The Americas Cup – the latest news and updates

The Americas Cup is the oldest active trophy in international sport and has been the pinnacle of sailing for over 100 years. It brings together the world's best sailors to compete at the highest level once every three years. The regatta combines the latest in sailing technology with sailors such as Ben Ainslie, Dean Barker, Francesco Bruni and Chris Draper as they are propelled along at speeds of over 45 miles an hour!

In the first time in the regatta's 162-year history, it is taking place inshore and hordes of people have lined up to watch this prestigious race in San Francisco with its stunning backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and the Transamerica pyramid.

However this contest has been bogged down right from the start. Although the Louis Vuitton Cup has recently gotten underway that will select the challenger to face Oracle Team USA in the one-on-one final of the Americas Cup, the death of Andrew Simpson of Artemis Racing on May 9th has more implications than his very sad demise might initially suggest for this race.

This accident led regatta director Iain Murray to make 37 safety recommendations that will, if protests are dismissed at a meeting of an international jury, change the yachts design very slightly and hopefully give them more safety, particularly at high speeds.

On Sunday 7th July Team Luna Rossa were due to face Team New Zealand in one of the first round robins but Luna Rossa boycotted this in protest, saying that the regatta director did not have the authority to unilaterally change the rules. Both teams have also lodged protests as they feel that any rule changes would hand unfair advantages to the reigning champion, Oracle Team USA who would have an extra 2 months to test these proposed changes.

Bickering has subsequently broken out in the beginning of an Americas Cup that has not at all gone as the organizers had planned. The Italian team were labelled “a bunch of spoiled rich kids dressed in Prada gear” by Coutts, one of the most dominant skippers in the competitions history and Team New Zealand's skipper Dean Barker, lamented this lackluster start saying, “I feel sorry for people coming down to watch to only see one boat sailing around.”

For more news and info on the Americas Cup, the latest yacht releases and the best places to charter your yacht, stay tuned to our blog. If you're looking for a spectator boat in San Francisco Bay see our Americas Cup Page for details and availability.

Posted on July 9, 2013 by admin

Explore the French Riviera from your luxury charter yacht NATALIE

Since her launch in 2009, NATALIE, a stunning Sunseeker Predator 84, has been turning heads up and down the French Riviera. Available from €7,500 per day this beautiful yacht is perfect for cruising in style and comfort, with plenty of soft seating and sun bathing space as well as a fly bridge to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun from.

NATALIE also caters perfectly for thrill seeking water sports enthusiasts, the jet ski, water skis and sea scooters are sure to keep everyone entertained!

After a days cruising, her sumptuous, contemporary interior provides the perfect environment in which to unwind. She accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 generously appointed cabins, perfect for families or friends alike, NATALIE won't disappoint!

Posted on July 9, 2013 by admin

Turn heads with Luxury Yacht BALTAZAR in Croatia, Greece or on the French Riviera

If you're looking to charter in the beautiful waters of Croatia, the Greek Ionian Isles or the French Riviera in style, look no further than Luxury Yacht BALTAZAR, a Sunseeker Predator 92 Luxury Motor Yacht. She can accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 sumptuous and comfortable cabins. BALTAZAR is available from €49,000 per week.

This Luxury Crewed Charter has something for every taste, with water toys including snorkelling equipment, fishing gear, an Avon tender and a jet ski. As well as this, you're guaranteed to turn heads in any location with sleek lines and unmistakable Sunseeker styling. The interior is modern yet comfortable with ample choice of spaces to spend your time onboard, whether it be out soaking up the sun on the spacious flybridge or relaxing in the tranquil saloon.

BALTAZAR is available on the French Riviera in May and June, and in Croatia and the Ionian Greek Isles from July onwards. Her welcoming international crew will ensure that your Charter is a pleasant but unforgettable experience.

Posted on July 9, 2013 by admin

A Taste of the Exotic on the French Riviera – Èze

Why not escape the hustle and bustle and bright lights of the French Riviera this summer and take your charter east to Èze? The small village provides an escape from the busy towns along the coast, still maintaining its beautiful and picturesque historic buildings that date back to as early as 1306.

Climb to the top of the village and take in the panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur, or visit the Botanical gardens which are renowned for their collection of cacti and succulents. There is a wonderful collection of shops, art galleries and restaurants around the village, making it popular with honeymooners and tourists alike. The commune then extends down to the coast where Èze-sur-Mer is home to a stunning but narrow stony beach, making it a quiet and tranquil spot to escape the crowds. We can recommend a great place for you to spend the day on land, sampling some of the fine continental cuisine and hospitality the Riviera is famous for.

Take a day to unwind at the Anjuna Bay Restaurant and Private Beach. The décor is unusual and exotic with Indian and East Asian influences, lending itself the crystal clear waters that surround Èze-sur-Mer. You can relax on one of the loungers and receive fantastic service from the welcoming and attentive staff.

For dinner the restaurant at the private beach cooks some of the finest traditional and modern Mediterranean cuisine, accompanied by the sea view throughout. For larger groups there is a set menu available which includes drinks and is great value for the sumptuous food and drink on offer here. If you're looking for somewhere to eat on the beach, Anjuna Bay is a must for all parties.

Why not discover this incredible location through a yacht charter? RHINO1ANJUNABAY
We suggest RHINO, a beautifully luxurious Riva Crewed Motor Yacht available from Cannes, Golfe Juan and St. Tropez.

She has berths for up to 8 people and maintains a cruising speed of 34 knots, meaning even with 8 passengers she can still glide along the French coast. RHINO does this whilst spoiling the charterer for choice with where to spend their time whether it be on the sun pads on the foredeck or flybridge as well as a lavish and relaxing lounge area with dining space for up to 8. The Captain and his enthusiastic team guarantee an unforgettable charter on board RHINO.

Posted on July 8, 2013 by admin

Glamorous day charter to St Tropez on board brand new luxury yacht, Princess 60, CALYPSO

St Tropez is one of the best known and most popular destinations on the French Riviera, attracting a mixture of celebs and holiday makers who flock to the town during the summer. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, there's no better way to experience all that St Tropez has to offer, the sun the glamor and the fun than by taking a day charter trip there one of our luxurious yachts.

Why not stop for lunch at the always popular Moorea le Plage famed for its friendly, laid back atmosphere, colorful decor and fantastic cuisine. It will quickly become obvious why Moorea le Plage has a very loyal group of customers who have made this restaurant a regular dining spot. Enjoy the traditional french Mediterranean menu on the beach overlooking the sea, enjoy a delicious cocktail or glass of chilled rosé as you watch the world go by and the yachts come and go in the bay.

After a divine lunch spend some time relaxing on the beach before returning to your yacht, CALYPSO a brand new Princess 60 available for charter from Antibes, Golfe Juan or Cannes. This stunning new yacht is fitted out to the highest standard with contemporary fittings and features throughout, dark wood and soft furnishings combine to create a contemporary yet elegant feel on board. Make full use of the fantastic social space on her fly-bridge where you'll find plenty of seating space and a table for further eating, drinking or entertaining! If tanning is on the agenda then relax on either of the two spacious sun cushion areas.

For more bespoke charter recommendations or any other queries feel free to contact us at charter@boatbookings.com

Posted on July 8, 2013 by admin