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!

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

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!

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

MYBA Charter Show – first look at BISTANGO – 62 meter Benetti Luxury Yacht

We visited the impressive BISTANGO yesterday under cloudy and rainy conditions at the MYBA Charter Show Bistago is a  62meter  Benetti Motor Yacht, making its first appearance  out of the shipyard.

BISTANGO is a state of the art superyacht – sumptuous in every way possible. The word opulent also comes to mind but does not begin to decribe this  amazing yacht. She offers rich luxurious fabrics including leather walls and counter tops stamped in crocodile motif.  Interior design by Mauro Izzo  and the owner himself.  Colours are black, gold, browns and creams. Black and gold leaf trim throughout the yacht with often hand painted gold. This yacht will be appreciated by guests who want the best of the best, as the designers of both the hull and interior have not left out any details and offer creature comforts in every way.

BISTANGO has 5 decks in total with elevators throughout. The upper sun deck has at a 14 person Jacuzzi. The gym has the features of a professional workout room, with a  Power Plate, eliptical and treadmill machines and free weights.

The Skylounge has baby grand piano. The theme has African influences  and is described by the crew as “Versace on Safari”. The outdoor dining table on this deck seats 16.

The Master suite is on the main deck, and offers the most spacious closets we have ever seen on a yacht. It has his and hers bathrooms with a  Turkish bath/shower in “his”. The master bed faces the bow with a 180 degree view.

BISTANGO has 6 cabins accomodating 12 guests, and is staffed by a crew of 14.  Her captain and chef are Australian.  Overall, an amazing yacht!

For further details – feel free to contact us.