Unforgettable Florida – Our Managing Director’s Account

Capucine, Managing Director at Boatbookings.com has just returned from an unforgettable trip to Fort Lauderdale. Apart from welcoming our wonderful new US Charter Director Allison Cecilio, she also re-discovered what makes the Floridian coastline the enchanting holiday and charter destination it is. This blog is her account of three key moments that made her fall back in love with Florida!

1. Alligator spotting tour in the Everglades.

A little bit of drama here as we were skimming in an airboat over the sawgrass swampland, having seen a number of alligators, and our airboat broke down! Now I’m not shy when it comes to an adventure but having been told these six foot alligators could jump three times their length a slight nervousness came about…

Luckily the rescue boat arrived quickly and we all made it back to base! I couldn’t help but think this wouldn’t have happened on a luxury yacht charter, but an incredible experience. With around 1.5 million crocodiles in Florida it’s a must-do trip!

2. Visiting Port Everglades

One of the largest cruise ship ports in the world, I counted no less than 8 large cruise ships in the port, each one taller than every building around. Quite a spectacular sight! I couldn’t help but think that a cruise is the perfect opportunity to arrive in port and enjoy a private and thoroughly relaxing day out on the sea. Whether you head down to Miami or just enjoy the sights and sounds of Florida a day boat rental allows you to do all this and escape the crowds.

3. The variety on offer!

Whilst sat in my hotel, I look outside my window to see quite an awe-inspiring sight. It was motor yacht TATS, one of my favourites by Alloy Yachts launched in 2009. Although I was impressed by the yacht, what was most impressive was its proximity to the coast! Fort Lauderdale is America’s own Venice with over 165 miles of navigable intracoastal waterway, meaning you can spend days enjoying the wonderful climate and friendly atmosphere with the option of heading out and enjoying the privacy of the ocean as and when you feel like it! A truly unforgettable vacation experience on offer here.

Another personal highlight was visiting the newly re-fitted VICTORIA DEL MAR II. A stunning yacht with elegant beach house styling and ample space for al fresco dining for 12 on the expansive sun-deck. The great news is she’s available for charter in Florida and the Bahamas at the moment, and will be heading to the glorious French Riviera for the summer. An option I cannot recommend highly enough!

For more information on chartering in Fort Lauderdale and on the Florida coastline, contact our expert broker team today.

Posted on March 6, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

The Arrival of the New Benchmark for Superyachts

Leonardo di Caprio was in the news again this week after his quest to win his first Oscar once more ended in disappointment. Nominated for his role in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, di Caprio plays Jordan Belfort. For most of the 3 hour film, Belfort lives a life of staggering decadence, epitomised not in the least by his luxurious superyacht, known to us as LADY M. Belfort lost his ship in a storm before losing everything else when convicted and sentenced to prison.

Belfort’s life of indulgent luxury is now at an end… Your’s doesn’t have to be.

In February of this year Mangusta launched the latest of their 165 range. This 8th hull in the series, the 165 E (standing for Evolution) is Mangusta’s most refined yacht to date. The 50m flagship is capable of doing up to 40 knots, making her not only the fastest yacht to come out of the Overmarine Group’s wharf, but the fastest Maxi Open yacht ever to be built.

Since 2007 , Mangusta 165 superyachts have been the industry benchmark and this 8th incarnation is no different. Overmarine said of her that, “She knows no rivals in terms of comfort; the volumes of the yacht can be compared to a three-deck vessel of the same dimension, although this cannot be gleaned from the outside owing to her pure lines and sporty profile. The extraordinary combination of linear stress and expression of line gives this model an elegant character which is simultaneously distinctive and powerful. She is a masterpiece of distinctive, elegant, timeless design, conveying balance and dynamism.”

From the outside the 165 E is stunningly beautiful. She is elegantly simple yet sleek and sporty. It is the interior where the Evolution really takes your breath away though. More than 10 different kinds of rare and valuable wood and lacquering, at least 7 types of marble, mother of pearl and onyx, to name but a few, all contribute to an interior of unreserved luxury.

Much has been written about the salon windows. Requested specifically by the new owners, the single pane of glass provides unrestricted, panoramic views whilst letting in plenty of natural light. The entire yacht is created entirely at the Overmarine Group’s own plants, as is standard for all Mangusta yachts, ensuring only the best quality. The new 165 boasts the pinnacle on onboard quality and comfort: soundproofing, vibration control, ergonomic layouts. Everything has been painstakingly designed, built and tested to create one of the most unforgettable yachts. See it for yourself later this year at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Posted on March 5, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Cannes Film Festival – Top Offer on Top Drawer Luxury

When the world’s most celebrated and glamorous descend upon the French Riviera, blend in seamlessly on PARAMOUR; 43 metres of pure luxury and elegance that will wow friends, family and passers-by alike.

When you feel like escaping the city’s party atmosphere, Paramour’s interior is no less impressive than her exterior. Elegantly designed throughout with wood linings and plush furniture, you’ll be able to relax in supreme comfort. Both the Salon and the Sky Lounge are spacious and peaceful, providing the ideal space to entertain or to enjoy your favourite films or music whilst the welcoming crew of 9 tend to your every need. All of the 6 staterooms are similarly supremely elegant with wonderfully inviting beds and spoiling, marble-lined en suite bathrooms.

During the day, sink into the jacuzzi and soak up the sun with a cocktail from the adjacent bar or watch the world go by from the on deck dining area.

When the urge for something more active takes you, there is exercise equipment on board with weights and yoga mats, whilst a full array of scuba gear, water skis, fishing gear and water toys imaginable allow you and your family to enjoy the Mediterranean until your hearts are content.air blower

All of this luxury comes at surprisingly affordable rates with the owners having secured and paid for your berth, allowing you just to sit back and relax in the place to be and to be seen in May 2014. Available between 19th and 25th May, contact us for more information on chartering PARAMOUR.

Posted on March 3, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Crewed Catamarans – a great value alternative to Motor Yachts, read on and discover what other people don’t know…

When thinking of a luxury yacht charter vacation it is often crewed motor yachts that spring to mind and not catamarans, in many respects it’s easy to understand why. It’s true luxury crewed motor yacht charters and super yacht charter are an ultimate luxury vacation but they can be prohibitively expensive, that’s where the crewed catamaran comes into play!

Boatbookings.com Charter Director Lambros thinks that, ‘Catamarans are in many ways as good – or even better than motor yachts’ read on to find out why!

HEMISPHERE - The largest Catamaran in the World! — HEMISPHERE – The largest Catamaran in the World!

Reasons to charter a Crewed Catamaran:

– Due to their width, they are very stable, not pitching and rolling on the seas as mono-hulls sometimes do (boats with just one hull sailing yachts and motor boats)

-A wide beam (width) also means that catamarans are extremely spacious – a 60ft catamaran has the same space overall as a 80+ Ft motor yacht,

– Modern catamarans have fly bridges similar to those found on motor yachts, offering a new dimension and element of space.

– Crewed Catamarans in the Caribbean are often ‘all-inclusive’ so there’s no need to worry about expenses.

– The only real minus points for catamarans vs motor yachts is the speed: where a fast m/y cruises at 25knots, a catamaran can only go up to 10-12knots – not a problem when you want to sit back, relax and enjoying the scenery.

Below is a small selection of our favourite crewed catamarans, just click on the picture or boat name to find out more!

Based in the Caribbean:

ALETHEIA:

ENIGMA:

GYPSY PRINCESS:

Awarded 'Best Catamaran under 50 ft at the BVI Yacht Show 2012' — Awarded ‘Best Catamaran under 50 ft at the BVI Yacht Show 2012’

Based in the Mediterranean:

ALLURES:

MOBY DICK:

MOYA:

Enquire today and speak to one of our experts to learn more about chartering a crewed catamaran!

Posted on February 28, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Plans for Spring Break? We’ve got some for you!

Spring Break is fast approaching and whether you’re heading near or far it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the improving weather and get out for a day on the water! From Fort Lauderdale to Cancún and Ibiza to Mykonos we have expert brokers worldwide who can help organise a celebratory day out or a relaxing charter holiday to unwind after the madness of the winter term. Our favourites are in the Caribbean and Cancún this week, but watch out as we’ll be tempting you with beautiful destinations and even better boats in the run up to this famous holiday!

The Princess 74 is a beautifully elegant motor yacht based in Cancún. She can embark up to 15 guests for day charters and is available daily at a rate which includes fuel, drinks, towels and snorkelling of $7,200. Unrivalled in terms of looks and the charter package, the Princess 74 is perfect for getting friends together for a day out on the water exploring Mexico’s gorgeous Islas!

For a truly invigorating Spring Break experience, head down to St Marteen for a charter onboard SEAQUELL. A stunning 32 metre sailing yacht, she accommodates up to 6 guests in complete luxury and comfort. Outside, her beautiful decks even house a jacuzzi to unwind with a sundowner cocktail as you enjoy the Caribbean climate. A $5,000 rate reduction over Spring Break means she’s perfect for you last minute getaways at $35,000 per week.

For more information on day charters in Cancún or luxury sailing vacations in the Caribbean, contact our friendly expert broker team today.

Posted on February 27, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓