Tag Archives: Boatbookings

Expert Insight: The CEO’s Favourite Catamaran HEMISPHERE

For our latest blog series, we asked the Boatbookings’ team members for their favorite worldwide charter yachts to share them with all of our clients, colleagues and suppliers alike. We begin with our CEO’s favourite crewed catamaran; HEMISPHERE!

HEMISPHERE is a 145ft luxury crewed Pendennis catamaran available for charter throughout Southeast Asia in such exciting, intriguing destinations as Fiji, Indonesia, the South Pacific and many more! She is one of our favourite catamarans for charter worldwide due to her chic and spacious exterior spaces, welcoming crew and of course the trampolines:

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Our first team visit to HEMISPHERE at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2012 (featuring a mini Boatbookings helper loving the trampolines!).

Launched in 2011 by Pendennis, HEMISPHERE is just over 44 metres in length (145ft) with a massive 16.6 metres beam (54ft). Her innovative design boasts creative features that blend speed and stability with both space and style. Catamarans are famed for their space and HEMISPHERE is no exception. Her spacious flybridge is sure to be your favourite area on the yacht. She features a Jacuzzi, sun pads and shaded dining area, along with an immense indoor/outdoor living area on the main deck.

HEMISPHERE‘s interiors, designed by Michael Leach, are quite simply stunning. The main saloon has contemporary styling with light woods, lots of natural light and comfortable areas for dining and socialising. HEMISPHERE also boasts a comfy game and TV room, ideal for younger charter guests. This fantastic yacht can welcome up to 12 guests on board in 5 well-appointed staterooms with a further two identical master cabins on the main deck.

Other highlights include a professional diving board, a 6m trampoline and a comprehensive diving centre with the latest diving equipment. Her crew of 8 include a fantastic British Captain, a renowned Danish chef who formerly worked for the Danish royal family, and 2 PADI Scuba diving instructors. So, whether you’re after exceptionally prepared cuisine, sunbathing with a glass of bubbly on the flybridge or diving in Southeast Asia, HEMISPHERE is surely the yacht for you.

HEMISPHERE will be available for charter in the 2018/19 Winter season in French Polynesia and the South Pacific, followed by Fiji, Indonesia and Tonga! She is for charter from $260,000 per week plus expenses.

If the luxury catamaran experience appeals to you and your family, please do get in touch with Boatbookings’ expert brokers who would be delighted to organise the ultimate Southeast Asia adventure for you.

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Superyacht of The Week: CLOUDBREAK

Stunning explorer yacht CLOUDBREAK. Photo credit: Yachtfolio

CLOUDBREAK is a unique and astonishing 72.5m Abeking and Rasmussen motor yacht – an easy choice for our superyacht of the week! On CLOUDBREAK, you will adventure beyond, experience more, and relax completely.

Whilst many yachts can cruise in Southeast Asia or Scandinavia, CLOUDBREAK goes off the beaten track and paves her way in new waters. In 2018, she is exploring Madagascar, a bespoke experience where you can witness amazing wildlife and feel true freedom. In 2019 she ventures to Norway and Sweden, which will open your eyes to extraordinary views of fabulous fjords and breath-taking scenery.

The minute you step onto the passerelle, you will experience incomparable luxury from start to finish. This 72.5m motor yacht offers fantastic exterior amenities so you can relax as you admire the mountains, greenery and waterfalls drift past. The outdoor daybed offers a luxurious and comfortable spot for relaxing in the summer breeze.

Head down after a delicious breakfast prepared by your talented private onboard chef and grab a sunbed with an immense backdrop of the mountains of Sweden or aquamarine waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. CLOUDBREAK also ventures to the Mediterranean, so you can replace the mountains with colourful fishing towns, sparkling beach clubs and secluded beaches if you please!

As with any luxury motor yacht, the water toy selection is endless! From Seabobs to Kayaks, Kite Surfing to Fishing, whatever takes your fancy the crew will kit you out and give you a helping hand.

The most breathtaking views onboard CLOUDBREAK. Picture credit: Yachtfolio

After an exciting day on the water, retire to your cabin for a heavenly nights sleep! When you awake, your first sight will be the dazzling ocean and beautiful anchorage where you settled the night before. To add to the therapeutic environment on board, CLOUDBREAK offers a sauna and pool so you can unwind and feel pampered! Yacht charters are the ultimate wellbeing vessels, where the crew and amenities will work tirelessly to ensure you feel healthy and happy.

To charter CLOUDBREAK for your next adventure, contact one of our expert brokers and get a bespoke proposal today. Charter this stunning superyacht today in Scandinavia, followed by the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia including Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Charter rates start at €750,000 plus expenses.

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The Very Best of Greek Gastronomy

Greek cuisine offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods and beverages that are the result of thousands of years of living, cooking, and eating. Greek gastronomy is known for its simple and elegant flavors, quality ingredients and nutritious and healthy content. It is a journey through Greece‘s history and the culinary influences that were left by numerous invasions, be them Roman, Venetian, Balkan, Turk…even English.

One of the many joys to be found in chartering a yacht in Greece is not just relaxing in such a tranquil area on your luxury yacht, but also being able to discover, taste, and experience the unique local Greek cuisine. On your yacht you might choose to charter in any number of fantastic areas, be it around Corfu and the Ionian Islands, Mykonos and the Cyclades Islands, Skiathos in the Sporades Islands or Kos in the Dodecanese Islands, but each of these areas and indeed each island in Greece has its own unique cultural heritage and cuisine.

Greece food

The Sporades islands for example are well known for their use of dairy products and produce the most delectable spoon sweets and thyme honey. The local cheese pie and lobster and spaghetti are highly recommended!

The Cyclades islands are known for their charcuterie tradition while the Ionian islands retain more of a western European influence in its cuisine as it was the only area not be be conquered by the Ottomans in the 15th century. It  is known for its braised veal sofrito, an exquisite dish flavored with garlic, parsley, and vinegar, its Semolina pie with almonds or perhaps its delicious spiced fig cakes.

The Dodecanese islands boasts a host of dishes based on bread and grains with bulgur and cracked wheat claiming a prominent place. Look out for delicious local dish of home-made pasta with caramelized onions that the islanders make throughout most of the Dodecanese! However, regardless of where you are on your yacht charter, you will come across some of the more famous Greek dishes such as the stuffed Paschal lamb and sun-dried octopus.

Our expert broker, Lambros Tsolakis, knows everything there is to know about the best greek delicacies. Varoulko Seaside, Funky Gourmet and Bill & Coo are his top 3 recommendations! At Boatbookings, we have years of charter experience in Greece and intimate knowledge of the yachts and the best places to go. Enquire today for a bespoke proposal.

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5 Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Guadeloupe

After spending five months living as a local in Guadeloupe, our charter broker Alice, found many reasons to charter in this Franco-African archipelago known by many as “Gwada”. A mixture of languages, cultures and activities makes these islands among the most diverse that the Caribbean has to offer. Here is why:

1. Island Hopping
The sailing possibilities are endless around the five islands that make up the French Caribbean archipelago of Guadeloupe. Each Island of Guadeloupe has a distinct and raw vibe and still manages stay in tune with its African and French roots.

  • Grande Terre –  Perfect for surfing, Creole inspired food markets and white sand beaches. 
One of the many stunning beaches on Grande Terre
A collection of Caribbean spices at a market in Grande Terre
  • Basse Terre –  A perfect stop off to visit waterfalls, diving, natural beauty spots including the national park and natural hot baths. 
Basse Terre
  • La Désirade   
La Désirade
  • Iles des Saintes – This archipelagio within the archipelago is a sailors paradise, ideal for exploring on bike and for water activities such as paddleboarding. 
Iles des Saintes
  • Marie-Galante –  Well known for beaches such as La Feuillère, its stunning coral reef and 19th century sugar-cane plantation. 

Or If you fancy visiting even more islands you can always sail to to neighbouring islands of Antigua (33 nautical miles), Dominica (26 nautical miles) or Martinique (52 nautical miles).  

2. The perfect blend of Rhum and Croissants
Due to its French legacy, every street in this Creole paradise will have a French Patisserie and, most definitely, a Rhumerie. Creole specialities are diverse from every other Caribbean island and typically include accras de morue (cod fritters), bananes flambées, fricassé de poulpe (octopus) and even a deep fried ‘Bokit’ sandwich with a variety of French fillings. It may be the only place in the world where a relaxing two hour lunch is acceptable. To begin, a Ti’Punch, a rum based aperitif, followed by a Caribbean curry and a bottle of French wine. From the finest of restaurants to street shacks, you are guaranteed to be able to find some of the most diverse food and drink that the Caribbean has to offer.

3. Diving
The diving schools on the Reserve Cousteau are among the most reputable in the world. There is even a Jacques Cousteau statue at one of the dive sites. The relaxed nature of these French dive schools will give you an authentic experience exploring these crystal waters, and the opportunity to see some of the largest varieties of fish in the Caribbean. There area multitude of diving options from snorkelling, first time diving, exploring or deep shipwreck dives.

4. The Beaches
There are 270 beaches spread across the islands of Guadeloupe and all are known to be gorgeous. There are both white and black sand beaches and even volcanos in the distant landscape. Each beach has a different vibe and many have quaint beach bars that serve planteur until the early hours.

5. Accessibility
There are direct flights from Miami, New York and Paris to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s main airport, which makes this archipelago of islands a must-visit for your next charter. There is also a ferry service from Antigua and many flights from other Caribbean islands.

Boatbookings has been organising charters in the Caribbean for over 14 years. If you are interested in chartering a yacht in Guadeloupe, please do get in touch with our expert brokers here. We have yachts available for charter in many amazing Caribbean destinations.

For further information about passports and visas when visiting Guadeloupe, click here.

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Super Yacht of the Week: O’PTASIA

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The imposing O’PTASIA – Picture credit: Yachtfolio

O’PTASIA translates to ‘exhibiting one’s self to view’ which is an appropriate name for this luxurious yacht which is certainly worth showing off! This 85m new build has an unrivalled array of water toys and exhaustive entertainment facilities from the waterfall Jacuzzi pool to the beach club and helipad.

Starting from the exterior, her four decks provide ample space for relaxing, socialising or whatever suits you. The flybridge is the highest deck, a favourite spot for soaking up the Croatian sunshine on the numerous sunbeds available. One of her most sought after features is the generous sized waterfall pool, so you can cool off whilst floating past idyllic islands in the summer breeze. One deck down you will discover a large round table, with panoramic views of the stunning scenery, be it island hopping in Greece or exploring the Croatian coastline. Here, you can enjoy a sunset dinner created by your private and talented chef, and served by the attentive and friendly stewardesses.

O’PTASIA can cater for a variety of charter experiences. If you are looking to stay active she boasts a fully equipped gym on the bridge deck, and exhilarating water toys such as a Seabob or a Wakeboard. Alternatively, if you are looking to unwind and enjoy a tranquil trip, the wellness and spa centre, endless sea views and lavish lounging areas make the perfect spots for reading and relaxing.

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Picture credit: Yachtfolio

Moving inside, you will be equally in awe of the contemporary and captivating interior. The sophisticated design seeps throughout the yacht, with the cream and dark wood contrast creating a pattern of modernity. Being a new-build, each room is immaculate with state-of-the-art equipment throughout. The Saloon is a popular area to settle down into the stylish sofas for a cinematic screening, or enjoy a nightcap before retiring to the sumptuous cabins.

The crew of 26 are experienced, professional and eager to have guests on-board to explore the exotic surroundings and showcase this spectacular yacht. They will ensure your charter experience goes beyond expectations, with their can-do attitudes and yachting backgrounds. As O’PTASIA hosts up to 24 guests, you can either ‘live your best life’ and host a party or celebration, or keep it intimate and have this vast yacht for a close group.

As you can see, pictures speak louder than words and O’PTASIA is an overwhelmingly stylish yacht that is ready to explore desirable destinations. She is everything that a luxury yacht should be – entertaining, impressive and unique. So enquire now to find out more and be bowled over by her charm and grace.

O’PTASIA is available for charter out of Greece, Croatia and West Med from €800,000 per week plus expenses. Please contact Boatbookings for more information on superyacht charter.

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