Antigua Sailing Week

After having competed in the Antigua sailing regatta last week and gaining third place in class, charter broker and regatta expert, Alice gives her personal insight into the best parties, races, sailing, and restaurants that the regatta has to offer.

Every April, thousands of competitive sailors gather from all corners of the world to compete in the unmissable Antigua Sail Week. For any yachtie, this rum-fueled week is not to be missed out!

Rum-fuelled racing

The warm Caribbean trade winds allow for some of the world’s finest yacht racing conditions. The regatta has many different classes for yacht racing and welcomes boats of all sizes including bareboat, sports boats and many larger vessels.

Since the 1950s this prestigious event has been the home to some of the finest yacht performances in boating history. The week includes 6 competitive racing days in some of the best sailing conditions throughout the regatta world.

Many different types of boats will compete in the regatta, giving many different class options to join. There is even the option of entering this regatta in a bareboat class if you wish to add a different dimension to a standard yacht charter!

Regardless of the size of boat you are on, at the beginning of every race everyone is in the same position, competition for victory at the end of the day.

Expect to see:

Crews hanging over the boat rail.
All boats in the realm of possibility
Bruises.
Sunburn everywhere
Windswept sailors with a rum in hand at all times.
Windward-leeward racing
Ripped sails and ruined sailors!
Global sailing champions
The sunsetting every night in Paradise

Après-sail

No Caribbean regatta can be complete without dancing, copious amounts of rum and live reggae bands. Notorious live parties, team-building competitions, prize giving ceremonies, and onboard cocktail parties allow the perfection combination of sailing and socializing.

Be sure to walk up to Shirley Heights to get the best sunset and I may add the best rum punch that the island has to offer. This year, the sailing event was sponsored by Fever Tree tonics, as such the traditional Caribbean rum had some very strong competition for being the tipple of choice for the 2019 Antigua Sailing Week.

Tough competition, idyllic racing winds, structured race courses, rum punch and of course lobster on the BBQ are the key ingredients to a world class regatta for novices, experts or even beginners!

Please click here to get in contact with Alice for your next regatta charter. We specialize in global regattas and travel extensively to review the best regatta charters for you!

Posted on May 20, 2019 by Alice Newnham

MY 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN THE CENTRE OF ATHENS

Athens, being the base of almost all Greek Charter Yachts, is the most common start/finish point for your Greek Islands Yacht Charter. I always recommend our clients to spend a couple of days before or after their charter, exploring the museums, archaeological places and tasting the vibrant Athens nightlife.

Athens is abundant with excellent restaurants (including several Michelin star establishments), and I would like to clarify that the 3 restaurants I recommend below are just my favorite places! I am into modern, creative cuisine and I adore wines, so wine and food pairing is a priority for me. Most importantly, I highly value personalized service in a restaurant.

Number 1: SIMUL

SIMUL gastronomic situ: A small gem of a restaurant, situated in the heart of the posh Kolonaki neighborhood, SIMUM is steadily in my top favorite go-to restaurants. Chef Nikos Thomas’s creative interpretations of Greek/Mediterranean cuisine uses the freshest local ingredients and as such the menu changes with the seasons. During the summer, I prefer to sit in the lovely little garden.

Number 2: SUSHIMU

Maybe the best sushi place in Athens – Sushimu is a modern day traditional Japanese sushi bar. 12 high stools on one side of the bar, with Sushi chef Antonis Drakoularakos on the other side. While Chef Antonis prepares his nigiris, sashimis, and makis he interacts with his clients … It doesn’t come more authentic than this! The fish is also super fresh, selected by the chef himself every morning!

Number 3: OINOSCENT

My absolute favourite wine bar in the centre of Athens. Oinoscent offers one of the widest selections of Greek and international wines. Most importantly a professional, dedicated and super friendly team of sommeliers who will talk with each of their clients and propose wines according to each one’s tastes. Oinoscent also provides a short, gourmet catalogue of warm dishes, cold cuts and cheeses, so is absolutely fine for light dinner.

Contact now our expert broker team and start planning your Greek motor yacht, sailing yacht or catamaran charter!

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Lambros Tsolakis

FIRECRACKER REVIEW

25% discount if you book in May 2019! Contact us now!

FIRECRACKER has long been one of our favorite yachts on the French Riviera. With her defining shape, and dark hull you will often see her in some of the most exclusive places. Her home is in the French Riviera, and here she stands proudly amongst her Superyacht sisters.

Captain

Long-standing Captain Jonathan has been at her helm for 3 years and is looking forward to his 4th season on board. He is a firm favorite with our clients and knows all the best spots the Riviera has to offer.

Food

New chef Daniel comes with a wealth of experience from cooking at one of the top 50 world restaurants, Maido in Peru.

Adding to this, he has worked in various Michelin Star and AA Rosette rated restaurants such as Kilworth House Hotel, The Whitebrook (where the Head Chef Chris has just won for his main course “The Great British Menu”) and Adams Restaurant.

He then moved on to a 55m motor yacht in Greece before joining FIRECRACKER where he is super excited to impress each and every client to come aboard.

Social

We love FIRECRACKER as she is constantly updated and maintained to the highest standard. Her light and the modern interior offers great volume for her size and leads seamlessly to her vast aft deck where you can dine and relax al freso.

Lounging

Her sunpads on the bow are great for cruising along in the summer sun and taking in the stunning views of the French Riviera.

Activities

She also has an impressive list of water toys for the thrill seekers amongst you! The list includes: seabobs, snorkel gear, wakeboards and more!

All this for 25% off the asking price in May?! I couldn’t believe my eyes either… get in touch and speak with Cordy now for more information on this amazing opportunity!

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Alice Newnham

Contrasting Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park and Zrce beach, Novalja, Pag island.

When choosing a holiday destination, it sometimes becomes a stressful exercise. However, we are at hand to take that stress away. Here at Boatbookings we regularly visit the countries we have yachts in so we are up to date with advice for you! Questions like: “will they like it? Does it offer something for everyone? Can I have peace and quiet? But also some nightlife? I want nature, but also the parties, I want sea but also land” are regularly asked – and we know the answers! We advise you on everything from yachts, best anchorages, local knowledge, restaurants and even the best wines available!

Croatia is one of the top countries to be visited by not only the young party goers but for nature enthusiasts and of course the sailors! Because of Croatia’s diversity it truly offers something for everyone and here’s why…..

Croatia has diversity at every corner. A previously Soviet ran country, it has turned into one of the most popular sailing hot spots in Europe. Boasting over 2000 islands for you to explore and home to eight incredible National Parks what more could you want from one country?

Pag island.

Pag island is located 2 hours northwest of Split and is assessable by car. Pag island the capital of Croatia’s nightlife! With clubs such as Papaya and Kalypso open until the early hours of the morning be sure to pack some paracetamol! Festivals such as Hideout are based here because of the islands DJ history. This area has been partying until their feet give out for more than 30 years making it one of the pioneering places to let your hair down!

Plitvice Lakes

So, you’re picking your yacht up at 5pm (normal embarkation time) and yet your flight arrives early morning. What should you do? Well, why not visit one of the most incredible national parks in the world before you hop on your yacht?! This National Park is 1.5 hours inland from port Starigrad. Alternatively, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Split. It’s worth booking in advance, they only allow a certain amount of people in per hour so you are able to be at one with nature, and not shuffle around the crowds.

On your sailing holiday, you need to experience variety. You need to explore the land has to offer as well as sailing through the stunning Adriatic sea. Everyone has different tastes when it comes down to how they want to spend their time off. With Croatia, it gives you the opportunity to create a harmonious holiday and ensuring that everyone feels like they got the most out of their precious time off. Get in touch with one of our yachting experts to see how you could have your very own private yacht!

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Alice Newnham

Top 3 Bars and Nightclubs on the Amalfi Coast

An Amalfi Coast crewed yacht charter has something for everyone; hospitable crews, picture-postcard villages, thermal spas, fine-dining restaurants and haute-couture boutiques, but does it really have a nightlife scene? If you’re looking for more than your Aperol Spritz, a picturesque piazetta and want to dance the night away, you’ll find it hard to beat the three best nightclubs in Capri and the Amalfi Coast below.

Africana, Praiano

Via Terramare, 84010 Praiano

Welcome to the most famous club on the Amalfi Coast. Every mega club is a groundbreaking venue, but Africana takes your rave levels to a whole new dimension. Born within a mammoth natural cavern, Africana benefits from stunning views out to sea, and a unique hedonistic atmosphere to party. From Aristotle Onassis in the 1960’s to the modern day rockstar, Africana continues to dazzle the elite 2019 jet-set.

Music on the Rocks, Positano

Via Grotte dell’incanto 51, Positano

Positano is everyone’s favourite Amalfi Coast hotspot; the area is full of world class hotels and eateries, but the quaint town only has one nightclub. Located on the edge of the cliff overlooking the beach, Music on the Rocks welcomes you for dinner on the first floor, before offering cooling cocktails in the Fly lounge and dancing until dawn.

Aneme e Core, Capri

Via Sella Orta 39/e 80073 Capri

Anema e Core Capri is the island’s institution. Don’t be fooled by the lack of an impenetrable guest-list or the humble ‘tavern’ interior, this is the must experience Capri hotspot. Welcoming supermodels and megastars from all around the world, you will be entranced by the rhythm and spirit of this iconic establishment. Guido will have even the most discerning celebrity up on their feet, dancing the night away as only the Italians can!

Stay tuned for the next blog in our Amalfi Coast series, where we will continue to show you the must-visit hotspots to ensure an unrivalled Amalfi Coast yacht charter experience. Don’t leave your holidays to chance, leave It with your dedicated Boatbookings Brokers.

Posted on May 11, 2019 by Ben Sutton