and  one of our specialised brokers would be delighted to assist you.

 

 

Don’t miss out on the beauty of the Amalfi Coast on a luxury yacht charter

Luxury Yacht charter on the Amalfi Coast : one of the worlds most beautiful coastlines, spanning 50 km along the Sorrentine Peninsula. Positano, Amalfi and Salerno provide stunning postcard destinations, with traditional markets, medieval fortresses and crystal clear waters. Although the cities of Venice and Rome are famous for being romantic hotspots, the Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist destination for couples seeking romance.

Luxury yacht charters in the Amalfi Coast
POSITANO

Positano is the jewel in the Amalfi Coasts crown, with elegant boutiques, hotels and restaurants. It is the most expensive and photogenic town on the coasts, but still remains humble to its roots, in terms of architecture and artwork. Similarly, Hiring a yacht on the Amalfi Coast is a very popular tourist hotspot with a fascinating history. The city possesses very few historic buildings in comparison, due to a destructive earthquake in 1343, where most of the old city fell into the sea. Ravello, another iconic landmark was a bohemian centre, with the likes of DH Lawrence and Virginia Woolf having been inspired from its natural beauty. The town enjoys glorious views over Amalfi, with great vistas of the rocky cliffs and deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

hire one od the sunseekers predators along the amalfi coast
GIGIOLE – Sunseeker Predator 82

There is no better way to truly enjoy the scenery than from the sea. We offer fantastic daily and weekly yacht charters from these prestigious towns along the Amalfi Coast. One of our favourite luxury yacht day charters is GIGIOLE, a stunning Sunseeker Predator 82. She has a great flybridge, which makes the perfect coastal viewing platform. We would highly recommend a day trip to the majestic island of Capri, with the blue cave [Grotta Azzurra] being a very popular destination of choice.

If you would like to find out more about yacht chartering along the Amalfi Coast, please enquire via our website.

Alternatively, please send an enquiry email to [email protected], where one of our specialised brokers would be delighted to assist you.