How To Inspire the Next Generation of Boaters to Protect Our Oceans

When it comes to saving our oceans and helping the boating industry become more sustainable, we must look not only to solutions but also to the next generation to help promote and action positive change. This element of collective responsibility is what we at Boatbookings believe is vital. We must inspire and empower the next generation of boaters to become advocates for the future of our oceans.

Why Are the Oceans Vital?

Before we can inspire the next generation, why are we doing so? The oceans are not just simply large expanses of water; they cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface. Not only do they regulate our climate, they generate the oxygen we breathe, provide a livelihood for millions, and play host to a diverse array of marine life. The well-being of our oceans is directly linked to our own. They also make a fantastic playground for our crewed charter catamarans at Boatbookings!

So, how do we promote and inspire change?

Education & Awareness

The next generation has grown up learning about climate change, and this education is so important in their understanding of the impact of various issues our population is having. With increased education and awareness surrounding ocean conservation, the next generation will appreciate the urgency of the need for change.

Use of Technology

In our digital world, the next generation harnesses technology in everything they do, which is why it is an essential tool for inspiring them. Platforms such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and online platforms can bring the issues to life, making learning more immersive. Sharing this information via social media platforms can help foster a collaborative and interconnected approach to ocean conservation. Digital tools can also help facilitate real-time monitoring of environmental changes.

Encourage Better Practices

Teaching better practices from a young age is essential in ingraining a culture of sustainability. Introducing eco-friendly habits, such as responsible fishing and reducing single-use plastics onboard, can help shape a more environmentally conscious population.

Get Them Involved

Whether it be beach cleans, marine life surveys, or other conservation projects worldwide, there are various ways to actively get younger boaters involved in protecting the oceans. Not only will this help the next generation see where change is needed most, but they will also contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts.

Inspiring this next generation of boaters is about preserving the oceans for the future and cultivating a mindset of responsibility. By combining education, technology, sustainable practices, and active involvement, we can all empower younger boaters to be the driving force behind positive change, ensuring the health of our oceans. Contact the Boatbookings team to discuss our greener luxury yacht charter options available worldwide and year-round.

Posted on January 17, 2024 by admin

The Top 4 Greener Luxury Yachts To Charter in 2024

Chartering luxury yachts no longer requires compromising eco-conscious values for luxury. At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves in offering a wide range of greener, crewed catamaran charters in various locations, suiting varying needs.

As the world and the boating industry set their sights on creating a more sustainable future, looking at greener ways of exploring our oceans is vital. From harnessing greener propulsion and integrating eco-conscious materials to offering less fuel-guzzling activities, plenty of luxury yachts are out there championing a greener vacation.

Here are our favorite greener crewed catamarans for charter in 2024:

1. Sol

This Sunreef 80 was new on the luxury yacht charter market last year, and we are excited to be offering her for this season in the Caribbean. Whether you want to cruise the BVIs, USVIs, or The Bahamas, you can do so on this Sunreef Eco 80 while ensuring you have a minimal impact on our oceans. She can accommodate up to 8 guests and offers a range of eco-conscious and wellness activities such as yoga, paddle boarding, and many other toys. Sol is powered by an electric propulsion system and the integrated Sunreef solar paneling technology. She is also furnished with eco-friendly materials. Contact the Boatbookings team today to enjoy a greener luxury yacht charter in the Caribbean onboard Sol.

2. Silent Dream

Aptly named after catamaran builder Silent Yachts, Silent Dream is a 60 fully electric-powered catamaran accommodating up to 6 guests. She cruises silently, resulting in zero emissions with her battery banks and solar panels. Silent Dream has an extensive range of eco-conscious water toys, from snorkeling to kayaking and paddleboarding. Why not hop aboard her in Sardinia this summer? Contact the Boatbookings team today to enjoy a greener luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean onboard Silent Dream.

3. Tiril

Another yacht from the Sunreef Eco line, but this time slightly smaller. Tiril, Sunreef 50, is perfect for those wanting to get off the beaten track while maintaining a lighter carbon footprint. She is fitted with the Sunreef solar panels. Available to charter throughout the Pacific islands, Tiril will also keep you cool in these tropical locations as she boasts a revolutionary air conditioning system that is energy efficient. Contact the Boatbookings team today to enjoy a greener luxury yacht charter in the Pacific onboard Tiril.

4. Nemo

This Nautitech 47 greener crewed catamaran can accommodate up to 10 guests and is perfect for sailing around the BVIs. She runs on practically 100% sustainable energy with her two wind turbines and solar panels. Enjoy some alfresco dining of fresh seafood on the aft deck with the onboard BBQ. Contact the Boatbookings team today to enjoy a greener luxury yacht charter in the Caribbean onboard Nemo.

These greener crewed charter catamarans are just a small selection of what we offer at Boatbookings for 2024. Whether you want to charter in the Caribbean, the South Pacific, or the Mediterranean, we have the perfect option for you to ensure you minimize your carbon footprint and impact on our oceans. Contact the Boatbookings team to enjoy a New Year full of responsible luxury yacht charters.

Posted on January 10, 2024 by admin

10 Things You Can Do This New Year To Help Protect Our Oceans

The dawn of the New Year is the perfect time to think about what changes we can make to improve the boating industry and our oceans in 2024. At Boatbookings, we wholeheartedly support sustainable initiatives and greener chartering to improve the future and protect the oceans and marine environments.

Here are some of the ways you can help reduce your impact and contribute to a healthier future for our seas in 2024 and beyond:

1. Reduce Single-Use Plastics

It’s an age-old problem, but it’s still a problem. A truck full of plastic is dumped into our oceans every minute. While steps have been taken to combat the issue, it is still a huge issue, and there are various ways to reduce and eliminate using single-use plastics. Many countries have also stepped up to ban single-use plastics.

2. Participate in Cleanups

Worldwide, there are plenty of initiatives that you can join or even organize, coastal cleanups in your community to address ocean pollution and trash directly. Document the types of waste you collect to help contribute to valuable research data and policy initiatives.

3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Opt for energy-efficient appliances and support renewable energy sources and advice for policies that address climate change. At Boatbookings, we use our carbon emissions calculator to measure emissions and offset.

4. Educate Yourself

Stay informed about ocean-related issues, such as coral bleaching, acidification, and biodiversity loss. Sharing your knowledge with friends, family, and social media platforms can help raise awareness.

5. Minimize Chemical Usage

Our products ultimately end up in the ocean, so we must consider what we are using and choose eco-friendly cleaning products that prevent harmful chemicals from entering marine environments.

6. Support Sustainable Seafood

Overfishing is a serious threat to our oceans. To help combat this, be informed about your seafood choices using tools like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

7. Be An Ocean Ambassador

This New Year, why not contribute to marine conservation research? There are various citizen marine science projects to get involved in; one organization facilitating this is the International SeaKeepers.

8. Support Ocean-Friendly Businesses

Plenty of businesses and brands prioritize sustainable and ocean-friendly practices. Whether directly helping solve problems through innovative solutions or donating profits to marine conservation, supporting these brands will help protect our oceans.

9. Use Reef-Safe Products

A lot of suncreams and toiletry products we use are causing harm to our marine environments. When you are on your next crewed charter catamaran, use reef-friendly sunscreens. A lot of ingredients in sunscreens are toxic to aquatic life and coral reefs. Plenty of brands now produce suncream without these ingredients, so you can dive into the Caribbean on vacation without causing damage.

10. Take Greener Vacations

Responsible boating is fundamental to the health of our oceans; at Boatbookings, we offer greener crewed charter catamarans to help minimize your impact when going on a luxury yacht charter.

No matter how small, every positive action and change you make in the New Year will contribute to the larger effort of saving our oceans. We can move toward a more sustainable boating industry by collectively adopting these changes. Contact one of the team at Boatbookings to discuss your 2024 greener crewed charter catamaran vacation.

Posted on January 3, 2024 by admin

METSTRADE 2023 Updates: The Waves of Decarbonization

Decarbonization is an issue of high priority within the boating sector. At Boatbookings, we are passionate about this dynamic topic, regularly staying ahead of the developments and innovations working to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

At this year’s METSTRADE show in Amsterdam, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) presented their latest report, ‘Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonization for the Recreational Marine Industry.’

The Report

This comprehensive report focuses on boats under 24 meters. It outlines a strategic portfolio of technologies to propel the recreational marine industry toward a greener future.

The research investigated propulsion technologies across nine common recreational watercraft, evaluating the impact on lifetime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, financial costs, usability, performance, range, and infrastructure.

The technologies examined included battery electric, hybrid electric, hydrogen, and internal combustion engines (ICE) with sustainable marine fuels and traditional diesel engines.

Main Findings

It emphasized the need for diverse solutions in the quest to reduce carbon emissions. Noting that 80% of a car’s environmental impact is in its usage, a far higher proportion of a boat’s environmental impact comes from its manufacture – as high as 50%. Given the unique on-water environments and varied interests of boats, the study suggests a one-size-fits-all approach is not feasible. Instead, the sector must consider a range of technologies.

Among findings, sustainable liquid marine fuels, such as renewable drop-in fuels, emerge as a highly promising energy source for decarbonizing boats by 2035, potentially reducing emissions by 90%.

Hydrogen also stands out as a potential source for emissions reduction, provided the production process is optimized.

Electric propulsion, while part of the strategy, is stated not to be universally suitable for all types of craft and use cases.

Hybrid boats that use electric motors and ICEs powered by liquid fuels offer the potential to reduce emissions from boats in certain scenarios – boats used for longer periods and over greater distances. Hybrid technology provides the most potential for emissions reduction for charter.

Report Recommendations

The report recommendations included the following:

1. Adoption of a technology-neutral decarbonization approach for marine environments.

2. Acceleration of the development and distribution of sustainable marine fuels, supported by educational campaigns.

3. Collaboration between consumer safety, government entities, and recreational marine industry to establish marine electric technology and safety protocols.

4. Expansion of R&D tax credits and investments to improve electric battery density and hydrogen research applicable to maritime.

5. Continued research to evaluate existing and emerging technologies and optimal application.

No Easy Answer

While an interesting report, there are evidently various connected factors that will prove influential in the coming years. These include innovative products, new technologies, changes in consumer behavior, improvements in recyclability, the reuse of materials, emerging battery technologies, and the availability of these sustainable fuels.

To read the report in full, visit propellingourfuture.com. If you’re interested in chartering a greener crewed charter catamaran in the Caribbean this winter, contact one of the Boatbookings team today.

Posted on December 7, 2023 by admin

Responsible Sailing: How to Embrace Greener Boating Using the 4 ‘R’s’

Not only are we passionate about bringing you an unforgettable crewed charter catamaran and barefoot charter catamaran experiences, but we also want to help you partake in responsible sailing and protect our oceans.

Greener Boating

At its core, to have a more sustainable boating industry is about minimizing the negative impacts on the environment and maximizing the benefits for everyone involved. One aspect of this mission of greener chartering is to promote and incorporate the ‘R’s throughout our entire operation and growing fleet.

These ‘R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle – provide a roadmap for achieving these goals. We take a look into this framework that are the cornerstones to sustainability with regards to Boatbookings:

Reduce

The first ‘R’ is all about how you can reduce your environmental impact. At Boatbookings, we have made conscious choices to offer a range of greener crewed catamaran charters for you to choose from. We prioritize the selection of yachts we offer to ensure they are showcasing more sustainable technology, ensuring lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. We aim to provide options from catamaran builders such as Silent Yachts, Sunreef Eco, and Fountaine Pajot.

But our commitment to reducing doesn’t stop there. Our carbon emissions calculator helps us assess and continually improve our environmental practices.

We advocate for our operators to reduce the amount of waste and pollution while promoting eco-friendly brands. We also encourage our clients and yachts to reduce speed, especially when sailing near vulnerable marine life habitats. Going slow reduces impact and enables clients to soak up the ocean’s magic.

Reuse

We ensure that our crewed charter partners regularly maintain and service their fleets to ensure longevity and reduce the need for unnecessary repairs. We also work with partners who are aligned with sustainable practices that reduce resource consumption and waste generation.

Repurpose

At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves on promoting repurposing by collaborating with companies that repurpose marine waste into innovative products, contributing to a more circular economy.

We want to raise more awareness about the critical issue of marine pollution that our oceans face. Education is essential in changing consumer behavior and inspiring a new sense of responsibility.

Recycle

The final ‘R’ is recycling, which you are probably already familiar with. We advocate responsible recycling throughout our operators and clients. We are always looking for better recycling initiatives within marinas worldwide to facilitate easier recycling for our clients.

Responsible chartering is an integral part of experiencing the beauty of our oceans. By promoting these ‘R’s, we are not only committed to reducing the environmental impact of our selected fleet but also dedicated to creating eco-conscious charter experiences for our clients.

Posted on November 16, 2023 by admin