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.Due 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].

Posted on October 4, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

Luxury Yacht manufacturer Princess introduces its new range for 2013!

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’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.

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.

Posted on October 4, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

Highlights of the Monaco Yacht Show 2012

The Monaco Yacht Show 2012 showcased 100 of the world’s finest super and mega yachts. The show hosted the glitterati of the yachting world, as well as over 28,000 visitors, who enjoyed some magnificent offerings from San Lorenzo, Benetti and Couach, ranging from 25 to 100m in length. This year, the show definitely did not disappoint with some incredible yachts on show, such as Vladamir Putin’s NIRVANA. This 88.5m Oceanco luxury mega yacht features six decks, swimming pool, helipad, accommodating up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms. What we noticed was a key trend at this years show was the inclusion of the balcony on the newest super yachts. This feature, whether it was off a living area or stateroom, created a great open-plan layout, maximising space and light.

A major trend that was present yet again this year was the emphasis on wellness, with the addition of spas, saunas and workout areas. Luxury yachts are increasingly focused on the needs of their charterers, not solely by pampering but by also offering a holistic approach to the client’s health and relaxation. There is no better place to enjoy a fantastic massage than on the top deck of a super yacht on a luxury charter around the BVI or French Riviera.

Revolver 42 and Boatbookings.com broker Mimi Andain with Andrea.

One of our favourite luxury charter yachts on show was ILLUSION, a beautiful 46m Benetti super yacht. She has 5 beautiful staterooms, accommodating up to 10 guests, making her a great choice for friends and family. One particular feature that we particularly liked was her attention to detail, with regards to her interior design and furnishings. She was immaculate, with the finest touches throughout. After we had taken a tour inside, we were amazed by her beautiful decks, which incorporated a plunge pool with the most amazing mosaic work. We would highly recommend a weekly crewed yacht charter onboard ILLUSION during the summer months along the French and Italian Riviera or over Christmas in the Caribbean.

As well as showcasing the world’s most luxurious super yachts, the Monaco Yacht Show 2012 presented some of the most modern and revolutionary boats that are available. We really liked the REVOLVER 42, a 42 ft Italian designed day charter yacht. She epitomizes speed, power and aero-dynamics. Yet, she possesses all the comforts to enjoy a leisurely day charter in Sardinia. She has a great sunbathing area to the rear and has a panoramic sunroof, optimizing light and space. She is definitely one to watch, boasting speeds of up to 70 knots, producing 1300H horsepower!

Having seen some SeaBobs on show at the Monaco Yacht Show 2012, it’s obvious that these fantastic water toys will continue to be popular for the foreseeable future. This is mostly down to the fact that they’re so safe and people of all ages, even young kids, are able to use them. SeaBobs can only be described as a hybrid of a body board, and a jet ski. The only difference being on SeaBobs you can travel underwater, and at quite some speed, some travelling up to 20km/h. Lots of people find them exciting, as it’s a new and innovative way to see sea life, weaving in and out of corals on the sea bed. With a battery life of up to an hour on some models, these water toys make for a great adventurous part of your charter. If you’re interested in chartering a luxury yacht that has these fantastic toys and much more, look no further than ILLUSION.

Watch this space for more industry show reviews and insight into new press releases and futuristic designs. If you would like any more information about any of the yachts included, please do enquire via our website or send an email of enquiry to [email protected]. We would be delighted to assist you with booking the experience of a lifetime on one of our luxury yachts!

Posted on October 1, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

51st Barcelona International Boat Show underway

Over the last few years the Barcelona International Boat Show has been increasingly seen as one of the Europe’s most popular and influential nautical sport events, with extensive coverage in the specialised press. The show now represents one of the largest display of yachts, boats and accessories for sailing, fishing, surfing and scuba diving in the world.

This year the dates of the show have changed. Instead of the usual dates in November, organisers have chosen to stage the event at the end of September in order to take full advantage of the daylight hours. Around 175,000 visitors are expected to visit the Gran Via Exhibition Centre and the 200 boats that will be mored at Port Vell over the next four days (September 26th-30th).

Azimut 55S and Atlantis 34 (of the Azimut Benetti Group) will make their very first début in the spanish market at the Barcelona Boat Show and are expected to be hot properties at the exhibition.

We will of course be at the Barcelona Boat Show show looking at all the new yachts for charter in Barcelona!

Posted on September 26, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

The 2012 Antigua Charter Yacht Show

With many of the world’s biggest and most luxurious chartered yachts heading over to the Caribbean for the winter season, now seems like the appropriate time to write about chartering a yacht from the beautiful island of Antigua. Antigua is one of the most beautiful island getaways in the Caribbean, and a favorite sailing charter destination. It is particularly popular with those who wish to go snorkeling and scuba diving on the coral reefs.

The main Caribbean charter season runs from early November through to June/July, with the high season from around mid-December to March. This is the period in which those wishing to escape the cold temperatures of North America and Europe arrive in huge numbers. A large proportion of the islands revenue is made during this time through tourism.

English Harbour (and the neighbouring port of Falmouth) has gained international recognition as one of the best yachting and sailing destinations in the Caribbean. Situated on the southern coast of the island, these ports are mostly sheltered from the violent storms and hurricanes which can hit the island between July and late October. The area gets its name from the harbour in which the Royal Navy established its base of operations during the eighteenth century. It is also home to the Nelson’s Dockyard cultural heritage site, named after Admiral Nelson (who lived in the Dockyard from 1784 to 1787).

One of the most important upcoming events is the 51st Antigua Charter Yacht Show, which will take place in the first week of December. The yachts on show at this event range in length from 46 feet to 245 feet and are berthed in the three marinas mentioned above. The basic premise of the show is to gather Yachts that have come to the Caribbean for the winter yachting season in order to allow charter agents to view exactly what is on offer. This includes meeting with captains and crews and sampling the delicacies provided by the many talented chefs. Many of the chefs will have the opportunity to participate in the 13th anual “Concours de Chef”. The theme for this years competition is the Healthy Dinner Challenge. Chefs must create a 3-course menu which promotes healthy eating with “great tasting local Caribbean cuisine and simplicity in preparation.”

The success of the island as a charter destination is hardly a surprise. The local yacht workers are known for being extremely and helpful, while there are many small businesses which cater to all yachting requirements. The historical ambiance of the Dockyard and the friendly locals are also crucial factors.

Among the boats on show is the luxury crewed sailing catamaran CROCODILE DADDY, which is designed for long distance cruising with luxury, comfort and speed.

This Lagoon 620 has large windows which allow for an extremely light and spacious modern interior with wenge woodwork and white leather sofas.

CROCODILE DADDY also has a large deck area, which is the perfect place to enjoy fine alfresco dining.

Another boat that will be on show is the Swan 80 SELENE – a world class sailing yacht built by Nautor’s Swan and designed for comfort and performance.

Selene has both won and placed well in regattas around the world. With an open deck layout, top rate galley and luxurious interior, this sailing boat provides the ideal setting for a sunset dinner with an exotic backdrop.

If you would like any additional information on organizing a luxury yacht charter in the Caribbean, please have a look at the link provided or send an email to [email protected]. We would be delighted to assist you in any way possible with your charter search.

Posted on September 26, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓