With your feet in the sand, sipping on a crisp Provençal rosé, there is no better way to spend your summer than on Pampelonne Beach in St Tropez. For years this beach has been the playground of the rich and famous, attracting partygoers and sun worshippers from all over the world! It is truly a beautiful place to spend a day soaking up the sun and living the simple life of luxury.

Club 55 remains our number one recommendation for St Tropez beach clubs. It has a chilled out yet sophisticated ambience, and this combined with its simple yet delicious food and a welcoming service make it the top destination for yachties and celebrities alike during the summer months.

Tropezina is another fantastic beach hotspot where you can lounge in the sun with a cocktail in hand and while away the afternoon quite happily. Located in the closest position to St Tropez on the Pampelonne Beach, and appearing to be an oasis of white – you can’t miss it!

One of the least known beach clubs in the area and popular with the locals is Les Palmiers. This low-key location is equipped with ample sun loungers and comfortable outdoor furniture with a central dining area, all in all providing the perfect spot for a light and relaxing lunch. Les Palmiers is most definitely a food-oriented beach club; they have an excellent restaurant serving classic French cuisine, with daily specials created with the freshest seafood and agricultural delights that Provence has to offer!

Nikki Beach is quite the contrast to Les Palmiers, with a vibrant environment and party atmosphere! With a vast array of sunbeds lying next to an open-air swimming pool and a scattering of poolside bars, there is always someone on hand to mix you your favourite cocktail. The menu presents a mix of international flavours, from entrecôte to sushi!

Our final suggestion is Bagatelle Beach. Here you can unwind on the chic blue and white loungers and enjoy some of the culinary delights created by their innovative Executive Chef, Nicolas Cantrel.

These beach clubs are extremely popular throughout the summer months, so in order to get the best sun bed spots and lunch time reservations, it is vital to book ahead! Contact one of our Boatbookings brokers today, and we will be happy to make a booking for you at the beach club of your choice, and give you more information about chartering a yacht around the French Riviera.

Biscayne National Park holds a myriad of mysteries, secrets and natural wonders; ranging from jaw-dropping scenery to vast coral reefs, alive and bustling with a full spectrum of tropical fish and other aquatic wildlife- there is a lot more to see than meets the eye!

Biscayne National Park is one of the largest marine parks in the National Park system. Comprised of 95% water as well as a portion of the third largest coral reef in the world, this National Park is almost exclusively accessible by boat. If you really want to see why Biscayne is so widely renowned, you’ll need to get below the surface to really experience this treasure chest of history, nature and an unforgettable display of colour.

The human history of this immense body of water and scattering of islands dates back almost 10,000 years, to the very first Native American settlements and Caribbean societies. Buried amongst the bejeweled coral reefs many meters under the water, or nestled safely within the timeless, emerald forests and twisting maze of mangroves, the history of humanity is embedded into the nature of Biscayne Bay, swallowed up, but not forgotten. Biscayne Bay holds the key to a myriad of secrets, and it’s up to us to find the clues and piece together the puzzle of life.

During the 17th and 18th Century, Biscayne Bay was the centre of operations for a notoriously revered pirate: Black Caesar. The name of Black Caesar resonates throughout history; being the subject of many myths and tales, it is said that Black Caesar had used Elliott Key and Old Rhodes Key as bases for buried treasure that had been seized from North American ships and trade ships of other nationalities. The evidence of major conflicts is laid-bare on the bottom of the ocean in the form of shipwrecks, cannonballs and various other relics, preserved over time, that have been gracefully absorbed into the natural world and transformed into beautifully established, perfectly functioning vibrant coral reefs, alive with a myriad of flashing colours.

Biscayne National Park has something to offer for everyone; from lovers of history, to those who become captivated by the wonders of the natural world, to those who become captivated by the warmth of the sun and the sparkling, golden sand. The Maritime Heritage Trail, preserved carefully by the park rangers, paints an illustration of human history through various nautical skeletons and ancient infrastructure, such as the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, which was built in 1878. This trail is only accessible via boat, so if you want to travel through history then get in touch with us about Miami Day Charters!

What some may see as the biggest attraction of Biscayne National Park can be found absolutely everywhere; under every rock, hidden in every nook and cranny; on land, in the sea and even in the sky… This is referring to the vast range of wildlife that inhabits Biscayne Bay, from the smallest insect to possibly the largest crocodile you will ever see, Biscayne Bay is home to a surprisingly wide variety of animals.

For SCUBA divers, there is an endless list of sealife to be found beneath the surface; ranging from Turtles, Seahorses, Angelfish and Scorpionfish to a myriad of Shark species (including Great White) and the more friendly Dolphins– if you’re lucky you may even bump into a peaceful Manatee, which is a protected species in this National Park, but everywhere you look there’ll be something waiting to catch your eye!

For twitchers (bird watchers to the layman), Biscayne National Park offers an enchanting assortment of bird species; from your Common Loon, to the American Flamingo, to the rather self-descriptive Greater Yellowlegs, to name a few. On land, there is a spectrum of reptiles, butterflies and insects for you to search for, as well as native rodents such as the Key Largo cotton mouse.

Biscayne National Park is perfect for fishermen, photographers, artists, explorers, sunbathers – you can see where this list is going, but most importantly, this secluded island surrounded by a plethora of buried secrets is only accessible by boat. Imagine yourself waking up in the morning on board your own private yacht, stepping out onto the sundeck and enjoying your morning coffee with this tropical paradise as your back garden for the day- it can’t get much better than that!

If, after reading this blog, you’re itching to go on an excursion to see for yourself the breathtaking sights and menagerie of wildlife, we can help you, just drop us a message and we will sort you out with a personalised itinerary.

Catamaran – Lagoon 42

Catamaran – Lagoon 450

PEGASUS

The Lagoon 52

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47

Sun Odyssey 449

Sun Odyssey 509 

Catana 47 catamaran 

Sun Odyssey 349

Oceanis 48

Lagoon 450

The Lagoon 42 

The Bali 4.5 

Oceanis 62

The post Broker Alice’s Top 5 Insights for Your 2019 Charter appeared first on Yacht Charter News and Boating Blog.

The Croatian Adriatic has over 2,000 km of coastline and over 1,000 islands which lie close to the mainland making a perfect destination for a yacht charter in Croatia with easy island hopping in protected waters.

With three diverse national parks along this beautiful coast, there is a lot to explore from the comfort of your charter yacht. Don’t forget, the ever-popular Game of Thrones was filmed in Croatia, so look out for the real-life King’s Landing or even find yourself in the city of Qarth…

Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park is in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea just off Istria and is made up by 14 small, lush islands. These islands are known for their scenic beauty but there is a lot more to this archipelago than meets the eye. Here you can visit a hill fort from the Bronze Age dating to the 14th Century BC, remains of Roman Villas from  the 2nd century BC and the ruins of a Byzantine Palace. The Brijuni islands belonged to Venice from the Middle Ages and stone from the islands quarries were used to build the city’s bridges and palaces.

Kornati National Park

The Kornati Archipelago is located in the northern part of Dalmatia off the mainland from Sibenik, a perfect base to charter your yacht and explore this densest archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The Kornati National Park is made up of 89 of the southern-most islands, islets and reefs of this group of 140 islands often referred to as a nautical paradise. These islands are more rocky and arid than many of the other island groups on the Dalmatian coast but this provides a stunning contrast to the crystal clear waters of this marine sanctuary.

Mljet National Park

Mljet Island is the most southerly and easterly of the larger Dalmatian islands. Pick up your yacht in Dubrovnik and come and explore this extraordinary island rich in history and beautiful scenery. Half of the island is national park and covered by forest and you’ll also find two salt water lakes, joined to the sea by a narrow channel dug by the Benedictine monks. The monks inhabited the island for several centuries and left a monastery on a tiny islet on the lake of Veliko Jeziro, which now houses a restaurant!

Kayak the shorelines or explore the many paths by foot or bicycle or simply enjoy the sights and pristine water from the privacy of your Croatia charter yacht.

Contact us to see some itineraries for chartering in Croatia and find out about our latest deals. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our destinations of the moment and special offers!

The post Which Croatian National Park is for You? appeared first on Yacht Charter News and Boating Blog.

September is nearly upon us which means that two of the biggest and most prestigious Mediterranean regattas are about to take place on the Côte d’Azur. Some of the most exclusive yachts on both the Classic and Modern racing circuits converge on Cannes and St Tropez to race for the coveted trophies and enjoy the post race  entertainment.

Les Regates Royales in Cannes is a sailing tradition which started and took it’s name back in 1929 in honour of King Christian X of Denmark, who skippered his own yacht “Dana” in the Bay of Cannes for the Spring Regatta of the time. Although the event went through a slump from the late 1940s, it was resurrected in 1978 and has gone from strength to strength ever since to become one of the most respected and attended sailing events of the year. Now sponsored by the prestigious watch maker Panerai, Les Regates Royales de Cannes welcomes both amateur and professional sailors from all over the world.

Taking place this year from the 20 – 24th September the 38th Regates Royales promises to be a fantastic spectacle with a line up of stunning classic yachts participating, including Cambria (1928), Moonbeam of Fife (1903) and Moonbeam IV (1914) amongst others.

Following directly on from Cannes is the final and  most prestigious event in the regatta season. Les Voiles de St Tropez, formerly known as the Nioulargue, kicks off from the 24th September to the 2 October and transforms this small, iconic town better known for its chic boutiques and restaurants into a sailing mecca with some of the most renowned yachts in the world moored in the port and anchored in the bay.

Les Voiles de Saint Tropez originated in 1981 with a friendly challenge between a Swan 44 and the 12 metre “Ikra”. The regatta has continued to embrace the mix of modern and classic yachts with boats as old as “Nan of Fife” built in 1896 racing in the Bay of St Tropez alongside modern Wallys. It is this, as well as the stunning location, that gives the regatta such a special feel. This year there are over 200 yachts competing in their different classes with 2 of the J class yachts, Velsheda and Lionheart participating.

You can charter a yacht and watch the event from the water, or stay on dry land and take it all in from the citadel but taking part or just witnessing, this very special event is not to be missed. The atmosphere is electric and the sight of so many yachts under sail in the bay is breathtaking.

Please share your best racing moments with us on Facebook and contact us if you would like more information about how to charter or be involved in these or any other regattas in your area.

The post The French Riviera Under Sail! appeared first on Yacht Charter News and Boating Blog.

The Old Port of Cannes is brimming with sailing yachts both old and new, whilst sailors from every nationality are busily preparing the boats as today kicks off the 38th Régates Royales in the bay of Cannes. Soak up the eclectic atmosphere like a true ‘Cannois’ from one of these bars or restaurants.

Cannes is well renowned for it’s top end selection of amazing bars and restaurants and we would like to share our top picks of places to either watch the racing in style or to rub shoulders in the evenings with sailors, yacht owners and crew after the excitement of the days racing.

The Radisson Blu 360°  Lounge Bar, couldn’t be a better spot! Overlooking both the port and the bay of Cannes this rooftop bar is a modern and stylish place to take in the breathtaking views of the islands and the coastline with the added spectacle of the beautiful classic yachts under full sail racing in the harbour. Try the cocktail of the month “L’imprévu”, a refreshing mix of Vodka Russian Standard, cucumber, vanilla and lime juice and soak up the atmosphere and the view.

There are many great restaurants that line the beaches of Cannes but one of the most chilled out and relaxing with excellent food is Maema on the Plage du Midi. Eat in the restaurant or lie on one of the cosy sun beds and take in the regatta action in unsurpassed comfort!

After racing is over and the boats are back in port you can soak up some of the salty, sea-dog atmosphere in the race village. Most nights there is live music and at the beer tent where the crews and competitors relax after a day on the water there is a festive and informal vibe, with the order of the day being plastic cups of cold beer and lots of friendly rivalry.

The Quays Irish Pub, a stones throw from the race village and always a stopping point for the crew, is another place to enjoy the regatta and hear the post race stories.

Although many of the crew disappear at dinner time to a home cooked meal on board their respective boats, the party atmosphere carries on.  Many bars and restaurants that surround the Old Port are bustling. Have a pizza at the world famous Pizza Cresci – but be prepared to queue to have a taste of their half-pizza!

For any information about the regatta, or how to charter a yacht for a regatta, please contact us. 

If you are participating in the regatta or if you have any great tips about where to eat and drink in Cannes then please share it with us on Facebook.

The post Sail, Wine and Dine during les Régates Royales! appeared first on Yacht Charter News and Boating Blog.

The Greek islands are amongst the top summer yachting destinations. Alas, in July and August the strong Northern Meltemi winds that blow in the Aegean Sea can render Mykonos and the surrounding Cyclades islands unpleasant if one does not have strong sea-legs.

Assuming the charter starts and finishes in Athens, you can avoid these winds by heading to the Saronic Gulf and the Eastern Peloponnese Coast. Both of these areas lie to the south of the mountainous Athens peninsula, and the mountains deflect the Northern Meltemi wind. So why not make the most of the lovely and calm summer weather and charter one of our luxury sailing yachts around the Saronic Islands! Below is an example 7 day itinerary of what you could experience:

Day 1: Poros Island

 Just 25 miles from Athens, you can find everything that the Greek islands are famous for: sandy beaches, clear waters and a dandelion coastline: Poros has a lively little port, ideal for an evening stroll along the pier and a drink in one of the many bars.

Day 2: Spetses Island:

Continue your exploration of the Saronic Gulf by visiting its most famous island! Spetses is a VIP hotspot combining top restaurants, vivid nightlife and an assortment of lovely beaches. The island is covered with a pine forest and in many places the trees reach up to the beach – a pleasant contrast to the usually arid scenery of the Greek Islands.

Day 3: Monemvasia

Monemvasia is a rocky peninsula in the South Eastern part of Peloponissos, just 2 hours cruising from Spetses from Athens. The peninsula is covered by a medieval fortress-town, much like Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, without the tides and with much warmer weather! There’s only one narrow stretch of land connecting the mainland to Monemvasia. Of special interest in the area is Malvasia; a sweet white wine made of sun-dried vines that has been locally produced since the middle ages and bearing the Latin name of Monemvasia.

Day 4: Gerakas – Kipparisi

The port of Gerakas is unique for being the only deep water “fjord” in Peloponese: a narrow entrance on the coastal cliffs leads to a protected little port that used to be a pirate’s lair many centuries ago. After visiting Gerakas, you will head to Kiparissi, a lovely little port with the bluest waters!

Day 5: Porto Heli

After a couple of tranquil nights, it’s time to head to a busy spot! Porto Heli is another jet-set area, with the only 6 star hotel in Greece, a Nikki Beach club/hotel and the sandiest and most turquoise beaches!

Day 6: Hydra Island:

The lovely little port of Hydra has preserved its 18th-century architectural style, complete with a waterfront bastion and rows of beautifull stone houses. This is a great place for foodies as there are many high-end restaurants where you can find some tempting greek dishes.

Day 7: Aegina Island

Spend your last night in Aegina Island, only a 1 hour cruise from Athens, yet so tranquil! Aegina is surrounded by smaller uninhabited islets, perfect for your last swim before your return to Athens.

If this itinerary has tempted you to start planning a luxury yacht charter around the Saronic Gulf Islands and Peloponnese coast, contact one of our brokers today and we can help you make the most of your trip!

The post Saronic Islands Itinerary: Lovely islands and calm weather! appeared first on Yacht Charter News and Boating Blog.

In previous articles we have covered the pristine beauty and historic treasures of Croatia and the stunning Dalmatian coastline, but another reason to charter in this part of the world is the incredible selection of bars and restaurants, where you can while away the days or evenings sampling the local fare. With a multitude of options, I will concentrate on a couple of our clients favourite spots from Split to Hvar.

The Dvor restaurant, about a 20 minute walk from the old town of Split is not to be missed. Either kick start your week sailing with dinner the evening before you pick up your charter yacht, or treat yourself to lunch after dropping your yacht back at base. This waterfront restaurant serves consistently excellent local dishes on the beautiful garden terrace overlooking the bay. This place is popular so be sure to book to ensure a table!

Just nine nautical miles from Split is the beautiful, small island of Solta. You can either pick up your charter yacht on Solta or sail across the bay, but whichever way you do it, your first evening stop should be Sesula Bay, just south of Maslinica and dinner at Sismis Restaurant and Wine Bar. The staff will help you moor just outside the restaurant and you will truly feel like you are on holiday, sitting with a glass of crisp Croatian wine, ordering local dishes, soaking up the atmosphere with your charter yacht “parked” outside.

Brac Island is renowned for it bustling, busy vibe in the heart of the summer and there are many restaurants, bars and cafés on the coast to cater for all the visitors. Why not explore the interior and stop for lunch at the hidden gem of Konoba Nono Ban? Escape the midday heat and get comfortable on the terrace under the olive trees and enjoy some local ‘Peka’. This delicious and traditional way of cooking essentially bakes meat or fish and potatoes and vegetables under a steel ‘bell’ in the open fire.

Tucked away in a cobbled back street of historic Hvar is a burger bar to rival the best of New York City or Los Angeles, making 50 a burger and champagne bar worthy of a visit. The owners boast that every ingredient apart from the ketchup is handmade and you can definitely taste the attention to detail. Try a grilled octopus burger served with polenta fries or the Hvar beef burger with truffle fries, washed down with a cold glass of something bubbly and you will not be disappointed!

We would love to hear about some of your favourite places to eat and drink as you cruise the Dalmation coastline so please let share them with us on Facebook and contact us if you would like any information about chartering a yacht in Croatia.

The post Wine and Dine As You Sail Croatia appeared first on Yacht Charter News and Boating Blog.

Greek cuisine offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods and beverages that are the result of thousands of years of living, cooking, and eating. Greek gastronomy is known for its simple and elegant flavors, quality ingredients and nutritious and healthy content. It is a journey through Greece‘s history and the culinary influences that were left by numerous invasions, be them Roman, Venetian, Balkan, Turk…even English.

One of the many joys to be found in chartering a yacht in Greece is not just relaxing in such a tranquil area on your luxury yacht, but also being able to discover, taste, and experience the unique local Greek cuisine. On your yacht you might choose to charter in any number of fantastic areas, be it around Corfu and the Ionian Islands, Mykonos and the Cyclades Islands, Skiathos in the Sporades Islands or Kos in the Dodecanese Islands, but each of these areas and indeed each island in Greece has its own unique cultural heritage and cuisine.

The Sporades islands for example are well known for their use of dairy products and produce the most delectable spoon sweets and thyme honey. The local cheese pie and lobster and spaghetti are highly recommended!

The Cyclades islands are known for their charcuterie tradition while the Ionian islands retain more of a western European influence in its cuisine as it was the only area not be be conquered by the Ottomans in the 15th century. It  is known for its braised veal sofrito, an exquisite dish flavored with garlic, parsley, and vinegar, its Semolina pie with almonds or perhaps its delicious spiced fig cakes.

The Dodecanese islands boasts a host of dishes based on bread and grains with bulgur and cracked wheat claiming a prominent place. Look out for delicious local dish of home-made pasta with caramelized onions that the islanders make throughout most of the Dodecanese! However, regardless of where you are on your yacht charter, you will come across some of the more famous Greek dishes such as the stuffed Paschal lamb and sun-dried octopus.

Our expert broker, Lambros Tsolakis, knows everything there is to know about the best greek delicacies. Varoulko Seaside, Funky Gourmet and Bill & Coo are his top 3 recommendations! At Boatbookings, we have years of charter experience in Greece and intimate knowledge of the yachts and the best places to go. Enquire today for a bespoke proposal.

The post The Very Best of Greek Gastronomy appeared first on Yacht Charter News and Boating Blog.

Before or after your yacht charter in Croatia, a visit to Split should most definitely be on your to-do list. Most of the surrounding ports in Split are only a 10-15 minute taxi from the beautiful city of Split.

Sailing into Split, catching sunsets and watching dolphins.

Restaurants and Bars

Hidden in underground chambers or on beautiful Venetian streets, there is a wide variety of restaurants for everyone in Split. Traditional Croatian food and contemporary fine dining is both available throughout the city. Be sure to visit the palace for some live music, Croatian wine and historical underground tours. Anthony Bourdain once stated that ‘Croatia is the next great thing. If you have not been there, you are… an idiot! I am an idiot’.

Bokeria

Grilled Octopus, traditional lamb shank, truffle pasta, and cuttlefish are some of the best options from this fabulous restaurant. This restaurant is most definitely worth a visit pre or post charter.

The History behind Europe’s Venetian Capital

The story behind Split is one of the most diverse in Europe. The story resonates from Greek settlement in the 3rd century followed by a Roman invasion and taken by Venetian rule in the late 14th century. Venetian architecture can still be seen all over the city. The infamous Venetian Palace was constructed and the city grew around the palace walls.

After the world war, Croatia was transformed into Yugoslavia and this city experienced industrial growth alongside a large shipbuilding industry and a very dynamic port. Despite the destruction caused to Croatia during the Yugoslavian war in the 1990’s however, soon lost its industrial hold during the years following the liberation. The main industry now in Split is tourism. The city is full of hidden gems, beautiful hikes, beach clubs and some of Europe’s most fascinating architecture.

Get in contact with one of the Boatbookings Broker’s to find out more about your net yacht charter in Split.

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