Not only does BOOMSHAKALA have a wonderful chef and crew, but she is also the most eco-friendly yacht we have had the pleasure of visiting. Her solar panels can keep the generators running for 12 hours! She uses eco-friendly products where possible and there are no plastic water bottles in sight! For more information about Green Chartering please visit this page.
Gourmet Portuguese Chef Josué Eliziario joins the wonderful team on board BOOMSHAKALAKA!
We had the pleasure of experiencing the amazing cuisine cooked by accomplished chef Josué Eliziario on board BOOMSHAKALAKA. His cuisine is full of flavour and extremely creative. Having worked in high standard kitchens with demanding teams in Michelin starred restaurants, 5* luxury catering, a private chef on yachts and in villas for high-end guests, he brings a wealth of experience to the BOOMSHAKALAKA.
Josué prepared wonderful canapés including gazpacho shot with oregano toast, Mediterranean bruschetta with kalamata olives, lemong, fleur de sel, olive oil and basil sprout, creme brûlée parmigiano, ceviche and chicken breast marinated in sesame oil wrapped in bacon.
The dessert was to die for! Chocolate lovers watch out, this one is for you! Chocolate ice-cream, sorbet, gelatine, cream, crumble and cake!
Petit Fours
All complemented by a stunning 3 tiered platter of more chocolate delights! Josué is also great with vegan food and other dietary requirements.
Yacht overview
The yacht has a stunning contemporary feel and her full beach master cabin is truly impressive with his ‘N hers sinks and large walk-in shower. The saloon area is bright with lots of natural light flooding in and leads onto her exterior dining area which is complemented by sofas and sun pads!
She is booking up fast for 2019, so please enquire now to secure your dates on board!
In this article, I will discuss the safety of traveling to Turkey post-2016 coup d’état and the effects this has had on tourism.
Istanbul
Over the past few years, specifically from 2016 onwards, Turkey has seen the downfall in tourism due to political conflicts and terror-related instances. In this article, I aim to dissect Turkeys conflicting past, understand what affects this is having to the present and what this means for the future.
Demographics
Turkey – where east meets west. A culturally vibrant corner of the Mediterranean enriched by its ancient history. Turkey is home to over 82 million people. Away from the larger towns, such as Istanbul or Bodrum lays a country of vastness. Approximately 104.5 people per square kilometer as opposed to England’s 427 people per square kilometer. (Statista, 2017).
While there are some problematic trends include rising unemployment and inflation, education in Turkey still remains strong. The literacy rate is high at 95.6%, a surprising statistic, however, the Turkish take their education seriously, even in rural areas. The most common foreign language, besides the native dialects, is English. Children residing in Turkey are enrolled in mandatory English classes from ages 8. Subsequently, in this culturally diverse country, the population can still communicate well with holidaymakers. (Turkey Population, 2018).
Turkey was consumed by a failed Coup d’état, a word that derives from the French language “To overthrow of an existing government”. Coups are generally a quick and sudden act of violence by a small sect of people, often military. Since 1950 an astonishing 463 Coup attempts have happened worldwide with an even more staggering statistic that 233 Coups were successful – just over 50% success rate. (Besaw, C. 2018). In the last century, there have only been two years where a Coup was not attempted, 2007 and 2018. According to OEFResearch’s Coupcast predicts that Turkey is down in the risk of another Coup, while countries like Thailand, ranked 2nd highest in `odds of a coup attempt` are up in their risk. (Coupcast, 2019).
Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Istanbul.
The Turkish Coup, arranged by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), attempted to seize control in several politically important areas including Ankara and Istanbul. The Coup was formed in retaliation to the Government, who was accused of controlling the media and what deemed to be enforcing undemocratic laws. The delivery of Coups are generally over quickly, however, the accusations towards to Government in question and the outcome never recede as quickly as the delivery of the Coup.
BBQ on the bow – what more could you want.
Turkey was in a state of shock, with many people killed and arrested it was a very dark time in Turkeys 95-year political history. What was often missed out in the media was something quite unprecedented. The civilians of Turkey took to the streets armed with kitchen utensils, garden tools to fight against the Turkish Armed Forces. Shoulder to shoulder with the loyalist soldiers and the Turkish police force, they were able to defeat the coup attempt within a few hours.
Early morning, Gocek.
Ancient trading routes
The years following the devastating events took a toll on Turkey in many ways – but most importantly the Tourism. Turkey is no stranger to hosting different cultures. Turkey is home to one of the many ancient networking trade routes that linked the east and west. These ancient trade routes, named famously as the ‘Silk Roads’ became established in the Han Dynasty of China era, which dates back between the times of 130BC – 1453CE. According to the European explorer Marco Polo, he noted down that the roads were used for the delivery of many goods including livestock, spices, foods, and carpets. (Masefield, J. 2011).
One of the many Silk Road routes.
The trading routes which networked through Turkey meant they were more advanced in their lifestyle development than what Europe ever was until it came to the industrial revolution. In the turn of the century, Turkey turned to tourism as being one of its main revenue sources. Turkey did this extremely well and what was impressive is that it didn’t even have to try, it sold itself. The country appeals to the masses. You have history, architecture, beaches, nightlife, sailing, exploring, tracking, health tourism and all at an extremely reasonable price. Direct flights from London means you can be totally immersed in the hustle and bustle of Turkish life within four hours.
One of my most favourite places on earth, Fethiye.
Tourism
In 2014, Turkey was ranked 6th most popular tourist destination in the world, 42 million foreign tourists traveled to enjoy all of what Turkey has to offer. This injected 32 billion euros of revenue, this provided socioeconomic growth throughout the country. (Daily Sabah, 2015). Since 2014 tourism started to decline due to the political situation that Turkey was involved in. In 2015 tourism dropped by 6 million and then in 2016 it dropped another 11 million resulting in a total drop of 17 million. This was detrimental to the country when they needed the money most. Recovery began in 2017 when tourism increased to 32 million, still 10 million less than when Turkey was in its heyday.
Ölüdeniz Belediyesi
Sailing
Nautical tourism is increasing in popularity for holiday choices. With the rise of Flotilla holidays where certificates are not always needed and thousands of bareboats around the world, it has created an accessible industry for various classes. Just like traveling by plane, yachting was seen as elitist. It was more expensive to charter yachts 30/40 years ago because there simply wasn’t a lot of yachts to charter. With the advancement of ship manufacturing, and marina building it has created a gap in the market for sailing holidays.
Two traditional sailing yachts, Gullets.
With more hulls in the water, this gave way to more accessible sailing, typically in the Mediterranean. Turkey grabbed at this opportunity and concentrated on building the infrastructure to hold yachts of all sizes and types. Turkey has many attributes that sailors look out for mainly sailing conditions and anchorages.
Marmaris
The Mediterranean is typically popular because of line of sight sailing which means even novice sailors can get around with ease. Adding to this, there is barely any tide to factor making anchoring, passage planning and general maneuvering of the yacht easier.
Temple of Apollo
Turkey is in the prime position for an eclectic mix of chartering. The wide range of yachts that take advantage of this historic country may surprise you. From traditional sailing boats all the way through to superyachts – this country has something for everyone. Not only does Turkey offer some of the best sailing in the Mediterranean, but it also offers a lot of excursions on land too.
Lycia, Fethyie
Historical sites dating back to a mind-blowing 10th millennium BC. Turkey is also famed for its Turkish Hammams, which are extremely popular not just in Turkey but worldwide. Turkish Hammams combines the Roman baths and the Arabic steam baths, Hammam is actually the Arabic word for ‘bath’.
Hierapolis
To date, France and Turkey have the same threat level on the UK Home Office travel advice page stating that attacks are very likely to be carried out. However, this did not stop 89 million tourists visiting France alone in 2018. This indicates that even though there are threat levels people are still willing to visit terror hit countries. It begs the question that perhaps culture is more the defining factor rather than the threat level.
Fethyie
Personally, I believe as a nation, and as a fellow sailor, we should not let these terrorist groups dictate our lives and hinder what we can and cannot enjoy in life. This is not to say we should not proceed with caution, but if we exercise too much caution, we could overlook some of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
2. Besaw, C. (2018). The conversation. Retrieved from 04/03/2019: https://theconversation.com/no-coups-occurred-in-2018-will-next-year-be-so-stable-108387
6.AFP. (2017). Turkey
tourism income slumps after attacks, coup. Retrived from 04/03/2019:
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1312674/turkey-tourism-income-slumps-attacks-coup/
7. Masefield,
J. (2011). Marco Polos The Silk Road (Art
of Series) (Art of Wisdom). London, United Kingdom.
8. M, Sariisik.
O, Turkay. O, Akova. (2011). How to
manage yacht tourism in Turkey: A swot analysis and related strategies.
Elsevier LTD: Amsterdamn, Netherlands.
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dynamic and fascinating places to enjoy your summer 2019 luxury yacht charter. Cruising from village to village offers unrivalled scenery, history and natural beauty. Your Amalfi Coast itinerary will include some of the best restaurants, spa hotels and beach clubs in the country.
Image from www.villamaria.it
Hotel Villa Maria – Ravello
Originally a Roman nobleman’s retreat, Hotel Villa Maria is a grand mansion situated in the heart of Ravello, looking out to the most spectacular sea views of the Amalfi Coast.
Image from www.villamaria.it
The restaurant is definitely one to try, attracting many celebrities and celebrity chefs. The chefs use the freshest ingredients that are homegrown in their biological gardens to produce creative and innovative dishes that capture the taste of the Amalfi region.Set on a picturesque terrace, this really will be a dining experience to remember.
Villa Scarpariello – Ravello
Image from www.villascarpariellorelais.it
Who wouldn’t want to spend a night living the fairy-tale dream in a medieval castle on the sea? Villa Scarpariello is an impressive building, situated just down the coast from Ravello, where you can delight in the old world charm of its romantic rooms and beautiful terraces.
With private access to the sea and your private Amalfi Coast yacht, this is an ideal spot to stop during your charter vacation and enjoy unparalleled tranquillity.
Il San Pietro – Positano
Image from www.ilsanpietro.it
Zass restaurant at Il San Pietro is simply sublime; from its breathtaking views over Praiano and the coast, to the gastronomic menu, you will not be disappointed. Chef Alois Vanlangenaeker guided the restaurant to be awarded its Michelin star in 2002, and he has sustained this high standard ever since.
Image from www.ilsanpietro.it
The restaurant’s food is refined and pure, designed around the concept of taking fresh and locally grown Italian ingredients, and elevating them to new level.
We trust our Amalfi Coast insights have sparked your imagination to charter one our luxury yachts; please contact your Boatbookings Broker today, who will be happy to organise and book your charter around your exact specifications.
The Greek islands can be windy in July and August. This, however, is an advantage for our action seeking clients! Kitesurf is the new fad with an increasing number of devotees.
Kitesurfing requires a basic level of lessons from an instructor, but after some lessons, you can find yourself skimming on top of the waves –and if you are bold enough jumping above them!!! Some Greek luxury charter yachts have their own kitesurf instructors onboard, but there are several spots in the Greek islands where you can get your lessons. Here’s a selection of the best kite surfing spots in Greece:
Naxos Island is the most known kitesurfing spot in the
Cyclades. When the meltemi is blowing, Mikri Vigla bay is the ideal playground
for kitesurfers. A steady wind of 20-25 knots and relatively high waves combine
to create the ideal conditions for spectacular jumps. When you are not
wrestling with the wind and waves, take some time to explore the island of
Naxos, particularly the Northern inland villages, which are unspoiled by mass
tourism.
In the Ionian Islands, you can kitesurf in Lefkada island. The beach in Agios Ioannis is conveniently close to the marina and has some of the best waves in the area. In general, the Ionians boasts very calm seas on the Eastern shores (which represent the favorite yacht cruising ground in the area), but are exposed to the long stretch of open sea on their Western shores (which can be windy and abundant with waves).
Chartering a luxury yacht in a destination off the beaten track does not normally offer international airports, world class facilities and cutting edge hotels. Waking up in a new time zone, even for the experienced traveller, can be tiring. The answer; stay on land to recuperate before boarding your private yacht. With new direct flights from London to Bali, or multiple connections via Singapore, your Indonesia yacht charter has never been so accessible.
Bali is famous for its rice fields, also known as paddy fields. The Four Seasons Sayan, located just an hour north of the airport, offers spectacular views from the comfort of your own suite. With world class facilities and service second to none, you will be pampered ahead of your Indonesia sailing experience. Stay at the Four Seasons Sayan and embrace a truly authentic Balinese experience this winter.
Bali is just as famous for its long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, which are a haven for surfers. Seminyak is only 30 minutes from the airport in the Kuta district, an area renowned for surfing. The W Hotel offers a myriad of swimming pools which cascade towards the beach. Stay on shore before your Bali – Lombok 7 day luxury sailing itinerary, and enjoy a party vibe experience like no other.
Your Brokers continue to visit your charter destinations, so they can continue to provide unrivalled insights. Ben is currently spending this week discovering the wonders of LAMIMA as she cruises the Komodo National Park. Stay tuned to see photos of the magical Komodo dragons, as well as some of the most spectacular scenery in the world!
