Let’s take you sailing with Captain Ning!

The Boatbookings Brokers have delivered another fantastic summer season in the Mediterranean. Crewed Catamaran charters continue to rise in popularity; they are extremely safe for children, provide double cabins for couples and lots of sociable volumes for families. Now that the 2019 Mediterranean season has closed, where can you go this winter to escape the dark winter nights in search of paradise?

The Caribbean continues to be the popular choice for many yacht charterers, especially around the British Virgin Islands. The Grenadines are increasing popular as the season develops, but the area we would recommend for winter 2020 is South East Asia. Phuket is easily accessible from many international hubs and provides great island hopping. You will also enjoy cultural tours and mesmerising diving opportunities. Check our 7 night Phuket crewed catamaran itinerary for inspiration.

BLUE MOON is one of our favourite Lagoon catamarans in Thailand. Not only is BLUE MOON one of the newest Lagoon 52s in the area but she has a spectacular crew. Our clients rave about Captain Ning, his knowledge, experience and expertise. See a recent testimonial from one of our last charter.


M.S’s Review: 5 Stars *****

“ Captain Ning Rocks! We had an amazing family Christmas sailing from Phuket around Phang Nga bay. We made it all the way down to Koh Rok`s stunning turquoise sea and white sand beaches. The whole family love Thai food so we chose to eat Thai all week and we were amazed at how fabulous every meal was – definitely exceeded out expectations. We had never sailed on a catamaran before so we were all thrilled with how smooth she was and how much space and comfortable we were.   Captain Ning knew where to take us to and timed it to ensure we avoided the busy tourist times and best of all was when we got the sail up, turned the engine off and went with the wind…. ”

We know that you will love your time around Phuket and would really recommend taking your family and friends on a Thailand adventure over the winter months. Let the Boatbookings Broker Team help you today!

The New 110 Sunreef Power Multihull Superyacht

Sunreef yachts continue to go from strength to strength. Since the commission of Rafael Nadal’s 80 Sunreef Power earlier in the year, the Polish superyacht manufacturers have just announced they will launch a larger model. The 100 Sunreef Power is due accommodate 8 guests in 4 suites and scheduled for delivery in 2021.

© Sunreef Yachts

The 110 Power will span four decks weighing in just under 500GT. She will feature distinctive automobile design with sweeping lines, lots of glass and expansive volumes throughout. We cannot think of a better yacht charter destination than island hopping in Croatia or the Balearics to really make the most of her design. You would love it!

© Sunreef Yachts

The 110 Power will continue to accommodate the growing trends of an extensive beach club on the aft deck and large tender garage to house your favourite water sports. The socialising spaces continue to impress with easy access to the bow through the main saloon giving you easy access to the bow. The Sunreef 110 Power will host up to 9 crew members to take care of your every wish. Watch this space!

Spending the night in Split.

Before or after your yacht charter in Croatia, a visit to Split should most definitely be on your to-do list. Most of the surrounding ports in Split are only a 10-15 minute taxi from the beautiful city of Split.

Sailing into Split, catching sunsets and watching dolphins.

Restaurants and Bars

Hidden in underground chambers or on beautiful Venetian streets, there is a wide variety of restaurants for everyone in Split. Traditional Croatian food and contemporary fine dining is both available throughout the city. Be sure to visit the palace for some live music, Croatian wine and historical underground tours. Anthony Bourdain once stated that ‘Croatia is the next great thing. If you have not been there, you are… an idiot! I am an idiot’.

Bokeria

Grilled Octopus, traditional lamb shank, truffle pasta, and cuttlefish are some of the best options from this fabulous restaurant. This restaurant is most definitely worth a visit pre or post charter.

The History behind Europe’s Venetian Capital

The story behind Split is one of the most diverse in Europe. The story resonates from Greek settlement in the 3rd century followed by a Roman invasion and taken by Venetian rule in the late 14th century. Venetian architecture can still be seen all over the city. The infamous Venetian Palace was constructed and the city grew around the palace walls.

After the world war, Croatia was transformed into Yugoslavia and this city experienced industrial growth alongside a large shipbuilding industry and a very dynamic port. Despite the destruction caused to Croatia during the Yugoslavian war in the 1990’s however, soon lost its industrial hold during the years following the liberation. The main industry now in Split is tourism. The city is full of hidden gems, beautiful hikes, beach clubs and some of Europe’s most fascinating architecture.

Get in contact with one of the Boatbookings Broker’s to find out more about your net yacht charter in Split.

Provisioning on a bareboat charter!

In October, the Boatbookings London team visited Croatia to evaluate the Bali 4.5 and to discover and test out new itineraries and anchorages.

If you are anything like the Boatbookings brokerage team and love your food – here are some food ideas for you! Follow our provisioning list so you won’t be disappointed with your lunches!

Part of the team after the 40 minutes of shopping!

TIPS

Due to having the flu, I was to look after the bags and water while the rest of the team picked up the food.

– Be prepared and write a list! Don’t go in blind. Plan what you will need. There’s nothing worse than preparing lunch and forgetting that you didn’t buy salt….like we did!
– Delegate someone to sit with the bags while others go off to get the food…leave all the water with the bags so that you don’t exhaust yourself!
– Vegetarian lunches are great while cruising. Have your locally sourced protein for dinner.
– Find out exactly what will be on the yacht prior to writing your list!

Provisioning list

Whether provisioning for the Amalfi Coast, or exploring the cays in the Exumas, provisioning for a week’s charter may seem daunting, but do not to threat! This can be a fun exercise when you know what you are going in to get!

Be organized, planned and get excited for all the fantastic cooking you will be doing!

Fresh Food:
– 10 tomatoes
– Box of salad
– Garlic bulbs
– Carrots
– Courgette
– Lemons
– Bananas
– Honey Pomalloe
– Mushrooms
– Peaches
– Shallots
– Red / yellow / green pepper
– Cucumber
– 30 eggs
– Chilies
– Mangos
– Raspberries

Dried foods:
– Bag of Almonds
– Bag of pistachios
– 2 x Tortellini
– 2 x Gnocci

Dairy:
– 2 x mozzarella balls
– 1 ricotta pot
– Feta bar
– Milk
– 2 x Camembert
– Natural Yoghart
– Butter

Misc:
– Balsamic vinegar
– Salt and Pepper
– Olive Oil
– Ketchup
– Coco-Cola
– Bitter lemon
– Tonic water
– 2 bags of crisps
– 2 x Hommous
– Nutella
– Pesto
– Coffee
– Tea

Breakfast:

6 Guest Frittata
  • Olive oil
  • 3 shallots 
  • 1 diced red pepper 
  • 1 diced yellow pepper 
  • 1 diced courgette
  • Salt and pepper
  • Crumbled feta
  • Crack of black pepper
  • 8 eggs and a knob of butter 

Breakfast

Simple breakfast
  • Butter
  • 12 eggs 
  • Hot chilies
  • Fresh bread
  • A Spoon of ricotta with the eggs
  • Mango
  • Raspberries

Lunch

6 guest bruschetta and salad
  • Olive Oil
  • 2 shallots 
  • 4 balsamic glazed tomatoes
  • 1 diced yellow pepper 
  • 4 tablespoons of ricotta
  • Salt and pepper
  • Rocket
  • Pesto for drizzling
  • A crack of black pepper

Lunch

Carbs, with a side of carbs and salad – PERFECT! Pesto Gnocchi, Caramalised onion bruschetta with a fresh greek salad.
  • Olive Oil – everything
  • Half a loaf of toasted bread – bruschetta
  • 4 balsamic glazed shallots – bruschetta
  • Mozerella – bruchetta
  • 3 tomatoes – salad
  • 1 diced green pepper – salad
  • Half a cucumber – salad
  • crumbled feta – Gnocchi
  • Salt and pepper – everything
  • Rocket – Salad and Gnocchi
  • Pesto for the Gnocchi

Eating fresh food on the back of a yacht in a pretty anchorage for lunch is possibiliy one of the best things you can do in life. Food always brings family and friends together, its a great time to talk about the morning’s sail and discuss the options over the next following days. The best way to view a country is from its coastline, speak to one of our team members today about chartering.

Your Croatia Yacht Charter Gourmet Guide

Food is an integral part to the overall success of any holiday. We all have our favourite French dishes, both sweet and savoury, as well as our go-to Italian pasta dishes, Greek treats and Spanish sweets. But what do you know about Croatian cuisine?

Our Charter Broker team have just returned from 5 days sailing Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands to find the best tables for your 2020 summer sailing adventure. Get ready for mouthwatering cuisine, sensational seafood and luscious lamb dishes!

Konoba Vala, Bobovišca

The island of Brac is just 10 nautical miles away from the historical city of Split, but feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Croatia’s favourite yachting city. The main town of Milna provides the perfect first setting for your summer yacht charter, but if you’re looking for a smaller hamlet, try the quaint fishing village of Bobovišca. Konoba Vala is a rustic restaurant looking out onto lush vegetation and those magical Croatian cobbled boardwalks. You must try the locally Grilled Calamari, served with spiced Mangold (part of the Chard family) Delicious!

Konoba Bako, Vis

Just under 30 nautical miles further south of Bobovišca lies the popular island of Vis. Vis has to be one of your stops on your Croatia crewed motor yacht itinerary, well known for it’s military history and bunkers. You must also visit the ever popular Biševo Blue Cave, and the magical Green Grotto. Spend your days anchored in your own private bays, enjoying water sports and ultimate tranquility, When you’re ready to head into port, Komiza is the perfect town to spend the evening, sampling Croatia’s best fish dishes. Konoba Bako is the must-visit restaurant for dinner; request a table on the water and indulge in the best octopus you’ve ever had. We really recommend the braised octopus in red wine, as well as the house grilled lamb chops. Sample the house wine and take in those spectacular sea views.

BOKERIA, Split

Your itinerary will unfortunately have to come to and end at some point and there is no better place to disembark that the ancient city of Split. Home to the enchanting Diocletian’s Palace, built for Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th Century, Split perfectly blends history with modernity. BOKERIA will blow you away with their service, selection of wines and gourmet treats. Some of our favourites include the Sous-Vide Octopus which is finished on the grill, as well as the Lemon and Cuttlefish Black pasta. This could be the best pasta dish you’ve ever had.

Croatia will deliver your every wish and surpass your expectations. From medieval cities to buzzing beach clubs, spectacular scenery by day to stargazing by night, we know you will have the best Mediterranean yacht charter to date. Contact the Boatbookings broker team today to make this reality!