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Yachting Industry News

Bahamas Restaurant Guide

With some of the most tropical fishing grounds in the world, it isn’t a surprise that the food in the Bahamas is as close to perfection as it comes. Broker Alice has just returned from a trip to the Bahamas and is here to give you her top 6 restaurant recommendations!

6. Spinnaker restaurant – Marsh Harbor, Treasure Cay

Positioned within tropical gardens with a  view of the beautiful marina at Treasure Cay. Ideal location for a pre-dinner cocktail followed by internationally inspired dishes prepared by a Bahamian chef! 

5. Cracker P’s – Abacos Island, Lubbers Quarters Cay

Located on the edge of a farm, accessible via boat only this is a great place to spend a few nights. Go on a nature trail before heading to Cracker P’s for a Kalik or a rum cocktail. Every 6/8 weeks there’s an unmissable full moon party.

4. Staniel Cay Yacht Club – Staniel Cay, Nassau

Anchor your boat amongst the nurse sharks and visit the yacht club for a mahi mahi fish sandwich before spending the afternoon swimming with the pigs at pig beach. 

3. The Jib Room – Marsh Harbor

Located next to a marina in Marsh Harbor, hope off your boat on the final night of your charter to enjoy a rib or bingo night with locals hopping off their boats for the evening. The atmosphere in this bar is really unbeatable in the Bahamas. Speak to other sailors about their personal Abacos insights to get some real insight into your Abacos sailing experience!

2. Twin Brothers Fish Fry – Arawak Cay, Nassau.

Located at Arawak Cay, you can find a truly authentic atmosphere of local vendors selling all types of different fish. I would recommend the fresh conch salad, freshly prepared in front of you. You can get anything that is truly authentic at any of these street vendors. Expect to pay between $20-$30 for an excellent meal. 

1. Grabbers – Marsh Harbor, Great Guana Cay

After a day of island hopping Grabbers, catch the sunset at grabbers with a Frozen grabber in hand. Relax and play games with friends or take advantage of the hammocks on the beach whilst watching the sunset in paradise!

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Broker Ben’s Top 5 Insights for Your 2019 Charter

1. Book your 80-150’ motor yacht in Greece now, or you will miss out. Some of my top recommendations are JULIE M, BLADE 6, THEORIS, TACOS of the SEA and BARENTS SEA. Explore the secret anchorages of the Peloponnese, as well as the Cyclades hotspots (Paros, Mykonos, Milos) in 2019.

 
2. Everyone loves Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast but have you considered Sicily? With fantastic island hopping throughout the Aeolians, chic hillside villages (Taormina) and volcanoes to explore (Etna), the area has something for everyone.
 
3. Give Ibiza a go. It has the best beach clubs and nightlife, but it also offers natural beauty and some of the finest sunsets in the Mediterranean. Check out Cotton Beach Club (Cala Tarida), Benirras Bay and Isla Tagomago for some of our top picks.
 
4. The Bahamas are the ultimate water sports playground. Easy island hopping, cerulean waters, hidden cayes to explore, it’s the perfect family retreat.
 
5. Explore somewhere off the beaten track and learn to sail in Sweden. Yacht: ICHIBAN (Swan 70) Captain Jan is the perfect teacher to guide you along your Scandinavian adventure, while Chef Kirsten will showcase the wonderful local cuisine. Bring on the Elk meatballs!
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Super Yacht of the Week: ELIXIR

ELIXIR is a 55m Amels, one of the newest in the range, and epitomises performance and elegance. Her gleaming white hull showcases her grace and style, as she cruises in Southeast Asia for the Winter, before crossing to the Med in the summer. She was an easy choice as a standout yacht as she will guarantee fun in the sun, and happy hour every hour, with her exemplary features, crew and aesthetics.

If you are feeling energetic, ELIXIR provides an abundance of water toys that are suitable a range of ages (and confidence).  Imagine being in the warm, turquoise waters of Thailand zooming around on the seabob, being chased by colourful fish as you glide. Alternatively, picture being in the serenity of Sardinia, and choosing a paddleboard to do your own exploring of the rugged yet charming coastline. If you love to exercise but water sports is not your thing, work out on deck with the crew with the wide array of equipment available so you stay in summer shape!

Relaxing is a key objective of many yacht charters, and ELIXIR provides all the facilities to do so! The exterior elevates this impressive yacht to a new level of luxury and prestige, with an inviting Jacuzzi, an abundance of sunbeds and bar awaiting you on the upper deck. You could easily anchor yourself here all day! 

Head up for golden hour to have delicious cocktails served by the friendly crew, before having local cuisine served by your talented chef on the dining table. ELIXIR is bound to provide cherished memories both in your mind and your new and improved Instagram account!

After a fun-filled day soaking up the sunshine, splashing about in the dazzling ocean, and sampling tasty and fantastic food, you may want to retire inside. The interior of this yacht could be described by so many wonderful adjectives, as it oozes glamour, taste and artistic creativity. With dark woods contrasting the lighter fabrics, as well as intricate furniture and ornate detail, you will be surprised and delighted to notic new things on EXLIXIR. Above is the Master balcony, where after a serene sleep you can awake and enjoy a fresh juice to this delightful wakeup view.

If you are chasing the ELIXIR of life, this yacht may be the answer! We certainly think so. To understand how to secure this sought after yacht for a charter either in the Indian Ocean or the Mediterranean, get in touch and we will guide you through the process.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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