Let’s take you sailing with Captain Ning!

The Boatbookings Brokers have delivered another fantastic summer season in the Mediterranean. Crewed Catamaran charters continue to rise in popularity; they are extremely safe for children, provide double cabins for couples and lots of sociable volumes for families. Now that the 2019 Mediterranean season has closed, where can you go this winter to escape the dark winter nights in search of paradise?

The Caribbean continues to be the popular choice for many yacht charterers, especially around the British Virgin Islands. The Grenadines are increasing popular as the season develops, but the area we would recommend for winter 2020 is South East Asia. Phuket is easily accessible from many international hubs and provides great island hopping. You will also enjoy cultural tours and mesmerising diving opportunities. Check our 7 night Phuket crewed catamaran itinerary for inspiration.

BLUE MOON is one of our favourite Lagoon catamarans in Thailand. Not only is BLUE MOON one of the newest Lagoon 52s in the area but she has a spectacular crew. Our clients rave about Captain Ning, his knowledge, experience and expertise. See a recent testimonial from one of our last charter.

M.S’s Review: 5 Stars *****

“ Captain Ning Rocks! We had an amazing family Christmas sailing from Phuket around Phang Nga bay. We made it all the way down to Koh Rok`s stunning turquoise sea and white sand beaches. The whole family love Thai food so we chose to eat Thai all week and we were amazed at how fabulous every meal was – definitely exceeded out expectations. We had never sailed on a catamaran before so we were all thrilled with how smooth she was and how much space and comfortable we were. Captain Ning knew where to take us to and timed it to ensure we avoided the busy tourist times and best of all was when we got the sail up, turned the engine off and went with the wind…. ”

We know that you will love your time around Phuket and would really recommend taking your family and friends on a Thailand adventure over the winter months. Let the Boatbookings Broker Team help you today!

Posted on October 26, 2019 by Ben Sutton

The New 110 Sunreef Power Multihull Superyacht

Sunreef yachts continue to go from strength to strength. Since the commission of Rafael Nadal’s 80 Sunreef Power earlier in the year, the Polish superyacht manufacturers have just announced they will launch a larger model. The 100 Sunreef Power is due accommodate 8 guests in 4 suites and scheduled for delivery in 2021.

The 110 Power will span four decks weighing in just under 500GT. She will feature distinctive automobile design with sweeping lines, lots of glass and expansive volumes throughout. We cannot think of a better yacht charter destination than island hopping in Croatia or the Balearics to really make the most of her design. You would love it!

The 110 Power will continue to accommodate the growing trends of an extensive beach club on the aft deck and large tender garage to house your favourite water sports. The socialising spaces continue to impress with easy access to the bow through the main saloon giving you easy access to the bow. The Sunreef 110 Power will host up to 9 crew members to take care of your every wish. Watch this space!

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Ben Sutton

Mirazur

Not sure where to eat on the French Riviera? Add this one to your list!

3 Michelin starred restaurant, Mirazur, has been crowned the world’s best restaurant at an awards ceremony in Singapore! Mirazur which is located in Menton on the French Riviera won the annual competition organized by the world’s 50 best restaurants.

Mirazur is nestled at the foot of the mountains overlooking the sea and surrounded by lush vegetation. The large windows running around the 1930s rotunda building offer panoramic views of the French Riviera.

Mirazur’s Argentine chef, Mauro Colagreco, is inspired by the sea, the mountains, and the garden and offers culinary delights such as salt-crusted beetroot from its own garden with caviar cream.

Their ethos is to use in-season produce including gatherings of the forest such as plants, flowers, fruits, and wild mushrooms, vegetables from the garden or local market. Fish is sourced from the local fisherman and meat, poultry and dairy from hinterland farmers.

Be sure not to miss this wonderful restaurant during your French Riviera charter 2019. Contact one of our brokers today to book your charter.

Posted on October 22, 2019 by Alice Newnham

Spending the night in Split.

Before or after your yacht charter in Croatia, a visit to Split should most definitely be on your to-do list. Most of the surrounding ports in Split are only a 10-15 minute taxi from the beautiful city of Split.

Sailing into Split, catching sunsets and watching dolphins.

Restaurants and Bars

Hidden in underground chambers or on beautiful Venetian streets, there is a wide variety of restaurants for everyone in Split. Traditional Croatian food and contemporary fine dining is both available throughout the city. Be sure to visit the palace for some live music, Croatian wine and historical underground tours. Anthony Bourdain once stated that ‘Croatia is the next great thing. If you have not been there, you are… an idiot! I am an idiot’.

Bokeria

Grilled Octopus, traditional lamb shank, truffle pasta, and cuttlefish are some of the best options from this fabulous restaurant. This restaurant is most definitely worth a visit pre or post charter.

The History behind Europe’s Venetian Capital

The story behind Split is one of the most diverse in Europe. The story resonates from Greek settlement in the 3rd century followed by a Roman invasion and taken by Venetian rule in the late 14th century. Venetian architecture can still be seen all over the city. The infamous Venetian Palace was constructed and the city grew around the palace walls.

After the world war, Croatia was transformed into Yugoslavia and this city experienced industrial growth alongside a large shipbuilding industry and a very dynamic port. Despite the destruction caused to Croatia during the Yugoslavian war in the 1990’s however, soon lost its industrial hold during the years following the liberation. The main industry now in Split is tourism. The city is full of hidden gems, beautiful hikes, beach clubs and some of Europe’s most fascinating architecture.

Get in contact with one of the Boatbookings Broker’s to find out more about your net yacht charter in Split.

Posted on October 20, 2019 by Alice Newnham

Vegan Yacht Chefs

A rise of veganism worldwide has meant that there is more demand than ever for chefs that can cater to a vegan diet. A vegan diet involves cutting out animal products like meat, fish, dairy and eggs and in Great Britain in 2016, there are estimated to be around 540,000 vegans. Therefore, we have found our favourite yachts with chefs that can cater to vegan clients in the Bahamas, the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera and Greece.

NITSA

NITSA is based in Fort Lauderdale and available to charter in the Bahamas. Chef Katie grew up baking long before she learned to cook. Over the years she’s been able to study a wide variety of cuisines, including time in Florence, Italy and has developed an appreciation for myriad styles and flavour palates. At the same time, she’s seen the effects (good and bad) of how food & nutrition relate to the quality of life—personally, professionally, and medically. It encouraged her to leave New York City after a decade in the book publishing industry to study with renowned vegan chef, Alexx Guevara, at his culinary center at The Ranch at Live Oak in Malibu, California.

From there, she worked with Chef Alexx at Sanctuary Treatment Center, where she co-directed the nutritional and culinary program at this boutique women’s residential rehabilitation, including teaching classes, where the focus was on restoring clients’ dietary and nutritional health alongside their own recovery. Currently, Katie directs the culinary program for GroundSea Fitness, a yoga & wellness retreat held several times each year in the Berkshire Mountains, where she creates and executes this ovo-vegetarian program, including the addition of tonics, house-made teas and elixirs, and locally-sourced bone broths.

SOLO

Based in Genoa in summer and Antigua in winter, SOLO Chef Gionata was born in Italy and has been a Chef for 25 years, working for many VIPs in some of the best restaurants in the world. He received a Michelin star and have been reviewed in the best gourmet guides. As a superyacht Chef, he believes that the cuisine served is not only a showpiece but nutrition as well.

His passion for food varies from creating the perfect roast dinner to a 7-courses degustation menu to show a whole range of different cooking techniques and products. He also specialises in vegan, vegetarian and low-calorie diets. He is also up to date with all the latest cooking techniques, methods & equipment so that he can keep up with the best and latest restaurants. Cooking demonstrations with the guests either at the table or in the kitchen are also a special touch he likes to offer the charter guests.

MINOU

Marco is a native of Sardinia and after graduating from the Italian Chef Academy, he began working on the Costa Smeralda. His passion and curiosity led him to enrol in masterclasses of vegan and vegetarian cooking, bakery and pastry-making and gather a growing following. Marco has also taught classes of Italian and Sardinian cooking. To this day he is often invited to cook private dinners abroad.

Posted on October 18, 2019 by Ben Sutton