Category Archives: Industry Shows

What’s going on at the Shows, Events, and Companies in the Charter Industry

Cannes Boat Show opens

A view of Cannes during the Cannes Boat ShowBoatbookings will be scouring the Cannes Boat Show this week looking for great new charter yachts, and seeing all the new models that are being launched. From the looks of the setup last night, the show should be hopping despite the recession. We’ll keep you updated on any great new developments.

We’re especially looking forward to seeing the Sunreef Power Cats – as we’re seeing increasing demand for this type of charter yacht.

One recommendation already – the view of Cannes from the terrace bar/restaurant at the 1835 White Palm hotel (formerly the Sofitel) is fantatic! It’s located at the west end of the Old Port, looking straight down on the boats. The views are gorgeous in all directions – which is why the bar is called 360 (this photo was taken from the terrace).

The restaurant is excellent (a full menu with all the trimmings costs EUR 55 plus wine) and it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the show. If you need to track us down at the show, we’ll probably be there!

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Americans chartering closer to home for great charters at less cost

Gorgeous Sandy Beaches of FloridaFor those of you who want to charter in 2009 but are on a tight budget – many of our clients are saving on airfare by chartering closer to home, while keeping the same quality of yacht and charter experience. Similar to land based “staycations”, here are some ideas for an amazing charter experience without long flights.

South Florida and the Keys – America’s Sunshine State offers everything you’d want from an exotic charter – islands (the keys), coral diving and snorkeling, beach bars and restaurants, glorious sunsets – all a quick stop from Miami.

Bahamas – The Bahamas offer clear turquoise waters teeming with life, gorgeous beaches on hundreds of coral islands, quiet anchorages, renowned ports, and a swashbuckling history that dates from Columbus’ times. Just 100 miles off the coast of Florida you can be on a yacht with a minimum of hassle, making the Bahamas both a perfect charter holiday destination and great for events such as weddings, celebrations, honeymoons, or business meetings.

New England – New England offers both rugged rocky coastlines and gorgeous sandy beaches, destinations including Newport RI, Cape Cod, Marthas Vineyard, Boston, and the thousands of islands, coves and lobstering towns of Maine. It always provides history, charm, understated elegance and a seafaring culture. Many yachts that normally return to the Mediterranean during the summer will instead cruise up the Atlantic coast, so this may be a great year for a charter in New England! San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge

Pacific Northwest – San Francisco, Seattle, the gorgeous Pacific Coastline, Vancouver and all the way up to Alaska – the richness and grandeur of the Pacific Northwest are second to none. If you haven’t seen the Golden Gate, Space Needle or a live glacier, think about the Pacific Northwest this year.

Great Lakes – For fresh water sailing with the feel of an ocean, the great lakes offer excellent charter itineraries with plenty of great yachts – both motor and sail. From the wilderness of Northern Michigan, to the cosmopolitan city of Chicago, the Great Lakes can deliver a charter that meets your summer holiday needs

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St Martin Boat Show “Concours de Chefs” Challenge Results

When you charter a crewed yacht, you expect the utmost in service and luxury, and one of the things that can make the charter for you is the food served to you whilst on board. At the St dessertMaarten-St Martin Boat Show a Concour’s de Chefs Challenge was held this year to praise and highlight the best. One of our Boatbookings USA Team was able to play a part in assisting in the event.  The theme this year, ‘The Spanish Influence on Caribbean Cuisine’, had to be expressed through the presentation of one entree and one dessert being judged not only on taste and appearance but also on the overall use of the theme, from table setting to the accompanying wine.

With only 30 minutes to get both dishes out onto the table, the challenge was a spectacle to behold, our Boatbookings team member was fortunate enough to get a guest spot on the splendid yacht Paramour. The meal was served alfresco style, overlooking the magnificent yachts docked in the marina. The service was impeccable, and timing was perfect. The crew was very friendly and upbeat, ready for the judging panel!

The results of the challenge are as follows
Division I (yachts over 140′):

    First – Guy Barrett of VA BENE
    Second – Nicolas Richert of LADY JOY
    Third – Christina Jones of TUSCAN SUN

Division II (yachts under 140′):

Best Dessert: Matthes Vanducci of CHEVY TOY

Best Crew Service, Ambience and Table setting:

    First – NAMOH
    Second – Tie with PARAMOUR and TUSCAN SUN
    Third – LADY JOY
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St Maarten-St Martin Yacht Charter Show Report and Top Yachts

IlonaThe 2008 MYBA St. Maarten Charter Show, held from December 6th-9th, went off without a hitch and was a huge success. There were plenty of yachts to see, crew to meet and of course the occasional fun event in the evening schedule. The USA Boatbookings Team was fortunate enough to attend this event, inspect the yachts and meet the crews.

Our team agree that the Best Yacht in Show was the 2007 132’ (37.3m) Heeson Ilona.

“Her modern minimalist Asian theme was a pleasant surprise amongst all the other contemporary yachts on show.  Her warm welcoming crew of 6 are looking forward to having a successful Caribbean charter season. She is eager to show off her state of the art equipment i.e Kalaidescape audio visual systems for aft deck, master and main saloon. She also comes with a Equator tender that boasts a 225hp inboard engine.  This is not your standard charter yacht she definitely stands out in a crowd.”

If you’re interested in chartering her just contact our agents who will try their utmost to get her for you!

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The Top Yachts from the Caribbean Boat Shows

King's RansomThe Stateside Boatbookings team have been cruising the boat shows of the Caribbean (still ongoing!) and at the recent British Virgin Island (BVI) and St. Thomas Shows they have formulated a list of their top picks for the coming season.  Here is what they had to say:

From the BVI Show, the top yachts were Aldebaran and King’s Ransom.

    “King’s Ransom is another great catamaran based in the BVIs. It is a brand new Matrix design, very spacious, and is definately one of the higher end crewed cats we have to offer for the BVI. Crew were lovely and the boat has all new amenties, with lovely warm soft furnishings.”

    “I also like Aldebaran, a Lagoon 57. She has great crew, a husband and wife team from South Africa. He is a dive master and she is now a qualified yoga instructor so if the guests onboard would like a private yoga class she can accommodate them! Diving facilities are onboard. Aldebaran won best multihull yacht in the BVI boat show.”

From the St. Thomas Show, the yachts of choice were 5 Star and Viaggo.

    “We both loved the yacht 5 Star. It is a great Beneteau 50 and newer to charter. She is a 2 pax boat only, so a perfect fit for a honeymoon charter, or a romantic getaway for a couple.”

    “Viaggo is motor yacht and is also brand spanking new, she really is a great boat. She is extremely spacious for her size.  A Horizon 74 design from Virgin traders, this is their first crewed yacht, so still working on the details, but watch this space and she should be on our site soon”

So, it’s all set to be another exciting season in the Caribbean with more news coming this way from the other Caribbean shows!

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