A Day in the life of an Intern, Part IV

This blog continues the series describing one day, and in my case a rather special one, in the life of an intern at Boatbookings. On 7th May I was lucky enough to be invited, along with Charter Director, Mimi and Charter Broker Cordy, on a day’s viewing of 4 luxury sailing yachts.

The day starting at about 12 o’clock after being picked up from the new port in Cannes in a gorgeous tender. Although both Mimi and Cordy were dropped at ALPINA, a lovely 3 cabin Swan 82, I carried on, and was dropped off at WALLY ONE. WALLY ONE is the original WALLY, the very first to be built and an absolute gem. Constructed in 1991, she was designed well before her time and having been refitted in 2009 she can compete with the best around, as well as having that added class and style as the first in a line of celebrated yachts.

Once on deck she has far more space than it might seem from pictures. The smooth teak deck is perfect for relaxing, with an assortment of comfortable cushions and bean bags. As I was introduced to the Captain, Nounou, an energetic and smiling man who placed a drink in my hand, he promptly whisked me off for a tour of his yacht. Below deck, the dining room and salon with its nice blend of woods has space to relax, watch a film or entertain guests. Further on, the cabin arrangement also stands out; in 4 cabins, there are 11 berths which make WALLY ONE a fantastic yacht for a family holiday.

The early afternoon was spent getting to know the yacht and its Captain while tucking into the delicious meat and cheese platters, the salmon canapés and an assortment of salads, which all went well with a glass of rosé. They were so good in fact that we did not even realise that these would be followed by a main course, which consisted of a fantastic tortellini and feta dish. Soon after, along with the other yachts SHAMLOR, ALPINA and WORLDS END, we set off sailing around les Iles des Lérins for a magical finish to the day.

Boatbookings.com provide a truly unique Internship Program; there is no better place to learn about one of the world’s most luxurious sectors than in the south of France.

Posted on June 12, 2013 by admin

The Winner of the Cannes Film festival: La Vie d’Adele (Blue is the Warmest Colour). Our Yacht Winner – Black and White!

The winner of the 66th Cannes Film Festival is La Vie d’Adele (Blue is the Warmest Colour). The most coveted prize in film after the Oscars went to this three hour emotional tale of love and sexuality by Abdellatif Kechiche that centers on a 15 year old girl (Adele Exarchopoulos) and her lover (Lea Seydoux) and is the first time in the festivals history that the Palm d”Or has gone to a French film in two consecutive years. It is also notable that this steamy lesbian epic has won the highest award on the day when hundreds of thousands of demonstrators marched in Paris on Sunday to protest France's recent legalization of same-sex marriage. (See more on this film here)

The other notable winners in the 66em Festival de Cannes were:

Grand Prix: Inside Llewyn Davis, Joel and Ethan Coen, U.S.

(See more here).
Prix du Jury: Like Father, Like Son, Hirokazu Koreeda, Japan.

(See more here).
Prix de la Mise en Scène (Best Director): Amat Escalante, Heli, Mexico
Prix du Scénario (Best Screenplay): Jia Zhangke, A Touch of Sin, China.
Prix d’interprétation masculine (Best Actor): Bruce Dern, Nebraska, U.S.
Prix d’interprétation feminine (Best Actress): Bérénice Bejo, The Past, France. (See more here).

However, it is obviously the yachts that are most important here. Our team here at Boatbookings choose a yacht for every film, yet what were our winners? Which yacht got our Palm d'Or?

After some intense debate, we narrowed the field down to just three yachts. WILD THYME, BLACK AND WHITE and CALLISTO. Chosen for their gorgeous lines, high performance and supreme luxury, they would provide any guests with a charter of a lifetime, yet which one would edge the other out to win Boatbookings Palm d'Or?

And the winner for Best Yacht in the Cannes Film Festival is…..

BLACK AND WHITE as it was ended up sweeping away the field and taking the prize as our favorite yacht from this series of

blogs marking each day of the Cannes Film festival. Her gorgeous lines, immaculate and luxurious interior, fantastic outdoor spaces for sunbathing or al fresco dining and superb crew propelled her to victory. (Click on here to find out why she was our favourite!)

At www.boatbookings.com, we are here to help you plan your perfect luxury yachting holiday. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other aspects that make your charter special.

Posted on May 27, 2013 by admin

The Very Best of European Gastronomy on a Luxury Yacht

Chartering a crewed yacht is synonymous with luxury, lavishness and the very highest levels of customer service. Whether you are in the stunning British Virgin Islands, French Riviera or the Asia Pacific region, charter guests expect a professional crew who can perform every duty asked of them. In the 21st Century, food is a pertinent factor in the overall enjoyment of a holiday, whether it is on the water, at a restaurant or in a hotel. People are increasingly becoming ‘foodies’ and looking for spectacular gastronomic experiences. Thus, the food provided on charters has to live up to the very best restaurants, and often delivers much more!

Two of our brokers were recently invited for lunch on board crewed motor yacht QUANTUM, a stunning Peri Yachts 29m custom build, which can accommodate up to 8 guests in 2 VIP and 2 Twin cabins. She provides lavish accommodation and design features throughout, giving her a contemporary, yet elegant and sophisticated feel.

She has a brilliant Flybridge, which will accommodate your whole charter group, whether they want to socialise, sunbathe or simply take in the incredible vistas of the French Riviera. Based in Marina Baie des Anges, she is ideally located for week long charters to Corsica or west towards St Tropez and the magical Porquerolles Islands. Her crew of 4 are extremely professional, knowledgeable and attentive to their guests need. They have recently welcomed a new chef on board, who was chosen from over 70 applicants.

Our Menu:

* Canapés – served with Moët and Chandon Rose Champagne

* Smoked Aubergine Caviar with Marinated Mozzarella and Melba Toast

* Roast Belly of Pork with Crackling, Potato and Black Pudding Dauphinoise, Pomme Purée, Grilled Asparagus and a Red Wine Reduction

* Vanilla Cheesecake, Served with Tempered Chocolate, Sugarwork and Seasonal Fruits

We had very high expectations of the chef, especially after we had heard that he was picked from 70 applicants. The food was delicious and each course was perfectly matched with a local wine. The French Riviera has so much choice when it comes to restaurants, but with food like this on your own luxury yacht charter, you will not want to go anywhere else!

QUANTUM is new to the charter market and given her performance, accommodation and excellent crew, we expect that she will be a very popular choice this summer for charters in the South of France. We recommend booking soon to avoid disappointment. If you have already booked your villa for this year, do not despair, as she is available for luxury day charters. Combine the very best of land and sea and experience the French Riviera like never before.

Check out our website, www.boatbookings.com, and start searching for your luxury yacht charter on the French Riviera for this summer. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other aspects that make your charter special.

At Boatbloggings we will keep you updated on the latest industry show releases, news and gossip in the yachting world. If you are looking for more information on yachts, charters and other yachting gossip, please become a fan and like our Facebook page to receive up to date information on our publications. Follow us on Twitter and Google Plus too.

Posted on May 26, 2013 by admin

Cannes Film Festival, Day 11 – Only Lovers Left Alive – Our Yacht Nominee: ALVIUM

Now that we're drawing to the end of the Cannes Film Festival, it is the time for our penultimate selection for our yacht to fit the film of the day.

Day 11 brings us Only Lovers Left Alive, written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, which stars big names such as Tilda Swinton and John Hurt. Only Lovers Left Alive is the story of two vampires who have been in love for centuries, but their love is interrupted, tried and tested by the changing human society and those around them.

So, in keeping with the dark but romantic theme, our yacht nominee for Only Lovers Left Alive is this sleek and sexy Sunseeker
Predator 84, ALVIUM. The design has a 'vampy' edge, with dark woods, rich reds and plush fabrics; she really gives off the theme of deep brooding love. Accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 cabins, she is available to charter from €41,000 per week in Ibiza. A powerful choice for your charter, she has sporty styling and is perfect to relax in luxury.

At www.boatbookings.com, we are here to help you plan your perfect luxury yachting holiday. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will leave no stone unturned to bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other subtle aspects that make your charter so special.

Posted on May 25, 2013 by admin

Cannes Film Festival, Day 10 – The Immigrant – Our Yacht Nominee: Prestige 46!

Day 10 of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival sees the premiere of James Gray's 'The Immigrant.' James Gray will be bringing his fourth film to the Cannes Film Festival in the hope that he will recieve the highly coveted Palme d'Or trophy for his efforts. The film stars the truly talented Marion Cotillard, who plays a Polish immigrant in 1920's New York City. Marion swiftly falls under the spell of a small-time pimp played by Joaquin Phoenix, a regular in Gray's cinematic masterpieces. As the plot thickens, Marion seeks out the help of magician, Jeremy Renner, to rescue her from these dark times. 'The Immigrant' partially mirrors the story of James Gray's grandparents when they arrived in New York as immigrants from Eastern Europe. This hugely anticipated film premieres on Friday 24th at 8:30, 15:00 and 19:30, 2013.

In keeping with the Eastern European theme of James Gray's eagerly awaited Cannes Film Festival entry, why not charter this luxurious Jeanneau Prestige 46 Fly in Croatia.

She boasts 3 grand and well-designed cabins that can easily accommodate up to 6 guests. She is one of the finest in her class that is available to charter without a skipper on the beautiful Croatian coast. The interior of this Prestige 46 oozes style and elegance thanks to her cherry wood furnishings, sprawling leather sofas and spacious open plan.The adjoining 3 bathrooms provide ample room for the guests and are fully fitted with all the latest bathroom accessories.

She has a beautifully constructed flybridge that overlooks the crystal blue sea, an ideal spot to marvel at the rugged Croatian coastline. The performance of the 2 x 500 Cummins engines combined with the superb fiberglass hull shape provides an extremely smooth cruise. Charter this luxury Jeanneau Prestige 46 Fly in Croatia and you will not be disappointed.

Posted on May 24, 2013 by admin