About Tom Virden

Founder, Boatbookings.com

Where to Charter in 2009 – Turkey

A gorgeous gulet in Gocek Turkey(The third in our articles about where to charter for value in 2009)

We have raved about the wonderful Blue Cruises in Turkey: charters in beautiful wooden gulets along the pristine southeastern Coast of Turkey.  Gulets offer exceptional charter value – large crewed yachts with nice staterooms, ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, ample social areas and dedicated crew. The cost of a gulet can be literally 1/10th of a similar sized motor yacht, and you get the added benefit of being able to sail these storied waters, just as in ancient times.

In 2009, when everyone is looking for value, look no further than Turkey (Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek amongst other ports) for a fabulous charter holiday that is affordable as well!

Click here for more information on Chartering a Gulet in Turkey.

Wellness and Spa Treatments – Yacht Charter with Extra Relaxation

Spa and Wellness Yacht CharterOne of the trends we’re seeing recently is the combination of a yacht charter with a variety of wellness and spa treatments.  These can be basic, such as healthy food and massage, to an elaborate regime managed by wellness specialists.  We believe this trend makes a lot of sense – there is a natural “wellness” component to just relaxing on a yacht, so adding physical and spiritual treatments and exercises such as yoga, massage, shiatsu, healthy cuisine and relaxation regimes goes along perfectly with the charter.

Next time you look for a charter, you may want to add a wellness component. Click here to find out more about spa/wellness charter yachts, and a sample listing of boats available.  Enjoy!

Where to Charter in 2009 – Croatia!

Hvar, CroatiaGiven the financial uncertainty throughout the world, we thought we would do a few articles on where to get the most value for your charter dollars/euros/pounds.

Croatia has steadily been growing as a key worldwide Charter Destination, for a number of great reasons. It combines a perfect coastline for chartering: hundreds of pristine islands, clear water, interesting destinations, history, cuisine, with a Mediterranean environment that is very much like it was 1000 years ago.  In short, it offers everything you’d want in a Mediterranean charter but significantly less expensive than some of the more “renowned” areas.

Click here for a guide to chartering a yacht in Croatia,  or read some of our excellent itineraries such as our 7 day Croatia Sailing Itinerary or our 7 day itinerary from Trogir to Dubrovnik.

Sharon Bahmer named Charterwave Broker of the Month

We’re proud to announce that Sharon Bahmer, our Charter Director for the Caribbean and Americas, has been named “Broker of the Month” by Charterwave – the most prestigious online charter news site. You can read the entire article here. Sharon specializes in crewed motor yachts and catamarans, and knows virtually every key yacht that charters in Florida and the British Virgin Islands. Recently, she has been also exploring charter opportunities in exciting new areas such as Brazil and Mexico.

Congrats Sharon!!

Boatbookings.com offers free carbon credits with all charters until 31 December

In what is believed to be an industry first, Boatbookings.com has launched a promotion offering free carbon credits for all charters booked until the end of the year.  Boatbookings will purchase credits on all charters – based upon the boat’s estimated fuel consumption and 3 hours cruising per day. “We want the charter industry to do more about Climate Change” stated Boatbookings.com founder Tom Virden “By purchasing carbon credits for all of our charters, we can essentially have a zero carbon footprint charter business.”

Credits purchased go to projects that reduce emissions worldwide in UN approved projects.