British University Students Attempt to Cross the Atlantic

A few weeks ago, we posted this article about British university students Jamie Sparks and Luke Birch, who, on a whim one day, decided that they would attempt to row the Atlantic. If successful, they will be the youngest duo ever to do so.

The boys have just set off from La Gomera and will face extreme conditions while pushing their bodies to their utmost physical limits throughout the 3000 mile trip to Antigua. It will take around 50 days of non-stop rowing in two hour shifts, day and night, burning around 10000 calories a day. They are living off dehydrated food made up with sea water, desalinated using solar power.

The 2 Boys in a Boat are aiming to go one step further than Ben Fogle and James Cracknell, who finished second place in the Tallisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in 2005, and have almost raised their £100 000 target for Breast Cancer Care.

They are currently in 2nd place for the pairs after two days of rowing – you can track their progress here, check out a video of their preparation for the race here, or donate to their charitable cause here.

We wish them the best of luck here at boatbookings

Posted on December 6, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

Two Boys in a Boat row the Atlantic

Are you looking to charter a rowing boat from La Gomera to Antigua this winter? Neither are we, but on the 2nd of December, two intrepid young men are doing exactly that.

In 37 days, British university students Jamie Sparks and Luke Birch are embarking on a journey of a lifetime; to row the mighty Atlantic. If successful, they will achieve the title of youngest people ever to do so. The moustache and mullet sporting duo are aiming to raise £100 000 for Breast Cancer Care and are currently almost half way through their target.

The Tallisker Whiskey Challenge is the world’s toughest rowing race; a gruelling journey lasting around 90 days that is to be completed in a custom rowing boat, totally exposed to the elements. On top of this, the boys will be doing it naked to reduce chafing!

Should you choose instead a luxury yacht charter in the Caribbean and happen to bump into two naked, exhausted, bearded and mulleted boys in a boat, be sure to say ahoy! You can follow their amazing journey and donate to their charitable cause here.

Posted on October 25, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

The Blue Peter – The Number One Yacht for Regatta Charters!

On Sunday, Tom from the Boatbookings Team was lucky enough to get out on the water for an afternoon of sailing on board THE BLUE PETER. Built in 1930, she has been under the ownership of owner/skipper Mat for 13 years. THE BLUE PETER and the ocean are evidently two of Mat’s greatest passions in life! He has nurtured her and restored her into the beautiful condition that she is now in – a true labor of love! THE BLUE PETER is currently undergoing a comprehensive refit following the installation of a completely new mast. Her new mast is 2.5m taller than her previous one and, with a larger mainsail, this makes her even faster and more spectacular than she was before!

She has had many successful regatta outings over the years, this year being no different. She has consistently been one of the top competitors with strong performances in the Monaco Classics Week, Regatta Royales in Cannes and Les Voiles de St Tropez. Mat and First Mate Gary welcome guests on board to join them for exciting Regatta Charters, their comprehensive packages ensuring that you will truly experience classic regatta racing on one of the most successful and prestigious boats in her class.

Mat, Gary and their crew are about to embark on a transatlantic crossing via Barcelona and the Seychelles before crossing the Atlantic to Antigua where she will be based over Christmas. In the New Year, THE BLUE PETER will sail to Barbados, Grenada, St Maarten, St Barths and the BVIs, entering regattas along the way, before returning to the Mediterranean in May for another exciting summer of racing on the Riviera!

Inquire today with one of our Charter Experts at Boatbookings who will be delighted to organize a regatta charter and this experience of a lifetime for you!

Posted on October 22, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

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

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

DENIKI – Luxury Super Yacht of the Week

The vast portfolio of Luxury Super Yachts that are available for charter makes the choice of picking a weekly favourite extremely difficult. However, DENIKI is quite stunning in every regard so that is why she is this weeks choice! Currently on show at the 2012 Antigua Yacht Show, DENIKI is a 52.3m Amels Super Yacht, accommodating up to 10 guests in 5 luxurious cabins. She combines both sleek lines and contemporary styling with a bold use of colour, making her extremely striking.

Each of the cabins are decorated with a different colour scheme, and the master suite is decorated with an African theme, which is such a unique feature of the yacht and adds to DENIKI's character. She also has on board a steam room, gym and sauna, decorated beautifully with mosaics. The contemporary art décor is bright and colourful, and shows off the attention to detail in DENIKI's design.

An all-important factor of a charter is of course the food, and DENIKI's chefs Ben and Gareth produce super food throughout the day! When our Managing Director and Charter Director spent a day out on DENIKI, they dined on Kobe beef carpaccio with a truffle dressing and grilled mahi-mahi with sweet peppers. She has 11 crew who will attend to your every need to ensure that you have the best experience possible. Some of her best features are her water toys, including Tenders, Jet Skis, Water Skis, Wakeboards and towable toys – which are bound to keep both the adults and children entertained for hours. She also features a gym with all of the latest cardiovascular equipment and weights.

The reason why she is this weeks favourite is due to her incredible outdoor space. She offers multiple sunbathing areas with large cushions to ensure maximum comfort. There are also beautiful areas to sip cocktails, such as their espresso martinis, whilst watching the sunset and outdoor al fresco dining areas, perfect for sampling the gastronomic treats from the chef.

She is available for charter in the Mediterranean in the summer, and the Caribbean during the winter season. You can also send your charter enquiries to [email protected], and our brokers will be delighted to provide you with more information.

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.

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Posted on December 6, 2012 by admin