The Asia Pacific region is one of the most exciting yachting destinations in the world. Where else can you find such incredible culture, diving and mouthwatering cuisine? The governments of Thailand and Indonesia have always restricted access to visiting yachts. However, there has recently been a shift and Myanmar is the latest country to relax its laws.
Myanmar welcomes Visa-On-Arrival Program
Visitors from Australia, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and Switzerland can now enter Myanmar on visa-on-arrival at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw International Airports. These 6 countries join Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Indian and mainland Chinese nationals. Myanmar is one of the area’s best kept secrets offering ultimate tranquility!
Phuket is the leading Asia Superyacht Hub
Phuket is the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’ with close proximity to Phang Nga Bay, Myanmar and Malaysia. Marinas on the island can provide berths for yachts up to 130 metres in length. These marinas are now offering full service with excellent dockage facilities, so can cater to the world’s best superyachts.
C/OAo Po Grand Marina, Phuket Thailand
“Between two and three new marinas are expected to open at Ao Po, Ao Kung and Ao Makham in the future,” reports Wiwat Chitchoetwong, referring to new development projects on Phuket. “The successful marinas in Phuket are being looked at now as models for marinas at Surat Thani province’s Koh Samui resort island in the Gulf of Thailand and Chon Buri’s Pattaya on the eastern coast”, added Mr. Chitchoetwong.
Tempted by Southeast Asia? There really is no better time to explore the area. The Boatbookings Brokers have lived and travelled around Southeast Asia extensively, so you’re in expert hands for your 2020 yacht charter.
The Boatbookings Broker team love Miami! Where else can you find such a metropolis on the water? Home to a fusion of fascinating cultures, centres for art and theatre, as well as a thriving food scene, Miami has something for everyone. But in 2020, there’s something even more exciting about to hit this city! Bring on Super Bowl LIV, which will commence on the 2nd February 2020 at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Not that Miami needs much help, but the Super Bowl 2020 will transcend the city into party atmosphere. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira are the headliners for the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show. The premium Miami resorts have hiked up the prices but there are always options, especially on the water. The only way to embrace the luxury of Super Bowl LIV is onboard a Miami yacht charter.
Miami will attract the world’s most expensive super yachts for the Super Bowl. You are guaranteed to be amongst good company. Kick back on the Azimut 100 INTERVENTION and be pampered by Captain Jose and his crew. With accommodation for 8 guests in 4 cabins and available for weekly or short charters, INTERVENTION is the perfect partner to Super Bowl LIV.
Further ideas could include coastal cruising on the Ferretti 88 CINQUE MARE or transfers around the city on the 54 Searay WHY NOT. The Boatbookings team will have you covered!
Watch this space for further insights into how you should celebrate the Super Bowl in Miami, as well as Spring Break!
KING BABY is our royal Super Yacht of the week! Her intriguing interior and superb deck space with endless amenities are just some of our favourites. She is a 43m IAG Yacht, designed by the infamous Evan Marshall, who has ensured the interior and exterior are to the highest standard with a provoking style.
KING BABY cruises the Bahamas and Caribbean, both tropical and delightful exploration grounds for superyachts. The sparkling sea, jaw-dropping beaches, and tasty local cuisine are just some of the things you will experience.
Climb on-board to immerse yourself into the rock ‘n’ roll vibe that oozes through the yacht, and party the night away with your friends and family on this musically oriented amazing yacht!
KING BABY boasts a tri-deck which provides an enhanced luxury yacht experience like no other. The sundeck is truly a sight to behold; it is spacious, with a tranquil blue colour scheme and contemporary furnishings. Choose to lounge on the comfortable semi-circle lounge areas, take a dip in the Jacuzzi with cascading waterfalls, or perch by the bar sipping on a funky cocktail.
This is a deck where you will spend a huge amount of time as you can gaze at the views of hidden beaches, lively towns or remote islands, whilst soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the breeze whilst cruising. After a fun-filled day island-hopping around the BVI, you will be raring for a delicious dinner cooked by your private and talented chef.
The aft deck dining is a prime spot for enjoying the sunset. Food is an essential part of the charter! On KING BABY you can be assured it will make rather than break the trip due to the prestige and capability of the chef and crew.
Above is an example of creative cuisine and culinary expertise you could experience on-board. The colours, aesthetics, and taste will all blend to make for a memorable and delicious dinner.
After you have laughed, drunk and dined to your heart’s content, the sun deck is calling you again. The decks are air-conditioned, so you can enjoy being outside with the coolness of the interior. Enjoy a sun-downer at the bar, take another dip in the Jacuzzi or look back on the photographs and be nostalgic on a fun day.
Interior
KING BABY’s interior is what adds to its original and distinguished look. The glamour and atmosphere of a sassy and stylish yacht spilling throughout. With musical elements, plush furnishings and the owner’s photography hung up in many rooms, adds to the personality and character of KING BABY. The lavishly appointed cabins are inviting and further add to the value of a comfortable and exclusive experience.
Water toys
Last but not least, the plethora of water equipment is what you will remember long after the charter as the adrenaline and excitement that derives from going at speed on new toys is unbeatable! The water slide is a thrilling experience; the jet ski will get your heart racing the hoverboards are trickier than they look!
If KING BABY is as appealing to you as it is to us, enquire today and a charter broker will guide you through the process.
Broker Alice provides an insight into life as a yacht charter broker and explains the mystery behind the infamous dinner party question.. ‘oh a yacht broker you say, how interesting, what exactly do you do!?’
Broker Alice at Antigua Sailing Week, 2019.
Prior to joining the Boatbookings team, I had an idea of what my life as a yacht charter broker would comprise of, however, a lot of the job is very surprising. This job title confuses, interests and outrages the world. I hope that the below begins to explain the nature of the yachting industry and the lifestyle that comes with a very fast-paced, different type of job role.
Becoming a yacht charter broker
This is by no means how to become a yacht charter broker, I just want to share my pathway into the industry. The truth is that I am obsessed with boats. From an early age, I have spent most of my free time, weekends and holidays on the water. Whether I’m on the North Sea, the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, I just love it. I would always joke and say that I wanted to become a yacht broker after university, my family would tell me to stop being ridiculous.
I studied Business and Modern Languages at Newcastle University and acquired two internships during my third year abroad from University. Living on the French Riviera introduced me to the world of yacht charter and to the world of superyachts, boat shows, and day charters. I then spent 6 months working as a translator on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe in a scuba-diving school, once again boats were one of the main focuses in my world.
One year later, I found myself sat overlooking Port Canto in Cannes with Boatbookings CEO being offered a role as a yacht charter broker with Boatbookings. I finished university and spent time in the Cannes office before moving to the London office.
Since joining Boatbookings in 2018, I have traveled extensively to review boats, meet with yacht owners, trial sailing grounds, regattas and the best restaurants in the world to provide clients with an unparalleled yacht charter in any sea on the planet.
The challenges of yacht charter brokerage
The title is not always as glamorous as it may appear. The role does allow you to travel around the globe however the market is very competitive, for the role you need to be aware of every boat, know the best owners, suppliers, base managers and to be truly passionate about the industry. The fast-paced nature of the industry is very busy and takes time to nurture clients. The most challenging nature of the job is most definitely to manage client expectations and to underline the fact that a lower price will most probably result in a lower-standard of yacht charter.
How does a charter broker help with a charter?
With the emergence of online yacht booking platforms I would say that a charter brokers is more important now than ever before to create a bespoke yacht charter journey and to deliver high standards to clients. The main roles of a broker are to:
1- Provide the client with advice and recommendations such that the client can make an informed decision for a charter. Brokers spend a lot of time reviewing boats, their crews and sailing grounds so a good broker can provide you with everything you would need to know to have an unforgettable charter.
2- Every charter broker has access to the same systems and the same boats so I would base a decision based on a relationship rather than with cost associated with a charter.
3- To help you every step of the way with charter planning or preparation. From choosing the right boat to speaking with a captain to finding you the best restaurant on a secluded island, Boatbookings brokers will be sure to provide the best service possible. Ensuring that you profit from the best cooks, hostess’ and local products is a huge advantage of using a broker. See below some of the amazing lobster I had onboard a catamaran in Greece this year. This could be you on your next charter.
4- To be available at any time to help. The brokers are on hand and on the phone to help with any questions you may have at any time.
My recommended locations for sailing yacht charters
You will undoubtedly be on cloud 9 with this extravagant and contemporary yacht! At 74m, she boasts four exquisite decks, each offering entertainment and luxurious amenities.
She is chosen as SuperYacht of the Week due to the unique features that make her stand out from other yachts her size. These include her impressive beach club, sizeable main deck pool. The saloon cinema is something not to miss, and last but by no means least, the sky lounge dining area.
Location
CLOUD 9 spends her summers along the fantastic French Riviera. In the winter she spends her time in the Caribbean. The lower deck offers a beach club, unrivalled by most, so you can enjoy the colourful French Riviera towns such as Villefranche from the privacy of your own yacht. Sip a cool beverage of your choice served to you by your attentive crew, before sampling the wide array of water sports on offer. Get your adrenaline pumping at Monaco flying through the ocean on the Jetski, or get on the paddleboard and explore the secluded coves close up.
The yacht offers a Jacuzzi, so you can admire the idyllic Caribbean islands float past as you bathe in the bubbles. As the sun goes down head to the upper deck which provides the utmost comfort on its beanbags and sun pads, so you can unwind with a sundowner and enjoy the colours.
For dinner, CLOUD 9 offers an unrivalled setting. The circular table enjoys the comfort and warmth of inside in the intricate interior, yet the glass revolving doors offer panoramic views of the serene spot of anchorage. As you sample the creative cuisine your private chef provides, you can feel the gentle summer breeze whilst getting a taste of local delights.
Interior
Enter the main saloon and you are welcomed into a world of elegance and style. The colourful furnishings and textured walls add personality to CLOUD 9, creating characteristic surroundings that everyone will appreciate. Do not forget that CLOUD9 is a 2017 build, so you have all the contemporary features you would expect and the latest technology throughout.
The cabins will ensure a peaceful night’s sleep and enable
you to feel right at home. The owner’s deck has large windows facing the bow,
so as soon as you wake up you are faced with utter bliss. Moreover, it extends
into a terrace which is a remarkable feature brimming with exclusivity and
charm to enjoy a light breakfast or to get stuck into a book.
Contact
If CLOUD 9 floats your boat, speak to our expert brokerwho will guide you through the process of chartering!
