HIGHLANDER – The Forbes Family Superyacht enters the Charter Market!

HIGHLANDER, built in 1986 for Malcolm Forbes, the editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine boasts entertaining celebrity guests such as Ronald Regan, Baroness Thatcher, Liz Taylor and Sir Paul McCartney. Previously based on the East Coast of the US, offering famous “money tours” with her money-green hull, HIGHLANDER is now available for charter on the French Riviera.

Recently acquired by American financier Roberto di Guardiola, who has extensively re-fitted the yacht in a hugely sympathetic manner, she now feels like a yacht of the modern day but still boasts the prowess and tour de force of those who have walked her beautiful teak decks. Following Malcolm’s death in the 1990s, his son Scott recalled entertaining the late Baroness Thatcher and her husband Denis when he was seeking Republican Presidential candidate nomination in 2000.

Admittedly it’s easy to see why heritage alone may tempt you into chartering HIGHLANDER but with a new offering of 162-feet of living space, a classic tender, expansive sundecks, gym facilities and an outstanding design including her freshly painted dark and dominating hull she sells herself even without reeling off her impressive CV of guests.

For more information on this stunning super yacht like no other contact us today.

Posted on July 10, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Thailand remains one of our top charter destinations. Find out why from our regional expert Kevin

Boatbookings.com expert in South East Asia, Kevin has given us an update on the situation in Thailand, read on to find out why Thailand is still a safe and breathtaking charter destination.

Kevin has lived in South East Asia for 12 years now, and has visited Thailand countless times over the years. Thailand is the country that he never tires of visiting. In particular the great scenery and food, happy, smiling people, nice beaches, good water sports are what makes it a special place. It really does have everything as a holiday destination, both sailing and non-sailing according to Kevin.

In light of recent events Kevin has spoken to many personal friends and Boatbookings suppliers and yacht owners over the last couple of weeks, to try to get a sense of what might happen going forward. Many of those people have lived in Thailand for many years, and have lived there through previous periods of instability.

Kevin points out that a coup or martial law in Thailand, is not the same as it would be in many other countries. It is more like a change of government, and most prople just get on with their daily lives. He notes that you can see a few soldiers on the streets of Bangkok, but in the tourist destinations you would not know anything out of the ordinary was going on.

From a tourist’s perspective, here are a few comments Kevin has received:

Tourism is rarely affected by these types of events. The exception to that was the airport closure in 2010, and no-one believes that will be allowed to happen again.

Government advisory announcements are always excessive. They have to be. Most government advisory notices over the last 6 months have said “don’t go to the protest sites”, rather than, “don’t go to Thailand”.

Airports, taxis, hotels, shopping malls, and tourism related services are all operating as normal.

The overnight curfew that was announced 2 weeks ago has been lifted in all sailing destinations, including Phuket, Koh Chang and Pattaya.

Yacht charter guests arriving as normal and sailing as normal.

In short, come and enjoy Thailand and enquire today!

For further reading:

You can see regular updates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand on their website:

https://www.tatnews.org

An open letter written by highly respected US born entrepreneur in Thailand:

https://phuketwan.com/tourism/open-letter-coup-nobody-wanted-thailand-needed-20444/

Posted on June 11, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

INDULGING on a Day Charter on the French Riviera!

Charles, Cordy and Tom from the Boatbookings.com team in the South of France were lucky enough to enjoy a day out on INDULGENCE OF POOLE yesterday, a beautifully maintained Mangusta 86 motor yacht based in the heart of the Old Port of Cannes. Following our day out, we cannot recommend her highly enough for day, weekend and week-long charters on the French Riviera and in surrounding areas.

The team were warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic captain Yanko and his partner and chief stewardess, fresh canapés and some lovely wines were enjoyed following a viewing of the two large master and VIP cabins with double beds and two further twin cabins, comfortably accommodating two. INDULGENCE is also perfect for meetings with her large saloon and separate dining area seating 12 for a more formal venue. On the aft deck, they said goodbye to Cannes on a beautiful Monday morning and sped along the coast to the beautiful bay of Theoule where we anchored for the day. A delicious lunch onboard was enjoyed by all – the refreshing classic of Parma ham and melon, followed beautifully roasted chicken with garlic purée and chocolate cheesecake with crème anglaise to finish!

After soaking up the sun, taking a swim and enjoying the extensive water sports inventory we headed back to Cannes where Yanko showed us that INDULGENCE can match the newer Mangusta cruising at an impressive 29 knots! A thrill for everyone, whilst enjoying the comfort of a much larger yacht.

We cannot recommend INDULGENCE OF POOLE enough for your family vacations on the French Riviera this summer, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on her all-inclusive packages.

Posted on June 3, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

A Fortunate Stroke of SERENDIPITY on the Charter Market!

Here at Boatbookings.com we love Sunseekers, and the 37 metre model is without a doubt one of our favourites. Offering three enormous decks of space whilst maintaining sporty Sunseeker pedigree, these flagship models have been iconic of the Sunseeker brand for the past few years and rightly so as they have been immensely popular among owners and charter guests alike. Unfortunately as of late some of our favourites have disappeared from the charter market, DEVOCEAN causing great upset with her disappearance this spring. Just like all the other clouds, there is a silver lining here – SERENDIPITY is a stunning 2009 version of the 37m Sunseeker now available for charter.

She offers unrivalled cabin volume for her size, accommodating 12 comfortably in 2 master suites, 2 further doubles and 2 twins. With this SERENDIPITY offers excellent flexibility for two families to get together and charter this beautiful yacht. Outside she has as expected many dining options, as well as a huge sundeck bar, just a stone’s throw from the large jacuzzi and sunbathing area.

The interior is full of rich colours, matched with huge windows flooding the yacht with a positive feeling and plenty of natural light. Stand-out patterning on the carpet is a highlight for us, making the cabins feel large and spacious with huge energy levels.

SERENDIPITY is available late June in the West Mediterranean, moving East for August and September. The charter fees are at €105,000 – €125,000 per week plus expenses, unrivalled for her accommodation, age and style. Contact us today for more information.

Posted on May 30, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Join the Stars at the Cannes Film Festival!

The stars have arrived, champagne corks are popping and fireworks light the night sky. The Cannes Film Festival 2014 is very much underway. The latest news from the red carpet is that, amongst the star studded line-up of Nicole Kidman, in town promoting the centre-piece of the festival “Grace of Monaco”, Cate Blanchett and the notorious lothario, Dan Bilzerian, Blake Lively is stealing the show, embodying Bardot, South of France sex appeal in Chanel Coutour.

Widely regarded as the start of the season, with the festival in full flow, Cannes is absolutely buzzing. With the lion’s share of the wild parties taking place in the Old Port, there is no better way to experience there is no better way to experience the Film Festival than on a yacht. There is still availability on some amazing yachts, including CLARA ONE, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Boatbookings team and get yourself down to Cannes.

The stunning 31 metre, Arno Leopard, ALEON is similarly available for charter immediately. Stunning, sporty lines make her really stand out from the crowd while her top speed of 43 knots leaves a day out in St Tropez or a night out in Monaco just a short cruise away.

The open aft deck is superb. The huge sunpad is the best place to show off your sexy tan either while cruising or while at anchor. Further seating provides the opportunity to dine al fresco or just sit back, relax and let lazy afternoons melt away. With a further sunpad located on the forward deck, there is enough space for all of your guests to find their favourite spot, spread out and relax.

Her interior is refined, elegant and contemporary and, with a permanent berth amongst some of the French Riviera‘s most stunning yachts in Cannes‘ Port Canto, she is a great choice for a charter this summer. With the Boatbookings team based in Cannes, there is nobody better placed to get you the best deal onyour dream charter in the South of France.

Posted on May 16, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓