Greener thrills: How can a yacht have more eco-friendly water toys?

On a crewed charter catamaran, you can have so much fun getting out on the ocean exploring new places, and spending quality time with loved ones. What else would you need?

Water toys, of course! Watersports and water toys turn a simple day on the water into pure exhilaration. But when it comes to reducing the yacht’s environmental footprint, the toy box has a lot to answer for. Now, with increasingly innovative designs and green technology, a new wave of eco-friendly water toys is on the rise.

Ones that are equally exciting but without the fossil fuel-guzzling engines and unsustainable materials.

We take a look at these more eco-friendly water toys:

Powered by humans

Put aside the fuel and diesel needed for fun, and harness the energy you have in yourself! There are so many toys powered by humans, whether paddleboarding or kayaking. These toys offer a fresh alternative to traditional motorized options. They allow you to immerse yourself fully into nature, contribute to a greener playtime, and give you a workout on the side!

Watts of fun

Electric is the future! And what’s not to like about virtually silent, emission-free fun? Many innovative electric water toys, such as surfboards, jet skis, and inflatable boats, combine cutting-edge technology with sustainability. By using electric motors, they produce zero emissions and reduce the impact in terms of noise and vibrations. These toys give a thrilling ride without the guilt of fuel.

If your toys do have to run on fuel, make sure they use 4-stroke, not 2-stroke engines. Without going into the details, 2-stroke engines are incredibly pollutive. A single two-stroke engine produces pollution equivalent to that of 30 to 50 four-stroke automobiles because they mix oil and gas and don’t burn them very efficiently.

Foiling alternatives

Water toys with foiling technology have taken water-based adventures to the next level. Foiling toys such as hydrofoil surfboards, kite foils, and sailboats use specialized wings or foils beneath the surface to lift them above the waves, enabling the user to glide effortlessly over the ocean.

Toys made better

A long-standing issue with many of the current toys on the market is the materials, but today many manufacturers now consider the life cycle of a product and prioritize sustainable materials and production methods. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint and minimizes waste. Many are now made from recycled plastics or biodegradable materials – you can even get golf balls made of fish food!

We all know that the yachting community must set a path toward sustainability and a circular economy to survive and for the planet’s future. While significant emphasis is being put on the yacht to be more sustainable, it also must extend to everything that comes with it – including the tenders and toys!

Get onboard with eco-friendly water toys today!

Contact one of the Boatbookings team to learn about the more environmentally crewed charter catamarans and the watersports fun you can have.

Posted on July 31, 2023 by admin

Green yachting: Could these technologies be the answer?

As the world grapples with the urgent environmental pressures it is facing and the need for more sustainable practices, can the power of technology help turn things around? Can we transform our industry through advanced technology, new approaches and innovations?

The answer is, hopefully, yes! Technology is currently already playing a pivotal and transformative role in the crewed charter industry.

We take a look at some of the ways it is helping us pave the way toward a greener future.

AI & Autonomy

AI seems to be everywhere these days. AI is beginning to help with sustainability on yachts by interacting with advanced navigation systems to optimize fuel consumption and, therefore lower carbon emissions. For example, AI can:

plot a more efficient course taking into account winds, tides and currents.
adjust speed for optimal fuel consumption
more efficiently use fuel in the engines

Smart-Yacht technology

Alongside improving fuel efficiency, there are also now intelligent solutions for advanced monitoring systems. These systems enable the crew to track the consumption of energy onboard. Utilizing these and making decisions based on data can allow the crew to identify areas of excessive use and adjust accordingly. Again, minimizing the reliance on fossil fuels.

Online learning

Today everything is at the touch of a button on a smartphone. Technology plays a crucial role in promoting education and awareness within our yachting community. Multiple apps and digital platforms are now providing Captains and crew with access to information on more sustainable practices and guidelines. By fostering this culture, the industry can collectively work together toward a better future.

Alternative propulsion

Technology is also changing the way we drive our yachts. Greener propulsion systems are enabling the industry to reduce its emissions. These systems, such as hybrid and electric, have gained significant attention, and for good reason. They utilize a combination of electrification, batteries, and energy recovery systems – with a lot of energy coming from renewable sources such as solar panels being integrated into the superstructure of the yacht. Check out catamaran builders such as Sunreef Yachts in particular, and their solar ‘skins’.

A better future

The integration of sustainability should be embraced at every level, from yacht design and construction to operations. While technology is making promising waves, it must still be complemented by industry-wide commitments and a mindset shift.

At Boatbookings, we have an unwavering commitment to sustainability. We are proud to offer greener, more sustainable crewed charter catamarans for booking – contact one of the Boatbookings team today to learn more.

Posted on July 6, 2023 by admin

The Sunreef Eco – The Greenest Luxury Charter Catamaran Yet?

The stunning, sustainable and green Sunreef E Supercat — The stunning Sunreef E Supercat

At Boatbookings, we are continually striving to get more of our charter guests on greener crewed catamaran charters – because many guests are finding that luxury with less impact on the earth is the best type of luxury. We partner closely with pioneering sustainable boatbuilding companies such as Sunreef. to assure that we can find you the greenest alternatives.

The innovative Sunreef Eco

Sunreef showcases a bold vision for sustainability in their Sunreef Eco line of catamarans. One of our favorites and most popular is the E Supercat, Sunreef 60 now available for charter in the Virgin Islands in Winter and Sardinia in Summer. So, what innovations make them greener (and essentially silent!)?

Solar Energy combined with battery storage and electric propulsion

Firstly, Sunreef is at the forefront of electric energy with its all-electric Sunreef Eco models. The models generate renewable energy through a combination of electric propulsion, battery storage, and solar energy while utilizing smart energy management throughout the catamarans. This offers the most relaxing charter onboard with silent, vibration, and fume-free cruising, as well as less maintenance required and huge fuel-saving benefits. Imagine not having to pay for fuel for your charter!

Sunreed Eco 60 integrated Solar Panels — Sunreed Eco 60 “Solar Skin” integrated Solar Panels (photo courtesy of Sunreef)

New Composite Solar Technology

Powered by renewable energy, the Sunreef Eco models also feature an advanced solar skin system that consists of ultralight solar cells. It is the world’s first composite integrated solar panel system. So while sunbathing on the deck of your crewed catamaran, the boat is also soaking up the rays for cleaner and greener catamaran energy to power your trip.

Naturally-sourced, recyclable materials

Sunreef provides access to a wide selection of ethically-sourced and eco-responsible materials. The decor uses these greener materials without any compromise on luxury. Both the exterior and interior materials are sourced ethically, including sustainable decking solutions such as their fully-recyclable alternative to traditional teak. For their sailing catamarans, they also ensure the sails are fully-recyclable. Each model showcases not only greener choices but maintains that luxurious element of a crewed charter for your ultimate comfort.

We love Sunreef’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, and we already feature a range of Sunreef crewed catamarans for greener chartering. Many more are coming – watch this space! For more information on chartering a crewed Sunreef catamaran this year, please get in touch with the unequaled and sustainability-obsessed Boatbookings team.

Posted on May 16, 2023 by admin

Electric Yachts are coming – and Boatbookings is offering them for charter!

The news is full of stories about the accelerating transition to electric vehicles, but until now, the boating/yachting world has been literally 100% mired in diesel-based propulsion (outside of wind, of course!). This is finally beginning to change! We’re seeing innovative developments in electric sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts of all types. This is driven by advancements in battery technology, solar, and massive demand from buyers and charterers for yachts that are more ecologically sound.

The best electric yachts available for charter today!

Sunreef Yachts has announced an entire “Eco” range of catamarans (sail and power) that have solar panels embedded in the hull, top, and mast, Voyage Yachts offers the first fully electric charter catamaran in the Virgin Islands, the Voyage 480 Electric. New electric tenders and dinghies are being announced daily. And we’re even seeing large motor yachts that are going totally electric, such as the 58-foot Greenline yacht pictured above. Imagine cruising on a motor yacht with little or no engine vibrations!

Besides being better for the environment, electric boats are quieter, offer better acceleration, and are easier/cheaper to maintain. They are also less “stinky”. Virtually every marina is well-equipped with ample electric outlets, making charging infrastructure less of an issue than it is for cars. And many new yachts rarely need to be charged at all if there is ample sun – their solar panels charge the batteries instead.

We’ve compiled our worldwide knowledge on the advances in electric boating on our “Electric yacht and e-boat revolution” page, updated regularly to give you all you need to know in one place.

For charters, we have a listing of electric charter yachts that will help you find the right one for you. Yachts such as the Sunreef E Supercat. If you are interested in “green” chartering, please contact us and we will find the most ecologically conscious yacht and crew available that fits your needs. We’re looking forward to the day when yachting doesn’t involve diesel fumes, vibrating boats, loud generators, and oily waters in marinas!

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Tom Virden

IT’S ELECTRI-flying!

With the obvious trend shifting to electric power, how can you still travel in style but in an eco-friendly way?

Introducing the new electric, private charter plane – Alice.

Carbon Offset calculator

Now, I havent paid particular interest in this concept jet because we share the same name, it caught my eye because it is electric. This right here is the future of private travel. What’s more, is this is more affordable than you think. With the average Jet being around 600 USD per hour, this jet is set to be just over 200 USD per hour.

Quick facts

> Alice has been developed by Eviation Aircraft, and Israeli company.
> Powered by an aluminum-air battery and using MagniX electric motors.
> Business trips such as Nice > London and Paris > Geneva will be possible.
> 4 Million USD to produce
> 3 propellers
> Can seat 9 passengers
> Range 1,045km.

Green Yacht Chartering

Carbon Offset Calculator

Here at Boatbookings, we are extremely conscious of the environment. We owe everything to Mother Nature, from giving us those great winds n our beam or the stunning nature that is explored both below and above water. We are dedicated to creating options for clients if they wish to organise a Greener Charter. We have created a Carbon Offset calculator for you to use when you charter a yacht.

E-Fan X – developed by Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Siemens.

The E-Fan X is a collaboration between some of the biggest names in mechanics. Rolls Royce, AirBus and Siemens have set our to create an aircraft that vastly reduced its carbon footprint. A larger jet than ‘Alice’ she is capable of long haul journeys, with more space for passengers.

Quick facts:

> E-Fan X is a hybrid-electric aircraft .
> Release date 2020
> One of the four jet engines will be replaced by a 2MW electric motor, which is roughly the same amount of power of 10 medium-sized cars.
> The electric propulsion unit is powered by a power-generation system and > battery. When high power is required generator and battery supply energy together.
> Reduction of CO2 by 75%, NOx by 90% and noise by 65%

To see how you can reduce your cabon footprint while chartering a yacht, speak to one of out brokers today!

Posted on October 5, 2019 by Alice Newnham