VAT News – Charter Yachts in France Will be Subject to Up to 19.6% Tax Beginning 15 July

The French Tax Authority has announced that VAT will be applicable to all charters in France for contracts signed from the 15th July onwards, even on the commercial yachts that were previously excluded from taxation.

Regulations are still being clarified, but it appears that any charter that goes beyond French territorial waters (that is 12 nautical miles) will receive a 50% reduction in the VAT rate to 9.8%. Regardless of this reduction, we highly recommend that you book your charter before Bastille Day!

See our French Riviera Charter Yachts and book now to avoid extra costs on your charter!

Posted on June 28, 2013 by admin

Luxury Shirts for Your Summer Yacht Charter (From Guest Blogger Fraser Strand)

When it comes to this time of year there are few better luxuries in life than setting out on the open water and soaking up the fabulous sailing conditions of your ocean of choice. Perhaps the balmy waters of Fiji where you can settle into a steady 10 knots along its reefs, or the comfortable heat of the Caribbean seas which offer tantalising glimpses of the exotic sea life underneath. Wherever you choose to set sail, it pays to pack well for the occasion and deck out your wardrobe with some suitably luxury apparel.

A good pair of boat shoes and some tanned chinos are a given, but recently I have found myself investing in a wide range of tailored shirts and I haven’t looked back. After a conversation with a good friend of mine (who always looks frustratingly well dressed), I decided to investigate the famous series of traditional tailors in London’s Piccadilly. I was amazed by the range of tailors and menswear boutiques available, each with sophisticated shop fronts that exude historical elegance and invite you in for measurements and luxury apparel. After a while browsing around, I was perhaps most taken with Budd Shirtmakers (pictured below) who welcomed me warmly and began sizing me up before I could think twice.

Following in the sartorial tradition for over 100 years, like many shirtmakers in London, Budd is steeped in history from the ornate glass shop windows to the extensive classical range of materials, designs, and textures that adorn the interior. Surprisingly, they make all of their shirts by hand in their own cutting room above the shop (pictured below), which gives the whole experience a very genuine and timeless feeling. My personal request was to make a shirt with enough room to breathe as I’m sailing, but that didn’t make me look 5 stone overweight and they succeeded with flying colours.

After wearing my shirt a few times, I am converted. I love the feeling of a tailored fit and it looks so much better than before. In fact I have trip planned very soon during which I will be yachting near the South Pacific and can’t wait to christen my new attire on those sunny seas.

In addition to the bespoke “in-store” service, you can also get ready-made shirts from Budd via their new website along with bow ties, cufflinks, handkerchiefs and lots more men’s accessories to really deck out your boating gear on your next luxury yacht charter.

If you want to become Boatbloggings latest guest blogger, email us today at [email protected]!

Posted on June 25, 2013 by admin

Best Greece Sailing Vacations

One of the best locations for your sailing vacation this summer is without a doubt Greece. The close proximity of the islands, unrivaled natural beauty, and its fantastic sailing conditions makes it a magnet for charterers in the know. The Aegean and Ionian Seas around Greece boasts over six thousand islands and more than 16,000km of coastline to explore. The Ionian islands for example is just one of the island groups that provide the charterer with a plethora of magical bays and timeless coastal towns to explore.

SEE HERE FOR MORE ON SAILING IN THE IONIAN ISLANDS

Located just off the west coast of Greece and comprising of 6 main islands; Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca and Paxi, they provide sailors with a stunning sailing destination.

Ionian Wind and Sailing Conditions. The wind and sailing conditions in the Ionian Sea are steady and predictable which makes it fun for sailors of all abilities. Winds normally start to build around midday but drop off towards sunset – perfect for sailing to your evening destination after a morning spent snorkelling and enjoying the pristine waters. From May to September the wind tends to blow from the Northwest at Force 2-5. In spring and autumn the wind is less strong and blows usually from the Southwest.

One yacht that we would highly recommend for charter here at Boatbookings is CALLISTO. A 77-foot Swan, lovingly restored by her owner and in pristine condition. She can accommodate up to 6 guests in three luxury cabins and what with her fantastic crew, both dynamic and discrete, charters will be sure to have a dream vacation.

Her magnificent interior is a blend of hand crafted teak and leather white upholstery that provide a relaxing, tranquil environment to retreat to after a days sailing and using the variety of water toys available on board. Through out the day guests can expect sumptuous meals created by the multiple award-winning chef on board, either inside or at the central cockpit table on deck. Charting CALLISTO around the Ionian islands will be a memory you will cherish for a lifetime.

Posted on June 21, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

A Submarine Yacht – The Luxury Yacht Charter Vacation Of The Future

In one of the most incredible new designs to date, yacht design studio Motion Code, has revealed plans for a 115 meter, 6 deck yacht – that is also a submarine! This stunning concept is, according to Motion Code the next step for the super rich. Instead of owning a 115 meter yacht that comes with a submarine, why not just combine them both into the ultimate luxury charter vessel!

TO SEE MORE ON LUXURY YACHTS FOR CHARTER CLICK HERE!

Touted as being the ultimate way to charter as you can simply blow the ballasts and sink to depths of up to 240 meters in the comfort of your once floating palace, it also means you need not contend with any rough weather on the surface but can slip below the waves for the ultimate in privacy. Imagine the exclusivity of a party on a yacht you cannot not even get to, as it lurks hundreds of meters below the surface!

The hull of the 11 meter wide MIGALOO is identical to current submarines but inside she in no way similar to its warlike counterparts. She would boast a custom designed tower and an enormous aft deck for the lounge areas, sun beds, bar, its 8 by 3 metre pool as well its helicopter pad. MIGALOO would accommodate up to 16 guests in 8 luxury cabins.

The foredeck of this incredible concept would be fully dedicated to the owners' privacy and would come complete with a full-beam private lounge and a private bar. Other luxury appointments include a cinema room, a library, a gym and a gaming room as well as four side hatches that can be transformed into enormous beach terraces.

What with a large variety of water toys at your disposal, and large windows with underwater lights providing guests with breathtaking views of the deep, this submarine-yacht will truly be one of the most luxury things afloat – (or not as the case may be!) We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other aspects that make your charter special.

Posted on June 21, 2013 by admin

Beijing Buys Out The Very Best of British Yachting

Sunseeker is Britain's largest and most recognised yacht builder, renowned for stunning aesthetics and build quality. Based in Dorset, Sunseeker produce the iconic Predator motor yacht series, as well as the classic Manhattan line and Portofino model.

The Snapper Luxury Sunseeker Motor Yacht

For a company whose success is heavily based upon tradition, a radical change to the management and culture of the company is naturally going to face some serious opposition. This comes with the news that Dalian Wanda, the Chinese property group are set to pay around £300 million for a 92% stake in Sunseeker International.
Sunseeker's are popular because of their spacious accommodation and deck areas, making them very popular with sporting icons, such as French footballer Marcel Desailly, as well as Formula 1 veterans Eddie Jordan and Nigel Mansell. This takeover follows the growing trend for Chinese companies acquiring top end British companies, in search of bringing western luxury to the country. Mr Wang of Dalian Wanda has been a lifelong fan of the Sunseeker brand, illustrated by the acquisition of a custom built Sunseeker Predator 108, which featured in James Bond, Casino Royale.

Brand New Eddie Jordan Sunseeker Yacht

The Snapper was Eddie Jordan's first Sunseeker motor yacht. This 37m fully crewed motor yacht features accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins, as well as stunning decks throughout. However, Mr Jordan has recently commissioned Sunseeker for a larger yacht, which will blow The Snapper out of the water. The 155ft new build project will feature four decks, accommodating up to 12 guests. The Sky deck is likely to feature a Jacuzzi and a bar, which would be the perfect place to enjoy cocktails while watching the sunset.

If spending £25 million on a brand new Sunseeker motor yacht is out of your budget, try your hand as owner by chartering your very own luxury Sunseeker! We have a host of stunning Sunseeker motor yachts all over the world, but it is hard to find one that is better equipped or better placed than Natalie, a Sunseeker Predator 84, based in the Golfe of St Tropez. She has incredible deck spaces to both the bow and aft, perfect for soaking up the summer rays with your family. Accommodation is provided in 4 cabins, making her perfect for up to 8 guests in stylish surroundings! We look forward to receiving your enquiries and helping you to plan your summer vacation in St Tropez.

Check out our website, www.boatbookings.com, and start searching for your luxury yacht charter on the French Riviera for this summer. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other aspects that make your charter special.

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Posted on June 20, 2013 by admin