Top sailing destinations in the Indian Ocean and tropical islands travel tours tricks by Bill Trikos? If you are planning a summer holiday in Europe, then it doesn’t get much better than a sailing trip around the continent’s pristine coastlines. There are plenty of destinations here that offer unspoiled beaches, quiet islands, sparkling blue waters and the prettiest port towns that you could imagine. So pack your sailing gear, pick a destination, and get out there! Sailing around Greece is the kind of holiday that everyone fantasises about – so why not make it a reality? Whichever destination you choose from the list above will be sure to provide an exciting and completely unforgettable experience. As one of the countries with the longest Mediterranean coastlines and countless sailing spots and hidden gems, Italy is one of the top sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. This beautiful European country is home to some of the most popular Mediterranean destinations such as Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Sardinia. Find additional info about the author on Bill Trikos.
2021 will still have to wait a bit longer to see the island at its best. The re-opening after a year of restrictions will be more paused and controlled so as to secure the stable situation Balearic Islands have reached. But no worries! We are sure there are many ways to discover Ibiza for those first-time visitors, in a more tranquil pace but, at the same time, genuine. Experts will find also their way to best attractions and best hotels and, we are quite sure, to a renewed way to enjoy Mediterranean nights. Consistently rated as one of the world’s most attractive beaches, Ses Salines (also referred to as Las Salinas) is usually the first stop for sun-seekers visiting Ibiza. Part of a natural park bearing the same name, this idyllic stretch of fine sand offers beautiful views of the inland countryside as well as the typically relaxing Ibiza bathing experience (there are no waves here). A scattering of cool beach bars offers all the extras that you need for a perfect day at the beach: good food – including wonderfully fresh fish – cold beers, tasty cocktails and decent tunes. Why the Mediterranean? The Mediterranean Sea separates Europe from Africa, and it is almost entirely surrounded by the land of the Mediterranean Basin. The Mediterranean is known as one of the world’s finest travel destinations, that invites you to set on an unforgettable journey and sail the coastlines of some of the twenty-one Mediterranean countries. The Mediterranean is home to some of the world’s most popular summer destinations and hot spots for sailing due to its pleasant climate, turquoise sea, ancient ruins, famous Mediterranean food, and stunning architecture.
A luxury sailing yacht charter creates the opportunity for an uplifting and memorable escape, with the salt on your skin and the wind in your hair. Delivering access to remote bays and inlets due to a generally shallower draft than a motor yacht, sailing yachts also offer unparalleled tranquillity, with ultimate reliance upon the wind. Romantic, liberating and exciting, a charter on a sailing yacht is the ultimate getaway to fuel your deepest passion for the ocean. From the perfect winds and sailing conditions, to the best hidden bays and secret spots to discover, we have highlighted some of the top global locations to fully relish the opportunity of chartering a sailing yacht.
The base charter fee in essence refers to the hire cost of the yacht itself, with all equipment in working order in addition to the cost of food and wages for the crew during the entirety of the charter. This is essentially all the base charter fee covers with additional expenses often applicable on top. The base charter fee will vary from one yacht to another and this may be down to any number of reasons from size and on board amenities to the charter season. For instance, the base rate of a charter yacht may increase in “high season” and reduce during the “low season”. “High season” and “low season” refers to the busiest and slowest periods for yacht charters though this may appear misleading, as these peak times refer to periods of weeks as opposed to full seasons. In addition, you may find that a yacht is also more expensive during special events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival and America’s Cup. Unless you are keen to charter a yacht for a particular “high season” event, choose your dates carefully as although a “high season” rate will be more expensive than the “low season” the two can sometimes share much of the same weather conditions. Under Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) charter contracts, which are arguably the most common, the charterer is charged for food and beverage (for the charter guests only), fuel, dockage and harbor fees, and miscellaneous expenses. As a round number, which depends on how much fuel the yacht uses and how fancy the meals and drinks, you can expect to add 25% to 50% of your charter cost.
Sailing tip of the day: Satisfied with your headsails? So was I, until one day I took a long, hard look up the luff of my genoa, making sure I inspected the leeward side as well. The sail had plenty of life left—it was still “crackly” when folded—but it looked far too full to me, and my forestay was sagging more than I’d have liked. The rig had been set up by a guy I trust, so there wasn’t a lot be done about the sag. Still, the boat was slow upwind and seemed tender, so I bundled the genoa into the car and took it to my favourite sailmaker. He agreed the cloth was still OK, but wasn’t impressed with the shape. I don’t know the ins and outs of the magic he wrought, but he shortened the luff by a few inches so I could tension it properly and somehow compensated for sag and flattened the entry. Now I sail a different boat. She stands up as she ought, she foots well and points higher, too—all because I took a critical look up the rig.
Another beautiful Greek sailing route takes you through the less famous Sporades islands which are located off the East coast. There are eleven islands in total but if you start at Volos or Skiathos, you’ve got a good chance of visiting quite a few. Known as the emerald of the Aegean, expect rich vegetation, unspoiled green-blue waters and a more traditional way of life. Highlights include the picturesque island of Skopelos, the party-island Skiathos and the Marine Park of Alonissos which is dotted with secret coves.
Turkey’s Turquoise Riviera has long been popular among private yachts, but recently we’ve seen an upswing in the demand for yacht charters in the region as well. Fethiye is one of the most popular spots to charter, as it provides access to tiny islands too small to name, sky-blue lagoons and secret coves where you drop anchor and swim straight up to the shore for lunch. Speaking of food, you should pay a visit to Lebessos Winehouse during your trip. Housed in a 400-year old stone cottage in the town of Kayakoy (which has been deserted since 1923) this restaurant is the gourmet dining leader of Fethiye. The venue earns extra points for its taxi service, saving you the hassle of booking a transfer. The service is friendly and accommodating and the local cuisine is authentic and perfectly-prepared- opt for tender lamb kleftiko, levissi chicken with chilli yogurt or honey-drenched figs. Plus, the restaurant has its own wine cellar where you can sample the local wines of Turkey.
Your crew have a wealth of information and experience. You may be surprised at their personal interests and what they have achieved. Many of them are well educated with degrees in everything from marine biology to environmental engineering. You may have crew who are artists or masseuses, musicians or florists and most are genuinely happy to share their skills and knowledge with you. One of the great benefits of chartering your own private crewed yacht is the total flexibility it offers, cruising through your destination and changing anchorages at your own pace, under the guidance of your Captain with his/her local knowledge.