This year, the Caribbean saw devastation the likes of which haven’t been seen for many, many years; businesses were shut down, lives turned upside-down, and some islands have been deeply scarred by hurricanes Irma and Maria.
However, the sheer power of nature has been outshone by the greater force of community strength. Times like this prove that people all over the world can come together and help one-another; rebuilding lives and strengthening bonds; providing moral support and showing great respect for those who have suffered.
It has only been a few months since the disaster, yet we are delighted to announce that some of the BVI’s most popular eateries and restaurants are either back, or on their way back, ready for Mid-December in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays, as the Caribbean comes back from this travesty bolder, stronger and just as beautiful!
Foxy’s Tamarind Bar
Foxy’s is a hidden, colourful jewel nestled between the palms on the island of Jost Van Dyke. Beginning its life in 1966, Foxy’s has climbed through history to become the best known bar in the Caribbean; famed for it’s fresh ingredients and exquisitely cooked beach-food, guests can enjoy a range of items, such as Jerk Chicken, Pulled Pork and Calamari.
Coco Loco Beach Bar
Coco Loco’s Beach Bar is still on the mend, and hopefully will be back to normal by December, but we couldn’t miss this superb establishment off of our list! Run by Uncle Wendell and based in Jost Van Dyke, Coco Loco’s is an increasingly popular restaurant and bar with widely praised pizza, fresh fish and stunning views.
The Watering Hole
The Watering Holeis the centre of parties in Road Town, with Full Moon Tiki Parties, an incredibly well-stocked bar (with capacity to open a second bar when things start to boom!) and astounding reviews for their cuisine. This fine establishment offers guests a range of food, from pizzas, to burgers, sandwiches and salads; the perfect food to eat whilst your toes are buried in the sand!
Gram’s Place
Gram’s Place is incredibly popular amongst the locals- which is always a good sign! Situated in the East End of Road Town, Gram’s Place offers a menu reflective of the true Caribbean palate. The menu changes daily, featuring wonderful Caribbean stews, beautifully cooked fish and traditional side dishes.
Irene’s Restaurant & Bar
Irene’s is a newer addition to the Caribbean restaurant family, however, their Friday Night Grill’s have already made a big splash with visitors and locals alike. Featuring traditional Caribbean foods, as well as some more popular Western dishes, Irene’s is a superb mix of fun, food and festivities!
We’ve compiled a list of reputable charities should you wish to help out with the continued efforts to rebuild:
The BVI is back up and running, and there is every reason to charter a yacht around this jaw-dropping archipelago! Get in touch to realise your dream Caribbean getaway on board a Crewed Catamaran Charter!
Australia is a country filled with rich history from all sorts of backgrounds: native Aboriginal culture mixes with the Western World on this vast island of mystery and pure, natural beauty.
The truth is Australia is a vast, expansive and beautiful land that is bursting with wildlife: flora and fauna unique to this exotic environment are waiting to be discovered, and there is no more freeing way to explore such tantalizing destinations than by sea!
A week onboard MASTEKA 2 will be the best way to give you a true taste of Australian life.
Sydney is an incredibly sophisticated city; a perfect reflection of the Western World nestled into the lush forests and expanding deserts of the Southern-Pacific Ocean island. A hub of culture; you would be forgiven for thinking you were still in Europe after travelling half-way across the world! However, the combination of superb cityscapes and laid-back beach-life; those two completely contrasting ways of life come hand-in-hand to make Australia the incredibly special and mysterious land we know today.
MASTEKA 2 is the ideal boat to give you a true taste of Australia life; from bobbing along with the rustic ambiance of the Whitsundays to cruising through the bustling metropolis of Sydney Harbour, she is a sleek, spacious and most importantly mobile alternative to feeling the wind through your hair from a hotel balcony!
Around Sydney, there are loads and loads of National Parks, and one of our favourites is the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, an incredibly accessible, boat-friendly and luxuriant park that is hiding a plethora of secrets about the origins of Australia. Whilst you’re there, be sure to hike along the Aboriginal Heritage trail, and keep an eye out for all sorts of wildlife!
It would be impossible to mention an Australia Yacht Charter without mentioning the Great Barrier Reef and the kaleidoscope of living colour that dwells beneath the tranquil, turquoise surface. Imagine if you could wake up in the morning to see the stretching reefs, rippling blues and gorgeous greens that give way to a Jackson Pollock painting of life; flashes of technicolour as shoals of fish dart from coral reef to coral reef. Snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier reef is on everyone’s bucket list, but imagine if you could live there.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, and want to experience the classic ‘barbie on the beach’ Aussie lifestyle, we can help you choose your ideal yacht charter. From bareboat sailing to crewed motoryacht cruising, our brokers are here to ensure you have a choice of boats and itineraries, so don’t be afraid to get in touch!
Whoever said the life of an intern was filled with those horrible jobs that nobody else wants to do? A sunny September’s day saw broker Ben and I heading off to the glamorous St Tropez for an amazing day at sea aboard the beautiful KIDI ONE.
Strolling through St Tropez, it’s not hard to see why so many return to this stunning town year after year. St Tropez is a beautiful little fishing village at first glance, however, through the windy cobbled streets, lined with charming terracotta buildings lies a vibrant shopping capital. Designer boutiques nestled into petite, classically French buildings with shuttered windows and golden walls. Eventually the narrow, windy streets open up to the port, a fascinating juxtaposition of beautiful, quaint buildings against immense, modern Super Yachts and bustling bars. St Tropez truly is a sleepy, fishing village that has been brought to life and doused in glamour and I was instantly enchanted.
Upon meeting our fellow travellers, a lively and welcoming group of brokers from other companies, I was gifted with a beautiful little bracelet to commemorate my day at sea in St Tropez! We were all split between 3 beautiful yachts NEGARA, OF VILLA ROMANA and ours, KIDI ONE. KIDI ONE glided toward us, effortlessly cutting through the water, a vision in sparkling white with royal blue detailing. KIDI ONE was beautiful, with the theme of turquoise running throughout the exterior, hints of blue in the salon and then glossy, cherry brown and crisp white with splashes of gold spreading elegance and class throughout the guest cabins and bathrooms, the photographs truly do not do it justice.
Ben and I sat on the sun pads on the bow of the yacht and the views were breath taking, stunning yachts, towering mountains flourishing with green and the sparkling sea, St Tropez is paradise. Finally, we came to a halt and anchored beside Plage de L’Escalet, the hillside teeming with lavish villas and the sea, an incredible shade of turquoise. Now it was time for water toys! My first choice, the humble paddleboard – easy! Or so I thought. My first attempt at standing up resulted in my first plunge into the icy cold water, the September Sea is beautiful and wonderfully energising. I powered through, yet round 2 was still unsuccessful and resulted in another soaking, perhaps paddleboarding is not for me. On to the big boy toys, the Sea Bob, whizzing across the surface of the sea was the most incredible feeling, though I didn’t dare dive beneath the surface, it was an amazing rush to skim across the surface of the water like a human jet ski, that’s a new one for the Christmas list!
The afternoon was spent munching on Foie Gras sandwiches, sipping wine and getting to know everyone in an incredible setting. Too much food and too much fun resulted in a quick power nap on the sundeck in the warm glow of the sun – bliss. After an amazing day in dazzling St Tropez we finally cruised back to dry land.
Being able to meet so many wonderful people and experience such an incredible yacht in the most enchanting place was truly surreal and an experience I will never forget! Boatbookings internships are definitely not your average internship, with so much responsibility making way for valuable experiences and, of course, it doesn’t hurt getting to charter for the day on a stunning luxury yacht!
Since 1984, Lagoon have produced over 3,000 sailing catamarans globally, firmly placing themselves as one of the leading pioneers within the industry. In more recent years they have been at the forefront of the catamaran world and they continue to push the limits of innovation and quality.
In an interview earlier this year, the globally renowned designer Patrick le Quément, who designed the exterior of the Seventy 8, stated: ‘Our desire was to increase the emotional charge of the Lagoons, giving them greater charm to accompany the architectural breakthroughs that have made the brand an archetype.’
So, how has Patrick and the rest of his design team attempted this and has it been successfully achieved? Our brokers went to the international launch of the Lagoon Seventy 8 at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2017 to check it out.
From the get-go, we were completely enchanted by the Seventy 8. Stepping aboard, we were greeted by a large wooden dining table, complete with super comfortable seating pads, we couldn’t help but fall in love with her effortless style.
Walking into the cleverly compartmentalised saloon, it was obvious to see why Lagoon has become serious competition for the builders of luxury power catamarans. Two large corner sofas dominate the living area – perfect for relaxing evenings with family. The innovative design of the saloon allows for further sofa space whilst keeping the Captain’s controls separate from guests.
Head downstairs into the Master Cabin and you will notice that the elegant interior styling flows seamlessly throughout, with subtle trim lighting adding a modern edge. Without a doubt, the highlight of the Master Cabin is the drop down hydraulic balcony. This space allows for total privacy; your own personal platform for gazing out onto breath-taking views, peer through the glass floor and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the kaleidoscopic sea life in the crystal-clear waters below.
The flybridge provides another shaded platform for dining and enjoying the surroundings as well as a bar for endless cocktails and canapés. The Lagoon Seventy 8 is seriously impressive and stylish, we’re hooked!
What’s changed from the Lagoon Seventy 7?
What we believe has been achieved in the Lagoon Seventy 8 is the outstanding and innovative use of space on the bow, never seen before on their previous models. For example: on the Seventy 7 range, the bow is dominated by duo netting for sunbathing, whilst the Seventy 8 has opted to replace these nets with teak decking and beautifully appointed sunpads and puffer-stools, resulting in both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically advanced effects, as well as opening-up the space.
So, the question is, has Patrick and his design team achieved what they set out to do? Does the Lagoon Seventy 8 host features of emotional charm and architectural breakthroughs? Overall, our brokers unanimously agree that the new Lagoon line is 78ft’ of expertly designed, yachting perfection. From aft deck to bow, from master cabin to the four-peak cabin, from the state-of-the-art entertainment system to the silverware; the Lagoon Seventy 8 is simplistic innovation at its finest.
Watch this space for Lagoon Seventy8’s debut into the charter market, we can’t wait to get our hands on it!
It’s the week of the Cannes Yachting Festival, and, whilst the electric pulse of innovation ripples through the air, whilst there are scores of brand-new, shining-bright yachts all lined-up and immaculately presented; whilst you can walk through the gate and see nothing but boats, masts, sails and sea all around, my attention has turned to the water toys.
Seeing all these newly-released yachts and catamarans truly is an experience, however, it gets to the point where all these boats begin to melt into one big entity; the stunning-white of the hull, the neutral, contemporary trim of the interior, the comfortable, open aft-deck… This is when you start to notice the smaller things; the bold splashes of colour that stand out amongst the avalanche of white tents and boats; the water toys.
When it comes to chartering a superyacht, in my opinion, the actual yacht itself is only half of the decision. That’s not to say it’s not important, however: this boat will be your home for the next week or so, so it has to be up to standard! Yet, to me, the purpose of chartering a yacht is not only to enjoy an incomparably luxurious experience, but it’s also make the most of the complete freedom and privacy that comes with being on open water- and how can you do that if you haven’t got a good selection of toys with which to stretch your legs on the high seas?
Nowadays, in a world of innovation and original thought, there seems to be an endless supply of imagination when it comes to the invention of toys and tenders to accompany your superyacht; with such a wide range of choice, and even more on the horizon, it’s hard to decide which aspects to even begin considering for your charter! One thing is for sure, though: whether you are with family or friends, with parents or young children, or maybe with clients and potential buyers; whatever the occasion, you will definitely want some water toys to go with your charter!
To some people, yacht-toys may seem a bit like overkill: when you take into consideration the size of the yacht, the completely bespoke interiors and luxuries one can only imagine in a top-star hotel, it’s understandable why some people don’t see the importance of such amenities. However, from some perspectives, the addition of yacht toys such as jet skis, waterskis and inflatables is a total necessity; it provides you with the opportunity to try new things, explore different places, and maybe even discover a new, adventurous side to your personality. For families, water toys can be the perfect option for tiring out the kids and getting some well-needed rest. They are also, however, the perfect family-bonding opportunity; just imagine the laughter, jokes and memories that accompany your first time trying to ski on water; or maybe getting some family competition stirred-up in the form of jet ski racing, or even shouting words of encouragement to whomever is holding on for dear life, being pulled at top speed on the back of a donut!
I have done some research and compiled a list of my favourite water toys, ranging from the universally popular ones to the most innovative:
The Sub-Wing began its story as a piece of driftwood and a waterski rope in 2010. Simon Sivertsen formulated the concept of mimicking flying underwater, and graduated from a plank of wood to two chopping boards tied to a pole and then, finally, after much careful crafting and calculation, to the professional piece-of-kit we see today.
The usability of the Sub-Wing is incredibly simple, with a range of sizes to suit different ages, the Sub-Wing is a piece of equipment that won’t take long to work out – hold on to both wings and twist forward or back to go up, down or barrel-roll – and, once you’ve got the hang of it, it can be one of the most rewarding, adrenaline-fuelled water activities!
The Seabreacher looks like it was taken straight out of an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie (I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s where the idea came from); a Frankenstein’s combination of, well, submarine missile, F1 fighter jet and- depending on which model you go for- either an orca whale, dolphin or shark.
For a taste of the tranquil life of dolphins, or the predatory, high-octane life of sharks, the Seabreacher is the only vessel that can provide it! Dive down to 5 feet, and then burst through the surface in true Jaws-fashion at speeds of up to 60mph! Step up your game by practicing the various stunts that are possible, such as barrel-rolling or launching out of the water.
These two inflatable amenities really speak for themselves in the world of water toys; who could say no to the thrill of sliding from the Flybridge of your yacht charter and being greeted by the refreshingly cool, clear waters of the Mediterranean or Caribbean? Perfect for every member of the family-including your dog- the yacht water slide is a welcome addition to the yachting world.
The Yacht Blob, however, is for those who seek more of a thrill than the slide can provide. Imagine a giant, inflatable…blob…floating next to your yacht. This blob has been designed in a way as to quench the thirst of the adrenaline junkies by literally launching them through the air. They will sit on one end of the blob, and a couple of other people will jump from the highest (and safest) point of their yacht, landing on the other end of the blob. The combined weight and force of the two people will cause the one at the other end to be launched away from the boat through the air and landing safely in the sea.
The Seabob has become a well-established amenity in yacht charters. This water toy could be likened to an underwater jet-pack, but you will have to hold on tight as it pulls you through the water!
The Seabob is a toy for confident swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 14km/h under water. Imagine being in the middle of a pod of dolphins or turtles, matching their pace as they race through the open water- that is the experience that a Seabob will allow you to achieve!
How could it be a water toys blog if it didn’t feature the Jetlev water jetpack? Every time I see one of these it reminds me of the imaginatively-absurd technology one sees in James Bond- but this is real!
This water-propelled jet-pack has taken the world of water toys by storm; a worthy opponent to parasailing, I’m 100% positive it’s one of those activities that looks easy until you actually attempt it yourself.
If you are interested in trying out these different toys, one of our charter brokers will be more than happy to discuss with you the best charter to suit your interests- just drop us a line, and we’ll be sure to get back to you!
