Health benefits to a Yacht Charter Vacation

Whether in Greece, the Amalfi Coast or the Caribbean, there are proven health benefits of sailing and being out on the water that make a yacht charter holiday especially worthy of your time away from home. Here is just a handful of ways that your mind, body, and soul will benefit from being aboard your own private boat.

Fresh air and Salt water

Seawater is rich in minerals that naturally nourish the skin and exposure to salt-kissed ocean air has a calming effect on the human body, which helps reduce stress anxiety. Moreover, the sea air is also good for the respiratory system, increase your mood and there are numerous healing properties of the sea water which eventually led to the establishment of saltwater treatments we use to this day. The saltiness of the sea air is composed of charged ions that aid in the body’s oxygen absorption, which in turn balances serotonin levels. The more balanced your body’s serotonin levels are, the happier you’re going to be. This is why after a sailing adventure you feel more alert, relaxed and energised.

Vitamin D

In addition to increased production of vitamin D, sunlight exposure triggers better moods and boosts energy levels. Healthy amounts of sun absorption can even fight depression and lead to improved sleep. When lying on deck, the heat of the sun affects our endocrine system – the part of our body which secretes endorphins – the natural chemicals in our body designed to make us feel relaxed and less stressed. It must be noted that too much sun is not recommended due to the harmful effects of ultra-violet radiation, but soaking up some sunshine whilst on holiday is incredibly beneficial.

Burn Calories

Exercising is a major part of an overall healthy lifestyle but few work out whilst on holiday, and you certainly shouldn’t feel guilty about that! Fortunately, a yacht charter gives you easy access to a number of fun physical activities, including the water toys, that don’t feel like exercise, such as snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, onboard yoga, and scenic hiking onshore.

Unplug and Recharge

In today’s digitally-focused, hectic world, it is essential to take a timeout from the demands of everyday life. Whilst many vacations allow you to do this, a yacht charter allows you a perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Strengthen Relationships

Whether you’re on a romantic getaway for two or with friends or family, a yacht charter provides the perfect opportunity for building stronger relationships with those that matter most. This is your chance to talk, listen, share, bond, and most importantly—make new unforgettable memories together. You may even establish a new tradition that everyone can look forward to year after year.

Contact one of our expert brokers today to organise your yacht charter!

Two countries – One charter

Aerial view of the Pietra Lighthouse at sunset, Ile-Rousse, Red Island Corsica, Corsica, France

Why not discover the glorious La Maddelena and the historic town of Bonifacio in one charter? Start your charter in Sardinia and explore lush green islands, and clear, the Caribbean like water.

Check out our Sardinian yachts!

le lever du soleil derri?®re les montagnes, dans la baie d’Ajaccio en Corse, France

There are not a lot of charter yachts based in Corsica, so our advice is to start your charter in Sardinia, cruise through La Maddelena to the southern coast of Corsica. The northern tip of Sardinia is roughly 7(ish) nautical miles from Bonifacio, that’s half the distance than sailing between Siros to Mykonos in Greece!

START > SARDINIA < START

There are far more yachts based in Sardinia. There’s more variation, more yacht stock, and newer fleets based in Sardinia. The prices are also more competitive than Corsican based yachts.

But I don’t want to do any open water sailing!

Don’t worry – even though it looks like it’s ‘open water sailing’ Corsica is only 7 NM’s away from Sardinia and on most days you can see the bottom of Corsica – just head north!

7 Day itinerary

La Maddelena

Cala Corsara, Maddalena archipelago on Sardinia island, Italy.

Realistically, who doesn’t want to be at anchor in a bay this blue? Take your tender to shore and walk around the rugged coastline – don’t forget to take your kill cord with you! La Maddelena is absolutely full to the brim with anchorages like the one above, the hardest decision is which one do you anchor in?!

What’s so good about Corsica anyway?

Santa Giulia – Corsica

Corsica is one of the Meditteranean’s best-kept secret. The water is turquoise, the sand beaches are white and the scenery is just jaw-dropping. The tall cliffs which fall into the sea is the perfect backdrop for your alfresco dinner. The 9th-century Citadel which stands over the white cliffs of Bonifacio is a sight to remember. Not to mention some of the most incredible anchorages known to man are based on the southern coast of Corsica.

Thinking about chartering? Contact us today to get a bespoke proposal, cost break down, and yachts that suit you and your group!

Why to Book your Yacht Charter Early

Whether you plan to explore Asia, cruise the Caribbean or enjoy the culinary delights of the Amalfi Coast, Greece or French Riviera it is always best to book early. While it might seem logical to assume that last minute bookings would offer the best value when it comes to yacht charter, this is not the case. Booking in advance can reduce costs and also have an effect on demand of berths as well as other factors.

Better Availability

With a large number of yachts to choose from, you’ll have the best choice of yachts for your preferred yachts, especially as the newest yachts just on the charter market often book up extremely early. The best yachts will often have bookings over a year in advance, particularly from repeat clients. When enquiring, your broker will send you a selection of yachts available for your dates, to suit your budget and your desired location. Finding the perfect yacht to suit you is key to your overall enjoyment, whether it’s the cuisine expertise of the chef, the water toys on offer, the al fresco dining options, or the spa facilities.

More Time to Plan

As well as having a larger selection of yachts to chose from, you will also get more time to plan your charter. Travel considerations, cruising areas, the food and wine you’d like on board, special activities and more, can all be tailored to perfection to ensure that you have the best possible charter. Whether you are looking to explore the islands of Croatia, travel along the Amalfi Coast or enjoy the tranquility of Sardinia, booking early allows the crew and your broker to plan all the details.

Avoid Price Rise

If a yacht has had a very successful season with back-to-back charters, it isn’t uncommon for owners to raise the prices leading into the next season. By booking in advance you lock in the current figures and ensure you pay the best price. Moreover, some owners will offer early booking discounts or are more likely to accept offers on charters that are booked early.

Book Your Superyacht Charter

Contact a member of the Boatbookings Team to begin planning your charter now.

A Guide to Bareboat Motor Yacht Charters

Bareboat Motor Yacht Sealine F430 in Croatia

What could be a better way to spend your next vacation than on your own bareboat motor yacht zipping from island to island? From cruising around the blue waters of the Bahamas to exploring the shores of Corsica, bareboat motor yachts provide the ultimate charter experience. There are no sails to complicate the navigation, sit back, relax and let the engine do the hard work for you whilst you explore some of the finest waters in the world!

Types of motor yachts for charter

Power Catamarans

The power catamaran is a fantastic alternative to a standard sailing catamaran and provides the maximum space available on a boat. Power catamaran’s are also incredibly stable and easy to manoeuvre.

Lagoon 40 power catamaran available in the Bahamas.

Bareboat Motor Yachts

As long as you are in possession of the right licences you are good to go on your own motor yacht. Motor Yachts are glamorous and cruise through the water with ease! Motor Yachts are sleeker and quicker than their power catamaran rival. This charter is perfect for couples or those wanting to test out a bareboat motor yacht before chartering a crewed motor yacht! You can add a skipper and hostess to a bareboat motor yacht charter for a different experience.

The best places for bareboat motor yacht charters

There are fewer motor yachts available for bareboat charters than sailing boats or catamarans across the globe. The best regions to find a bareboat motor yacht charter are below. Over the next few years there are forecast to be a lot more motor yacht charters emerging.

Sardinia

Sardinia offers the opportunity to explore both the shores of the Costa Smerelda and of southern Corsica. Short cruising distances, beautiful anchorages, crystal clear waters and the national park of La Maddalena are the best characteristics of this stunning itinerary!

Croatia

There are an increasing number of motor yachts available for a bareboat charter in Croatia. Choose from cruising from Sibenik around the Kornati National Park to bar hopping from Split around Vis or Hvar. The itinerary in Croatia is perfect for a motor yacht as there is the opportunity to see a different island every day.

The Bahamas

There are two power catamarans available for charter in the Bahamas. These power catamarans are in high demand and are great boats for sailing around the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas and seeing swimming pigs and wild iguanas en route!

Requirements for a motor yacht charter

Chartering a bareboat motor yacht comes with responsibility. Possessing a licence which permits you to drive and operate a boat up to a certain size is mandatory. In Croatia, a VHF licence is also required. For power catamarans in the Caribbean and the Bahamas an updated sailing resume is required to charter. Please follow the below link to see more detailed information towards advice on a bareboat charter: https://www.boatbookings.com/yachting_content/faq.php

Contact the Boatbookings team to begin planning your bareboat motor yacht charter today!

Beat the winter blues

There is no way to brighten up the winter months than booking a week away in the Caribbean on a yacht. Beat the winter blues and secure a yacht charter with Boatbookings in the Caribbean! Dreaming of crystal blue waters, perfect sailing conditions, beach bars, conch salads, scuba diving or just spending quality time with loved ones? There is no place better than the Caribbean to enjoy these activities and to avoid grey days onboard a boat. Many bareboat monohull, catamaran or crewed Caribbean charters still remain available for Spring. it is not too late to secure your boat!

Having lived and worked in the Caribbean, broker Alice shares her favourite islands for a charter this winter.

St Vincent and the Grenadines

These group of islands are part of the Caribbean Windward Island chain. These islands are renowned for more sheltered sailing temperatures towards the later parts of Spring. When the rest of the Caribbean enters into rain season over summer, the climate of these islands remains calm. Chartering a yacht within these islands has a similar feel to chartering in the British Virgin Islands however the experience is more tranquil. St Vincent and the Grenadines are often visited by British royalty and possess an air of unspoilt sophistication. These islands are very popular for bareboat monohull charterers however there are many crewed and bareboat catamarans to choose from if you would prefer!

Bequia is a MUST – visit whilst on charter here. If you are feeling adventurous why not try a one way charter from St Vincent to Grenada.

Guadeloupe

Iles Saintes

Consisting of 5 islands, Guadeloupe ( otherwise known as ‘Butterfly Island’ or ‘Gwada’) is the largest of the Caribbean islands.

Expect to see a lot of natural beauty, friendly locals and French bakeries throughout your charter. Must do activities during a charter include diving on the Reserve Cousteau National heritage scuba dive site on the island of Basse -Terre, hiking the many waterfalls across the islands and hiring a scooter to tour the beautiful Iles Saintes.

‘Gwada’ creates an imperfect blend of classically French and Creole culture that oddly mixes to provides an unforgettable experience. Cuisine to try on the island includes Planteur cocktail with locally produced white rum, Octopus fricassé and most importantly the deep-fried Bokit sandwich. Follow the Boatbookings tailor made itinerary to get the best out of Guadeloupe..

https://www.boatbookings.com/yachting_content/guadeloupe_bareboat_itinerary.php

There are many great monohull and catamaran options to choose from for a yacht charter in Guadeloupe.

The British Virgin Islands

Having recovered from the damaging effects of hurricane IRMA in 2017, the British Virgin Islands have officially bounced back and has re-gained their reputation of being the jewels in the crown of bareboat and crewed yachting. Whether you’re looking for a bareboat or a crewed catamaran or monohull yacht, these islands have something for everyone. White-sand beaches, luxury hotels and some of the best bars in the world comprise the BVI! This is one of our favourite destinations to organise charters due to the variety of boats and the great crewed catamaran options available!

Do get in contact with the Boatbookings charter experts today to plan your yacht charter for Winter/ Spring!

There’s still time to catch a Caribbean sunset from the comfort of your private yacht!