Antigua Sailing Week

After having competed in the Antigua sailing regatta last week and gaining third place in class, charter broker and regatta expert, Alice gives her personal insight into the best parties, races, sailing, and restaurants that the regatta has to offer.

Every April, thousands of competitive sailors gather from all corners of the world to compete in the unmissable Antigua Sail Week. For any yachtie, this rum-fueled week is not to be missed out!

Rum-fuelled racing

The warm Caribbean trade winds allow for some of the world’s finest yacht racing conditions. The regatta has many different classes for yacht racing and welcomes boats of all sizes including bareboat, sports boats and many larger vessels.

Since the 1950s this prestigious event has been the home to some of the finest yacht performances in boating history. The week includes 6 competitive racing days in some of the best sailing conditions throughout the regatta world.

Many different types of boats will compete in the regatta, giving many different class options to join. There is even the option of entering this regatta in a bareboat class if you wish to add a different dimension to a standard yacht charter!

Regardless of the size of boat you are on, at the beginning of every race everyone is in the same position, competition for victory at the end of the day.

Expect to see:

Crews hanging over the boat rail.
All boats in the realm of possibility
Bruises.
Sunburn everywhere
Windswept sailors with a rum in hand at all times.
Windward-leeward racing
Ripped sails and ruined sailors!
Global sailing champions
The sunsetting every night in Paradise

Après-sail

No Caribbean regatta can be complete without dancing, copious amounts of rum and live reggae bands. Notorious live parties, team-building competitions, prize giving ceremonies, and onboard cocktail parties allow the perfection combination of sailing and socializing.

Be sure to walk up to Shirley Heights to get the best sunset and I may add the best rum punch that the island has to offer. This year, the sailing event was sponsored by Fever Tree tonics, as such the traditional Caribbean rum had some very strong competition for being the tipple of choice for the 2019 Antigua Sailing Week.

Tough competition, idyllic racing winds, structured race courses, rum punch and of course lobster on the BBQ are the key ingredients to a world class regatta for novices, experts or even beginners!

Please click here to get in contact with Alice for your next regatta charter. We specialize in global regattas and travel extensively to review the best regatta charters for you!

Posted on May 20, 2019 by Alice Newnham

THE LY650 LEXUS SUPERYACHT

All the details you need to know about this ground breaking yacht.

Why this yacht is important to us.

Boatbookings are always looking at new technology and pioneering movements within the yachting industry. Lexus has always been in the eye of Boatbookings, after all the owner of our company has one! After 30 years of being in the car industry, Lexus has recently celebrated selling over 10 million vehicles worldwide, an incredible feat seeing as they have worked through recessions and crashes. Not only have the surpassed the 10 million mark, they have also started to touch into the Maritime Industry.

Will this just be a concept yacht too?

The short answer is NO!! Following the release of the 42-foot concept sport yacht, Lexus are back at it again, only this time bigger, better and far more luxurious! What’s better is that you can actually buy the LY650. With dates set for production in the fall, we will be going over a few aspects of the yacht to give you an idea of what to expect.

Why it is important to us.

What really caught Boatbookings attention is that you will actually be able to buy this yacht. Time and time again we see manufactures teasing us with concepts – but this time it’s real life. The price is TBC, but I think we can all safely say that it’ll be easier to charter one of these yachts as opposed to buying one! Sale of the yacht will start in America, but it’s only a matter of time before she will be in the heart of the yachting world – the Mediterranean!

Design

Through a blend of artisanal craftsmanship, Lexus has teamed up with Marquis-Larson, a yacht designer from the US to help create concept into real life. The yacht will boast 3 staterooms, and as you can imagine no expense will be spared when furnishing this superyacht. The Flybridge gives you 360 panoramic views, while the saloon area makes you feel like you’re on deck with natural light flooding every corner. Imagine being on the French Riviera with a glass of cold Rosé overlooking Monaco’s impressive town in the set back mountains!

Go on, tell me more…

Her beam of 18’8 gives you space where you need it most. Creating a dynamic space in the saloon/living area, this yacht will allow you to walk around without feeling cooped up. Her huge windows provide a 360-degree view of the impressive scenery that I know you’ll be in! The natural light will enhance your wellbeing and just ads to the luxuriousness of this yacht.

Let us know!

We would love to hear your thoughts on this Yacht. Would you charter her? Or would you rather something different? Chat to one of our expert yachties to find your perfect yacht for your Summer or Winter vacation!

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Alice Newnham

FIRECRACKER REVIEW

25% discount if you book in May 2019! Contact us now!

FIRECRACKER has long been one of our favorite yachts on the French Riviera. With her defining shape, and dark hull you will often see her in some of the most exclusive places. Her home is in the French Riviera, and here she stands proudly amongst her Superyacht sisters.

Captain

Long-standing Captain Jonathan has been at her helm for 3 years and is looking forward to his 4th season on board. He is a firm favorite with our clients and knows all the best spots the Riviera has to offer.

Food

New chef Daniel comes with a wealth of experience from cooking at one of the top 50 world restaurants, Maido in Peru.

Adding to this, he has worked in various Michelin Star and AA Rosette rated restaurants such as Kilworth House Hotel, The Whitebrook (where the Head Chef Chris has just won for his main course “The Great British Menu”) and Adams Restaurant.

He then moved on to a 55m motor yacht in Greece before joining FIRECRACKER where he is super excited to impress each and every client to come aboard.

Social

We love FIRECRACKER as she is constantly updated and maintained to the highest standard. Her light and the modern interior offers great volume for her size and leads seamlessly to her vast aft deck where you can dine and relax al freso.

Lounging

Her sunpads on the bow are great for cruising along in the summer sun and taking in the stunning views of the French Riviera.

Activities

She also has an impressive list of water toys for the thrill seekers amongst you! The list includes: seabobs, snorkel gear, wakeboards and more!

All this for 25% off the asking price in May?! I couldn’t believe my eyes either… get in touch and speak with Cordy now for more information on this amazing opportunity!

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Alice Newnham

Top 3 Bars and Nightclubs on the Amalfi Coast

An Amalfi Coast crewed yacht charter has something for everyone; hospitable crews, picture-postcard villages, thermal spas, fine-dining restaurants and haute-couture boutiques, but does it really have a nightlife scene? If you’re looking for more than your Aperol Spritz, a picturesque piazetta and want to dance the night away, you’ll find it hard to beat the three best nightclubs in Capri and the Amalfi Coast below.

Africana, Praiano

Via Terramare, 84010 Praiano

Welcome to the most famous club on the Amalfi Coast. Every mega club is a groundbreaking venue, but Africana takes your rave levels to a whole new dimension. Born within a mammoth natural cavern, Africana benefits from stunning views out to sea, and a unique hedonistic atmosphere to party. From Aristotle Onassis in the 1960’s to the modern day rockstar, Africana continues to dazzle the elite 2019 jet-set.

Music on the Rocks, Positano

Via Grotte dell’incanto 51, Positano

Positano is everyone’s favourite Amalfi Coast hotspot; the area is full of world class hotels and eateries, but the quaint town only has one nightclub. Located on the edge of the cliff overlooking the beach, Music on the Rocks welcomes you for dinner on the first floor, before offering cooling cocktails in the Fly lounge and dancing until dawn.

Aneme e Core, Capri

Via Sella Orta 39/e 80073 Capri

Anema e Core Capri is the island’s institution. Don’t be fooled by the lack of an impenetrable guest-list or the humble ‘tavern’ interior, this is the must experience Capri hotspot. Welcoming supermodels and megastars from all around the world, you will be entranced by the rhythm and spirit of this iconic establishment. Guido will have even the most discerning celebrity up on their feet, dancing the night away as only the Italians can!

Stay tuned for the next blog in our Amalfi Coast series, where we will continue to show you the must-visit hotspots to ensure an unrivalled Amalfi Coast yacht charter experience. Don’t leave your holidays to chance, leave It with your dedicated Boatbookings Brokers.

Posted on May 11, 2019 by Ben Sutton

Lerins islands Lavish Restaurants – just off the coast of Cannes!

Panoramic aerial view of the Lerins islands.

Sainte-Marguerite island

Lerins islands are a small group of Mediterranean islands that is home to some of the most upmarket restaurants in the South Of France. The two largest, and most famous islands are called Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat each with a different vibe – but ultimately boasting similar incredible scenery and gastronomy delights.

The island of Saint Marguerite is home to the impressive La Guerite restaurant. The rustic wooden structure, coupled with the intensely green lavish trees makes you feel like you’re in a Greek Taverna. Look across the water with spectacular views of Cannes, and the foothills of the Alps.

Be seduced by the incredible food, atmosphere, and views. Sip on a glass of refreshingly cool Rosé and soak up every moment of this magical corner of the world. This is truly the place to be while on the island of Saint Marguerite. Why not book a day charter that departs from Cannes, takes you for a swim on your very own private yacht before dropping you off for lunch? Be picked up in style by your captain and then returned to Cannes for parties on the beach! Chat to one of our experienced brokers today to find out more!

Saint-Honorat island

Church at the Cistercian Monastery on St. Honore Island

The baby sister of Saint Marguerite, Saint Honorat lays directly south of the bigger island. Saint Honorat has been a monastic community since the 5th century. But these monks are like no others – they produce wine! There are even wine-tasting tours that you can do on this incredible little island.

Hidden amongst the picturesque palm trees lays one of the most loved restaurants on Saint Honorat. Property of the monks, La Tonelle has been serving food for not only the locals but to many luxury seekers all over the world. This affordable restaurant is sure to create memories in a very memorable place!

If you are looking for culture, and something a little bit different this is the island for you. The Caribbean-like waters coupled with the monk’s energy that oozes into the atmosphere create a calm, laid-back environment perfect to escape the fast-paced life at home. Chat with one of our yachting experts to see how you can get here!

“Today, this community is composed of 22 monks living modestly and peacefully in this preserved, sunny paradise … an oasis of silence”
La Tonnelle

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Alice Newnham