A Day in the Life of an Intern – Part XI

June 14th was a special day during my internship at Boatbookings. After spending a couple of hours in our office in Cannes, I headed to Antibes to meet Broker Ben, who had spent the morning meeting some of his clients for their embarkation. We headed to Port Vauban for a brokers’ day out on REHAB – one of our all-time favourite day charter yachts along the French Riviera. Broker days are organised by the owners of the yachts such that the Brokers can get to know the boat and its crew better.

We were greeted on board REHAB by the fantastic crew made up of Captain Chris and Stewardess Justine. Once the other brokers arrived and had settled in, we headed west, past the stunning Cap D’Antibes, towards Cannes and the beautiful Iles de Lérins. The islands are an incredibly popular destination thanks to the crystal-clear water, making them the perfect place to drop anchor, relax and swim. As it was still early in the season, we were able to experience the beauty of the islands without many other people there.

Broker Ben, always chatting to clients!

Once we had found the perfect spot to anchor, our lovely hosts had prepared a quiz for us. As brokers are of the competitive kind, it’s not like us to ever back down from a challenge, so we quickly got into our teams, boys vs. girls of course, and the game of 20 questions commenced. After a mix of technical questions about REHAB and other yachts, as well as general knowledge questions about the industry, the girls came out on top!

In the afternoon, everyone enjoyed relaxing on board this stunning Sunseeker yacht, whilst indulging in French crudité platters overflowing with local cheeses, baguettes and olives beautifully prepared by Justine. It was incredibly interesting meeting other people from the Industry and getting to know the faces behind the names. As the day came to an end, we cruised back towards Port Vauban past the stunning villas on the Cap d’Antibes.

Anna taking in the views from the bow.

This day was a fantastic way to get a taste of what Boatbookings’ clients experience, whilst also getting to know REHAB and it’s lovely crew as well as the other Brokers. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to talk to so many fascinating people – is there a better place to mingle than aboard a beautiful yacht?

A Day in the Life of an Intern – Part X

Half the team reviewing Sailing Yacht DARK SHADOW

On a beautiful sunny day in April, the Boatbookings team took the morning train from our Cannes office to the Port of Nice for the ECPY Yacht Show, which featured a myriad of charter boats, including huge luxury motor yachts and crewed sailing yachts.

Upon arrival, we were given our official Brokers badges and split up into two teams for yacht viewings. It was a fantastic opportunity to see the very best of what was on offer and discuss within the team what we loved about the boats and which we would most likely recommend to clients.

Some of the Boatbookings Team networking with other young professionals in the Industry

Stepping on board the yachts, it became clear that chartering is unlike any holiday experience you could imagine! The interiors of some of the Motor Yachts were truly stunning, each with their own unique style and characteristics; from green marble floors to disco-like karaoke rooms and winding metallic staircases, each yacht had its own surprise that made it as memorable as the last.

One of the most spectacular yachts we had visited had to be KIJO – with Southern Pacific inspired decor of light bamboo and neutral browns, it was confident in its style and was something I had never seen before! The crew on board were outstanding, with the chief stewardess being passionate about the boat and making it clear that she went above and beyond to make guests have the best time on board. The chef had laid out an amazing selection of nibbles and the boat was in immaculate condition!

Broker Anna and I enjoying a glass of champagne on board Motor Yacht QUASAR after the show

After a day of viewings, the team finally came together once again to discuss the highlights of the show; it was amazing to hear how the Brokers really dug into the details of every aspect of the yacht to know it inside and out, in order to be able to make the best recommendations to clients. After 6 pm, the official show wound down and the yachts went into aperitif mode! We were invited onto the yachts for a glass of champagne and to relax and enjoy the evening, as if in our client’s shoes. The service was impeccable and it was a great opportunity to network and speak to others from within the industry – with music flowing from the aft deck, cocktails being served and canapés appearing from the galley, it was truly an evening of luxury in the most stunning setting!

A stunning sunset at the Port of Nice

Being able to meet other young professionals in the industry, as well as yacht crews, and central agents gave us all a real insight into the inner workings of the industry, and it was a wonderful experience touring the yachts with the senior brokers! Boatbookings gives interns a hands-on experience of the industry, offering responsibility that few other internships can beat.