West Coast of Corsica Part 2:

A short cruise around from Ajaccio you will arrive in Propriano, a beautiful fishing harbor in the narrowest part of the Valinco Golf in Corsica.

Propriano

The majority of the buildings date from the early 19th century, prior to this the area was occupied by Romans and Greeks, but having been frequently attacked by pirates in the late 18th century, little remains of early Propriano.

Propriano is mainly one long cobbled street with luxury shops, cafes and bars in the traditional old houses, it’s a lovely place to explore. Propriano has become quite a popular area in Corsica thanks to her numerous close by beaches including Plage du Lido, a stunning white sandy beach with views over the gulf of Propriano.

Roccapina?

Further south after a leisurely cruise you will find the beautiful Plage de Roccapina, a 2km stretch of white sand adorned with magnificent rock formations including the Roccapina Lion. 

A little inland from Roccapina beach is the stunning Domaine de Murtoli, a natural and peaceful resort with the stunning beach restaurant La Table de la Plage, inspired by an ancient fisherman’s hut, furniture made of driftwood and shaded by olive and mastik trees.

The restaurant offers gastronomic food including locally grown meat, freshly caught fish or seafood seasoned to enhance their flavour. Chef Renard Laurence has created a selection of their most popular ‘ecorces’ to enjoy in the lounges or on the sunbeds where relaxation is paramount.

Bonifacio

On the southernmost point of Corsica when you cruise the straights of Bonifacio, it is truly magnificent, with dramatic limestone cliffs on either side, you cruise for around an hour and a half before arriving at the pretty town consisting of brasseries, bars, and cafes, the perfect place to enjoy an evening ashore.

Porto Vecchio around to the east of Bonifacio is known as the ‘Pearl of the south’, with winding narrow streets inside the ramparts offering many restaurants, shops and cafes. Porto Vecchio has an Italian chic which gives a great energy to the town.

Porto Vecchio is home to the exquisite white sandy beach Santa Giulia and the stunning Palombaggia with perfect sand and a red rock backdrop. 

Contact Cordy at Boatbookings to plan your 2020 Corsica yacht charter.

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How should I start my Yacht Charter Experience?

The Boatbookings Charter Broker Team are often asked whether it is a good idea to arrive the day before their Mediterranean yacht charter. The answer is always, yes! Travelling in the summer is busy, so arrive early, get into the time zone and make sure you’re relaxed ahead of embarking on your private yacht vacation.

Athens & Greece Yacht Charter

King George Hotel, Athens

A Greece yacht charter will continue to be the standout activity for summer 2020. Flying from California takes over 12 hours, crossing 10 time zones. Stay in Athens and explore one of the most mystical cities in the world. We have just returned from the city and spent some time at the King George Hotel, which offers spectacular views over Syntagma Square, as well as the Acropolis. You will then your Greece yacht charter itinerary full of energy and excitement!

Eze & French Riviera Yacht Charter

Château de la Chèvre D’Or, Eze

The French Riviera is home to some of the best hotels, restaurants and beach clubs in the world, so it would be a shame to not include them in your South of France adventure. Set high above the bay of St Jean Cap Ferrat lies the ancient citadel of Eze and the world famous Château de la Chèvre D’Or. The hotel has dazzled the most discerning guests and even played host to Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson in the blockbuster movie The Bucket List. If you do not have time in your schedule, ask your Boatbookings Broker to include dinner on your French Riviera motor yacht charter itinerary.

Rome & Amalfi Coast Yacht Charter

Hotel de Russie, Rome

Is there a more famous city in the world? Whether you feel inclined to visit the Pope and tour Vatican City, or step in the footsteps of Robert Langdon and hop from one Piazza to the next, Rome has something for everyone. Stay in the heart of the action at the Hotel de Russie in Piazza del Popolo and be pampered by world class service, cuisine and hospitality. The hotel has one of our favourite interior courtyards, which is the ultimate place to unwind ahead of your Amalfi Coast yacht charter.

Whichever destination you choose, our Brokers will guide you to the heart of the action so that you make the most of your time away. Complete our Enquiry Form today and set sail on an adventure like no other!

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Greta Thunberg

TRACK GRETA HERE.

16-year-old Greta Thunberg waves to her fans as she embarks on a climate change protest across the Atlantic.

I have found it almost ludicrous the level of animosity that Greta has experienced while taking on peaceful, low emission protest. At age 15 she started protesting in Sweeden, outside their houses of parliament to raise awareness for the direction this world is traveling in. It is undeniable, just like numbers, science does not lie – but people in power do.

Day 6. North Azores

“The science is clear,” Greta announces before embarking on a cross Atlantic passage set to take 2 weeks. “We must start bending the [carbon] emissions curve steeply downwards no later than 2020, if we still are to have a chance of staying below a 1.5 [Celsius] degrees of global temperature rise.“

According to CO2 earth, the level of CO2 emissions in the world has increased on every month. It is undeniable that we are heading to a point of no return if we do not act fast. Greta has taken it upon her self as a 16-year-old, to travel and raise awareness for the change in our climate.

Check out our carbon offset calculator

Track Greta on https://tracker.borisherrmannracing.com/

Some people may not ever live a life without air travel, and that’s fine. On the same token, people who live their life with climate change at the forefront of everything they do should not be slated. Every single person should be doing their bit for climate change, at the very least should be conscious and educated about climate change. This isn’t a rant about climate change, but about how people treat others when people have a passion.

What are Boatbookings doing to help combat the carbon footprint in their clients?

Carbon offsetting

Whenever you use a motor on a yacht, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is emitted into the atmosphere. Carbon Dioxide has been scientifically linked to Global Climate Change and Warming. With the worldwide concern about Carbon Emissions, we wanted to help our Charterers to be able to have a fantastic charter while also being friendly to Mother Earth.

Fortunately, there are a variety of organizations that allow you to buy “carbon credits” to offset the emissions you create while chartering. The United Nations works with many charities and NPOs to certify projects that will reduce carbon emissions. Projects such as building electricity-generating dams that will replace carbon fuel (coal) burning electrical generation. Wind farms. Tree Planting, etc.

Use our Carbon offset calculator to calculate your emissions into credits to help reduce your carbon footprint on your charter.

Wonder how you can have a reduced carbon footprint on your charter? Check out our Green Chartering page dedicated to reducing your carbon footprint on your charter.

We are behind you, Greta!!!

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Croatia: who what where when and how!

The setting

Laganani – Hvar’s most exclusive stop off.
Established over 50 years ago and located on the beautiful island of St.Clement, Laganini Lounge Bar & Fish House is one of Croatia’s most exclusive holiday destinations – the perfect stop on your Croatia Yacht Charter, easily accessible by boat from Hvar. The white-washed cabanas with thatched roofs contrast the clear, cerulean water. Sunbathing in the cabanas, followed by a quick dip is the perfect way to spend your afternoon. The atmosphere really is unrivaled by any other destination in the Adriatic.

The food

Laganini is a prestigious stop-off for gourmet cuisine and resort holiday enthusiasts, boasting one of the most renowned lounge bar and a fabulous selection of exotic seafood, perfectly complimented by heavenly cocktails.
Sitting down the cabanas, you will be served a range of seafood dishes from local mouth-watering Adriatic tuna to our extraordinary wild Norwegian salmon, all prepared to perfection by award-winning chef Hrvoje Zirojevi?. Cocktail in hand and looking out to the water, there is no better place to stop off on the Croatian Coast.

The drinks

What better way to compliment your seafood extravaganza than with a refreshing drink in hand. Choose from their excellent selection of Champagnes, wines, gins, and cocktails. We love their combinations of Gins and Tonics, which can be personalised to suit your taste!

What to Charter

M/Y LIGHT HOLIC

Boasting a winning combination of vast spaces and light airy interiors, she is the ultimate entertainment yacht. Her interior, which has been styled to perfection by Alexandre and Cristina Negoescu. The overall feel is minimalist, although Art Deco touches inject warmth and colour into her minimalistic interior. 

M/Y No. 9

NO. 9 is magnificently appointed with luxurious decor throughout. Her main saloon is the perfect spot for formal dining, or a relaxed evening watching a movie! A sophisticated entertainment center includes a home cinema, Samsung 55 inch television screen, and a Bose Lifestyle stereo surround sound system.

Get in touch with us today to experience Croatia the right way.

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What to expect when undertaking an RYA Day Skipper qualification.

In this post, I will take you through my journey of becoming a Day Skipper. I will take you through the necessary steps, and speak about what you should expect in your assessment.

The time line

So you love the idea of chartering a yacht in the Mediterranean this summer but there’s one thing you don’t have… the qualification. Below is the RYA journey of becoming an accomplished sailor.

You are the captain now!

Greece bareboat yacht charter guide

Competent crew (referred to commonly as comp crew) should be the first step unless you have a few years of sailing experience and are comfortable taking charge of the yacht. Remember, you are the captain of the yacht – you have to be able to confidently lead the crew.

Sailing Knowledge

Croatia bareboat Yacht Guide

In my experience, it was beneficial to my learning that I completed the classroom theory. This enabled me to execute assessments quickly and confidently in the practical without getting flustered. If you decide you do not want to do the theory you must have basic knowledge of:
– Tides and how to use tidal curves
– Course to steer (CTS)
– How to read charts and identify heights and symbols
– Rules of the road (COL regs)
– Know how to operate and identify safety equipment
– Mayday procedures / VHF understanding (countries like Croatia demand that you have a VHF license, or that someone on your yacht has a VHF license)
– Know how to sail!

Day 1 – Familiarisation

There she is, the beauty! Yacht Gemini, the yacht I took my day skipper on.

Italy yacht charter guide

We stepped aboard the yacht early morning after registering. We settled in, went through some safety aspects and how the week would run. The yacht was composed of the assessor, 2 days skippers (I was one of them) and two comp crew. It was down to the day skippers to ensure the comp crew guys were safe, and to teach about sailing.

The first day was calm, we did some motoring, manoeuvring and moorings. The first day the assessor is evaluating your ability and confidence level. They will ask you some questions like where’s the wind coming from, what knot would you use – real simple stuff! Don’t worry this is a course, not an examination.

Day 2 – Anchoring & Maneuvering

French Riviera yacht charter guide

The second day gets more into the technical aspects of sailing. Anchoring, using mooring buoys and again, more maneuvering in small spaces. We also touched on points of sail, and sail set up. The assessor is constantly evaluating how you control the crew – without being horrible and bossy! You need to show that you can be calm, collected and most importantly safe.

Day 3 – Night sail, CTS & Charts.

Spanish yacht charter guide

The third day we compleated our night sail – now – this is where recognizing lights and light signatures is extremely important! Yes, even at Day Skipper level you will have to do a night sail for the ‘just in case’ moments in life. Please note day skippers are not allowed to do night sails and must be docked before sunset! If you have sailed between the Isle of Wight and Southampton you will know how terrifyingly amazing it is. The Solent is extremely busy, with huge cargo ships coming in and out all the time. It is important to keep an eye out – you could be asked to identify markers/buoys and point them out on the chart.

Day 4 – M.O.B (Man Over Board)

Turkey bareboat sailing charter guide


The fourth day was M.O.B day. Aka, get-that-yacht-as-close-to-that-fender-as-possible-in-the-quickest-amount-of-time-day! I completely fluffed up my first attempt. However, in those moments it’s important that you remain calm and deal with the situation. You need to be able to direct your crew clearly. e.g “John go down and make a Mayday Call”, “Peter take down the sails”, “Lucy keep pointing to the casualty” etc. The assessor will explain everything before you are given the attempt so don’t panic!

Day 5 – The last day.

English bareboat sailing charter guide

The last day was relaxed. We had to get in before 2 pm so we were able to clean the yacht ready for the next batch of prospective Day Skippers to embark! The morning consisted of gentle sailing, knot tying competitions and lots of tea. We practiced tacking for the comp crew guys – whom at this point were fantastic and with it.

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