Magical Mexico this Christmas and New Year

What are your plans for Christmas and New Year – maybe you’re skiing in the Alps or sunning in St Barts, or perhaps you fancy escaping the crowds and finding your own paradise in Mexico? With direct flights from London, Paris and Dusselforf, as well as Miami, Los Angeles and New York, Cancun is much easier to get to than many of her Caribbean rivals.

You would be mistaken to think that Cancun is all about 5* all-inclusive hotel complexes. The Yucatán Peninsula was a major part of the Mayan Empire, which saw the construction of iconic ancient settlements, such as Tulum, Uxmal and the world wonder Chichen Itza. In well under an hour, you will have left the airport and embarked upon an adventure of a lifetime.

First stop, Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres is within touching distance of the Mexican mainland, but feels a million miles away. Deserted beaches, crystal clear waters, unbeatable sunsets and the very best local cuisine make for a brilliant first impression of the real Mexico.

For a truly authentic experience, make sure to visit El Por Chuc on Calle Abasolo. You may know the difference between an empanada and a quesadilla, but can you differentiate tacos from panuchos, salbutes and tostadas? After a long lunch washed down with Mexican fruit waters or your favoured alcoholic beverage, you may still not know the difference but you can be rest assured that you have had a memorable lunch!

There is no better way to spend an afternoon than enjoying the golden sandy beaches and shallow waters on the northern side of the island. Kick back and relax with an ice cold Modelo or fresh fruit Daiquiri before one of the best sunsets that you are ever likely to see. You will be sure to have a very memorable time, but the Mayan Riviera has so much more to offer.

Whether you want to explore the peaceful islands of Isla Contoy and Holbox to the north or delve a little deeper into the stunning marine life around Playa del Carmen to the south, Mexico is the perfect destination for your next yacht charter. Contact the Boatbookings Team to round off your year in style!

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Ben Sutton — No Comments ↓

The British Virgin Islands: Your Own Sailing Adventure

It’s officially autumn, or fall, in the northern hemisphere, and many of us are starting to see the temperatures drop. If this is the case for you, why not think about the light at the end of the tunnel, and organise your winter holiday or spring break in the British Virgin Islands?

The home of the bareboat yacht charter, crewed catamarans are also highly popular in the BVI – but don’t worry, you can always choose a motor yacht if sailing isn’t your thing. It’s almost always summer in the Caribbean, so there will be no need for your woolly hat and gloves here!

Now, we know that there is plenty to see and do in the British Virgin Islands, but what about the islands’ history which has made it the place it is today?

The British Virgin Islands were, once upon a time, popular with pirates after its discovery as the English, Dutch, French, Spanish and Danish all attempted to gain control. The country’s pirate history has been remembered through the names given to bays and islands; Captain Norman, a pirate who was hanged by the Spanish Guarda Costas is the name behind Norman Island; “Black Sam” Bellamy is the inspiration behind the name of Bellamy Cay, the islet he used as a base which gives a good vantage point across the Sir Francis Drake Channel – again, named after the English hero of the Spanish Armada.

Blackbeard, the famous pirate of legend, is also noted in the names of two islands, Great Thatch and Little Thatch. These names come from one of the other names the pirate was known by, Edward Thatch, and Dead Man’s Bay on Peter Island gained its name from the story of Blackbeard’s marooned men who then tried to swim to safety on Peter Island but drowned in their attempt.

Of course, the British Virgin Islands are said to have inspired R.L. Stevenson in his writing of Treasure Island, and if you want to come and explore the culture and history, and see these namesake places yourself, a yacht charter with Boatbookings will provide you with your own unforgettable island adventure. And don’t worry – these pirates are long gone!

Posted on September 23, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Mexico Bareboat Charters: New Base Opening October 2014

Here at Boatbookings.com, the bareboat team are constantly on the search for new and exiting places to go sailing, so it is with great excitement that we learn of a new charter base opening in Mexico.

A small fleet of charter yachts comprising of monohulls and catamarans will be available from La Paz. Described by famed French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau as “the world’s aquarium” and “the Galapagos of North America”, this beautiful region combines stunning desert vistas with world-class sailing in the Sea of Cortez. La Paz may be the region’s commercial and political center but this city has retained its’ laid back coastal vibe. Meaning ‘peace’ in Spanish, La Paz is set amongst ancient laurel trees, coconut and date palms and is surrounded by the beautiful yellow desert.

Start your charter from the exclusive Costa Baja resort which offers a full service marina, dive shop, supermarket and various restaurants, before heading out to the Sea of Cortez which has been drawing sailors to the peaceful corner of Mexico for generations. Set sail on the sporty Dufour 455 or choose from a range of Lagoon catamarans or a power cat – the Sea of Cortez awaits!

Whet your appetite with our 7 day sailing itinerary in Mexico perfect for your bareboat charter. If you have any more questions about chartering in Mexico, contact Boatbookings today!

Posted on September 22, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Super Yacht of the Week: BATON ROUGE

Are you looking for 62.5m of unrivalled floating luxury? Look no further than BATON ROUGE. One of our favourite yachts to be arriving at this week’s Monaco Yacht Show, she is one of the most prestigious and reputable charter yachts on the market. Offering guest accommodation for 12 guests in 7 well-appointed, light and tastefully nautical cabins, you’ll want for nothing on this quadruple deck, plus beach club, luxury motor yacht.

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Posted on September 21, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Book Your Yacht For The Monaco Grand Prix 2015

The Monaco Grand Prix 2015 is fast approaching! From 21st – 24th May 2015, Port Hercule will be flooded with the coolest yachts on the Riviera. With the deadline to apply for a berth in this most prestigious port being the end of February 2015, don’t leave it until the last minute to secure one of the best spots. Beat the rush and secure your yacht’s place for this event in Zone 1 now!

Boatbookings top choice for this event is the astonishing NAMELESS – 41m of Mondomarine’s finest creation yet, sleeping up to 11 guests in 5 cabins.

Everything about this yacht oozes style, from her Fendi furniture on the vast sundeck to her rare marble flooring and Italian artwork on the interior, she is the ultimate yacht for those of you who are looking to stand out from the crowd. Her 3 decks will accommodate up to 60 guests to view the race.

For those of you looking for something a little larger, the stunning 60m CMN, SLIPSTREAM, is still available. You certainly will be the Queen of the SLIPSTREAM on this devastatingly beautiful yacht with an interior and exterior designed by the marvellous Andrew Winch.

With her 7 spacious cabins sleeping up to 12 guests and accommodating up to 100 guests on her expansive 3 decks, she is the perfect choice for a large group.

Be sure to contact your favourite broker in the Boatbookings team to secure your yacht for the Monaco Grand Prix 2015.

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Alice Newnham — No Comments ↓