2013 Finalists for the Showboats Design award!

Just last week, the finalists for the Exterior Design and Styling Award for Displacement Motor Yachts 30 -59.99m were released by Showboats Design award and what a selection they are!

They are the biggest and the best of this years crop of super yachts and are truly a sigh to behold. The 2013 finalists are Adastra, Arianna, 2Ladies, Aslec 4, Belle Anna and Rahil; all were years in the making and the culmination of thousands of hours of painstaking work by the top designers and engineers in the yachting industry. Here are some info and pictures on just two of these fabulous yachts!

ADASTRA has been described as everything from futuristic to an alien space ship! She sports accommodation for nine guests and up to six crew members. She has a maximum speed of 22.5 knots and range of 4,000 miles and comes complete with a sauna, a whirlpool, luxury kitchen and baths, and a spacious saloon with panoramic views. You can even control her using your Ipad from as far away as 50m. Astonishing!

ARIANNA (formerly 164041) is a 50m motor yacht, custom built in 2012 by Delta Marine. Her elegant exterior and interior styling are the work of Delta Design Group, who is also responsible for her engineering. She generated huge excitement in the build up to the 2012 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show and is already available for charter.

For more information on chartering the latest luxury yachts check out our site at www.boatbookings.com. We are here to help you plan your perfect luxury yachting holiday. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and the destination to make sure you have the best possible charter! Keep checking our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Google Plus for all the latest industry show releases, news and gossip in the yachting world.

Posted on March 19, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

Benetti Launch New Superyacht LUNA!

With over 140 years of history, close to 300 boats built and now being ranked for the ninth year running in the prestigious international magazine, Show Boats International, as

the world’s leading builder of Custom Mega Yachts, every new yacht to be launched by Benetti is not something to ignore.

On Thursday Benetti launched the second model in their Crystal 140’ displacement range – LUNA. Measuring 42 meters in length, with a 9 meter beam and a displacement of 375 tonnes, she is another delightful yacht and is the product of all the latest in today’s shipbuilding techniques. Luna has a range of 4,000 nautical miles thanks to her twin Cat C32 Acer’s and provides accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 luxurious suites.

The exterior of LUNA was designed by the renowned Stefano Righini, she is like every Benetti in the mega yacht range, one of a kind and combines all that an owner could wish for in comfort, performance and style.

Benetti is one of the oldest builders of luxury motor yachts in the world; established by Lorenzo Benetti in 1873, the company began life building wooden boats used for local and international trade. It has won the Showboats International magazine “shipyard number 1” award six times in a row, the only yard to have done so and remains at the pinnacle of the yachting industry.

For more information on chartering a Benetti or any other luxury yacht check out our site: www.boatbookings.com. We are here to help you plan your perfect luxury yachting holiday. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and the destination to make sure you have the best possible charter! Keep checking our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Google Plus for all the latest industry show releases, news and gossip in the yachting world.

Posted on March 18, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

A Ten Day Itinerary Around Grenada and Union Island.

Grenada and Union Island are part of the Windward Island chain. These beautiful islands have sheltered anchorages, stunning weather year round, high quality marinas, international air links and all the ingredients needed for a perfect Caribbean sailing experience. Year after year, people from all over the world delight in its culture, food, wildlife, beaches, rainforest and the uniquely warm welcome. Grenada and the plethora of islands stretching northwards to St Vincent and the Grenadines are one of the most special and relatively unknown yachting destinations in the Caribbean.

You can easily spend a couple of weeks exploring Grenada’s stunning beaches, magical rainforests and waterfalls and all with out leaving Grenada itself. You would undoubtedly have a fantastic holiday but you would still be missing out! Your very own private Garden of Eden awaits you to the north! There is a no more idyllic and relaxing way to spend your vacation than by exploring this chain of palm fringed islands – surrounded by coral reefs and crystal clear turquoise waters and being cooled by constant trade winds whilst on your very own yacht.

Why not head up north from Grenada towards Carriacou and The Tobago Cays – famous for its breathtaking beauty. Here is a potential itinerary that would provide guests with a once in a life time charter!

Day 1 – Set off from True Blue Bay in south Grenada with welcoming cocktails in hand and a local and friendly skipper ready to show you the best of the Caribbean. Meander north along the west coast of Grenada, past St George – one of the prettiest capitals in the Caribbean.

Day 2 – The west coast of Grenada is edged by one long offshore reef, home to a large turtle and tropical fish population. The reef itself is marked by the 600 foot wreck of the Bianca C, the largest wreck in the Caribbean and a divers delight. You can stop off at any time for some fantastic snorkeling opportunities.

Day 3 – Reach the start of the Island chain leading north from Grenada and sample the excellent scuba diving and snorkeling of Sandy Island.

Day 4 – Wake up for an early breakfast at Sandy Island to watch the Pelicans diving in the water around you before heading up towards Carriacou, stopping for a picnic at Ronde Island. The northerly trade winds will propel you to your destination and provide opportunities for exhilarating sailing for all standards.

Day 5 – Spend the day around beautiful Carriacou – its wonderful relaxing atmosphere best summed up by its 200 rum shops and 1 gas station! Perhaps even head to the second of the Sandy Islands, this one lying close to Hillsborough harbor for some more world renowned snorkeling in its crystal clear waters. It is packed with wildlife thanks to its status as a marine conservation area.

Day 6 – Head to Union for the day, the center of the Grenadines. Enjoy the brightly colored local markets, and the tiny islands made of conch shells where you can have a cocktail and sample the rum at the popular Janti’s Happy Island bar. They are famous for their rum punch during a gorgeous sunset!

Day 7 & 8 – A short sail to the Tobago Cays. Enjoy this dreamy nature reserve filled with green turtles, and a wonderland of aquatic beauty. The Tobago Cays famous for its breathtaking beauty is an aquatic wonderland of uninhabited islands and crystal clear water surrounded by a horse shoe shaped reef. The colorful underwater world is perfect for snorkeling. Known as the jewel of the Caribbean, it is a nature protected reserve with diverse beauty under and above the crystalline waters. Play pirate for a day at Petite Tabac, where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed amongst this small, enchanting and isolated island…

Day 9 – Enjoy a morning sail to the enchantingly authentic Petite S. Vincent. Soak in the warm natural shoreline pool on the tiny islet of Morpion. The private island of Petite S. Vincent offers you the highest rated restaurant in the Grenadines for a luscious dinner.

Day 10 – Enjoy a delicious breakfast in Union and last dip in the waters before giving up your home for the past 10 days and heading home with memories of a life time!

How to get there and back!

From the UK, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic continue to service Grenada weekly direct flights from London’s Gatwick Airport.

From the US, American Airlines services Grenada with direct flights. Delta Air also provides non-stop flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Grenada.

Guests can also fly to and from Union Islands’ airport via changes at either St Lucia or Barbados.

If you are interested in chartering around Grenada and the Windward Islands click here to fins out more! At www.boatbookings.com, we are here to help you plan your perfect luxury yachting holiday. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and the destination to make sure you have the best possible charter! Keep checking our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Google Plus for all the latest industry show releases, news and gossip in the yachting world.

Posted on March 15, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

Explore The Greek Islands on Luxury Motor Yacht PARIS A!

Very few cities in the world are as packed with history as Athens. This exciting and densely populated place will surprise you in every way, and makes a great starting point for your luxury yacht charter around the Greek islands. So, how about a luxury charter on PARIS A, a beautiful build by Maiora? Accommodating up to 10 guests in 5 cabins, PARIS A’s crew of 6 will ensure that your charter is unforgettable.

PARIS A is sleek and sexy, her smooth and eye-catching lines give her a fantastic silhouette on the horizon. She is designed with the latest technology and comfort in mind, the unique modern design with custom made furniture and sophisticated lighting system create a cosy and quiet atmosphere.

The spacious and sprawling decks on the fore, aft and sundeck invite you to enjoy life in the open air. With a bar and BBQ, PARIS A is the ideal setting for a moonlit party with your nearest and dearest. When you’re at anchor, the wide range of water toys will keep both the adults and children entertained for plenty of time! Captain Nikos and his professional, experienced crew provide excellent service and look forward to welcoming you on board.

Looking to explore the Greek islands from Athens? At www.boatbookings.com, we are here to help you plan your perfect luxury yachting holiday. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other aspects that make your charter special.

Watch this space for the latest industry show releases, news and gossip in the yachting world. If you liked the content on this page and our previous posts, please become a fan and like our Facebook page to receive up to date information on our publications. Follow us on Twitter and Google Plus too.

Posted on March 15, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

A Guide to Belize: The Natural Beauty of Ambergris Caye on your Luxury Catamaran Charter

This blog follows on from our guides to Placencia and Caye Caulker on your luxury catamaran charter yacht in the stunning destination of Belize. Belize has so much to offer everyone, whether you are looking for the world’s finest diving, historical Mayan landmarks or simply a vacation for relaxation and enjoying great food. Belize is graced with the worlds best waters and a favorable climate all year round.

Ambergris Caye is found between Belize City and Mexico and is a very popular destination, thanks to its vibrant local culture, the buzzing town of San Pedro, as well as being able to provide visitors the opportunity to spend the morning in the jungle and the evening on the water. The northern part of the island is home to luxury retreats, pristine white sandy beaches and a very peaceful lifestyle. We would definitely recommend visiting this part of the island on your luxury catamaran charter from Belize City and then heading south towards Caye Caulker and Goff’s Caye. Spend your first day or two exploring all that this part of Ambergris Caye has to offer and make the most of being able to dive. You are bound to see a great variety amazing fish, as well as lionfish and nurse sharks. If you fancy coming to land, take your yachts tender to the wonderful Rojo Lounge, where you will find a very laid back and relaxed beach club with wonderful food and cocktails. We would recommend getting a few plates between your group to share. The restaurant serves fresh, seasonal and local produce in a combination of styles to great effect. Whatever you try on the menu will be sensational!

If you fancy something a little livelier after a restful day on the north side of the island, you should head down to San Pedro for the sunset. Sunset Bar is the best place to see the sunset, especially on a very clear day when the sun reflects magnificently off the crystal clear waters. El Fogón is one of the islands best places to sample local cuisine, including conch fritters, freshly grilled fish, lobster and shrimp. The Key Lime pie is outstanding! After a lovely meal, you should check out Fido’s and dance the night away to the live band. No matter what night of the week it is, you are bound to have a great night!

After our recent visit to Belize, we are extremely excited to share our experiences with our clients and want you to have the same wonderful experience as we did. Catch a flight into Belize City and board your very own luxury catamaran to explore the islands and cayes. We would recommend the very sociable yacht INFINITY, a beautiful Voyage 50 crewed catamaran. Her entertaining spaces are great for groups of 6, but she can actually accommodate 8 guests. She has a wonderful crew, who are both fantastic sailors and incredible chefs

At www.boatbookings.com, we are here to help you plan your perfect luxury yachting holiday. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other aspects that make your charter special.

Posted on March 14, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓