Virgin Gorda Tip: Free WIFI Connections at BEYC

Should you need Internet access while on your Boatbookings Yacht Charter vacation, the Bitter End Yacht Club provides free WIFI at the Almond Walk Terrace, the Clubhouse Restaurant, and the Pub.

The Bitter End also has two Internet connected computers available for guest use, which includes mooring and dockage guests, available at the front desk. Children are welcome to connect their games and iPads as well. BEYC would like everyone to know that strong Cellular/GSM phone coverage on the island provides excellent connectivity to the States and Europe.

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Deepwater Horizon: Gulf Oil Spill Update

After what has been an unduly long time constituting billions of dollars in losses, BP finally seems to be making forward progress. The vast surface area infused with oil seems to have diminished substantially according to aerial and radar reports. However, scientists have yet to determine how extensive the effect of the vast amount of dissipated oil will have on marine life and environment, as well as the long-term coastal impact.

Along with some natural evaporation, two recent storms in the area stirred up waters to speed the dispersion of the oil and aid thousands of boats equipped with a variety of eradication measures. However, the amount of oil spilled into the Gulf is unprecedented, therefore, scientists hesitate to estimate how many more weeks the clean up will need to continue.

While the livelihood of commercial fisherman continues to be threatened, tourism is making a slow comeback in the Gulf region, and expanding contamination seems unlikely. A recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy confirms that the further from the wellhead the more diffuse the oil. While the problem remains acute in the northern Gulf, these studies indicate that the oil will not contaminate the Gulf Stream or drift into the Atlantic Ocean.

To view these reports see: www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100722_jag.html

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Dunya Yachts 236’ Red Square: Largest Turkish Build to Date

Although a relative newcomer in the shipbuilding business, Dunya Yachts is certain to command significant attention at their Monaco Yacht Show display this year. Cutting-edge designs from the yard include a 213’ eco yacht, designed to incorporate the latest trends in green technology, two 236’ yachts under construction and a 289-footer in the works.

236' Red Square has a voluminous six-deck floor plan with notable features that include a health and beauty spa, a sea-level gymnasium, a sizeable swimming pool, sweeping 50-foot balconies and a dedicated owner’s deck. Interiors by celebrated designer Alberto Pinto juxtapose modernism with Old World elegance to achieve a plush yet vibrant style. Also under construction at the yard is 236’ Warrior, described with even greater interior volume. Both yachts are scheduled for launch next year.

Visually even more radical is 289' Blade, an appropriate monicker given her dramatic axe-bow. The design represents a collaboration between Dunya Yachts and renowned Ken Freivokh Design. The use of unprecedented amounts of glass results in a daring profile and stunning, ultramodern interiors. A triple-height glass atrium, all-glass swimming pool, seamless panoramic windows and seven guest suites that can be converted to create additional cabins are a few of Blade's innovative features.

Dunya Yachts is located in Istanbul Turkey, a country that has witnessed tremendous growth in the past decade in yacht design, build and repair. The well-equipped shipyard sprawls over 330,000 square feet including sheds, construction halls and boasts the only climate-controlled dry dock in the country. The shipyard exhibit at the Monaco Yacht Show will be situated at stand QC13 on the Quai Chicane. Please contact Esra Tarlan PR & Marketing of Dunya Yachts for additional information.

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Insider tips to the French Riviera (from those who live there)

Several members of the Boatbookings.com staff live on the French Riviera.  We've been compiling some of their insider tips to get the most out of your time on the Riviera!

– If you want a great place to sit outside in the evening, have a nice meal, listen to some music and feel the buzz – go to Juan Les Pins (near Antibes)

– There is a big difference between the town of St Tropez and Pampelonne Beach, where the St Tropez beach clubs are.  You can't walk between the two. Go to St Tropez town in the morning, shop, see the yachts and have a coffee by the water, then have your skipper take you to Pampelonne Beach for sunning and a long, late afternoon lunch at the Club of your choice.

– You can literally walk right up to many of the world's largest superyachts on the IYCA (International Yacht Club of Antibes) Pier in Antibes.  Same in Cannes by the Palais des Festivals and in Monaco.

– If you're near Cannes, anchor between the two Iles Lerins.  It feels a million miles away from the busy town, is great for swimming, and has a gorgeous view of the sunset behind the striking Esterel Rock Formation. That's what the locals do!

– Don't even think of driving to St Tropez in July or August between 10 am and 1pm.  You'll just roast in your car and arrive in a bad mood. That's why we're here – take a boat and do it properly!

– There are great places to kayak and swim beneath the beautiful red rocks of the Esterel.  Don't just power by on the way to St Tropez – take time to enjoy this beautiful area!

Please add more suggestions here on the blog, or on our Facebook page – we'll be publishing the best on Boatbookings in our French Riviera Section.  Enjoy!

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Bareboat Charter Galley Tip: Enjoy the Taste of Paradise with this amazing Lemongrass Shrimp and Mango Salad

Whatever type of bareboat charter you plan in the Bahamas or Caribbean  you'll want to impress family and friends with this enticing yet simple dish. The recipe is provided exclusively to Boatbookings clients by Lisa Sellers, executive chef at Peter Island Resort. Be a gourmet chef on your next charter by using the cornucopia of fresh ingredients locally available in paradise.

Chef Sellers' Signature Shrimp Dish

Lemongrass infused Shrimp, Green Papaya & Mango œSalad

Serves 4 People

12 shrimp- size 16/20, peeled & deveined

1 stick fresh lemongrass

Sea Salt & Freshly ground black pepper

1 ripe mango

1 green Papaya

½ Sweet red peppers

½ Sweet Green Peppers

Dried Mango slices

Dried Green Papaya Slices

A small pinch fresh Chilies

Extra virgin Olive Oil

Method:

Crush the lemongrass and chop, mix with shrimp & salt & Pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil cover and marinate for a few hours

Finely chop mango, green papaya, peppers & mix, add chili and season to taste, bind with a small amount of mango puree

Heat a sautéed pan, with olive oil, sear of the shrimp both sides, and cook, this will take about 3-4 minutes,

Arrange the mango & green papaya salad in a mold; place the shrimp on the plate, putting dried papaya & Mango slices in between the shrimp

Garnish with Micro greens or arugula.

Enjoy!

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