Category Archives: Cannes

Insider tips to the French Riviera (from those who live there)

Several members of the Boatbookings.com staff live on the French Riviera.  We've been compiling some of their insider tips to get the most out of your time on the Riviera!

– If you want a great place to sit outside in the evening, have a nice meal, listen to some music and feel the buzz – go to Juan Les Pins (near Antibes)

– There is a big difference between the town of St Tropez and Pampelonne Beach, where the St Tropez beach clubs are.  You can't walk between the two. Go to St Tropez town in the morning, shop, see the yachts and have a coffee by the water, then have your skipper take you to Pampelonne Beach for sunning and a long, late afternoon lunch at the Club of your choice.

– You can literally walk right up to many of the world's largest superyachts on the IYCA (International Yacht Club of Antibes) Pier in Antibes.  Same in Cannes by the Palais des Festivals and in Monaco.

– If you're near Cannes, anchor between the two Iles Lerins.  It feels a million miles away from the busy town, is great for swimming, and has a gorgeous view of the sunset behind the striking Esterel Rock Formation. That's what the locals do!

– Don't even think of driving to St Tropez in July or August between 10 am and 1pm.  You'll just roast in your car and arrive in a bad mood. That's why we're here – take a boat and do it properly!

– There are great places to kayak and swim beneath the beautiful red rocks of the Esterel.  Don't just power by on the way to St Tropez – take time to enjoy this beautiful area!

Please add more suggestions here on the blog, or on our Facebook page – we'll be publishing the best on Boatbookings in our French Riviera Section.  Enjoy!

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MY Willpower To Debut at Cannes Boat Show

The Cannes Festival de la Plaisance (Cannes Boat Show) this September provides a wonderful opportunity to see many fabulous yachts on display. Among them will be Heesen Yachts’ ninth in the 3700 series, MY Willpower. The yacht, styled by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, derives a particularly impressive presence form her streamlined profile and lustrous Super Jet Black hull.

The goal of interior designer Gabriel Bernardi of was to create a timeless sense of style through the use of interior elements reminiscent of classic yachts. He states, “My inspiration for this interior and most of my interiors in general, is this incredibly sophisticated era between the two world wars, where style and entertainment took position over outward displays of wealth. Craftsmanship, style, beauty and above all charm were important ingredients to life and people had an aesthetic appreciation and were rarely vulgar.”

Although unusual in contemporary interiors, classic yachts featured freestanding furniture that could be rearranged to accommodate varying social situations, from business meetings to cocktail parties. Bernardi reintroduces this functionality with the same high-level sophistication and quality craftsmanship found on storied vessels of the mid-war period.

Despite MY Willpower’s retro aura it is a thoroughly modern yacht. The owner’s suite, located on the main deck, and four guest cabins are located on the lower deck, are beautifully appointed with convenient amenities and ample storage. Exterior social areas include the spacious sundeck with sitting area, wet bar and spa pool. Powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesel engines, MY Willpower can slice through waves at a speedy 31 knots. In addition, VT Naiad, Active trim tab stabilization helps to insure a smooth ride.

LOA: 122’

Beam: 24′

Draft: 7’

Maximum speed: 31 knots

Range: 2,000 nm @ 12 knots

Fuel: 8,700 Gal.

Water: 2,100 Gal.

Hull type: twin screw, hard chine, semi-displacement

Hull and superstructure material: aluminum

Photo Credits: profile Ren̩ Keuvelaar Рshed Dick Holthuis

We will be blogging all the news from the Cannes Boat Show – and if you plan to be there and would like to look at specific charter yachts, please feel free to contact us – we’d love to meet you!

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Boatbookings Onboard Mi Sueno: Trinity 190 ft. Ready to Charter

At a recent open house in Fort Lauderdale, Boatbookings was invited to tour 190-foot Mi Sueno, launched last month from Trinity Yachts and available for charter in the Western Mediterranean. Mi Sueno incorporates all of the elements of style and design that continue to distinguish Trinity yachts as a very desirable charter brand.

Stewart Bridges of Patrick Knowles was pleased to show us around the spectacularly luxurious yacht. Classically sophisticated interiors integrate an abundance of exotic Honduras Mahogany, Wenge, Maple Burl and Lace Woods. The entry flooring is sumptuously laid out in Cosmos granite with Sahara Gold inlaid border. The entry way also features special storage for close to 500 bottles of wine.

Mi Suenoo features accommodations in six generously proportioned ensuite staterooms with an optional smaller seventh cabin, regularly configured as the gym, that is equipped with four Pullmans suitable for staff, nanny or body guards. A two-person wheelchair accessible elevator conveniently services three interior decks.

The split level, full-beam master suite, located on the main deck, measures a voluminous 800 square feet.The king bed, positioned on the upper level, faces an arc of panoramic windows for spectacular 180 degree views. A lounge area with TV is just a couple of steps down and there`s a private office area off to the starboard side.

The yacht is designed with voluminous deck spaces and the flybridge is equipped for touch and go helicopter operations. On the upper level a large Jacuzzi, a small cold water pool and a bar entertainment area beckon outdoor fun. A maximum of 14 guests will enjoy being totally pampered by the expert crew of 16, dedicated to providing the perfect charter experience.

Length Overall: 190 ft

Beam: 33 ft

Draft: 8 ft

Max Speed:19 Cruise Speed: 17 Range: 4,000

Fuel Capacity: 22,002 Gal Water Capacity: 3,500 Gal

Engines: Twin Caterpillar 3516-CHD

Quantum XT Zero Speed Stabilizer

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Deals abound in the French Riviera

12 days for the price of 10, 30% off, additional catering thrown in for free – we are seeing amazing deals coming across our screens for crewed motor yachts in the French Riviera this summer.

So, during a lull in the World Cup, why not spend a few minutes planning your summer holiday and checking out the amazing specials available?  Mangustas, Sunseekers, even Power Catamarans , of all sizes and configurations are available. Just click on our French Riviera Charter Specials Page to see a listing or contact one of our brokers who know of the best specials available on the market.

We recommend bookng now – many of these specials will go away at the end of June.  We look forward to helping you plan your French Riviera Vacation Holiday this summer!

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Genoa Yacht Show Featured Charter Yachts – KATYA, 2009 DELTA MARINE 151′

Katya Luxury YachtKatya represents one of those rare instances in which collaboration between the owners, their designer Jean-Claude Canestrelli, and the Delta Design Group, produced a yacht that is superbly luxurious, regally elegant, yet calming and comfortable. The stunning crème color of the ceilings and floors present a sinfully rich backdrop for dark figured khaya veneers, amboina and maple burls, and crotch mahogany woods.

The Owner named the yacht after their adopted Russian daughter, whom the crew adores, and portraits of her are hung throughout the yacht. Her beautifully feminine ensuite cabin is decorated in shades of pink with a bathroom of finely veined green marble, a space to delight any child. Outside areas beckon relaxation; lounging on the bow is a popular pastime with guests, or a leisurely luncheon at the outdoor table for twelve. Families will especially appreciate the well-stocked toy chest that inspires guests of any age to have fun on the water.

Katya accommodates 12 guests in five staterooms and, despite her stately presence, welcomes children onboard.
Length: 151′
Beam: 31′
Draft: 9′ 6″
Stabilizers at Anchor: Yes
Deck Jacuzzi: Yes
Max Speed: 15.5 knots
Cruising Speed: 12.5 knots

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