Superyacht builder Kingship is set to reveal details about cutting-edge new designs at the Monaco Yacht Show. The Hong Kong shipyard is working with Donald Starkey and Azure Naval Architects in the design and development of a 156-foot megayacht. The profile reflects a striking yet subtle juxtaposition of classic and futuristic lines. While plumb bow hull design is a recent trend, it actually originated in classic commuter yacht design.

The plumb bow, circular port lights on the forward main deck and sweeping sheer line are reminiscent of the Golden Age of yachting. These elements integrated with a very futuristic dynamism of exterior styling succeed in producing what Kingship terms a “modern gentleman’s yacht”.

The general arrangement features six suites, spacious lounges and plentiful deck spaces for entertaining including a partially shaded sun deck with a bar/dining area and sizeable Jacuzzi on the forward sunning area.

Kingship also raises the bar on efficient long-range explorers, an increasingly popular alternative to the classic white yacht. The HT116’Explorer reaches a maximum speed of 13 knots with a 7,000Nm range. Two additional models in the series, a 148-footer and an 87-footer, are new versions that vary little other than in size. All three incorporate a novel stabilization system at anchor based on two non-retractable fins.

Feadship anticipates making a big splash at their debut at the Cannes International Yacht and Boat Show this September 8-13, with plans to reveal the newest build in the SL39 modular series, the 128-foot luxury charter yacht GO.

GO is a superb Feadship charter yacht featuring stylish interiors, a variety of outdoor living areas and an extremely attentive crew. The pre-determined hull construction, technical systems and equipment of the series insure extraordinary seaworthy capability synonymous with the brand. Completely customized above the waterline, modern interiors are characterized by bright spaces and a relaxing earth-tone palette.

Among the notable features that contribute to make GO an exquisite charter yacht is the clever flexibility of space. The modular sofa in the main salon rotates to enjoy panoramic ocean views aft or a flick on the state-of-the-art entertainment system. On the lower deck, two of the four guest suites can be reconfigured as full-beam VIP suites. The bridge deck features adaptable seating and a quadruple sliding door that joins interior and exterior areas.

After debuting in Cannes, GO will join larger Feadship yachts on display at the Monaco show. Currently for sale, GO is available for summer charter in the Mediterranean and winter in the Caribbean. This exciting luxury yacht promises to be extremely popular on the charter circuit, especially over the holidays. Contact a Boatbookings professional now to reserve this splendid yacht for an incomparable yachting experience.

LOA: 128’

Beam: 30’

Draft: 9’

Fuel: 10,568 GAL.

Water: 3,170 Gal.

Engines: MTU 12V 2000 M70

Maximum speed: 14 knots

Guests: 10 in 5 cabins

Crew: 7

Although a relative newcomer in the shipbuilding business, Dunya Yachts is certain to command significant attention at their Monaco Yacht Show display this year. Cutting-edge designs from the yard include a 213’ eco yacht, designed to incorporate the latest trends in green technology, two 236’ yachts under construction and a 289-footer in the works.

236′ Red Square has a voluminous six-deck floor plan with notable features that include a health and beauty spa, a sea-level gymnasium, a sizeable swimming pool, sweeping 50-foot balconies and a dedicated owner’s deck. Interiors by celebrated designer Alberto Pinto juxtapose modernism with Old World elegance to achieve a plush yet vibrant style. Also under construction at the yard is 236’ Warrior, described with even greater interior volume. Both yachts are scheduled for launch next year.

Visually even more radical is 289′ Blade, an appropriate monicker given her dramatic axe-bow. The design represents a collaboration between Dunya Yachts and renowned Ken Freivokh Design. The use of unprecedented amounts of glass results in a daring profile and stunning, ultramodern interiors. A triple-height glass atrium, all-glass swimming pool, seamless panoramic windows and seven guest suites that can be converted to create additional cabins are a few of Blade’s innovative features.

Dunya Yachts is located in Istanbul Turkey, a country that has witnessed tremendous growth in the past decade in yacht design, build and repair. The well-equipped shipyard sprawls over 330,000 square feet including sheds, construction halls and boasts the only climate-controlled dry dock in the country. The shipyard exhibit at the Monaco Yacht Show will be situated at stand QC13 on the Quai Chicane. Please contact Esra Tarlan PR & Marketing of Dunya Yachts for additional information.

Several members of the Boatbookings.com staff live on the French Riviera.  We’ve been compiling some of their insider tips to get the most out of your time on the Riviera!

- If you want a great place to sit outside in the evening, have a nice meal, listen to some music and feel the buzz – go to Juan Les Pins (near Antibes)

- There is a big difference between the town of St Tropez and Pampelonne Beach, where the St Tropez beach clubs are.  You can’t walk between the two. Go to St Tropez town in the morning, shop, see the yachts and have a coffee by the water, then have your skipper take you to Pampelonne Beach for sunning and a long, late afternoon lunch at the Club of your choice.

- You can literally walk right up to many of the world’s largest superyachts on the IYCA (International Yacht Club of Antibes) Pier in Antibes.  Same in Cannes by the Palais des Festivals and in Monaco.

- If you’re near Cannes, anchor between the two Iles Lerins.  It feels a million miles away from the busy town, is great for swimming, and has a gorgeous view of the sunset behind the striking Esterel Rock Formation. That’s what the locals do!

- Don’t even think of driving to St Tropez in July or August between 10 am and 1pm.  You’ll just roast in your car and arrive in a bad mood. That’s why we’re here – take a boat and do it properly!

- There are great places to kayak and swim beneath the beautiful red rocks of the Esterel.  Don’t just power by on the way to St Tropez – take time to enjoy this beautiful area!

Please add more suggestions here on the blog, or on our Facebook page – we’ll be publishing the best on Boatbookings in our French Riviera Section.  Enjoy!

The Cannes Festival de la Plaisance (Cannes Boat Show) this September provides a wonderful opportunity to see many fabulous yachts on display. Among them will be Heesen Yachts’ ninth in the 3700 series, MY Willpower. The yacht, styled by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, derives a particularly impressive presence form her streamlined profile and lustrous Super Jet Black hull.

The goal of interior designer Gabriel Bernardi of was to create a timeless sense of style through the use of interior elements reminiscent of classic yachts. He states, “My inspiration for this interior and most of my interiors in general, is this incredibly sophisticated era between the two world wars, where style and entertainment took position over outward displays of wealth. Craftsmanship, style, beauty and above all charm were important ingredients to life and people had an aesthetic appreciation and were rarely vulgar.”

Although unusual in contemporary interiors, classic yachts featured freestanding furniture that could be rearranged to accommodate varying social situations, from business meetings to cocktail parties. Bernardi reintroduces this functionality with the same high-level sophistication and quality craftsmanship found on storied vessels of the mid-war period.

Despite MY Willpower’s retro aura it is a thoroughly modern yacht. The owner’s suite, located on the main deck, and four guest cabins are located on the lower deck, are beautifully appointed with convenient amenities and ample storage. Exterior social areas include the spacious sundeck with sitting area, wet bar and spa pool. Powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesel engines, MY Willpower can slice through waves at a speedy 31 knots. In addition, VT Naiad, Active trim tab stabilization helps to insure a smooth ride.

LOA: 122’4”

Beam: 24’7”

Draft: 7’2”

Maximum speed: 31 knots

Range: 2,000 nm @ 12 knots

Fuel: 8,700 Gal.

Water: 2,100 Gal.

Hull type: twin screw, hard chine, semi-displacement

Hull and superstructure material: aluminum

Photo Credits: profile René Keuvelaar – shed Dick Holthuis

We will be blogging all the news from the Cannes Boat Show – and if you plan to be there and would like to look at specific charter yachts, please feel free to contact us – we’d love to meet you!

At a recent open house in Fort Lauderdale, Boatbookings was invited to tour 190’ Mi Sueño, launched last month from Trinity Yachts and available for charter in the Western Mediterranean. Mi Sueño incorporates all of the elements of style and design that continue to distinguish Trinity yachts as a very desirable charter brand.

Stewart Bridges of Patrick Knowles was pleased to show us around the spectacularly luxurious yacht. Classically sophisticated interiors integrate an abundance of exotic Honduras Mahogany, Wengé, Maple Burl and Lace Woods. The entry flooring is sumptuously laid out in Cosmos granite with Sahara Gold inlaid border. The entry way also features special storage for close to 500 bottles of wine.

Mi Sueño features accommodations in six generously proportioned ensuite staterooms with an optional smaller seventh cabin, regularly configured as the gym, that is equipped with four Pullmans suitable for staff, nanny or body guards. A two-person wheelchair accessible elevator conveniently services three interior decks.

The split level, full-beam master suite, located on the main deck, measures a voluminous 800 square feet.The king bed, positioned on the upper level, faces an arc of panoramic windows for spectacular 180 degree views. A lounge area with TV is just a couple of steps down and there’s a private office area off to the starboard side.

The yacht is designed with voluminous deck spaces and the flybridge is equipped for touch and go helicopter operations. On the upper level a large Jacuzzi, a small cold water pool and a bar entertainment area beckon outdoor fun. A maximum of 14 guests will enjoy being totally pampered by the expert crew of 16, dedicated to providing the perfect charter experience.

Length Overall: 189.99’

Beam: 33.33’

Draft: 8.01’

Max Speed:19 Cruise Speed: 17 Range: 4,000

Fuel Capacity: 22,002 Gal Water Capacity: 3,500 Gal

Engines: Twin Caterpillar 3516-CHD

Quantum XT Zero Speed Stabilizer

12 days for the price of 10, 30% off, additional catering thrown in for free – we are seeing amazing deals coming across our screens for crewed motor yachts in the French Riviera this summer.

So, during a lull in the World Cup, why not spend a few minutes planning your summer holiday and checking out the amazing specials available?  Mangustas, Sunseekers, even Power Catamarans , of all sizes and configurations are available. Just click on our French Riviera Charter Specials Page to see a listing or contact one of our brokers who know of the best specials available on the market.

We recommend bookng now – many of these specials will go away at the end of June.  We look forward to helping you plan your French Riviera Vacation Holiday this summer!

Katya represents one of those rare instances in which collaboration between the owners, their designer Jean-Claude Canestrelli, and the Delta Design Group, produced a yacht that is superbly luxurious, regally elegant, yet calming and comfortable. The stunning crème color of the ceilings and floors present a sinfully rich backdrop for dark figured khaya veneers, amboina and maple burls, and crotch mahogany woods.

The Owner named the yacht after their adopted Russian daughter, whom the crew adores, and portraits of her are hung throughout the yacht. Her beautifully feminine ensuite cabin is decorated in shades of pink with a bathroom of finely veined green marble, a space to delight any child. Outside areas beckon relaxation; lounging on the bow is a popular pastime with guests, or a leisurely luncheon at the outdoor table for twelve. Families will especially appreciate the well-stocked toy chest that inspires guests of any age to have fun on the water.

Katya accommodates 12 guests in five staterooms and, despite her stately presence, welcomes children onboard.
Length: 151′
Beam: 31′
Draft: 9′ 6″
Stabilizers at Anchor: Yes
Deck Jacuzzi: Yes
Max Speed: 15.5 knots
Cruising Speed: 12.5 knots

We visited the impressive BISTANGO yesterday under cloudy and rainy conditions at the MYBA Charter Show Bistago is a  62meter  Benetti Motor Yacht, making its first appearance  out of the shipyard.

BISTANGO is a state of the art superyacht – sumptuous in every way possible. The word opulent also comes to mind but does not begin to decribe this  amazing yacht. She offers rich luxurious fabrics including leather walls and counter tops stamped in crocodile motif.  Interior design by Mauro Izzo  and the owner himself.  Colours are black, gold, browns and creams. Black and gold leaf trim throughout the yacht with often hand painted gold. This yacht will be appreciated by guests who want the best of the best, as the designers of both the hull and interior have not left out any details and offer creature comforts in every way.

BISTANGO has 5 decks in total with elevators throughout. The upper sun deck has at a 14 person Jacuzzi. The gym has the features of a professional workout room, with a  Power Plate, eliptical and treadmill machines and free weights.

The Skylounge has baby grand piano. The theme has African influences  and is described by the crew as “Versace on Safari”. The outdoor dining table on this deck seats 16.

The Master suite is on the main deck, and offers the most spacious closets we have ever seen on a yacht. It has his and hers bathrooms with a  Turkish bath/shower in “his”. The master bed faces the bow with a 180 degree view.

BISTANGO has 6 cabins accomodating 12 guests, and is staffed by a crew of 14.  Her captain and chef are Australian.  Overall, an amazing yacht!

For further details – feel free to contact us.

The hottest ticket for entertainment during the Monaco Grand Prix is normally the Amber Lounge, where the drivers mix with  supermodels, celebs and champagne. This year should be no different, as the lineup is:

Friday night:
10 Formula One drivers modeling on the Amber Lounge Fashion catwalk

Saturday night:
Girl band Sugababes performing live

Sunday night:
World class DJ Pete Tong spinning the decks for the Formula 1 fraternity

As per our previous post, there are still some stunning yachts with guaranteed berths available for the Grand Prix.  See more info about Monaco Grand Prix Charter here.