Expert Insight: The CEO’s Favourite Catamaran HEMISPHERE

For our latest blog series, we asked the Boatbookings’ team members for their favorite worldwide charter yachts to share them with all of our clients, colleagues and suppliers alike. We begin with our CEO’s favourite crewed catamaran; HEMISPHERE!

HEMISPHERE is a 145ft luxury crewed Pendennis catamaran available for charter throughout Southeast Asia in such exciting, intriguing destinations as Fiji, Indonesia, the South Pacific and many more! She is one of our favourite catamarans for charter worldwide due to her chic and spacious exterior spaces, welcoming crew and of course the trampolines:

yacht hemisphere, luxury yacht, yacht charter, boatbookings, boatbookings yacht charter — Our first team visit to HEMISPHERE at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2012 (featuring a mini Boatbookings helper loving the trampolines!).

Launched in 2011 by Pendennis, HEMISPHERE is just over 44 metres in length (145ft) with a massive 16.6 metres beam (54ft). Her innovative design boasts creative features that blend speed and stability with both space and style. Catamarans are famed for their space and HEMISPHERE is no exception. Her spacious flybridge is sure to be your favourite area on the yacht. She features a Jacuzzi, sun pads and shaded dining area, along with an immense indoor/outdoor living area on the main deck.

HEMISPHERE‘s interiors, designed by Michael Leach, are quite simply stunning. The main saloon has contemporary styling with light woods, lots of natural light and comfortable areas for dining and socialising. HEMISPHERE also boasts a comfy game and TV room, ideal for younger charter guests. This fantastic yacht can welcome up to 12 guests on board in 5 well-appointed staterooms with a further two identical master cabins on the main deck.

Other highlights include a professional diving board, a 6m trampoline and a comprehensive diving centre with the latest diving equipment. Her crew of 8 include a fantastic British Captain, a renowned Danish chef who formerly worked for the Danish royal family, and 2 PADI Scuba diving instructors. So, whether you’re after exceptionally prepared cuisine, sunbathing with a glass of bubbly on the flybridge or diving in Southeast Asia, HEMISPHERE is surely the yacht for you.

HEMISPHERE will be available for charter in the 2018/19 Winter season in French Polynesia and the South Pacific, followed by Fiji, Indonesia and Tonga! She is for charter from $260,000 per week plus expenses.

If the luxury catamaran experience appeals to you and your family, please do get in touch with Boatbookings’ expert brokers who would be delighted to organise the ultimate Southeast Asia adventure for you.

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Alice Newnham

Superyacht of The Week: CLOUDBREAK

Stunning explorer yacht CLOUDBREAK. Photo credit: Yachtfolio

CLOUDBREAK is a unique and astonishing 72.5m Abeking and Rasmussen motor yacht – an easy choice for our superyacht of the week! On CLOUDBREAK, you will adventure beyond, experience more, and relax completely.

Whilst many yachts can cruise in Southeast Asia or Scandinavia, CLOUDBREAK goes off the beaten track and paves her way in new waters. In 2018, she is exploring Madagascar, a bespoke experience where you can witness amazing wildlife and feel true freedom. In 2019 she ventures to Norway and Sweden, which will open your eyes to extraordinary views of fabulous fjords and breath-taking scenery.

The minute you step onto the passerelle, you will experience incomparable luxury from start to finish. This 72.5m motor yacht offers fantastic exterior amenities so you can relax as you admire the mountains, greenery and waterfalls drift past. The outdoor daybed offers a luxurious and comfortable spot for relaxing in the summer breeze.

Head down after a delicious breakfast prepared by your talented private onboard chef and grab a sunbed with an immense backdrop of the mountains of Sweden or aquamarine waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. CLOUDBREAK also ventures to the Mediterranean, so you can replace the mountains with colourful fishing towns, sparkling beach clubs and secluded beaches if you please!

As with any luxury motor yacht, the water toy selection is endless! From Seabobs to Kayaks, Kite Surfing to Fishing, whatever takes your fancy the crew will kit you out and give you a helping hand.

The most breathtaking views onboard CLOUDBREAK. Picture credit: Yachtfolio

After an exciting day on the water, retire to your cabin for a heavenly nights sleep! When you awake, your first sight will be the dazzling ocean and beautiful anchorage where you settled the night before. To add to the therapeutic environment on board, CLOUDBREAK offers a sauna and pool so you can unwind and feel pampered! Yacht charters are the ultimate wellbeing vessels, where the crew and amenities will work tirelessly to ensure you feel healthy and happy.

To charter CLOUDBREAK for your next adventure, contact one of our expert brokers and get a bespoke proposal today. Charter this stunning superyacht today in Scandinavia, followed by the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia including Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Charter rates start at €750,000 plus expenses.

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Alice Newnham

5 Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Guadeloupe

After spending five months living as a local in Guadeloupe, our charter broker Alice, found many reasons to charter in this Franco-African archipelago known by many as “Gwada”. A mixture of languages, cultures and activities makes these islands among the most diverse that the Caribbean has to offer. Here is why:

1. Island Hopping
The sailing possibilities are endless around the five islands that make up the French Caribbean archipelago of Guadeloupe. Each Island of Guadeloupe has a distinct and raw vibe and still manages stay in tune with its African and French roots.

Grande Terre – Perfect for surfing, Creole inspired food markets and white sand beaches.

One of the many stunning beaches on Grande Terre

A collection of Caribbean spices at a market in Grande Terre

Basse Terre – A perfect stop off to visit waterfalls, diving, natural beauty spots including the national park and natural hot baths.

La Désirade

Iles des Saintes – This archipelagio within the archipelago is a sailors paradise, ideal for exploring on bike and for water activities such as paddleboarding.

Marie-Galante – Well known for beaches such as La Feuillère, its stunning coral reef and 19^th century sugar-cane plantation.

Or If you fancy visiting even more islands you can always sail to to neighbouring islands of Antigua (33 nautical miles), Dominica (26 nautical miles) or Martinique (52 nautical miles).

2. The perfect blend of Rhum and Croissants
Due to its French legacy, every street in this Creole paradise will have a French Patisserie and, most definitely, a Rhumerie. Creole specialities are diverse from every other Caribbean island and typically include accras de morue (cod fritters), bananes flambées, fricassé de poulpe (octopus) and even a deep fried ‘Bokit’ sandwich with a variety of French fillings. It may be the only place in the world where a relaxing two hour lunch is acceptable. To begin, a Ti’Punch, a rum based aperitif, followed by a Caribbean curry and a bottle of French wine. From the finest of restaurants to street shacks, you are guaranteed to be able to find some of the most diverse food and drink that the Caribbean has to offer.

3. Diving
The diving schools on the Reserve Cousteau are among the most reputable in the world. There is even a Jacques Cousteau statue at one of the dive sites. The relaxed nature of these French dive schools will give you an authentic experience exploring these crystal waters, and the opportunity to see some of the largest varieties of fish in the Caribbean. There area multitude of diving options from snorkelling, first time diving, exploring or deep shipwreck dives.

4. The Beaches
There are 270 beaches spread across the islands of Guadeloupe and all are known to be gorgeous. There are both white and black sand beaches and even volcanos in the distant landscape. Each beach has a different vibe and many have quaint beach bars that serve planteur until the early hours.

5. Accessibility
There are direct flights from Miami, New York and Paris to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s main airport, which makes this archipelago of islands a must-visit for your next charter. There is also a ferry service from Antigua and many flights from other Caribbean islands.

Boatbookings has been organising charters in the Caribbean for over 14 years. If you are interested in chartering a yacht in Guadeloupe, please do get in touch with our expert brokers here. We have yachts available for charter in many amazing Caribbean destinations.

For further information about passports and visas when visiting Guadeloupe, click here.

Posted on October 9, 2018 by Alice Newnham

Superyacht of the week: PLANET NINE

motor yacht, superyacht, luxury yacht, yacht planet 9, explorer yacht — Stunning M/Y PLANET NINE. Image credit: Yachtfolio

PLANET NINE is a 73m, 2018 new-build NCA-Carrara crewed motor yacht, and thanks to her imposing grey hull, spacious sun deck, incredible interior and helipad she is our favourite super yacht of the week by a (nautical) mile. She cruises with a sought after itinerary, being based in the glamorous South of France in the summer with opportunities to explore the Med, then crossing to the idyllic Caribbean and Antarctica in the winter. The ultimate explorer yacht, she is built for long-range global cruising and is suitable for sailing in icy conditions. With helipad and high speed tenders, all manner of adventures await charter guests onboard PLANET NINE.

PLANET NINE does not come alone, as her water toy selection and tenders are extraordinary. With a Rib at your disposal, the crew can speedily get you ashore to discover secluded coves and lovely lagoons, so there is no hotspot you cannot reach. Imagine pulling up at a secluded bay on the fantastic French Riviera, dropping anchor, and feeling the excitement of speeding along the infamous coastline of Billionaire’s bay on a Jetski. If you are an enthusiastic diver, the crew are well equipped to take you on a memorable underwater adventure to spot the varied colour palette of the fish.

motor yacht, superyacht, luxury yacht, crewed motor yacht, planet nine, yacht planet nine — Helipad onboard – Image credit: Yachtfolio

This mesmerising yacht is well suited to the fitness enthusiasts out there, with an active crew who can work out with you, as well as extensive gym equipment so you can exercise with the ocean as your backdrop.

When you have worked up a sweat, it is time to relax on the sundeck, where a glass of bubbly and the refreshing Jacuzzi awaits. Whilst cruising with magnificent views of the Greek islands or Caribbean shoreline floating past, you will feel utterly content on the spacious upper deck – the ideal spot for a continental breakfast or candlelit dinner.

With so many difference exterior spaces to enjoy al fresco dining and socialise, matched by a contemporary and original interior, you will find it difficult to leave the comfort of PLANET NINE! Not to mention the masseuse services available, just relax and unwind. The cinema room is the perfect spot to settle into the sumptuous sofas after an exciting day and enjoy a movie night with the family. Despite all that PLANET NINE has to offer onboard, stepping ashore will be worthwhile, be it the quaint towns of old town Dubrovnik or the glitz and glam of the French Riviera events.

PLANET NINE is available for charter in Antarctica this winter, followed by Patagonia, Panama and then the Western Med, including Croatia, Greece, the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia and French Riviera. She is for charter starting at €650,000 per week plus expenses. If PLANET NINE impresses you as much as the Boatbookings team, please do get in touch with you and we will be delighted to assist you throughout the process of organising this unforgettable trip.

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Ben Sutton

Superyacht of the Week: CLOUD 9

motor yacht, crewed motor yacht, yacht cloud 9, cloud 9 — Stunning Superyacht CLOUD NINE – Image Credit: Yachtfolio.

You will undoubtedly be on cloud 9 with this extravagant and contemporary yacht! At 74m, CLOUD 9 boasts four exquisite decks, each offering entertainment and luxurious amenities. She is chosen as our Super Yacht of the Week due to her unique features – including her impressive beach club, sizeable main deck pool, saloon cinema and last but by no means least, the sky lounge dining area, these make her stand out from other yachts her size and design.

CLOUD 9 spends her summers along the fantastic French Riviera, before crossing the ocean to the Caribbean to chase the sun. The lower deck offers a beach club, unrivalled by most, so you can enjoy the colourful French Riviera towns such as Villefranche from the privacy of your own yacht. Sip a cool beverage of your choice served to you by your attentive crew, before sampling the wide array of water sports on offer. Get your adrenaline pumping off the coast of Monaco flying through the ocean on the Jetski, or get on the paddleboard and explore the secluded coves close up.

The yacht offers a Jacuzzi, so you can admire the idyllic Caribbean islands float past as you bathe in the bubbles. As the sun goes down head to the upper deck which provides the upmost comfort on its beanbags and sunpads, so you can unwind with a sundowner and enjoy the views with friends and family.

crewed motor yacht, motor yacht cloud 9, yacht cloud 9 — Check out this dreamy upper sundeck! Image credit: Yachtfolio

For dinner, CLOUD 9 offers an unrivalled setting. The circular table enjoys the comfort and warmth of inside in the intricate interior, yet the glass revolving doors offer panoramic views of the serene spot of anchorage. As you sample the creative cuisine your private chef provides, you can feel the gentle summer breeze whilst getting a taste of local delights.

Enter the main saloon and you are welcomed into a world of elegance and style. The colourful furnishings and textured walls add personality to CLOUD 9, creating characteristic surroundings that everyone will appreciate. Do not forget that CLOUD 9 is a 2017 build, so you have all the contemporary features and the latest technology throughout.

The cabins will ensure a peaceful night’s sleep and enable you to feel right at home. The owner’s deck has large windows facing the bow, so as soon as you wake up you are faced with utter bliss. Moreover, it extends into a terrace which is a remarkable feature brimming with exclusivity and charm to enjoy a light breakfast or to get stuck into a book.

CLOUD 9 is available for charter in the Caribbean and Bahamas in the winter months, and Mediterranean in the Summer months – based out of Monaco on the French Riviera. She is for charter starting at €875,000 per week plus expenses. If CLOUD 9 floats your boat, speak to our expert brokers who will guide you through the process of chartering!

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Ben Sutton