How about the Azores?

Capelinhos Volcan view from above

So you’re fed up with the crowds that flock to the Mediterranean (sailors and nonsailors alike) and you’re looking for something new to conquer. How about the AZORES? The Azores offer steady winds either side of July and August, with July and August providing comfortable calmer winds perfect for families. Looking for a challenge? Charter in March and April where the winds are strong and steady.

Why?

Are you into your nature, geography, and sailing? Would you like to see whales, dolphins, lagoons, extinct volcanos, fajas, and unique anchorages? Then this cluster of islands located in the Atlantic could be for you. Located roughly 1,400 miles west of mainland Portugal, the Azores boasts 9 exquisite, prehistoric islands ready for you to explore. The archipelago is comprised of 9 islands each with its own individual character.

São Miguel Island – Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Itinerary

Start from Horta and explore Sao Miguel, Pico and Terceira Island all within one week. If you are planning on doing a two-week charter (which would be advised as there is just SO much to see) then you can go further afield and explore the islands such as Graciosa Island and Sao Jorge island.

Azores landscape with waterfalls and cliffs in Flores island. Portugal.

Getting there

Direct flights are available from most major airports (within flying distance!) From the US you have the luxury of choosing between Azores Airlines and Delta Airlines. You can fly directly via Boston, Oakland, and New York City. Flight time from Boston is roughly around the 4.5-hour mark with the UK being the same. Tap Air Portugal and Ryanair fly most frequently to the Azores.

Panoramic view over the Sete Cidades lake on Sao Miguel Azores

Want to find out more? Contact us today to find out how you could sail in the Jurrasic world of the Azores!

A Sailors Christmas List…

What should I get my sailor friend for Christmas? Look no further because we have looked high and low for the best Christmas presents! Now, before we get carried away with sailor (tat) gifts – above all they will probably want to go sailing! Get in touch today to see how you can buy your sailor friend a charter!

1. Wine carrier – need I say any more.

Now, you probably know your friend better than what I do, but I can guarantee that at some point they have panicked about carrying bottles of wine (or gin) around the yacht! “You can drop all the bags into the sea, but at least save the wine!” Sailing is a sociable event, and you can often get invited to share a bottle on a neighboring yacht, now your friends can come prepared with a fashionable wine carrier! What’s better is that they are Handcrafted from recycled sails on the working waterfront in Portland, Maine, USA!!!

2. Garmin inReach – for anything done on the water

“Oh god, they haven’t gone out without their radio have they???!!!” Fear no more, this GARMIN INREACH is both affordable and easy to manage for even the oldest, saltiest sea hands! Weather in the illusive Bahamas, or coastal sailing in the UK InReach works like a Sat phone and provides live online tracking and email and can also be synced with your phone and operated through an app.

3. Floaters – for the “I lost my sunglasses overboard again” friends

I cannot tell you how many times I have lost my glasses. Some say that the Mediterranean is so clear that you can see a wealth of lost sunglasses by sailors checking the anchor. Glasses ropes may have been adopted by the (sort of) older generation (sorry), but with the rise of expensive Ray-Bans and Oakleys, even some of the youngins are now attaching ropes to their glasses! Croakies have a range of fantastic glasses ropes, ranging from single strands to the floaters above.

4. Watch (out) this is for the gadget lover.

When I was working onboard a sailing yacht, the skipper had this watch. It allowed him to sleep peacefully with an anchor alarm, track our course and many many other water-related features. Probably the best feature, and the ultimate test is to see how low you can keep your heart rate while mooring (yes it tracks your heartbeat). These watches come with a series of different straps and colours.

5. Musto Jacket BR2 RACE LITE JACKET

For the fashionista sailor, BR2 jackets are available for both men and women and offer fantastic protection when sailing in colder climates, or for when the wind picks up in the evening.

Best features:

  • 3-layer, lightweight, waterproof and breathable fabric to Musto’s stringent BR2 standard, for prolonged torrential downpours
  • The hood is detachable and can be rolled away, is 2-way adjustable and has a stiffened peak for weather protection
  • Articulated elbows and underarms for freedom of movement
  • Hook and loop fastener adjustable cuffs keep out rain and spray
  • Two half fleece-lined handwarmer pockets to keep your hands warm

6. Waterproof phone casing, with Floating Hand Grip

Underwater filming has gone from strengths to strengths with thanks to GoPro, and now recently underwater drones. You can now make your phone completely waterproof, and film some of the best memories without destroying your phone! It’s of no surprise to many sailors that it is really the salt that destroys your phone – this is a great way to combat that! Film the Mediterranean fish, or film the sunken plane in the Bahamas this is the perfect present for an explorer!

7. QUBA SAILS – little bits and bobs.

The much loved, British nautical brand QUBA has always been ahead in their fashion. Created by two friends in a seaside town in Devon, QUBA creates sail bags, cushions, jumpers, beanbags from reclaimed sailcloth. Ofen seen on the quaysides in the Caribbean and Greece, be sure you have a QUBA sail bag on your list for Santa!

Horizon Yachts FD92 will launch in 2020

Horizon yachts will continue to build their popular Fast Displacement line with the 28m FD92, which is scheduled for delivery in July 2020. The historic power catamaran manufacturer is famous for delivering standout charter catamarans operating in the Caribbean. These catamarans are fantastic for exploring destinations like the Bahamas with their small drafts, as well as fast island hopping in the Virgin Islands.

The tri-deck Horizon superyacht was designed from the owner’s desire to build a yacht with both an enclosed sky lounge and an open flybridge. The FD92 will feature an extended hull for greater exterior spaces. For those interested in lifestyle, she is perfect for al fresco dining and lounging. The forward jacuzzi area is the perfect place to relax at anchor with a glass of champagne. Can you see yourself anchored in the magical Colombiers bay in St Barths?

The Horizon FD92 has five cabins. These will include a full-beam master on the main deck and four further staterooms below. There will be accommodation for three crew aboard. Spend your days relaxing on the foredeck sunpads and a jump in from the fully-equipped swim platform. Enjoy captain’s cocktails in the bar on the upper deck before sampling your chef’s delights. There is no better holiday than chartering a yacht.

Watch this space for the latest manufacturer news and releases, as well as destination insights into the world’s best yacht charter destinations. Contact the Boatbookings Team today!

Yacht Charter Review: Asia Update

The Asia Pacific region is one of the most exciting yachting destinations in the world. Where else can you find such incredible culture, diving and mouthwatering cuisine? The governments of Thailand and Indonesia have always restricted access to visiting yachts. However, there has recently been a shift and Myanmar is the latest country to relax its laws.

Myanmar welcomes Visa-On-Arrival Program

Visitors from Australia, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and Switzerland can now enter Myanmar on visa-on-arrival at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw International Airports. These 6 countries join Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Indian and mainland Chinese nationals. Myanmar is one of the area’s best kept secrets offering ultimate tranquility!

Phuket is the leading Asia Superyacht Hub

Phuket is the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’ with close proximity to Phang Nga Bay, Myanmar and Malaysia. Marinas on the island can provide berths for yachts up to 130 metres in length. These marinas are now offering full service with excellent dockage facilities, so can cater to the world’s best superyachts.

C/O Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket Thailand

“Between two and three new marinas are expected to open at Ao Po, Ao Kung and Ao Makham in the future,” reports Wiwat Chitchoetwong, referring to new development projects on Phuket. “The successful marinas in Phuket are being looked at now as models for marinas at Surat Thani province’s Koh Samui resort island in the Gulf of Thailand and Chon Buri’s Pattaya on the eastern coast”, added Mr. Chitchoetwong. 

Tempted by Southeast Asia? There really is no better time to explore the area. The Boatbookings Brokers have lived and travelled around Southeast Asia extensively, so you’re in expert hands for your 2020 yacht charter.

Yacht Charter for Miami Super Bowl 2020

The Boatbookings Broker team love Miami! Where else can you find such a metropolis on the water? Home to a fusion of fascinating cultures, centres for art and theatre, as well as a thriving food scene, Miami has something for everyone. But in 2020, there’s something even more exciting about to hit this city! Bring on Super Bowl LIV, which will commence on the 2nd February 2020 at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Not that Miami needs much help, but the Super Bowl 2020 will transcend the city into party atmosphere. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira are the headliners for the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show. The premium Miami resorts have hiked up the prices but there are always options, especially on the water. The only way to embrace the luxury of Super Bowl LIV is onboard a Miami yacht charter.

Miami will attract the world’s most expensive super yachts for the Super Bowl. You are guaranteed to be amongst good company. Kick back on the Azimut 100 INTERVENTION and be pampered by Captain Jose and his crew. With accommodation for 8 guests in 4 cabins and available for weekly or short charters, INTERVENTION is the perfect partner to Super Bowl LIV.

Further ideas could include coastal cruising on the Ferretti 88 CINQUE MARE or transfers around the city on the 54 Searay WHY NOT. The Boatbookings team will have you covered!

Watch this space for further insights into how you should celebrate the Super Bowl in Miami, as well as Spring Break!