FLIBS 2024: Showing Up Stateside For Sustainability 

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is fast approaching and will be held from 30 October to 3 November in the sunshine state of Florida. As Boatbookings plans for FLIBS 2024, there’s a shift in the air. Sustainability has been moving further up the agenda for the stateside show, but this year, even more so. We’re excited to see this focus on eco-friendly practices and innovations. 

Here we discuss what FLIBS 2024 will have to offer for the environmentally conscious boat charter world: 

Green Technologies 

This year’s FLIBS is set to showcase even more sustainable technologies that are revolutionizing the yachting industry:

  1. Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Systems: Many boat builders are presenting vessels with electric or hybrid engines, significantly reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
  2. Solar-Powered Energy: From air conditioning to lighting, solar panels are being integrated into yacht designs to power onboard systems sustainably.
  3. Advanced Waste Management Systems: New technologies for treating and recycling wastewater and solid waste onboard are being highlighted, minimizing the environmental impact of extended charters.
  4. Sustainable Materials: From recycled teak alternatives to eco-friendly antifouling paints, sustainable materials are being showcased from various suppliers. 

Eco-Friendly Charter Options

For those looking to book their next yacht charter, FLIBS 2024 is offering even more greener crewed charter options, for example: 

  • Yachts equipped with the latest green technologies
  • Charter companies, like us, committed to sustainable practices
  • Information on eco-friendly itineraries and destinations
  • Opportunities to offset the carbon footprint of your charter – you can also do this using our carbon footprint calculator. 

Our team at  Boatbookings will be at the show, contact us to find out more. 

Educational Seminars and Workshops

FLIBS 2024 is not just about showcasing technology; it’s also about education. Throughout the event, you’ll find a series of seminars and workshops focused on sustainable yachting:

Wednesday: 

  • Marine Widlife (Convention Center) 
  • From Dock to Destination, Apps Transforming Boating (Convention Center)
  • Guardians of the Reef Project (Convention Center)

Thursday: 

  • The Yachting Community’s Criticla Role in Ocean Conservation (Superyacht Village) 
  • Long Term Savings with Electric Watercraft (Convention Center) 

Friday: 

  • A New Way to Play – Protecting our Ocean Playgrounds (Superyacht Village) 

Saturday: 

  • Innovative Partnership for a Sustainable Blue Economy (Superyacht Village) 

These sessions offer valuable insights for both industry professionals and yacht enthusiasts looking to make more environmentally conscious choices.

Sustainable Catering and Events

Even the social aspects of FLIBS are continuing on the agenda from last year, offering a range of conscious catering options: 

  • Locally sourced, sustainable seafood at catering events
  • Biodegradable serving ware and minimized single-use plastics
  • Water refill stations throughout the venue to reduce plastic bottle usage
  • A “zero waste” initiative for all official FLIBS events

The Conservation Connection

FLIBS 2024 is also partnering with several marine conservation organizations to raise awareness about ocean health:

  • Interactive exhibits on marine ecosystems and the impact of climate change
  • Virtual reality experiences showcasing underwater habitats
  • Opportunities to contribute to local and global marine conservation efforts

As a boat charter company committed to ocean conservation and greener charter options, we’re particularly excited about these partnerships and the awareness they’ll bring to our industry.

Looking to the Future

The focus on sustainability at FLIBS 2024 is more than just a trend – it’s a glimpse into the future of yachting. As regulations tighten and consumer demand for eco-friendly options increases, the innovations we see today will become standard practice.

At Boatbookings, we’re committed to being at the forefront of this green revolution in yachting. We believe that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand, and we’re excited to offer our clients charter experiences that provide unforgettable memories and contribute to our oceans’ health.

Join Us at FLIBS 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned charterer or new to the world of yachting, contact us to meet us at the show to discover how you can enjoy the luxury of a yacht charter while minimizing your environmental impact. See you stateside! 

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How Catamarans Are A More Eco-Friendly Choice For Your Next Yacht Charter

At Boatbookings, we constantly seek to provide unforgettable boating experiences while minimising environmental impact. For this reason, we are proud to spotlight our fleet of greener crewed charter catamarans. Catamarans are the ultimate choice for charter clients seeking both luxury and sustainability. Here, we explore why catamarans are leading the charge when it comes to a greener charter: 

Fuel Efficiency 

One of the most significant benefits of catamarans is their exceptional fuel efficiency. Thanks to the unique hull designs, catamarans experience less water resistance than monohulls. This results in less fuel consumption, especially when motoring. A sailing catamaran also improves this, with more wind power being used. Many of our greener crewed catamaran fleets are also equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, combining electric motors with conventional engines. This allows for less environmental impact and silent, emission-free cruising. 

Greener Power 

Catamarans are ideal for utilising renewable energy sources. The wide, stable platforms provide ample space for solar panels, harnessing nature’s power. An example of this is the Sunreef Yachts Eco models. The Polish shipyard developed a patented in-house solar skin that is integrated into the superstructure, and with this solar panel, a large proportion of the catamarans’ energy needs can be generated. 

Minimal Impact 

The shallow draft of catamarans is another critical feature that contributes to their environmental friendliness. Unlike deeper-keeled monohulls, catamarans can easily access shallow waters and anchor without disturbing sensitive marine ecosystems. This is especially important in the French Riviera, where new anchoring restrictions deter boats from anchoring in the Posidonia seagrass areas. With catamarans, there are more possibilities for anchoring closer to the shore. 

Spacious & Efficient 

Sustainability isn’t just about fuel and energy consumption and efficient use of space and resources. Catamarans boast expansive living areas and deck spaces while maintaining a smaller overall footprint than monohulls of similar capacity. Such an efficient design means lower energy requirements for climate control and lighting. Many catamarnas feature large windows and open-play layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation. 

Spreading The Awareness

Choosing a catamaran for your charter isn’t just about reducing your environmental impact – it’s also an opportunity for education and awareness. The crew onboard our greener crewed catamarans are passionate about marine conservation and are always eager to share their knowledge with guests.

Choose A Catamaran Today 

Whether you choose a Fountaine Pajot, Sunreef or a Lagoon, we have a wide selection of catamarans for your next boat charter. By opting for a catamaran, you’re not just choosing a comfortable and stable platform for your vacation – you’re making a statement about your commitment to sustainable travel. You’re showing that luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. At Boatbookings, we believe that the future of yachting lies in embracing sustainable technologies and practices. Our fleet of greener crewed charter catamarans represents the pinnacle of this philosophy, offering an unparalleled combination of comfort, performance, and sustainability. Contact one of the Boatbookings teams to find out more. 

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Future Fuels: Responsibly Driving The Fleet Forward

The boating industry is making significant strides in adopting more sustainable practices. At the forefront of such revolution is the way we power the fleet. As this is becoming an increasingly important greener agenda topic, Boatbookings is proud to lead the way with our greener crewed catamaran fleet, adopting innovative and eco-friendly alternatives to non-renewable fuel sources. From electric hybrids to biofuels, here we outline an update on the various ways to power the fleet and the potential future of fuels: 


Electric Hybrid 

Many of the Boatbookings’ greener fleets feature state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion systems. These innovative boats combine traditional engines with electric motors and high-capacity battery banks, offering the best of both worlds. With these boats, you can cruise silently under electric power and then switch to conventional engines for longer journeys. With solar panels and wind turbines working to recharge the batteries, these boats epitomise flexible, greener cruising. 

Methanol 

Methanol is emerging as a leading alternative fuel for the boating industry. While it requires more storage space, it offers significant environmental benefits. We are excited to see developments like Sanlorenzo’s Almax 50 Steel, the first yacht to feature a green methanol fuel cell system for zero-impact cruising. This technology allows extended time at anchor without fuel consumption, supporting the hotel loads with minimal environmental impact. Lurssen is another shipyard that has been experimenting with methanol-based fuel cell technology on its Project Cosmos, scheduled for delivery in 2025. 

Hydrogen 

Hydron fuel cell technology also presents various advantages. Like methanol, while there are challenges in storage and energy generation, pioneering projects like Feadship’s Project 821 are pushing the boundaries of what is becoming possible. These fuel cells produce electricity with water as the only byproduct, offering zero-emission cruising. 

Biodiesel 

We see some larger yachts transitioning to biodiesel for immediate impact, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). These fuels, derived from renewable sources, offer a cleaner burn with significantly reduced emissions. HVO is particularly promising as it can be used as a direct replacement for existing diesel engines with only minor modifications, making it a great option for reducing the carbon footprint of the current fleet. Feadship and Azimut-Benetti are committing to HVO in their current and future yachts. 

Nuclear

Nuclear propulsion is also emerging as a viable power source for yachting, offering commercial and operational benefits alongside emissions-free sailing, according to Lloyd’s Register. Their recent report, “Fuel for Thought: Nuclear for Yachts,” highlights nuclear reactors’ potential to revolutionize yachting by providing higher power outputs, longer range, and superior performance. While there are challenges such as public perception and regulatory hurdles exist, the environmental and technological benefits make nuclear-powered yachts a potential prospect for the industry.

Energy Efficiency 

Sustainability isn’t just about alternative fuels; it’s also about using energy wisely. Today, yachts are now designed with such efficiency in mind, from LED lighting and smart climate control systems to hull designs that minimise drag. Yacht crew are also now trained in energy-efficient operations, implementing best practices that reduce waste and maximise the use of our renewable energy sources.

Looking Ahead 

As technology advances, so does our commitment to greener yachting. At Boatbookings, we continuously explore emerging technologies and incorporate greener vessels into our fleet. Whether that is more efficient solar panel technology, advanced battery technology, or new biofuels, we are dedicated to providing greener options for responsible boating vacations. Contact the Boatbookings team to find out more about our future fleet today. 

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How the America’s Cup Technology Will Revolutionize Eco-Friendly Yachting 

Often hailed as the ‘Formula 1 of sailing’, the America’s Cup is at the forefront of sailing innovation. This year’s Cup has seen some incredible boating and cutting-edge technology pioneered. At Boatbookings, some team members were lucky enough to witness some of the action in last week’s finals in Barcelona. 

We are in awe of the technology and innovation and are excited to share some of our findings from witnessing the competition’s development. 

Foiling

One of the most visible innovations from the America’s Cup is the foiling technology. Today, we literally see the boats flying above the water – a game changer for efficiency. By reducing drag, foils allow boats to achieve higher speeds with less energy input. While our greener hybrid and electric yacht fleet may not yet do this, many modern designs incorporate partial foiling or foil-assisted hulls to significantly reduce fuel consumption. 

Lightweight 

The need for speed in this competition has led to the development of incredibly durable yet lightweight materials. Once exclusive to high-end racing, carbon fiber has infiltrated the luxury yacht-building sphere. These lighter boats need less energy, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions. Additionally, these materials boast a longer life span, therefore reducing the environmental impact of yacht production and disposal. 

Smart Power 

America’s Cup teams need to maximize every bit of energy onboard. Advanced battery technologies are now used to create more efficient hybrid and electric propulsion systems for leisure boating. 

Sail Design & Efficiency 

The aerodynamic advancements in America’s Cup sail design are also revolutionary. Modern sail designs for sailing yacht charters mean more wind power and less time motoring, reducing fuel consumption and increasing the pleasure of enjoying a yachting vacation under sail. 

Hydrogeneration 

Hydrogeneration is one of the most exciting technologies to emerge from recent America’s Cup campaigns. By using propellers to generate electricity as the boat moves through the water, teams can replenish their batteries without using fossil fuels. This technology is now being adapted for yachts, allowing boats to generate clean energy while under sail, reducing reliance on generators and shore power.

Advanced Planning 

The sophisticated weather prediction and routing software America’s Cup teams use is trickling down to the charter market. These systems allow captains to plot the most efficient courses, taking advantage of winds and currents to reduce fuel consumption. For charter guests, this means a more eco-friendly journey and often a more comfortable one, too, avoiding rough conditions.

Beyond The Tech 

It’s not just about the boats – the America’s Cup has also promoted sustainable practices in yacht maintenance and operation. From environmentally friendly anti-fouling paints to biodegradable cleaning products, many green initiatives pioneered by racing teams are now standard in the charter industry.

Thanks to the America’s Cup technological advancements, the future is exciting for more eco-friendly yachts, such as our greener-crewed charter catamarans. We are excited to witness the remainder of the Cup and the finals in the next couple of weeks. Contact one of our Boatbookings team to hear more about greener technologies and our fleet. 

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How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint on a Yacht Charter

The yachting sector is evolving to meet the demands of more eco-conscious clients. At Boatbookings, we believe that luxury and sustainability are no longer mutually exclusive; they can coexist. There are several ways to reduce and minimize your environmental impact when on a boat charter. 

We have put together a guide on how to reduce your carbon footprint without compromising on luxury: 

Choose Eco-Friendly Boats

The first step in sustainable yacht travel is selecting the right boat. Boatbookings has a varied fleet of hybrid or electric yachts that significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. These cutting-edge yachts use a combination of electric motors and traditional engines, allowing for silent, emission-free cruising at lower speeds and efficient long-distance travel when needed.

Even if fully electric options aren’t available, look for yachts with modern, fuel-efficient engines and design features that minimize drag and maximize energy efficiency. Some yachts are also equipped with solar panels and wind turbines to generate clean energy for onboard systems, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Better Onboard Practices

Once onboard your greener crewed charter catamaran, there are numerous ways to maintain an eco-friendly approach:

Water Conservation: Use water sparingly by taking shorter showers and reusing towels. 

Waste Management: Participate in onboard recycling programs and avoid single-use plastics. Choose reusable water bottles and shopping bags when going ashore

Eco-Friendly Products: Use biodegradable toiletries and cleaning products to minimize harmful chemicals entering the marine environment.

Energy Efficiency: Turn off lights and air conditioning in unused cabins, and use natural ventilation when possible.

A Greener Itinerary

Your travel choices can significantly impact your carbon footprint:

Slow Travel: Opt for itineraries that involve longer stays in fewer locations. This approach reduces fuel consumption and allows for a deeper appreciation of each destination.

Choose Nearby Destinations: Consider chartering in areas closer to your home to reduce the carbon emissions of long-distance flights to reach your embarkation point.

Support Marine Protected Areas: Include visits to marine reserves and national parks in your itinerary. These areas often have strict environmental regulations, and your visit can contribute to their conservation efforts.

Travel Responsibly

While exploring your destinations:

Respect Wildlife: Observe marine life from a distance and never feed or touch wild animals.

Support Local Communities: Choose locally-owned restaurants and shops, and consider participating in community-based tourism initiatives.

Minimize Anchor Damage: Use moorings where available instead of anchoring to protect sensitive marine habitats like seagrass beds and coral reefs.

Offset Your Remaining Emissions

Despite efforts, yacht travel will generate some carbon emissions. We use information about the boat you charter and your itinerary to calculate the carbon credits needed in our carbon offset calculator. We also partner with reputable carbon offset programs that invest in renewable energy projects or reforestation efforts to neutralize your trip’s carbon footprint.

By combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying the unparalleled luxury and freedom of yacht charter travel. As more sustainable options are in demand, the industry continues to evolve, making it increasingly possible to explore the world’s oceans responsibly. Your choices as a conscientious boater not only minimize your impact but also send a powerful message to the industry, encouraging further advancements in sustainable luxury travel.

Contact one of the Boatbookings team today to find out more about our carbon offsetting and greener fleet of charter yachts. 

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