A New Ferretti Luxury Yacht for 2013!

Luxury yacht manufacturer Ferretti are set to launch their new flagship vessel from their Cattolica shipard, the 960 ready in time for release in Spring 2013. The new Ferretti 960 sees another partnership between the builder and the Studio Zuccon International Project, AYT Advanced Yacht Technology and the team of architects and designers from the Centro Stile Ferrettigroup.

The hulls design and waterlines draw inspiration and improve upon the previous flagship model, the 881, which proved to be one of the brand’s most successful models. The new model is only available in the version with a raised helm station and includes all the main innovations that have appeared in other recent yachts, such as the Ferretti 720, the Ferretti 690, and the Ferretti 870. The new flagship, according to Ferretti is seen to take an important step forward in the range’s evolution while ensuring perfect continuity with previous models. Due to its proportions, Ferreti say that the new 960 will provide 'unprecedented on board liveability and comfort against competitors in its range, whilst maximising several layout features typical of much larger yachts.

Ferretti Yachts’ new flagship is indeed the brand’s first planing pleasure boat featuring five large cabins, including four guest cabins, which are all equally sized and with equivalent fittings. The exterior design features glazing that extends along the entire main deck, 'cutting'” it from stern to bow and resulting in a much lighter profile, interior brightness, sporty styling, and a significant statement at the top of Ferretti Yachts range. The main deck’s interiors, in particular, have been maximised, making the deck’s overall surface the largest in this category. Outdoor areas too have been extended with the spacious Flybridge, which has been specifically designed to become an area entirely devoted to relaxation.

Have you never chartered before? At www.boatbookings.com, we welcome everyone from sailing professionals to complete novices and will help you at every step of the way to make your dreams a reality. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you with any questions you may have.

Watch this space for the latest industry show releases, news and gossip in the yachting world. If you liked the content on this page and our previous posts, please become a fan and like our Facebook page to receive up to date information on our publications.

Posted on December 21, 2012 by admin

Events and Celebrations In The Caribbean Over Christmas and New Year!

If you’ve booked your yacht, and you’re not sure what islands you want to visit and when, have a look at what events are taking place throughout the Caribbean, and decide where you want to be based on what party you like the sound of the most! Each island has its own traditions for all the festivities.. So why not sample something new! For more information on all the events taking place, click here.

In Carriacou there is the famous Parang Music Festival. This annual event is one of the most beloved in the Caribbean and attracts fantastic musicians. (carriacoupetitemartinique.com)

In St. Vincent, there are caroling competitions and what is known as the Nine Morning Celebration. Celebrations start early every morning (4 am!) and include sea bathing, street parades, vendors selling everything imaginable, and lots of singing and dancing. (www.discoversvg.com).

In Mustique, on New Year’s Eve, there is a famous party with two bands and celebrities galore at Basil’s Bar (www.basilsmustique.com). Right after Christmas is the famous Blues Festival at Basil’s Bar.

See our St Vincent and the Grenadines Charter Yachts

In Antigua, there is a Christmas Masquerade Party at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. On Christmas Day, there is a Champagne Celebration in Nelson’s Boatyard at the Antigua Yacht Club. Locals and tourist gather to listen to live bands, quaff champagne and enjoy the colorful, festive atmosphere. Proceeds benefit the Hourglass Foundation Charity.

See our Antigua Charter Yachts

In St. Martin on there is the “Lighting Parade”, a show of Christmas costumes in the streets of Grand-Case. On the following day there is the Annual Christmas Lights Competition and Christmas Eve, dancing, dining and Midnight Mass. On New Year’s Eve, the Réveillon de la Saint Sylvestre, there is a festive celebrations with noisemakers, balloons, and late-night dancing at hotels and restaurants.

See our St Martin Charter Yachts

In Guadeloupe, there is a Jazz Festival in mid December in Pointe a Pitre, on Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass with French and Creole carols and on Dec. 28, the Young Saint’s Day Parade for children carrying Christmas toys.

See our Guadeloupe Charter Yachts

In Martinique, there is a Rum Festival at the St. James Museum in Sainte Marie (Rum Museum). There is also a Christmas Caroling Festival in Saint Joseph (Association Mazincouin) Tourists can join locals in celebrating Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and festive dining and dancing at hotels and restaurants on New Year’s Eve.

See our Martinique Charter Yachts

In St. Barth’s, there are gala parties in the hotels and restaurants for New Year’s Eve…and don’t forget about having a Jimmy Buffet cheeseburger at the famous “Hamburger in Paradise” restaurant!

Our St Barths Yacht Charter Guide

On Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands (BVI), on New Year’s Eve there is the grand daddy of all New Years parties at Foxy’s Bar and Restaurant where hundreds of boats lash themselves together and the harbor is turned into one large floating party. This celebration is said to be one of the three best places to be in the world on New Year’s Eve, along with Times Square and Trafalgar Square!

See our BVI Charter Yachts

Posted on December 20, 2012 by admin

Update On New Couach 2600 Fly Luxury Charter Yacht

In South-Western France, in the Gujan-Mestras shipyard, a fantastic piece of manufacturing is taking place. The world renowned Chantier Naval Couach have released an update on their new build – a Couach 2600 Fly, and we think it looks extraordinary!

She's going to have a length of 26.5 metres, and a cruising speed of 22 knots (a top speed of 32 knots). Designs have been a collaboration of the in house team and Exequiel Cano-Lanza.

Full confirmed details are yet to be released, but the working specifications can be found below:

Overall Length (LOA) : 26.50 m
Beam : 6.30 m
Draft : 1.50 m
22 Kts Cruising Speed
32 Kts Max Speed
350 L/h Consumption
Zero Speed Stabilisers
4 Guest Cabins, 4 Crew Members
1 Tender, 1 Jet Ski

Click here to see some of our favourite Guy Couach yachts, including the fantastic MAYAMA, available for charter on the French Riviera. She has 4 stunning cabins and sits at just over 30m.

Looking to charter a yacht? Head to www.boatbookings.com, the leading online yacht charter broker, or email us at [email protected] and one of our Charter Specialists will get back to you shortly.
Watch this space for the latest industry show releases, news and gossip in the yachting world. If you liked the content on this page and our previous posts, please become a fan and like our Facebook page to receive up to date information on our publications.

Posted on December 20, 2012 by admin

Luxury Lürssen Super Yacht OCTOPUS comes to the rescue, again!

Lürssen 126.2m OCTOPUS has come to the rescue yet again for a second time in 2012, with its crew helping a stricken sailor who had come into danger after damaging its sails. They came across the 11.6m sailing yacht, Sequel, whose crew had activated a 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) 645 miles south-west of San Diego, California. Octopus’ crew had earlier in the year conducted a search for a missing plane, whilst cruising in the Pacific Ocean. Lürssen yachts are normally associated with cutting edge design, luxury and elegance and not sea rescue!

S/Y Sequel was on its way to Catalina when its sails were damaged, rendering it helpless and prompting the US Coast Guard to request Octopus to assist the damaged yacht, as an Amver participating vessel. Amver is a US Coast Guard-sponsored ship reporting system for the assistance of vessels in distress. According to the Amver blog, Octopus arrived on the scene within three hours. The blog continued:

‘Octopus’ embarked a 37 year old passenger from the sailboat and transferred 80 litres of fuel, food, and water to the skipper of the ‘Sequel’ who was refusing to abandon his sailboat. The sailboat was only making four knots but the skipper insisted he could make the voyage to California.??The passenger embarked on 'Octopus' was complaining of stomach pains and was treated by nursing staff on-board the megayacht. ‘Octopus' disembarked the survivor in Honolulu.

Posted on December 17, 2012 by admin

What Are Standard Procedures On a Luxury Yacht Charter?

When you charter a yacht, one of the most important things to remember is to respect the yacht. Sure, it's just as important to take good care of your crew, but the yacht is the vessel in which you spend your time for your charter, so it's crucial to keep it nice. Most yachts have a select number of “house rules”, which you should adhere to. These can change from yacht to yacht, but most remain throughout the industry. If you want to see more tips on how to get the most out of a crewed charter, click here.

– No shoes on deck or inside. Ever wondered why, at docks, there are sometimes lots of shoes lying around? Well it's because of this. A fantastically new teak deck will not take nicely to having a family of 8 walk all over it in shoes for a week! It's just the same reason that you were always expected to take your shoes off at the front door when you were younger, because your parents were insistent on the flooring in your household needing to remain clean!

– No smoking inside. Very few yachts allow smoking inside, and few allow smoking at all, even on deck. There are a few reasons for this. Starting with the fact that the yacht might start to smell inside from the fumes, and more importantly, if any ash travels inside, which can happen when sailing, it has the potential to burn furnishings. This explains why some yachts allow smoking on deck, but not if there is wind!

– Listen to your crew, and in particular the Captain! The crew on board luxury yachts know exactly what they're doing, so please do listen to them. If you have any questions, ask them. They know the best places (and worst places) to go, at all times, so discuss your itinerary plans with them, as they might have some great suggestions for you. It's important that all guests also listen to make sure they have a safe and enjoyable charter.

Please click here to see some of our fantastic crewed yachts!

Posted on December 17, 2012 by admin