The Top 3 Luxury Yachting Watches (from Guest Blogger Fraser Strand)

In my opinion there aren’t many experiences more pleasurable than sailing on the open sea. So whilst engaging in one of the most luxurious pursuits, it only follows that you should treat yourself to an equally luxurious set of gear to accompany you, the most intimate of which is a good sturdy watch. The following timepieces combine the height of men’s luxury with the rugged durability needed to face the oceans deep:

1. AUDEMARS PIGUET – The Royal Oak Collection

In 1914 HMS Royal Oak was launched as part of a Revenge-Class Battleship which was famously characterised by its octagonal cannon holes. This luxury sailing watch from Audemars Piguet acts as a tribute to the great ship by featuring an eight-sided rose gold bezel mirroring the distinctive and commanding nature of the Royal Oak’s weaponry. In my view, this is one of the most regal watches in the world with a unique historical relevance that gives it aura of commanding dominance.

2. CARTIER – Calibre de Cartier

It’s no secret that Cartier watches are one of the most luxurious watch brands in the world, however it’s less well-known that they make a lavish range of men’s watches that are ideal for the open seas. Made with glareproof sapphire-crystal glass, the Calibre has a large lens set in a robust stainless steel case that is water resistant to 30 metres. In fact, Cartier have perfected the essential mechanical movements by employing the Swiss-made Calibre 1904-PS MC automatic machinery to exact a level of nautical precision second to none.

3. JAEGER-LECOULTRE – Duometre

Not only does the Duometre have a stunningly unique and nautical design safe down to 3 meters, but its two independent power reserves provide an almost indefatigable reliability for up to 50 hours at sea. As with all their watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre guarantee over 1,000 hours of control tests which makes the Duometre one of the most reliable Swiss-made timepieces available.

Conclusion – Which is best?

Personally, when it comes to a yachting watch I think it has to be the perfect synthesis between reliability and luxury. Whilst no one does luxury better than Cartier, the Audemars Piaget Royal Oak has a robust yet distinctive style which I think gives it the edge as a true captain’s watch. If all this talk of luxury yachting has whet your appetite then check out some amazing charters at Boatbookings.com.

Fraser Strand is an avid technology writer with a passion for traveling and sailing around the world. On his own blog UK Gadget Review he writes about luxury watches, premium sailing gear, and innovative technology.

Posted on October 18, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

Seven Luxury Sunseeker Charter Yachts in the Last Four Bond Movies!

When you think of James Bond, you think of a suave, sophisticated man, yet at the same time, the Bond movies are synonymous with action and endless streams of luxurious gadgets. The gadgets don’t just stop at Bond’s watch, or his car, they roam to the seas, in the shape of the Sunseeker.

Sunseeker is one of the world’s most prestigious luxury yacht manufacturers, and in keeping with the Bond theme, directors have placed seven Sunseeker yachts in four of the last Bond movies. In The World is not Enough (1999), a Sunseeker Superhawk 34 made it’s appearance, speeding down the River Thames in London as a pre-title scene. Following this, in Pierce Brosnan’s last movie, Die Another Day (2002), a larger Sunseeker Superhawk 48 sailed onto our screens, when Halle Berry climbed on board.

In the new era of Daniel Craig playing the role of Bond, Sunseekers have become even more frequent. In Casino Royale (2006), two Sunseekers were used. The focus of these was the Predator 108, with cameo roles from both the XS 2000 and the Sportsfish 37. Following this, in the last Bond movie to date, before the release of Skyfall, in Quantam of Solace(2008), a further three Sunseekers were utilized. A Superhawk 43, a smaller Sovereign 17, and a 37m M4.

Whilst we all wait on the release of the newest Bond movie, which has an initial release date of the 22nd October 2012, we can’t help but look at all the gossip we know. In Skyfall, REGINA, a Pruva 56m sailboat, will be used. Her large sails and contemporary yet elegant interior would make for a fantastic charter, especially for those who are Bond lovers.

For those who are interested in chartering a fantastic Sunseeker, look no further than JEEL II, a Sunseeker 80, available for charter on the French Riviera. Her bright interior and large deck space are fantastic, complete with ample amounts of sunbathing area, enough for all passengers on board to enjoy the surroundings from the most luxurious of yachts.

If you’re interested in chartering a yacht, please go to boatbookings.com or email us at [email protected].

Posted on October 16, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

WILD THYME, a luxurious Benetti Classic Charter Yacht and the Benetti Innovation Project!

Benetti have initiated a new design competition known as the Innovation Project. The prestigious yachting brand has partnered with 16 design firms, a mix of newcomers and established artisans, to present 27 different mega yacht designs, with a view to some being put into production. Benetti left styling and interior arrangements up to each creative team to fashion as they wished, as long as the designs were based on the builder’s existing platforms, which ranges from 164 to 295 feet (50 meters to 90 meters). Marco Casali has just released three designs, which take inspiration from previous Benetti designs, bringing them into the 21st Century. Casali, “Our study was inspired by the impending anniversary of 140 years since the founding of the shipyard.” One of our favourites is the Cloud 90, a beautiful motorboat, which features both a helipad and a swimming pool.

The Cloud 90 is 295 feet in length (90 meters) and with a 55-foot beam (16.82-meter). Marco Casali described the Cloud 90 as a mega yacht of the future, but pays respect to traditional styling and aesthetics, which have made Benetti’s immediately recognizable. The “Cloud” part of Cloud 90 comes from the rounded, eyebrow-like glass section in the superstructure. Casali and his team mimicked the shape of clouds as well as that of the famed Yas Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Highlights of the layout include an owner’s deck with an alfresco lounge, as well as a balcony overlooking the foredeck sunning area and swimming pool. There are floor-to-ceiling windows along the main deck, three tender garages along the hull. There is a heavy emphasis on outdoor living and relaxing. The Cloud 90 will provide accommodation for up to 16 guests, with 28 crew, making a good crew-to-guest ratio.

Cloud 90 is a very exciting prospect and epitomises the importance of schemes such as Benetti’s Innovation project for the future of yachting designs. If you are looking to charter a mega yacht, we have a great selection available from a variety of prestigious ports in the world. We have a great Benetti Classic WILD THYME, which is available for charter anywhere along the French Riviera and Corsica, and would be the perfect yacht charter for MIPIM 2013. She is a 120ft super yacht which features a beautiful top deck with Jacuzzi, as well as a very luxurious interior. Alternatively, why not charter RM ELEGANT, a luxurious 237 foot super yacht with 15 cabins, accommodating up to 30 guests. She would be a great choice for large events, such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Monaco Grand Prix or a special birthday celebration.

If you would like to enquire about chartering a super yacht along the French Riviera, Italian Riviera or in the Caribbean, please enquire through the yacht page on our website or send an email to [email protected], where one of our experienced charter brokers will be delighted to assist you. Please watch this space for the latest news on Super Yacht releases, as well as futuristic designs and show information.

Posted on October 12, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

The new Super Yacht Y3 starts to take shape in Holland!

The hull of the new Super Yacht Y3 designed by Dixon Yacht Design has just arrived in Holland for the next steps in its construction. The team at Dixon are all highly trained, very experienced and loyal to founder Bill, who started the company 27 years ago. Bill’s team have grown and are now one of the world’s leading yacht design studio’s, as well as one of the most revolutionary and forward thinking. Y3 is a luxurious 45m Sailing Yacht, which is set to be launched in 2014.

Technical Specifications of Y3

Design – Dixon Yacht Design
Interior Design – Rhoades Young
Length – 39,57 m
Beam – 9.00 m
Draft 5.9 m – 3.9 m
Displacement – 196 ton
Launch Date – 2014

Y3 has been delivered to Holland Jachtbouw, a quality custom Superyacht builder who build both sailing yachts and motor yachts in the Netherlands. Holland Jachtbouw (HJB) also refit sailing and motor yachts of the highest calibre. The yachting company was established back in 1990 and is located at the heart of the Dutch yacht building industry close to Amsterdam. The team at HJB are dedicated to innovation, quality and cost control. They have a state-of-the-art workshop facility where Y3 will be completed before being sent to Rhoades Young for internal and external design.

Rhoades Young are a leader in interior and exterior super yacht design, whose aim is to “to deliver creative design that is driven by experience and passion to create true luxury yachts which are destined to become classics of the future.” The concept designs show that Y3 will have contemporary features, with light teak decks and soft furnishings. We believe that she will be a very sociable yacht, perfect for entertaining friends and family, whilst sailing some of the most beautiful parts of the world.

If you would like to find our more information on futuristic yacht designs, please watch this space. To find out more on how to charter a luxury yacht and see more Super Yachts, such as Y3, please do enquire via our website or send an email to [email protected]. Watch this space for the latest yacht trends and designs, as well as charter and destination information.

Posted on October 9, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

Fort Lauderdale International Yacht Show 2012

Coming up in the next few weeks is another of the greatest yacht shows around. Fort Lauderdale is widely considered to be one of the central hubs of the yachting world, and we’re sure that the yacht show this October won’t disappoint.

The show will run from Friday 26th October until Monday 29th October, with a preview day on Thursday 25th. On top of the fine yachts on display, there will be a variety of yacht builders, and even some exotic cars. Split over six locations, water-taxis and shuttle buses will make sure visitors are able to easily access all parts of the yacht show, which covers 3 million square feet.

Benetti and Palmer Johnson are amongst the manufacturers on show. WILD THYME is one of our Charter Broker’s favourite yachts, available for charter. She is a stunning 120ft Benetti, with 5 luxurious cabins, and a fantastic crew. For more information, please see here.

Also on show at the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Show is the world renowned manufacturer Feadship. LA MASCARADE is a beautiful 98ft yacht, with 4 spacious cabins, and a bright interior and lots of outdoor space to enjoy whilst on board.

For more information on chartering a yacht, please enquire via our website or send an email to [email protected].

Posted on October 5, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓