Southern New England Recommended Destinations and Luxury Yacht Itinerary

New England Yacht Charter DestinationsEach year New England attracts visitors from around the world who delight in this distinctly American region that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether your adventure takes you to a serene seaside-fishing village, a trendy marina crowded with celebrities, or bustling Boston Harbor, a Boatbookings charter yacht is the ultimate way to explore!

Begin your journey in charming Newport, Rhode Island, famous for its magnificent mansions and gardens built by the industrial barons of America’s Gilded Age. Wind your way through the tightly packed, Colonial-period houses, shops and restaurants of the downtown district. Enjoy an evening cocktail at one of the many waterfront establishments. Newport was host to the America’s Cup, the world’s premiere yacht regatta from 1930 to 1983, the fateful year in which the Australians wrestled the Cup from the New York Yacht Club. Yachting continues to play a significant role, check for numerous exciting events scheduled throughout the summer months.

Just 23 miles off the Rhode Island coast lies your next stop, Block Island, endowed with a pervasive timeless magic that residents conscientiously preserve. The Block Island Nature Conservancy operates a large trail system on the island, offering walking and hiking paths through various types of terrain. The Lewis-Dickens Farm, now a refuge operated by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, is a photographer’s delight.

From Block Island, cruise to the historic whaling island of Nantucket, whose main streets are shaded by towering elms and lined with gracious Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian buildings. Don your ascot and head ashore, this destination is flavored with old world elegance. From galleries to handicrafts, local watering holes to haute cuisine, Nantucket is an adventure in shopping and dining. Stroll through residential neighborhoods with 18th and 19th century houses that range from aristocratic mansions to shingled fishermen’s family bungalows. The Nantucket Historical Association offers a historical-architectural walking tour through the best of Nantucket’s art and architecture.

Gay Head, Martha's VineyardMartha’s Vineyard is your next destination. Named for a European sailor’s daughter, Martha, who found wild grapes growing here, the island has become an established haven for artists, poets, singers and celebrities attracted by the easy-going lifestyle. Like Nantucket, maritime history plays an important role here, as does its history as a summer resort. In the late 1800s, Martha’s Vineyard became the popular location for Christian camp meetings. These summer visitors initiated the trend of numerous US presidents and celebrities from the worlds of entertainment, sports and finance, that today own summer homes in Martha’s Vineyard, many of which have been handed down from generation to generation. The three principal towns of the island are Edgartown, noted for graceful 18th- and 19th-century ship captains’ and merchants’ houses; Oak Bluffs, with charming Victorian gingerbread architecture; and Vineyard Haven, the commercial and light-industrial settlement.

Cruise into Boston Harbor for a spectacular view of the glittering city synonymous with colonial history, fine arts, and urban attractions. The city is home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops, which perform at Symphony Hall, famous for its magnificent acoustics. Art lovers can enjoy collections at the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Institute of Contemporary Art. Revolutionary history is noted through numerous city landmarks on the Freedom Trail that begins at the greensward of the Boston Commons and passes 16 sites of historic importance in downtown Boston and Charlestown, including the State House, the Granary Burying Ground, Old South Meeting House, Fanueil Hall, and the ship USS Constitution. The Boston Public Garden and Boston Common are part of a series of city parks created from 1878 to 1896 by Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. that extend five miles from the Charles River to Dorchester and comprise more than 1,000 acres of green space. It is little wonder that Boston has been nicknamed America’s Walking City.

Depart the urban bustle for the serenity of Cape Cod, the most famous beach region in New England with 560 miles of unspoiled coastline. Spectacular wide dune fields, sandy bluffs and lush forests form the edges of Cape Cod that open to picturesque harbors and quaint villages. Drop anchor in Provincetown and absorb the unique charm and elegance of this vacation paradise.

Boatbookings has carefully devised this new luxury itinerary for the sophisticated traveler that wants to embark on a journey of mind, spirit and soul. See more pictures and further descriptions in our New England Luxury Yacht Charter Itinerary. The shores of New England await you.

Yacht Designs of Tomorrow

Perini Navi’s 164’ SY C. 2173: Facing Up

The stealthy Perini Navi aluminum hull, which is under construction at the Perini Istanbul/Yildiz facility, has been turned upright in preparation for attachment to the superstructure. Designer Ron Holland worked with Perini Navi on the 164’ aluminum ketch that, emblematic of Perini Navi, is state-of-the-art throughout. The yacht is equipped with a swing-keel, centralized servo-assisted sail-plan controls, and twin diesel propulsion engines. Final commissioning at Viareggio is scheduled for late summer with a delivery date on the books for 2012.
Please visit www.perininavi.it for additional information

Fast Forward: Heesen’s 213’ Displacement Hull

Heesen’s naval architects, Van Oossanen & Associates, are taking aluminum displacement hulls to thrilling speeds with the forward thinking Heesen 6500. Recent tank tests conducted at the Wolfson Unit in Southhampton, UK, predict an amazing 30% increase in performance as a result of a slender hull design that slices through surf with blade-like agility. Exterior design by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects manages to belie the yacht’s size with a relatively low, sleek profile, accentuated with uninterrupted sweeping lengths of darkened glass pane. The thoroughly hi-tech, contemporary style allows for voluminous exterior sun and beach areas, incorporating a swimming pool, sauna, hammam and forward helipad. Despite its impressive LOA, the yacht, which accommodates 12 guestsand 13 crew, boasts improved sea-keeping ability, maneuverability and reduced engine emissions as a result of innovations in hull design. Visit the Heesen Yachts display at the Monaco Yacht Show to view this new design.
Additional information available at www.heesenyachts.nl
LOA: 213.25′
Beam: 37.4′
Fuel capacity: 90 m3
Fresh water capacity: 30 m3
Max. Speed (at half load): 27 knots
Cruising Speed (at half load): 24 knots
Range at 14 knots: 4.500 NM
Class: ABS A1 Commercial Yachting Service, AMS, MCA

144’ Project Nostalgia: Classically Modern

Dutch designer PB Behage’s new, ultra-luxury yacht brings a classic design into the 21st century. While elegant exterior styling is reminiscent of the œGolden Age of yachting, state-of-the-art equipment and mechanicals anchor this long-range vessel firmly in the present. A traditional floor plan includes on the main deck; spacious salon, formal dining area and master suite with walk-in closet. Guest suites are located on the lower deck. Pleasant exterior spaces allow for relaxing in sun, shade, or the roomy Jacuzzi. With an impressive range of 5,000nm, this transatlantic vessel is ready for adventure.
Information available at www.pbbehage.com

Amber Lounge announces its star-studded lineup at the Monaco Grand Prix, including “Sugababes”

The hottest ticket for entertainment during the Monaco Grand Prix is normally the Amber Lounge, where the drivers mix with  supermodels, celebs and champagne. This year should be no different, as the lineup is:

Friday night:
10 Formula One drivers modeling on the Amber Lounge Fashion catwalk

Saturday night:

Girl band Sugababes performing live

Sunday night:
World class DJ Pete Tong spinning the decks for the Formula 1 fraternity

As per our previous post, there are still some stunning yachts with guaranteed berths available for the Grand Prix.  See more info about Monaco Grand Prix Charter here.

Oakland Boat Show Review

America's Cup TrophyMeg Toppa, who is our Sailing Yacht Expert for the US and Caribbean, just attended the Oakland Boat Show last week.  Here is her report:

I just attended the West Coast’s only all-sail show, which was held  at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA.  “Big deal” you say, “just another boat show”.  Well in some respects, that’s correct.  There are monohulls and catamarans, sail makers, riggers and everything else that makes a boat show.  The thing about this show is that it is in the back yard of the new home of the America’s Cup!  The actual cup was on display from 12-6 today and show attendees were encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to view the America’s Cup.

This past February, BMW Oracle Racing became the first American team to win the cup since 1992.  Larry Ellison and skipper Russel Couts have decided to take the cup on the road to promote the sport of sailing in the U.S.  The event includes sailing and design team members in an open and interactive Q & A session.  Video highlights of the winning campaign for the 33rd America’s Cup were shown.

Seeing the cup gave me goosebumps!  Growing up in Newport, RI, where the cup was contested for years, I have sailed on a 12 meter and worked for one of the syndicates during the 1983 campaign.  BUT I had never seen the cup until today and it was pretty cool.

Besides ogling the cup, Meg did find some great new yachts for charter in San Francisco and the San Juan Islands, as well as learning all about new models on the market that will soon be chartering in the BVI, Bahamas, Grenadines and the rest of the Caribbean. Feel free to give her a call in our Ft Lauderdale office for any questions you may have about a sailing charter.

Monaco Grand Prix: We have great yachts with guaranteed berths still available!

Want to see the Monaco Grand Prix in style? There’s still time to experience the thrill of the Monaco Grand Prix from the sweeping decks of a luxury yacht. Enjoy magnificent views, impeccable service, richly appointed accommodations and unsurpassed cuisine onboard one of our select yachts berthed in Monaco for this spectacular event held May 13-16.

Here are these great yachts with berths available

Indulgence of Poole, Mangusta 86 Flybridge

The main deck of this streamlined vessel features a convivial saloon with U-shaped couch and a separate dining room for formal or casual dining. Two double and two twin ensuite staterooms, with new mattresses, new linen and cushions, are configured to accommodate a total of eight guests. The spacious flybridge Jacuzzi is a magnate for sun worshippers, and perfect for observing all of the activities at the Monaco Grand Prix. Those preferring a bit of shade with their cocktails will enjoy the well-appointed lounge. With a cruising speed of 24 knots this elegant vessel is the perfect choice for those who believe that getting there is half the fun. Charter rate: €28,000 for five days.

Noon Tease, Alalunga 82′

Many thoughtful appointments onboard Noon Tease make chartering this yacht an unforgettable experience. Above the sumptuous bed in the full beam, ensuite master, a breathtaking view of the sky is revealed when the touch of a button opens the blinds. The salon cleverly extends to the master, offering the option of a voluminous master suite. Enjoy cocktails and conversation under cover of the shaded flybridge or soak up rays on sunbathing pads available forward and on the main deck. Whether the call is for quiet romance or a lively celebration, this thoroughly modern yacht perfectly suits any mood. Charter rate for five days: €24,000

Quid Pro Quo, Benetti Tradition 99′

Exterior elegance, interior sophistication and spacious open architecture characterize this stunning 2007 Benetti Tradition. French designer Michel Sagbini juxtaposition of pale fabric, paneling and upholstery against richly toned woods impart an airy modernism throughout. Relax with friends on the ample L-shaped couch in the main salon, delight your senses with a gourmet meal served on the bridge deck, or soak up the sun reclining on a top deck lounge. New to the charter market this year, Quid Pro Quo offers sumptuous accommodation for up to 10 guests in five cabins including full beam master suite, and a VIP double cabin with adjacent twin, a perfect solution for families with young children. And whether the mood is formal or playful, the highly skilled crew of six takes meticulous care of all guests, to insure a most memorable charter experience.
Charter rate: €54,165 for five days
Private berth for the Monaco Grand Prix, Riva jetty (by Stars and Bars): €35,000

Koko, Sunseeker 66′ Flybridge

This gorgeous yacht provides luxurious accommodation for six guests featuring a spacious master, VIP and twin cabins. While the roomy main salon beckons relaxation, the flybridge, equipped with a large rise and fall dining table, is the ideal spot for dining, socializing and enjoying the breathtaking Mediterranean views. Turn on the ultra high-tech entertainment system and launch any gathering into high gear.
4 day Minimum charter period €4,400/day + all expenses
Berth for the Monaco Grand Prix on pontoon between Stars ‘n’ Bars and the Monaco Yacht club

Click here for all the details if you’re interested in a Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Charter – there’s still time to charter for this amazing event.