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

Green Yacht Charters: Top Five Tips

The demand for a green, sustainable yacht charter has risen significantly over the past decade. At Boatbookings, have been leading this trend for 17 years and are thrilled to see it gaining momentum. While yacht designers embrace greener technology and innovative solutions to help the industry transition toward a more sustainable fleet, there are various other ways to ensure you leave a lighter footprint when chartering.

Whether you choose to charter a crewed motor yacht or crewed catamaran, from selecting a yacht that minimizes your carbon emissions to reducing single-use plastics and waste, take a look at our five top tips for you to have a greener yacht charter.

1. Choose a greener yacht

The first step is to choose a yacht that has been built or retrofitted with sustainability in mind. Today there are more and more yachts out there that boast greener credentials regarding the materials they were built with, how they are run, and their features to enhance energy efficiencies, such as solar panels and hybrid and electric technology. Another way to reduce your impact is to focus on the yachts that use limitless resources, such as the wind. Crewed catamaran charters are an easy way to ensure you have a lower footprint.

2. Minimize your waste

The first step of waste management is to start by reducing the amount of waste you produce. Eliminating single-use plastic is fundamental to this – request and update your charter preference list to reflect that you want to use reusables. Correct waste management is essential throughout a yacht charter. On crewed catamarans, they take additional steps to ensure the yacht’s waste is disposed of correctly in each marina. On a bareboat charter, you can take these steps yourself to recycle onboard and then appropriately discard waste when ashore.

3. Lower impact activities

Rather than zooming about the ocean on fossil fuel-powered water toys, why not take your yacht charter a little slower and enjoy the activities that are better for our oceans? There are lots of lower-impact activities. For example, kayaking around picturesque BVI bays, snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Tahiti, or standup paddleboarding in the calm, shallow waters of the Bahamas. Today, there are also a whole host of environmentally-minded toys. For that adrenaline rush, request water toys onboard such as hydrofoils and electric-powered ones.

4. Greener charter menus

Whether on a crewed or bareboat charter, you can easily lessen your environmental impact through what you eat. Firstly, buying and sourcing local produce supports the local economy and significantly reduces your food miles. Eating locally and seasonally is better for your carbon footprint due to the lower transportation emissions. Not only is it better for our planet, but the food will be fresher, and you will get to try different countries’ produce, whether that be fresh fish from a local fisherman or an exotic fruit from the market.

5. Ocean-friendly products

Products onboard are literally poured into our oceans. To ensure that you reduce harm to the marine ecosystem, be mindful of what you use. For a crewed charter, you can request the use of guest toiletries and products, such as reef-safe suncream and other products, such as organic shampoo, not to include toxic ingredients.

We have ever-increasing options for greener charter yachts. Choices that can help move our industry toward a lower-carbon future. To find out more, contact the Boatbookings team today to explore the green credentials of our huge fleet.

Posted on May 4, 2023 by admin

Catamaran Charters: Comfortable, Efficient, and Green

Improve your green yacht charter credentials and get ready for the summer season by choosing one of Boatbookings’ many catamarans.

With the approaching summer season, Boatbookings discusses why chartering a catamaran is better for the health of our oceans and picks out some favourite, more sustainable options.

Catamarans continue to become increasingly popular choices for yacht charters. It is no wonder why – a catamaran provides so many benefits.

Whether it be crewed or bareboat, power or sail, you can enjoy their voluminous open-plan living and comfortable accommodation areas, their increased stability, and smoother cruising to that of a monohull.

Recent years have seen the multihull charter market evolving with its offerings, and most importantly, they highlight a significant move toward a greener and low-carbon agenda. We take a look at the ways they are better for our oceans.

Improved efficiency

The efficient hull design of a catamaran drastically reduces its resistance through the water, improving fuel efficiency. Boasting lighter hulls, they also have a lower displacement than monohulls. Power catamarans have a lower overall fuel burn and a steadier rise in speed while sailing catamarans can combine this advantage with nature’s wind power.

Fewer emissions

With overall reduced fuel consumption, there will be fewer emissions into our atmosphere; therefore, a catamaran will boast a lower carbon footprint. The benefit of a sailing catamaran is the overall fuel reduction, lessening emissions even more so than a power catamaran. Our emissions calculator can determine the exact footprint of any charter yacht.

Reduced impact

Another characteristic of a catamaran is its shallow draft, resulting in less impact on marine life while enabling more choices for better anchorages. With more out of the water, they have less disruption of the area’s marine ecology and the added benefit of less vibration and, therefore, noise. Their drafts also make them popular for specific cruising itineraries, such as the Bahamas and the BVIs.

Renewable opportunities

The wider beam of a catamaran provides more space for renewable energy alternatives. Their exterior can be outfitted with solar panels, perfect for soaking up the Caribbean and Pacific sunshine while also enabling the yacht to operate on less power from the generators and engines. There are also plenty of catamarans that run off electric power, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

Choose a greener catamaran today

Catamarans are part of a fast-growing segment of the charter industry. One that, thanks to innovative technology, is ever-evolving and improving its sustainability credentials.

Today there is a vast selection of eco-friendly catamarans that run on wind, solar, batteries and electric motors. As well as these greener technologies, many catamaran builders, such as Sunreef, implement a holistic sustainability process, using naturally-sourced materials throughout the build.

Boatbookings offers some of the best, greener catamaran options available for charter:

Sunreef, E Supercat 60:

This crewed Sunreef sailing catamaran, with nearly zero carbon emissions, boasts electric motors and rechargeable batteries while sailing; her eco-electric propulsion enables six hours of electric cruising.

Silent 64:

This Silent 64 power catamaran results in cleaner, electric cruising with zero emissions.

Lagoon 420:

This bareboat Lagoon 420 catamaran offers low fuel consumption and minimal emissions through her two electric motors and power by two sets of six batteries.

Fountaine Pajot, Aura 51:

This Fountaine Pajot 51 bareboat catamaran offers maximum space, that doubles up to provide renewable energy through its integrated solar panels.

With our oceans facing increasing environmental pressures, considering your next choice when chartering is more important than ever. Not only do catamarans offer a range of benefits, but they are also better for our oceans. Contact the Boatbookings team about your next, greener summer charter and our range of available catamarans.

Posted on April 28, 2023 by admin