Author Archives: Alice Newnham

The St Martin Heineken Regatta 2020

The four day regatta on the French/ Dutch Caribbean island of St Martin kicks off on Thursday March 3rd 2020. This world renowned regatta incorporates windward and leeward races, a 40 mile Anniversary Course and some of the worlds best rum-infused parties. This regatta is both an international sporting event and a key part of St Martin’s island culture. March 2020 will be the 40th Anniversary for this extremely popular inshore regatta.

The History

40 years ago, fun between a few friends on the water led to a huge increase in Heineken beer sales. Since then, Heineken have sponsored this yacht event that has become one of the largest water events on the globe, taking place every March.

The Racing

Set in crystal- blue Caribbean waters, the northeast trade winds offer idyllic racing conditions for all sailors. The regatta is run by a highly experienced racing team that welcome sailors from more than 35 countries to St Martin every year. The races are tailor-made for the winds ever day and allow for many different boats to compete. The racing usually follows the program of training for all entries on Tuesday and Wednesday 4th March 2020. The first race day will take place on Thursday 5th March and will go on until Sunday the 8th March. Sunday 8th March is reserved for a prize-giving and beach party. The cocktail of races includes 8 races over 4 days with windward-leeward races and coastal races included to allow all boats to play to their strengths on the water.

The Parties

The reputation for the parties is indicated by the name of the regatta, the beer sponsorship allows for heavy Heineken consumption throughout the 4 days. The regatta also has a reputation for hosting famous artists at the prize giving. Artists such as UB40, the Black Eyed Peas and Akon have been known to make an appearance during the regatta.

Available Boats

You can chose between a bareboat racing charter, a charter with a skipper or a fully crewed boat to enter the regatta. Please be sure to contact one of the Boatbookings brokers to get the most out of your 2020 Heineken Regatta yacht charter. Whether you’re a seasoned yacht racer or want to try something new, this regatta has something for everyone. If you are relaxing on a beach in St Martin this March be sure to watch some of the action unfold before your eyes. If St Martin is not the charter for you, also consider Antigua Sailing Week 2020 for your regatta charter.

Future dates

2021: March 4th – March 7th

2022: March 3rd – March 6th

2023: March 2nd- March 5th

Contact broker Alice [email protected] for further information on how you can get involved with a regatta charter.

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Crewed cats in the Exumas

2 top Crewed Catamarans in the Exumas/Nassau/area in the Bahamas that have not been affected by Dorian.

We all witnessed with grief the unimaginable destruction brought upon Great Abaco and Grand Bahama Islands by hurricane Dorian and we pray for the fast and smooth recovery of the stricken areas.

Regardless, the Bahamas remains one of our most popular year-long yachting destinations: Dorian only affected the above-mentioned islands but the rest of the islands is as beautiful as always.

In any case, the majority of charter vessels have always been based in the Nassau cruising area. The Exumas combine a protected sailing area with magic sandy beaches, turquoise waters and high temperatures all year long. Some of the most popular charter vessels in Nassau and the Exumas are crewed catamarans

AMURA II

AMURA II is a lovely Lagoon 560, with a professional crew of 2 (captain and hostess/chef). Based all year long in Nassau, AMURA II will also consider one-way charters starting Nassau and finishing in the Exumas; this will allow you more time in order to explore the islands!

SEA SENOR

Available out of Nassau for both day charters as well as for longer period cruises is SEA SENOR! Excellent catamaran with a very experienced crew, ideal for short escapes out of Nassau! Feel free to contact now our expert broker team and start planning your next crewed catamaran charter in the Bahamas.

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IT’S ELECTRI-flying!

With the obvious trend shifting to electric power, how can you still travel in style but in an eco-friendly way?

Introducing the new electric, private charter plane – Alice.

Carbon Offset calculator

Alice avion électrique dans un hangar

Now, I havent paid particular interest in this concept jet because we share the same name, it caught my eye because it is electric. This right here is the future of private travel. What’s more, is this is more affordable than you think. With the average Jet being around 600 USD per hour, this jet is set to be just over 200 USD per hour.

Quick facts

> Alice has been developed by Eviation Aircraft, and Israeli company.
> Powered by an aluminum-air battery and using MagniX electric motors.
> Business trips such as Nice > London and Paris > Geneva will be possible.
> 4 Million USD to produce
> 3 propellers
> Can seat 9 passengers
> Range 1,045km.

Green Yacht Chartering

Carbon Offset Calculator

Here at Boatbookings, we are extremely conscious of the environment. We owe everything to Mother Nature, from giving us those great winds n our beam or the stunning nature that is explored both below and above water. We are dedicated to creating options for clients if they wish to organise a Greener Charter. We have created a Carbon Offset calculator for you to use when you charter a yacht.

E-Fan X – developed by Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Siemens.

Airbus E-Fan X en vol

The E-Fan X is a collaboration between some of the biggest names in mechanics. Rolls Royce, AirBus and Siemens have set our to create an aircraft that vastly reduced its carbon footprint. A larger jet than ‘Alice’ she is capable of long haul journeys, with more space for passengers.

Quick facts:

> E-Fan X is a hybrid-electric aircraft .
> Release date 2020
> One of the four jet engines will be replaced by a 2MW electric motor, which is roughly the same amount of power of 10 medium-sized cars.
> The electric propulsion unit is powered by a power-generation system and > battery. When high power is required generator and battery supply energy together.
>  Reduction of CO2 by 75%, NOx by 90% and noise by 65%

To see how you can reduce your cabon footprint while chartering a yacht, speak to one of out brokers today!


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M/Y SILVER LINING – EXUMAS

With the terrible misfortune, it seems fitting that we have a yacht called SILVER LINING. Berthed in the Exumas, she is an excellent alternative to chartering in the Abacos.

The stunning SILVER LINING is still available for Thanksgiving in Nassau to cruise the Exumas. Although Hurricane Dorian caused devastation in the Northern Islands of the Bahamas, there are still hundreds of untouched islands in the Cays. The Exumas is a 100 mile stretch of stunning coastline and turquoise waters where you can enjoy beautiful anchorages and wonderful fresh food.

Exumas header

Must see

The Tropic of Cancer beach, also known as Pelican beach is a must-see on Little Exuma. The sand is blindingly white, not just lightly coloured as many ‘white beaches’ are described. The sand itself radiates the sunlight that bathes it to create a blaze of light unique to this beach. If ever there was a picture postcard, then this beach truly is it:

Swimming Pigs!

Big Major’s Cay is home to the mystifying swimming pigs! It is widely believed that the reason the pigs swim in this area is down to their intelligence. Pigs are extremely intelligent, and they know tourists will come and feed them, hence why they will always swim out to you!

Stocking Island amongst other islands in the Exumas is home to Stromatolites, the oldest known macro-fossils on earth. They hold the biological activity of thousands of years.

Wildlife and nature

If you are a lover of marine life and nesting sea birds, then Moria Harbour Cay National Park is a must-see. Sand dunes, beaches, mangroves and seagrass all located between Great and Little Exuma. This area covers 13,440 acres!

The Yacht!

SILVER LINING is the perfect yacht to take you around the Bahamian paradise with a great crew on board, Captain Peter and chef/stewardess Ginny are a highly proactive team who are keen to ensure a memorable experience for their clients.

She offers 3 ensuite cabins, perfect for a family or group of friends. A well presented enclosed flybridge with a large dining table. The cockpit has easy access to the sea for fishing and swimming. Huge sunbathing area on the bow.

BBQ grill to cook the catch of the day! A great selection of water toys including wave runner, wakeboard, skis, SUP, airhead inflatable tube, 2 floating islands, snorkelling gear, fishing gear and beach set up with chairs. For an additional cost, clients can hire the 36ft Aquila power cat which also comes with a crew member giving a higher level of service on board.

Get on contact with us today to see how you can enjoy SILVER LINING on your Thanksgiving holiday.

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Where can I visit in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian?

“The best thing you can currently do for the Bahamas to simply visit the Bahamas”

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

Where did Dorian hit?

Hurricane Dorian made landfall across the Bahamas, hitting the northern portion of the region the hardest. Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands were the worst affected islands. However, many of the islands that make up the 259,000 square kilometers of the Bahamas were not affected. 

The Exumas escaped the worst of the storm, reporting only heavy winds and rain in the north of the region with no serious damage to infrastructure. Highbourne Cay, Staniel Cay Yacht Club, and Compass Cay Marina and others remain open for business. The Exumas offers plenty to see and do when exploring the area by yacht, including the famous Pig Beach, the Thunderball Grotto and Pablo Escobar’s Sunken Plane.

Pig Beach

Where?

While there are several islands in the Bahamas with a wild pig population, Exuma is the most well known. The island is located in the southern Bahamas, outside of the reach of Hurricane Dorian. Pig Beach is located on Big Major Cay and allows charter guests to swim with swimming pigs in unrivaled surroundings.

How?

Easily accessible by yacht from Nassau, this unique destination has become one of the most exclusive spots to experience in the Bahamas and is protected from natural storms, offering attractive tranquility throughout the year.

Why?

Rumored to have been left by passing sailors, the pigs are renowned for being approachable to all the visitors to the cay. Graciously accepting carrots and attention, these remarkably singular animals make for a fantastic company and even better photo opportunities.

Thunderball Grotto

Where?

Hidden away in the rocky Staniel Cay, the Thunderball Grotto is an extensive cave system that has been carved away by the ocean waters over the years to form this hidden oasis. Thunderball Grotto over the years, and it even received its name in the 1960s when the James Bond movie, Thunderball, was filmed there and was later returned to for Never Say Never Again.

How?

Part of the Exuma Cays, the Thunderball Grotto is easily accessible by yacht and can be enjoyed as part of an itinerary which includes Pig Beach. Perfect for many group configurations, Thunderball Grotto is an unmissable attraction for anyone taking a Bahamas yacht charter vacation.

Snorkeling paradise!

Accessed by interior entrance points leading off from the beach, the underwater caves surround a hollow center that makes the destination a veritable haven for intrepid divers.

Wildlife

Populated by exotic fish, the wide tunnels are illuminated by the rays of sunlight reflecting around the center, making a diving excursion here an experience that’s as colourful as it is unique. James Bond fans and non-fans alike, be sure to visit this fantastic destination.

Pablo Escobar’s Plane

Where?

Norman’s Cay is relatively inaccessible without a yacht, nestled about as far away from anything significant as you can get. Just offshore, however, you will come across a sunken WWII-era military transport plane that was once flipped to fuel Pablo Escobar’s expanding cocaine trade to the USA. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the passengers even managed to rescue their cargo before the plane came to its final resting place on a sandbar.

Wildlife

Quite unlike any other wreck dive, the former smuggler’s plane provides an intimate glimpse into a criminal underworld. Now populated by various species of fish and coral, exploring the compartments of the submerged plane makes for a truly kaleidoscopic experience. Ideal for beginners and more experienced snorkelers, the plane is only ten feet below the waterline. The warm and bright water is perfect for swimming in, and the nearby beach is perfect place to dry off.

Get in touch with one of our expert brokers today for your unparalleled charter around the stunning Exumas!

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