An Insight into the BVI this Winter

According to Charter Director, Allison Cecilio, why should you choose just one island when you can explore as many as your heart desires!  The stunning 50-plus islands and cays that comprise the British Virgin Islands have two great assets, they are easily accessible and its virgin beauty.  They have been known for years as a “sailor’s paradise” and what better way to explore these islands than on your own private charter catamaran.  Discover one of “Nature’s Little Secrets” with your family and friends this January on one of the best holidays of your life; you’ll treasure every memory!

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One of my favorite places to visit in the BVI’s was Saba Rock, which is located in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda.  Saba Rock was originally the home and scuba diving headquarters of the legendary scuba pioneer and treasure hunter, Bert Kilbride. In 1997 John McManus bought the island and with the help of local architect, Paul Wattley, they created the paradise it is today.

Virgin Gorda

It is primarily a restaurant and bar with wrap around seating that ensures all diners a fantastic view, especially at sunset when the happy hour offers great drink specials. The food is absolutely delicious and make sure to have one of their signature drinks!  There is also plenty to explore on this one-acre island that includes the mini museum/gift shop, which displays many of the artefacts that Bert Kilbride salvaged and the small aquarium that contains the last anchor of the Rhone.

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There is no better way to vacation in the BVI’S other than by boat and there is no better choice than the newly launched luxurious sailing catamaran, Tell Star 62. Add a very energetic, popular and talented crew, and the journey is guaranteed to be unforgettable. The new Tell Star, a 62 Lagoon, has a very spacious modern open layout with wonderfully expansive decks for enjoying the gorgeous turquoise waters of the BVI.

Tell Star 1

The large windows allow plenty of natural light in the interior as well as amazing views of the picturesque coastline. She accommodates 8 guests in 4 luxurious, well appointed cabins: 3 with queen berths and 1 with two twins. The master suite features a walk-around bed with private sitting area and direct access to the cockpit.

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The aft deck offers a spacious lounge area and outdoor dining with magnificent views. From the aft deck there is easy access to the water via the wide steps on each pontoon. The foredeck with its two large trampolines is a favorite area for sunbathing and lounging while under sail. The expansive fly bridge is yet another wonderful spot to take in the spectacular scenery with a hard top bimini providing shade from the sun.

Relaxing in the BVI

Captain Chad Van Roden and his brother Chef Tyler Van Roden are known for wow-ing their guests with extraordinary yachting vacations. Their personalities are most welcoming, ready to do everything possible to ensure an unforgettable charter. They are joined by Elizabeth Rapp as hostess/stewardess to complete the 3-person crew.

The Boatbookings team know the very best crewed catamarans to meet your requirements. Moreover, our first hand experience of the boats, crews an destinations will ensure that you have a unique and memorable experience. Learn more about your charter today!

 

Lagoon Catamarans are 30 this year – it’s time for you to see what all the fuss is about!

LAGOON is the name in small to mid-range catamarans. Established in 1984 Lagoon, is 30 years old this year, amazing when you consider that in this time they have become known as one of the most prestigious catamaran builders and are highly respected throughout the yachting industry as a whole.

A Lagoon 620's huge aft deck - beautiful by night

In 30 years, Lagoon have produced an astonishing 3000 yachts always focussing on innovative design, efficiency and comfort. The Lagoon range of 39 – 62 feet ensures that there’s a yacht to suit any group’s needs. At Boatbookings.com, we have Lagoons of all sizes and we’re particularly excited about our fleet in the BVI.

The BVI is also the perfect location for a romantic getaway with crystal clear waters, clear blue skies and white sandy beaches. A yacht charter in the BVI could be an unforgettable way to spend your honeymoon so check out our guide to honeymoon yacht charter here. We’ll help you plan an unbelievable week!

Does it get any better?

Here are two of our favourite Lagoon catamarans:

LAGOON 620: ENIGMA

Enigma - majestic under sail

An incredible 2013 Lagoon 620, ENIGMA one of the newest and largest additions to the Lagoon fleet. Comfortable accommodation for 8 guests in 4 luxurious double cabins, each with an ensuite, great for couples.

LAGOON 450: GYPSY PRINCESS

Gypsy Princess - perfect for your Caribbean honeymoon!

An excellent example of Lagoons middle range, GYPSY PRINCESS is a beautiful Lagoon 450. She won the prestigious “Best Catamaran under 55ft” at the BVI yacht show 2012. Crew of two Shane and Anne will ensure that you have the best possible experience with your family friends or maybe new husband or wife!

Enquire today and speak to one of our experts about chartering a Lagoon in the BVI or a yacht anywhere in the world!

Your 2014 To-Do list from Boatbookings

The Boatbookings team would like to send everyone a very Happy New Year and best wishes for 2014! With so much to look forward to it’s never too early to be thinking about your holiday plans for the year. We’ve compiled a very simple list of things to ensure an unforgettable year of memories with family and friends.

1. Visit Sardinia!

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Following a visit to Sardinia in 2013, Charles and Tom from our team cannot recommend it enough. Whether you’re looking to sail the beautiful east coast and experience the breathtaking National Park of La Maddalena, see the picturesque turquoise waters of Carloforte or enjoy the buzzing hot spot of Porto Cervo there’s something for you! If you’re stuck for where to see this summer, we guarantee Sardinia will provide you with an unforgettable charter holiday.

SAFRA

SAFRA is a sleek and sexy Azimut 86S, perfect for seeing Sardinia in style!

2. Book your Spring Break and Winter Vacations to get the top picks in the Caribbean!

caribbean_viewWith an ever-growing demand for yachts over the two busiest holiday periods in the Caribbean, the Boatbookings team recommend getting in early to gain access to the best yachts available. Whether you’re looking for a bareboat charter, crewed catamaran or luxury motor yacht someone on the team has the best knowledge and experience of cruising grounds and boats to help you fully experience the magic of this area.

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There’s no better way to experience the Caribbean that by catamaran, and there’s no better catamaran than Lagoon 52 FREEDOM!

3. Try somewhere new! 

Whether it be Thailand, the MaldivesBelizeGreeceCroatia or the beautiful Balearics we have someone who can help you organise the holiday of a lifetime. There really is no better way to see these beautiful locations than by water. From bareboat sailing vacations to luxury motor yacht charters we have the boat for you.

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Contact us today, happy sailing awaits!

Best in show – the Lagoon 39!

As we travel back to Cannes and reflect on what we saw and learnt from the Paris Boat Show, one yacht still stands out, the Lagoon 39. Lagoons have quickly become the most popular catamarans to charter and after being on board one of their latest models; it’s easy to understand why.

The perfectly proportioned Lagoon 39

Lagoons are designed with the needs of families in mind. They’re designed to be spacious, practical, stable but luxurious, exactly what the majority of our clients are looking for.At over 6ft Charles from the Boatbookings.com team usually dreads being on board catamarans and sailing yachts for fear of continually banging his head on low ceilings and door frames, on the Lagoon 39 he didn’t have to bend down once!

Plentiful head room in the spacious saloon.

The vertical saloon windows ensure that even tall charter guests like Charles can stand up straight and enjoy the view; the story is the same in the cabins and bathrooms. Full height showers, self-contained thanks to stylish sliding glass doors mean that the bathroom can be kept dry. This particular Lagoon was an owner’s version with a whole hull given over to the owner’s accommodation. A large cabin and double bed, small study area with desk and couch as well as a large bathroom mean mum and dad will have plenty of space and privacy. There are two further double guest cabins sharing a spacious shower room, great for kids or couples.

Extensive and comfortable owner's cabin.

Outside there is a spacious aft deck dining area with seating for 6-8 comfortably, the open plan nature of the main saloon and galley mean that whoever is on cooking duty can still join in the fun and conversation with those outside.

Plenty of space to socialise on the aft deck with friends and family.

We have a considerable fleet of Lagoon catamarans located all over the world. Catamaran charters are particularly popular in the Caribbean, but they are also a fantastic and relaxing way to see the Mediterranean, or Asia for that matter!

No sailing experience, no problem! We have many Lagoons and other catamarans available with skippers or full crews who will look after you and your guests and ensure you have the holiday of a lifetime.

Sail off into the sunset on your catamaran charter with Boatbookings.com

Enquire with one of our experts today and we will get you on the best boat, that suits your needs at the best price for the best experience possible!

Discover the Caribbean Wonders of Tortola on GYPSY PRINCESS this Winter

With summer drawing to a close, Tortola is a fantastic destination for those wanting to chase the sun. Chartering GYPSY PRINCESS is a stylish way to visit the awesome array of attractions the island has to offer. Since Christopher Columbus named this idyllic setting “Tortola”, meaning “Land of the Turtle Dove”, the island has encountered a rich and exotic history which can be experienced through its smorgasbord of attractions – many of which are directly accessible by boat.

Tropical Island Paradise in the Caribbean

For a 10 day itinerary in the BVI, why not visit Smuggler's Cove, an oasis at the western tip where Blackbeard and Captain Kidd used to reside? Or combine surfing in the day with night-time full moon parties for the adventurous among you? Listen to live local music and sample fantastic delicacies on Cane Garden Bay, or swim with the sea's most intelligent creatures at Dolphin Discovery. Further inland, you can trek through the island's beautiful natural park or meander through a maze of trails in the northeastern enclave which leads you through a bat cave. The Rum factory is a fun place to involve yourself with the local drinking culture, while the African Church – the first of its kind for freed African slaves – is steeped in historical significance. Tortola will keep you busy for at least a week, is family friendly and centrally located in the BVIs, allowing for day excursions to other islands and reefs.

GYPSY PRINCESS Lagoon 450 Catamaran in the CaribbeanGYPSY PRINCESS is a brand new and award-winning Lagoon 450, providing accommodation for up to 6 guests. She combines comfort and elegance as well as brilliant sailing performance, and her crew of 2 have had great feedback on their hosting, cooking and professionalism. Her entertainment system, rib with outboard and range of toys will keep the kids occupied while parents can relax on the stunning Flybridge's padded deck. With a hard-working crew and beautifully furnished catamaran at your disposal, this charter will be a trip to paradise you'll never forget!