Tag Archives: yachting

Embrace Electric: Reasons Why You Should Choose An Electric Boat

The electric boat revolution is well underway in the boating industry, as they are rapidly emerging as the smarter and more environmentally responsible choice for our crewed charter catamarans.

At Boatbookings, we champion the more sustainable choice for our clients. If you are thinking about your next yacht charter, here are some of our top reasons why you should consider choosing electric: 

A Lighter Footprint

When you charter an electric yacht, your journey will have a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Unlike traditional boats that rely on fossil fuels, electric ones are cleaner and greener. One of the most significant benefits of electric boats is that the propulsion is emission-free, meaning harmful substances are not released into the atmosphere. Alongside the lack of emissions, electric boats also eliminate any water pollution. Most of the fuel and oil pollution is caused by everyday oil leaks, refueling, and emissions – this can cause severe harm to marine life. Electric boats do not require fuel and very little oil, so they dramatically reduce water pollution. 

2. Enjoy Nature 

Electric propulsion is much quieter than conventional engines, making the disturbance to wildlife and environments minimal. With rumbling engine noises replaced by virtually silent propulsion systems, you can immerse yourself in nature better and truly enjoy your crewed charter catamaran experience. The aptly named Silent Yachts showcase this benefit of noiseless cruising. 

3. Cutting-Edge Designs 

Electric boats not only harness greener credentials but are also aesthetically and functionally on the leading edge. Newly announced yachts are generally at the forefront of yacht design, blending modernity with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Form and function are certainly not compromised. Sunreef Yachts are one example of this prioritizing sustainability without sacrificing style. The Polish shipyard uses engineering technologies to create lightweight and efficient structures with their patented solar technology while incorporating a range of eco-conscious interiors. 

4. Supporting the shift

Supporting the new electric yachts makes great sense for the future. Regulations are becoming stricter, so going electric will ensure you are “ahead of the curve”. By chartering an electric yacht, you are challenging the conventional norms and helping set new standards for responsible boating. As the demand for electric yachts grows, it will further drive innovation and expand options for the future. 

These are just a handful of reasons why electric boats have advantages over traditional diesel yachts. Deciding to charter an electric yacht is about committing to a more sustainable future for the boating industry. As you plan what crewed charter catamaran you will charter next, consider the impact your choice will have and contact the Boatbookings team to talk about our greener crewed charter catamarans and electric options worldwide. 

Posted on by

Future Predictions: The Yacht Charter Industry in 2030

We love delving into the future of our crewed charter catamaran industry. There has been so much innovation that it is exciting to speculate on what may come. The entire boating industry has been significantly evolving and transforming for the past decade, especially regarding sustainability.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has already set ambitious targets for 2030 and 2050, and meeting them requires that boat performance is optimized for sustainability from design through to operations. So, what must happen to reach these in the next decade?

Today, we are already witnessing advanced technologies, heightened environmental concerns, and the rise in green chartering. At Boatbookings, we take a look into our crystal ball and set out some of the things we think may happen:

Zero-Emissions & Regulation

There are already potential solutions for a fossil-fuel-free future. Advanced propulsion systems are making their entry, reducing carbon emissions and helping to minimize the industry’s carbon footprint (as well as fumes and noise!). By 2030 there will be even more carbon neutrality projects, including the utilization of electric, hydrogen, fuel cells, and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO, a sustainable fuel made from used vegetable oils). Alongside the IMO commitment to cut greenhouse emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050, we believe that stricter restrictions and regulations will begin to filter through in the next few years.

AI: Smarter Yachts 

We cannot talk about future predictions without considering technological shifts. Having already seen these over the past few years, we expect more to come with enhanced innovation and investment. One of the advancements that will continue is likely to be in AI and autonomous navigation systems, enabling boats to navigate with complete autonomy. The improved algorithms and sensors in the coming years will reduce the risk of human error, enhance safety, and improve efficiency. One shipyard leading the charge on this is Feadship. They have designed various concepts with full autonomy, replacing the standard helm with ‘command centers.’ There will also be more technology onboard boats that help revolutionize how they use and distribute energy; these smarter systems will better monitor consumption, enhancing efficiency.

Futuristic Building – 3D printing and more green materials

The developments in 3D printing are so exciting, and we believe will be transformative in boat building. It is hugely advantageous for manufacturing, whereby components can be made faster and with much less wastage. While at the moment, only a few pioneering companies are producing small boats and spare parts from 3D printing, soon this will expand to larger boats and every build process. With material waste dropping significantly, the process increases sustainability credentials. Alongside the building, shipyards will also begin to utilize greener materials that consider the entire lifecycle and, therefore, have less impact. 

Design Trends

In terms of actual design trends, builders will embrace designs that integrate entirely with natural environments, incorporating more sustainable materials and green living spaces. The interior spaces will blend more with the exterior, bringing the outside in. Many catamaran builders, such as Sunreef, are already working on this concept, and we believe future designs will embrace this biophilic design even more.

More and More Multihulls

At Boatbookings, we love offering our crewed and bareboat catamarans; these boats are the key to the best future. They boast better sustainability credentials such as improved efficiency, fewer emissions, reduced overall impact, and the use of renewable energy sources. Catamaran builders have seen increased demand over the years, and by 2030 perhaps multihulls will be the norm!

Today is just the beginning of a better future. The industry is in a transformative era, and we believe sustainability and technology to enhance experiences will be at the core. Contact our team at Boatbookings today to discuss your future on a greener crewed charter catamaran with us!

Posted on by

The top 5 ways that boat design is embracing sustainability

Boat design is fundamental when it comes to improving the yacht charter industry’s green credentials. It is a powerful element that can help transform the fate of the future. 

Last week was ‘Earth Overshoot Day’, marking the date when our demand for resources in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. This is a poignant reminder of the immediate action we must take with the consumption and use of resources.  

More than 80% of the environmental impact of a product is determined at the design stage, so it is without a doubt, we must continue to design better. At Boatbookings, we have seen various design developments and trends in the right direction to pave the way toward a better future.

We take a look into these: 

1. Sustainable sourcing

When selecting materials to design boats, choosing ones that have less impact and are more earth-friendly is vital. Responsible and ethical sourcing is key; for example, Lagoon now sources wood and teak from FSC-certified forests. Some boat builders are now replacing traditional, synthetic, and toxic materials with natural fibers, such as Silent Yachts and its use of flax fibers, bamboo, and cork when they outfit their catamarans. There have also been exciting developments using recycled composites, the recent launch of nlcomp’s Ecoracer boat in Italy this year is a prime example. Hopefully, this is the beginning of recyclable composites used in bigger boat building in future years.

2. Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)

Today more designers are considering the entire lifecycle of design elements. Conducting lifecycle assessments can help identify where improvements can be made, from manufacturing to usage and maintenance. Pinpointing the environmental impacts at each stage can enable designers to make better decisions about what is used onboard. Sunreef, in particular, is spreading this mission of choosing greener materials, and the fabrics offered for its Eco-catamaran range have a Life Cycle Assessment analysis carried out to identify and minimize impact.  

3. Efficient construction 

When it comes to energy efficiency, it is important to keep the yacht as lightweight as possible, enabling it to use less fuel and, therefore, emit less emissions. There have been various developments in the use of lightweight materials and more efficient hull design. When it comes to better hull designs, at Boatbookings, we increased our offering of crewed charter catamarans over the last few years to help with the choice of greener options. The wide beam and twin-hull design of a catamaran offers better fuel efficiency. Efficient construction is also about integrating smart systems that minimize energy consumption onboard, such as lighting and climate control. 

4. Greener propulsion systems 

There have been so many advances in propulsion systems that have also enhanced energy consumption onboard. Hybrid propulsion systems are now commonly seen, integrating traditional engines with electric motors. Designers are also utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar panels; the Fountaine Pajot catamarans champion the use of solar panels for more sustainable cruising.

5. Eco-conscious interiors 

It is also important to look at what is on the inside. Interior designers have begun introducing more environmentally conscious interior materials, promoting renewable and non-toxic choices. There have been many exciting approaches and creative use of alternatives, such as using recycled ocean plastics for rugs and other fabrics. Materials such as organic cotton, hemp, cork, and flax are now being selected,. There has also been a rise in cruelty-free design and the use of vegan materials, for example, replacing leather with mushroom leather. 

We are at a vital crossroads in choosing a better future for our world; sustainability is no longer a buzzword. It requires commitment. At Boatbookings, we champion greener boat brands and embrace better design concepts. Contact the team at Boatbookings today to find out about our environmentally friendly yacht charters. 

Posted on by

Yacht Show Season: Showing Off Sustainably

After a successful summer in the Mediterranean, we are approaching the anticipated yacht show season. Yacht shows are the highlight of our boating calendars and are not to be missed.

In recent years, more efforts have been made to host greener shows with more exhibitors with sustainable solutions and better initiatives for running a more sustainable event. 

At Boatbookings, sustainability is high on our agenda, particularly with our offerings and our greener crewed charter catamarans. With the Cannes Yacht Show (12-17 September) and the Monaco Yacht Show (27-30 September) on the horizon, we reflect on some of the initiatives yacht show organizers and attendees are doing to help step up sustainability. 

Waste less

Yacht shows have long been tarnished with excessive waste. From setting up temporary infrastructure to a lot of single-use plastic, we are seeing a shift in recent years. There are numerous small changes that are helping reduce waste, such as lanyards being either made from recyclable materials or being returned to be reused. Other marketing materials such as business cards, brochures, and flags have also started to pop up in reusable and recyclable materials – we most recently came across business cards you could plant and grow into a flower! There have also been moves for event organizers to be more mindful of infrastructure. For example, after last year’s Fort Lauderdale show, the marquees were donated to a sea turtle conservation organization. 

Offsetting travel 

It isn’t a surprise that people come far and wide to yacht shows. The boating community is global, and this additional travel adds to the carbon footprint. However, more organizations and attendees recognize this and have begun to offset their carbon responsibility, contributing to environmental projects. We already have our carbon emissions calculator to calculate emissions for each boat, allowing you to offset when you charter. Perhaps more shows could also have this in place. Last year Palm Beach Show teamed up with Yacht Carbon Offset to facilitate this. 

Catering to sustainability 

Yacht shows usually have many opportunities to network over meals and drinks. More shows have implemented sustainability initiatives regarding their catering suppliers, for example, using local and seasonal produce and composting any waste. As well as these choices, many of them also aim to use better packaging and minimize single-use plastic. 

Image courtesy of Sailia Yachts

Platform for change – Electric featured yachts and sustainability hubs

The yacht shows are the perfect opportunity to showcase innovative technology in the realm of sustainability, such as advanced propulsion or products made from eco-friendly materials. They also set the stage for effective discussions around sustainability. Many of them hold specific seminars, presentations, and workshops on the future of the industry. Some also have dedicated areas to showcase sustainability, such as the ‘Green Route’ at the Cannes Yacht Show, highlighting exhibitors’ sustainable solutions, and the Sustainability hub at the Monaco Yacht Show. For instance, Sailia Yachts will be in the Hub with their line of fully electric motor yachts that can accelerate to 32 knots in 7 seconds!

Contact us to meet one of our Boatbookings brokers at any of the upcoming shows, to chat all things sustainability, and to find out about our greener crewed charter catamarans. 

Posted on by

Greener thrills: How can a yacht have more eco-friendly water toys?

On a crewed charter catamaran, you can have so much fun getting out on the ocean exploring new places, and spending quality time with loved ones. What else would you need? 

Water toys, of course! Watersports and water toys turn a simple day on the water into pure exhilaration. But when it comes to reducing the yacht’s environmental footprint, the toy box has a lot to answer for. Now, with increasingly innovative designs and green technology, a new wave of eco-friendly water toys is on the rise. 

Ones that are equally exciting but without the fossil fuel-guzzling engines and unsustainable materials.

We take a look at these more eco-friendly water toys:

Powered by humans 

Put aside the fuel and diesel needed for fun, and harness the energy you have in yourself! There are so many toys powered by humans, whether paddleboarding or kayaking. These toys offer a fresh alternative to traditional motorized options. They allow you to immerse yourself fully into nature, contribute to a greener playtime, and give you a workout on the side! 

Watts of fun 

Electric is the future! And what’s not to like about virtually silent, emission-free fun? Many innovative electric water toys, such as surfboards, jet skis, and inflatable boats, combine cutting-edge technology with sustainability. By using electric motors, they produce zero emissions and reduce the impact in terms of noise and vibrations. These toys give a thrilling ride without the guilt of fuel. 

If your toys do have to run on fuel, make sure they use 4-stroke, not 2-stroke engines. Without going into the details, 2-stroke engines are incredibly pollutive. A single two-stroke engine produces pollution equivalent to that of 30 to 50 four-stroke automobiles because they mix oil and gas and don’t burn them very efficiently.

Foiling alternatives 

Water toys with foiling technology have taken water-based adventures to the next level. Foiling toys such as hydrofoil surfboards, kite foils, and sailboats use specialized wings or foils beneath the surface to lift them above the waves, enabling the user to glide effortlessly over the ocean. 

Toys made better 

A long-standing issue with many of the current toys on the market is the materials, but today many manufacturers now consider the life cycle of a product and prioritize sustainable materials and production methods. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint and minimizes waste. Many are now made from recycled plastics or biodegradable materials – you can even get golf balls made of fish food! 

We all know that the yachting community must set a path toward sustainability and a circular economy to survive and for the planet’s future. While significant emphasis is being put on the yacht to be more sustainable, it also must extend to everything that comes with it – including the tenders and toys! 

Get onboard with eco-friendly water toys today!

Contact one of the Boatbookings team to learn about the more environmentally crewed charter catamarans and the watersports fun you can have.

Posted on by