Sustainable Summer: How can you have a greener yacht charter?

The Mediterranean summer season is officially in full swing. Our crewed catamaran charters can offer an unforgettable experience, but the Med is fragile. Here are some suggestions about how you can adopt greener, more sustainable practices while out on the water. 

We all know it is vital to reduce plastic, dispose of waste correctly, eat locally and sustainably, and choose the most energy-efficient vessel, but what else can you do to minimize your impact on a yacht charter?

Here are some of our top tips to embrace a more sustainable summer charter experience:

Leave only footprints 

When exploring islands, coves, bays, and beaches this summer, be sure to follow the leave no trace and only footprints. This is crucial to help preserve our natural beauty for others to enjoy while maintaining an area’s ecological integrity. When you get in the tender and visit a crystal clear bay, ensure you wear reef-friendly suncream, as you don’t want to leave any toxic residue. Or when you have a lunch picnic on a secluded beach, always take your trash away with you. And even when you go for an island hike, keep to the trails and leave as little impact as possible. 

Make your own power 

Whenever you head to land away from the anchorage, be sure to consider greener transport options. If you are visiting a particular designation on land, swap out the diesel-powered vehicle for a bike or electric scooter. Not only will these choices help reduce your overall footprint and emissions, but they also add an extra dose of adventure and fun to your summer journey. 

Get under the water 

Summer isn’t summer without playing in the water on a crewed charter. But while having fun, you can also ensure you are responsible. When you’re embraceing the marine life through snorkeling and scuba diving please avoid touching or standing on coral reefs as they are delicate and can easily be damaged. You should also have correct buoyancy control techniques to prevent accidental contact with the ocean’s fragile habitats. Be aware of any marine park regulations and always follow the guidance of your experienced crew. Replacing fossil-fuel-powered toys with time under the water will enrich your charter experience and help you minimize your impact. 

Support local projects 

Summer is a peak time for conservation projects and initiatives to protect marine ecosystems. Before you go, research local conservation organizations and volunteer opportunities in the destination. Examples include beach clean-ups, coral reef restoration efforts, or turtle nesting projects. If you don’t find specific projects, then be sure to support the local economy in any way you can. Choose eco-friendly tour operators and participate in nature walks, eco-hiking, and bird-watching activities. Supporting local companies will also ensure you have a more authentic experience.

Share and Inspire 

It may seem like a simple tip, but being an advocate for our oceans this summer can be powerful. You can inspire others to do the same when you make greener and more responsible choices on a yacht charter this summer. Sharing your journey to help preserve our oceans can raise awareness among others and catalyze change. 

At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves in offering greener crewed catamaran charters. If you want further information on how to tread a little lighter when chartering with us, please contact the Boatbookings team today

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!

Where We’re Going This Summer

Winter is comfortably behind us, and summer has finally settled in, bringing warmer temperatures and longer days. Here at Boatbookings, we couldn’t be more excited about our upcoming vacations and the boats we’ll be taking to explore undiscovered islands and towns that await! We can plan your charter vacation too; just get in touch and email [email protected] today!

Name: Ben, Charter Broker
Destination: Sardinia

The combination of the breath-taking Tavolara, chic Porto Cervo, the beautiful Maddalena and iconic Bonifacio are unbeatable. Sardinia is discreet and exclusive, the perfect yacht charter destination. I’d combine the quiet anchorages around Porto Pollo with beautiful Port towns like Porto Rotondo and Bonifacio. I’d go for traditional Italian coffee and breakfast at the Cafe du Port (Porto Cervo), then cruise into the Maddalena, swim at Caprera (Cala Coticcio), seafood lunch at La Scogliera (Isola Maddalena north, close to Cala Spalmatore) and then back to Phi Beach Club (Porto Cervo) for sunset. I would stay there, but you could also then go for dinner at Just Cavalli Porto Cervo and then onto Billionaire Club!

Chosen Yacht: PORTHOS SANS ABRI – with a yacht owner that has picked the best crew from his fleet of yachts, you are in excellent hands with Captain Carlo. He knows the area inside out, so whether you’re looking to relax, water sports or party, he will take you to the best spots. Contact: [email protected] 

 

Name: CordeliaCharter Broker
Destination: Ibiza and Palma

The craziness of Ibiza is a lot of fun and there is an abundance of great beach clubs – Blue Marlin, Juan y Andrea, Lio for the night, then head over to Formentera for a change of scenery. I would be travelling with my family, so would want to visit Mallorca for a quieter time in beautiful bays and the national park Dragonera. The stunning natural beauty of this area is breathtaking and spots are best accessed on a boat, with secluded bays offering us some downtime from the buzzing vibes of Ibiza!

Chosen Yacht: QUASAR – she has the best crew who have been together since last summer; their deckhand loves the water toys, there’s a fabulous chef that makes the best fresh tuna tacos and Captain Ian knows all the more remote spots in Ibiza, not just the obvious places. The yacht is in great condition and has lots of exterior space to kick back and relax as you soak up the sun. Contact: [email protected]

 

Name: EveProduct Manager
Destination: Greece

Having spent just a short weekend in Greece last month, I am super keen to go back again. Greek people are all so friendly and welcoming, the food is amazing – particularly the baklava and souvlaki – and the weather is always hot hot hot! In particular, I want to go sightseeing in Athens and visit some of the islands – some more rural like Milos, and some more for partying like Mykonos, as Greece is so versatile!

Chosen Yacht: BARENTS SEA – Barent’s sea has had a full refit and is so modern, gorgeous and has the most amazing stewardess and chef, who will go above and beyond to ensure an exceptional charter. Her interior is stunning, with a true feel of a luxury floating hotel at your own disposal! Contact: [email protected]

 

Name: Eleanor, Sales and Marketing Executive
Destination: French Riviera

Having moved to the Cannes office for the summer season, I’ve adored being in the South of France – it’s perfect for relaxing on the beach and the French Riviera has all the beach clubs, bars and incredible restaurants you could ask for, so no need to go elsewhere! I would do a Day Charter from Cannes to St Tropez or Monaco during my time off, as I think exploring the coast by yacht is unrivalled. I’d spend the day cruising with the music going and drinks flowing with friends, before having lunch at one of the glamorous Beach Clubs; then swim and use the water toys on board before returning back to Cannes for an evening out at Baôli, our favourite club.

Chosen Yacht: REHAB – she is ideal for cruising along the hotspots of the French Riviera and has plenty of deck space for tanning and chilling with friends. Inside there’s a great seating area, too, for sipping champagne whilst on the water!

Contact us today for more information about any destination you might like to charter in – we can plan an amazing trip for you!