Escape to The South of France for a Gourmet Sejour on Motor Yacht NAJADE!

If you love your food, NAJADE is the yacht for you! Chef Christophe Fischbach uses the finest ingredients and naturally grown regional products to create wonderful meals heavily influenced by his travels worldwide. Boatbookings charter broker Cordelia recently visited this yacht for lunch and was treated to the incredible menu below:

The stunning Feadship NAJADE was launched in 1965 and has been meticulously maintained, making her look like she was launched just yesterday. Her tasteful decor exudes a feeling of luxury and gradeur. Her top deck is a truly marvellous place to relax and soak up the sun. Her 5 cabins will accommodate up to 9 guests. A multitude of watertoys including kayaks, paddleboards, waterskis and donut will keep you entertained for hours.

So why not take advantage of the low season rates at this quieter time of year and escape the daily routine for a week of food and fun on board NAJADE. The sun is still shining on the French Riviera and your itinerary can include all the hotspots of this popular destination. Contact one of the team at Boatbookings to assist you in booking your stay on board NAJADE.

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Alice Newnham — No Comments ↓

September Days at Bâoli Beach Club

The Cannes beach club scene is as popular and sought after as Pampelonne Beach in St Tropez, with the addition of the Croisette and its world class shops at your beckoned call. Bâoli Beach Club is located in front of the Marriot hotel and just a stones throw away from the more popular Carlton, Martinez and The Majestic hotels. With a miles worth of private beach clubs to choose from, why would you choose Bâoli Beach Club over the very popular Z Plage, Plage 45 or Vegaluna?

A Day at Bâoli Beach Club

Settle into the comfort and refreshing space of your lounger, whether it be on the wide golden beach or on the exclusive Bâoli pontoon. Enjoy an exhilarating morning of swimming, water sports and fresh juices! Everything quietens down for lunch where you can enjoy some of the finest sushi on the French Riviera prepared right in front of your eyes; also on offer is the freshest fish imaginable as well as French classics done with a refreshing Miami twist. After lunch is when the party really gets started – the arrival of the DJ signifies the beginning of the daily Bâoli party where people flock for the atmosphere and delicious cocktails after a long day of shopping on La Croisette. A classic Riviera beach club experience, with a welcome Miami twist of hospitality and service!

There is no better way to arrive in Cannes than by your very own private charter yacht. One of the most sought after yachts in the area is the majestic Mangusta 92 Scratch, based out of Mandelieu La Napoule. With a striking gun-metal grey hull, Twin 16V 2000 MTU engines and spacious bow and aft lounging spaces, it is hard to find a better looking yacht with impressive performance on the French Riviera.

September is the perfect time to charter in the South of France and there are many special offers not to be missed. Contact us for more information on chartering this September, whether it is on the French Riviera, for Ibiza closing parties or last minute getaways to Italy, Croatia or Greece.

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Ben Sutton — No Comments ↓

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.

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.

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.

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!

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Ben Sutton — No Comments ↓

Catamaran Yacht Design: From The America’s Cup to the 2014 Cannes Boat Show

The humble catamaran was originally designed by the natives of Polynesia and Micronesia. Their raft-like structure was stable enough to withstand the heavy waves of the South Pacific, which meant that they could successfully sustain their community. In the second half of the 19th Century, the American naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff took inspiration from the natives’ designs to create the twin-hulled sailing vessel that we are all so familiar with today. Herreshoff revolutionized yacht design, producing a succession of unbeatable America’s Cup yachts between 1893 and 1920.

Catamarans have come a long way since the 19th century, but their fundamental design remains the same. Fountaine Pajot catamarans are synonymous with innovation, technology and luxury. Nevertheless, the founding fathers have never forgotten their passion for sailing, or their desire to produce the very best sailing catamarans possible. The 2015 Saba 50 is no different, illustrated by the superb layout which creates a natural flow aboard the yacht. Lines of communication are clear from the front to the back, ensuring direct contact from the cockpit, the helm station, and the lounge deck. The ingenious layout makes everyone feel at ease, providing an heir of conviviality between all charter guests and crew.

The Saba 50 offers magnificent living spaces, which fold out onto the majestic decks. Interior architect, Isabelle Racoupeau, incorporates natural materials with light fixtures and fittings to create a comfortable ambiance. Her deck spaces combine trampolines with al fresco dining and sunbathing spaces galore, perfect for the contemporary catamaran charter guest. The brand new catamaran series is available in either a 6 cabin layout or our favored maestro version, with 3 grand guest cabins and a spacious master owners suite.

The brand new series of Fountaine Pajot catamarans are available at a boat show near you! The next available date to view this fantastic new series is at the 2014 Cannes Boat Show, held between the 9th and 14th of September. We will be at the show to view all of the best catamarans, sailboats, and motor yachts available for charter. Watch this space for up-to-date yachting news, show updates, and yacht charter exclusives.

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Ben Sutton — No Comments ↓

Cracking Deals in Exotic Paradise

The tried and tested charter destinations in Europe; the Amalfi Coast, Ibiza, and the French Riviera to name but a few, are as popular and magnificent as ever. For those of you looking to get off the beaten path however, look no further than Thailand. Full-moon parties still attract young travellers in their hundreds but away from Kho Phangan, you’ll find untouched, white sandy beaches and blissful tranquillity.

Some of you will have read about political unrest, but rest assured, the nation has returned once more to being a peaceful, paradise in the Andaman Sea. Even during the coup, tourist hot spots remained popular and unaffected as flights and charters all went ahead as normal. Now the coup is over, there is no further unrest and travellers should have no hesitation in visiting this stunning country.

Although relatively new to the world of yachting, the charter market in Thailand has stunning boats on offer. With special offers in Phuket including free days on bareboat charters, and superb discounts on Azimuts and Ferrettis, there has never been a better time to charter.

With brilliant sunshine guaranteed year-round in Thailand, the Ferretti 680 is a terrific charter yacht. The aft deck is a wonderful place to dine al fresco while enjoying the cool sea breeze. For lazy afternoons working on your tan, there are large sunpads both on the forward deck and on the flybridge.

Below deck she is spacious and comfortable. Traditionally styled and with large windows, the saloon is the perfect place to spread out in the evenings and watch a film before retiring to the large, well-appointed cabins. This Ferretti can also accommodate up to 24 guests for day charters, so feel free to spoil your friends and family alike.

If you are interested in chartering in Thailand, please don’t hesitate to contact the Boatbookings team.

Posted on August 11, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓