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 ↓

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.

Screen Shot 2012-08-28 at 12.16.48 — 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.

Posted on September 14, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

Portofino, Capri, Sicily and Sardinia make Italy the perfect luxury yacht charter destination!

Screen Shot 2012-08-13 at 12.06.46 — The Italian Riviera

Italy is a diverse yachting destination with charming old towns in the north and beautiful islands in the south. The Italian Riviera and the yacht charters amalfi coast encompasses the beauty of the French Riviera, yet is less developed and maintains a strong link to its heritage. Charterers will find towns with the traditional orange and red facades, historic churches and fishing ports presenting the very best in local cuisine. One of our most popular charter destinations is Portofino, the St Tropez of the Italian Riviera with its beautiful harbour and the presence of the worlds most luxurious super yachts. One of our favourite crewed week charter yachts is SNYERGY. She encapsulates luxury, space and comfort, making her perfect for multiple day charters exploring the gems of the Italian Riviera.

Screen Shot 2012-08-13 at 12.08.45 — SYNERGY

The area around Naples has become a popular holiday destination, with great local cuisine and natural beauty. Positano is a stunning village on the Amalfi Coast, and one of the most popular destinations for sailing and motor charters in Italy thanks to its glorious coastal views and natural beauty. Attractions in this undisturbed fishing village include the Church of Santa Maria Assunta which is home to the 13^th century Byzantine icon, the Madonna di Positano. A full day charter from Positano on a yacht such as this fantastic Raffaelli Mistral, would typically include visiting the island of Capri and its famous grottos, or cruising along the Sorrento Coast.

Screen Shot 2012-08-13 at 11.35.45 — LULU

Sicily’s climate, cuisine, history and architecture attract tourists from mainland Italy and beyond every year. Sites such as the famous active volcano, Mount Etna, sandy beaches and the cities of Palermo and Catania provide popular tourist hotspots. A full day luxury yacht charter on LULU would allow guests to make the most of the sun, offering fantastic outdoor seating areas, with panoramic views of the coastline. She is also a great choice for longer charters, providing modern accommodation for up to 6 guests.

Sardinia is without a doubt the most popular yachting destination in Italy. This island of stunning white beaches and picturesque coastal towns has retained its authenticity, unspoiled by tourist development and boasting a rich cultural history. It is also a paradise for food lovers, with local produce ranging from fresh seafood to pecorino cheese to elaborate handmade pastas.

Screen Shot 2012-08-14 at 10.10.35 — Aquariva

The most popular areas are Cagliari and the Costa Smerelda, but for those keen to discover the heart of Sardinia there is plenty more to explore away from these cosmopolitan spots. An Italian yacht charter on a classic motor yacht such as this Aquariva is the ideal way to visit the smaller coastal towns and to take full advantage of the island hopping on offer.

If you would like to enquire about any of the yachts listed above, please contact us via the relevant link. Alternatively, you can contact us on [email protected] and we would be delighted to assist you with your charter and itinerary.

Posted on August 14, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

The worlds most luxurious super yachts take centre stage at the Monaco Yacht Show

F1 Monaco Yachts chartered with boat bookings — The Monaco Yacht Show

On the 19^th September, Monaco will play host for four days to the worlds most luxurious and prestigious pleasure boat exhibition, the Monaco Yacht show . Boatbookings specialises in organising your yacht charter for the Monaco Yacht Show and the Monaco Grand Prix , for more information please click on the following link for your F1 Monaco Yachts . Home to 100 of the world’s finest super and mega yachts, the show will host the glitterati of the yachting world as well as over 28,000 visitors. Guests will have the opportunity to see some of the most prestigious yachting brands, such as San Lorenzo, Benetti and Couach, ranging from 25 to 100m in length. The show provides a great meeting place for brokers, designers and manufacturers with fantastic facilities, including restaurants, bars and meeting rooms.

Screen Shot 2012-08-02 at 14.01.46 — TITANIA

Visitors to the show are bound to see some amazing yachts and our Monaco Yacht Charter Super Yacht TITANIA would not look out of place at the exhibition. This Lurssen 72m super yacht provides luxurious accommodation for up to 12, as well as having her own beach club, sauna and theater. Berthed in Monaco, she would be ideally situated for weekly charters along the French or Italian Riviera.

If you were looking for something a little larger or more extravagant, another Yacht hire Monaco Grand Prix; the O MEGA may be the perfect yacht for you. She has 15 staterooms and can host up to150 guests, making her perfect for prestigious events such as the Cannes Film Festival or the Monaco Grand Prix. She offers the very best in interior design, with luxurious furnishings, handmade fabrics, mahogany paneling and custom made linens and carpets.

Screen Shot 2012-08-02 at 14.02.27 — O MEGA

The Monaco Yacht Show is a unique day out, which is extremely fitting for the most prestigious principality in the world. There would be no better way to spend a weekend in September than starting in Monte Carlo at the Hotel de Paris. Then why not spend the Saturday at the Monaco Yacht Show, before shopping on the Avenue de Monte Carlo and drinks at the Café de Paris.

Screen Shot 2012-08-02 at 14.01.22 — RIVA RIVALE 52

Having experienced some of the most luxurious yachts at the exhibition, you could spend your Sunday on the water, with a day charter to Antibes, Cannes or the Lerins Islands. We would highly recommend lunch at the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc in Antibes, then a swim between the Lerins Islands and back to Monaco. For a luxury day charter from Monaco, we could propose the Riva Rivale 52, a modern yacht accommodating up to 9 passengers.

Check out our other great Monaco yacht hire / boat charters to book your charter for entertaining and exploring the natural beauty of the French Riviera.

Posted on August 6, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

AROUND SICILY IN 500 MILES: 14 Day Itinerary Courtesy of Luxury Sailing Yacht YUK

Circumnavigating Sicily is an experience of a lifetime. The captain and crew of YUK, a Hallberg-Rassy 62 foot sailing yacht, invite guests for an intimate journey into this land of extraordinary art and culture, fantastic landscapes and renowned cuisine. Sail 500 miles around Sicily while sampling the finest local food and wine both on shore and on board your luxury charter yacht. Explore the most interesting places on the coast and islands while sailing upon the crystal waters of three seas: the Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean.

Day 1: Depart from the capital city of Palermo to San Vito Lo Capo, a small

townnestled between spectacular mountains, famous for the international Cous Cous Fest and dotted with charming seaside restaurants. Enjoy a classic dinner of fish couscous San Vito washed down by a fine local wine.

View from Norman castle in Erice — View from Norman castle, Erice

Day 2: Sail from San Vito to the historic town of Erice located 750 meters above sea level. There are two castles and impressive ancient ruins worth visiting. Savor luncheon al fresco at anchor before navigating to Favignana, popular for diving and snorkeling. Dive into the ocean in the afternoon then prepare to explore the town and anchor for the night.

Day 3: Favignana is famous for bluefin tuna caught using ancient Arab techniques, and caves of calcarenite rock. Visit the tuna factory, do a bit of shopping and play in the sparkling sea. In the afternoon depart for Marsala, a short distance of 10 miles. Drop anchor in Marsala Lagoon and visit the windmills of Mozia Aperitif. Visit the old town at sunset for spectacular views and explore the ancient market of Marsala.

Day 4: The cruise from Marsala to Porto Empedocle passes 66 miles of spectacular coastline. There are several port towns and lovely beaches that are perfect for shore excusions. Moor in Porto Empedocle that lies on the coast of the Strait of Sicily and is steeped in culture and history.

Day 5: This morning visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The Greek pre-socratic philosopher Empedocles

was a citzen of this ancient Greek colony. Sail to Cala dei Turchi with its sweeping sandy beach and towering cliffs in a picturesque cove, the place of ancient Arab pirate landings in Sicily. The surrounding sea is incredibly transparent and offers superb grotto diving. Cocktails and dinner on board the yacht and a night transfer to reach Marina di Ragusa.

Day 6: Ragusa is listed with seven other cities in the Val di Noto as a UNESCO

World Heritage Site. The city is a thrill for history, art and architecture enthusiasts, with origins that can be traced back to the 2^nd millennium B.C. From the noteworthy collections of the Hyblean Archaeological Museum to fabulous Baroque and Rococo architecture, Ragusa is an extraordinary destination.

Day 7: Depart Ragusa for Siracusa via Portopalo di Capo Passero, due to its location a crossroads of civilization and culture for seafarers that have challenged the Mediterranean Sea. Continue to Syracuse for a romantic dinner at a harbor restaurant in Ortigia.

Day 8: Syracuse, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an amazing repository of Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and is mentioned in the Bible because the Apostle Paul spent time here. There are also wonderful museums, shops and restaurants offering far more to do than can be done in a day.

Day 9: Navigate to Taormina

Taormina viewed from the bay of Giardini Naxos

where the yacht will moor in the picturesque Bay of Giardini Naxos, a popular seaside resort. The village of Taormina is perched on a cliff overlooking the warm waters of the Ionian Sea. Visit the ancient Greek theatre, remarkable for its state of preservation and location. Stroll among buildings and churches centuries old, lively bars, fine

One of the many antique shops in Taormina — Antique Shop in Taormina

restaurants and antique shops, all of which contribute to Taormina’s allure. Taormina is approximately a forty-five minute drive away from Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna.

Day 10: Depart for Messina, the third largest city on Sicily. Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Messina is characterized by landmarks, museums, restaurants, shops, beautiful fountains and splendid squares at every turn.

Day 11: Embark upon the 35 mile passage

Messina Harbor

through the Straits of Messina to Capo di Milazzo, a thin peninsula that extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is the site where several civilizations have settled beginning in the Neolithic age, and the site of Ulysses shipwreck and fated meeting with Polyphemus. The port of Milazzo is a departure point for ferries to the Aeolian Islands and Naples.

Giovan Angelo Montorsoli, Fontana del Nettuno a Messina

Day 12: The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea and a very popular tourist destination. Here the weather will help decide which islands to visit and what adventures to pursue. Visit the fascinating pumice quarry and plan for an excursion to Capofaro Malvasia Resort, situated under the lighthouse from which it takes its name, on Salina, the Aeolian Island with the greenest and most luxuriant vegetation. The Regaleali Estate is renowned for Tasca d’Almerita award winning wines and a restaurant offering typical Sicilian dishes prepared with estate grown produce.

Day 13: Depart the Aeolian Islands for the 55 mile journey to Cefalu. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board while docked in the Bay of Cefalu. The town is one of the major tourist attractions in the region with a young atmosphere and lively nightlife. The villages are attractive for artistic, cultural and historic reasons. Dinner can be enjoyed at a local restaurant on the sea.

Palermo Quattro Canti Author Josep Renalias — Palermo Quattro Canti: Author Josep Renalias

Day 14: Time to return to Palermo and bid your captain and crew farewell. If possible plan to spend at least a day here in Sicily’s cultural, economic and tourist capital. Visitors delight in the extraordinary restaurants, splendid Romanesque and Gothic architecture, palaces, museums and theatres and fine shopping.

Visit this link for information on chartering YUK. Here are informative links to view Sailing and Yachting Itineraries and Worldwide Yachting Destinations.

Posted on June 17, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓