A Day in the Life of an Intern – Part XI

June 14^th 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.

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.

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?

Posted on August 28, 2018 by Ben Sutton

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!

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.

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Ben Sutton

A Day in the Life of an Intern – Part IX

This blog continues the ‘day in the life’ series, as a Boatbookings intern. A highlight of my internship was my first ever ‘fam trip’ (familiarisation trip) on board the M/Y SHAWLIFE on Friday 1^st June. Fam trips are organised by yacht owners as a way for brokers to gain an understanding of the benefits of different yachts, such that they can better sell them to their clients.

yacht, motor yacht, crewed motor yacht, french riviera, cannes, theoule sur mer, shawlife — Crewed Motor Yacht, SHAWLIFE

Embarkation was at 10am in Port Vauban, Antibes, one of the largest ports in Europe! This quaint town is lined with stone walls and set between Nice and Cannes – the ideal location to start a day charter. Here, I joined 6 other brokers on an unforgettable day along the French Riviera. After a quick tour by the owner of the stunning 2016 70ft motor yacht, we set off on our French Riviera adventure. As we left Antibes, we headed up to the flybridge for a delicious brunch, including bacon, eggs, pastries, smoked salmon and fruit – all prepared by the fantastic crew!

dining, yacht, breakfast, lunch, yacht charter, boatbookings

Leaving Antibes and heading past the Cap D’Antibes was choppy, but the sunshine and food more than made up for it and everyone was in good spirits. After the short cruise past Cannes towards Théoule sur Mer, we anchored very close to the shore to take in the scenery and enjoy the fantastic weather. The owner of the yacht was very keen to show us all of the highlights of the yacht, such as the beds that electrically convert from double to single – ideal for family charters, or groups of friends. He really wanted us to enjoy the yacht as much as he did – his passion was truly infectious.

Yacht charter, motor yacht, crewed motor yacht, theoule sur mer, cannes, antibes, iles des lerins, crewed motor yacht

After a quick tour of the bay of Théoule, its restaurants and SHAWLIFE’s exterior from the tender, we headed to the Îles des Lérins, the stunning islands steeped in history and famed for their crystal-clear, cerulean waters. This was where the real fun began as the water toys were brought out and the champagne opened. We anchored here for the rest of the afternoon, enjoying the scenery, swimming in the cool water and trying out the sea bobs. After a late BBQ lunch, I was getting a little conscious of the time, as we were meant to be back in Antibes (and I had a flight to catch!).

motor yacht, crewed motor yacht, cannes, iles des lerins, lerins islands, yacht charter, cannes yacht charter, boatbookings yacht charter

When it was time to leave, we cruised slowly through the islands before heading full speed towards Saint Laurent du Var, the nearest port to the airport. This was great fun, as we were going about 30 knots and we managed to see the fabulous 143-meter sailing yacht ‘A’, the largest private sail-assisted motor yacht in the world!

sailing yacht a, sailing yacht, crewed sailing yacht, luxury yacht, superyacht, yacht charter, boatbookings

We arrived at the port of St Laurent du Var for disembarkation and myself and one of the other brokers headed off to the airport. The day was a really great way to see exactly how clients finish their holidays, disembarking by the airport. SHAWLIFE truly is a stunning yacht and having been on board, she is definitely one of my favourite yachts based on the French Riviera!

Being able to meet other brokers, as well as the owner of this gorgeous yacht is an experience I will treasure and appreciate forever. Boatbookings gives interns a hands-on experience of the industry, offering responsibility that few other internships can beat. This is only topped by being surrounded by others who are passionate about their jobs and, of course, the opportunity to spend the day on a yacht!

Posted on August 14, 2018 by Ben Sutton

Nikki Beach with a Michelin Star Touch

For four dates throughout July and August, the famous Nikki Beach along St Tropez‘s Ramateulle area will be graced by four Michelin Starred Chefs, showcasing their talents and creating culinary masterpieces for diners. This special treat is exclusively run at Nikki Beach; luckily we have day charters from Cannes, St Tropez and other locations on the French Riviera, so getting to Nikki Beach will be a breeze!

July 24th – Gilles Goujon

Gilles Goujon is the first chef to showcase his skills; he is the owner of the 3 Michelin Starred L’Auberge du Vieux Puits in Fontjoncourse and a perfectionist when it comes to producing his divine dishes. His speciality creations are exquisitely presented and envisioned with careful consideration of complementary flavours and true mastery.

July 31st – Jean François Piège

Head Chef of Le Grand Restaurant in Paris, as well as Clover and Clover Grill, Jean François Piège is renowned for his dedication to placing the ingredient at the core of cultivating his creations. He has an extensive history working in top restaurants and being inspired by famous chefs such as Alain Ducasse and Bruno Cirino.

August 7th – Régis Marcon

‘Maître Restaurateur’ Régis Marcon is the owner of the three Michelin starred restaurant Le Clos des Cimes in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid in the Haute-Loire. His cooking style places emphasis on French local produce such as mushrooms (the emblem of the restaurant), chestnuts and puy lentils. His culinary expertise is such to amaze all those who are lucky enough to sample his dishes at Nikki Beach, for one day only.

August 21st – Emmanuel Renaut

In 2012, Emmanuel Renaut was named ‘cooking chef of the year’; owner of three Michelin Starred Restaurant Les Flocons de Sel, he is a celebrated chef who is sure to surprise and tantalise each person who tastes his gourmet culinary creations. With veritable precision and attention to detail in everything he does, be sure not to miss this opportunity sample an amazing meal.

Our Cannes and St Tropez day charter yachts are the best way to travel to Nikki Beach in style and prepare for an incredible day filled with delectable food and stunning views.

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Ben Sutton

La Vie en Rosé!

Rosé is undoubtedly the drink for warm summer days, with its pink hue and delicate palette perfectly complimenting blue skies and sparkling seas. France is known to produce some of the most exquisite wines in the world; from Provence to Bordeaux and Bandol, there are hundreds of unique wines to choose from. This is why we have rounded up a selection of stunning rosés that are suitable for sipping on your fabulous yacht charter, lounging along the Riviera, or to enjoy anywhere across the globe…

CHTEAU ROUBINE – Côtes de Provence Cru Classé
InSpire rosé 2017
Tibouren 90%, rolle 5%, grenache 5%
Medium-pale in colour, with complex sweet, fruity flavours, it is fresh on the palette and has a long finish.

CHTEAU SAINTE ROSELINE – Côtes de Provence Cru Classé
Roseline Chapel 2017
Mourvèdre 55%, cinsault 30%, Grenache 10%, rolle 5%
Incorporates an aroma of spices and exotic fruits, highlighted by lovely acidic notes of grapefruit and pale in colour.

CHTEAU BROWN – Bordeaux Rosé
Rosé 2017
Merlot 100%
A deep pink hue in colour, this wine is dominated by flavours of strawberry, with light hints of vanilla and cinnamon, creating a rich and intense flavour.

BAUDRY-DUTOUR – Chinon
Marie-Justine rose 2017
Cabernet-franc 100%
This deep pink rosé gives notes of sweet fresh fruits make this wine ideal to accompany spicy dishes and fine cured meats.

JOSEPH MELLOT – Sancerre
The Rosé Rabault 2017
Pinot noir 100%
This elegant wine incapsulates floral notes with accents of raspberries, strawberries and redcurrants, giving a delightful flavour of fresh fruit, presented in a medium-pink hue.

DOMAINE DE FONTENILLE – Luberon
Rosé 2017
Grenache 50%, Syrah 20%, Cinsault 20%, Mourvèdre 10%
With delicate flavours of rose and peach, the wine offers a smooth touch and an intense culmination of flavours to match its pale rosy hue.

ÉLIE SUMEIRE – Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire
Rosé 2017
Grenache 60%, cinsault 30%, syrah 10%
A light freshness with plum notes and a lingering sweetness makes this wine very drinkable; the colour is pale with a coral hue.

ROSELINE – Côtes de Provence
Roseline prestige rosé 2017
Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
A lively and intense rosé with a freshness associated with the vineyards of Provence, the flavour on the palate is lengthy and extremely pleasant.

DOMAINE DE LA MORDORÉE – Tavel
The rosewood queen 2017
Grenache 60%, Clairette 15%, Syrah 10%, Cinsault 15%, Bourboulenc 5%
This rosé has a strong and intense colour, accompanied by complex floral aromas of white and red flowers and fruits, as well as minty notes, making its finish airy and light.

CHTEAU PILLOW – Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire
César with Sumeire rosé 2017
Grenache 60%, Syrah 40%
With a pale pink colour and a delicate flavour of citrusy grapefruit and pineapple, this rosé is underpinned by floral notes of carnation and hawthorn.

These delicious rosés are the perfect compliment to a day charter, week-long charter or a corporate event, as you sit on deck; the Boatbookings team would be happy to give recommendations to find you the perfect wine to accompany whatever you choose to do!

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Ben Sutton