SUP paddle boarding – HOW?!

SUP boarding, originating in Hawaii is a spin-off from surfboards. As opposed to the paddle-less sister, sup boarding offers a range of activities perfect for your summer and winter charters!

Standing Up Paddleboards have become available to the masses, with almost all bareboat yacht owners offering SUP boards as an extra to their charters why not add one onto yours? Most crewed yacht charters will now have SUP boards, along with other water toys. But did you know there are so many ways to use them?! See below!

The classic – SUP Boarding.

In the Mediterranean, you will often see people push their sups off the side of the yacht and go for a paddle – join them! Bend your knees and make sure you have the paddle the right way around! As you become an expert over the week start to use some technique and draw a ‘J’ in the water. By doing this you only need to paddle on the one side.


Yoga

Downward dog!

Get up early, enjoy the stunning scenery of Croatia, Greece, Italy, Caribbean, wherever you are and get out on the SUP board. Go through some simple yoga exercises to get you ready for the day. Early morning around 6 am is the most special time on the water – so get out and enjoy it.


Balancing

Back in my Flotilla days in Greece, SUP boards were used for almost everything. Something which was seriously good fun, with not only the kids but also the adults was ‘The Balance’. Very simple – how many people can you get standing. Not as easy as it sounds!


Sun Bathing

Sup boards come with a wrist strap, to save you floating away to one of the other islands attach it to your bathing ladders or your anchor chain. It’s super relaxing – until someone thinks its a great idea to jump off the yacht and splash you! Yes – even the adults sometimes cannot resist making someone scream out of shock!


Darling, lets go to the races!

In your stunning anchorage, be it Greece or the Caribbean some people on the yacht might need to expel some extra energy! Or to get the whole group up with a little bit of competitive sport! This is a great way to have some quality time together and make memories. Try racing around the yacht and timing each other – or attach a fender to a kedge anchor and use it as a racing buoy! Make sure you use the correct knot to attach the kedge!


Wobble wars

It is what it says on the tin! Get two people to stand up on the board and wobble the yacht until someone falls off! A simple and effective game that brings hours of fun on the water. Very popular with kids, but it has been known for some 68-year-olds to get involved.. perhaps the G ‘n’ T had something to do with it!


If you would like to know more about adding sups to your charters, or interesting in chartering with us this coming summer or winter do email here!


Contrasting Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park and Zrce beach, Novalja, Pag island.

When choosing a holiday destination, it sometimes becomes a stressful exercise. However, we are at hand to take that stress away. Here at Boatbookings we regularly visit the countries we have yachts in so we are up to date with advice for you! Questions like: “will they like it? Does it offer something for everyone? Can I have peace and quiet? But also some nightlife? I want nature, but also the parties, I want sea but also land” are regularly asked – and we know the answers! We advise you on everything from yachts, best anchorages, local knowledge, restaurants and even the best wines available!

Croatia is one of the top countries to be visited by not only the young party goers but for nature enthusiasts and of course the sailors! Because of Croatia’s diversity it truly offers something for everyone and here’s why…..


Aerial view of Brijuni islands, Croatia

Croatia has diversity at every corner. A previously Soviet ran country, it has turned into one of the most popular sailing hot spots in Europe. Boasting over 2000 islands for you to explore and home to eight incredible National Parks what more could you want from one country?


Croatia, Pag Island – Zrce beach.

Pag island.

Pag island is located 2 hours northwest of Split and is assessable by car. Pag island the capital of Croatia’s nightlife! With clubs such as Papaya and Kalypso open until the early hours of the morning be sure to pack some paracetamol! Festivals such as Hideout are based here because of the islands DJ history. This area has been partying until their feet give out for more than 30 years making it one of the pioneering places to let your hair down!


Plitvice lakes

Plitvice Lakes

So, you’re picking your yacht up at 5pm (normal embarkation time) and yet your flight arrives early morning. What should you do? Well, why not visit one of the most incredible national parks in the world before you hop on your yacht?! This National Park is 1.5 hours inland from port Starigrad. Alternatively, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Split. It’s worth booking in advance, they only allow a certain amount of people in per hour so you are able to be at one with nature, and not shuffle around the crowds.


On of our Bali Cats in Croatia!

On your sailing holiday, you need to experience variety. You need to explore the land has to offer as well as sailing through the stunning Adriatic sea. Everyone has different tastes when it comes down to how they want to spend their time off. With Croatia, it gives you the opportunity to create a harmonious holiday and ensuring that everyone feels like they got the most out of their precious time off. Get in touch with one of our yachting experts to see how you could have your very own private yacht!

Captivating Catamarans – Lagoon Line

Lagoon was created directly from Jeanneau Technologies Avancees, also known as their competition department. Lagoon accepted unusual requests such as the construction of the trimaran in the film, “Waterworld”. Innovation was deeply embedded in the DNA of these yachts from the get-go.

Between the years of 1987-96 the first line of Lagoon catamarans was born. These yachts were loved by off-shore sailors as much as coastal cruisers. Their iconic wide beam allowed the yacht to be so stable even in rougher seas. In 1996 Beneteau took over the Jeanneau shipyards and handed over the legacy of Lagoon to Construction Navale Bordeaux. It was here when the use of high tech was implemented.

Come the early 00’s, Lagoon was on a roll. With the production of 380, 410, 440, 470, 500, and 570 hitting the market, it catapulted Lagoon to one of the leading Catamaran manufacturers in the world.

Now, Lagoon holds some of the most prestigious awards for their Catamarans in the world. The durable yachts make Lagoons a perfect choice when choosing a catamaran for your charter. They are easy to manage, with state of the art electronics making every moment of you charter special.

We have recently added 30+ Lagoons in Greece, Croatia and the Caribbean from only the most trusted owners. We have carefully selected some of the best Lagoons available on the market, with different variations its never been so easy to find your perfect catamaran! To find out more please contact one of our expert brokers here!

Wine and Dine As You Sail Croatia

In previous articles we have covered the pristine beauty and historic treasures of Croatia and the stunning Dalmatian coastline, but another reason to charter in this part of the world is the incredible selection of bars and restaurants, where you can while away the days or evenings sampling the local fare. With a multitude of options, I will concentrate on a couple of our clients favourite spots from Split to Hvar.

hvar_port_yachts_3681_7355_de7094

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Discover the Stunning Dalmatian Coast

As the country’s second largest city and with an airport nearby, many would consider Split the perfect destination from which to explore Croatia’s Adriatic coast. From buzzing bars and restaurants to world heritage sights, this city has a lot to offer and what is north up the coast from this abundant destination offers only more in both natural and historical sites.

Split

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