Long revered by locals, the Balearic Islands are now starting to develop as a mainstream yacht charter destination. Bespoke Yacht Charter looks at the best way to plan a charter across the Spanish islands and what to look out for whilst in the Balearics.
Located east from mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands are accessible via flights to Palma de Mallorca Airport on Mallorca, Menorca Airport just southwest of Mahón on Menorca or Ibiza Airport on Ibiza. Due to the proximity of the Balearics to mainland Spain, many yacht charter guests also opt to begin their yacht charter in Barcelona, Valencia or Denia.
The Balearic Islands themselves include Mallorca (Majorca), Menorca (Minorca), Cabrera, Ibiza, Formentera and S’Espalmador, with the three most popular islands being Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca. The high season stretches from May to September with July and August being the busiest moments thanks to average temperatures of 27 to 30 degrees.
Spring is a lovely time to visit the Balearics when the fiestas are starting and the weather is warm. Autumn still hovers around 18 to 25 degrees Celsius and you’ll find off-peak seasons still have mild and pleasant weather, making the Balearics an appealing yacht charter destination in any season.
Alexander Coles, Charter Broker, Bespoke Yacht Charter
The Balearic Islands have been ruled by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, and Spaniards, all of whom have left their mark with impressive architecture, diverse cuisine and lasting traditions contributing to the unhurried culture. There are bustling coastal resorts as well as sleepy bohemian villages; you can find pumping nightclubs as well as quiet tapas bars. The clear turquoise waters are ideal for trying out your charter yacht’s water toys – spend a morning paddle boarding, go diving, or snorkel at a treasure chest of beautiful beaches and coves.
The diversity on offer is excellent for all yacht charter guests – whether you prefer to lounge onboard your private yacht during the day and party at night, go shopping, head inland for outdoor activities such as hiking or indulge in a yoga retreat or spa day ashore.
Menorca, located northeast of Mallorca is a quieter alternative to Mallorca or Ibiza. It is a fantastic island to begin your Balearics yacht charter, after which you can visit Mallorca then Ibiza. Mahón, also known as Maó, is the capital of Menorca and a port town with a leisurely pace – the ideal yacht charter base. We recommend Café Mirador with a terrace overlooking Mahón Port to enjoy a pomada (local gin and lemonade) or platter of sobrasada sausage before embarking on your private yacht charter.
First stop for many yacht charters is Palma de Mallorca, known as Palma. Palma de Mallorca is the island version of Barcelona with funky wine bars, stunning architecture and great shopping. It is the perfect jumping off point for any yacht charter to explore the rest of Mallorca. Other towns to visit include Port d’Andratx, Sóller, Alcúdia, Deià or Valldemossa.
Mallorca has over 300 beaches with diverse surroundings such as pine groves, coastal rocks or dunes. Renting a yacht to explore Mallorca is an excellent option to find the best deserted coves and beaches away from the crowds.
Known as the ‘White Isle’, Ibiza is famous for its hedonistic nightlife however it is a fantastic yacht charter destination for relaxation too. Away from the busier southeast coastline, you can find quieter sandy beaches and white washed villages with idyllic settings.
The west coast of Ibiza is sheltered from the prevailing winds from the east and from San Antonio to Es Vedra you’ll have a hard time picking a beach or cove more perfect than the next. Enjoy a romantic meal ashore at Ses Roques restaurant admiring the beautiful view over Cala Conta, anchor in picturesque Cala Porroig with fisherman’s huts fringing the tranquil cove or spend a leisurely afternoon on land at El Chiringuito at Playa Es Cavallet, a chic beachside restaurant with an excellent wine list, mouth-watering cocktails and superb food.
Ibiza’s sister island is just half an hour south by boat and the perks of having your own private yacht charter means you don’t have to abide by the ferry timetables back to Ibiza. With no airport servicing Formentera, there’s generally less crowds and the island exudes a chilled-out vibe with plenty of opportunities to relax on your luxury yacht charter and decompress from daily life once the day trippers leave Es Pujols and return to Ibiza.
Known for its amazing azure waters, there’s no shortage of breath-taking beaches on Formentera including Playa Migjorn in the south and Cala Saona on the west coast of the island. Playa de Ses Illetes will make you think you’re in the Caribbean with fine white sand and transparent turquoise water. Popular with visiting charter yachts and A-listers it is a fantastic place to relax for a few hours, though best visited outside of peak summer when the crowds are busiest.
Regardless of your itinerary when arriving to the Balearics, booking early is key in Spain as few yachts are in the region during peak months, leading to last minute requests, often finding no suitable yachts in the region.
Author: Rebecca Whitlocke
In a remarkable display of innovation and engineering prowess, eD-TEC's groundbreaking eD 32 c-Ultra high-performance all-electric RIB has successfully completed its first sea trials after just nine months of intensive development. These trials, conducted in the Adriatic Sea near Punat, Croatia, mark a significant milestone in the advancement of electric boating technology.At the heart of the eD 32 c-Ultra lies eD-TEC's revolutionary Technology Stack, seamlessly integrated with twin plug-and-play eD-QDrive 200kW propulsion units, driving surface-piercing propellers. With a net battery capacity of 105kWh, this blank-sheet design sets new standards in the industry, delivering exceptional performance, stability, and manoeuvrability.During the trials, dubbed as an engineering feat, the eD 32 c-Ultra demonstrated remarkable capabilities, boasting a 25-knot cruise and an impressive range of over 40 nautical miles. These results underscore the vessel's potential to revolutionize the marine industry, offering an environmentally friendly alternative without compromising on performance.Michael Jost, founder of eD-TEC, expressed optimism about the vessel's future, stating, "We are thrilled with the initial performance of the eD 32 c-Ultra during its maiden sea trials. Preliminary estimates indicate a range of 20 to 40 nautical miles and a current cruising speed of 25 knots, with anticipated improvements to reach approximately 30 knots."Furthermore, the trials provided valuable insights into optimizing the vessel's efficiency and performance. Adaptive steering, inspired by automotive systems, and innovative hydrodynamic design elements were highlighted as areas for refinement to enhance stability and reduce power consumption.Looking ahead, eD-TEC remains committed to pushing the boundaries of electric boating technology. Plans for a two-week Booster Sprint, focused on software optimization and charging efficiency, aim to further enhance the vessel's capabilities.Philipp Lehr and Marc Jost, project leads for the eD 32 c-Ultra, expressed satisfaction with the trials, emphasizing the vessel's reliability and performance. "After approximately 500 kWh, we have encountered no system disruptions thus far, and all temperatures have remained within optimal ranges," they reported.As the eD 32 c-Ultra continues its journey towards commercialization, eD-TEC remains dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions for the marine industry. With ambitious plans for future developments, including solar-centric off-grid solutions, the company is poised to revolutionize the concept of luxury shoreside living and on-water escapes.Indeed, the eD 32 c-Ultra represents not just a vessel but the beginning of a new era in electric boating, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable marine transportation.Credits: eD-TEC
April 18, 2024
Feadship's highly anticipated Project 1012 has emerged from the construction shed at the Makkum facility, marking a significant milestone as the yacht prepares for sea trials ahead of its delivery. Notably, Project 1012 is the first Feadship vessel to boast full Hybrid Electric Class notation.Designed by Sinot and the owner's design office, with naval architecture by Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects, Project 1012 was commissioned by a seasoned Feadship owner with a wealth of yachting experience. The yacht's exterior styling reflects meticulous design with precise input from the owner, while the interior promises to be a beautifully crafted and meticulously detailed family retreat.Measuring an impressive 91.80 meters, Project 1012 boasts crisply chamfered exterior contours complemented by a traditional flared bow, creating a modern-classic ambiance. Despite its generous volume, the interior is thoughtfully designed to provide intimate spaces for family gatherings, featuring natural materials and finishes throughout.One of the owner's key desires was to enhance the yacht's beach club, which now spans a quarter of the lower deck's total length. With a vast, fixed stern platform and two fold-down platforms, the beach club offers an expansive 165 square meters of water-level lounging space. Additionally, a side-loading garage between the engine room and beach club can accommodate two 10-meter tenders, a ski boat, and various water toys.The main deck aft boasts a large pool and open-air lounge, while comfortable guest suites and staff cabins adorn the main deck forward. The upper decks house the master stateroom, family lounge, and wellness area, while the sundeck offers a prime observation point with forward-facing seating and sun loungers.Project 1012's propulsion system integrates cutting-edge Feadship technology, featuring two main engines, shaft-driven fixed pitch propellers, and PTO/PTI electric motors coupled with 1MW of Li-ion batteries. This innovative setup allows for both conventional diesel propulsion and electric motor operation, providing enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact.Albert Abma, Feadship project manager, expresses his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, "Working with the experienced owner, designers, and owners team has been a professional pleasure. Gathering the operational experience of the owners team with the yard’s building experience has resulted in this modern-classic, state-of-art and full custom new Feadship."Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
April 18, 2024
Sanlorenzo is set to grace the British Motor Yacht Show for the first time from May 16th to 19th, 2024. Attendees of the event, hosted at Swanwick Marina in Southampton, will have the exclusive opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Sanlorenzo. From its cutting-edge design to its unparalleled craftsmanship and extensive customization options, visitors can explore the elegance and sophistication synonymous with the brand.SL90ASanlorenzo Yachts UK will showcase the magnificent Sanlorenzo SL90A, a 28-meter vessel that will also be the largest yacht on display at the four-day show. Nick Hatfield, Sales Manager at Sanlorenzo Yachts UK, expressed excitement about the debut, stating, "We’re delighted to be bringing one of our stunning Sanlorenzo yachts to the British Motor Yacht Show for the first time. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the true meaning of customization and understand Sanlorenzo’s ethos of innovative design, tailored to the requirements and desires of each individual owner."Designed by Bernardo Zuccon, the SL90A boasts an elegant and modern interior, featuring a harmonious blend of different wood, marble, and fabric textures. The innovative Asymmetric design, highlighted by the A in SL90A, elevates the yacht's interior volume, enhancing the main deck saloon's connection with the sea through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.BG42Accommodating up to eight guests in four well-appointed staterooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, the SL90A offers comfort and style ideal for family gatherings or entertaining friends.Crafted by Sanlorenzo Yacht at its Ameglia base in Italy, this class-leading yacht offers a timeless aesthetic while pushing the boundaries of conventional design.In addition to the SL90A, Sanlorenzo Yachts UK will also present the BG42 from Bluegame, a brand under the Sanlorenzo umbrella. Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: maa.agency; Yacht Harbour archive
April 17, 2024
Lady A, the distinguished 55.2-meter motor yacht crafted by Nishii Zosen-Sterling, has found a new owner after just a year on the market. Simon Goldsworthy of Edmiston facilitated the sale, representing both the seller and the buyer in this transaction.Originally christened Southern Cross III, Lady A boasts a timeless design conceived by the renowned Jon Bannenberg and was meticulously constructed by Japanese shipyard Nishii Zosen-Sterling in 1986. Undergoing a significant transformation in 2017, the vessel underwent extensive refurbishments valued at over €12 million, including a complete interior overhaul, an expansion of the upper deck, and the installation of state-of-the-art Quantum zero-speed stabilizers.Lady A's upper aft deck has been elegantly extended to serve as the primary sunbathing area, featuring plush sofas, inviting armchairs, and a spacious alfresco dining spot accommodating up to 14 guests. Awnings can be swiftly erected by the crew to provide shelter from the sun.The interior layout is equally captivating, with the main lounge situated on the upper level, offering a relaxed ambiance with sliding glass doors, a raised reading nook, and a well-appointed bar. The vessel's unique design includes a split-level observation lounge boasting breathtaking 180-degree vistas.Ample accommodation is provided for up to 12 guests across six cabins, including a lavish owner's suite with a private office, three double guest cabins, a VIP guest cabin, and a twin guest cabin. The interior, masterfully refurbished by Design Unlimited, showcases walnut cabinetry, solid timber floors, and a soothing palette accented with mauve hues.Lady A is propelled by two rebuilt 3516B Caterpillar diesel engines, boasting a cruising speed of 13 knots. Currently located in Italy, the yacht was last listed at €7,900,000 with VAT paid.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive
April 17, 2024
Severe flooding has gripped Dubai, following an unprecedented deluge that unleashed the equivalent of a year and a half's worth of rainfall in just a few hours. The UAE and neighbouring Oman have already recorded 20 fatalities due to the flooding.Dubai, known for its arid climate, found itself inundated as flash floods wreaked havoc on its roads and highways. Videos circulating on social media captured the extent of the damage, particularly in Dubai Marina, where parts of the precinct were submerged under water, marked off with caution tape.<iframe width=560 height=315 src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZicaODYV9A?si=XNJnye89sulGLIp9 title=YouTube video player frameborder=0 allow=accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share referrerpolicy=strict-origin-when-cross-origin allowfullscreen></iframe>Efforts to assess the impact on Dubai Marina are underway, with MIN reaching out to the marina's operator for details on any damage incurred and its potential effects on yachts docked there. The full extent of infrastructure damage and the timeline for repairs remain uncertain.Dubai Airport, the world's busiest, was not spared from the flooding, prompting flight diversions and disruptions. Emirates, the flag carrier, halted passenger check-ins until midnight Thursday as runways became partially submerged, affecting airport operations.Authorities are grappling with the aftermath of what meteorologists have termed an "exceptional event." AP news agency reported a staggering 254mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period in one area, dwarfing the city's average annual rainfall of 95mm. Overall, Dubai recorded 142mm of rainfall on Tuesday, further underscoring the unprecedented nature of the downpour.Credits: The Times and The Sunday Times/YouTube
April 17, 2024