Positano, the place that dreams are made of…

Famed as the star of the show in the film ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, PositanoPositano lies on the charmed shores of the Amalfi Coast in Italy.  Steeped in myth and legend, the history of the town is heavily referenced by the major Mediterranean civilizations from over the centuries and the success of the region as one of the most import Italian Maritime Republics from the 9th to 13th century opened the towns up to influences from the East. Examples of Moorish architecture and its alluring beauty can be seen all over Positano and the pastel colours of the buildings in the misty haze of dusk are what makes this town so romantically inspiring.

Positano is the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, but the coast is a treasure chest overflowing with exquisite destinations and chartering a yacht on this coast is becoming more and more trendy as foreign visitors realise its attractiveness, the Italians have known this for centuries, the Romans first coming here to build their luxurious villas out of Rome, so now is your chance to experience life like an emperor!

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Boatbookings.com offers free carbon credits with all charters until 31 December

In what is believed to be an industry first, Boatbookings.com has launched a promotion offering free carbon credits for all charters booked until the end of the year.  Boatbookings will purchase credits on all charters – based upon the boat’s estimated fuel consumption and 3 hours cruising per day. “We want the charter industry to do more about Climate Change” stated Boatbookings.com founder Tom Virden “By purchasing carbon credits for all of our charters, we can essentially have a zero carbon footprint charter business.”

Credits purchased go to projects that reduce emissions worldwide in UN approved projects.

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St Martin Boat Show “Concours de Chefs” Challenge Results

When you charter a crewed yacht, you expect the utmost in service and luxury, and one of the things that can make the charter for you is the food served to you whilst on board. At the St dessertMaarten-St Martin Boat Show a Concour’s de Chefs Challenge was held this year to praise and highlight the best. One of our Boatbookings USA Team was able to play a part in assisting in the event.  The theme this year, ‘The Spanish Influence on Caribbean Cuisine’, had to be expressed through the presentation of one entree and one dessert being judged not only on taste and appearance but also on the overall use of the theme, from table setting to the accompanying wine.

With only 30 minutes to get both dishes out onto the table, the challenge was a spectacle to behold, our Boatbookings team member was fortunate enough to get a guest spot on the splendid yacht Paramour. The meal was served alfresco style, overlooking the magnificent yachts docked in the marina. The service was impeccable, and timing was perfect. The crew was very friendly and upbeat, ready for the judging panel!

The results of the challenge are as follows
Division I (yachts over 140′):

    First – Guy Barrett of VA BENE
    Second – Nicolas Richert of LADY JOY
    Third – Christina Jones of TUSCAN SUN

Division II (yachts under 140′):

Best Dessert: Matthes Vanducci of CHEVY TOY

Best Crew Service, Ambience and Table setting:

    First – NAMOH
    Second – Tie with PARAMOUR and TUSCAN SUN
    Third – LADY JOY
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St Maarten-St Martin Yacht Charter Show Report and Top Yachts

IlonaThe 2008 MYBA St. Maarten Charter Show, held from December 6th-9th, went off without a hitch and was a huge success. There were plenty of yachts to see, crew to meet and of course the occasional fun event in the evening schedule. The USA Boatbookings Team was fortunate enough to attend this event, inspect the yachts and meet the crews.

Our team agree that the Best Yacht in Show was the 2007 132’ (37.3m) Heeson Ilona.

“Her modern minimalist Asian theme was a pleasant surprise amongst all the other contemporary yachts on show.  Her warm welcoming crew of 6 are looking forward to having a successful Caribbean charter season. She is eager to show off her state of the art equipment i.e Kalaidescape audio visual systems for aft deck, master and main saloon. She also comes with a Equator tender that boasts a 225hp inboard engine.  This is not your standard charter yacht she definitely stands out in a crowd.”

If you’re interested in chartering her just contact our agents who will try their utmost to get her for you!

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Vendée Globe Race has a Top of the Table Re-shuffle

Jean-Pierre Dick, has overtaken his fellow frenchman Sebastien Josse and shot into the lead of the Vendée Globe Solo Round the World Yacht Race.  The Race, which was one of the starting pinnacles of Dame Ellen MacArthur’s sailing career, is considered by many to be the most gruelling of solo races. The 30-boat fleet of contestants entered the Indian Ocean southeast of the Cape of Good Hope on Monday having started and continued non-stop from the west coast of France on 9th November.

Josse was also overtaken by Roland Jourdain, another frenchman, and the fourth spot is occupied by Loick Peyron, meaning that the first four places in the race are currently waving the french flag. 68.3 nautical miles behind the leader is the first non-french contestant, England’s Mike Golding. Six boats have already dropped out of the race and with the rolling and unforgiving oceans of the south yet to come we could see further abandonments as the race progresses.

Watch this space for more information!

Some information courtesy of the Daily Times.

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