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Sailing Holidays

Why Phuket is the Next Big Yachting Destination

September 18, 2012 by superuser Leave a Comment

Perhaps the single most idyllic holiday destination on planet earth, the Thai island of Phuket is one of Asia’s most captivating destinations. Amongst Phuket’s considerable charms are the peace and quiet of island life, the tropical rainforests that hug gravity defying mountains, the golden beaches that stretch to infinity, the warm waters that maintain a crystal clear clarity, the aromas of wonderful street food that can be found in every town, and the sheer warmth of the friendly locals who always go out of their way to make sure your stay at their piece of paradise is as magical as possible. And the latest attraction to add to the list is that Phuket is quickly becoming a major international centre for yachting, rivalling Florida, Monte Carlo and the Amalfi Coast. Here is a look at why Phuket is the world’s next big yachting destination.

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Asian Boat Buying

While the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Baltic seas currently lead the world for boat ownership, Asia’s rapidly growing economies are busy buying up boats. No more are super yachts solely to be found in exclusive marinas in Europe and America, instead you are just as likely to find luxury vessels in Singapore, Hong Kong and Hainan. And this burgeoning class of wealthy boat owners in the far-east are increasingly turning to Phuket for the most luxurious yachting holidays available. Mooring their yachts in shallow, azure waters and feeling the tropical ocean breeze on their skin, it is not difficult to see why Phuket is becoming so popular. And the options for luxury boat charters here is also increasing, meaning you too can sample a bit of the high life when visiting this astounding destination.

Incredible Scenery

Phuket really exemplifies the idealised image of a tropical Asian retreat better than anywhere else on the continent. Pillars of rock rise abruptly from the turquoise waters, thickets of jungle perched on their top, all overlooking a hidden beach of almost impossible beauty. Swaying palm trees provide shade as you rest in your hammock, coconuts falling from heavy branches to provide hydration with their fresh, delicious milk. Every now and then a colourful parrot swoops overhead as the blood red sun sets, casting lurid rays across the cloudless sky and onto the jagged forms of hills and mountains. After a couple of days here, visitors all agree that Phuket really is paradise.

Value for Money

Despite its immense popularity Phuket never really feels over-crowded, perhaps because it is so isolated, and as a result it is still relatively inexpensive. Your money goes a long way here, whether eating at great restaurants or shelling out for a bareboat charter to take you out into the calm waters of the sea. Whereas many of the world’s top marinas are achingly expensive, a week or two with your vessel moored at one of Phuket’s well maintained ports will prove surprisingly affordable.

A Tropical Climate

Of course it helps that Phuket’s weather is nigh on perfect, with hot mornings ideal for walks on the beach, light rains cooling the air at lunch-time, and sultry evenings where one can linger lazily deep into the night. Whether you want to relax on deck, on the beach or in a beer garden, the weather here is guaranteed to be great. And with seas shielded from much of the worst weather that the rest of South-East Asia experienced, especially on Phuket’s mild east coast, you do not have to be an experienced sailor to navigate these waters.

John is a travel writer with articles published in dozens of online magazines who has travelled the world in order to locate the finest luxury boat charters around.

Filed Under: Blog, Other useful stuff, Sailing Holidays

Finding the right destination to suit your level of sailing

August 8, 2012 by guestblogger Leave a Comment

There’s never been a better time to get into sailing and if you get the chance to go on your sailing vacations with friends or rent a yacht charter for your family then jump at the opportunity because, before you know it, you’ll be hooked.

Like anything, practice makes perfect and sailing presents many challenges for both crew and skipper. Obviously, one of the first challenges is knowing where to start and with this in mind I’ve highlighted a few locations that I feel will take you from landlubber to skipper in the space of a few hundred nautical miles.

So, set your captain’s hat at a jaunty angle, pump your bilges and find out what it takes to become a Level 3 sailor and what you’ll have to do to achieve success.

Level: Novice

To reach the heady heights of novice you’ll be a newbie to sailing or only undertaken a couple of voyages where you basically hung on for dear life or sunned yourself whilst the rest of the crew worked their barnacles off.

Ideal location: Greece

A great location for novices to learn to sail is the southern Ionian Sea around Greece where conditions are ideal for families and flotillas. Beach clubs such as Vounaki offer excellent facilities and with the summer breeze ranging from 0 – 15 knots, getting to grips with line-of-sight navigation, a basic knowledge of charts and understanding more about where to anchor are all achievable for the uninitiated on their sailing vacations.

Level: One

So, you’ve been on at least one or two flotilla training courses and you’ve skippered a yacht for over 100 nautical miles. You’re now classed as a Level 1 sailor, congratulations. No doubt you’ll be chomping at the main sails and ready to develop your strengths and learn new disciplines.

Ideal location: Croatia

As one of Europe’s ‘must sail’ regions, Croatia is regarded as the perfect place to practice coastal cruising and easy island hopping. The Dalmatian coast is as good as it gets and with crystal clear waters and a warm breeze, reaching up to 20 knots, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to really take control. Thanks to a rich and varied heritage, Croatia is an excellent option for lazy days at sea interspersed with cultural sightseeing on land.

Level: Two

As a Level 2 sailor you’ll be well-versed with naval experiences and will have at least 10 days at sea under your belt and a couple of qualifications, namely the RYA day skipper and the ICC qualification. You’re almost at the top of your game but there’s always more to learn where yacht charters are concerned.

Ideal location: Caribbean

St Vincent’s, Grenada, St Lucia, these spice islands slide off the tongue quicker than honey off melon and if you’re a Level 2 sailor then you’re bound to view the tidal variations and strong currents as a challenge far too great to ignore. These sumptuous warm waters are ideal for understanding tidal flow, learning the significance of protected anchorages and navigating open waters in some simply stunning locations.

Level: Three

There’s no need to explain to you the jargon and the nuances of sailing as you’ll have over 400 nautical miles experience as well as qualifications such as the higher level RYA day skipper, the RYA coastal skipper and the higher level ICC qualification in your arsenal. Where’s left to sail that you haven’t already experienced?

Ideal location: UK

Good old Blighty with its ever changing weather, strong currents and large tidal variations. Regions such as the Solent, in the south coast of England, provide some exceptional challenges for Level 3 sailors as well as historic ports of call where maritime history buffs will be in their absolute element. With wind speeds reaching upwards of 25 knots and plenty of poor anchor holding grounds to test your grit, making a passage plan and taking part in racing around the Isle of Wight will be what you dream of.

Biog: Chris is the father of two teenage boys and through a combination of common sense and sheer bloody mindedness he’s managed to make sailors of the pair of them.

 

The photo was used under the Creative Commons license curtsey of Flickr.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nuttinbutlove/5892333256/

Filed Under: Blog, Learning to Sail, Sailing Holidays Tagged With: holiday, learning to sail, messing around in boats, sailing, sailing holiday

Five superb water sport holiday destinations in USA:

June 22, 2012 by superuser Leave a Comment

Are you a water sport lover? Looking for some fun? Then it is the best time to visit the amazing water sport holiday destinations in USA. If you are visiting USA for the first time, then fill up your ESTA VISA application now and have a memorable trip to USA.

Going for a water sport holiday in US is the best option because there are dozens of places to visit and experience a perfect holiday destination. If you are a water lover and not afraid of meeting new adventures there are numerous water sports waiting for you like going river drafting, a scuba-dive to experience the marine life and many more.

Top five water sport destinations in USA are :

Kayaking at Lake Tahoe:

A Kayak is an Eskimo boat with a light wooden covering open at just one or two places. Have an amazing paddle-sport experience with your friends. You can also try out parasailing to experience the utmost adventure and fun.

A Dive in Bronx:

Bronx is a pool situated on a barge. You can get an astonishing view of the pool here and have a wonderful time enjoying the pleasant environment around it. This pool is famously known as the Floating Pool.

A Breath taking Dive in Waimea Bay:

Experience the thrill and fun by taking a river draft in the Waimea Bay. This is located in Hawaii in US and is extremely popular with tourists. The best place to visit if you are a real a water sport lover and ready to experience a thrilling adventure.

Jet Ski in Muai:

Visit the beautiful beaches in Muai and do not forget to book a jet ski for yourself. You can enjoy this amazing sport alone or along with your loved ones. By booking a jet ski you can have a lovely ride over the beautiful beach and enjoy the cool water splashing over you.

Scuba Dive in Florida:

Florida is one of the most popular Diving destinations in the world. A large variety in marine life and the different dive sites present in Florida have made it one of the most popular diving destinations. If you are a marine life lover this is the best place to have a lifelong experience of this amazing sport.

If you plan a holiday to USA, do visit the above mentioned places and have a fantastic and cheerful vacation.

Author Bio: Hi this is Joanne Smith. My passion is to write on Travel Blogs reach me @travelplex.

Filed Under: Blog, Sailing Holidays

Why Stockholm is the Yachting Capital of the World

June 14, 2012 by guestblogger Leave a Comment

Plenty of cities stake a claim to being the yachting or sailing capital of the world, from sunny Fort Lauderdale in Florida to sedate Annapolis in Maryland, while cities such as Monte Carlo, Empuriabrava, Singapore and Dubai all vouch for having some of the largest marinas and biggest yachting scenes on the planet. Yet perhaps the real yachting capital of the world is somewhere with rather cooler climes, where getting in your boat, dinghy, yacht or sailing ship and setting out across the waters is a part of everyday life. It happens to be Stockholm, the Swedish capital and arguably Scandinavia’s most stylish and slick city, that is the real yachting capital of the world, and here are a few reasons why.

 

Old Town in Stockholm, Swedenhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/mcaven/3731398839/

Photo by Michael Caven on Flickr.com. Used under Creative Commons Licence.

 

Island Culture

One look at a map may tell you why yachting and boating are so popular in the Swedish capital, and that is because the municipal area is made up of around 24,000 islands and islets, collectively known in Swedish as the skärgård archipelago. Overall, around 30% of the city’s collective area is constituted by water, and many in the region dub Stockholm the Venice of the North. The centre of the city itself lies on 14 major islands, but it is to the smaller islands, many rocky outcrops barely big enough for a few visitors, that most people like to travel to, for a bit of peace and quiet, and utterly gorgeous natural surroundings. And nor is boating here merely a leisure activity, as many boat-owners in this salubrious and well-heeled city use their boats to commute on a daily basis. And even if commuters do not have access to their own boat, tens of thousands of people travel to and from work each day on the regular Waxholmsbolaget ferries that ply the waters of the city, while travel to cities as far away as Helsinki and Turku can be undertaken on larger, overnight ferries.

 

A Culture Boat Ownership

Scandinavia leads the world in the amount of boats owned per capita, and Sweden comes top of the global rankings, with one in seven people owning their own boat. And whether they have a small rowing vessel moored to their own private yet modest jetty, or a more lavish and expensive super-yacht permanently berthed near the city centre, Swedes just love their boats. Go out on a sunny weekend and the waterways surrounding Stockholm will be full with people setting sail and enjoying the weather out in their boats. And even those who do not own a private vessel can easily and inexpensively hire a yacht charter to take them out for the day, or even longer, a favourite past-time for urbane Stockholm residents seeking to get away from the busy city.

 

Sophistication

Stockholm is one of the most fashion conscious cities in the world, and any visitor here is likely to be stunned at the sheer sophistication and élan of the locals, who all seem well groomed, well dressed and well spoken. And so going out on hired boat charters on the weekend seems like a natural extension of this style conscious attitude, knowing that setting sail on a stream-lined, vintage yacht or sailing boat is one of the most stylish ways to enjoy yourself.

 

Marinas and Boat Builders

Stockholm, and indeed Scandinavia as a whole, benefits from ample marina space, so you will never have to struggle when searching for a place to berth for the night. And, with so many people interested in sailing, there are a huge amount of boat builders in the region, set up to meet demand, many of whom are known to produce the finest and most elegant yachts on the market.

 

John is a travel writer who has penned articles on subjects such as locating the best boat charters in Hong Kong and where to go for the most stunning scenery in Britain.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Sailing Holidays

A Modern Day Voyage around the Locations of Homer’s Odyssey

May 14, 2012 by superuser Leave a Comment

It is known as the most epic journey ever taken, and immense voyages ever since have been called Odysseys in homage to the thrilling original. Homer’s Odyssey follows the trials and tribulations of the hero Odysseus as he travels back from the war in Troy to his home on the island of Ithaca in order to be reunited with his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus. Beset by angry gods, monsters, dark storms and seductive sirens, the journey would eventually take Odysseus a decade. Yet trips around the modern-day, real-life locations of Homer’s greatest work of literature need not take so long, and many can be reached on the same trip, making it a superb themed holiday for sailors. Here is a look at a modern day voyage around some of the locations depicted in the Odyssey.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnuckx/5085959576/

Photo by gnuckx on Flickr.com. Used under Creative Commons Licence.

The Land of the Cyclops

These fierce, one-eyed giants almost spelled the end for Odysseus and his men, until the group managed to blind their tormentor and escape. And though you will not find any giants there today, it is the Italian island of Sicily where Odysseus was thought to have encountered these gargantuan monsters. With smouldering volcanoes, sparkling Renaissance towns, Norman castles and cathedrals, and a mix of Greek, Arabic and Italian cultures pervading the air, Sicily is rightfully one of the Mediterranean’s most popular destinations. Enjoy bareboat charters across the Strait of Messina to experience this granite land mass at its best.

Scheria

Known as the Land of the Phaeacians in Homer’s day, our hero Odysseus ends up on this island after his raft is wrecked in a storm. Gaining help from the Goddess Athena, and using his charm to win over the locals, Odysseus soon manages to set sail again with the help of the Phaeacian’s supreme naval skills. And you may be surprised to discover that Scheria is none other than gorgeous Corfu, just a few miles off the west coast of Greece and Albania. The island can be easily reached by boat, and there are plenty of natural harbours here in which to set anchor and enjoy evenings on land.

Ogygia

One of the most alluring and sensual of the locations in the Odyssey has to be Ogygia, the island that was home to the nymph Calypso. Calypso kept Odysseus detained on the island for up to seven years, before finally taking pity on her captive and setting him free. Geographers down the ages have placed Ogygia as far west as the Gulf of Mexico and as far north as Britain, but most modern day classicists agree that Ogygia is likely to be present day Gozo, in Malta. This sun-burnt land of arid sandstone and sheer cliffs is known for its stunning megalithic temples and beautiful coast-line. An ideal location for sailors, the island is just an hour or so from the Maltese capital Valletta by boat, and can be reached easily from Sicily and the Italian mainland.

Ithaca

There is much doubt and confusion surrounding the modern day location of Ithaca, the home town of Odysseus and his final destination. Archaeologists, classical scholars and amateur treasure hunters have long tried to pin down one spot or the other, yet no one has conclusively found the location as of writing. The leading contender is, of course, the Ionian island named Ithaca, lying not far from the Greek mainland. This island is full of abundant olive groves, rocky outcrops, sheltered harbours perfect for finding boat charters, and a vibrant yet traditional air. Despite the name, however, the geography of contemporary Ithaca just doesn’t fit with Homeric descriptions of the island. So perhaps your best bet is just to sail around the Greek seas in the hope that you find your own little piece of paradise to name Ithaca.

John has written on sea-faring topics as diverse as how to find the cheapest boat charters in New Zealand and how to choose the right yacht for your budget.

Filed Under: Blog, Sailing Holidays

Popular areas to sail in Greece

April 21, 2012 by guestblogger Leave a Comment

Greece is rightly known for its fantastic sailing with over 2000 islands ranging from internationally known party spots to secluded coves and deserted beaches. Throw in a heap of culture (at the very least some great food and drink) and ancient archeological sites for good measure and the Greek islands really do have something for any taste.

Sailing charters in Greece are usually either bareboat charters where the charter party must have at least one certified captain and preferably one certified crew member, or skippered charters where the captain comes with the boat. Flotilla charters are also available which allow inexperienced sailors to sail their own boat accompanied by a flotilla of similarly experienced crews along with a lead boat with an experienced captain to help out in any tricky spots.

Where you choose to sail in Greece depends on a number of factors. First and foremost, the islands you wish to visit will play a deciding role in where you sail. Secondly, some areas are better for sailors with less experience since they traditionally have lighter winds and shorter distances between islands. Lastly, how easy it is to get to a charter base in your chosen area might also influence where you choose to sail, with Athens being a popular departure point due to easy accessibility by air.

Below is a roundup of the most popular charter areas in Greece along with their pros and cons in regards sailing conditions and ease of accessibility, so get inspired and start planning your Greek sailing vacation!

The Saronic Gulf

The Saronic Gulf is in between Athens and the Peloponnese Peninsula and as such is very popular with trips starting and ending from marinas in Athens. Popular Saronic gulf islands include Aigina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses, all of which have rich histories regarding their roles in the formation of modern Greece. A sailing trip in the Saronic gulf can also fit in a day trip to the ancient theatre of Epidavros, a beautiful place and not to be missed if at all possible!

Sailing in the Saronic Gulf is traditionally considered relatively easy going, the gulf being somewhat sheltered from the strong northerly ‘Meltemi’ winds that blow during the summer months. The area is also popular with flotilla groups leaving from Athens, and as such can get pretty busy at times.

Besides Athens, the island of Poros is another popular spot for charters with a number of firms operating there, but getting to Poro will usually involve going through Athens so often times it makes more sense to start in Athens anyway.

The Cycladic Islands

The Cyclades are the quintessential Greek Islands with amazing beaches, clear blue waters and pretty white villages. The island group includes over 200 islands, many of which are uninhabited. Popular spots include the famous islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Milos, the more laid back islands of Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Kythnos and Amorgos and of course the larger islands of Naxos and Paros.

Sailing the Cyclades is commonly done from charter bases in Athens with a one week charter allowing you time to see a range of the Northern islands. Two (or even three) week charters allow you to really get off the beaten track and visit many more islands in a leisurely circle from and back to Athens. The Meltemi winds can be strong in the Cyclades, especially in July/August, so it helps to have an experienced crew for the times when the winds are blowing and the waves are up.

The Ionian Islands

The Ionian islands are another popular choice for sailing holidays. Much greener than the above mentioned islands groups due to more rainfall in the winter, the Ionian islands are absolutely stunning, especially in the spring time!

Popular charter bases in the Ionian islands are Corfu and Lefkas (Leukada), both of which have direct international charter flights from many European destinations during the summer months. Other islands in the group include Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaka and Paxos, all of which are in easy reach during a one week charter.

Sailing conditions in the Ionian islands are also usually more easy going than in the Cyclades, meaning lighter winds and easier sailing. This makes them a popular choice for less experienced sailors and flotilla charters.

The Dodecanese

The Dodecanese are located off the Western coast of Turkey and include the islands of Rhodes, Kos, Leros, Kalymnos and Patmos among others.

Main charter bases are on Rhodes and Kos, with both islands having direct charters from Europe in the summer season. The sailing conditions in the Dodecanese can be challenging when the Meltemi winds are blowing, so an experienced crew is recommended. One way charters from Kos in the north to Rhodes in the south are also popular, avoiding the need to sail north into the winds.

So there you have it, a quick roundup of the most popular sailing areas in Greece.
For more information on suggested routes, feel free to visit Sail Greece Yachts and particularly our page on suggested sailing routes. Happy Sailing!

Filed Under: Blog, Sailing Holidays

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