Tag Archives: Superyacht

Silent Yachts: Is the Future Silent?

Amidst the quest for greener yachting, catamaran builder Silent Yachts has been front and center in providing alternatives. The Austrian-based pioneer has been revolutionizing the luxury catamaran market by introducing electric propulsion systems that power silent and emission-free catamarans – with unlimited range – while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a superyacht.  

Boatbookings supports their vision of creating a new era of sustainable yachting through innovative and self-sufficient yachts and are happy to offer Silent Yachts within our crewed charter catamaran offerings.  We are also thrilled when our clients have zero charges for fuel!

Here are the top reasons to charter a Silent Yacht:

A carbon-free propulsion system 

A compelling feature of Silent Yachts is their reliance on electric propulsion systems. They integrate solar panels and advanced battery technologies to enable the catamarans to navigate silently and without generating emissions. Keeping true to their mission, the Silent Yachts manufacturing process is also powered by clean energy that is generated by solar panels in the production facilities. 

Cruise in silence 

The absence of engine noise and vibrations onboard creates a peaceful atmosphere where you can fully immerse yourselves in the beauty of the ocean. Imagine not being at the mercy of the wind for sailing and yet still being able to hear the lapping waves as you cruise and cross oceans. 

Eco-friendly materials 

Silent Yachts also outfit their boats with eco-friendly materials. They use a range of materials that are not only more sustainable but also have additional beneficial qualities. Examples include flax fibers, which also have great sound-deadening abilities and dampen vibrations, adding to the silent cruising experience. Bamboo and cork are other examples used within the catamaran design of the decks and cabins. 

Nearly limitless cruising range 

The impressive catamarans are equipped with an array of solar panels that can generate and store energy onboard. This allows for an extended cruising range while also covering the hotel loads onboard. The kite sail system also enhances efficiency, as the kite design can fly at higher altitudes and doesn’t shade the panels. The enhanced efficiency of design means you can enjoy the silence longer and the catamarans have true ocean-crossing abilities.

Why wouldn’t you want to charter a Silent Yacht today? You can combine a unique, luxurious, and silent cruising experience while reducing your carbon footprint, joining the green revolution. Contact the Boatbookings team to find out more about a greener crewed charter catamaran with Silent Yachts. 

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World Ocean Day: What can we do together to help preserve our seas?

Today is World Ocean Day, a day to celebrate and honour the importance of our oceans. This year’s theme is ‘Planet Ocean: tides are changing.’

The oceans are our lifeline, literally. They provide us with 70% of our oxygen and cover 71% of the Earth’s surface. Without them, both humanity and our yachting industry would cease to exist.

At Boatbookings, we understand that we are united by oceans and reliant upon their health. We have long been an advocate for protecting them and continue to do so. To ensure their survival in the future we need more collective action.

What are the main threats facing our oceans? 

It is important to identify the main threats facing our oceans in order to understand what the issues are why we should protect them, and how to work to do so.

  • Plastic pollution: An equivalent of one truckload of plastic enters the oceans every minute, damaging the ecosystems and entering the food chain.
  • Overfishing: 90% of the world’s wild fish are either fully or over-exploited due to destructive fishing practices. 
  • Ocean Warming: Increasing ocean temperatures are affecting marine species and ecosystems and driving up sea levels. 

Why else do we want to protect them?

  • It is the ultimate playground: The ocean is different everywhere you go, from Greece to Croatia, to the Bahamas, to the Pacific. You can do so many things on, in and under the oceans. It is full of life’s great, diverse adventures, think kayaking fjords to scuba diving with reef sharks.
  • We share it: The oceans are a valuable resource that is utilised and shared around the globe. The oceans shape cultures and traditions and living by the sea has such an impact on your life, whether that be what you eat, where you work, or how you spend your time. 
  • The Biodiversity: The oceans are home to an incredible array of biodiversity, including millions of species that many are still yet to be discovered. Healthy oceans can support complex ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass, which all provide habitats and feeding grounds.
  • Makes us feel good: Research has shown that bodies of water are strongly linked to your brain releasing feel-good hormones. Who wouldn’t be happy on a crewed charter catamaran in Tahiti? 

What can we do onboard a crewed charter?

There are so many ways we can help protect and conserve our oceans. Both small and large changes can make a world of difference to the health of our oceans and the overall sustainability of our planet. Here are some top ways this World Ocean Day you can help:

  • Make sure you choose one of our more sustainable electric charter catamarans for this summer. From electric to hybrid, there are so many green options out there. 
  • Offset your carbon emissions. You can use our carbon offset calculator to work them out. 
  • Reduce your plastic waste onboard. You can specify on your preference sheet that you would like to minimize single-use plastic wherever possible. For example, through reusable bottles, filtered water, and refillable toiletries onboard a crewed charter. 
  • Support and get involved in any local ocean conservation initiatives, from beach clean up’s in the BVI’s to supporting local communities in the Bahamas. 
  • Eat locally and seasonally onboard. You can ask your onboard chef to source sustainably and ethically throughout your trip. This will reduce your carbon footprint onboard due to the reduced air miles. 
  • It is important to understand why there are specific anchoring regulations in place and to always adhere to these. Your crew will ensure that you anchor in an environmentally-safe spot without damaging what is below, especially the coral reef.

While it is essential to recognize and acknowledge all the themes and topics behind World Ocean Day, we should work to protect and conserve our oceans every day. We ensure our clients take the protection of oceans seriously. At Boatbookings, we started this by helping facilitate greener chartering, leading the charge to provide our clients with a more sustainable charter fleet and practices. For a greener charter this year, contact the Boatbookings team today.

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Is the Electric Yachting Era Finally here?

While car manufacturers unveil new electric car models on what seems like a daily basis, the yachting industry has been slower to adopt this trend and remains nearly 100% diesel-based. Thankfully, this is rapidly changing. If you attend any boat show, you will feel a palpable buzz about all the new models and technologies being announced as the yachting industry strives to electrify.

What are the benefits of electrification?

Electric propulsion systems are highly energy efficient, utilizing power more effectively than traditional engines. With the ongoing advancements and development in battery technology, electrification is now becoming viable. Yachts are implementing electric systems with larger batteries that minimize range anxiety.

Not only does electrification result in greener chartering through lower carbon emissions, it also offers a better charter experience that includes:

  • Silent cruising from the use of electric motors
  • Reduced vibrations throughout the yacht
  • The ability to run aircon at night without the use of a generator, which often is loud and impedes upon the tranquility of a night in a beautiful anchorage
  • No diesel fumes from engines that often belch smoke out of the aft while you are enjoying water sports
  • Greatly reduced fuel cost. If you’re powered by the sun, you will feel the savings in your wallet! Might as well spend that money on great dining and activities.

A sparked interest from innovative yacht builders 

When it comes to embracing electrification, several boat builders have emerged as pioneers showcasing both the benefits to customers (virtually no noise or fumes and much cheaper cruising) as well as their commitment to sustainability. Here are a few of our favorite examples: 

The Silent 64 from Silent Yachts

Silent Yachts: Based in Austria, they specialize in designing and building solar-powered catamarans that operate solely on electric propulsion systems. We have a range of crewed catamaran charters from Silent ready to charter.

Sunreef: We also have a wide selection of crewed catamaran charters from the renowned Polish catamaran manufacturer. Sunreef has made waves with its electric range, powered by advanced electric propulsion systems that include solar panels and high-capacity batteries.

Voyage: All systems onboard these crewed catamaran charters are quietly powered by large-capacity batteries and recharged by solar, hydro generation, and a high-efficiency generator.

What else needs to happen?

The development of sustainable technology has been evident. However, there still needs to be increased investment in the infrastructure and onshore support. One obstacle is the current limited infrastructure of charging, establishing a network of charging stations, marina infrastructure and reliable power supply is crucial for the integration of a fully electric fleet. 

Transitions take time, but we are excited to see what has happened so far and what is on the horizon. This transition offers enhanced efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved onboard experience. 

Book and Electric Yacht today with us

At Boatbookings, we have long been leading the charge on this electric yacht revolution and are excited that we can now offer you a range of clean and silent yachts that are all-electric. To charter some of our best sustainable electric charter catamarans, contact the Boatbookings team today. We can also arrange to offset your carbon emissions so that you can charter net zero with any boat from our fleet.

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Catamaran Charters: Comfortable, Efficient, and Green

Improve your green yacht charter credentials and get ready for the summer season by choosing one of Boatbookings’ many catamarans.

With the approaching summer season, Boatbookings discusses why chartering a catamaran is better for the health of our oceans and picks out some favourite, more sustainable options.

Catamarans continue to become increasingly popular choices for yacht charters. It is no wonder why – a catamaran provides so many benefits.

Whether it be crewed or bareboat, power or sail, you can enjoy their voluminous open-plan living and comfortable accommodation areas, their increased stability, and smoother cruising to that of a monohull.

Recent years have seen the multihull charter market evolving with its offerings, and most importantly, they highlight a significant move toward a greener and low-carbon agenda. We take a look at the ways they are better for our oceans.

Improved efficiency

The efficient hull design of a catamaran drastically reduces its resistance through the water, improving fuel efficiency. Boasting lighter hulls, they also have a lower displacement than monohulls. Power catamarans have a lower overall fuel burn and a steadier rise in speed while sailing catamarans can combine this advantage with nature’s wind power.

Fewer emissions

With overall reduced fuel consumption, there will be fewer emissions into our atmosphere; therefore, a catamaran will boast a lower carbon footprint. The benefit of a sailing catamaran is the overall fuel reduction, lessening emissions even more so than a power catamaran. Our emissions calculator can determine the exact footprint of any charter yacht.

Reduced impact

Another characteristic of a catamaran is its shallow draft, resulting in less impact on marine life while enabling more choices for better anchorages. With more out of the water, they have less disruption of the area’s marine ecology and the added benefit of less vibration and, therefore, noise. Their drafts also make them popular for specific cruising itineraries, such as the Bahamas and the BVIs.

Renewable opportunities 

The wider beam of a catamaran provides more space for renewable energy alternatives. Their exterior can be outfitted with solar panels, perfect for soaking up the Caribbean and Pacific sunshine while also enabling the yacht to operate on less power from the generators and engines. There are also plenty of catamarans that run off electric power, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

Choose a greener catamaran today 

Catamarans are part of a fast-growing segment of the charter industry. One that, thanks to innovative technology, is ever-evolving and improving its sustainability credentials.

Today there is a vast selection of eco-friendly catamarans that run on wind, solar, batteries and electric motors. As well as these greener technologies, many catamaran builders, such as Sunreef, implement a holistic sustainability process, using naturally-sourced materials throughout the build.

Boatbookings offers some of the best, greener catamaran options available for charter:

Sunreef, E Supercat 60:

This crewed Sunreef sailing catamaran, with nearly zero carbon emissions, boasts electric motors and rechargeable batteries while sailing; her eco-electric propulsion enables six hours of electric cruising.

Silent 64:

This Silent 64 power catamaran results in cleaner, electric cruising with zero emissions. 

Lagoon 420: 

This bareboat Lagoon 420 catamaran offers low fuel consumption and minimal emissions through her two electric motors and power by two sets of six batteries. 

Fountaine Pajot, Aura 51: 

This Fountaine Pajot 51 bareboat catamaran offers maximum space, that doubles up to provide renewable energy through its integrated solar panels. 

With our oceans facing increasing environmental pressures, considering your next choice when chartering is more important than ever. Not only do catamarans offer a range of benefits, but they are also better for our oceans. Contact the Boatbookings team about your next, greener summer charter and our range of available catamarans.

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Reducing Yacht Carbon Emissions: Is HVO Fuel the Answer?

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil produces dramatically fewer emissions than diesel 

Yacht carbon emissions are a pressing issue in the yachting industry, and for good reasons, but what are the alternatives? Boatbookings begins to explore this topic as the industry accelerates its environmental agenda.

Ahead of the 33rd MYBA Charter show from 24th – 27th April in Barcelona, we take a look at the findings from the most recent MYBA environmental committee’s AGM report. The report discusses the immediate need for a fuel alternative and the role of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel in moving toward net zero.

The emission problem 

The average person produces around 7 tonnes of C02 annually. Considering that statistic, one litre of diesel creates about 3 KG of C02 in the atmosphere; according to the report, if “a big yacht consumes 60,000 litres per week on charter, this is 180 metric tons of C02.” 

Given these statistics, it is no wonder that the industry’s future is steeped in a climate-conscious effort to pave the way toward a fossil fuel-free future. While there may be multiple challenges to fully decarbonizing the industry, there are also equal amounts of hope from innovative technologies and fast-developing hybrid and electrical solutions. 

HVO; An alternative? 

But how do we green the diesel-driven boats that are currently in our fleets? Experts believe HVO is the most viable alternative because there is no need to modify existing engines or generators. 

Originally the first-generation biofuel, FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters), hailed a bad reputation. This was mainly due to FAME’s oxidation and affinity to water, leading to a significant risk of microbial growth. But HVO’s chemical makup, as well as storage stability, is similar to that of fossil fuels. Hence it offers a possible direct replacement, meaning that all yachts, not just retrofitted ones, can reduce their emissions immediately. 

So what exactly is HVO? It is made by using recycled sunflower oil. First, it undergoes hydro-treatment at high temperatures and pressures, where hydrogen is added to remove the oxygen. There are claims that it offers a 90% reduction in C02 emissions on the basis that it is made from recycled oil – having already made its environmental impact.

Who uses and supplies it?

Regarding the usage, Rolls Royce and MTU endorse HVO and have been testing their engines with it for a long time. As a tangible example, the charter yacht Lammouche has divulged its use of HVO fuel, which they source from Fioul83. 

The short-term challenges of HVO have focussed on the availability, production, and higher cost compared to diesel. However, the report outlines that “yachts can buy it for a premium of about 35 cents a litre for pure HVO.” 

In terms of supply, currently the best supplier is the Finland-based Neste, producing HVO with complete transparency – they are consistently ranked among the 100 most sustainable companies in the world. Although Neste is not yet “geared up to supply yachting, while aviation and ground-transport sectors are its primary consumers.” 

The report further reveals solutions through Neste’s distribution partners, a French company Altens and their partnership with Monaco-based sustainable fuel suppliers Romano Energy. Although they have only delivered to 18 (smaller) boats so far, the future holds lots of possibilities.

Choose a lower-carbon yacht

What is clear is that to reach net zero, the industry needs to burn less conventional fuel. Recent years have seen various alternatives out there, such as electric/battery yachts – each with pros and cons. Alongside alternatives, the report urges people to use tools to measure C02 to measure and reduce emissions. You can use our emissions calculator to determine your footprint based on distance and fuel consumed per mile or kilometer.

We are always keen to share our recommendations for charter yachts that hail lower carbon emissions. The Boatbookings team will be present at the Barcelona MYBA show and look forward to discussing this topic and the industry’s newest sustainable innovations for the charter fleet.

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