Tag Archives: crewedchartercatamaran

Responsible Boaters: Mediterranean Destinations that Champion Sustainability

The Mediterranean remains one of our favorite boating destinations. However, this cruising area is suffering as the world faces mounting pressures from over-tourism and environmental impacts. With the summer season fast approaching, boaters can enjoy more sustainable yachting adventures across the Mediterranean. 

Boatbookings Prioritizing Sustainability 

At Boatbookings, we always advocate for more responsible boating. Firstly, we offer a range of greener crewed catamarans, which have less impact on our seas. When organizing a boat charter in the Mediterranean, we focus on facilitating more sustainable practices onboard through your preference sheet, such as requesting local and seasonal produce and reducing the amount of single-use plastics. 

The Mediterranean is home to some of the world’s best Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), teeming with vibrant marine life that we love to snorkel and dive. While boating in these areas, there are a range of procedures you can follow to not disrupt the ecosystems. Meanwhile, on land, when you are visiting these destinations, we encourage engaging with the local communities when purchasing and getting involved in responsible activities. 

We have put together a list of the top 5 Mediterranean destinations that champion sustianability: 

1. French Riviera 

The French Riviera is a premier cruising destination, and for good reason. From St Tropez to Monaco, the region is full of glamourous destinations, idyllic bays, and prestigious events. However, due to its popularity, there has been some negative impact of yachting. Today, the anchoring of yachts along the French Riviera is strictly regulated to protect the Posidonia seagrass. The French maritime authorities PREMAR have implemented increased anchoring rules in these areas to protect the ecosystem. 

In addition to anchoring regulations, all of the ports along the French Riviera have implemented stringent policies to keep the marina waters clean. You can no longer wash boat oils, wastewaters, and other pollutants into the sea. As an example, Cannes has implemented the following requirements on all ships in the Cannes waters:

  • The use of fuel with 0.1% sulfur content
  • A ban on incinerating waste on board upon entering the compulsory ‘piloting area’
  • The establishment of a tendering process that takes into account the environment
  • A ban on discharging wastewater, even treated wastewater, and water from fume washing systems in the piloting and mooring areas;
  • The obligation to bypass the ‘Posidonia meadows’ during maneuvers and anchoring;
  • the promotion of sustainability initiatives among operators carrying cruise passengers.

2. The Ionian Islands

For island-hopping itineraries, Greece is a perfect destination. The Ionian Islands lie off the country’s west coast in the Ionian Sea. An initiative aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and environment conservation throughout the islands is the Ionian Environment Foundation. Focussing on this area, the program distributes sustainable sailing packs showcasing how boaters can avoid negative impacts when sailing these islands. 

3. Mallorca

The Save the Med Foundation, based in Mallorca, enables the Balearic Sea to recover its rich biodiversity. Through marine conservation, research, educational outreach, and advocating for new MPAs, this organization showcases these islands as a hub for innovative initiatives to inspire other regions. One particular priority for Save the Med is tackling plastic pollution. 

4. Sicily 

A prominent issue within marine conservation is the problem of discarded fishing nets. The Italian island of Sicily is working to combat this while protecting and preserving the island’s nature through the Sicily Environment Fund. One of its projects is the ‘Ghost Net Recovery’ initiative in Ustica, which collects and recycles discarded fishing nets. 

5. Croatia

Croatia is another famous island-hopping sailing destination, especially for our crewed charter catamarans. The Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development (SUNCE) safeguards the country’s marine ecosystems. One project is the ‘Marine Litter Free Dalmation Islands Project,’ which empowers local communities to gather data on marine debris distribution and develop effective waste management systems through active engagement. 

The Mediterranean summer season is fast approaching; let’s protect and preserve these destinations, reducing our impact. If you still need to arrange this summer’s Mediterranean greener crewed charter catamarans, contact one of the Boatbookings team today.

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Fueling the Future: What is Best for the Boating Industry?

The boating industry has been increasing its focus on sustainability and reducing its environmental impact for some time now. As concerns over climate change and fossil fuel depletion mount, many boat builders are setting their sights on utilizing alternative fuels in the future. 

At Boatbookings, we consistently work to minimize our impact on the oceans and always offer our clients greener crewed catamaran options. 

With the advancements in technology and a growing demand for greener solutions, a range of alternative fuel options are emerging as viable contenders for the future of boating. We take a look at them here: 

Electric 

Electric propulsion systems, powered by advanced battery technologies, have become more prevalent in today’s boats. These systems eliminate the need for traditional combustion engines, significantly reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution. While there are still challenges in terms of range and charging infrastructure, battery technology is constantly improving, and today, charging within the marina is increasing, making this a better option. 

Biofuels 

A promising alternative is biofuel, derived from renewable sources such as plant materials and agricultural waste. One example being used in boating is Hydotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The benefit of this fuel is that it can be placed within existing diesel engines and, therefore, can be used for the existing fleet as it can be mixed with diesel and has been said to cut carbon emissions by 90%. At the moment, the availability of this fuel remains limited, and therefore, it is not accessible to many boats, but this is improving with demand. 

Hydrogen 

Hydrogen can be used in combustion engines and fuel cells and has been said to be the most sustainable. Therefore, hydrogen is one of the central elements of the energy transition. However, there are challenges for the boating industry. The use of hydrogen presents issues such as the large amount of volume to store and the amount of energy required from renewable sources to produce it.

Methanol 

This has been one of the leading alternative fuel options, and while not yet available for yachts, it is the most likely for the next generation of commercial shipping. However, storing methanol onboard requires much more volume, resulting in less usable space. As an alternative, this fuel can also be used via fuel cells to generate electric power. Lurssen has long been working with alternative fuel technology. They developed fuel cell propulsion technology using hydrogen, reformed from methanol.

Hybrid 

Hybrid diesel-electric engines are becoming extremely popular in boating. This alternative results in higher efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and fewer emissions. It also allows the integration of different energy sources, such as hydro generation and solar. Hybrids also will enable the mixing of mechanical propulsion with electrical propulsion. 

Solar

Solar energy has become a valuable addition to energy and is an excellent use of natural energy. Silent Yachts and Sunreef catamaran builders facilitate solar panels within their catamaran design. While solar energy is a good addition and valuable in the energy mix for hybrids, more is needed to fuel larger yachts. 

As the boating industry continues to pursue more sustainable alternatives, each fuel option has its unique set of pros and cons. Factors such as price, availability, storage requirements, safety considerations, and viability must be evaluated to determine the best option. 

The discussion is endless. At Boatbookings, we are committed to staying on top of the alternatives and implementing more ways to reduce our impact. To find out more about chartering one of our greener crewed catamarans, contact a member of the Boatbookings team today. 

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Sustainable Summer: How can you have a greener yacht charter?

The Mediterranean summer season is officially in full swing. Our crewed catamaran charters can offer an unforgettable experience, but the Med is fragile. Here are some suggestions about how you can adopt greener, more sustainable practices while out on the water. 

We all know it is vital to reduce plastic, dispose of waste correctly, eat locally and sustainably, and choose the most energy-efficient vessel, but what else can you do to minimize your impact on a yacht charter?

Here are some of our top tips to embrace a more sustainable summer charter experience:

Leave only footprints 

When exploring islands, coves, bays, and beaches this summer, be sure to follow the leave no trace and only footprints. This is crucial to help preserve our natural beauty for others to enjoy while maintaining an area’s ecological integrity. When you get in the tender and visit a crystal clear bay, ensure you wear reef-friendly suncream, as you don’t want to leave any toxic residue. Or when you have a lunch picnic on a secluded beach, always take your trash away with you. And even when you go for an island hike, keep to the trails and leave as little impact as possible. 

Make your own power 

Whenever you head to land away from the anchorage, be sure to consider greener transport options. If you are visiting a particular designation on land, swap out the diesel-powered vehicle for a bike or electric scooter. Not only will these choices help reduce your overall footprint and emissions, but they also add an extra dose of adventure and fun to your summer journey. 

Get under the water 

Summer isn’t summer without playing in the water on a crewed charter. But while having fun, you can also ensure you are responsible. When you’re embraceing the marine life through snorkeling and scuba diving please avoid touching or standing on coral reefs as they are delicate and can easily be damaged. You should also have correct buoyancy control techniques to prevent accidental contact with the ocean’s fragile habitats. Be aware of any marine park regulations and always follow the guidance of your experienced crew. Replacing fossil-fuel-powered toys with time under the water will enrich your charter experience and help you minimize your impact. 

Support local projects 

Summer is a peak time for conservation projects and initiatives to protect marine ecosystems. Before you go, research local conservation organizations and volunteer opportunities in the destination. Examples include beach clean-ups, coral reef restoration efforts, or turtle nesting projects. If you don’t find specific projects, then be sure to support the local economy in any way you can. Choose eco-friendly tour operators and participate in nature walks, eco-hiking, and bird-watching activities. Supporting local companies will also ensure you have a more authentic experience.

Share and Inspire 

It may seem like a simple tip, but being an advocate for our oceans this summer can be powerful. You can inspire others to do the same when you make greener and more responsible choices on a yacht charter this summer. Sharing your journey to help preserve our oceans can raise awareness among others and catalyze change. 

At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves in offering greener crewed catamaran charters. If you want further information on how to tread a little lighter when chartering with us, please contact the Boatbookings team today. 

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