Embarking on a Memorable Sailboat Holiday: A Guide to an Unforgettable Adventure

 

A sailboat holiday offers a unique and exhilarating experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the open sea while enjoying the freedom and tranquility that sailing provides. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice seeking a new adventure, this guide will provide you with essential tips and insights to ensure your sailboat holiday is nothing short of extraordinary. 1. Choosing the Right Sailboat:

Selecting the perfect sailboat is crucial for a successful holiday. Consider factors such as the size of the boat, the number of cabins, and the amenities available. Research reputable charter companies and consult with experienced sailors to find a vessel that suits your needs and preferences. 2. Planning Your Itinerary:

Crafting a well-thought-out itinerary is essential to make the most of your sailboat holiday. Research the destination you wish to explore, taking into account weather conditions, local attractions, and sailing routes. Consider including a mix of secluded anchorages, vibrant coastal towns, and picturesque islands to create a diverse and captivating journey. 3. Navigating the Seas:

Before setting sail, familiarize yourself with the nautical charts and navigational aids of your chosen destination. Ensure you have the necessary sailing qualifications or hire a professional skipper to navigate the waters safely. Pay attention to weather forecasts and tides to avoid any potential hazards and make the most of favorable conditions. 4. Embracing the Sailing Lifestyle:

A sailboat holiday is an opportunity to embrace the sailing lifestyle fully. Immerse yourself in the experience by participating in sailing maneuvers, hoisting the sails, and learning basic navigation skills. Take time to appreciate the serenity of the sea, the sound of the wind, and the breathtaking sunsets that only a sailboat holiday can offer. 5. Anchoring and Exploring:

One of the joys of a sailboat holiday is the ability to anchor in secluded bays and explore hidden gems inaccessible by land. Research anchorages in advance and plan your stops accordingly. Take advantage of snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding opportunities to fully appreciate the marine life and natural beauty surrounding you. 6. Safety First:

Prioritize safety throughout your sailboat holiday. Familiarize yourself with safety equipment on board, including life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers. Conduct regular safety checks and ensure everyone on board understands emergency procedures. Respect the power of the sea and always prioritize the well-being of yourself and your fellow passengers. 7. Capturing Memories:

Document your sailboat holiday by capturing memorable moments through photography or journaling. Reflect on the unique experiences, stunning landscapes, and encounters with local culture. These memories will serve as a lasting reminder of your extraordinary adventure. A sailboat holiday offers an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature's beauty. By carefully selecting the right sailboat, planning a well-crafted itinerary, and embracing the sailing lifestyle, you can embark on a truly unforgettable adventure. Remember to prioritize safety, immerse yourself in the experience, and capture the precious memories that will last a lifetime. Bon voyage!

Yachts and sailboats

 

Planning a Vacation? Discover the Ultimate Holiday Experience on a Yacht or Sailboat

Picture this: you're sailing on crystal-clear waters, the sun warming your skin, with breathtaking views in every direction. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it doesn't have to be just a dream! If you're looking for a truly unforgettable vacation experience, consider embarking on a holiday adventure on a yacht or sailboat. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first-time adventurer, a yachting or sailing vacation offers a world of opportunities to relax, unwind, and explore. 

First and foremost, a vacation on a yacht or sailboat provides the ultimate sense of freedom. As soon as you set sail, you leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find yourself immersed in a world of tranquility. The soothing sound of the waves, the gentle breeze against your face, and the freedom to navigate wherever you desire - it's an escape like no other. 

Imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean and having an unlimited supply of breath-taking landscapes at your doorstep. One day you could be exploring hidden coves and secluded beaches, the next cruising along vibrant coastlines, or even hopping from one exotic island to another. With a yacht or sailboat, the world becomes your playground, and every day brings a new adventure.

But what about accommodations? Don't worry, these vessels are equipped with all the comforts and luxuries you could ever want. From spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms to fully-equipped kitchens, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Some even offer additional amenities such as swimming pools, jacuzzis, and sundecks, where you can relax and soak up the sun while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty.

For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, there are options to charter crewed yachts where a dedicated team will take care of all your needs. From professional chefs who will prepare mouth-watering meals to knowledgeable local guides who will navigate you to hidden gems, your every desire will be catered to, ensuring a truly stress-free vacation.

Planning your vacation on a yacht or sailboat also opens up the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities. Whether you're an avid snorkeler, a passionate fisherman, or simply enjoy swimming in pristine waters, the open sea will become your personal playground. You can also try your hand at sailing, learn the ropes from experienced crew members, and gain a newfound appreciation for the power of the wind and the art of navigation.

Moreover, by choosing a vacation on a yacht or sailboat, you're making a conscious decision to experience travel in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. Unlike traditional mass tourism, sailing holidays have significantly lower carbon footprints, as they rely on wind power to propel the vessel forward. You'll be able to appreciate the beauty of the natural world while knowing that you're actively contributing to its preservation.

In conclusion, if you're looking to escape the ordinary and embark on a truly memorable vacation, consider a yachting or sailing adventure. From the freedom to explore stunning coastlines to the comfort and luxury of onboard accommodations, and the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities, this type of vacation offers an extraordinary experience for all. So why settle for an average holiday when you can set sail and create memories that will last a lifetime? Bon voyage!

Sailing Vacations

One of the most pleasurable activities known to man is sailing. It seems only proper that we combine it with another one of our favorite activities, vacations. Sailing vacations allow you to take pleasure in the best parts of both activities all at once.

Imagine being able to take in all the sights and sensations of a leisurely ocean sail and waking up the next day just to do it all over again! All that and more is what a sailing vacation can offer you.

Sailing vacations will vary depending on the package that you sign up for. At the very least however you should be able to expect comfortable accommodations and a restful place to sleep at night.

Lower priced trips may be able to offer you your own room, but you may have to share the bathroom with the other cabins. Of course the higher up you go in the price scale, the better you can expect your accommodations to be. The pricier sailing vacation will probably be able to provide you with luxurious suites all to your own.

The meals that you will be served will also follow suit, ranging from the simpler fare of the more budget sailing vacations to the fine cuisine of the higher priced ones. Nevertheless, no matter which package you go for, you are well within your rights to expect a decent meal during the entire course of your trip, so check this part of the package out beforehand.

You may also want to ask your guide what the sailing vacation covers and what you can expect with regard to the activities that they offer. Of course you will have plenty of time to take in the invigorating sea air, but other packages may offer snorkeling, swimming and even stops to some beaches on the side. You may want to bring your camera so you can keep a record of all the fun things that you will do and see.

Speaking of what to bring, make sure that you pack everything you will possibly need before you go. There is nothing that can put a damper on a fun sailing vacation faster than a forgotten swimsuit or sun block. Aside from those two aforementioned items, don't forget to bring sunglasses and some form of head covering. Dress lightly and casually and don't forget to bring along a shawl or sweater for the nights which can get chilly.

Rules of Sailing

Water bodies offer vast expanses of area for easy and carefree movement of sailing boats and vessels. However, important factors like wind direction, course, sea state, and strength of sailing vessels could pose serious problems. Further, in racing events, sailing boats aim for the same course and area of water, therefore it's even more important to know the rules of sailing. Boats that are 39.4 feet or longer should have a copy of rules and regulations as stipulated by Royal Yachting Association or RYA on board. Sailors taking charge of vessels smaller than stipulated size should have clear and definite knowledge of all basic sailing rules for maximum safety of all.

Remaining ignorant of such rules could cause you to be liable in case of any untoward incident. Sailing rules are based and devised on basic common sense and simple ideas that leave no idea of doubt in the minds of sailors about who should be given preference of way in case boats are coming too close. Race organizers and conducting authorities enforce these regulations very stringently. In all cases, give-way vessel should offer proper directions to stand-on vessel of its intentions. All intentions should be specific and deliberate. The stand-on vessel should be ready to change its course.

Any overtaking vessel gains right-of-way and this vessel should steer its path safely. Further, you should undertake all precautions and provide all directions of your intentions. A racing sailboat should steal wind from the course of another sailboat and proceed ahead. This indicates the margin of overtaking. Specific sailing vessels always earn right-of-way like a vessel that has broken down, vessels engaged in dredging or mine sweeping, commercial vessels, and power-driven vessels. In poor visibility conditions, no boat gets right to way. All boats should proceed slowly and keep safe distance from other boats. Buoys on seas are markers around threats of wrecks, shoals, and rocks. There are four types of buoys:

1. Lateral markers indicate edges of channels for vessels to steer along safely

2. Cardinal buoys specifically marked but generally yellow and black indicate dangers to points of the compass, North, South, East and West.

3. Dennis the Menace' buoys are red and black striped danger designs to indicate isolated danger

4. Red and white striped safe water buoy indicates safe water navigation. Sound signals are important means of communication between sailing boats and vessels. Specific USA Inland Rule 34 signals are indicate below, but International signals may vary:

1. A single short blast by you means you are turning starboard side and will leave other boat to port side.

2. Two short blasts by you means you are turning port side and will leave other boat to starboard side.

3. Three short blasts by you mean you are reversing your engines.

4. One long blast by you means you are now getting underway.

5. One long blast followed by one short blast by you means you are - requesting other boat to open the drawbridge.

6. Five short blasts by you means you are in danger and you are therefore requesting other boat to move out-of-the-way.

The other boat should respond by repeating your sound signals as a confirmation of having understood what you were trying to convey. If in any case, the response comes as five short blasts, it means original intended action is dangerous.

Sailing trough the Panama canal

The dinghy pool at the PYC(Panama Yacht Club) contains a variety of underwater obstacles to snag the unwary approaching tender. Most of them are sharp and laying at exactly the right angle to slice through or hook into and tear the millimetres thick rubber of the bottom or sponsons. On their second trip, one such of these catches our not so vigilant crew off guard - fortunately only metres from the dock - a quick glance over the side shows an ever increasing stream of air bubbles under pressure, racing to the surface(quite fascinating in other circumstances!) and a hasty retreat with paddles foaming the still water follows, taking the Avon back to the dock - fastest she had ever moved under manpower!

Hauled out, upended and inspected, it is found not to be a life threatening rent and can be patched. Naturally, the repair kit is still with our little ship, moored 1.5 kilometres away, and completely innocent of events. So, our intrepid crew begin the usual search by knocking on the few boats that are actually in the marina berths and, naturally again, some tender hearted sailor comes to our rescue - sibling crew is usually called up for this kind of incident, with expectations realised. With thorough drying, scuffing and gluing, our crew are able to effect a suitable repair, and retire to the bar whilst curing - there is always an upside to any catastrophe!

Many a steamy night follows with our crew frequently sleeping in the cockpit under the stars, only to be driven below when the next deluge passes through. A tropical rain shower is very different in terms of intensity than what they were used to and once below, conversation can be very nearly drowned out with the drumming on her coach roof. She enjoys the coolness of it and is pleased that it washes the salt out of her sails, off the rigging and topsides - she will have to remind them tomorrow to sluice down the teak decks with salt water from the canvas bucket - this keeps them nice and tight by keeping the teak strips slightly swollen and tight up against the black sikaflex caulking.

Next morning she is rudely awakened with a not too delicate bump on her starboard side - this announces the arrival of the Admeasurer, which in number comprises four swarthy Panamanians with very black moustaches and big boots, clumping around her decks and below measuring everything they can lay a tape alongside or around. Because the majority of their work is large merchant vessels, cruising yachts just don't fit into their matrix. A cruising yacht not having a funnel, but, the box on their form requiring an entry, they measure a starboard dorade vent - necessity is the mother of invention! Many curious questions follow until, finally, with a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label changing hands they depart, instructing our crew to be ready for when a Pilot will be delivered for the transit.

Documentation progress is slow, and when the final stamp with payment required is to be at the Panama Canal Commission, a $50 taxi ride takes them to the PCC office. This office is positioned mid way along the canal and most inconvenient - but considering ships travel both ways through the canal, there is a certain logic to it being at the Gatun Locks. With document stamped and USD495 paid(transit fee which has increased currently to USD600 plus a USD850 buffer fee - refundable if not used) our crew hasten back aboard to await the arrival of the Pilot.

Pilot on board by 5.45am next day and informs the captain that 6.5knots have to be maintained for the 21 nautical mile journey. Now, she thinks to herself, that means she should be there on the other side and therefore in the Pacific by lunch time. What she doesn't understand is that in between times she has to negotiate the three locks along the way - up and into Gatun Lock, down to Pedro Miguel locks and finally, Miraflores Locks - this all takes time and will probably use up most of the day. The captain is a little concerned that running the engine so hard for so long may cause problems. She knows that the motor is good enough, but lets her captain fret anyway. Running into the locks, rafting up with other yachts, handling the monkey lines as they are hurled down onto her decks from above and bouncing around in the turbulent waters of the locks all goes well and she is rather pleased with herself and her crew.

They had all heard some awful stories of major damage to small vessels in transit and were somewhat fearful of this leg of their journey. She felt somewhat intimidated in the Gatun Locks by a merchant vessel whose bow some 15 metres up, loomed forward over her own bow and she thought that it could have given her just a little more sea room.

The turbulence in the locks as the water rose and then lowered was quite dramatic, and she had the crew dancing around her deck constantly watching and adjusting her fenders - she was very protective of her unsullied flanks and did not want them tarnished by some unfeeling merchantman, whose only concern was to get out the other end to continue its pecuniary voyage. She also knew that if she got on the wrong end of a small bump from one of them, her hull would pop open like an egg. The captain having to sign an indemnity to the PCC, was also acutely aware of this.
The captain, perched on the stern rail in the Gatun Locks suddenly spots two large porpoising fish astern and close to the lock gates. They are a pair of very big Tarpon and apparently these fish regularly use the canal system to traverse into the Pacific and vice versa - fee free of course!

Cruising between Pedro Miguel Locks and Miraflores she passes the Pedro Miguel Boat Club to port and smugly notes all the yachts out on 'the hard'. They were in various states of repair and many of them looked like they had been there for quite some time - this club was famous for voyagers returning home for respite before venturing into the Pacific, with many of them never coming back to continue. Obviously, she muses, folks from the Atlantic side - but to her crew, the Pacific was their home and held no such fears.

Finally, into Miraflores Lock and the last batch of 'bump and grind', her nose pointing west, the huge, massively steel strapped and dripping gates crack open to reveal a sliver of ever widening blue which is her first view of the mighty Pacific Ocean. She feels a jet of excitement pass through her and realises that at last, this is the beginning of a great voyage - the crew also seem to be somewhat stimulated and prattle on about how smart they are to get thus far unscathed! Indignantly, she would like to remind them, if it wasn't for her, they wouldn't be here at all! She remonstrates by heading for one of the pylons of the great 'Bridge of the Americas', until Anglo crew noticing, brings her smartly back on course, and on a heading for the Balbao Yacht Club. She claps onto a mooring, shuts down and releases them ashore and the club bar, to find the first gullible bunch of sailors who will listen to their pathetic babbling! This is the first time using the repaired dinghy in anger again and it holds up well.

Make Your Next Adventure Sailing Trip to Asia

Asia is the world's largest continent and probably one of the most misunderstood. Since the beginning of civilization Asia has been regarded as the place of mysticism, diverse culture, economy and invention. A lot of modern inventions and progress spawned out of this continent and at the same time some of the oldest traditions and practices can be traced here.

Aside from that you can find some of the top adventure vacation destinations in Asia. Places that would mystify you and your family and take you on a time traveling adventure back to the time where emperors reign and dynasties ruled the land. Nomads roamed and monks hold sway of the ancient teachings.

For some people the mere mention of Asia denotes kung fu, martial arts, fighting monks and a variety of stereotypes thanks to Hong Kong made action films. But more than flying daggers and mystic dragons that give eternal life, there is more to Asia than meets the eye. Asia is one of the most massive continents in this tiny little planet. Perhaps the biggest land mass in a single concentration, because of this it allows itself to be home to numerous species of flora and fauna.

This massive concentration of natural beauty is enough to capture the interest of top travel and nature related businesses to consider Asia as a big contender for the world tourism economy. In fact, according to a study in the year 2019, there would be 13,000,000 travelers who would have made their way from their home countries to Asia both for business and for leisure.

Though relic hunting, temple visitation and cultural showcases are some of the things that countries in Asia offers right now, there are more than the usual available to the growing market of tourist looking for an exotic but familiar sight to see away from home.

One of the most popular sports on the scene right now is wakeboarding. In some countries in Asia you could go wakeboarding without having to look for a boat. Yes that's right, no boats needed. In some of the resort hotels and destinations in Asia waterparks dedicated to wakeboarding have come up with an interesting way of making waves without the use of a boat. They call it the motorized pulley system. A motor runs at top speed while a series of pulleys located all throughout the man-made lake pulls on the rope of the wakeboarder. Pretty neat huh?

Another new trend in Asia is the equivalent of western theme parks, when I say equivalent that means creating a theme park that answers to the popularity of theme parks in the USA like Disneyland, universal studios and Sea World. Some of these theme parks are found in Japan called Sanrio world, one in Korea called Lotte World and one in the Philippines called Enchanted Kingdom.

Check out the places on the internet, the different information that they can give you about the price range and others.

So for people looking out for the best things to do in the mystifying region of Asia go check out the different attractions that would best suffice your need to have an exciting adventure vacation, it will surely show you what's it like to cross the heritage of the ancestors and the modern convenience of life. Be sure to capture that one special moment when the best of both worlds combine.

Sailing Around the World - Chance of a Lifetime

Many folks love sailing and have dreamed about sailing around the world. Indeed, it is a chance of a lifetime, something that is worth doing, even if the risk could kill you. Why is sailing around the world such a common dream or wish for people? Well, it might have something to do with our ancestry, consider if you will that our ancestors did not have powered boats, and anytime they sailed across the sea, they did so by sailing.

With the stock market down, real estate in the tank and the economy sour, this could be the best time to sail around the world. Simply take all your money and buy Dow Stocks and then leave, and don't you worry about a thing. When you get back everything will be up again. You, well, you will have sailed around the world and none of that financial stress will have taken its toll on you like the rest of the folks here.

There is a sense of tranquility at sea, it's a fun place to be, and sailing around the world is a lot of fun and the challenge of a life time. Best of all this is as great time to buy a high quality sail boat for a song and even if you put all your money into the boat, there is a good chance it will be worth much more when you complete your journey, as the economy will have returned along with you.

Can you personally think of a more exhilarating thing to do in your life, something that will help make your life complete? Sail away, sail away, sail away. Think on this.

Yacht Charter Time-Share - A Verdict on the Scheme

In five years, you could sail 2,500 miles in 12 beautiful cruising grounds across the world. You could sail 11 different types of boat - and not do a single piece of maintenance! The key to this sailors' dream might be signing up for an ownership scheme.

Look at taking beginner's keelboat sailing courses and then have a look at your options...

Under an ownership scheme, the company charters your yacht for five and a half years (six seasons), and during this time you get a percentage of the charter income. You are of course also entitled to a number of weeks sailing each year - either on your own boat or on an equivalent one anywhere in the world, which includes the most popular cruising grounds in the world.

So why join the scheme? You can a) spend holidays sailing in Turkey and the Greek Islands, b) develop your sailing skills, c) explore the Med and decide where you want to base the boat long-term, and d) purchase the boat over time.

There are various ownership programmes. The basic economics are similar: the company charters the yacht and provides you with an income that roughly covers the repayments on an 80% marine mortgage on the yacht. The major difference is the number of days sailing (and the places you can go). Its important to decide on what you want before joining one of these programmes.

Sunsail and The Moorings give you sailing all around the world, but you are limited to two yacht manufacturers with charter company standard specifications. Top Yacht and the Sailtime schemes cater for single-location sailing (Turkey and the UK), but you can choose the specification and, with Top Yacht, you can choose the yacht manufacturer. Sailtime's programme, for example, is targeted at the typical UK sailing pattern - weekends, overnights and channel hopping.

Unlike a property mortgage, the monthly repayments on a loan are fixed, and any variation in interest rates results in either extending or shortening the repayment period. A fixed monthly repayment certainly helps budgeting, and over the period of the contract, income from chartering more or less funds the repayments. Costs for holidays, therefore, are air fares, provisioning and restaurants.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT?
A contract often has an additional week at the end of the contract to inspect the yacht before accepting her. Get any defects put right, apart from reasonable wear and tear.

A major concern is the condition of the boat. Do have surveys. It MAY save you a big bill and it WILL give you peace of mind. Be there during the survey. Follow the surveyor around, ask questions, take notes - unless you're already an expert, you'll learn a lot. Putting the boat in slings for an hour is half the price of a full haul-out - useful if she is going back in the water anyway.

Be systematic - walk the boat from bow to stern and try everything. You will probably be faced with a combination of repair jobs and missing inventory items. Therefore, don't plan to sail off into the sunset at the end of the week. There could be lots of boats going through'end of contract' at the end of the season - there will inevitably be a list ofjobs to be done over the winter.

The 3 Types of Sails - And Find Out How to Make Them Work For You!

There are three main types of sails that can be seen on dinghies and yachts and that you will always here about in sailing. They look different and do completely different things. They are...


The Mainsail
The Genoa/Gib
The Spinnaker/Gennaker

The Mainsail

The mainsail is the work horse of the entire boat and provides the power for the boat to move. It must be properly trimmed at optimized to get the most out of it. If you are beating the sail should be fully in, reaching half in half out and if you are running fully out.

In order to optimize the sail correctly, simply let it out until it begins to flap and then bring it in a bit. It is now trimmed for this current course and with the current wind direction. If you change the boat's direction or if the wind direction changes, the main sail will have to be trimmed again.

This is a constant process that the helmsman must do in order to keep the boat moving at optimum efficiency and maximum speed.

The Genoa/Gib

The Genoa (and its smaller sibling, the Gib) is the secondary sail that provides the turning power and the extra speed that a two man boat needs. Without it, the boat tends to move very slowly, because it helps the mainsail stay aerodynamic.

It is also useful on close reaches, where it speeds up the boat considerably as it is like the mainsail, but not on a boom and so the entire sail shape is curved making it more aerodynamic than the main sail allowing for faster speed.

The Genoa must also be constantly trimmed by use of the tell tales. The rule of thumb is: where the outside tell tale flaps, let out the Genoa and when the inside tell tale flaps, pull in the Genoa.

The Spinnaker/Gennaker

The Spinnaker is a large bag shaped sail that is attached to the boat by a pole on the boom. The Gennaker is a much larger sail that is attached to the boat by a pole at the front. The Spinnaker works on a run, broad reach and beam reach. The Gennaker works on a broad reach, beam reach and close reach.

The Spinnaker is a bag that pulls the boat along when the wind pushes it. The Gennaker works like a large Genoa and is aerodynamically shapes like a Genoa (unlike the baggy spinnaker).

Knowing the three types of sail is very important and understanding how they work is critical to be able to sail fast and be able to optimize the sails correctly so that they provide the most power that they can in the amount of wind given.

Average Costs of Buying a Sail Boat

Things cost money. Traveling is definitely not any different. Therefore, a person will need money in order to hop from one destination to another. One ever growing method of traveling is sail boating. This method is casual, relaxing and a person can experience very beautiful scenery when they travel. However, it can cost quite a pretty penny!

For a beginner, a sail boat is obviously required. Purchasing a sail boat isn't necessarily as easy as buying something like a car. A lot of time and careful consideration is often advised because sail boats can cost more and, most likely, outlive a car. When going out to buy a boat, you should probably ask yourself if you're truly ready for it. Buying a boat that costs anywhere between $1,200 to almost $100,000 just to have to sitting in your garage isn't necessarily worth the money. Therefore, a person should most likely have plenty of free time to use their boat.

When going out to purchase a boat, it is highly recommended that a person bring a surveyor with them. A surveyor is highly advised for boats that cost more than $1,000. Surveyors usually cost about $300 but it is worth the extra money! Remember, they should know what they're looking at and their services will hopefully benefit your purchase. They look over the boat like an auto mechanic would check out a car. After the surveyor has cleared the boat as being qualified, a person should stop by their local Department of Motor Vehicles. The owner should have their current name and tag number and should ask for a title and registration report to ensure clear title.

Obviously, there are more steps than just these but I wanted to name off the basics. Extensive lessons, professional opinions and asking people about their previous sailing experiences are all also recommended.

Choosing Your Ideal Boat

For a first time boat buyer, locating your perfect boat can be a difficult task. There are many parts that should be applied when boat shopping. Following are some things to consider when purchasing a boat. Ask yourself, "What is important to me?" This is your first step before you even look at a boat. What will you be using the boat for. Personal, sports, fishing or just cruising are all deciding factors in the type of boat that is best for you.

Another step to take before purchasing is stopping to consider your families ideas and feelings. It is pertinent that you discuss buying a boat with them before purchasing. Otherwise hard feelings and problems may arise, which will cut into the time you get to spend on the water.

There are five different categories when it comes to boat types. These are:

• Fishing boats
• Power boats
• Sailboats
• Personal watercraft
• Self powered boats

Each one of these types of boats has different things to offer. To help in the journey of finding your perfect boat, we will go over what a few of these has to offer.

Fishing Boats: These types of boats come in various styles and are designed for the type of environment they are used in. You will need a different boat if you were to fish in shallow water than if you were to go deep sea fishing.

Fishing boats many times come with stowage and devices that are able to hold bait, fishing poles, tackle and some even allow for storage of live fish. Some also come with an open platform which is handy for those difficult fish that want to go every which side of your boat.

Power Boats: These are the most popular boats out there. Power boats also come in many different styles and can be used in many different ways. A specific boat called a bowrider, has seats in the front of the boat and it's most typical use is to tow rafts and skiers. For the sporty fisher type, there are ski and fish combination boats available.

Sailboats: Sailboats can be difficult at first to learn all the necessary task to get moving. But once you catch on and grab that wind that takes you whipping through the water, it is a very rewarding feeling. These boats will require more skill, learning and knowledge to operate.

The most popular sailboat design is the single masted sloop. But for the vacation sailor, catboats, daysailers, and dinghys can be a lot easier to maneuver and a bit smaller.

Now that you have some knowledge and what you need to know and details to consider when buying a boat, it is time to start looking. Take your time. Purchasing a boat can be a big step and a very large dent in your wallet. Make sure it is what you want. Your Ideal boat is out there, waiting for you, to match your specific needs, no matter what they may be.

New York City by Sailboat

When thinking of New York, images of bustling streets, crowded subways cars, overflowing sidewalks, street performers, endless buildings and hordes of tourists come to mind. Central Park, China Town, Downtown, Hells Kitchen, Wall Street and Times Square. But how many times have you thought of seeing New York from a sail boat? Viewing the waterfront sights without the hassle of long lines and overcrowded ferries, sailing down the Hudson River to New York Harbor and sitting within 100 yards of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island or the historic Brooklyn Bridge. This is an unforgettable way to experience New York City and its breathtaking views and has become one of the prevailing ways to experience the city.

Sailing season is right around the corner and yachting companies are busy gearing up for what promises to be a spectacular season. Many locals are already scheduling charters and sailing lessons to experience the solitude and serenity that only sailing can bring. "This winter has been particularly long and harsh. New Yorkers are ready for their much deserved break" said Amanda Vlastas, Manager of Atlantic Yachting. "Sailboat charters are the perfect getaway from the daily stresses of life and leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated."

In addition to sailing the typical city route, many people are sailing north to experience the beauty of the scenic Palisades. Romantic sails have also become increasingly popular - couples enjoy the soft symphony of hues and city life that paint the New York sunset. It's not uncommon for marriage proposals to take place amongst this scenic backdrop.

City natives (and tourists alike) can't wait to get outside and experience the solitude and serenity that only sailing can bring. Sailboat charters are the perfect getaway from the daily stresses of life.

A Family Yacht Charter Holiday With Children

Yacht Charters can often be amazing holidays, but many people are nervous about chartering with children. They worry that, aside from the obvious safety reasons, the kids will also be out of control because of insufficient space on board for the kids to play. But from experiencing many people who have chartered yachts with kids, this is almost never the case if properly planned. In fact children normally love the experience of being on a yacht, respect the rules, and are so fascinated by the experience that they are much better behaved than they would be if cooped up in a hotel room!

The boat choice is critical. We normally recommend catamarans, because they offer so much space, both inside and outside. Catamarans also don't rock back and forth, making it a much more pleasurable cruise for the entire family, and there are no dangerous stairs to get from the cockpit to the galley. Once the kids adapt to the boat, they quickly learn that they will have plenty to do - a new beach every day, jumping off the back, snorkeling after turtles and fish, deserted islands to explore. It's what kids are made for!

When chartering with children here are some basic suggestions:


Define specific safety rules and make them very clear as soon as you get on the boat. Suggestions are: always wear life vests when not in the cockpit or indoors, never leave a boat without permission from an adult, no running or horsing around, no one up front without an adult.
Kids are never in a dinghy alone, and should not use the motor unless they are over 16
Make the sailing distances short, and give them plenty of time to play and run on the beach
Rent a windsurfer or kayak, they'll love it, and you can pull them behind the dinghy for endless hours of fun
If you're chartering a bareboat, hire a skipper to allow you to concentrate on your family, not on where to drop anchor
Involve them and help them learn about the boat and how to sail. Show them the charts, instruments, switches, winches, ropes. Have them use the winch to tighten a sail and push the button for the anchor. The more you involve them, the more they'll learn to love boats and sailing.

Explore Italy in a Yacht

Italy is perhaps the most beautiful of the Mediterranean countries and very few other places on earth can compare. The coastline is spectacular with stunning beaches and quiet little bays, most of which can be reached only by sea. The islands of Sicily in Sardinia are perfect for exploring - with an average of 300 days of sunshine and with warm winds off Africa this is a great sailing spot.

It is neither expensive or difficult to organize. I too was once under the impression that only the truly wealthy could afford this type of holiday. That is not true.

My first boating holiday was an eye opener. I had the holiday of my life, family vacations don't get better than this. We'd moor off undiscovered coves perfect for kids. They could row the dingy ashore and swim and snorkel in safe calm water - spending hours playing on the beaches or trying to catch the fish in the warm turquoise sea.

Where to begin? Well Sardinia is the ideal place to charter a boat either alone or with a full crew, skippered or bareboat. Rates are very reasonable and the waters are not to difficult for the novice sailor.

Most Sardinian marinas offer full resort facilities, with everything a yachtie could wish for. The Smeralda and Porto Cervo Yacht Clubs also offer lots of millionaire, sports stars, supermodels and luxury yachts. If this is not to your liking you will find that the east and west coasts of the Island are much simpler and down to earth.

Starting Dinghy Sailing

How many people have been on holiday, seen people sailing dinghies and thought "Id love to try that" ?

The best advice to be given to anyone wishing to start dinghy sailing is to take your time, don't rush into anything and don't try running before you can walk. First thing to do is to read around the subject and at least gain a basic understanding of what is involved in owning and buying a sailing dinghy. The Internet is an ideal place to do such research and this will be of great help when you start learning to sail.

We don't recommend you buy a dinghy and try to learn to sail yourself. Much better to either go to a recognized training center or join a sailing club. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Learning to sail at training center means that you can book lessons to suit yourself and you should receive professional instruction. The downside is that it can be expensive. In our opinion joining a sailing club is the best way to learn. You will meet a variety of boat owners, get advice on the different types of dinghies available etc. You will almost certainly have the opportunity to crew for members which is an excellent way of gaining experience. Many dinghy sailing clubs are focused on racing. Don't let this put you off. Although it may not seem appealing to a beginner, dinghy racing is an excellent way of improving your sailing techniques.

If you are lucky enough to have a choice of sailing clubs in your area go visit each one. Ask yourself

What are the members like? Were you given advice? Were you made to feel welcome? Do they offer any sort of training? What sort of boats do they sail and at what times?

Unfortunately many clubs forget about attracting new members and concentrate solely on racing without realizing everyone has to start somewhere. Gone are the days when all sailing clubs had waiting lists of people to join. Many clubs are now beginning to realize they must actively seek new members to maintain numbers and in some cases survive. See our sailing clubs list to find a club in your area.

Don't rush into buying a boat. Most clubs usually have a few boats which members can use. Take advantage of this fact until you have more knowledge about dinghies and have decided if sailing is for you. Also offer your services as a crew for members with double handed boats.

When you eventually get to the stage of buying a boat you should have a good idea about what you should be looking for. It's easy to waste money buying a boat that may be unsuitable. Your local club is an excellent place to buy a boat as people constantly trade up. The best thing about buying a boat from your own club is that often people will know its history, its faults etc.

Sailing is Freedom

Because the seas and oceans are the places where people get less into contact they can be considered the most quiet and peaceful environments. Few things, such as the sound of the waves and the birds' songs, can interrupt the quietness of the sea. That is why many people choose sailing as a way of relaxation and meditation.

Yet, all these pleasures involve some knowledge in this field and also financial in order to purchase all the things needed for a perfect adventure on the water. The first thing that a sailor should do is choose correctly the type of boat he wants to sail.

Two main types of sailing boats can be distinguished: the sailing dinghies and the yachts. There are two differences in these two types of boats. The first one is that the dinghies have a centerboard, while the yacht has a permanent keel. In yachts the ballast is built in the keel, while in the dinghies the human crew should perform as ballast. There are many types of yachts and dinghies, too, so a sailor must ponder well all the advantages and disadvantages of any boat.

The basic sailing techniques should be very well known by those who adventure on the sea. A good sailor should be able to keeping the boat in trim, to reduce the sail when necessary to suit the wind conditions, to set the sale in such a way as to be in an optimum angle with the wind (sailing trimming), to adjust the loading of the boat in a proper manner (hull trimming) or to avoid leaning to one side when necessary (heeling).

Some basic regulations should also be known. The International Regulations for Preventing Collision at the Sea are very important for the sailors as they are set by the International Maritime Organization. The rules imposed by International Association of Lighthouse Authorities are to be respected by all the sailors as have as main purpose the safe navigation and the protection of both the sailors and their boats.

For the sailors that love the adrenaline brought by racing special regulations were formulated by International Sailing Federation. Racing Rules of Sailing are the set of regulations that should be respected by all the participants in sailing competitions.

For many people sailing is like a second life, where they can enjoy the quietness, peacefulness, fresh air and serenity of the sea, but at the same time experience the adrenaline when fighting the furious waves and untamed wind.

Yacht Charter Croatia Tips

Chartering a yacht in Croatia is growing each year and is fast becoming one of the most favorite vacation options for thousands visiting Croatia in the summer. As the number of people chartering a yacht in Croatia grows, the competition between charter providers grows simultaneously. This has led to improving charter offer and the services that are accompanied to yacht charter in Croatia.

When you prepare for the yacht charter vacation in Croatia, I would suggest that you leave your car at home. Driving the whole day from your home to charter marina can be pretty exhausting especially in the summer season. When you add to that that once you arrive you must do all the vacation shopping and then you must be concentrated to do a proper yacht check-in, the first day of your charter vacation could end up being pretty miserable. If you choose to arrive to Croatia with your car you must calculate the parking fee for seven to fourteen days depending on the duration of your charter. The best option would be to arrive at Croatia by airplane or train and then use the taxi transfer from the point of you arrival to your charter marina. With Jam Transfer service you can book taxi transfer to and from your marina months in advance. This is a great way to budget your vacation because you can see in advance how much the taxi transfer will cost you.

Once you arrive at the marina where your chartered yacht is located at, you must do a yacht check-in. Prior to that you must leave the security deposit with the charter agency. Security deposit is the fixed fee from which the charter agency covers any damages made to the yacht while in charter. The yacht check-in process is the most important part of yacht charter. This is when you take over the yacht and go with the charter agency representative through entire yacht equipment. You will receive the yacht check in with all the equipment specified on it. I would suggest you take detailed notes on your copy of the check list. If the saloon table in the yacht is scratched for example, write it down and inform the charter representative that you made that remark. At the end of the check-in process ask the person with whom you did the check in to sign your copy of the check-in list. Why is this important? At the end of your charter vacation you will do the yacht check out. The person with whom you did the check in might not necessarily be the same person with whom you do the yacht check-out. The person with who you do the yacht check-out might point out on the scratched saloon table and inform you that the damage will be taken from your security deposit. Now you can show him your signed check-in list where you put the remark that the saloon table was scratched when you took over the yacht.

The last thing you must do is do all the shopping for your charter vacation. Do not neglect this step. The sea is unpredictable and marina moorings are scarce and you don't want to get stranded on the yacht with the empty fridge. It is not easy to do all the shopping on the same day you arrived at the marina after all the traveling you did to reach the marina. Especially when you add to the equation the burning summer sun and the fact that you usually have to go shopping on foot. It is easy to go shopping but returning from it with all the groceries can be quite a feat. This is where you can take the advantage of improving charter service in Croatia which is due to growing popularity of charter business. Today you can do all the shopping online, months in advance of your charter vacation, through online provisioning catalog. Jam Yacht Supply provisioning service for example has the online catalog of over five thousand products and everything you order through their catalog is awaiting for you in your charter marina.

Yacht Chartering in Corfu - Greece

Corfu also known as Kerkyra is the second biggest island after Crete and is considered one of the most beautiful and this due to the greenery that surrounds it.

Luckily for Corfu when the Venetians occupied it hundreds of years ago they somehow forced the inhabitants by giving them some incentives to plant olive trees which are still alive and still giving fruit after so many years.

Olives and olive oil was the main income of Corfu for many years until the influx of tourism which turned the Corfiots into providing hotels and apartments and thus neglecting their olive trees. Nowadays they still produce olive oil mainly for their own use as the trees are very big and not commercially viable for production.

Together with the tourism influx the yacht charter business started booming and now Corfu is a major place in the charter map with most of the international charter companies having permanent bases here.

You can now charter a yacht in Corfu with most of the charter companies and agencies in the world as it has all the facilities for Yacht charters including international airport, Modern Marina which accommodates about 1400 yachts of all sizes.

Due to the mild weather and few storms during the summer and winter season has also attracted a lot of foreign boats which are permanently moored in Corfu as their owners leave the boat here and fly back when they want to use it.

By searching on the net for yacht charters you will find hundreds of companies advertising their boats for charter so the choice is vast. The Greek charter companies are very well organized and of course by being governed by the Greek Tourist Organization they have to offer the service and also there is a guarantee deposit lodged with the Organization in case of a dispute or not fulfilling their obligation.

When you charter a boat either from an agency or direct from the owner you must insist of receiving a copy of the official charter party. This charter party contract between the agency or boat owner and the charterer will be presented to the Port Authority on the day of the charter for verification and official approval. This particular moment the boat's papers will be examined by the Port Authority to make sure that all safety requirements have been met and been inspected.

The charterers must have at least one (1) official skipper sailing certificate of competence other wise the Port Police will not allow the boat to leave harbor.

This for some people might seem a little too much but on the other hand it provides a security to the person hiring the boat that it is safe to sail and also for the boat owner that the person hiring it is competent to handle a boat and thus eliminating accidents.

In the last 20 years we had accidents such as mast braking, hitting a rock or other boats but not loss of life which is a very good and makes sailing in Greece very safe.

According to Greek law all boats intended for charter have to be registered as commercial and no private boats are allowed to do charters and be aware when you are not given a charter party agreement signed by the local Port Authority as the boat might not be fit for charter and possibly unsafe too.

Also foreign boats are not allowed to do charters in Greece except of EEC registered boats but they have to go through all the inspections as for a Greek commercial boat and also register a company here in Greece. In another article I will go through the regulations about foreign boats and chartering. I can also answer any questions regarding yachting and yacht charters in Corfu by just contacting me.

Chartering Sailboats

There are lots of reasons why hiring sailboats could be the best fit for you your friends and family. We will go through them so you can make a well in formed decision to fit your needs.

Change Of Boating Environment

By hiring a sailboat and traveling to your start marina your experience will be completely different from your usual weekend trips. There is the challenge of new charts to study and finding out the tides in the local. This can lead to refining your sailing technique as you relax, letting go of poor practices on board. Hiring overseas also means if you are bringing your kids along, they will have lots of new distractions at exciting new marinas and ports. Not to mention the glorious nature of the sea! Happy parents, happier kids!

Trying Out A Particular Design

Whether you are buying first hand off the peg or looking at the second hand market, taking a design out with an owner or salesman is not the same as with your friends. There are constraints on time and of course the owner or salesman wants to close the sale. However your needs are different. How are you supposed to making a significant buying decision based on an afternoon of sailing? By chartering you take the pressure off yourself. To find the optimum fit for you, invest in a proper trial, close at hand.

Lifestyle Change

The sailing fraternity is a migratory one. As kids grew up their hold on their parents is lessened. Parents regain a sense of freedom. With more time and less ties, this is a great opportunity to explore the possibilities of a new life. If you are a boat owner in this position, then you could use chartering to trial a marina or destination before making the break. If you are happy with the facilities and lifestyle, then bring over your own sailboat. If not and the dream lives on, then try again.

Having Your Accommodation And Activity In One

Whatever form your holiday takes, whether it's skiing, site seeing or fishing, chartering is different. With any other sporting opportunity you pay separately for accommodation and activity. Hotels cost money! And you don't even spend much time in them! Because chartering involves sleeping aboard you save loads each day! If you have concerns with getting in each others way, then it is worthwhile getting a few extra feet to spread out in.

Other Activities From The Boat

Who doesn't appreciate a quick swim after arriving at the day's secluded cove for an over night stop? OK you probably shower to get rid of the salt, but a quick dip takes away the heat of the day. If you arrive before sunset, you could explore the cove! Give your legs some stable land for an hour of two. Perhaps you prefer a sundowner or two before dinner? Fishing off the back of the boat or trailing a line through the day. You might catch a tasty meal!

Best Of Both

If you have experience of chartering then you will know that it is often good to mix things up a bit. Being on board with loved ones can get frustrating! So it's good to plan a night or two in your itinerary when you can get some well deserved shore leave. Planning a charter to include shore leave means that skipper and crew know what to expect. Sticking to the plan can be a topic of conversation whilst underway. Hiring a boat is unique in that the opportunities for activities are so diverse.

Can You Imagine Chartering?

The experience of hiring a boat for your holiday is important. From the moment you discuss the idea with your family or friends to getting in touch with recommended companies. Your quality time away from your business or place of work is vital. It cannot be stated strongly enough that the level of service expected is premium. After all your vacation is time that you spend doing exactly what you want! So if this article has raised your senses then take action!

Bon Voyage

Sailing Vacations

Sailing vacations are one of the most cherished dreams of a travel freaks. This kind of vacation fulfills all your adventurous passion and provides you the best travel experience.

Sailing vacations can become a pleasure to experience when you combine it with your favorite activities. Not all vacations are the same. These tend to vary with the kind of package you signup for. Hence, it is very important to look for a package that provides you most comfortable accommodation and peaceful site to get a good night's sleep.

Some people tend to look for low priced accommodation. However, it is important to check out the kind of service they provide you. Where talking these packages, you may need to share the bathroom with other cabins. As you go for higher priced packagers, you can expect to get comfortable accommodations and even luxurious suits as desired.

Meals served during these types of vacations depend on the fare. However, you need to check out the exact things from your travel organizer ahead of time in order to avoid any kind of confusion.

When going for a sailing vacation, you can opt for either chartered barebones or a crewed boat. If you have ahead decided to go in for a sailing vacation by now, here are some considerations you need to make.


Know about sailing vacations: It is extremely important to know a lot about sailing vacations, prior to actually setting out for one. This will make you know all about the trip, things you can enjoy, things you need to stay aware from etc. This with will help you enjoy you journey without any hazards.
Lessons on sailing: It is really important to take certain lesions on sailing prior to setting out on a vacation. This is very important if you are a novice. The lessons will provide you some practical tips and tricks on sailing. You would also come to know what all essentials you need to be equipped with.
Destination: There is no fun in going on a sailing vacations if you do not pick up a destination. Prepare a list of places that are possible to visit during the vacation and if possible, make a research o these places. Also, check for the sights that are to be seen.
Opt for a travel service: If you want your travel service to be the best, it is very important to choosing a service. This will keep you free from all the hassles of preparing for a travel. Since, there are many services available online and offline, it is very necessary to make some research prior to opting for a service. This will make sure that your sailing vacations are a comfortable, cost effective and enjoyable experience.

So if you are looking for sailing vacations, just go for it. It is kind of trip that will let you have the time of your life.