Volvo Ocean Race Nears Halfway in Leg 5

After nearly 5,000 miles, the competition is still very tight in the fifth leg of the Volvo Ocean race. In fact, only 40 miles separate the first boat and the last boat. This tight competition has led to some tactical decisions more appropriate for an in-shore race than a 12,000 mile ocean race. As the fleet approached the island nation of Fiji, the crews needed to decide whether to pass to the east or the west. While most felt that going to the east was the best route, in spite of the upwind sailing, two yachts, PUMA and TELEFONICA BLUE chose, in fact, to pass between the two main islands.
In doing so, PUMA has been able to eek out a 3 mile lead. This is proving to be a very close competition on the way to Rio.

The fleet is expected to arrive in Rio in the end of march with an in-port fleet race scheduled for April 4th. From there, the fleet will depart on leg 6 to Boston on April 11th and in-port fleet racing is scheduled in Boston for May 9th.

Fleet racing as well as the starts of the distance legs represent a great opportunity to get out on the water and watch some fantastic sailing.  Why not charter a yacht for a corporate outing or to entertain you freinds for these international events.  Boatbookings.com can arrange a charter in any of the remaining ports. www.boatbookings.com

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Boatbookings.com is now Twittering!

Like many of you, we looked at Twitter and said, hmmm – is this a time waster or can it be a valuable for us. After a bit of experimentation, we realised that it may be the best and most immediate way to let people know of deals, news, and happenings in the Yachting World. The fact that it can be read and replied to on a Mobile phone (it looks great on an Iphone), is what sold us. So, if you want immediate news and information, especially on deals, just follow our Tweets!  There’s full information about Boatbookings.com on Twitter here, or see our Twitter page here: follow us on Twitter

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UK Yacht Charter Guide now live on Boatbookings.com

Charter in the United KingdomGiven all the discussion about staying closer to home this year but still trying to plan the perfect charter, we’re happy to launch the UK Yacht Charter Guide for a great overview of the sailing areas of this Island nation. It includes discussions of London, Scotland, the Solent and South Coast as well as some lesser well known areas.  If you’re looking for a great charter (and perhaps a pint or two) this summer, why not charter in one of the renowned areas of this seafaring nation?

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Croatia Holiday Tax – about a Euro a day

Chartering in CroatiaBeginning January 5, 2009 Croatia has enacted a “Sojourn Tax” applied to all charterers in the waters of Croatia.  The tax is 7 Croatian Kuna per day or approximately €0.94.  Kids under 12 are exempt, those 12 – 18 are half price.  This should not be a major charter expense, but we wanted everyone to know of its existence so there were no surprises.

Click here for more about Chartering a Yacht in Croatia.  Our Croatia Charter Yachts.

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Americans chartering closer to home for great charters at less cost

Gorgeous Sandy Beaches of FloridaFor those of you who want to charter in 2009 but are on a tight budget – many of our clients are saving on airfare by chartering closer to home, while keeping the same quality of yacht and charter experience. Similar to land based “staycations”, here are some ideas for an amazing charter experience without long flights.

South Florida and the Keys – America’s Sunshine State offers everything you’d want from an exotic charter – islands (the keys), coral diving and snorkeling, beach bars and restaurants, glorious sunsets – all a quick stop from Miami.

Bahamas – The Bahamas offer clear turquoise waters teeming with life, gorgeous beaches on hundreds of coral islands, quiet anchorages, renowned ports, and a swashbuckling history that dates from Columbus’ times. Just 100 miles off the coast of Florida you can be on a yacht with a minimum of hassle, making the Bahamas both a perfect charter holiday destination and great for events such as weddings, celebrations, honeymoons, or business meetings.

New England – New England offers both rugged rocky coastlines and gorgeous sandy beaches, destinations including Newport RI, Cape Cod, Marthas Vineyard, Boston, and the thousands of islands, coves and lobstering towns of Maine. It always provides history, charm, understated elegance and a seafaring culture. Many yachts that normally return to the Mediterranean during the summer will instead cruise up the Atlantic coast, so this may be a great year for a charter in New England! San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge

Pacific Northwest – San Francisco, Seattle, the gorgeous Pacific Coastline, Vancouver and all the way up to Alaska – the richness and grandeur of the Pacific Northwest are second to none. If you haven’t seen the Golden Gate, Space Needle or a live glacier, think about the Pacific Northwest this year.

Great Lakes – For fresh water sailing with the feel of an ocean, the great lakes offer excellent charter itineraries with plenty of great yachts – both motor and sail. From the wilderness of Northern Michigan, to the cosmopolitan city of Chicago, the Great Lakes can deliver a charter that meets your summer holiday needs

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