Category Archives: Yachting news

Yachting Industry News

Sustainable Sailing

Broker Alice gives her insights about how to enjoy the most beautiful corners of the world on your yacht charter without causing damage to the environment. #catchsunsetsnotcarbon

What is eco-tourism?

Ecotourism refers to a country’s effort to conserve the environment, wildlife and natural resources. Many countries have invested in many schemes to increase eco-tourism and to encourage visitors to act responsibility and to respect the environment.

For those who are eco-conscious and want to steer away from mass tourism, a sailing yacht or catamaran is a perfect way to reduce your carbon footprint and to explore some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. A sailing yacht, without or without your own skipper onboard is the best way to visit many countries without making a negative impact on the environment. Greta Thumberg even recently tried out sailing to make a statement on reducing her carbon footprint.

The Boatbookings team built a Carbon offset calculator tool so that you can see the carbon you are putting into the environment and remain conscious of the effects of high carbon emissions during a yacht charter!

To keep carbon emissions to a minimum during a yacht charter, I would advise the below charters:

Alice’s 5 Eco-friendly charter destinations

1- The Atlantic Crossing

Capelinhos Volcan view from above – Azores

The Atlantic Crossing is one of the best ways to reduce carbon emissions. The crossing also distances you away from everyday life as phone signal is limited. Many larger boats do this crossing twice a year and require crew.

The Azore Islands are a part of the crossing and make this one in a lifetime opportunity even more exciting! These islands offer a break from weeks of open water. Many yachts offer the ultimate Atlantic Experience as they cross the ocean once a year. Be like Greta and live the ultimate green travel experience.

2- The Bahamas national park explorations on a lower-carbon emission catamaran

Pig Beach, The Bahamas

Yacht owners across the Bahamas use their initiatives wisely and try to reduce the charter carbon emissions. You can do a beach clean in the Bahamas and sail into the national parks. Ensure to try to use the engine as little as possible here. Natural wildlife such as iguanas, marine life, nurse sharks and pigs are prevalent throughout. If you have the chance, head over to the Abacos Islands to support the distraught community following the hurricane destruction and help the Bahamas become cleaner than ever. These waters are the bluest in the world and require high maintenance to avoid pollution and to reduce the negative effects of mass tourism.

3- Northern Sardinia Conservation Charter

Northern Sardinia is known for its national park La Maddalena. Take a sailboat or a sailing catamaran around this beautiful island and sail to Corsica to see some undisturbed beauty. This itinerary will allow you to discover some of the beauties of the natural world, including bright blue waters, marine life and plastic-free beaches. Efforts have been made to ensure that these waters remain unspoiled and that the area conserves all of the natural resources. Be sure to participate in a local scheme if you decide to visit Northern Sardinia on your yacht charter.

4- The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are renowned for eco-tourism and for containing some of the rarest, most endangered species on the globe. Before it is too late be sure to book your next yacht charter here to witness one of the remaining, unspoilt beauties of the world. Explore the widest selection of bio-diversity both on land and below water in the world.

5- Beach Clean-up in the BVI

As well as supporting the community and the effects of hurricane IRMA, take time to review the beautiful British Virgin Islands and to ensure that the islands remain green, clean and emission free!

Tips to improve your Carbon Footprint on your charter

1- Use the engine as little as possible

2- Limit fishing or put fish back in the water

3- Reduce plastic consumption onboard including excess packaging often found in the Caribbean.

4- Take water bottles on the charter and fill up at local facilities.

5- Participate in local schemes such as beach cleans to reduce your impact on the environment.

Speak to the Boatbookings team to discuss an eco-friendly yacht charter today.

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What Sailing License Do I Need In The Mediterranean?

The age-old question which we as yacht brokers are asked on an almost daily basis.

When chartering in the Mediterranean, you must hold a sailing certification (and in some cases like Croatia, a VHF license). Almost all of the charter companies will not necessarily ask you for a sailing resume, but they will definitely ask you what license you carry.

If you have chartered around the Bahamas or Caribbean, you will know that you only need a sailing resume to charter, but this is not the case in the Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Italy, Croatia, French Riviera and so on.

So what license do I need?

Image result for ICC sailing license
A copy of an ICC license

Ultimately, port authorities in the Meditterenian need to see “Sailing license” written on your certification, any others like the USCG, or “Bareboat certification” that are sometimes issued by Flotillas will not be allowed. The best and foolproof certification you can get is the ICC or the SLC. These licenses are internationally recognised and can guarantee that you will be able to charter.

How can I get an ICC license?

To get an ICC, you must complete an ICC application form (LINK HERE) You can download the application form, from the website above or request a copy from the RYA Certification Department. You can get an ICC if you have done one of the below:

If you haven’t done any RYA licenses, don’t worry. You will just have to do a short assessment with an Approved Training Center.

What is the SLC’

The International Sailing License and Credentials (SLC) is a recreational sailing license valid for all yacht charter companies worldwide – you guessed it including Europe and the Seychelles!! To obtain an SLC, the candidate must already hold a national government boating license examples to follow:

  • National Coast Guard License (USCG)
  • ICC
  • RYA Day Skipper
  • NASBLA State Boater License for the USA
  • PCOC for Canada

Holding a government license means the holder already meets the technical legal requirement that many hosting countries require.

You will have to pass an online suite of theoretical knowledge courses and tests appropriate for bareboat chartering, log previous sufficient sailing experience and demonstrate sailing skills according to internationally established sailing standards.

If you have any queries with your license, please do not hesitate to check with us here!

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4 Ways to Go Greener While Sailing

Often, a yacht charter vacation is an opportunity to be out on the water and getting back to nature. Therefore, many look for ways to be more environmentally friendly while enjoying a blissful getaway in locations such as the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Greece or the Caribbean. Whether you are chartering for the first time or are a seasoned charterer, it’s never too late to make changes to be more environmentally friendly on board

Waste Management

Responsible waste disposal and recycling are incredibly important onboard your yacht charter, especially when trash and garbage can quickly end up in the ocean, either by accident or as a result of careless behavior onboard. Keep all garbage and items to be recycled secured somewhere on the boat until you can permanently and properly dispose of them onshore. This way, you can enjoy your charter by swimming with nature, not with garbage.

Check out our green chartering page here!

Reduced Plastics

Many catamarans in the BVI and elsewhere in the world are now employing the use of reusable water bottles. Try to stock your boat with a few plastic products as possible. If you are chartering without a crew, purchase water in larger containers and then refill reusable bottles or glasses as needed. Having less plastic bottles and cups on board will not only benefit the environment, but it will also minimise unwanted clutter.

Eco-Friendly Products

Many are not aware that all on board fluids flow directly into the ocean. Therefore, opting for EPA-approved household products has a significant impact on the environment. There are many eco-friendly product options available, so all you have to do is read the labels and look for soaps, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, and other common cleaning solutions made with natural ingredients. If you want to contribute to ocean conservation positively, only apply marine-safe sunscreen.

Carbon offsetting calculator

Leave Nature as You Found It

In locations from Tahiti to Sardinia, the beauty you’ll find is not possible in any other method. Observe and enjoy the natural surroundings, without disturbing anything along the way. When snorkelling or diving coral reefs, be particularly mindful not to touch anything with your body or equipment. Rather than taking home shells or dead coral as a souvenir, take a photograph instead. As travelers and sailors, most of the cruising and charter community has an interest in preserving the integrity of our premier vacation destinations and maintaining a respectful relationship with the environment. By sharing responsibility with small, thoughtful contributions, we can make a positive global impact, and leave a positive legacy behind for generations to come.

Contact one of our Charter Brokers today to book your Yacht Charter!

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Romance Isn’t Dead

With the most romantic day of the year fast approaching, many begin to think of how to show their significant other how much they love them, whether it’s a candlelit dinner or a long weekend away. However, there are many spectacular cruising grounds to choose from at any given time of the year, offering alternative ways to search for a winter vacation. Here are the Boatbookings Team’s favourite romantic destinations.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is well known as being one of the most romantic destinations, with pastel-hued buildings continuing to attract loved-up couples year in and year out for honeymoons, proposals or vacations. For a true level of Romance, head to Ischia, well known for its spas and a short distance from Capri. In Ischia, enjoy an unforgettable, romantic dinner in Ristorante Emanuela, where you can choose from steamed fresh seafood or blue lobster, ending your meal with homemade limoncello under the moonlight.

Seychelles

The Seychelles offers impressive granite boulders, white beaches, and coral coloured sunsets, epitomising true paradise. However, nestled within the luscious greenery of its gardens and beaches, you’ll find Eden, a hub of creole gastronomy. This beach-side sanctuary offers the ultimate romantic atmosphere, overlooking the beautiful sands of Beau Vallon Beach. Make sure you try the delicious Tajima Wagyu beef carpaccio and yellowfin tuna with asparagus. Head back to your yacht and enjoy a romantic nightcap under the stars.

Martinique

Martinique itself is completely dynamic; it combines rugged mountains with wild forests, rivers and waterfalls as well as the important coves and bays for your charter, there is plenty for you to explore during your vacation! Martinique offers natural hot springs, exotic black sand beaches and scenic hiking trails. As Martinique is a French Territory, it offers an exciting mix of both classic Caribbean and French culture which is demonstrated in their spoken language of creole. Enjoy a dip in the cascading waterfall near Falaise River before going to a Rum Distillery and enjoying the local products. Some of the best restaurants in Martinique include Le Rendez Vous, which has a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea, and Le Touloulou, where you can taste some of Martinique’s best seafood!

Contact one of our Brokers today to help organise your next charter!

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Catamarans For Your 2020 Yacht Charter

As most people within the yachting industry do, I was sailing in Devon in the summer and sailed past a late 1990’s Fountaine Pajot catamaran. It looked old, battered but well-loved, painted bright yellow with a hand-painted tiger on the side. I sailed towards this boat and instantly wanted to be on board. This struck me that the basis of this catamaran is how the charter and yacht design market has come into play.

People bought catamarans for maximisation of space and for comfort, it took the rest of the world 10 years more to figure out that catamarans were an excellent choice for families and first-time sea-goers. Over the course of the last 10 years, catamaran popularity has gone beyond expectations. Catamaran charters are both popular in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Bareboat catamaran charters allow for a taste of luxury without a superyacht price tag.

Catamarans are well known for their maximisation of space, sleek interiors and stable sailing. Catamarans are becoming more commonly regarded as the perfect charter vessel across the world. I would recommend a catamaran charter for exploring either the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the Greek Saronic Islands, Croatia or the Amalfi Coast.

Catamarans to choose from for a 2020 yacht charter:

The last few years have witnessed the release of a lot of different catamaran models, the models are getting bigger and better by the year. After having travelled across the global boat shows and reviewed the yachts in person, the below are my favourite catamarans for a 2020 yacht charter across the globe.

The Lagoon 46

Brand new for 2020, the Lagoon 46 promises to bring harmony onboard and is considered to be the next stage of yacht charter. The exterior has a new design and combines modular front and aft cockpits a cooking area at the back and safer access to the bow. The Flybridge is larger and is dedicated to manoeuvring and relaxation. The interior has also had a refresh, the design is more elegant than the previous Lagoon 450 and the cabins maximise space more efficiently than previous Lagoon models. This is the most renowned catamaran brand in the world and has kept up with their reputation via the release of the Lagoon 46.

The Saona 47 (Fountaine Pajot)

This Saona 47 model catamaran was launch to celebrate Fountaine Pajot’s 40th anniversary. She was launched in April 2017 and boasts, safety, comfort, space maximisation and strong performance in heavy winds. Her lines are distinctive and the Fountaine Pajot aesthetically French touch is obvious throughout. Her saloon boasts natural light and the storage onboard is unrivalled. She is a great choice for a family charter and puts safety above all.

The Dufour 48

Dufour 48 is my personal favourite catamaran for a 2020 yacht charter. This catamaran encompasses innovation and beautiful interiors. Her features are spacious, light and gripping. She is the perfect family 2020 charter boat both in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. If you want to sit back and relax, add a skipper and a hostess for your yacht charter. If you are looking for a catamaran with style, the Dufour is the best choice possible.

To conclude, from the three new models choose the Lagoon 46 for quality and comfort, the Saona 47 for value for money, space and safety and importantly the Dufour 48 for unrivalled catamaran style. Her design is chic and modern, if you want to sip on a glass of rose with canapés on a gorgeous bow, this is the boat to choose for your next catamaran bareboat or skippered yacht charter.

Find out more about the Boatbookings team or contact broker Alice directly to help you plan your 2020 charter experience on one of the best catamarans!

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