Looking to Learn How to Sail and Charter your own Luxury Yacht?

Learning to sail and exploring the oceans are two things that you will find on most bucket lists. There is nothing quite like the feeling or sense of achievement after you have navigated your way to find a secluded spot and be at one with the world. With the release of the
new app for iPhone and iPad from Yachting World, learning to sail has never been so simple. The Sail Fast, Sail Safe App features 12 chapters based on tips from sailing experts Pip Hare and Brian Thompson to help you master the art of sailing. No matter whether you need advice on how best to helm in windy airs or hoisting the spinnaker, Pip and Brian will provide simple techniques to help you. The first two chapters are now available to download free of charge, so make the most of this offer whilst you still can!

Are you someone who finds it boring to stay in one destination? If so, then sailing is definitely for you. The Caribbean is synonymous for being a sailing paradise, thanks to the strong winds and beautiful scenery. Whether you want to experience the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands, the Grenadines or Saint-Maarten, we have a great host of yachts to match your criteria, no matter what your style, size or budget is!

Are you interested in trying your hand at sailing? At www.boatbookings.com, we welcome everyone from sailing professionals to complete novices and will help you at every step of the way to make your dreams a reality. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you with any questions you may have.

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 January 29, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

Frenchman Francois Gabart Wins the Vendée Globe in Record Breaking Style!

The Vendée Globe, a single-handed yacht race around the world, was won yesterday by Francois Gabart. The race starts in the Vendée department in France, and the course heads southwards down the Atlantic and past the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. The sailors head clockwise around Antarctica, passing south of Australia and Chile, before returning to the starting point, at Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendée.

The sailors are not allowed any assistance during the race, so work their way through the Southern Ocean alone, and far out of reach from any emergency response. In the 1996 – 1997 race one competitor, Gerry Roufs, was lost at sea. Many of the entrants retire throughout the race, as often

Hence, when Gabart won the 2012-2013 race, he made history. Not only is he the youngest winner of the Vendée Globe, he also completed the race in record breaking time. Sailing 24,000 nautical miles alone in 78 days, 2 hours and 16 minutes is more than impressive, especially as the previous record set in 2009 was 6 days 44 minutes longer! Armel Le Cleac’h, another French sailor finished behind Gabart 3 hours later, and Britain’s Alex Thomson, of Hugo Boss, is set to finish in third place today, as the third Brit to claim a podium place in the Vendée. One of these Brits is Ellen MacArthur, who in 2004 claimed second place. This finish made her the fastest single-handed woman around the planet, and she is also the youngest entrant ever in the Vendée Globe.

Posted on January 29, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

Chartering a Luxury Yacht in Fajardo, Part I

Fajardo was first founded in 1760 and was one of the locations used by the Americans to invade Puerto Rico. Nowadays, it is the home of all recreational boating activities in Puerto Rico and is the gateway to the stunning Culebra, Vieques and both the American and Brisith Virgin Islands. Located on the eastern coast, Fajardo is home to the largest marina in the Caribbean (Puerto Del Rey), as well as some of the most impressive bio-luminescent bays and diving hotspots. Puerto Rico may not be an obvious choice as your next vacation destination, but with such close proximity to the United States and daily flights, the island has a lot going for it.

Fajardo’s beaches are some of the best around, which are bounded by calm and clear waters, making this an ideal destination for snorkeling, sailing and scuba diving. It is a destination which is becoming increasingly popular with both local and international tourists, thanks to the local seafood and the close proximity to the Vieques and Culebra. These two islands are located between Fajardo and St Thomas and provide the perfect place to explore, especially on a luxury yacht charter.

One of the best ways to explore this area is by catamaran and one of our favourites is this Lagoon 400, accommodating up to 10 guests in 4 cabins. Combining both luxury, practicality and comfort, the Lagoon catamaran is synonymous with being one of the leading catamarans available on the charter market. She is available for both bareboat and skippered charters, depending on your skill level and preferences.

Are you interested in chartering a yacht around the beautiful Puerto Rico? At www.boatbookings.com, we welcome everyone from sailing professionals to complete novices and will help you at every step of the way to make your dreams a reality. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you with any questions you may have.

Posted on January 28, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

A Guide to Chartering a Luxury Yacht on the French Riviera Part IV

Saint-Raphaël.

This is another town on the Côte d’Azur to have been visited by Napoleon Bonaparte. The harbour marks the spot where he returned victorious from Egypt, but also left 15 years later when exiled to Elba. The port was used to support the fishing industry and ship goods, yet the town has grown to become popular with tourists, who both want to visit the beautiful town and start their sailing holiday here.

If you want a catamaran for your vacation on the French Riviera, St Raphaël is the place to start. Take a look at this Nautitech 542. Available from the end of April, from 7,000 € per week, she accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. Your skipper will take you for an unforgettable week around the French coast.

Saint-Tropez.

The name says it all. St Tropez is one of the most talked about places along the French St-tropez Riviera, for all the right reasons. This summer hotspot is a playground for celebrities and jetsetters. A prime destination for those seeking sun, with a great choice of beach clubs for either lunch or late-night partying!

We can offer you a Wally Tender 45, fantastic for day charters around the Golfe of St Tropez. She is a sleek and sporty ride that is sure to get you noticed. There is plenty of deck space, perfect to get your very own St Tropez tan from lounging around on the sun cushions.

Are you interested in chartering on the French Riviera? At www.boatbookings.com, we welcome everyone from sailing professionals to complete novices and will help you at every step of the way to make your dreams a reality. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you with any questions you may have.

Posted on January 28, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

A Guide to Chartering a Luxury Yacht on the French Riviera Part III

Golfe Juan.

Golfe Juan marks the spot where Naploeon returned to France after exile on the island Elba. Obviously, if it’s important enough for Napoleon to go there, it’s important for us. Golfe Juan is home to many of our French Riviera sailboats, so if you’re looking to charter bareboat, or bareboat with skipper, Golfe Juan is the place to visit. Nestled between the Iles des Lerins and Cap d’Antibes, the clear warm waters are perfect for taking a dip.

Want to try your hand at sailing? This Hanse 470, available from 2,750 € per week is a fantastic choice of sailing yacht. Whether you want to sail yourself, or sit back and let a skipper do the job for you, prepare yourself for a relaxing week along the French coast.

Cannes.

This has to be one of the most famous places in the French Riviera. Home to the Cannes Film Festival, this city attracts some of the biggest names in showbiz throughout the year. Cannes has some fantastic private beaches, with amazing restaurants that make great stop-off points for lunch during your charter. Events are held all year round at the Palais des Festivals, keeping Cannes busy throughout the year.

PURA VIDA, a Princess 68, will give you a fantastic day trip around Cannes. Whether you want to visit the Iles des Lerins to explore the more secluded area of Cannes, or want to whizz up and down the coast to visit the surrounding towns of the Côte d’Azur, you can do on this spacious Princess.

Posted on January 27, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓