The Top 3 Luxury Yachting Watches (from Guest Blogger Fraser Strand)

In my opinion there aren’t many experiences more pleasurable than sailing on the open sea. So whilst engaging in one of the most luxurious pursuits, it only follows that you should treat yourself to  an equally luxurious set of gear to accompany you, the most intimate of which is a good sturdy watch. The following timepieces combine the height of men’s luxury with the rugged durability needed to face the oceans deep:

1.    AUDEMARS PIGUET – The Royal Oak Collection

In 1914 HMS Royal Oak was launched as part of a Revenge-Class Battleship which was famously characterised by its octagonal cannon holes. This luxury sailing watch from Audemars Piguet acts as a tribute to the great ship by featuring an eight-sided rose gold bezel mirroring the distinctive and commanding nature of the Royal Oak’s weaponry. In my view, this is one of the most regal watches in the world with a unique historical relevance that gives it aura of commanding dominance.

 

 

2.    CARTIER – Calibre de Cartier

It’s no secret that Cartier watches are one of the most luxurious watch brands in the world, however it’s less well-known that they make a lavish range of men’s watches that are ideal for the open seas. Made with glareproof sapphire-crystal glass, the Calibre has a large lens set in a robust stainless steel case that is water resistant to 30 metres. In fact, Cartier have perfected the essential mechanical movements by employing the Swiss-made Calibre 1904-PS MC automatic machinery to exact a level of nautical precision second to none.

 

3.    JAEGER-LECOULTRE – Duometre

Not only does the Duometre have a stunningly unique and nautical design safe down to 3 meters, but its two independent power reserves provide an almost indefatigable reliability for up to 50 hours at sea. As with all their watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre guarantee over 1,000 hours of control tests which makes the Duometre one of the most reliable Swiss-made timepieces available.

 

Conclusion – Which is best?

Personally, when it comes to a yachting watch I think it has to be the perfect synthesis between reliability and luxury. Whilst no one does luxury better than Cartier, the Audemars Piaget Royal Oak has a robust yet distinctive style which I think gives it the edge as a true captain’s watch. If all this talk of luxury yachting has whet your appetite then check out some amazing charters at Boatbookings.com.

Fraser Strand is an avid technology writer with a passion for traveling and sailing around the world. On his own blog UK Gadget Review he writes about luxury watches, premium sailing gear, and innovative technology.

 

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57m Luxury Charter Yacht, DIAMOND A available in the Caribbean at a spectacular price!

DIAMOND A, the 57 meter luxury yacht, is available for charter this winter in the Caribbean for a reduced price of $225,000, (normally $360,000). This Abeking & Rasmussen Super Yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in 8 staterooms, as well as offering great entertaining space and water toys. She is very family friendly and sports a modern, light and airy interior, as you can see below.

For complete details and additional images, see DIAMOND A  on the site.

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Seven Luxury Sunseeker Charter Yachts in the Last Four Bond Movies!

When you think of James Bond, you think of a suave, sophisticated man, yet at the same time, the Bond movies are synonymous with action and endless streams of luxurious gadgets. The gadgets don’t just stop at Bond’s watch, or his car, they roam to the seas, in the shape of the Sunseeker.

Sunseeker is one of the world’s most prestigious luxury yacht manufacturers, and in keeping with the Bond theme, directors have placed seven Sunseeker yachts in four of the last Bond movies. In The World is not Enough (1999), a Sunseeker Superhawk 34 made it’s appearance, speeding down the River Thames in London as a pre-title scene. Following this, in Pierce Brosnan’s last movie, Die Another Day (2002), a larger Sunseeker Superhawk 48 sailed onto our screens, when Halle Berry climbed on board.

In the new era of Daniel Craig playing the role of Bond, Sunseekers have become even more frequent. In Casino Royale (2006), two Sunseekers were used. The focus of these was the Predator 108, with cameo roles from both the XS 2000 and the Sportsfish 37. Following this, in the last Bond movie to date, before the release of Skyfall, in Quantam of Solace(2008), a further three Sunseekers were utilized. A Superhawk 43, a smaller Sovereign 17, and a 37m M4.

Whilst we all wait on the release of the newest Bond movie, which has anJeel-II initial release date of the 22nd October 2012, we can’t help but look at all the gossip we know. In Skyfall, REGINA, a Pruva 56m sailboat, will be used. Her large sails and contemporary yet elegant interior would make for a fantastic charter, especially for those who are Bond lovers.

For those who are interested in chartering a fantastic Sunseeker, look no further than JEEL II, a Sunseeker 80, available for charter on the French Riviera. Her bright interior and large deck space are fantastic, complete with ample amounts of sunbathing area, enough for all passengers on board to enjoy the surroundings from the most luxurious of yachts.

If you’re interested in chartering a yacht, please go to boatbookings.com or email us at [email protected].

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Luxury Event Yacht Charter for MIPIM 2013

big_powdermonkey-1-12834-mainMIPIM 2013 will take place between 12-15th March and will bring together all of the key players in the global property market. The Palais des Festival Cannes at the heart of the Croisette is the perfect venue for this prestigious annual event. The show provides unrivalled access to world leaders, including the greatest number of development projects and sources of capital worldwide. This year, it is estimated that there will be around 200 exhibitors from 70 countries.

We believe that the best way to enjoy large corporate events such as MIPIM in complete luxury is to charter a luxury motor yacht with a berth at the Vieux Port de Cannes. Traditionally, a key element of the show revolves around the many Super Yachts docked directly adjacent to the Palais des Festivals in the Old Port of Cannes, providing hospitality suites for entertaining and deal closing. Located right next to the Palais des Festival, the old port provides great proximity to all events, whilst giving guests more space and better service than in a hotel. Do you want to hold important business meetings or evening cocktail parties in style? If so, chartering a luxury motor yacht is definitely for you.

POWDERMONKEY is one of our favourite yachts for charter on the French Riviera. This Falcon 100 provides great accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 luxurious cabins. Each cabin has an en-suite, making her an idea choice for large events such as MIPIM 2013. She has a great saloon for welcoming guests, as well as a Flybridge to enjoy cocktails, whilst watching the sunset over Le Suquet.

ANTISAN is another of our favourite yachts for large events, especially because of her Italian crew that never disappoint. This Alalunga 110ft luxury motor yacht provides comfortable accommodation for 10 guests in 5 cabins. She is the perfect yacht for entertaining, thanks to her open-plan saloon, decking and lounging areas. Her crew have great experience at offering great service for events for up to 70 guests, as well as having one of the best chefs around. She has a great BOSE sound system and a Jacuzzi, making this yacht a great choice for your MIPIM 2013.big_antisan-alalu-640462861

Boatbookings.com specialises in providing boats of all kinds for MIPIM, from SuperYachts to Event Yachts to Excursions. We will recommend yachts that are best for these type of events, secure the berth, and work with you every step of the way to assure the success of your charter.

If you would like to find out more about MIPIM 2013, including how to charter a luxury yacht and applying for a berth, please contact us via our website or send an email to [email protected]. If you would like to view our MIPIM page in Russian, please do so via the link. We would be delighted to help you arrange your charter for this event, as well as personal holidays anywhere in the world.

 

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WILD THYME, a luxurious Benetti Classic Charter Yacht and the Benetti Innovation Project!

Benetti have initiated a new design competition known as the Innovation Project. The prestigious yachting brand has  partnered with 16 design firms, a mix of newcomers and established artisans, to present 27 different mega yacht designs, with a view to some being put into production. Benetti left styling and interior arrangements up to each creative team to fashion as they wished, as long as the designs were based on the builder’s existing platforms, which ranges from 164 to 295 feet (50 meters to 90 meters). Marco Casali has just released three designs, which take inspiration from previous Benetti designs, bringing them into the 21st Century. Casali, “Our study was inspired by the impending anniversary of 140 years since the founding of the shipyard.” One of our favourites is the Cloud 90, a beautiful motorboat, which features both a helipad and a swimming pool.

The Cloud 90 is 295 feet in length (90 meters) and with a 55-foot beam (16.82-meter).  Marco Casali described the Cloud 90 as a mega yacht of the future, but pays respect to traditional styling and aesthetics, which have made Benetti’s  immediately recognizable. The “Cloud” part of Cloud 90 comes from the rounded, eyebrow-like glass section in the superstructure. Casali and his team mimicked the shape of clouds as well as that of the famed Yas Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Highlights of the layout include an owner’s deck with an alfresco lounge, as well as a balcony overlooking the foredeck sunning area and swimming pool. There are floor-to-ceiling windows along the main deck, three tender garages along the hull. There is a heavy emphasis on outdoor living and relaxing. The Cloud 90 will provide accommodation for up to 16 guests, with 28 crew, making a good crew-to-guest ratio.

Cloud 90 is a very exciting prospect and epitomises the importance of schemes such as Benetti’s Innovation project for the future of yachting designs. If you are looking to charter a mega yacht, we have a great selection available from a variety of prestigious ports in the world. We have a great Benetti Classic WILD THYME, which is available for charter anywhere along the French Riviera and Corsica, and would be the perfect yacht charter for MIPIM 2013. She is a 120ft super yacht which features a beautiful top deck with Jacuzzi, as well as a very luxurious interior. Alternatively, why not charter RM ELEGANT, a luxurious 237 foot super yacht with 15 cabins, accommodating up to 30 guests. She would be a great choice for large events, such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Monaco Grand Prix or a special birthday celebration.

If you would like to enquire about chartering a super yacht along the French Riviera, Italian Riviera or in the Caribbean, please enquire through the yacht page on our website or send an email to [email protected], where one of our experienced charter brokers will be delighted to assist you. Please watch this space for the latest news on Super Yacht releases, as well as futuristic designs and show information.

 

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