Luxury Custom Ferretti 72 Ft. FORTUNATA: Built By Yachters For Yachters

Boatbookings.com recently had the pleasure of an onboard invitation to luxury charter yacht FORTUNATA, a Ferretti designed to offer charter clients an Italian-style yachting experience. This beautifully appointed yacht guarantees an unforgettably romantic getaway, yet is equally suited to fun with friends or family.

FORTUNATA was custom designed by her owners to be a yacht comfortable to live on. A direct line of sight between forward and aft decks creates a spacious first impression. Entering the main salon, built-in two-tone wood cabinetry and soft Italian leather couches surrounding a coffee table beg cozy conversation.

The forward dining area is set apart, raised by two steps, and is a lovely, private area to enjoy fine cuisine prepared by multi-talented chef Jessa Pereira. (According to Captain Graham Cove, she can also keep the boat in a pretty straight line.) Wonderful aromas issued forth from her kitchen-style galley that tempted all of us to linger a bit longer there.

Rich Italian décor characterizes four ensuite guest staterooms, each furnished with ivory silks and fine linens. Accommodations are for up to eight guests in the full-beam master, VIP queen and two twins.

Spacious exterior areas on FORTUNATA beckon soaking up the sun or relaxing in the shade. Our favorite spot for great views and sun worship is the large sunpad located on the bow just forward of the helm. The aft deck features al fresco dining for eight and is particularly alluring at night when the sea appears magical, illuminated by underwater lights.

Personable Captain Graham Cove lived in the Bahamas for 10 years, has family there, and knows Florida and the Bahamas intimately. Because FORTUNATA cruises at a speedy 25 knots, with a mere 6-foot draft, the Captain, on a whim, can leave Key West at breakfast, cruise to explore the Dry Tortugas, and be back to catch the famous Key West sunset.

He also likes to drop a line off the back “because you never know when the mahi mahi or tuna might be running.” The Captain thinks FORTUNATA is a great boat for families who just want to get away and have fun, and he knows all the best spots to do that!

FORTUNATA is a stunning Ferretti charter yacht with destinations in Florida and the Bahamas, and clearly the crew has plenty of insider tips to help create a personalized vacation experience of the highest caliber.

Boatbookings.com has numerous informative links to launch you on the adventure of a lifetime. Please see FORTUNATA and Florida and Bahamas Yacht Charter to get started.

Go Green! Guardian S Class Carbon Neutral Yacht Tender

Sauter Carbon Offset Design has launched the world’s first carbon neutral speedboat, the Guardian S Class, with the aim to reduce global warming pollution in the boating community by 280 million metric tons annually.

The prestigious solar hybrid with low profile, tapered bow and displacement hull, is constructed of lightweight carbon fiber. Powered by a Mercedes Benz car engine coupled to an electric motor the tender is capable of reaching a speedy 45 knots with a 50 Nm range.

According to the manufacturer, the cutting-edge tender has fuel consumption and emission rates that are from 50-100% lower than any other speedboat. Lithium ion batteries combined with plug-in solar power generates free energy delivering the capability to motor carbon neutral for up to 1,000 Nm per year.

Green technologies are rapidly being adopted as industry standards and the trendsetting Guardian S Class is likely to raise the bar industry wide.

Boatbookings.com features pertinent information about green yachting at: Green Chartering – Low Carbon Emissions Charter

LOA: 29’

Beam: 6’

Draft: 1’

Passengers: 10

Engine: Mercedes Benz Bleu Tec V6

Motor: Carbon-Grossbauteile electric

Boatbookings Onboard Luxury Yacht TIGERS EYE: A Real Gem

Recently Boatbookings was invited on board TIGERS EYE, a luxury yacht that is supremely elegant and warmly welcoming. A family with two small children owns this 98′ Hargrave, making it an ideal yacht for family charters.

The interior décor was executed under the direction of noted megayacht designer Shelly DiCondina of Yacht Interiors by Shelley in collaboration with the owners. Social areas onboard TIGERS EYE include a full-beam salon furnished in a comfortable, contemporary style. A soothing color palette of earthen beige tones compliments the warm cherry wood used throughout the yacht.

The King master, VIP queen and two twin staterooms are designed with an Asian feel that creates a sense of serenity, elegance and comfort. Both twins can be converted to queens and one twin has an additional twin pull down, perfect accommodation for three children. Each cabin has ensuite facilities lavishly finished in granite with gracious appointments.

The spacious kitchen was one of our favorite areas onboard TIGERS EYE. The surround of large windows makes the kitchen cheerful as well as affording terrific forward facing views. The space features ample U-shape seating, a large center island and plenty of counter space. The homey kitchen beckons casual family gatherings, perhaps with an impromptu cooking lesson imparted by the talented chef.

There are plenty of water toys onboard TIGERS EYE, and they include gear for children. From the wide swimplatform guests can take a splash in the sea or launch a variety of toys to embark on an exciting ocean adventure, above or below the surface.

The charming crew onboard TIGERS EYE is eager to share their knowledge and insights regarding the beaches, bays and ports of call in Florida and the Bahamas. They have years of experience to benefit charter guests onboard TIGERS EYE and assure an unsurpassed charter vacation.

Boatbookings.com has an expansive selection of crewed charter yachts and destination information on Florida and the Bahamas at the following links: Crewed Yacht Charter,  Florida Yacht Charter, Bahamas Yacht Charter

Mandalina Marina in Croatia Offers a 10% Discount for Luxury Megayachts

Mandalina Marina and Yacht Club, located in Sibenik, Croatia, is offering a special last minute discount for bookings of winter berths made from today through November 20, 2010. The berths will accommodate yachts measuring up to 300’ LOA with a 60-foot beam.

Mandalina Marina and Yacht Club is slated to become the country’s first superyacht full service marina. Construction is underway on the multi-million dollar project that is scheduled to be fully operational by next summer.

At present the marina features 350 in-water slips, 50 dry-dock berths and on-site conveniences, including restaurants and shops, for luxury yacht owners and crew. Future plans include complete repair and refit services and a five star resort hotel.

The historic town of Sibenik is a UNESCO protected heritage site and is a destination that features unique architecture, culture and cuisine. For nature buffs the town is located between two stunning national parks: Kornati archipelago and Krka waterfalls. The region is considered one of the most breathtakingly beautiful yachting destinations on the Adriatic coast.

Boatbookings.com has extensive destination information on Croatia and the Adriatic region. Here is an informative link to get you started: Croatia Yacht Charter

Heesen Yachts Build Contract for Luxury 65-Meter Concept Yacht

Heesen Yachts announces a signed contract for their latest new build concept, a 213-foot aluminum hull design scheduled for delivery in June 2013. Following positive results of tank tests completed at the Wolfson Unit in April 2010, Heesen launched the revolutionary 65-Meter concept during the Monaco Yacht Show in September, which resulted in attracting very enthusiastic future owners.

The construction of the 65-Meter Fast Displacement superyacht will start in mid-December 2010 at the Heesen shipyard in Oss, the Netherlands. The cutting-edge yacht is projected to attain a maximum speed of 27 knots, a remarkable achievement for a vessel of this size. The yacht features expanded exterior spaces including a voluminous pool and extended beach deck and accommodations for 12 guests and 13 crew.

LOA: 213.25’

Beam: 37.4’

Draft:  10.17’

Maximum speed: 27 knots

Minimum speed: 24 knots

Range at 14 knots: 4200 Nm

Engines: 2 x MTU 20V4000 M93L

Stabilizers: 5 x Seakeeper gyroscopes