Author Archives: Alice Newnham

Greta Thunberg

TRACK GRETA HERE.

16-year-old Greta Thunberg waves to her fans as she embarks on a climate change protest across the Atlantic.

I have found it almost ludicrous the level of animosity that Greta has experienced while taking on peaceful, low emission protest. At age 15 she started protesting in Sweeden, outside their houses of parliament to raise awareness for the direction this world is traveling in. It is undeniable, just like numbers, science does not lie – but people in power do.

Day 6. North Azores

“The science is clear,” Greta announces before embarking on a cross Atlantic passage set to take 2 weeks. “We must start bending the [carbon] emissions curve steeply downwards no later than 2020, if we still are to have a chance of staying below a 1.5 [Celsius] degrees of global temperature rise.“

According to CO2 earth, the level of CO2 emissions in the world has increased on every month. It is undeniable that we are heading to a point of no return if we do not act fast. Greta has taken it upon her self as a 16-year-old, to travel and raise awareness for the change in our climate.

Check out our carbon offset calculator

Track Greta on https://tracker.borisherrmannracing.com/

Some people may not ever live a life without air travel, and that’s fine. On the same token, people who live their life with climate change at the forefront of everything they do should not be slated. Every single person should be doing their bit for climate change, at the very least should be conscious and educated about climate change. This isn’t a rant about climate change, but about how people treat others when people have a passion.

What are Boatbookings doing to help combat the carbon footprint in their clients?

Carbon offsetting

Whenever you use a motor on a yacht, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is emitted into the atmosphere. Carbon Dioxide has been scientifically linked to Global Climate Change and Warming. With the worldwide concern about Carbon Emissions, we wanted to help our Charterers to be able to have a fantastic charter while also being friendly to Mother Earth.

Fortunately, there are a variety of organizations that allow you to buy “carbon credits” to offset the emissions you create while chartering. The United Nations works with many charities and NPOs to certify projects that will reduce carbon emissions. Projects such as building electricity-generating dams that will replace carbon fuel (coal) burning electrical generation. Wind farms. Tree Planting, etc.

Use our Carbon offset calculator to calculate your emissions into credits to help reduce your carbon footprint on your charter.

Wonder how you can have a reduced carbon footprint on your charter? Check out our Green Chartering page dedicated to reducing your carbon footprint on your charter.

We are behind you, Greta!!!

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Croatia: who what where when and how!

The setting

Laganani – Hvar’s most exclusive stop off.
Established over 50 years ago and located on the beautiful island of St.Clement, Laganini Lounge Bar & Fish House is one of Croatia’s most exclusive holiday destinations – the perfect stop on your Croatia Yacht Charter, easily accessible by boat from Hvar. The white-washed cabanas with thatched roofs contrast the clear, cerulean water. Sunbathing in the cabanas, followed by a quick dip is the perfect way to spend your afternoon. The atmosphere really is unrivaled by any other destination in the Adriatic.

The food

Laganini is a prestigious stop-off for gourmet cuisine and resort holiday enthusiasts, boasting one of the most renowned lounge bar and a fabulous selection of exotic seafood, perfectly complimented by heavenly cocktails.
Sitting down the cabanas, you will be served a range of seafood dishes from local mouth-watering Adriatic tuna to our extraordinary wild Norwegian salmon, all prepared to perfection by award-winning chef Hrvoje Zirojevi?. Cocktail in hand and looking out to the water, there is no better place to stop off on the Croatian Coast.

The drinks

What better way to compliment your seafood extravaganza than with a refreshing drink in hand. Choose from their excellent selection of Champagnes, wines, gins, and cocktails. We love their combinations of Gins and Tonics, which can be personalised to suit your taste!

What to Charter

M/Y LIGHT HOLIC

Boasting a winning combination of vast spaces and light airy interiors, she is the ultimate entertainment yacht. Her interior, which has been styled to perfection by Alexandre and Cristina Negoescu. The overall feel is minimalist, although Art Deco touches inject warmth and colour into her minimalistic interior. 

M/Y No. 9

NO. 9 is magnificently appointed with luxurious decor throughout. Her main saloon is the perfect spot for formal dining, or a relaxed evening watching a movie! A sophisticated entertainment center includes a home cinema, Samsung 55 inch television screen, and a Bose Lifestyle stereo surround sound system.

Get in touch with us today to experience Croatia the right way.

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What to expect when undertaking an RYA Day Skipper qualification.

In this post, I will take you through my journey of becoming a Day Skipper. I will take you through the necessary steps, and speak about what you should expect in your assessment.

The time line

So you love the idea of chartering a yacht in the Mediterranean this summer but there’s one thing you don’t have… the qualification. Below is the RYA journey of becoming an accomplished sailor.

You are the captain now!

Greece bareboat yacht charter guide

Competent crew (referred to commonly as comp crew) should be the first step unless you have a few years of sailing experience and are comfortable taking charge of the yacht. Remember, you are the captain of the yacht – you have to be able to confidently lead the crew.

Sailing Knowledge

Croatia bareboat Yacht Guide

In my experience, it was beneficial to my learning that I completed the classroom theory. This enabled me to execute assessments quickly and confidently in the practical without getting flustered. If you decide you do not want to do the theory you must have basic knowledge of:
– Tides and how to use tidal curves
– Course to steer (CTS)
– How to read charts and identify heights and symbols
– Rules of the road (COL regs)
– Know how to operate and identify safety equipment
– Mayday procedures / VHF understanding (countries like Croatia demand that you have a VHF license, or that someone on your yacht has a VHF license)
– Know how to sail!

Day 1 – Familiarisation

There she is, the beauty! Yacht Gemini, the yacht I took my day skipper on.

Italy yacht charter guide

We stepped aboard the yacht early morning after registering. We settled in, went through some safety aspects and how the week would run. The yacht was composed of the assessor, 2 days skippers (I was one of them) and two comp crew. It was down to the day skippers to ensure the comp crew guys were safe, and to teach about sailing.

The first day was calm, we did some motoring, manoeuvring and moorings. The first day the assessor is evaluating your ability and confidence level. They will ask you some questions like where’s the wind coming from, what knot would you use – real simple stuff! Don’t worry this is a course, not an examination.

Day 2 – Anchoring & Maneuvering

French Riviera yacht charter guide

The second day gets more into the technical aspects of sailing. Anchoring, using mooring buoys and again, more maneuvering in small spaces. We also touched on points of sail, and sail set up. The assessor is constantly evaluating how you control the crew – without being horrible and bossy! You need to show that you can be calm, collected and most importantly safe.

Day 3 – Night sail, CTS & Charts.

Spanish yacht charter guide

The third day we compleated our night sail – now – this is where recognizing lights and light signatures is extremely important! Yes, even at Day Skipper level you will have to do a night sail for the ‘just in case’ moments in life. Please note day skippers are not allowed to do night sails and must be docked before sunset! If you have sailed between the Isle of Wight and Southampton you will know how terrifyingly amazing it is. The Solent is extremely busy, with huge cargo ships coming in and out all the time. It is important to keep an eye out – you could be asked to identify markers/buoys and point them out on the chart.

Day 4 – M.O.B (Man Over Board)

Turkey bareboat sailing charter guide


The fourth day was M.O.B day. Aka, get-that-yacht-as-close-to-that-fender-as-possible-in-the-quickest-amount-of-time-day! I completely fluffed up my first attempt. However, in those moments it’s important that you remain calm and deal with the situation. You need to be able to direct your crew clearly. e.g “John go down and make a Mayday Call”, “Peter take down the sails”, “Lucy keep pointing to the casualty” etc. The assessor will explain everything before you are given the attempt so don’t panic!

Day 5 – The last day.

English bareboat sailing charter guide

The last day was relaxed. We had to get in before 2 pm so we were able to clean the yacht ready for the next batch of prospective Day Skippers to embark! The morning consisted of gentle sailing, knot tying competitions and lots of tea. We practiced tacking for the comp crew guys – whom at this point were fantastic and with it.

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Jenner’s superyacht birthday 2019

Inside the 1,500,000 EUR a week Superyacht – Tranquillity.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Hva_nHlWa/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet

Kylie Jenner

The originally named Motor Yacht Equanimity, renamed Tranquility, has been parading around the Italian and French Coast with the worlds youngest billionaire, Kylie Jenner. Kylie has been celebrating her 22nd birthday in true style – we’ve been saying it for years, celebrating on yachts is the best way!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1G-0wYn3j7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Kylie Jenner, the famous half-sister of the Kardashian Klan, owns and produces her own makeup named ” Kylie Cosmetics” which have made several appearances during her charter. The reported worth of Kylie Jenner is $900 million,

M/Y TRANQUILLITY – THE FACTS.

  • Summer prices: €1,500,000 per week  + expenses
  • Winter prices €1,100,000 per week + expenses
  • Number of Cabins: 11
  • Total Guests (Sleeping): 18
  • Total Guests (Cruising): 26
  • Max N° of Guests for Quayside Events: 120
  • Cabin Configuration: 9 Double, 2 Twin, 2 Convertible
  • Total Crew: 29
  • Number of Beds: 13

M/Y TOBY available to charter in ITALY

M/Y TRANQUILLITY WATERTOYS

  • 2 x Hodgson Tenders 10.5m
  • 4 x kayaks 
  • 3 x Jet skis
  • 2 Wakeboards, 
  • 4 Paddleboards
  • 1 trampoline with the runway. 
  • 2x Seabobs F5S
  • 1x Quick Charger
  • 1x Radinn Electric Wakeboard
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1FMz0cHKOO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The mother of one, has been experiencing some of the best cruising grounds in the whole of the Mediterranean. Fancy living like the rich and famous? Check out our Luxury crewed yachts! We also have a large selection of yachts in The Amalfi Coast and the French Riviera.

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The BVI Bounces Back for 2020

Following the hurricane IRMA and MARIA, it is a well-known fact that most of the BVI’s infrastructure, boats and marinas were completely destroyed. Most charter companies had entire fleets either damaged or destroyed. However, the BVI has taken this nightmare as an opportunity to renovate and re-establish itself as the best place to charter in the Caribbean. The resilience of a tight-knit community, devoted holidaymakers and a great tourist board has allowed the BVI to be completely rejuvenated for 2020.

Forbes magazine reported that 75% of the territory’s marine berths and 37% of land accommodation reopened this Spring.  Airways and ferries have also opened back up to full capacity following the destruction with the hurricane.

Willy T’s comeback

The infamous William Thornton floating back is back on Norman Island for 2020. The new Willy T is rumored to be bigger than ever! As one of the most iconic floating bars in the world, the new Willy T was constructed in the US before returning to the BVI on May 10th.  The New boat is very similar to the original vessel and is already making its comeback for being renowned for parties, food, shots, and tattoos! Be sure to visit the new Willy T when you can.

Scrub Island Resort and Marina

The resort has just reopened with ten new villas and 52 guest rooms. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind before or after your yacht charter.

Foxys – Jost Van Dyke

After all, having served food and drinks to sailors since 1968 this bar was not going to let a storm affect their service, There is still an infamous BBQ running on Friday and Saturday night and a great menu and party vibe throughout the week.

Have a read over the recommend Boatbookings post IRMA sailing itinerary to get an insight into your yacht charter with Boatbookings this winter!

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