Why to Book your Yacht Charter Early

Whether you plan to explore Asia, cruise the Caribbean or enjoy the culinary delights of the Amalfi Coast, Greece or French Riviera it is always best to book early. While it might seem logical to assume that last minute bookings would offer the best value when it comes to yacht charter, this is not the case. Booking in advance can reduce costs and also have an effect on demand of berths as well as other factors.

Better Availability

With a large number of yachts to choose from, you’ll have the best choice of yachts for your preferred yachts, especially as the newest yachts just on the charter market often book up extremely early. The best yachts will often have bookings over a year in advance, particularly from repeat clients. When enquiring, your broker will send you a selection of yachts available for your dates, to suit your budget and your desired location. Finding the perfect yacht to suit you is key to your overall enjoyment, whether it’s the cuisine expertise of the chef, the water toys on offer, the al fresco dining options, or the spa facilities.

More Time to Plan

As well as having a larger selection of yachts to chose from, you will also get more time to plan your charter. Travel considerations, cruising areas, the food and wine you’d like on board, special activities and more, can all be tailored to perfection to ensure that you have the best possible charter. Whether you are looking to explore the islands of Croatia, travel along the Amalfi Coast or enjoy the tranquility of Sardinia, booking early allows the crew and your broker to plan all the details.

Avoid Price Rise

If a yacht has had a very successful season with back-to-back charters, it isn’t uncommon for owners to raise the prices leading into the next season. By booking in advance you lock in the current figures and ensure you pay the best price. Moreover, some owners will offer early booking discounts or are more likely to accept offers on charters that are booked early.

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Contact a member of the Boatbookings Team to begin planning your charter now.

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Ben Sutton

A Guide to Bareboat Motor Yacht Charters

Bareboat Motor Yacht Sealine F430 in Croatia

What could be a better way to spend your next vacation than on your own bareboat motor yacht zipping from island to island? From cruising around the blue waters of the Bahamas to exploring the shores of Corsica, bareboat motor yachts provide the ultimate charter experience. There are no sails to complicate the navigation, sit back, relax and let the engine do the hard work for you whilst you explore some of the finest waters in the world!

Types of motor yachts for charter

Power Catamarans

The power catamaran is a fantastic alternative to a standard sailing catamaran and provides the maximum space available on a boat. Power catamaran’s are also incredibly stable and easy to manoeuvre.

Lagoon 40 power catamaran available in the Bahamas.

Bareboat Motor Yachts

As long as you are in possession of the right licences you are good to go on your own motor yacht. Motor Yachts are glamorous and cruise through the water with ease! Motor Yachts are sleeker and quicker than their power catamaran rival. This charter is perfect for couples or those wanting to test out a bareboat motor yacht before chartering a crewed motor yacht! You can add a skipper and hostess to a bareboat motor yacht charter for a different experience.

The best places for bareboat motor yacht charters

There are fewer motor yachts available for bareboat charters than sailing boats or catamarans across the globe. The best regions to find a bareboat motor yacht charter are below. Over the next few years there are forecast to be a lot more motor yacht charters emerging.

Sardinia

Sardinia offers the opportunity to explore both the shores of the Costa Smerelda and of southern Corsica. Short cruising distances, beautiful anchorages, crystal clear waters and the national park of La Maddalena are the best characteristics of this stunning itinerary!

Croatia

There are an increasing number of motor yachts available for a bareboat charter in Croatia. Choose from cruising from Sibenik around the Kornati National Park to bar hopping from Split around Vis or Hvar. The itinerary in Croatia is perfect for a motor yacht as there is the opportunity to see a different island every day.

The Bahamas

There are two power catamarans available for charter in the Bahamas. These power catamarans are in high demand and are great boats for sailing around the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas and seeing swimming pigs and wild iguanas en route!

Requirements for a motor yacht charter

Chartering a bareboat motor yacht comes with responsibility. Possessing a licence which permits you to drive and operate a boat up to a certain size is mandatory. In Croatia, a VHF licence is also required. For power catamarans in the Caribbean and the Bahamas an updated sailing resume is required to charter. Please follow the below link to see more detailed information towards advice on a bareboat charter: https://www.boatbookings.com/yachting_content/faq.php

Contact the Boatbookings team to begin planning your bareboat motor yacht charter today!

Posted on February 29, 2020 by Alice Newnham

Beat the winter blues

There is no way to brighten up the winter months than booking a week away in the Caribbean on a yacht. Beat the winter blues and secure a yacht charter with Boatbookings in the Caribbean! Dreaming of crystal blue waters, perfect sailing conditions, beach bars, conch salads, scuba diving or just spending quality time with loved ones? There is no place better than the Caribbean to enjoy these activities and to avoid grey days onboard a boat. Many bareboat monohull, catamaran or crewed Caribbean charters still remain available for Spring. it is not too late to secure your boat!

Having lived and worked in the Caribbean, broker Alice shares her favourite islands for a charter this winter.

The Sunsetting in Guadeloupe, taken by broker Alice

St Vincent and the Grenadines

These group of islands are part of the Caribbean Windward Island chain. These islands are renowned for more sheltered sailing temperatures towards the later parts of Spring. When the rest of the Caribbean enters into rain season over summer, the climate of these islands remains calm. Chartering a yacht within these islands has a similar feel to chartering in the British Virgin Islands however the experience is more tranquil. St Vincent and the Grenadines are often visited by British royalty and possess an air of unspoilt sophistication. These islands are very popular for bareboat monohull charterers however there are many crewed and bareboat catamarans to choose from if you would prefer!

Bequia is a MUST – visit whilst on charter here. If you are feeling adventurous why not try a one way charter from St Vincent to Grenada.

Guadeloupe

Consisting of 5 islands, Guadeloupe ( otherwise known as ‘Butterfly Island’ or ‘Gwada’) is the largest of the Caribbean islands.

Expect to see a lot of natural beauty, friendly locals and French bakeries throughout your charter. Must do activities during a charter include diving on the Reserve Cousteau National heritage scuba dive site on the island of Basse -Terre, hiking the many waterfalls across the islands and hiring a scooter to tour the beautiful Iles Saintes.

‘Gwada’ creates an imperfect blend of classically French and Creole culture that oddly mixes to provides an unforgettable experience. Cuisine to try on the island includes Planteur cocktail with locally produced white rum, Octopus fricassé and most importantly the deep-fried Bokit sandwich. Follow the Boatbookings tailor made itinerary to get the best out of Guadeloupe..

https://www.boatbookings.com/yachting_content/guadeloupe_bareboat_itinerary.php

There are many great monohull and catamaran options to choose from for a yacht charter in Guadeloupe.

The British Virgin Islands

Having recovered from the damaging effects of hurricane IRMA in 2017, the British Virgin Islands have officially bounced back and has re-gained their reputation of being the jewels in the crown of bareboat and crewed yachting. Whether you’re looking for a bareboat or a crewed catamaran or monohull yacht, these islands have something for everyone. White-sand beaches, luxury hotels and some of the best bars in the world comprise the BVI! This is one of our favourite destinations to organise charters due to the variety of boats and the great crewed catamaran options available!

Do get in contact with the Boatbookings charter experts today to plan your yacht charter for Winter/ Spring!

There’s still time to catch a Caribbean sunset from the comfort of your private yacht!

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Alice Newnham

The best of the Amalfi Coast

Although sipping Limoncello in the enchanting town of Sorrento or strolling through the streets of Positano can be breathtaking. The only way to see the Amalfi Coast and to experience its beauty is by a yacht charter. Hopping onboard either a crewed motor-yacht, catamaran or a bareboat promises to create the most memorable experience on the water.

Broker Alice highlights the best things to do both on and off the water during your Boatbookings yacht charter on the Amalfi Coast this summer! Boatbookings recommends visiting the ancient ruins of Pompeii prior to embarking onto your yacht. Both bareboat, crewed motor or catamaran yacht itineraries provide the inspiration for an unforgettable yacht charter.

Must see’s

Capri

Since the establishment of Ancient Rome, Capri has been renowned for its beauty and glamour. Capri is home to the jet set and is often visited by the Kardashians during the summer. Not only can you be a part of the jet set on this island, you can also visit ancient temples and the Blue Grotto. Waters are crystal clear and the restaurants are divine, there is no better place to spend a few days than Capri.

Ischia

The volcanic island is known for thermal springs, mud pools and hot sands. This is the biggest island within the bay of Naples and is the home of eternal youth. People come to the island to escape, to explore its lush vegetation and to eat fresh fish in local restaurants along the waterfront.

Amalfi

Amalfi is the iconic town that plays homage to the name of the coastline. Roman Aristocrats built holiday homes here and since then it has developed to becoming a very powerful maritime base. The town is filled with piazzas and a great choice of bars. This is the perfect destination for a 4PM apero.

Salerno

Renowned for being the birthplace of the Scuola Medica Salernitana, Salerno is one of the Europe’s founding medical institutes. This town is bustling with life and ancient history.

Cuisine

For cruising Boatbookings recommends fresh fish and locally caught seafood during an Amalfi Coast yacht charter. A glass of cold white wine, preferably from the island of Capri is an essential to be paired with any fish ordered. Every meal is unique and is often prepared by local recipes, cooking techniques are often passed from generation to generating, differing but retaining the magical touch of the Amalfi Coast. This is the ultimate charter for any foodie!

Watch mount Vesuvius from your yacht and feel a part of the most fascinating historical playgrounds on the globe. We also offer Amalfi Coast Day Charter experiences if you only have a day to spare!

Get in contact with the Boatbookings team to speak to an expert and start planning your charter today!

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Alice Newnham

Dine at NOVA, Oil Nut Bay in the BVI

The British Virgin Islands remain the must-visit sailing mecca in 2020. With the finest selection of BVI crewed and bareboat catamarans in the Caribbean, you will be dazzled by hidden anchorages, spectacular snorkelling and unforgettable sunsets. Trust us, our Broker team keep coming back every year! We continue to review the best islands for your specific requirements, including the beach clubs, bars and restaurants.

Nova at Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda

You have to add NOVA at Oil Nut Bay in Virgin Gorda to your 2020 BVI yacht charter itinerary. Nova floats on top of the cerulean Virgin Islands water and is the perfect venue to bring family and friends together this winter. The philosophy is all-around sharing delicious small plates in an exquisite setting that’s both energizing and relaxing. You will be able to sample global dishes featuring the highest quality local ingredients that will dazzle your tastebuds.

Current Offers at Oil Nut Bay

WEEKDAY HAPPY HOUR
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY 4:00PM – 6:00PM

3-for-$10 cans of Carib, Leatherback IPA and Stowford Press Cider
2-for-$12 Doombar Beer
Bottles of Peyrassol Rosé $30
Bottles of Taittinger Champagne $70
$5 off Special Flatbread

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Bloody Mary Bar: Bring a new hot sauce for the bar and receive your first Bloody Mary free
$5 Absolute Vodka
Bottles of Taittinger Champagne $70 includes fresh-squeezed citrus juice for mimosas

Oil Nut Bay is located at the far eastern tip of Virgin Gorda. Spend the morning swimming at The Baths, before sailing onto Oil Nut Bay for dinner. You can then spend the next day sailing up to Anegada for your lobster feast. We would highly recommend adding a stop to your BVI bareboat or crewed yacht charter itinerary this year. Speak to Ben in the Broker Team today to start planning the best BVI vacation to date!

Posted on February 22, 2020 by Ben Sutton