Avoid the busy airports and the crowds this summer and sail closer to home! Boatbookings have searched the English and American shorelines to find you the best yachts in some of the most underestimated areas!
Submerge yourself in true British culture on the Southern Coast of England. Sail across the busy shipping area over to the stunning Isle of Wight, a quaint fishing island located a few miles off mainland England. Revel in the historic, cobbled paths to a nautical themed island! Finish your day in a good old fashioned British pub and order some fresh fish and chips – there’s nothing better!
The Solent is a busy, and sometimes challenging sailing area, we advise that skippers that want to embark on this charter have relevant experience and that have chartered before. For more area information please speak to one of our expert brokers which can assist you with the area.
Head to Annapolis to start your charter to explore the Chesapeake Bay and some of the most celebrated sailing grounds of the US! Be sure to allow some time before or after your charter to see Annapolis. There are many shops, restaurants, great lobster rolls, art galleries, a period market house, and the US Naval Academy to explore before your charter begins!
The Chesapeake Bay benefits from some of the best sailing grounds in the world and has a sailing itinerary that explores many cities. Whether you are looking for a 4-day itinerary over a weekend or for a 3-week exploration charter this location is an ideal place to charter a yacht.
Riva is world-renowned for creating luxurious yachts – how does M/Y RACE compare?
Interior
At just under 50 meters, RACE is RIVA’s largest ever built superyacht, and haven’t they have done a marvelous job about it too. From bow to stern, she is every bit luxurious. But wouldn’t you expect that with the Officina Italiana Design, collaborating with Rivas in-house design team?!
The 7-meter tender (yes, seven-meter!) tender sits below in the garage come gym come beach club. Once the tender is launched and at anchor, the area will then transform into a luxurious private beach club area where you can sip on cocktails, swim off the back of the yacht and be at total ease.
A mixture of white, greys, marble and mahogany which feels quite masculine. Bold, strong, and angular lines are a common theme with the design of RACE.
The upper deck continues to be awash of greys and whites, with a natural-light-flooded deck. Imagine sitting on the aft deck around a table, with glorious food and a backdrop to match.
Want to find out more? Or want to charter on something similar to RACE? Get in touch with one of our expert brokers who can provide the most suitable yacht on the market for your bespoke charter!
A quick guide to choosing between Greece or Croatia for your next sailing vacation. Having sailed in both, and living in one I will take you through the noticeable differences between Greece and Croatia.
Overview
Greece or Croatia? Seems to be the most popular question in the charter industry to date. But which one? Which suits me better? What are the differences? Find it all here!
Charter fees
Due to Greece having more yacht stock, Greece comes out top when you want ‘more for your money’. On average, yachts tend to be between 500-1,500 euros more expensive in Croatia than in Greece.
Mooring fees
Having lived, and sailed extensively throughout Greece, I was shocked at the expense of mooring fees even in the off season in Croatia. In fact, in Greece we sometimes went weeks without paying for port fees, we just ate at the restaurants! I’m sure there are places in Croatia, but we didn’t find any.
Food prices
Croatia’s food was extremely well priced, and on this occasion, I would say that Croatia’s food was better priced than Greece. Having said this, Wine tends to be very expensive in Hvar!
Currency exchange
The dollar and the euro are almost equal with 1 euro being the same as 91 cents (28th if February). 1 dollar is the same as 6.82 Kuna (Croatian currency). Something to note is that Croatia will also accept euros. 1 GBP is currently worth 1.17 euros, and 1 GBP is 8.76 kuna.
Weather
During the most popular months of sailing (July and August), Greece on the east side (Cyclades, Sporades, Dodecanese) are to be avoided due to the Meltemi winds – while Croatia is absolutely fine to charter in, although can be crowded.
Air and Sea temperature
Due to geographic location, being closer to the equator Greece is typically a few degrees hotter than Croatia. During high season (July and August) it is not that noticeable. However, for the offseason such as September and October, Croatia can be fairly cold in the evenings as the wind funnels from eastern Europe.
Natural beauty
For the pure fact that Croatia has 7 National parks, all diverse with culture, Croatia wins this round. Although Greece is stunning, with turquoise bays, Croatia is just that bit more untouched. Especially around the Kornati which has nearly 100 unhabituated islands.
Distances
Sailing distances are roughly the same in terms of yacht hopping. If you are starting in Dubrovnic, sailing distances are slightly longer and therefore are better for a group who are really into their sailing. In Greece, especially around the Saronic and Ionian islands, sailing distances are short and around 2 – 3 hours between each island.
Culture
The main differences between the culture are that Croatia has stemmed from a soviet background and only fairly recently became its own country. Whereas Greece has continued to develop since the dawn of day. The architecture, foods and arts are vastly different are really just down to personal taste.
Flights
There are no direct flights to Split from JFK, it involved a stopover in London and can cost up to 900 GBP. For the same time, the price for a return flight from JFK direct is 590 GBP. Flights from the UK to both Split and Athens are extremely regular.
Getting to the ports
Hands down Croatia wins this one. During high season Athens is extremely busy, and the ports being even busier. The mains roads going through Athens can be blocked with traffic (mostly by sailors). Most of the Split ports in Croatia’s are within 15 – 20 minutes.
Still undecided? Speak with one of our yachts brokers today, we know because we go!
If you’re looking to sample a new crewed catamaran destination, then you have to try a Belize yacht charter this season. Combining the rainforests of Central America with the translucent waters of the Caribbean Sea, Belize is an adventurers dream. Belize is a mixing pot of cultures so get ready for the best Caribbean lobster as you sip cold beer to the sound of the Garifuna drum. You’ll be in heaven!
Belize sits on the Mesoamerican reef, the second largest in the world. You are guaranteed some of the best snorkelling and diving found anywhere on the planet. The tradewinds blow at a steady 15-22 knots so you can make the most of wind and kitesurfing off your Belize crewed catamaran. There really is something for everyone!
The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 TRANQUILO is one of our favourite Belize catamarans. She’s perfect for family charters exploring Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Join Captain Jesse and Karla as they show you their Belize highlights which will leave you wanting more. We’ve been before and want to go back!
So skip your yearly British Virgin islands sailing tradition and try something new in 2020. Speak to Broker Ben for unrivalled local insights to get the most out of your trip to Central America.
Many of our bareboat + skipper clients ask us various, valid, questions about the skipper who will be on board their yacht. Below you will find information on adding a skipper to your charter.
When should I add a skipper to my booking?
There are more charter yachts then skippers! It is therefore imperative that you book a skipper onto the charter as soon as you make the booking.
How do I know if he/she is a licensed skipper?
It is illegal to cruise with paying guests on a charter and therefore a license will have to be provided before the skipper is hired by the yacht owners. The port police have a list of all the guests onboard, and your skipper will be noted down as the skipper of the vessel.
Where will the skipper sleep?
On catamarans, the skipper will normally take the single forepeak cabin leaving you to utilize the guest cabins (normally 4 double cabins). ON Monohulls, they will tend to take a bunk cabin (if there is one) or a cabin that you and your guests are not using. The skipper must have access to a toilet!
What will he/she be like?
Skippers, although hired, are appointed their yacht up to a week in advance, and therefore we cannot make a judgment on the character of the skipper. Boatbookings specifically works with yacht owners who can assure a level of professionalism from their skippers.
Can the skipper cook me lunch and dinner?
Short answer, no. The skipper is there to provide a safe, guided passage from A to B. The skipper will not have time to make lunch or dinner for you. If you are looking for someone to make you lunch and dinner, you can almost always add a hostess on to your booking.
Do I feed the skipper?
Yes. You are liable for making sure that the skipper is fed during the week. When provisioning for the week, please ensure that you also supply the skipper with breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you prefer the skipper to eat off the yacht for breakfast and dinner, you can give them 200/250 euros for the week where they can buy food for themselves. It is suggested on the first night of charter you invite the skipper out for dinner with you so you can speak about your itinerary and bounce some ideas off one another.
Will the skipper teach me how to sail?
Most skippers will share their knowledge of how to sail and are happy to do so. The skippers will not provide a full course on sailing during the week, if you are looking for sailing courses for the week I would recommend doing an RYA course at a centre closest to you.
What language will they speak?
The place where you are chartering, be it Greece or Italy is probably their mother tongue. Having said this, most skippers will have an excellent level of English so you will be able to understand each other. After all, to speak over the VHF it has to be in English so a good level is required for skippers.
Will he/she smoke and drink?
Skippers will not drink and smoke onboard. Skippers will not drink on duty. Most of the skippers tend not to drink at all on charter, bar the odd glass of wine with their meal in the evenings, as they do weekly charters throughout the summer.
Will I have to help the skipper?
The only times when the skipper may require an extra pair of hands is when he is mooring/letting go of a mooring. You will not be asked to maneuver the yacht into a berth! The most you will do is pull, or throw a line (rope). Don’t worry – the skipper will let you know exactly where/when and who to throw it at!
