FLIR thermal cameras are fast becoming ubiquitous in the marine industry, providing images for a variety of applications from footage on the TV series “Deadliest Catch” to human scanners onboard cruise ships designed to detect disease.

The T300 and T400 Series thermal navigation cameras, which will be available as of today, allow boaters to navigate safely and confidently, seeing obstructions, buoys, and other vessels in total darkness or foul weather conditions.

The cameras can be fully integrated into the navigation system at the helm for easy access to imagery alongside the chartplotter, fishfinder, and radar navigation displays. The optional remote joystick control unit allows captains to navigate with thermal imagery from the main helm, or a remote navigation station.

The T300 Series thermal navigation cameras offer a single thermal imaging sensor while the T400 Series (pictured above) features both a thermal imaging camera, and a high-performance lowlight video camera. The marine-grade enclosure provides 360°pan and 90° tilt capability for complete coverage from horizon to horizon.

If you are planning to dive or snorkel the reefs on your next charter voyage to the Caribbean, Bahamas or Florida Keys you may encounter the astonishingly beautiful lionfish. Beware, the graceful profusion of colorful fins belies venomous spines that, although not known to be fatal, are extremely painful and can (rarely) come with severe complications. In addition, some scientists consider them as one of the top 15 threats to biodiversity worldwide.

Lionfish are native to the Indo-Pacific region but in recent decades have invaded the waters of the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the east coast of the Americas as far north as Rhode Island, and as far south as Columbia. Their infiltration is likely the result of releases from tanks of saltwater hobbyists. With few known natural enemies, lionfish present a major threat to coral reef ecosystems as predators and competitors for food.

Humans are becoming the most lethal threat to date, as the fish emerges as a gourmet delicacy. Facebook groups promoting lionfish consumption include “I Spear Lionfish,” “Lionfish Derby” and “Eat the Lionfish.” According to an article published by the Washington Post, July 7, 2010, chefs, spear fisherman and seafood distributors are plotting to eat the fish out of non-native existence. The REEF Environmental Education Foundation, a leading organization in the research and development of lionfish control programs, is preparing to publish a cookbook this fall on how to prepare the lionfish, described with a flavor between snapper and grouper.

What you should you do if you see the foot-long lionfish? They are glamorous and peaceful creatures, so use the photo opportunity. Otherwise, unless you are a savvy fisherman, or have the proper training and equipment, leave it alone but report the sighting location to the local island authorities and/or REEF when you surface.

Photo credit: REEF

Visit REEF Environmental Education Foundation: www.reef.org/lionfish

Lionfish Recipes: www.lionfishhunter.com/Lionfish%20Recipes.html

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/06/AR2010070601003.htm

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!

Whatever type of bareboat charter you plan in the Bahamas or Caribbean  you’ll want to impress family and friends with this enticing yet simple dish. The recipe is provided exclusively to Boatbookings clients by Lisa Sellers, executive chef at Peter Island Resort. Be a gourmet chef on your next charter by using the cornucopia of fresh ingredients locally available in paradise.

Chef Sellers’ Signature Shrimp Dish

Lemongrass infused Shrimp, Green Papaya & Mango “Salad”

Serves 4 People

12 shrimp- size 16/20, peeled & deveined

1 stick fresh lemongrass

Sea Salt & Freshly ground black pepper

1 ripe mango

1 green Papaya

½ Sweet red peppers

½ Sweet Green Peppers

Dried Mango slices

Dried Green Papaya Slices

A small pinch fresh Chilies

Extra virgin Olive Oil

Method:

Crush the lemongrass and chop, mix with shrimp & salt & Pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil cover and marinate for a few hours

Finely chop mango, green papaya, peppers & mix, add chili and season to taste, bind with a small amount of mango puree

Heat a sautéed pan, with olive oil, sear of the shrimp both sides, and cook, this will take about 3-4 minutes,

Arrange the mango & green papaya salad in a mold; place the shrimp on the plate, putting dried papaya & Mango slices in between the shrimp

Garnish with Micro greens or arugula.

Enjoy!

Hakvoort Shipyard refers to their newest launch, Project YN245, (aka Pretty Woman) as ideal for chartering, featuring five spacious decks that incorporate numerous social areas and beautifully appointed accommodations for 10 guests.

Interior design by Michela Reverberi is a striking fusion of ultra contemporary with curvaceous mid-century modern, especially impressive in the open plan main lounge and dining area. The full-beam master suite, located on the main deck forward, includes a spacious walk-in closet and adjacent private study. Another notable charter advantage is that four ensuite guest cabins can be converted as singles or doubles to suit individual guest requirements.

Aft on the main and bridge decks, comfortable exterior furnishings beckon guests to converge for cocktails, conversation and al fresco dining. The sundeck is another perfect place to party, equipped with plush seating, bar and grill, and whirlpool bath for six. The yacht has an asking price of about 24 million dollars. Hopefully she’ll be available to charter very soon.
LOA: 128 ft
Beam: 26’2”
Draft: 8’

Engines: Twin Caterpillar C18 DI-TA

Speed: Maximum 12.5 knots, Cruise 10.5 knots
Fuel: 11.889 Gal
Water: 2.642 Gal
Naval architecture: Azure Naval Architects
Exterior design: Cor de Rover

See other Hakvoort Charter Yachts available from Boatbookings.com

Mi Sueño, launched from Trinity Yachts early this May, will be available for charter in the Western Mediterranean in July. Mi Sueño incorporates all the elements of style and design that have distinguished Trinity yachts as a most desirable charter brand.

Patrick Knowles’ classically sophisticated interiors are designed with an abundance of rich woods, accented with elegant fabrics and furnishings in soothing colors. The split level, full-beam master suite, located on the main deck, features an arc of forward-facing windows for spectacular 180 degree views, his and hers bathroom with whirlpool tub, and private office area.

The yacht is designed with voluminous deck spaces and the flybridge is equipped for “touch and go” helicopter operations.

Mi Sueño is outfitted with Twin Caterpillar 3516-CHD engines to reach speeds of 19 knots and Quantum XT Zero Speed stabilizers for comfort.

12 guests will enjoy being totally pampered by the expert crew of 11, dedicated to providing the perfect charter experience.
Length Overall: 189.99’
Beam: 33.33’
Draft: 8.01’
Guest Suites: Master, 1 VIP, 3 Double, 1Twin
Max Speed: 19 Cruise Speed: 17 Range: 4,000
Fuel Capacity: 22,002 Gal Water Capacity: 3,500 Gal

The stunning super yacht Imagination has launched from Benetti’s Pisa Shipyard. Exterior designer Stefano Natucci gives classic Italian styling a playful edge embellishing oblong windows striking slashes of blue, which lend a sense of motion to the profile that is both commanding yet irreverent. Interiors by the renowned Francois Zuretti, Zuretti Interior Design, are still under wraps awaiting some finishing touches. The yacht will be completed at Benetti’s Livorno facility and delivery is scheduled for July. Despite it’s size, this semi-displacement yacht is predicted to have a maximum speed in excess of 20 knots. Benetti, a favorite brand of charter clients, has a prolific history of boatbuilding that stretches back to 1873, when Lorenzo Benetti opened the shipyard near Genoa, Italy. Boatbookings is pleased to offer many Benetti charter yachts for the discriminating  client that appreciates Italian elegance and sophistication.

LOA: 154.20
Beam: 28.87
Draught: 8.86
Guests: 12
Crew: 9
Engines: 2 MTU 16V 4000 M90
Max Speed: 23.5 knots
Cruise Speed: 22.5 knots
Fuel: 15,852 Gal.
Water: 3,963 Gal.

Friday evening, Sharon and Meg from our Ft Lauderdale office  had the privilege of viewing the CATALONIAN SPIRIT.  Built in the Brazilian yard Inace, this 112 ft 5 stateroom explorer yacht is a floating penthouse.  Unlike most yachts that will head to the Med or New England for summer charters, CATALONIAN SPIRIT will be in the Caribbean and still has a few weeks available for charter.

And the crew!  The service was exemplary  and there was a gorgeous selection of hors d’oervres for us to enjoy.  The captain and crew will make sure that you are wonderfully pampered, as were we.

PARAMOUR is a yachtsman’s yacht, perfect for guests that relish the ambiance of a classic luxury yacht with an elegant nautical palette. The subtle curvature of many architectural features is sumptuously reminiscent of old world design. Glossy wood paneling and soft white carpeting flow throughout and seamlessly integrate space. In the main saloon, two plush white couches and comfortable easy chairs are positioned around elegant glass coffee tables to create an ideal social setting. The formal dining area can seat 10 guests, while both the aft and upper deck are perfect spots to host friends for cocktails. On the sundeck the new Jacuzzi is a delightful place to relax, or sink into a seat under the ample sun awnings and absorb the magnificent view. PARAMOUR can accommodate 10 guests who will delight in the yacht’s crew of ten, each expertly skilled in the art of pampering.

Length: 139.8’
Beam: 28.2’
Draft: 9.8’
Cruising speed: 12
Hull construction: Steel
Zero speed stabilizers at anchor

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