The recent US Election will have far-reaching consequences for many industries. Our Boatbookings experts discussed the recent election and the impact it might have on the yacht charter industry, with the following expectations.
While it is still very early, there are no messages that the new administration will change any regulations about yachting or travel. The charter industry is expected to remain the same.
There is less likelihood of luxury taxes or other disincentives to purchasing a yacht.
Some sustainability work may be impacted, as the new administration is not expected to support climate action. The counterargument to this is that many of the policies are being discussed by Elon Musk, the electric vehicle king. We will follow this closely.
Travel to key charter countries should not be affected.
Stock markets have rallied significantly since November 5th on optimism for the future. The charter market traditionally follows the stock market – more disposable money means more chartering activity.
So overall, we expect business as usual and perhaps an uptick in the yacht charter industry for the next four years. If your candidate won, why not celebrate on a crewed yacht? And if your candidate lost, no better way to recharge and make new plans than on the deck of a beautiful charter yacht in the BVI, Croatia, Amalfi Coast,Greece, or the French Riviera.
While traditional Thanksgiving celebrations often involve gathering with family and friends at home, spending the holidays onboard a boat charter can add something special and unique to the usual. Combining the excitement of Thanksgiving with a boat charter offers the most memorable way to celebrate. At Boatbookings, we recommend booking a charter for Thanksgiving for various reasons, and here we outline how to do it while incorporating environmental responsibility:
Why You Should Spend Thanksgiving Onboard:
Perfect Balance: Enjoying your Thanksgiving celebrations provides the perfect balance between indulgence and relaxation and action and adventure, all while in stunning scenery. This time of year is ideal for charters in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Imagine a post-breakfast paddleboard around a tranquil and picturesque bay before enjoying a feast onboard with loved ones.
Family Bonding: Being on a boat creates an intimate environment with family and friends and encourages the perfect bonding opportunities for Thanksgiving to reconnect with each other and enjoy quality time.
New Traditions: Spending Thanksgiving on a boat in an exciting destination offers a refreshing change from the usual routine. It can be the ideal opportunity to create new traditions and memories.
Embrace A Greener Thanksgiving:
While celebrating Thanksgiving onboard, you can also opt for choices that contribute to a more sustainable celebration. Here are a few examples of how to do so:
Choose an eco-friendly yacht: At Boatbookings, we have a range of greener crewed charter catamarans perfect for a Thanksgiving cruise. Choosing one of these electric or hybrid boats helps you minimize your environmental impact. These boats produce fewer harmful emissions compared to traditional combustion engines, helping further protect marine ecosystems.
Enjoy local ingredients: You can request that your chef creates a Thanksgiving menu with sustainability in mind while sourcing local and organic ingredients. Depending on where you choose to charter, there will be a range of fresh produce markets. Not only does this support local economies, but it also reduces the carbon footprint associated with food miles. Local and seasonal produce is typically better and fresher. This could also be the best way to switch up traditions; instead of the usual turkey, why not indulge in fresh fish caught from where you cruise?
Minimize waste: Practice sustainable habits by minimizing waste on your yacht charter. On your preference sheet before your charter, make your crew aware that you are happy with ways to reduce waste, such as reusable water bottles. The crew onboard will ensure that correct recycling procedures are carried out and will gladly outline these.
Book Your Thanksgiving Charter Today!
Spending Thanksgiving on one of our greener crewed charter catamarans offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate the holiday. By combining stunning scenery, quality time with loved ones, and breaking from traditions, you can be sure to elevate your Thanksgiving. Embracing sustainable practices onboard and being open to following environmentally responsible practices means your holiday will also be environmentally responsible. Contact one of the boat bookings team members to learn more about available boats for your next Thanksgiving.
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is fast approaching and will be held from 30 October to 3 November in the sunshine state of Florida. As Boatbookings plans for FLIBS 2024, there’s a shift in the air. Sustainability has been moving further up the agenda for the stateside show, but this year, even more so. We’re excited to see this focus on eco-friendly practices and innovations.
Here we discuss what FLIBS 2024 will have to offer for the environmentally conscious boat charter world:
Green Technologies
This year’s FLIBS is set to showcase even more sustainable technologies that are revolutionizing the yachting industry:
Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Systems: Many boat builders are presenting vessels with electric or hybrid engines, significantly reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
Solar-Powered Energy: From air conditioning to lighting, solar panels are being integrated into yacht designs to power onboard systems sustainably.
Advanced Waste Management Systems: New technologies for treating and recycling wastewater and solid waste onboard are being highlighted, minimizing the environmental impact of extended charters.
Sustainable Materials: From recycled teak alternatives to eco-friendly antifouling paints, sustainable materials are being showcased from various suppliers.
Eco-Friendly Charter Options
For those looking to book their next yacht charter, FLIBS 2024 is offering even more greener crewed charter options, for example:
Yachts equipped with the latest green technologies
Charter companies, like us, committed to sustainable practices
Information on eco-friendly itineraries and destinations
Opportunities to offset the carbon footprint of your charter – you can also do this using our carbon footprint calculator.
Our team at Boatbookings will be at the show, contact us to find out more.
Educational Seminars and Workshops
FLIBS 2024 is not just about showcasing technology; it’s also about education. Throughout the event, you’ll find a series of seminars and workshops focused on sustainable yachting:
Wednesday:
Marine Widlife (Convention Center)
From Dock to Destination, Apps Transforming Boating (Convention Center)
Guardians of the Reef Project (Convention Center)
Thursday:
The Yachting Community’s Criticla Role in Ocean Conservation (Superyacht Village)
Long Term Savings with Electric Watercraft (Convention Center)
Friday:
A New Way to Play – Protecting our Ocean Playgrounds (Superyacht Village)
Saturday:
Innovative Partnership for a Sustainable Blue Economy (Superyacht Village)
These sessions offer valuable insights for both industry professionals and yacht enthusiasts looking to make more environmentally conscious choices.
Sustainable Catering and Events
Even the social aspects of FLIBS are continuing on the agenda from last year, offering a range of conscious catering options:
Locally sourced, sustainable seafood at catering events
Biodegradable serving ware and minimized single-use plastics
Water refill stations throughout the venue to reduce plastic bottle usage
A “zero waste” initiative for all official FLIBS events
The Conservation Connection
FLIBS 2024 is also partnering with several marine conservation organizations to raise awareness about ocean health:
Interactive exhibits on marine ecosystems and the impact of climate change
Opportunities to contribute to local and global marine conservation efforts
As a boat charter company committed to ocean conservation and greener charter options, we’re particularly excited about these partnerships and the awareness they’ll bring to our industry.
Looking to the Future
The focus on sustainability at FLIBS 2024 is more than just a trend – it’s a glimpse into the future of yachting. As regulations tighten and consumer demand for eco-friendly options increases, the innovations we see today will become standard practice.
At Boatbookings, we’re committed to being at the forefront of this green revolution in yachting. We believe that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand, and we’re excited to offer our clients charter experiences that provide unforgettable memories and contribute to our oceans’ health.
Join Us at FLIBS 2024
Whether you’re a seasoned charterer or new to the world of yachting, contact us to meet us at the show to discover how you can enjoy the luxury of a yacht charter while minimizing your environmental impact. See you stateside!
Often hailed as the ‘Formula 1 of sailing’, the America’s Cup is at the forefront of sailing innovation. This year’s Cup has seen some incredible boating and cutting-edge technology pioneered. At Boatbookings, some team members were lucky enough to witness some of the action in last week’s finals in Barcelona.
We are in awe of the technology and innovation and are excited to share some of our findings from witnessing the competition’s development.
Foiling
One of the most visible innovations from the America’s Cup is the foiling technology. Today, we literally see the boats flying above the water – a game changer for efficiency. By reducing drag, foils allow boats to achieve higher speeds with less energy input. While our greener hybrid and electric yacht fleet may not yet do this, many modern designs incorporate partial foiling or foil-assisted hulls to significantly reduce fuel consumption.
Lightweight
The need for speed in this competition has led to the development of incredibly durable yet lightweight materials. Once exclusive to high-end racing, carbon fiber has infiltrated the luxury yacht-building sphere. These lighter boats need less energy, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions. Additionally, these materials boast a longer life span, therefore reducing the environmental impact of yacht production and disposal.
Smart Power
America’s Cup teams need to maximize every bit of energy onboard. Advanced battery technologies are now used to create more efficient hybrid and electric propulsion systems for leisure boating.
Sail Design & Efficiency
The aerodynamic advancements in America’s Cup sail design are also revolutionary. Modern sail designs for sailing yacht charters mean more wind power and less time motoring, reducing fuel consumption and increasing the pleasure of enjoying a yachting vacation under sail.
Hydrogeneration
Hydrogeneration is one of the most exciting technologies to emerge from recent America’s Cup campaigns. By using propellers to generate electricity as the boat moves through the water, teams can replenish their batteries without using fossil fuels. This technology is now being adapted for yachts, allowing boats to generate clean energy while under sail, reducing reliance on generators and shore power.
Advanced Planning
The sophisticated weather prediction and routing software America’s Cup teams use is trickling down to the charter market. These systems allow captains to plot the most efficient courses, taking advantage of winds and currents to reduce fuel consumption. For charter guests, this means a more eco-friendly journey and often a more comfortable one, too, avoiding rough conditions.
Beyond The Tech
It’s not just about the boats – the America’s Cup has also promoted sustainable practices in yacht maintenance and operation. From environmentally friendly anti-fouling paints to biodegradable cleaning products, many green initiatives pioneered by racing teams are now standard in the charter industry.
Thanks to the America’s Cup technological advancements, the future is exciting for more eco-friendly yachts, such as our greener-crewed charter catamarans. We are excited to witness the remainder of the Cup and the finals in the next couple of weeks. Contact one of our Boatbookings team to hear more about greener technologies and our fleet.
As the seasons change, the winter months offer a unique opportunity to explore some of the world’s best yachting destinations. These worldwide locations increasingly embrace sustainable practices, enabling you to enjoy a yacht charter with a lower environmental impact.
At Boatbookings, we love helping our clients take advantage of some of the best cruising grounds while minimizing their carbon footprint; here are our favourite five:
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is a perfect cruising spot for the Caribbean winter boating season, especially for our green crewed charter catamarans, thanks to the shallow anchorages ideal for catamarans. The archipelago boasts easy access from the US, and because of its pristine beauty, the islands are committed to protecting its biodiversity and marine life. Habacoa Marina will launch here in 2027; the new marina in South Abaco will integrate sustainable technologies and use environmentally responsible materials, and an important focus will ensure a connection to the island’s beauty.
Antigua
Antigua is another iconic winter cruising destination. This Caribbean island has 365 beaches, one for each day, dotted along its vast coastline. Snorkeling and scuba diving are ideal activities on a boat charter, where you can enjoy the vibrant coral and marine life with minimal impact. The Cades Bay Marine Park is one of the best spots for hanging out with the island’s marine life. Above the water, where the Caribbean’s most iconic sailing race is held, the week-long yacht regatta, Antigua Sailing Week, is one of the island’s most notable events and is perfect for a sailing yacht charter.
Indonesia
The year-round summer here is putting Indonesia on a lot of charter yacht radars, gaining more popularity. There is endless adventure and exploration within these incredible islands on a winter yachting vacation. At the heart of the coral triangle, Indonesia is home to incredible marine life where the Indian and Pacific oceans meet. The Raja Ampat islands in eastern Indonesia are some of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions and are a UNESCO-protected site. The Marine Protected Area (MPA), here, means that illegal fishing and destructive tourism are managed to minimise the environmental impact. Another boating hotspot here is Lombock, the surfing haven – a perfect spot to try out a watersport that has minimal impact on the marine ecosystem.
The Maldives
Another one of Boatbooking’s favorite winter charter destinations is the Maldives. The peak season is between December and March; during this time, the water visibility is great, and the perfect time to visit the islands. On a yacht charter in the Maldives, you can experience some of the world’s best beaches and underwater world. The archipelago is leading sustainable travel, with new standards for marine tourism to ensure boating here has a lower environmental impact.
Thailand
Thailand is an incredible yacht charter destination in southeast Asia, with plenty of adventures to be had. Known for its warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, and fantastic food, Thailand is a great spot to cruise. You can enjoy elephant trekking through Krabi’s National Park, scuba diving in Ko Tao, or the UNESCO anchorages of Similan and Surin Islands. Phuket, the yachting hub in Thailand, advocates for a more sustainable boating sector, with the Royal Phuket Marina prioritizing sustainable initiatives.
Escape the colder months with one of these destinations perfect for adventure or relaxation, and charter one of our greener charter catamarans to have less impact on the environment. Whether you are looking at heading to the Caribbean, the South Pacific, or the Indian Ocean this winter, there is a boat charter destination ideal for your next vacation. To find out more, contact the Boatbookings team today.
