Tag Archives: sustainableyachting

How Are Electric Yachts Redefining Luxury Boating?

The luxury boating industry is witnessing an increasing shift and transformation to electric. Electric yachts are redefining what it means to travel in luxury while respecting our environment on a boat charter. At Boatbookings, we are proud to be at the forefront of this revolution, offering our clients the opportunity to experience the future of yachting through our fleet of greener crewed charter catamarans. 

The Electric Revolution 

Interestingly, the concept of electric boats is not new. In the 1880s, the River Thames hosted a fleet of electric rental boats complete with charging stations. However, electric boat usage declined with the rise of petrol and diesel engines, boasting higher speeds and ranges. Today, with growing environmental concerns and rising fuel prices, we are seeing a resurgence of electric boats. 

The electric boats on the market today have encompassed huge advancements in battery technology, electric motors, and renewable energy sources, driving their expansion and evolution. Innovations in motor efficiency and hull design continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable boating. 

An Electric Experience 

When you step aboard one of our electric or hybrid yachts in our fleet, you will still find all the luxuries you would expect from a high-end boat charter: spacious cabins, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, gourmet chefs, and attentive crew. The key difference lies in the propulsion systems. Electric yachts utilize advanced battery systems and electric motors, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. This shift not only reduces carbon emissions but also results in a quieter, smoother sailing experience. 

Environmental Benefits

The environmental benefits of electric boats are profound. With zero carbon emissions, these boats eliminate harmful exhaust gases and do not release pollutants directly into the water, contributing to cleaner air quality and reducing air pollution. The absence of onboard fuel storage also significantly reduces the risk of oil and fuel spills. 

An Improved Ride 

The benefits of electric propulsion extend beyond environmental considerations. Electric boats offer silent operation at lower speeds, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the vacation. Without vibration and noise, they create a smoother, more relaxing experience, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the beauty of the ocean. 

Aligning With Goals 

Choosing an electric yacht for charter also supports global efforts to reduce carbon footprints. As we become increasingly conscious of our environmental impact, especially in the luxury sector, electric boats offer a way to enjoy a luxury experience without compromising sustainability. 

The Future 

Ongoing technological advancements are opening up new possibilities for electric propulsion, both in new models and in retrofitting existing vessels. These innovations are helping mitigate environmental issues by reducing harmful emissions and minimizing water pollution. Over time, this will also lead to substantial cost savings and an even more enhanced boating experience. 

At Boatbookings, we are committed to offering our clients the best of both worlds: uncompromising luxury and environmental responsibility. Our fleet of greener crewed charter catamarans represents the cutting edge of sustainable yachting technology. Contact one of the Boatbooking teams to discover how you can charter one of our yachts while contributing to a better future for our oceans. 

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Greener Yacht Vacations: The Best 5 Sustainable Yachts For Charter

As the boat charter industry evolves to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly options and sustainable yachts, we are proud to present at Boatbookings a broad range of greener charter catamarans, as well as crewed and bareboat options. These yachts combine luxury with environmental responsibility, offering unforgettable experiences while ensuring minimal impact on our marine ecosystems. 

Whether you are looking for your next yacht vacation in the Mediterranean or South Pacific, here are our top 5 greener yachts for charter: 

Aura 51 

For those wanting a bareboat option, the Aura 51 Smart Electric from the French builder Fountain Pajot is the perfect option. This sailing catamaran has an advanced energy storage and management system that greatly reduces your charter’s carbon footprint. There are five double cabins and one single, sleeping up to 11 guests. For on-the-water fun, this yacht boasts a range of eco-conscious toys such as kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing equipment. 

Amber One 

The Sunreef 70, Amber one is a catamaran that exudes luxury. The yacht’s cutting-edge solar power technology is integrated into its sleek design, allowing for extended periods of silent, emission-free cruising. The innovative hull shape reduces fuel consumption, making it one of the most efficient catamarans. Accommodation is for eight with four double cabins, and a full range of eco-conscious water toys such as kayaks and paddleboards will add plenty of fun to charter groups’ days on anchor. Helmed by Captain Boris, who has extensive knowledge of Croatia, this is the perfect charter yacht for your next Mediterranean adventure. 

Amileo 

Another one of our favorite catamarans for charter is Amileo from Sunreef. Again, this Sunreef 70 showcases the versatility of sustainable yacht design. The catamaran boasts energy-efficient systems, from LED lighting to smart power management. Amileo’s commitment to sustainability extends to the interior, featuring ethically sourced materials and fabrics made from recycled ocean plastics. The yacht accommodates up to eight guests and cruises Croatia regularly, with Captain Zeljko taking you to the best anchorages. 

Tiril 

Proving that eco-conscious yachts come in all sizes, this slightly smaller Sunreef 50 is perfect for a sustainable charter. From the Mediterranean waters to the crystal clear ocean of the South Pacific, Tiril is available for charter in Tahiti. Featuring state of the art lithium battery banks, allowing for extended periods of silent operation to enjoy the solitude of these islands. Tiril’s lightweight construction and efficient hull designs also contribute to reduced fuel consumption. Accommodation onboard is for ten guests, with a knowledgeable crew of two who can curate an itinerary that incorporates local culture, such as visiting the Coral Garden and Pearl Farm. 

Dhamma II 

It isn’t just Sunreef shipyard making leaps in sustainable charters; Arcadia is also focusing on sustainability. The Dhamma II, Arcadia 85, is one of the most technologically advanced yachts, winning awards for its green credentials. This yacht can accommodate eight guests and usually charters around the Balearic Islands. 

This selection of greener crewed charter catamarans represents the fact that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. With eco-friendly features from propulsion power management to eco-conscious water toys and a dedicated sustainability-minded crew, these yachts ensure minimal impact on their cruising grounds. As the demand for sustainable yachting grows, we are committed to expanding our fleet of greener options at Boatbookings. Whether you want to explore the waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or the South Pacific, contact one of the Boatbookings team today to choose a sustainable yacht for your next charter. 

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Cleaner Fun: A Green Guide For Watersports This Summer

A boat charter isn’t complete without an overflowing selection of watersports. There are endless opportunities for fun onboard this summer on a Mediterranean yacht charter. And with new advanced toys being released onto the market each year, you will never be bored of on-the-water fun. But with these toys comes the environmental responsibility and awareness of protecting the marine environment.

Here are some of the ways you can have a more responsible playtime out on the water: 

Location, Location, Location 

The Mediterranean coastline has hidden coves, colorful reefs, and plenty of beaches. However, some of these marine areas are more fragile than others. Avoid marine-protected and ecologically sensitive regions when enjoying watersports on a boat charter. Be mindful about where you are playing, and avoid reed beds and sandbanks. If you are cruising in a nature reserve and marine protected area, there are typically strict rules and regulations signaling specific behavior for those partaking in watersports; be sure to adhere to these. 

Human-Powered & Electric Toys

The most environmentally friendly watersports are those powered by human effort. These activities, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, snorkeling, etc, not only have a minimal environmental impact but are still plenty of fun and provide lots of exercise. If you want to enjoy a motorized watersport, you can do a few things to minimize your impact. Firstly, consider switching to an electric motor; many toy boxes onboard now feature electric water toys, offering fun with zero emissions. If you use a traditional, fuel-powered toy, operate it at optimal speeds to maximize fuel efficiency. You can also offset these carbon emissions through our carbon emissions calculator. 

Leave No Trace 

When you are enjoying watersports from your boat charter, there are plenty of general practices that you can adopt to protect the oceans. Firstly, always ensure that you maintain a safe distance from marine life. Using clean equipment is also essential to prevent the spread of invasive species. The leave-no-trace concept should always be followed when boating, especially when enjoying water toys in secluded bays and anchorages. If you find any trash, always be proactive in cleaning up to help keep the oceans clean. 

Embracing greener practices in watersports is a necessity for preserving our marine ecosystems when boating; finding a balance between fun and environmental responsibility is key. Consider one of our greener crewed charter catamarans to reduce your impact further for your next boating vacation. Contact one of the team at Boatbookings to find out more. 

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METSTRADE 2023 Updates: The Waves of Decarbonization

Decarbonization is an issue of high priority within the boating sector. At Boatbookings, we are passionate about this dynamic topic, regularly staying ahead of the developments and innovations working to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. 

At this year’s METSTRADE show in Amsterdam, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) presented their latest report, ‘Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonization for the Recreational Marine Industry.’ 

The Report 

This comprehensive report focuses on boats under 24 meters. It outlines a strategic portfolio of technologies to propel the recreational marine industry toward a greener future. 

The research investigated propulsion technologies across nine common recreational watercraft, evaluating the impact on lifetime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, financial costs, usability, performance, range, and infrastructure. 

The technologies examined included battery electric, hybrid electric, hydrogen, and internal combustion engines (ICE) with sustainable marine fuels and traditional diesel engines. 

Main Findings

  • It emphasized the need for diverse solutions in the quest to reduce carbon emissions. Noting that 80% of a car’s environmental impact is in its usage, a far higher proportion of a boat’s environmental impact comes from its manufacture – as high as 50%. Given the unique on-water environments and varied interests of boats, the study suggests a one-size-fits-all approach is not feasible. Instead, the sector must consider a range of technologies. 
  • Among findings, sustainable liquid marine fuels, such as renewable drop-in fuels, emerge as a highly promising energy source for decarbonizing boats by 2035, potentially reducing emissions by 90%. 
  • Hydrogen also stands out as a potential source for emissions reduction, provided the production process is optimized. 
  • Electric propulsion, while part of the strategy, is stated not to be universally suitable for all types of craft and use cases. 
  • Hybrid boats that use electric motors and ICEs powered by liquid fuels offer the potential to reduce emissions from boats in certain scenarios – boats used for longer periods and over greater distances. Hybrid technology provides the most potential for emissions reduction for charter.

Report Recommendations

The report recommendations included the following:

1. Adoption of a technology-neutral decarbonization approach for marine environments.

2. Acceleration of the development and distribution of sustainable marine fuels, supported by educational campaigns.

3. Collaboration between consumer safety, government entities, and recreational marine industry to establish marine electric technology and safety protocols.

4. Expansion of R&D tax credits and investments to improve electric battery density and hydrogen research applicable to maritime. 

5. Continued research to evaluate existing and emerging technologies and optimal application. 

No Easy Answer

While an interesting report, there are evidently various connected factors that will prove influential in the coming years. These include innovative products, new technologies, changes in consumer behavior, improvements in recyclability, the reuse of materials, emerging battery technologies, and the availability of these sustainable fuels.

To read the report in full, visit propellingourfuture.com. If you’re interested in chartering a greener crewed charter catamaran in the Caribbean this winter, contact one of the Boatbookings team today.

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