Broker Ben’s Top 5 Insights for Your 2019 Charter

1. Book your 80-150’ motor yacht in Greece now, or you will miss out. Some of my top recommendations are JULIE M, BLADE 6, THEORIS, TACOS of the SEA and BARENTS SEA. Explore the secret anchorages of the Peloponnese, as well as the Cyclades hotspots (Paros, Mykonos, Milos) in 2019.

 
2. Everyone loves Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast but have you considered Sicily? With fantastic island hopping throughout the Aeolians, chic hillside villages (Taormina) and volcanoes to explore (Etna), the area has something for everyone.
 
3. Give Ibiza a go. It has the best beach clubs and nightlife, but it also offers natural beauty and some of the finest sunsets in the Mediterranean. Check out Cotton Beach Club (Cala Tarida), Benirras Bay and Isla Tagomago for some of our top picks.
 
4. The Bahamas are the ultimate water sports playground. Easy island hopping, cerulean waters, hidden cayes to explore, it’s the perfect family retreat.
 
5. Explore somewhere off the beaten track and learn to sail in Sweden. Yacht: ICHIBAN (Swan 70) Captain Jan is the perfect teacher to guide you along your Scandinavian adventure, while Chef Kirsten will showcase the wonderful local cuisine. Bring on the Elk meatballs!

Super Yacht of the Week: ELIXIR

ELIXIR is a 55m Amels, one of the newest in the range, and epitomises performance and elegance. Her gleaming white hull showcases her grace and style, as she cruises in Southeast Asia for the Winter, before crossing to the Med in the summer. She was an easy choice as a standout yacht as she will guarantee fun in the sun, and happy hour every hour, with her exemplary features, crew and aesthetics.

If you are feeling energetic, ELIXIR provides an abundance of water toys that are suitable a range of ages (and confidence).  Imagine being in the warm, turquoise waters of Thailand zooming around on the seabob, being chased by colourful fish as you glide. Alternatively, picture being in the serenity of Sardinia, and choosing a paddleboard to do your own exploring of the rugged yet charming coastline. If you love to exercise but water sports is not your thing, work out on deck with the crew with the wide array of equipment available so you stay in summer shape!

Relaxing is a key objective of many yacht charters, and ELIXIR provides all the facilities to do so! The exterior elevates this impressive yacht to a new level of luxury and prestige, with an inviting Jacuzzi, an abundance of sunbeds and bar awaiting you on the upper deck. You could easily anchor yourself here all day! 

Head up for golden hour to have delicious cocktails served by the friendly crew, before having local cuisine served by your talented chef on the dining table. ELIXIR is bound to provide cherished memories both in your mind and your new and improved Instagram account!

After a fun-filled day soaking up the sunshine, splashing about in the dazzling ocean, and sampling tasty and fantastic food, you may want to retire inside. The interior of this yacht could be described by so many wonderful adjectives, as it oozes glamour, taste and artistic creativity. With dark woods contrasting the lighter fabrics, as well as intricate furniture and ornate detail, you will be surprised and delighted to notic new things on EXLIXIR. Above is the Master balcony, where after a serene sleep you can awake and enjoy a fresh juice to this delightful wakeup view.

If you are chasing the ELIXIR of life, this yacht may be the answer! We certainly think so. To understand how to secure this sought after yacht for a charter either in the Indian Ocean or the Mediterranean, get in touch and we will guide you through the process.

Expert Insight: The CEO’s Favourite Catamaran HEMISPHERE

For our latest blog series, we asked the Boatbookings’ team members for their favorite worldwide charter yachts to share them with all of our clients, colleagues and suppliers alike. We begin with our CEO’s favourite crewed catamaran; HEMISPHERE!

HEMISPHERE is a 145ft luxury crewed Pendennis catamaran available for charter throughout Southeast Asia in such exciting, intriguing destinations as Fiji, Indonesia, the South Pacific and many more! She is one of our favourite catamarans for charter worldwide due to her chic and spacious exterior spaces, welcoming crew and of course the trampolines:

yacht hemisphere, luxury yacht, yacht charter, boatbookings, boatbookings yacht charter
Our first team visit to HEMISPHERE at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2012 (featuring a mini Boatbookings helper loving the trampolines!).

Launched in 2011 by Pendennis, HEMISPHERE is just over 44 metres in length (145ft) with a massive 16.6 metres beam (54ft). Her innovative design boasts creative features that blend speed and stability with both space and style. Catamarans are famed for their space and HEMISPHERE is no exception. Her spacious flybridge is sure to be your favourite area on the yacht. She features a Jacuzzi, sun pads and shaded dining area, along with an immense indoor/outdoor living area on the main deck.

HEMISPHERE‘s interiors, designed by Michael Leach, are quite simply stunning. The main saloon has contemporary styling with light woods, lots of natural light and comfortable areas for dining and socialising. HEMISPHERE also boasts a comfy game and TV room, ideal for younger charter guests. This fantastic yacht can welcome up to 12 guests on board in 5 well-appointed staterooms with a further two identical master cabins on the main deck.

Other highlights include a professional diving board, a 6m trampoline and a comprehensive diving centre with the latest diving equipment. Her crew of 8 include a fantastic British Captain, a renowned Danish chef who formerly worked for the Danish royal family, and 2 PADI Scuba diving instructors. So, whether you’re after exceptionally prepared cuisine, sunbathing with a glass of bubbly on the flybridge or diving in Southeast Asia, HEMISPHERE is surely the yacht for you.

HEMISPHERE will be available for charter in the 2018/19 Winter season in French Polynesia and the South Pacific, followed by Fiji, Indonesia and Tonga! She is for charter from $260,000 per week plus expenses.

If the luxury catamaran experience appeals to you and your family, please do get in touch with Boatbookings’ expert brokers who would be delighted to organise the ultimate Southeast Asia adventure for you.

Superyacht of The Week: CLOUDBREAK

Stunning explorer yacht CLOUDBREAK. Photo credit: Yachtfolio

CLOUDBREAK is a unique and astonishing 72.5m Abeking and Rasmussen motor yacht – an easy choice for our superyacht of the week! On CLOUDBREAK, you will adventure beyond, experience more, and relax completely.

Whilst many yachts can cruise in Southeast Asia or Scandinavia, CLOUDBREAK goes off the beaten track and paves her way in new waters. In 2018, she is exploring Madagascar, a bespoke experience where you can witness amazing wildlife and feel true freedom. In 2019 she ventures to Norway and Sweden, which will open your eyes to extraordinary views of fabulous fjords and breath-taking scenery.

The minute you step onto the passerelle, you will experience incomparable luxury from start to finish. This 72.5m motor yacht offers fantastic exterior amenities so you can relax as you admire the mountains, greenery and waterfalls drift past. The outdoor daybed offers a luxurious and comfortable spot for relaxing in the summer breeze.

Head down after a delicious breakfast prepared by your talented private onboard chef and grab a sunbed with an immense backdrop of the mountains of Sweden or aquamarine waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. CLOUDBREAK also ventures to the Mediterranean, so you can replace the mountains with colourful fishing towns, sparkling beach clubs and secluded beaches if you please!

As with any luxury motor yacht, the water toy selection is endless! From Seabobs to Kayaks, Kite Surfing to Fishing, whatever takes your fancy the crew will kit you out and give you a helping hand.

The most breathtaking views onboard CLOUDBREAK. Picture credit: Yachtfolio

After an exciting day on the water, retire to your cabin for a heavenly nights sleep! When you awake, your first sight will be the dazzling ocean and beautiful anchorage where you settled the night before. To add to the therapeutic environment on board, CLOUDBREAK offers a sauna and pool so you can unwind and feel pampered! Yacht charters are the ultimate wellbeing vessels, where the crew and amenities will work tirelessly to ensure you feel healthy and happy.

To charter CLOUDBREAK for your next adventure, contact one of our expert brokers and get a bespoke proposal today. Charter this stunning superyacht today in Scandinavia, followed by the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia including Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Charter rates start at €750,000 plus expenses.

5 Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Guadeloupe

After spending five months living as a local in Guadeloupe, our charter broker Alice, found many reasons to charter in this Franco-African archipelago known by many as “Gwada”. A mixture of languages, cultures and activities makes these islands among the most diverse that the Caribbean has to offer. Here is why:

1. Island Hopping
The sailing possibilities are endless around the five islands that make up the French Caribbean archipelago of Guadeloupe. Each Island of Guadeloupe has a distinct and raw vibe and still manages stay in tune with its African and French roots.

  • Grande Terre  Perfect for surfing, Creole inspired food markets and white sand beaches. 

One of the many stunning beaches on Grande Terre

A collection of Caribbean spices at a market in Grande Terre

  • Basse Terre  A perfect stop off to visit waterfalls, diving, natural beauty spots including the national park and natural hot baths. 

Basse Terre

  • La Désirade   

La Désirade

  • Iles des Saintes – This archipelagio within the archipelago is a sailors paradise, ideal for exploring on bike and for water activities such as paddleboarding. 

Iles des Saintes

  • Marie-Galante  Well known for beaches such as La Feuillère, its stunning coral reef and 19th century sugar-cane plantation. 

Or If you fancy visiting even more islands you can always sail to to neighbouring islands of Antigua (33 nautical miles), Dominica (26 nautical miles) or Martinique (52 nautical miles).  

2. The perfect blend of Rhum and Croissants
Due to its French legacy, every street in this Creole paradise will have a French Patisserie and, most definitely, a Rhumerie. Creole specialities are diverse from every other Caribbean island and typically include accras de morue (cod fritters), bananes flambées, fricassé de poulpe (octopus) and even a deep fried ‘Bokit’ sandwich with a variety of French fillings. It may be the only place in the world where a relaxing two hour lunch is acceptable. To begin, a Ti’Punch, a rum based aperitif, followed by a Caribbean curry and a bottle of French wine. From the finest of restaurants to street shacks, you are guaranteed to be able to find some of the most diverse food and drink that the Caribbean has to offer.

3. Diving
The diving schools on the Reserve Cousteau are among the most reputable in the world. There is even a Jacques Cousteau statue at one of the dive sites. The relaxed nature of these French dive schools will give you an authentic experience exploring these crystal waters, and the opportunity to see some of the largest varieties of fish in the Caribbean. There area multitude of diving options from snorkelling, first time diving, exploring or deep shipwreck dives.

4. The Beaches
There are 270 beaches spread across the islands of Guadeloupe and all are known to be gorgeous. There are both white and black sand beaches and even volcanos in the distant landscape. Each beach has a different vibe and many have quaint beach bars that serve planteur until the early hours.

5. Accessibility
There are direct flights from Miami, New York and Paris to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s main airport, which makes this archipelago of islands a must-visit for your next charter. There is also a ferry service from Antigua and many flights from other Caribbean islands.

Boatbookings has been organising charters in the Caribbean for over 14 years. If you are interested in chartering a yacht in Guadeloupe, please do get in touch with our expert brokers here. We have yachts available for charter in many amazing Caribbean destinations.

For further information about passports and visas when visiting Guadeloupe, click here.