Unforgettable Florida – Our Managing Director’s Account

Capucine, Managing Director at Boatbookings.com has just returned from an unforgettable trip to Fort Lauderdale. Apart from welcoming our wonderful new US Charter Director Allison Cecilio, she also re-discovered what makes the Floridian coastline the enchanting holiday and charter destination it is. This blog is her account of three key moments that made her fall back in love with Florida!

1. Alligator spotting tour in the Everglades.

A little bit of drama here as we were skimming in an airboat over the sawgrass swampland, having seen a number of alligators, and our airboat broke down! Now I’m not shy when it comes to an adventure but having been told these six foot alligators could jump three times their length a slight nervousness came about…

Luckily the rescue boat arrived quickly and we all made it back to base! I couldn’t help but think this wouldn’t have happened on a luxury yacht charter, but an incredible experience. With around 1.5 million crocodiles in Florida it’s a must-do trip!

2. Visiting Port Everglades

One of the largest cruise ship ports in the world, I counted no less than 8 large cruise ships in the port, each one taller than every building around. Quite a spectacular sight! I couldn’t help but think that a cruise is the perfect opportunity to arrive in port and enjoy a private and thoroughly relaxing day out on the sea. Whether you head down to Miami or just enjoy the sights and sounds of Florida a day boat rental allows you to do all this and escape the crowds.

3. The variety on offer!

Whilst sat in my hotel, I look outside my window to see quite an awe-inspiring sight. It was motor yacht TATS, one of my favourites by Alloy Yachts launched in 2009. Although I was impressed by the yacht, what was most impressive was its proximity to the coast! Fort Lauderdale is America’s own Venice with over 165 miles of navigable intracoastal waterway, meaning you can spend days enjoying the wonderful climate and friendly atmosphere with the option of heading out and enjoying the privacy of the ocean as and when you feel like it! A truly unforgettable vacation experience on offer here.

Another personal highlight was visiting the newly re-fitted VICTORIA DEL MAR II. A stunning yacht with elegant beach house styling and ample space for al fresco dining for 12 on the expansive sun-deck. The great news is she’s available for charter in Florida and the Bahamas at the moment, and will be heading to the glorious French Riviera for the summer. An option I cannot recommend highly enough!

For more information on chartering in Fort Lauderdale and on the Florida coastline, contact our expert broker team today.

Posted on March 6, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

The Arrival of the New Benchmark for Superyachts

Leonardo di Caprio was in the news again this week after his quest to win his first Oscar once more ended in disappointment. Nominated for his role in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, di Caprio plays Jordan Belfort. For most of the 3 hour film, Belfort lives a life of staggering decadence, epitomised not in the least by his luxurious superyacht, known to us as LADY M. Belfort lost his ship in a storm before losing everything else when convicted and sentenced to prison.

Belfort’s life of indulgent luxury is now at an end… Your’s doesn’t have to be.

In February of this year Mangusta launched the latest of their 165 range. This 8th hull in the series, the 165 E (standing for Evolution) is Mangusta’s most refined yacht to date. The 50m flagship is capable of doing up to 40 knots, making her not only the fastest yacht to come out of the Overmarine Group’s wharf, but the fastest Maxi Open yacht ever to be built.

Since 2007 , Mangusta 165 superyachts have been the industry benchmark and this 8th incarnation is no different. Overmarine said of her that, “She knows no rivals in terms of comfort; the volumes of the yacht can be compared to a three-deck vessel of the same dimension, although this cannot be gleaned from the outside owing to her pure lines and sporty profile. The extraordinary combination of linear stress and expression of line gives this model an elegant character which is simultaneously distinctive and powerful. She is a masterpiece of distinctive, elegant, timeless design, conveying balance and dynamism.”

From the outside the 165 E is stunningly beautiful. She is elegantly simple yet sleek and sporty. It is the interior where the Evolution really takes your breath away though. More than 10 different kinds of rare and valuable wood and lacquering, at least 7 types of marble, mother of pearl and onyx, to name but a few, all contribute to an interior of unreserved luxury.

Much has been written about the salon windows. Requested specifically by the new owners, the single pane of glass provides unrestricted, panoramic views whilst letting in plenty of natural light. The entire yacht is created entirely at the Overmarine Group’s own plants, as is standard for all Mangusta yachts, ensuring only the best quality. The new 165 boasts the pinnacle on onboard quality and comfort: soundproofing, vibration control, ergonomic layouts. Everything has been painstakingly designed, built and tested to create one of the most unforgettable yachts. See it for yourself later this year at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Posted on March 5, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

The Monaco Yacht Show 2014 – Set to be the biggest yet!

The Monaco Yacht Show – the world’s greatest homage to the world’s largest, wackiest and most incredible super yachts. 2013 saw another growth in the show with what critics called “the best selection yet” with a revival of the sailing yacht, and several new eco-friendly models such as the Arcadia 35 taking prime positions. We’ve just heard that 2014 is set to be even larger, with 14 new positions available to cater for an increase in demand.

The new locations will make full use of the new Monaco Yacht Club due for completion this year. 118 spaces are now available for up to 120 metre yachts, with an average length per berth of well over 50 metres. The organisers are also allowing for an increase in exhibitors, adding 400 square metres for stands.

2013-09-28 14.07.24 — GALACTICA STAR – Heesen’s new 65 metre super yacht was best in show for the Boatbookings team!

Sources say the extension shows a “great sign for economic recovery and major development in emerging markets.” We can’t agree more, and we certainly can’t wait to see the new arrivals for 2014! Keep up to date with the latest industry news and boat show updates by following us on Twitter.

Posted on February 26, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

The Best of Both Worlds – Part 2

Following our blog “The Best of Both Worlds – Part 1” we bring you The Best of Both Worlds Part 2 with another incredible vacation experience, this time the ultimate in the world of private chartering.

We’ve just heard from the owners of WILJIM that they’re offering a fantastic private charter experience between Corsica and the French Riviera. The owner is keen on beautiful engineering and as well as his passion for beautiful motor yachts, he also has a passion for private air travel. For our valued charter guests this year he will offer an unforgettable trip incorporating private jet transfer, of which just the fuel is payable, and a one-way trip between Corsica and the French Riviera with no re-location fees!

As well as this, WILJIM is offering incredible charter value for 6 sleeping guests at €3,500 per day, €9,300 for a long weekend or €21,700 per week. She’s a gorgeous Azimut 62E with the all-important addition of a flybridge for taking in mesmerising coastal views.

Step onboard an take advantage of this incredible offer in both July and September, so whenever you’re looking to indulge we have the package for you!

Posted on February 23, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

The Best of Both Worlds – Part 1

If you don’t like compromise and you’re looking for a land holiday, mixed with a few days enjoying the water we have the perfect selection here for you. Inspired by our stunning favourite on the idyllic Île de Maurice, DodoLodge is a stunning seafront villa offering unparalleled landscapes on the verge of crystal clear waters of Mauritius. With the villa comes the option to enjoy days out as and when you please on the “DodoBoat,” with or without a skipper! The DodoBoat is available for excursions to neighbouring islands or just activities on the water such as fishing or water skiing.

The DodoLodge gives you an idea of how great a holiday can be, without compromising on your ability to explore or just to get out on the water! We love this idea, and our team in the south of France have selected some of their favourite boats for the upcoming season to get the best of both worlds whether you’re taking a vacation in a hotel or a villa on the Riviera.

MINX is a stunning Azimut 68S offering the “open revolution.” She offers the open air feel of a flybridge yacht but with the sporty feel of her open styling creating the perfect flow of bringing the outside in. Her berth in Cap d’Ail means she’s perfect for day charters anywhere from Monaco to Nice!

LA BELLINI is an eye-catching new Sunseeker Predator 64 based in Golfe Juan. She’s perfect for day charters beginning anywhere from Antibes to Cannes. Her gorgeous classic Sunseeker styling means she’s great to heading down to St Tropez or Pampelonne Beach where she’ll look right at home among the luxury yachts at anchor around the famous beach clubs such as Club 55 or Nikki Beach.

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds in the south of France or anywhere in the world this summer, contact the Boatbookings team today to get started planning the vacation of your dreams!

Posted on February 22, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓