Some up to date pictures of Nassau and Normans Cay. While not trying to detract from the awful state of the Northern islands such as the Abacos and Marsh Harbour area, we must bear in mind that the majority of the Bahamas is open for business. The more we continue to visit the country as normal, the quicker it will heal as a nation. It is a win-win!
The Cannes Yachting Festival is around the corner and all the big European catamaran producers will be presenting their new models. Catamaran design has greatly evolved over the past years and now the new trends are bigger, more voluminous vessels. This translates to broader hulls, bigger main decks and a predominance of large fly bridges.
The new generation of catamarans is certainly much more comfortable than previous designs, albeit at a cost in regards to sailing performance. Such is the demand for bigger, roomier catamarans, that even traditional performance-oriented brands, are branching out towards wide-bodied designs who offer space at the expense of sailing prowess.
The best example being BABALU, the new Bali 5.4 model which has been voted best multihull for 2019 and represents a great innovation upon the usual performance-oriented design pattern of the Catana Group (Catana being the mother company of Bali Catamarans).
The wider hulls are allowing manufacturers to equip the new catamarans with up to 6 cabins, something unheard of previously, particularly so as all cabins have their own private bathrooms. The 6 cabin design is ideal for charter, enabling large groups to enjoy the unique crewed catamaran charter experience! A great 6 cabin catamaran being LUCKY CLOVER, the Lagoon 52.
Feel free to contact now our expert broker team and start planning your next crewed catamaran charter.
The joys of summer, overcrowded ports, expensive prices, stressed out waiters, delayed planes? These are surely the worst parts of a summer holiday or charter in the Mediterranean. Forget the worst aspects of a yacht charter and look at a charter for the Autumn.
Sailing across the Mediterranean in Turkey, Croatia or Greece can be a better experience than a yacht rental at the peak of the summer season. These countries offer very mild weather in the Autumn and the wind tends to drop off from the high winds in August.
The Mediterranean climate allows for warm September waters for swimming, private bays for swimming and more available yachts available last minute. The experience is different from that of the high season summer experience with a more relaxed atmosphere on every island. It is also easier to see a local way of life and to be able to make a reservation at your favourite restaurant on the day, rather than the week before!
Split- Dubrovnik
This one-way itinerary provides the opportunity to see the two historically fuelled cities of Split and Dubrovnik. Sailing between the two cities has scope for everyone, from partying at all night clubs in Hvar to exploring the national park at Mijet near to Dubrovnik this itinerary has something in there for everyone. It is very difficult to get a one-way charter during the peak of the high season however during the Autumn, many owners take the boats from Split to Dubrovnik and would be very happy to accommodate a one way. Your broker will organise this bespoke yacht charter for you and plan your itinerary.
The Cyclades Islands
Contrary to popular opinion, the Cyclades are not the place to go to in the summer. The prevalent Meltemi wind dominates the Cyclades and often makes it very difficult to travel between islands. Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, and Ios are without a doubt the most breathtaking islands in Greece however it is difficult to get the right winds in summer to have an enjoyable charter. with the heavy winds in June, July and August. By late September, the winds have died down, the tourists have disappeared and the striking white roofs can be enjoyed from your yacht. Catamarans are widely available and are significantly less experience.
Sardinia
Known as one of the most glamorous places in the globe, the Costa Smerelda is the new place for the A-listers and yacht charters! Boutiques, 5* hotels and some of the finest Italian restaurants are available in Sardinia. You can also hop over to southern Corsica and visit the striking port of Bonifacio. This is a perfect Autumnal destination due to the quieter ports, less crowded beaches and extremely blue waters at this time of year. Sardinia converts into more of a traditional experience during the Autumn.
Contact one of our expert brokers to plan your Autumn charter today!
In 2019, Storm Dorian destroyed the Abacos and Grand Bahama before skirting up the eastern seaboard making landfall on the eastern tip of Canada. Please see our “Bahamas after Dorian” page for current status of chartering and sailing in the Bahamas.
Dorian was formed on the 24th of August by a tropical wave. A tropical wave is a low pressure, orientated from North to South which moves eastwards. This then combined with the high air pressure which lies in the doldrums or Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), located close to the termal equator.
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Tropical waves in the Atlantic develop from disruptions, which develop as far east as Sudan. They then drift across the continent into the Atlantic. These waves are either formed or enhanced by African Easterly Jet (The African easterly jet is a region of the lowest layer of the earth atmosphere, over West Africa where the seasonal mean wind speed is at a maximum and the wind is easterly).
The clockwise circulation of the large transoceanic high-pressure cell or anticyclone centered near the Azores islands, labeled the Azores high above image produces easterly waves away from the coastal areas of Africa towards North America.
Dorian intensified while moving toward the Abacos and close by islands, before becoming a hurricane on August 28th. The rapid intensification of Dorian meant that on August 31st, she was placed into Category 4 – a major hurricane. Less than 24 hours later, Dorian reached Category 5 intensity, peaking with winds of 185 mph and gusts of much more. A minimum central pressure of 910 millibars, the ‘normal’ atmosphere is 1013.13 mbar a huge decrease of pressure meant that she would become to be one of the most devastating hurricanes to hit the Bahamas.
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This question is not to be confused with her wind and gust level. This is in relation to her track. Dorian stalled over the Bahamas for roughly 24 hours, 24 hours of heavy rain and gusts which lead to a 24ft storm surge.
Data has shown that she was traveling as little as 1 mph. This is due to a rare natural phenomenon called the Bermuda high. As the name states, this is a high-pressure atmospheric system. Until the Bermuda high relinquished its ‘hold’ over Dorian, a low-pressure system moved across releasing Dorian, thus allowing her to move in a northerly direction
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To the people of the Bahamas, on behalf of Boatbookings, we look forward to seeing your recovery and booking many more life-changing and memorable charters in your stunning country. You are all in our prayers.
We were horrified watching Category 5 Hurricane Dorian camp out over the Bahamas for 2 straight days, and then seeing the damage this storm has wrought. Our thoughts are with the Bahamians and all of the people who call these islands home.
We will keep you up to date about the progress of rebuilding these islands, and when it is reasonable to visit again. In the long run, the best thing you can do is to ultimately charter or vacation there, as it brings back the funds they need to rebuild their lives.
Please see our “Bahamas after Dorian” page for current status of chartering and sailing in the Bahamas.
The BVI went through a similar disaster and rebuilding process virtually two years ago this week. They are now almost completely rebuilt, and many were open for business within 6 months. Islanders are incredibly resilient people. We hope the Bahamas can rebuild this quickly as well.
Bahamas Strong.
