Greener thrills: How can a yacht have more eco-friendly water toys?

On a crewed charter catamaran, you can have so much fun getting out on the ocean exploring new places, and spending quality time with loved ones. What else would you need? 

Water toys, of course! Watersports and water toys turn a simple day on the water into pure exhilaration. But when it comes to reducing the yacht’s environmental footprint, the toy box has a lot to answer for. Now, with increasingly innovative designs and green technology, a new wave of eco-friendly water toys is on the rise. 

Ones that are equally exciting but without the fossil fuel-guzzling engines and unsustainable materials.

We take a look at these more eco-friendly water toys:

Powered by humans 

Put aside the fuel and diesel needed for fun, and harness the energy you have in yourself! There are so many toys powered by humans, whether paddleboarding or kayaking. These toys offer a fresh alternative to traditional motorized options. They allow you to immerse yourself fully into nature, contribute to a greener playtime, and give you a workout on the side! 

Watts of fun 

Electric is the future! And what’s not to like about virtually silent, emission-free fun? Many innovative electric water toys, such as surfboards, jet skis, and inflatable boats, combine cutting-edge technology with sustainability. By using electric motors, they produce zero emissions and reduce the impact in terms of noise and vibrations. These toys give a thrilling ride without the guilt of fuel. 

If your toys do have to run on fuel, make sure they use 4-stroke, not 2-stroke engines. Without going into the details, 2-stroke engines are incredibly pollutive. A single two-stroke engine produces pollution equivalent to that of 30 to 50 four-stroke automobiles because they mix oil and gas and don’t burn them very efficiently.

Foiling alternatives 

Water toys with foiling technology have taken water-based adventures to the next level. Foiling toys such as hydrofoil surfboards, kite foils, and sailboats use specialized wings or foils beneath the surface to lift them above the waves, enabling the user to glide effortlessly over the ocean. 

Toys made better 

A long-standing issue with many of the current toys on the market is the materials, but today many manufacturers now consider the life cycle of a product and prioritize sustainable materials and production methods. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint and minimizes waste. Many are now made from recycled plastics or biodegradable materials – you can even get golf balls made of fish food! 

We all know that the yachting community must set a path toward sustainability and a circular economy to survive and for the planet’s future. While significant emphasis is being put on the yacht to be more sustainable, it also must extend to everything that comes with it – including the tenders and toys! 

Get onboard with eco-friendly water toys today!

Contact one of the Boatbookings team to learn about the more environmentally crewed charter catamarans and the watersports fun you can have.

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Changing tides: The benefits of carbon offsetting your next yacht charter

At Boatbookings, we have long been at the forefront of driving initiatives to help improve our yacht charter industry and work to minimize its environmental impacts. One of these is the concept of carbon offsetting, a proactive and responsible response that encompasses multiple benefits to steering the industry toward a better future. 

What is carbon offsetting?

Carbon offsetting should first require the reduction of a carbon footprint as much as possible; the purpose is to offset the remaining unavoidable carbon emissions through certified carbon credits. Each credit represents a certificate for reducing one tonne of carbon from the atmosphere. 

Carbon offsetting is a complex topic and can hinder progress if not properly conducted and implemented through regulation. It is not the perfect environmental solution; however, it is powerful and can help reduce yachting’s environmental impact. 

We ensure it is done correctly through the work we do with Climate Care, which funds UN-approved projects that reduce carbon emissions worldwide, such as wind farms, reforesting, and reducing outdoor waste burning. 

Assessing a carbon footprint 

Within this offsetting process, the yacht’s footprint must be accurately assessed. Our carbon offset calculator can help with this. We use the information about the boat and itinerary to predict and measure carbon emissions to then calculate the carbon credits needed to purchase to offset. As an example, a recent charter from Cannes to St. Tropez on a Sunseeker Predator burned 93 liters of fuel. The cost to offset it? 9 Euros. Only 9 Euros to offset all of that carbon and have plants take it back out of the sky. Seems like a good investment, and the charters were thrilled to know that their emissions would be dealt with.

The benefits 

  • Reducing carbon footprints: The offsetting allows us to compensate for emissions by supporting projects that reduce carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 
  • Supports sustainable projects: It enables the development of emission reduction projects in developing countries that otherwise do not have the financial means. Fewer carbon reduction projects would exist without the subsidy from this process. 
  • Encourages innovation: Aids the development and adoption of new and innovative technologies that reduce emissions. This knock-on impact accelerates the transition to a lower carbon economy. 
  • Creates opportunities: Many of the offsetting projects create greener opportunities and can help support local economies. 

Carbon offsetting represents a tangible commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability within our yacht charter industry. By participating in carbon offsetting programs, we can contribute to preserving our planet and oceans while driving the industry toward more sustainable practices. 

Contact the team at Boatbookings today to find out more about our work with carbon offsetting and to charter a more environmentally friendly yacht. 

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Saving our seas: Pioneering efforts that are helping to preserve the Mediterranean

We love this time of year amid the Mediterranean charter season. But while we love the summer on these seas, we also know that not only is it a host for a crewed charter catamaran, but it is also a vital ecosystem that needs protecting. 

Like the rest of the world, the Mediterranean faces serious environmental challenges, such as pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change/warming of its waters. However, it isn’t all bad news. There are several initiatives, campaigns, organizations, and projects in place that are helping to preserve our playground. 

We take a look at some of them here: 

Marine Protected Areas

Similar to national parks and nature reserves that protect habitats and species on land, there are also global networks of Marine Protected Areas. Specifically in the Mediterranean, the surface under protection status is currently 8.33% (2020 figure). This collaborative effort involves various organizations, agencies, and stakeholders across the countries. Every four years, MedPan assesses the areas and releases a report – they are crucial for conserving and restoring the health of our ecosystems at sea.

One example of a protected area we love to cruise (responsibly) at Boatbookings is the Brijuni National Park in Croatia, on the Adriatic Coast. The protected area includes 14 islands and the surrounding waters. The area boasts impressive biodiversity with coral reefs and is home to loggerhead sea turtles. 

Isla de Tabarca marine reserve is another one of our favorites. It is also the oldest of all the network of reserves, covering a vast area off the coast of Alicante, in Spain. The seabed is covered with Posidonia seagrass, vital for oxygen production. 

Anchoring Regulations

Aside from the marine protected areas, various local regulations and legislation are in place for certain boating activities. Anchoring is one of these activities that can harm the seabed unless recognized, and steps are taken to minimize this, such as Captains being aware of the restrictions put in place. 

One example is from the French Maritime Prefect and the recent restriction on anchoring within certain parts of the French Riviera and Corsica. Decrees now identify areas where anchoring is prohibited to protect Posidonia seagrass, which is essential to the ecosystem and underwater biodiversity. 

Removing waste

Another essential aspect when conserving our oceans is responsible waste management. Many key issues result in pollution of our seas, such as discarded fishing nets and plastic. 

Some organizations are working hard to turn this around. Healthy Seas is an organization focussing on removing marine litter, particularly from fishing nets from the Mediterranean. They work with volunteer divers to recover nets from reefs, wrecks and marine biodiversity hotspots. Another initiative is the Seabin project. Seabins have been installed in several Mediterranean marinas to help capture floating waste – just like bins on land! 

Clean beaches 

Keeping our surrounding beaches clean is so important. In the Mediterranean, there is a ‘Blue Flag’ status, a prestigious recognition awarded to beaches meeting stringent environmental criteria. 

The program aims to promote sustainable tourism and raise awareness about protecting coastal areas. Aside from this status, several beach clean-up initiatives happen year-round in Europe. Even if there isn’t a specific event happening where you are, always be environmentally responsible and pick up trash whenever you come across it. 

A collaborative effort

These efforts and collaborations are making a positive lasting impact on the preservation of this marine ecosystem for others to enjoy in years to come. At Boatbookings, we are hopeful that these initiatives will inspire others to join the cause and contribute to the ongoing protection and conservation of the Mediterranean. Without change, our future summers will be in danger. 

Contact the team at Boatbookings if you are interested to join the wave of change and charter a more environmentally crewed charter catamaran for next summer season. 

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Green yachting: Could these technologies be the answer?

As the world grapples with the urgent environmental pressures it is facing and the need for more sustainable practices, can the power of technology help turn things around? Can we transform our industry through advanced technology, new approaches and innovations? 

The answer is, hopefully, yes! Technology is currently already playing a pivotal and transformative role in the crewed charter industry. 

We take a look at some of the ways it is helping us pave the way toward a greener future. 

AI & Autonomy

AI seems to be everywhere these days. AI is beginning to help with sustainability on yachts by interacting with advanced navigation systems to optimize fuel consumption and, therefore lower carbon emissions. For example, AI can:

  • plot a more efficient course taking into account winds, tides and currents.
  • adjust speed for optimal fuel consumption
  • more efficiently use fuel in the engines

Smart-Yacht technology 

Alongside improving fuel efficiency, there are also now intelligent solutions for advanced monitoring systems. These systems enable the crew to track the consumption of energy onboard. Utilizing these and making decisions based on data can allow the crew to identify areas of excessive use and adjust accordingly. Again, minimizing the reliance on fossil fuels. 

Online learning 

Today everything is at the touch of a button on a smartphone. Technology plays a crucial role in promoting education and awareness within our yachting community. Multiple apps and digital platforms are now providing Captains and crew with access to information on more sustainable practices and guidelines. By fostering this culture, the industry can collectively work together toward a better future. 

Alternative propulsion 

Technology is also changing the way we drive our yachts. Greener propulsion systems are enabling the industry to reduce its emissions. These systems, such as hybrid and electric, have gained significant attention, and for good reason. They utilize a combination of electrification, batteries, and energy recovery systems – with a lot of energy coming from renewable sources such as solar panels being integrated into the superstructure of the yacht. Check out catamaran builders such as Sunreef Yachts in particular, and their solar ‘skins’. 

A better future

The integration of sustainability should be embraced at every level, from yacht design and construction to operations. While technology is making promising waves, it must still be complemented by industry-wide commitments and a mindset shift.

At Boatbookings, we have an unwavering commitment to sustainability. We are proud to offer greener, more sustainable crewed charter catamarans for booking – contact one of the Boatbookings team today to learn more. 

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Sustainable Summer: How can you have a greener yacht charter?

The Mediterranean summer season is officially in full swing. Our crewed catamaran charters can offer an unforgettable experience, but the Med is fragile. Here are some suggestions about how you can adopt greener, more sustainable practices while out on the water. 

We all know it is vital to reduce plastic, dispose of waste correctly, eat locally and sustainably, and choose the most energy-efficient vessel, but what else can you do to minimize your impact on a yacht charter?

Here are some of our top tips to embrace a more sustainable summer charter experience:

Leave only footprints 

When exploring islands, coves, bays, and beaches this summer, be sure to follow the leave no trace and only footprints. This is crucial to help preserve our natural beauty for others to enjoy while maintaining an area’s ecological integrity. When you get in the tender and visit a crystal clear bay, ensure you wear reef-friendly suncream, as you don’t want to leave any toxic residue. Or when you have a lunch picnic on a secluded beach, always take your trash away with you. And even when you go for an island hike, keep to the trails and leave as little impact as possible. 

Make your own power 

Whenever you head to land away from the anchorage, be sure to consider greener transport options. If you are visiting a particular designation on land, swap out the diesel-powered vehicle for a bike or electric scooter. Not only will these choices help reduce your overall footprint and emissions, but they also add an extra dose of adventure and fun to your summer journey. 

Get under the water 

Summer isn’t summer without playing in the water on a crewed charter. But while having fun, you can also ensure you are responsible. When you’re embraceing the marine life through snorkeling and scuba diving please avoid touching or standing on coral reefs as they are delicate and can easily be damaged. You should also have correct buoyancy control techniques to prevent accidental contact with the ocean’s fragile habitats. Be aware of any marine park regulations and always follow the guidance of your experienced crew. Replacing fossil-fuel-powered toys with time under the water will enrich your charter experience and help you minimize your impact. 

Support local projects 

Summer is a peak time for conservation projects and initiatives to protect marine ecosystems. Before you go, research local conservation organizations and volunteer opportunities in the destination. Examples include beach clean-ups, coral reef restoration efforts, or turtle nesting projects. If you don’t find specific projects, then be sure to support the local economy in any way you can. Choose eco-friendly tour operators and participate in nature walks, eco-hiking, and bird-watching activities. Supporting local companies will also ensure you have a more authentic experience.

Share and Inspire 

It may seem like a simple tip, but being an advocate for our oceans this summer can be powerful. You can inspire others to do the same when you make greener and more responsible choices on a yacht charter this summer. Sharing your journey to help preserve our oceans can raise awareness among others and catalyze change. 

At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves in offering greener crewed catamaran charters. If you want further information on how to tread a little lighter when chartering with us, please contact the Boatbookings team today. 

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