Category Archives: Advice

Sustainable Summer: How can you have a greener yacht charter?

The Mediterranean summer season is officially in full swing. Our crewed catamaran charters can offer an unforgettable experience, but the Med is fragile. Here are some suggestions about how you can adopt greener, more sustainable practices while out on the water. 

We all know it is vital to reduce plastic, dispose of waste correctly, eat locally and sustainably, and choose the most energy-efficient vessel, but what else can you do to minimize your impact on a yacht charter?

Here are some of our top tips to embrace a more sustainable summer charter experience:

Leave only footprints 

When exploring islands, coves, bays, and beaches this summer, be sure to follow the leave no trace and only footprints. This is crucial to help preserve our natural beauty for others to enjoy while maintaining an area’s ecological integrity. When you get in the tender and visit a crystal clear bay, ensure you wear reef-friendly suncream, as you don’t want to leave any toxic residue. Or when you have a lunch picnic on a secluded beach, always take your trash away with you. And even when you go for an island hike, keep to the trails and leave as little impact as possible. 

Make your own power 

Whenever you head to land away from the anchorage, be sure to consider greener transport options. If you are visiting a particular designation on land, swap out the diesel-powered vehicle for a bike or electric scooter. Not only will these choices help reduce your overall footprint and emissions, but they also add an extra dose of adventure and fun to your summer journey. 

Get under the water 

Summer isn’t summer without playing in the water on a crewed charter. But while having fun, you can also ensure you are responsible. When you’re embraceing the marine life through snorkeling and scuba diving please avoid touching or standing on coral reefs as they are delicate and can easily be damaged. You should also have correct buoyancy control techniques to prevent accidental contact with the ocean’s fragile habitats. Be aware of any marine park regulations and always follow the guidance of your experienced crew. Replacing fossil-fuel-powered toys with time under the water will enrich your charter experience and help you minimize your impact. 

Support local projects 

Summer is a peak time for conservation projects and initiatives to protect marine ecosystems. Before you go, research local conservation organizations and volunteer opportunities in the destination. Examples include beach clean-ups, coral reef restoration efforts, or turtle nesting projects. If you don’t find specific projects, then be sure to support the local economy in any way you can. Choose eco-friendly tour operators and participate in nature walks, eco-hiking, and bird-watching activities. Supporting local companies will also ensure you have a more authentic experience.

Share and Inspire 

It may seem like a simple tip, but being an advocate for our oceans this summer can be powerful. You can inspire others to do the same when you make greener and more responsible choices on a yacht charter this summer. Sharing your journey to help preserve our oceans can raise awareness among others and catalyze change. 

At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves in offering greener crewed catamaran charters. If you want further information on how to tread a little lighter when chartering with us, please contact the Boatbookings team today. 

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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.

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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. 

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5 reasons why you should book your bareboat CHARTER NOW!

Boatbookings outlines 5 main reasons to book your yacht charter now! With Charter protection policies, booking your bareboat charter has never been so easy!

Availability

Just like the supermarkets – the availability of the yachts is becoming less and less. Whether you are chartering a bareboat monohull in the BVI’s or a bareboat catamaran in Greece, most yacht charters scheduled for 2020 are now moving to 2021. This means if you want to charter in 2021 you have to book now! There will be a serious lack of availability during the early part of 2021 than compared to other years. Trust us, we can see all the yachts calendars!

Your first choice when it comes to yacht and destination

There are favorable weeks during the year which sees an increase in sailing charters such as the first two weeks of August in the Mediterranean, and the Christmas week in the BVI’s. These weeks are busy regardless, and as such 2021 will not only have the guests that want to charter during the year of 2021, you will also now see that all the guests that were previously booked in 2020 have moved their charter to 2021. This means that it will be increasingly hard to secure those best weeks of sailing in your desired location.

Discounts!

We all love a discount, by securing your yacht charter early you can benefit from various forms of early booking discounts. Most charter companies have specific covid19 policies meaning lower deposits and flexible rescheduling if your travel plans are affected by covid19.

Supporting the industry that you know and love

It is no shock that the travel industry has been severally affected, and was probably one of the first industries to really feel the hit of COVID19. By booking your yacht charter for 2021 or 2022, you are actively supporting an industry that relies on sailors and charterers from all over the globe. Without you, there is no industry.

Something to look forward to when the world returns back to normal

Sailors, charterers, and everyone at Boatbookings have one thing in common – a sense of adventure. The freedom to sail the seas and travel to some world-class destinations is our way of life. Staying home, and having our freedom taken away has his us all hard in different ways. By booking a risk-free charter it gives you something to look forward to, break up the day with some passage planning or speak to one of us today and bounce some ideas around!

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Dine at NOVA, Oil Nut Bay in the BVI

The British Virgin Islands remain the must-visit sailing mecca in 2020. With the finest selection of BVI crewed and bareboat catamarans in the Caribbean, you will be dazzled by hidden anchorages, spectacular snorkelling and unforgettable sunsets. Trust us, our Broker team keep coming back every year! We continue to review the best islands for your specific requirements, including the beach clubs, bars and restaurants.

Nova at Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda

You have to add NOVA at Oil Nut Bay in Virgin Gorda to your 2020 BVI yacht charter itinerary. Nova floats on top of the cerulean Virgin Islands water and is the perfect venue to bring family and friends together this winter. The philosophy is all-around sharing delicious small plates in an exquisite setting that’s both energizing and relaxing. You will be able to sample global dishes featuring the highest quality local ingredients that will dazzle your tastebuds.

Current Offers at Oil Nut Bay

WEEKDAY HAPPY HOUR
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY 4:00PM – 6:00PM

  • 3-for-$10 cans of Carib, Leatherback IPA and Stowford Press Cider
  • 2-for-$12 Doombar Beer
  • Bottles of Peyrassol Rosé $30
  • Bottles of Taittinger Champagne $70
  • $5 off Special Flatbread

SUNDAY BRUNCH

  • Bloody Mary Bar: Bring a new hot sauce for the bar and receive your first Bloody Mary free
  • $5 Absolute Vodka
  • Bottles of Taittinger Champagne $70 includes fresh-squeezed citrus juice for mimosas

Oil Nut Bay is located at the far eastern tip of Virgin Gorda. Spend the morning swimming at The Baths, before sailing onto Oil Nut Bay for dinner. You can then spend the next day sailing up to Anegada for your lobster feast. We would highly recommend adding a stop to your BVI bareboat or crewed yacht charter itinerary this year. Speak to Ben in the Broker Team today to start planning the best BVI vacation to date!

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