Category Archives: Yachting news

Yachting Industry News

Lewis Hamilton Joins Ferrari: A New Era for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix

Formula 1 is no stranger to historic moments, but few announcements have sent shockwaves through the motorsport world than Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 season. The seven-time world champion’s move to the iconic Italian team marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one that will undoubtedly add even more drama to one of F1’s most prestigious races—the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix—running from the 22nd to the 25th May 2025. What better way to witness the action than from the deck of a luxury yacht?

Hamilton and Ferrari: A Dream Partnership?

Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari is more than just a transfer – it’s a seismic shift in Formula 1 history. Ferrari, the most successful team in the sport’s history, has long been a symbol of passion and prestige. Yet their last drivers’ championship win dates back to 2007. With Hamilton’s experience and relentless drive, Ferrari fans hope he can bring the Scuderia back to the top.

Monaco is a circuit where precision and skill are paramount, making it a key test for Hamilton in red. With its tight streets and unforgiving barriers, it could be the perfect stage for him to showcase his talent in a Ferrari. Can he break the team’s Monaco drought and add another win to his tally? The world will be watching.

Monaco Grand Prix

Monaco Grand Prix 2025: The Ultimate F1 Experience

The Monaco Grand Prix isn’t just a race—it’s the most glamorous event on the F1 calendar. Celebrities, royalty, and business moguls descend upon the Principality each May, making it the place to be for motorsport enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. The thrill of F1 cars roaring through the streets, combined with Monaco’s breathtaking coastal scenery, creates an atmosphere unlike any other.

For fans looking to experience the event in style, a luxury yacht charter is the ultimate way to enjoy the race. Watching the action from a superyacht anchored in Monaco’s harbor provides unbeatable views and an exclusive social scene. Imagine sipping champagne on deck while Hamilton battles for victory just meters away—an experience few can match.

Chartering a Yacht for Monaco 2025

A Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter offers more than just a front-row seat to the race. It’s an immersive luxury experience, complete with gourmet dining, VIP parties, and world-class hospitality. Whether you choose a sleek motor yacht or a classic sailing vessel, having your own floating retreat guarantees the best of Monaco and the French Riviera, both on and off the track.

With Hamilton in Ferrari red, the excitement of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, and the glamour of Monte Carlo’s dazzling harbor, this year’s race promises to be unforgettable. Will you be there to witness history in the making?

Our Boatbookings Charter Experts have years of experience organizing charters for the Grand Prix and can help you find the perfect boat and berth for your needs. We recommend enquiring at least six months to a year in advance because of the race’s popularity.

Posted on by

Yacht Charter Trends for 2025

catamarans are hot for 2025

Boatbookings’ view of what’s hot for 2025!

Boatbookings Charter Experts are in constant contact with captains, boat owners and clients all over the world. We got together recently to discuss trends in the yachting business that we’re seeing for 2026. Here are the headlines!

More, bigger, quieter, cleaner catamarans and motor catamarans

This is not a new trend, but it shows no signs of slowing. People love catamarans! They are more fuel-efficient, rock less (helps prevent seasickness), can sail in shallow waters, have comfortable living spaces, cabins, and galleys, and generally provide for a superb charter. When Boatbookings was founded 20 years ago, catamarans were the exception, and sailing yachts were the rule. This has completely reversed itself.

As we’ve previously written, we love the Bali catamarans for their easy access to the foredeck, inside/outside salon, quality finishings, and overall fabulous experience. More about the advantages of Bali Catamarans.

Motor cats. Powered Catamarans are everywhere, and no longer look like a catamaran that is missing its mast! We have Power Cats in every key port, offering comfort, luxury, fuel efficiency, and quick, easy cruising to your destination.

And the catamarans are getting bigger! We’re seeing many more 50-60 foot cats in all ports, normally by Lagoon or Bali. Each foot of additional length effectively provides triple the added space, as it’s a three-dimensional boat. You won’t believe the difference in useable space between a 45- and 50-foot catamaran! We also see a lot more 70- and even 80-foot catamarans, specifically from famed luxury catamaran builder Sunreef. These truly are superyachts in catamaran form. Discover our top-rated Sunfeef yachts.

The beginning of the end of noisy, smelly generators and diesel motors

Propulsion and electrical systems of yachts of all sizes are undergoing a silent revolution. Instead of the diesel-powered props that have been standard in nearly all yachts for the past 100 years, newly installed motors are increasingly electric. They have much greater torque and are far quieter.

These motors need to be powered by electricity, of course. Increasingly that electricity comes from solar panels, wind turbines, and propellers that act as turbines when you’re sailing. This electricity is then stored in on-board batteries that have come down dramatically in price over the past 10 years. These boats normally have a backup generator, but often it doesn’t need to be used at all, making the boat completely self-sufficient and zero-emissions! No more coughing from the fumes when you’re snorkeling around the boat.

We’re beginning to see yachts that have enough battery capacity to run the air conditioning through the night, so the noise and rumble of the generator are completely eliminated. Bliss!

See our most eco-friendly and sustainable charter yachts here.

The constant search for unique, unspoiled, charter destinations

While the French Riviera, Alamfi Coast, Greek Islands, and the BVI never disappoint, we’re seeing increasing demand for more exotic locations. Our top new recommendation is Raja Ampat, for its extraordinary diving, unspoiled islands, and unique culture. We also continue to see increased interest in Tahiti/Bora Bora, which is a convenient, direct 8-hour flight from LA or San Francisco.

More updates coming soon – please contact us if you’re interested in any of the above destinations or yachts!

Posted on by

Love The Oceans: 5 Ways To Enjoy A Greener Yacht Charter This Valentine’s Day

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the theme of love is everywhere, including on the oceans. While a luxury boat charter offers the perfect romantic getaway, it is also an opportunity to show love for protecting our oceans. At Boatbookings, we understand that luxury and environmental responsibility do and can go hand in hand. We have put together a few ways that you can enjoy a romantic yachting experience this year while protecting our marine environments: 

1. Choose Greener Romance 

There is nothing quite as romantic as being at sea. This Valentine’s Day, we want to make sure couples are not only experiencing this romance on a luxury yacht but also embracing ocean-friendly practices. Our selection of greener crewed catamaran charters offers the latest in eco-friendly technology, from hybrid-electric to solar-powered, as well as the opportunity to offset your emissions using our carbon calculator for each trip.

2. Indulge In Sustainable Menus 

A romantic Valentine’s Day meal aboard a yacht is a must, but you can also ensure it has a lower environmental impact. Request a menu from the chefs that features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and sustainably caught seafood. Rather than the air miles of many food products, ensure you minimize your impact through food choices. Many yacht chefs excel in creating the most gourmet meals, reflecting the flavors and seasons of your destination. Why not take it a step further and ask the meal to be paired with organic wines?

3. Explore Marine Protected Areas

Spending a yachting vacation with your significant other opens up so many avenues for exploration, whether in secluded bays or uninhabited islands. February is the perfect time to cruise the Caribbean islands, where various marine protected areas are full of vibrant coral reefs to explore responsibly. Selecting these destinations that prioritize marine conservation, such as those areas within Marine Protected Areas, helps support more sustainable travel. Visiting these locations helps generate funding and awareness for further ocean preservation efforts while offering excellent opportunities to explore the thriving underwater world.

4. Embrace Responsible Gifting 

If you are exchanging gifts this Valentine’s Day, consider eco-friendly options. There are plenty of ways to show love without compromising on sustainability. From crafted handmade gifts to those made from recycled materials, there are plenty of options out there. A gift can also be an experience. Why not book something special for your partner while enjoying your yacht charter? The Boatbookings team can help you coordinate this in advance wherever you choose to cruise. 

5. Playtime With Eco-Conscious Watertoys 

A yacht charter experience is all about the toys. While onboard, enjoy activities that have a lower impact on your surrounding environment, such as paddle boarding, sailing, or snorkeling, versus motorised options that produce both air and noise pollution. The crew onboard can help you choose more eco-conscious options and direct you on how to navigate the oceans responsibly. 

This Valentine’s Day, as you celebrate love aboard, take the opportunity to respect the oceans wherever possible. By opting for more sustainable options and adopting eco-friendly practices, you are ensuring that future generations can also fall in love with yachting and the incredible marine environments. Contact the Boatbookings team to book your greener crewed charter catamaran today. 

Posted on by

Eco-Conscious Boating: A Guide To The Bahamas 

The Bahamas has long been a top destination for yacht charters, with its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine ecosystems. As we approach the highly anticipated Bahamas Charter Show at Boatbookings, we wanted to show how the sector is embracing sustainability while enjoying experiences in these Caribbean cruising destinations: 

Eco-Conscious Chartering

Today, a boat charter is more than just a vacation; more and more of our clients want to ensure they positively impact the destinations they cruise. The Bahamas charter industry has responded by implementing innovative sustainable practices that protect the archipelago’s delicate marine environment while enhancing the guest experience. Many charter yachts, like our selection of greener crewed charter catamarans, now feature cutting-edge technology such as hybrid propulsion systems, solar panels, and advanced waste management systems. These improvements not only reduce environmental impact but also provide a quieter, more serene experience for guests to connect with nature.

Sustainable Destinations

The Bahamas offers numerous eco-conscious charter itineraries that combine luxury with conservation. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, established as the Caribbean’s first land and sea reserve, serves as a model for marine conservation. Here, you can witness the success of protected marine areas while enjoying some of the world’s most spectacular diving and snorkeling sites. Guests can also participate in citizen science programs, contributing to coral reef monitoring and marine wildlife observation. Many yachts also offer the opportunity to partner with local marine research organizations, helping you learn about and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts.

Supporting Local Communities

Sustainable chartering extends beyond environmental considerations to include social responsibility. As a forward-thinking charter operation, Boatbookings actively engages with local communities, helping boats source provisions from local suppliers and incorporating authentic Bahamian experiences into their itineraries. This approach provides guests with genuine cultural interactions and ensures tourism benefits local economies.

The Bahamas Charter Show

This year’s Bahamas Charter Show will spotlight yachts and operators leading the charge in sustainable luxury yachting. Hosted in Nassau from 29 January to 2 February, attendees can expect to see the latest in eco-friendly yacht technology, innovative waste reduction programs, and creative approaches to minimizing environmental impact while maximizing guest experience.

Making Better Choices 

When planning your next Bahamas boat charter, consider yachts that demonstrate commitment to:

  • Marine ecosystem protection through advanced anchoring systems and reef-safe practices
  • Waste reduction and recycling programsLocal community engagement and support
  • Use of renewable energy sources
  • Sustainable provisioning and preference for local products

The Future 

The Bahamas continues setting the standard for sustainable yacht chartering, proving that luxury and environmental responsibility coexist. We look forward to the upcoming Bahamas Charter Show. Contact one of the team members today to learn more about the show or our selection of greener crewed charter catamarans. 

Posted on by