Crewed Catamarans – a great value alternative to Motor Yachts, read on and discover what other people don’t know…

When thinking of a luxury yacht charter vacation it is often crewed motor yachts that spring to mind and not catamarans, in many respects it’s easy to understand why. It’s true luxury crewed motor yacht charters and super yacht charter are an ultimate luxury vacation but they can be prohibitively expensive, that’s where the crewed catamaran comes into play!

Boatbookings.com Charter Director Lambros thinks that, ‘Catamarans are in many ways as good – or even better than motor yachts’ read on to find out why!

HEMISPHERE - The largest Catamaran in the World! — HEMISPHERE – The largest Catamaran in the World!

Reasons to charter a Crewed Catamaran:

– Due to their width, they are very stable, not pitching and rolling on the seas as mono-hulls sometimes do (boats with just one hull sailing yachts and motor boats)

-A wide beam (width) also means that catamarans are extremely spacious – a 60ft catamaran has the same space overall as a 80+ Ft motor yacht,

– Modern catamarans have fly bridges similar to those found on motor yachts, offering a new dimension and element of space.

– Crewed Catamarans in the Caribbean are often ‘all-inclusive’ so there’s no need to worry about expenses.

– The only real minus points for catamarans vs motor yachts is the speed: where a fast m/y cruises at 25knots, a catamaran can only go up to 10-12knots – not a problem when you want to sit back, relax and enjoying the scenery.

Below is a small selection of our favourite crewed catamarans, just click on the picture or boat name to find out more!

Based in the Caribbean:

ALETHEIA:

ENIGMA:

GYPSY PRINCESS:

Awarded 'Best Catamaran under 50 ft at the BVI Yacht Show 2012' — Awarded ‘Best Catamaran under 50 ft at the BVI Yacht Show 2012’

Based in the Mediterranean:

ALLURES:

MOBY DICK:

MOYA:

Enquire today and speak to one of our experts to learn more about chartering a crewed catamaran!

Posted on February 28, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

The top three Mediterranean locations and yachts for your summer 2014 holiday – book now!

In a wet and cold January the summer can seem a million miles away, but don’t panic it will be here soon enough! It’s time to give you and your family something to look forward to and start planning a summer holiday, on a yacht of course!

Avoid the crowded beaches and escape to the Cannes Islands!

Whether you’re a sailor or prefer a motor yacht , or perhaps you don’t know and are looking for some impartial advice…Boatbookings.com is the place to start. Our experts are based all over the world with a particually strong representation in the Mediterranean. Not only do we know all of the yachts here, many of their crews and Captains, we also know the coastlines, islands and best places to spend an unforgettable day, a week or more!

Monaco harbour – Stunning by night

Our top 3 recommendations for an unforgettable Mediterranean charter this summer:

1. The French Riviera:

The South of France still remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for families, couples, celeb hunters (and the celebs themselves!) in the world and it’s easy to understand why…This stretch of hallowed coastline still conjures up images of times gone by, effortless elegance, an abundance of glamour and wealth, all thats changed is the yachts, they’re even bigger now! We fully appreciate that not everyone is a Premiership footballer or film star, at Boatbookings.com we cater for all budgets, groups and tastes.

EMOTON and RHINO, two of our favourite luxury yachts based in the South Of France:

Charter the superb Super Yacht EMOTION – recently visited by the Boatbookings team

RHINO is a sleek and sexy motor yacht perfect for the glamour of the French Riviera

2. Sardinia:

We’ve been talking about Sardinia for a while now, we can’t fault it, great boats, breathtaking scenery and friendly people. With two airports Sardinia is easily accessible from mainland Europe with regular connecting flights from Rome. Crystal clear waters, gorgeous mediterranean weather and a yacht to match, whats not to like?

Sardinia’s proximity to Italy the Italian and French Rivieras and Corsica make it a great place to start a charter, why not combine all three destinations. In a week or longer a trip to the glamorous French Riviera to visit St Tropez, Cannes or Monaco could be something to consider whilst taking advantage of the lower rate of Italian VAT.

BALTHAZAR and LADY CAROLA, two of our top picks for Sardinia:

Gorgeous Sunseeker Predator 92 BALTAZAR ready for charters in Sardinia this summer

LADY CAROLA – recently visited by the team, great for families with an exceptional Captain

Greece:

With several different islands to visit, Greece is an extremely versatile charter destination.Why not check out Mykonos in the Cyclades Islands, Corfu or Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands or Rhodes in the Dodecanese Islands. ‘Island hopping’ can be a fantastic way to see the sights, history and sample all that Greek Island culture has to offer, including the fantastic cuisine! For a sample 14 day sailing itinerary in the Cyclades islands click here!

NOVA and XTREME, two great yachts for experiencing Greece:

Luxury catamaran NOVA – perfect for seeing the Greek Islands

XTREME – packed with water toys, great for thrill seekers!

To secure your first choice yacht in your preferred Mediterranean destination, enquire today and one of our experts will be in touch with you to discuss your charter and to ensure that you get on the best yacht at the best price,

Posted on January 5, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Best in show – the Lagoon 39!

As we travel back to Cannes and reflect on what we saw and learnt from the Paris Boat Show, one yacht still stands out, the Lagoon 39. Lagoons have quickly become the most popular catamarans to charter and after being on board one of their latest models; it’s easy to understand why.

Lagoons are designed with the needs of families in mind. They’re designed to be spacious, practical, stable but luxurious, exactly what the majority of our clients are looking for.At over 6ft Charles from the Boatbookings.com team usually dreads being on board catamarans and sailing yachts for fear of continually banging his head on low ceilings and door frames, on the Lagoon 39 he didn’t have to bend down once!

The vertical saloon windows ensure that even tall charter guests like Charles can stand up straight and enjoy the view; the story is the same in the cabins and bathrooms. Full height showers, self-contained thanks to stylish sliding glass doors mean that the bathroom can be kept dry. This particular Lagoon was an owner’s version with a whole hull given over to the owner’s accommodation. A large cabin and double bed, small study area with desk and couch as well as a large bathroom mean mum and dad will have plenty of space and privacy. There are two further double guest cabins sharing a spacious shower room, great for kids or couples.

Outside there is a spacious aft deck dining area with seating for 6-8 comfortably, the open plan nature of the main saloon and galley mean that whoever is on cooking duty can still join in the fun and conversation with those outside.

We have a considerable fleet of Lagoon catamarans located all over the world. Catamaran charters are particularly popular in the Caribbean, but they are also a fantastic and relaxing way to see the Mediterranean, or Asia for that matter!

No sailing experience, no problem! We have many Lagoons and other catamarans available with skippers or full crews who will look after you and your guests and ensure you have the holiday of a lifetime.

Enquire with one of our experts today and we will get you on the best boat, that suits your needs at the best price for the best experience possible!

Posted on December 9, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

Discover the Caribbean Wonders of Tortola on GYPSY PRINCESS this Winter

With summer drawing to a close, Tortola is a fantastic destination for those wanting to chase the sun. Chartering GYPSY PRINCESS is a stylish way to visit the awesome array of attractions the island has to offer. Since Christopher Columbus named this idyllic setting “Tortola”, meaning “Land of the Turtle Dove”, the island has encountered a rich and exotic history which can be experienced through its smorgasbord of attractions – many of which are directly accessible by boat.

For a 10 day itinerary in the BVI, why not visit Smuggler's Cove, an oasis at the western tip where Blackbeard and Captain Kidd used to reside? Or combine surfing in the day with night-time full moon parties for the adventurous among you? Listen to live local music and sample fantastic delicacies on Cane Garden Bay, or swim with the sea's most intelligent creatures at Dolphin Discovery. Further inland, you can trek through the island's beautiful natural park or meander through a maze of trails in the northeastern enclave which leads you through a bat cave. The Rum factory is a fun place to involve yourself with the local drinking culture, while the African Church – the first of its kind for freed African slaves – is steeped in historical significance. Tortola will keep you busy for at least a week, is family friendly and centrally located in the BVIs, allowing for day excursions to other islands and reefs.

GYPSY PRINCESS is a brand new and award-winning Lagoon 450, providing accommodation for up to 6 guests. She combines comfort and elegance as well as brilliant sailing performance, and her crew of 2 have had great feedback on their hosting, cooking and professionalism. Her entertainment system, rib with outboard and range of toys will keep the kids occupied while parents can relax on the stunning Flybridge's padded deck. With a hard-working crew and beautifully furnished catamaran at your disposal, this charter will be a trip to paradise you'll never forget!

Posted on August 26, 2013 by admin

Relax and Unwind With A Round Of Golf On The Paradise Island Of Tahiti – On Board Your Luxury Yacht Charter

The breathtaking and enchanting French Polynesian Island of Tahiti is home to two of the most innovative and luxurious golf courses in the world. There is no better place to relax and unwind on some of the most lavish and well kept golf courses, sip post game cocktails or admire the beauty of the South Pacific. Boatbookings has an excellent selection of yachts available for charter that are berthed in Tahiti and the rest of the neighbouring Windward Islands. Feel free to contact us on [email protected], and we shall provide you with a suitable yacht and itinerary to create the holiday of a lifetime!

The Oliver Bréaud International Golf Course located on the west side of Tahiti offers a breathtaking 18-hole fairway engulfed by rich tropical and colourful vegetation. Built in the 1970's, the Oliver Bréaud International Golf Course is a beautiful 6,900-year long, par 72 course. Golfers play on an exclusive course surrounded by an abundance of exotic grapefruit, breadfruit, coconut and lemon trees. The course is located on a grand estate that spans 50 hecatres of the island, known as 'Terre Eugenie,' a former area that was dedicated entirely to the cultivation of cotton and sugarcane. Today, this international golf course is often referred to as 'Tahiti's best kept secret.' During July, why not catch some of the professionals in action! The Tahiti International Open is one of the most celebrated events on the Australian PGA circuit and is defiantly a sporting event that should not be missed.

Alternatively why not play a round of golf at the Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course, located on the neighbouring tropical island of Moorea. Nicknmed the 'Green Pearl' in reference to the emerald green fairways and lush valleys of Moorea. This 18 hole course (par 70/6,632 yards long) is strategically located on the hillsides and borders of both the lakes and the beach. The perfect combination of various landscapes makes it challenging, attractive and unique to the islands of Tahiti. The Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course has been designed by American professional golfer, Jack William Nicklaus, nicknamed the 'Golden Bear.' The signature hole on the back nine provides a magnificent view of the course, lagoons and Moorea's sister island of Tahiti.

Discover the beauty of Tahiti from on board the Sunreef 70 Power Catamaran, a luxury crewed catamaran accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 double cabins. This luxury crewed charter yacht is perfect for a sailing cruise around Tahiti and Bora Bora in the magnificent South Pacific.

Posted on June 25, 2013 by admin