Saving our seas: Pioneering efforts that are helping to preserve the Mediterranean

We love this time of year amid the Mediterranean charter season. But while we love the summer on these seas, we also know that not only is it a host for a crewed charter catamaran, but it is also a vital ecosystem that needs protecting.

Like the rest of the world, the Mediterranean faces serious environmental challenges, such as pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change/warming of its waters. However, it isn’t all bad news. There are several initiatives, campaigns, organizations, and projects in place that are helping to preserve our playground.

We take a look at some of them here:

Marine Protected Areas

Similar to national parks and nature reserves that protect habitats and species on land, there are also global networks of Marine Protected Areas. Specifically in the Mediterranean, the surface under protection status is currently 8.33% (2020 figure). This collaborative effort involves various organizations, agencies, and stakeholders across the countries. Every four years, MedPan assesses the areas and releases a report – they are crucial for conserving and restoring the health of our ecosystems at sea.

One example of a protected area we love to cruise (responsibly) at Boatbookings is the Brijuni National Park in Croatia, on the Adriatic Coast. The protected area includes 14 islands and the surrounding waters. The area boasts impressive biodiversity with coral reefs and is home to loggerhead sea turtles.

Isla de Tabarca marine reserve is another one of our favorites. It is also the oldest of all the network of reserves, covering a vast area off the coast of Alicante, in Spain. The seabed is covered with Posidonia seagrass, vital for oxygen production.

Anchoring Regulations

Aside from the marine protected areas, various local regulations and legislation are in place for certain boating activities. Anchoring is one of these activities that can harm the seabed unless recognized, and steps are taken to minimize this, such as Captains being aware of the restrictions put in place.

One example is from the French Maritime Prefect and the recent restriction on anchoring within certain parts of the French Riviera and Corsica. Decrees now identify areas where anchoring is prohibited to protect Posidonia seagrass, which is essential to the ecosystem and underwater biodiversity.

Removing waste

Another essential aspect when conserving our oceans is responsible waste management. Many key issues result in pollution of our seas, such as discarded fishing nets and plastic.

Some organizations are working hard to turn this around. Healthy Seas is an organization focussing on removing marine litter, particularly from fishing nets from the Mediterranean. They work with volunteer divers to recover nets from reefs, wrecks and marine biodiversity hotspots. Another initiative is the Seabin project. Seabins have been installed in several Mediterranean marinas to help capture floating waste – just like bins on land!

Clean beaches

Keeping our surrounding beaches clean is so important. In the Mediterranean, there is a ‘Blue Flag’ status, a prestigious recognition awarded to beaches meeting stringent environmental criteria.

The program aims to promote sustainable tourism and raise awareness about protecting coastal areas. Aside from this status, several beach clean-up initiatives happen year-round in Europe. Even if there isn’t a specific event happening where you are, always be environmentally responsible and pick up trash whenever you come across it.

A collaborative effort

These efforts and collaborations are making a positive lasting impact on the preservation of this marine ecosystem for others to enjoy in years to come. At Boatbookings, we are hopeful that these initiatives will inspire others to join the cause and contribute to the ongoing protection and conservation of the Mediterranean. Without change, our future summers will be in danger.

Contact the team at Boatbookings if you are interested to join the wave of change and charter a more environmentally crewed charter catamaran for next summer season.

Posted on July 10, 2023 by admin

World Ocean Day: What can we do together to help preserve our seas?

Today is World Ocean Day, a day to celebrate and honour the importance of our oceans. This year’s theme is ‘Planet Ocean: tides are changing.’

The oceans are our lifeline, literally. They provide us with 70% of our oxygen and cover 71% of the Earth’s surface. Without them, both humanity and our yachting industry would cease to exist.

At Boatbookings, we understand that we are united by oceans and reliant upon their health. We have long been an advocate for protecting them and continue to do so. To ensure their survival in the future we need more collective action.

What are the main threats facing our oceans?

It is important to identify the main threats facing our oceans in order to understand what the issues are why we should protect them, and how to work to do so.

Plastic pollution: An equivalent of one truckload of plastic enters the oceans every minute, damaging the ecosystems and entering the food chain.
Overfishing: 90% of the world’s wild fish are either fully or over-exploited due to destructive fishing practices.
Ocean Warming: Increasing ocean temperatures are affecting marine species and ecosystems and driving up sea levels.

Why else do we want to protect them?

It is the ultimate playground: The ocean is different everywhere you go, from Greece to Croatia, to the Bahamas, to the Pacific. You can do so many things on, in and under the oceans. It is full of life’s great, diverse adventures, think kayaking fjords to scuba diving with reef sharks.

We share it: The oceans are a valuable resource that is utilised and shared around the globe. The oceans shape cultures and traditions and living by the sea has such an impact on your life, whether that be what you eat, where you work, or how you spend your time.

The Biodiversity: The oceans are home to an incredible array of biodiversity, including millions of species that many are still yet to be discovered. Healthy oceans can support complex ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass, which all provide habitats and feeding grounds.

Makes us feel good: Research has shown that bodies of water are strongly linked to your brain releasing feel-good hormones. Who wouldn’t be happy on a crewed charter catamaran in Tahiti?

What can we do onboard a crewed charter?

There are so many ways we can help protect and conserve our oceans. Both small and large changes can make a world of difference to the health of our oceans and the overall sustainability of our planet. Here are some top ways this World Ocean Day you can help:

Make sure you choose one of our more sustainable electric charter catamarans for this summer. From electric to hybrid, there are so many green options out there.
Offset your carbon emissions. You can use our carbon offset calculator to work them out.
Reduce your plastic waste onboard. You can specify on your preference sheet that you would like to minimize single-use plastic wherever possible. For example, through reusable bottles, filtered water, and refillable toiletries onboard a crewed charter.
Support and get involved in any local ocean conservation initiatives, from beach clean up’s in the BVI’s to supporting local communities in the Bahamas.
Eat locally and seasonally onboard. You can ask your onboard chef to source sustainably and ethically throughout your trip. This will reduce your carbon footprint onboard due to the reduced air miles.
It is important to understand why there are specific anchoring regulations in place and to always adhere to these. Your crew will ensure that you anchor in an environmentally-safe spot without damaging what is below, especially the coral reef.

While it is essential to recognize and acknowledge all the themes and topics behind World Ocean Day, we should work to protect and conserve our oceans every day. We ensure our clients take the protection of oceans seriously. At Boatbookings, we started this by helping facilitate greener chartering, leading the charge to provide our clients with a more sustainable charter fleet and practices. For a greener charter this year, contact the Boatbookings team today.

Posted on June 8, 2023 by admin

Caring for the captivating Caribbean coral reefs

The pleasure of exploring the underwater marine seascape is a wonderful experience during your Caribbean yacht charter. There are so many fabulous coral reefs to explore, you’re spoilt for choice. Among the best are the incredible reefs of Virgin Gorda and Anegada. To continue to enjoy these magical underwater worlds and help preserve them for others to visit, there are a few simple guidelines to help care for coral reefs.

Coral reefs are the largest living structures on the planet and amazingly the only living structure visible from space! The operative word here being ‘living’. Unbelievably, corals are classified in the same grouping as jellyfish and anemones. They are living creatures, needing nourishment to grow and reproduce.

Whichever catamaran you choose for your charter, our captains and crew are committed to preserving this marine equilibrium and caring for coral reefs, and none more so than the crew of ALTESSE who have introduced biodegradable soaps, banned single-use plastics, and even insist on coral-friendly sunscreen aboard this magnificent catamaran.

It’s not hard to enjoy the reefs while also preventing damage to this aquatic paradise. Most importantly, you can just follow the lead of our experienced crews who live in the region and understand how to help preserve coral. Key practices are:

Never anchor or go aground in a coral reef, except in specifically designated areas.
Never walk in coral
Don’t touch the coral when you’re snorkeling or diving
Do not harvest coral or attempt to take it out of the water
Use coral-safe sunscreens
Do not throw garbage overboard (it can contain items toxic to coral)
Use bio-degradable soaps and shampoos
Keep all water pollution (oil, garbage, trash, etc.) to an absolute minimum

Here are more practices recommended by the US Environental Protection Agency.

A blanched coral reef from global warming

CO2 emissions and reef protection.

Perhaps the greatest threat to coral reefs is the warming of the seas due to excess carbon in our atmosphere. While climate change is visible and most talked about on land, our oceans absorb 70% of the heat from CO2 emissions and this is having a significant impact on sea temperatures. Increased water temperature often results in “blanching” which is an innocuous way so saying a mass coral death event. While no one person can stop climate change, the UN notes that 2/3rds of CO2 emissions come from personal household decisions. So collectively reducing our carbon footprints can have a dramatic impact. One decision we can help you with is chartering low emissions sailing catamarans!

During your Boatbookings charter by paying attention to guidelines like these you can contribute to the preservation of the Caribbean’s stunning wildlife, ensuring its beauty and diversity, while you create unforgettable memories.

Posted on May 25, 2023 by admin

Our Top Catamaran picks – and best chefs – from The EMMYS (Eastern Mediterranean Multihull Yacht Show)

Boatbookings evaluated 85 yachts to find the best crewed catamarans for your next Greece or Croatia Charter!

The Eastern Mediterranean Multihull & Yacht Charter Show (EMMYS) has just concluded on the picturesque Greek island of Poros, and it was a resounding success. The event, which was held from May 4th to May 6th, 2023, saw the Boatbookings Yacht Charter Team meet with captains and crew from almost 85 yachts across three days. This provided an excellent opportunity to network and build relationships with yacht owners, and it was also a chance for clients to get a sneak peek at some of the best crewed catamarans in Greece and Croatia for charter in the summer of 2023 & 2024.

The best chefs in Crewed Catamarans in Greece at the EMMYS Show. Yum! — Amazing desserts!

The Best Chefs on Crewed Catamarans at the EMMYS Show!

One of the highlights of the event was the Chef’s contest, which saw some fierce competition between some of the most talented chefs in the industry. Chef Savos from ABOVE & BEYOND, Sunreef 80, emerged as the winner in the 60ft+ category, and Chef Giannis from LUCKY CLOVER, Lagoon 52F, took home the top prize in the Emerald category. Both chefs wowed the judges with their culinary skills and creativity, and it was a pleasure to sample their delicious creations.

Our picks for the best crewed catamarans in Greece and Croatia at the EMMYS

In addition to the Chef’s contest, there were also several outstanding yachts on display at the show. The Boatbookings Yacht Charter Team was particularly impressed with several vessels, including the stunning VALIUM 55! A brand-new Lagoon 55 with a sleek, modern design and ample space for entertaining able to accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins.

The team was also impressed by the Fontaine Pajot Alegria 67 sailing catamaran, ALOIA, which boasts a spacious deck and elegant interior, making it the perfect choice for those who want to explore the Greek Islands in style.

Crewed Catamaran Pi 2 at the EMMYS show in Poros, Greece — Luxury catamaran Pi 2

Another yacht that stood out was the Fountaine Pajot Saba 50, Pi 2, which is perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a luxurious and comfortable sailing experience. With a spacious aft deck, modern amenities, plenty of outdoor space, and a great selection of water toys this yacht is ideal for those who want to enjoy the best that the Mediterranean has to offer.

Overall, the Eastern Mediterranean Multihull & Yacht Charter Show was a fantastic event, providing an excellent opportunity to discover the latest trends and innovations in the yacht charter industry, especially with respect to crewed catamarans. The Boatbookings Yacht Charter Team was thrilled to meet with so many captains, crew, and industry professionals, and they are already looking forward to the next edition of the EMMYS.

Posted on May 10, 2023 by admin

Green Energy Spotlight: Solar-Powered Catamarans

Solar power is fundamental in today’s quest for green energy. This drive towards responsible energy can especially be seen onboard crewed catamarans. Yacht builders are increasingly harnessing solar power onboard – especially within the catamaran market.

It is easy to see why – solar power is a cleaner and more efficient source of energy for yachts to operate enabling reduced emissions and fuel consumption, and catamarans provide ample space to place the panels!

How does solar power work?

Simply put, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through solar panels, batteries and inverters.

To maximise this green energy generation onboard, they can be integrated into the hull sides, mast, superstructure, bimini roof, hardtop canopies or even the decks. Where there is space, there is an opportunity to create cleaner energy with solar panels. We are even seeing solar cells embedded in the boat’s composite structure.

The Benefits

But why solar? Firstly, most crewed catamarans cruise in sunny places, from the lemon-drenched picturesque Amalfi Coast to the sandbanks and sunshine of the Bahamas, so harnessing this green energy from the sun makes perfect sense.

With fewer emissions and pollutants than traditional fuel-powered generators, solar power minimizes the overall environmental impact. Aside from the substantial environmental gains, it is also cost-efficient and, after the initial outlay, reduces longer-term fuel costs. This green energy generation also provides a quieter charter, running the catamaran systems from electricity rather than noisy (and stinky) fuel-burning generators.

Why catamarans?

From cargo ships and small Atlantic crossing rowing boats to narrow boats, there are now various types utilising solar power. However, the multihull market was an early adopter for a good reason.

A lightweight catamaran provides lower drag and a bigger surface area for integrating solar panels. Because when sunny days on a crewed catamaran itinerary in the BVI outweigh those suitable for sailing, why not be on a yacht that creates fuel-free energy, powering your charter from the sun?

At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves in offering these crewed catamaran charters from builds such as Silent and Sunreef. These options are perfect for any group that wishes to have less impact on our oceans through a yacht charter.

Contact the Boatbookings team today to discuss our greener energy options.

Posted on May 9, 2023 by admin