Which Destination Suits Me?
Our worldwide destination options are already globally renowned as ideal locations for sailing holidays. However each offers a distinct flavour and differing seasons an attractions for the individual. Below we highlight each individual area, and a brief description of what to expect.
Greece - enjoys endless days of virtually guaranteed sunshine from June through September. Temperatures are warm but not uncomfortable and the sailing conditions range from the benign to exciting. Greece offers a number of sailing areas, with itineraries ranging from a week up to months afloat. The culture, food, history and sheer natural beauty make this a must-do sailing location. Connections to Athens arrive direct from all main EU cities, the US and Dubai.
Croatia - The coast of Dalmatia in the southern part of the country is famed for its stunning archipelagos, Venetian influenced architecture and easy sailing conditions. Relaxed pace 1-3 week itineraries are available generally using either Split or Dubrovnik as a start/finish point. The weather is generally best July-September, with slightly cooler average temperatures than nearby Greece. Both Split and Dubrovnik have flight connections to major EU hub airports.
French Polynesia - Fabled by sailors for centuries because of the stunning natural beauty of both its islands and people, the Society Islands wrote the book when its comes to idyllic tropical paradise. With a fusion of French and indigenous Polynesian culture, these individually unique ancient atolls are the ultimate location to elope from the reality of everyday life. The air and water temperature are exactly what you'd hoped for anywhere in the tropics, where irresistable azure blue lagoons and lush coral gardens abound. Tahiti sells itself, and although its a year round destination, the optimal months are during the dry season months of June, July and August. Tahiti has direct flight connections from Paris, LAX, Auckland, Tokyo, Chile and several other Pacific Island Nations.
New Zealand - Also know as Aotearoa is a worldwide travel mecca known for its awe inspiring natural landscapes, adventure tourism and emerging world-class viticulture. 'Kiwi' dominance in worldwide yacht racing circles is borne from lazy summers of families cruising the scenic bays, beaches and archipelagos throughout Auckland's Hauraki Gulf and Northland's Bay of Islands. A 6 day itinerary may see you exploring Waiheke's Vineyards and beaches, perhaps a visit to exclusive Kingfisher Lodge, or just swim, fish, read and relax as a wind down after your land based touring around 'middle earth'. New Zealand offers an agreeable climate for cruising in the months of mid-January through the end of March. Auckland has direct flight connections to most US West-Coast cities, Asian Capitals, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Our worldwide destination options are already globally renowned as ideal locations for sailing holidays. However each offers a distinct flavour and differing seasons an attractions for the individual. Below we highlight each individual area, and a brief description of what to expect.
Greece - enjoys endless days of virtually guaranteed sunshine from June through September. Temperatures are warm but not uncomfortable and the sailing conditions range from the benign to exciting. Greece offers a number of sailing areas, with itineraries ranging from a week up to months afloat. The culture, food, history and sheer natural beauty make this a must-do sailing location. Connections to Athens arrive direct from all main EU cities, the US and Dubai.
Croatia - The coast of Dalmatia in the southern part of the country is famed for its stunning archipelagos, Venetian influenced architecture and easy sailing conditions. Relaxed pace 1-3 week itineraries are available generally using either Split or Dubrovnik as a start/finish point. The weather is generally best July-September, with slightly cooler average temperatures than nearby Greece. Both Split and Dubrovnik have flight connections to major EU hub airports.
French Polynesia - Fabled by sailors for centuries because of the stunning natural beauty of both its islands and people, the Society Islands wrote the book when its comes to idyllic tropical paradise. With a fusion of French and indigenous Polynesian culture, these individually unique ancient atolls are the ultimate location to elope from the reality of everyday life. The air and water temperature are exactly what you'd hoped for anywhere in the tropics, where irresistable azure blue lagoons and lush coral gardens abound. Tahiti sells itself, and although its a year round destination, the optimal months are during the dry season months of June, July and August. Tahiti has direct flight connections from Paris, LAX, Auckland, Tokyo, Chile and several other Pacific Island Nations.
New Zealand - Also know as Aotearoa is a worldwide travel mecca known for its awe inspiring natural landscapes, adventure tourism and emerging world-class viticulture. 'Kiwi' dominance in worldwide yacht racing circles is borne from lazy summers of families cruising the scenic bays, beaches and archipelagos throughout Auckland's Hauraki Gulf and Northland's Bay of Islands. A 6 day itinerary may see you exploring Waiheke's Vineyards and beaches, perhaps a visit to exclusive Kingfisher Lodge, or just swim, fish, read and relax as a wind down after your land based touring around 'middle earth'. New Zealand offers an agreeable climate for cruising in the months of mid-January through the end of March. Auckland has direct flight connections to most US West-Coast cities, Asian Capitals, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
What Type of Yacht Do I Need?
In most of the destinations above, theres a wide range of yacht types available. We've classified the yachts into three groups so you can get a better idea of what to expect when you arrive at the quayside. Our team are experts in asking the right questions to get the 'right fit' boat for you!
Basic Yachts - These yachts generally range from 40-50 feet in overall length, and have between three and five individual sleeping cabins, plus a main saloon/galley for common use and food preparation. Generally people are pretty surprised at whats on board, with imaginative design solutions to cram a lot of functionality into a relatively small space. There are generally 2 or 3 individual combination washrooms aboard as well as a fresh water shower by the after deck swim platform. These yachts feature 12VDC power systems, refrigerators, pressure hot water showers and some have cabin fans. Cockpit tables offer areas for outdoor dining, and care is taken to design deck areas to allow plenty of space to relax. A small inflatable tender is provided to help you ashore in more remote locations, or if you prefer anchoring out to staying in port. Navigation electronic packages generally feature GPS/Chart plotters, auto pilots and wind instrumentation. Sails are often roller furling for easy of handling from the cockpit. Yachts in this category generally are aged between 3-10 years depending on location.
Superior Yachts - These 'next level up' yachts bear similarities to the 'basic' category, but with a higher level of refinement. They generally range between 44-60 feet in overall length, and have 4-6 individual cabins aboard. Cabin sizes are slightly larger, and 240V AC power and Air Conditioning is available while the onboard Generator is running, or connected to quayside electricity supply. Generally each cabin aboard has its own dedicated washroom/ensuite, and the overall appointment of finishing of the yacht is to a more luxurious standard. Electric Boarding gangways are often standard, alleviating the need to 'walk the plank' which is more common on basic yachts. Often these yachts may have dedicated crew quarters aboard also.
Luxury Level Yachts - Luxury level embody everything a basic & superior yachts do, but on a grander scale. Generally these yachts are exclusively fully crewed with Skipper and Chef/Hostess or more. Cabins are more akin to suites, and deck spaces are often more lounge like with comfort taken to a high level of refinement. This yacht category is primarily suited to the 5 star plus client looking for a level of decadence in their sailing experience.
Cabin Layout - There are generally three main cabin layouts available aboard all of these yachts. The vast majority of yachts are set up to have one couple, sharing a double cabin, either with or without their own dedicated ensuite washroom. Some Yachts also have twin, or bunk style cabins more suit for individuals or children travelling aboard. On more superior, or luxury level yachts these twin cabins may configure as two singles side by side opposed to a bunk bed layout. On a few superior and more frequently aboard luxury level yachts a full suite may be available with a full walk around double with exclusive ensuite that may feature a separate shower.
Catamaran Vs Monohull - The primary advantage of a catamaran is extra space. The deck area is unrivalled by most monohull yachts and the indoor outdoor flow is a real plus. However, I often find sailing purists still lean toward monohull yachts due to their feel, and sailing characteristics. Monohull yachts can face challenges in areas where the depth of water inside lagoons is minimal, yet catamarans are shallower draft so more suited to these locations. In some small ports, Catamarans are troublesome to find a parking spot for due to their width (beam) so you have to make for port earlier in the day. So you may now see that there are positives and negatives for both. Upon contacting us, we can further discuss whether a monohull or a catamaran is better for your chosen destination.
In most of the destinations above, theres a wide range of yacht types available. We've classified the yachts into three groups so you can get a better idea of what to expect when you arrive at the quayside. Our team are experts in asking the right questions to get the 'right fit' boat for you!
Basic Yachts - These yachts generally range from 40-50 feet in overall length, and have between three and five individual sleeping cabins, plus a main saloon/galley for common use and food preparation. Generally people are pretty surprised at whats on board, with imaginative design solutions to cram a lot of functionality into a relatively small space. There are generally 2 or 3 individual combination washrooms aboard as well as a fresh water shower by the after deck swim platform. These yachts feature 12VDC power systems, refrigerators, pressure hot water showers and some have cabin fans. Cockpit tables offer areas for outdoor dining, and care is taken to design deck areas to allow plenty of space to relax. A small inflatable tender is provided to help you ashore in more remote locations, or if you prefer anchoring out to staying in port. Navigation electronic packages generally feature GPS/Chart plotters, auto pilots and wind instrumentation. Sails are often roller furling for easy of handling from the cockpit. Yachts in this category generally are aged between 3-10 years depending on location.
Superior Yachts - These 'next level up' yachts bear similarities to the 'basic' category, but with a higher level of refinement. They generally range between 44-60 feet in overall length, and have 4-6 individual cabins aboard. Cabin sizes are slightly larger, and 240V AC power and Air Conditioning is available while the onboard Generator is running, or connected to quayside electricity supply. Generally each cabin aboard has its own dedicated washroom/ensuite, and the overall appointment of finishing of the yacht is to a more luxurious standard. Electric Boarding gangways are often standard, alleviating the need to 'walk the plank' which is more common on basic yachts. Often these yachts may have dedicated crew quarters aboard also.
Luxury Level Yachts - Luxury level embody everything a basic & superior yachts do, but on a grander scale. Generally these yachts are exclusively fully crewed with Skipper and Chef/Hostess or more. Cabins are more akin to suites, and deck spaces are often more lounge like with comfort taken to a high level of refinement. This yacht category is primarily suited to the 5 star plus client looking for a level of decadence in their sailing experience.
Cabin Layout - There are generally three main cabin layouts available aboard all of these yachts. The vast majority of yachts are set up to have one couple, sharing a double cabin, either with or without their own dedicated ensuite washroom. Some Yachts also have twin, or bunk style cabins more suit for individuals or children travelling aboard. On more superior, or luxury level yachts these twin cabins may configure as two singles side by side opposed to a bunk bed layout. On a few superior and more frequently aboard luxury level yachts a full suite may be available with a full walk around double with exclusive ensuite that may feature a separate shower.
Catamaran Vs Monohull - The primary advantage of a catamaran is extra space. The deck area is unrivalled by most monohull yachts and the indoor outdoor flow is a real plus. However, I often find sailing purists still lean toward monohull yachts due to their feel, and sailing characteristics. Monohull yachts can face challenges in areas where the depth of water inside lagoons is minimal, yet catamarans are shallower draft so more suited to these locations. In some small ports, Catamarans are troublesome to find a parking spot for due to their width (beam) so you have to make for port earlier in the day. So you may now see that there are positives and negatives for both. Upon contacting us, we can further discuss whether a monohull or a catamaran is better for your chosen destination.
Crewing your Adventure
Deciding what level of crewing you require not only depends on your experience, but also the experience you wish to have. Consider the following -
Skippered Charter - Our Skippers have expert local experience in each individual sailing area. Your skipper will take care of meeting and greeting you in your destination and helping schedule everything. They provide a daily briefing, and create a unique itinerary developed around what type of experience your crew is after. Drawing on local experience you'll see the best of what your destination offers, eating at the finest local eateries, with the highest levels of hospitality. Where possible, our skippers organise on island excursions, tours and hikes. Generally, the skipper and crew almost become family within a day or two and teary farewells aren't uncommon. Remember, that when sailing with a skipper you'll have to take care of their food and general upkeep while aboard.
Fully Crewed - If you're feeling the need to be pampered, getting both a Skipper, Guide plus Hostess/Cook or more may be the option for you. Catering can be taken care of aboard, lessening your reliance on civilisation, letting you set your expedition free. With the cooking and housekeeping taken care of, what else can you do but relax, relax, relax.
Deciding what level of crewing you require not only depends on your experience, but also the experience you wish to have. Consider the following -
Skippered Charter - Our Skippers have expert local experience in each individual sailing area. Your skipper will take care of meeting and greeting you in your destination and helping schedule everything. They provide a daily briefing, and create a unique itinerary developed around what type of experience your crew is after. Drawing on local experience you'll see the best of what your destination offers, eating at the finest local eateries, with the highest levels of hospitality. Where possible, our skippers organise on island excursions, tours and hikes. Generally, the skipper and crew almost become family within a day or two and teary farewells aren't uncommon. Remember, that when sailing with a skipper you'll have to take care of their food and general upkeep while aboard.
Fully Crewed - If you're feeling the need to be pampered, getting both a Skipper, Guide plus Hostess/Cook or more may be the option for you. Catering can be taken care of aboard, lessening your reliance on civilisation, letting you set your expedition free. With the cooking and housekeeping taken care of, what else can you do but relax, relax, relax.