Summary of the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix

The stands are being taken down in Monaco and the screens have gone dark in Cannes. You can walk the Croisette again in peace, and no earplugs are required in Monaco. Although everything for these two events went well, and the weather was fantastic, by all accounts both events were slower than in past years.  Not surprising, and totally expected.

The star power of the Cannes Film FestivalHowever, we’ve already seen a pickup in yacht charter enquiries for 2010 for both of these events. The financial situation has stabilised, and many people are realising that the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix are still two of the world’s most appealing marketing and entertainment venues.  And for those who are planning now, they’re finding that this is the best time in years to charter a yacht for these events.  There are great yachts available, reasonably priced berths in the ports, and fewer competitors to deal with.  They may want a lower priced boat, with slightly less glitz, but you can now find a yacht for one or both of these events that provide real value.

Contact us if you want to know more about chartering yachts for these glamorous events in 2010, be it for a private party, family holiday, corporate entertainment, celebration, or if you just want to see the stars!

What’s new in the French Riviera for Summer 2009?

The sun has returned, the Film Festival is in full swing, Monaco Grand Prix stands are assembled and ready for the race this weekend – which means that the French Riviera is fully up and running for the high season! We thought we’d devote this post to what is new for 2009, in anticipation of your visit to St Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, or anywhere in between.

First of all perhaps the major difference vs 2008 is that we now have a buyer’s market, which is great news for all of you charterers out there!  While there have lately been signs that the business is returning back to normal levels, there is still the opportunity to get good deals if you book your yacht before the end of May.  After that, many of the best yachts will be full, and the deals will evaporate.  So if  you are seriously considering a yacht of any size this summer in the Riviera, please let us know in the next couple of weeks. We’ve listed some of our best French Riviera Yacht Charter Deals here.

Party Boats for up to 56 people in the French RivieraEvent and Celebration Boats.  In the past, we’ve had to turn away many groups that had more than 12 people because, due to Maritime Law and insurance reasons, there are very few yachts on the Riviera that are qualified to carry more then 12 people.  The good news this summer is that we have several fantastic Event Catamarans that carry up to 56 people!  They are reasonably priced, designed with groups in mind, and are happy to add catering, DJs, water sports, etc.  So if you have a business meeting, birthday, wedding reception, stag party, team building event or any other reason to put a large number of people on a boat, we now have several great alternatives for you (we of course also offer motor yachts that carry up to 150 people if that’s what you’re looking for!). Click here to see one of our Event Catamarans.

More information about great new yachts for charter in our next post!

Charter Hints and Hidden Gems in the Tavolara Sea Park – Sardinia

Located on the Northeast side of Sardinia, the Gallurese coast is a charterer’s dream – offering beautiful beaches and private coves tucked away amidst the lush green Mediterranean flora.  The renowned resort harbours of Porto Ottiolo, Punt Aldia, Porto Rotondo, Cannigione or Portisco, each offering excellent facilities, are the ideal starting point for cruising the famous turquoise waters of the Tavolara Sea Park, one of the most fascinating sailing regions of Sardinia.

Beach and Island of TavolaraThe main islands of this protected marine park are Tavolara, Molara and Molarotte.   Here you`ll find everything for a perfect day:  Anchor in the Tavolara bay, enjoy a beautiful beach and then have lunch on land, in the smallest registered Kingdom in the world.

For an authentic Sardinian beachside restaurant, try “Da Tonino” – which offers and extraordinary variety fresh seafood and pasta. You may actually be “royally served” by the family of the present King of Tavolara, His Majesty, Tonino Bertolioni!

The crystal clear waters of the park offer excellent snorkeling – make sure you set aside some time in your day to put the fins on!
If you visit in late July you can join the island’s unique film festival – Cinema Tavolara, where the latest Italian releases are shown on a giant outdoor screen under the stars. You can often mingle with as cast, crew and other film luminaries there for the event.

Pulling anchor from this remarkable scene, set your course for Porto Taverna, 10 minutes away under motor, back on the main island.  Porto Taverna was one of the original resort destinations for central Europeans in the early 60’s.  A beautiful, long stretch of pink beach reaches around the back of Capo Coda Cavalo.

Swim ashore or take your dinghy and discover “La Tavernetta” beach bar and restaurant, perched on a dune overlooking the Tavolara and beach below.  Ask for Pino or Fabio, who run the place and try their special tuna dish, or gorge on fresh mussels, clams and lobster.  The kitchen gained one “Gambero Rosso” star last year and the selection of local wines is excellent.  This retro-relaxed style restaurant with its fabulous view and easygoing atmosphere is really one of a kind!

Feel free to contact us for help planning an itinerary to this wonderful area of Sardinia, and be sure to read our Sardinia Yacht Charter Guide for information about chartering on this amazing Italian Island.

Rescue at Sea on ADVENTURER

We had perhaps our most unusual charter ever last week. Peter, who runs our Mauritius office, got a call on Friday night at 9pm from a marine insurance company saying that a super tanker had been disabled at sea near Reunion island and they needed urgently to send a boat with spare parts and technicians to fix her.

TrimaranGiving up his Friday night, Peter found an amazing yacht, got the contract signed, and arranged for all payments by 3 am!    The yacht left the next morning, and had delivered the technicians and parts by the following day.

Too bad it wasn’t a pleasure cruise, because this is one exciting yacht. ADVENTURER, a power trimaran, runs at 24 knots, carries up to 50 passengers, and has set world speed records.

If you would be interested in chartering her for a pleasure charter, or a rescue at sea, we’d be happy to help!

A chance to charter the new Norman Foster Super Yacht

Ocean Emerald - Norman Foster Super YachtYou may have heard about the recently launched Norman Foster designed 41 meter super yacht OCEAN EMERALD.  This futuristic yacht, one of four to be launched over the next two years, is a fractional ownership concept created by YachtPlus in London.  OCEAN EMERALD has five suites for up to 12 guests and a permanent crew of seven. All furnishings and fittings are provided by the Italian manufacturer Cassina and kitchen and galley equipment by Schiffini.

If you’re wondering why we’re writing about a fractional ownership yacht, it’s because there will be opportunities to charter her!  Each owner has an allotment of weeks during the year, and if they can’t make it, they are free to charter it out.  So if you’re interested in chartering the hottest new yacht launch of the year, just contact us and we will arrange the dates.

Here’s more about OCEAN EMERALD itself.