ICYRA Sailing and Yachts

Archive for the ‘Sailing Holidays’ Category

It doesn’t take long for a novice sailing enthusiast to realize the value of a good marina. Basically a fancy parking spot for leisure watercraft, a marina can offer much more than docking space: boaters now look for good scenery, mild weather, and even the best coffee and sandwiches. Of course, we all have our priorities, so there’s no single scale for finding the best spot for your boat. Here’s a list of some of the favourite spots of well-traveled boaters.

For the views: If you like a good panoramic view, you’ll probably be attracted to pristine waters close to the mountains and lush greenery. Fortunately there are a lot of them around—most marinas offer at least a passable view. But for something really breathtaking, try traveling to Sardinia, off the coast of Italy, for a dip in Porto Cervo. The seaside resort and marina offers a picture-perfect view of the Mediterranean almost year-round, with unforgettable sunsets and excellent seafood to boot. Yas Marinain in Abu Dhabi and Port Hercule in Monaco are close runner-ups.

For tourism: Sight-seeing and restaurant-hopping are part of a good sailing holiday. Luxury marinas tend to attract good tourism infrastructure, so you’ll have a lot of choice no matter what you’re looking for. Capri, another Italian island, is a good choice for nature and culture enthusiasts. Among the dozens of sites to visit are the Blue Grotto, a world-famous sea cave; Monte Solaro, the highest peak on the island and home to unique rock formations and a variety of birds; and the Casa Rossa (Pink House), a mixture of architectural styles that’s sure to catch the eye of art appreciators. St-Tropez in Côte d’Azur, France is also a popular choice; its landscapes and architecture have been depicted by dozens of artists including Renoir, Matisse, and Cézanne.

For facilities: Some of us like to stay practical and choose spots where it’s safest or most comfortable. If that sounds like you, you’re probably after the best docking facilities and maintenance services. These marinas are especially ideal for seafaring vessels, which face a harsher dose of the elements. Port de Cannes in Côte d’Azur tops the list of most avid boaters, with its high focus on environmental protection and vessel security. Port de Gustavia in Guadeloupe is also known for efficient management and top-rated service. All this may cost you a premium, but arriving in low seasons can help you get discounts.

Boating holidays aren’t just for the summer—for many of us, winter is the best time to leave the city and take to the waters, while everyone else is staying in. Of course, that means dressing for the occasions—and that goes for summer sailing as well. Anyone who’s planning to take their boats out all year should invest in a good sailing wardrobe, one that can last you through the seasons and make sure you’re comfortable no matter where the wind takes you.

Obviously, sailing clothes for boating holidays are either warm-weather or cold-weather. Things are made a little more complicated by the fact that you’ll be spending a lot of time on the water with the wind in your face; your clothes will have to keep you comfortable and stand up to these conditions as well. The first thing you need to look for is therefore sturdy construction—no cheap cotton or single-stitch seams. This may drive the costs up a little, but if longevity is on top of your list, it’s always money well spent.

For cold-weather sailing, look for waterproof clothing. You can expect to get battered by waves of cold water, and the worst thing is when the water gets under your coat and onto your skin. Your first two layers—usually a big coat and a sweater—should be waterproof. Follow this up with a warm shirt or pullover, preferably wool or fleece, to keep warm.  Wrap up in a pair of lightweight, waterproof boots and you should be good to go.

For warm weather, your main concern would be rain. It’s tempting to just pack all your cotton shirts and board shorts, but you’ll also need to prepare for less friendly skies. Pack a raincoat for rainy weather and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Also, the floor of your boat can get slippery when it rains, so make sure to wear boots with sturdy treads to prevent accidents. If you’re expecting very hot weather, a hat and a pair of sunglasses will also come in handy.

You don’t usually need a whole new wardrobe for every season. While it may pay to invest in a few key pieces (like a good coat with a lifetime warranty), most of it is just choosing the right pieces for the right climate. When you start sailing more regularly, you’ll find that you get a feel for what’s comfortable and what’s not without even checking the forecasts!

A luxury yacht is no small investment. Whether it’s to celebrate your retirement, reward yourself for a job well done, or move up from your clunky old boat, you’re probably expecting to spend as much as you would for a house, or at least get fairly close. So it pays to take those few extra hours to look at your options, shop around, and make sure you’re getting the best deal.

There’s no “perfect yacht” that will satisfy every boater, as we all have our personal requirements. Do you want speed and power, or are you more after comfort and style? Is it your first marine craft or are you fairly knowledgeable? What size are you looking for? Those are just some of the questions worth thinking of. Start by doing a quick Google search and learning about what’s available and for how much. This will give you a good idea of what to expect, as well as how much to set aside.

Next, try visiting a local boat show. Learning online is great, but it’s all theoretical—nothing really beats seeing a boat in the flesh. It’ll also give you the chance to talk to experts and get firsthand information on what’s a good investment and what’s a waste of money. If you’re lucky, you can even get some of them to invite you on board and give you a tour. If there aren’t any boat shows nearby, visit the closest marina and try to find someone to give you advice, whether it’s the manager or one of the boat owners.

When you’re shopping around, make sure to look beyond the size and features and ask about after-sales services. Yacht maintenance is no small business, and owners often shell out much more than they expect on repairs and upkeep. Docking options should also be considered—how good are the marinas in your area? While you’re checking out different sellers, take the opportunity to ask about these services and make it part of your decision.

At the end of the day, it’s you who will choose your own boat (that’s the beauty of it), but you owe it to yourself to make sure it’s a good one. Proper research can let you in on the best brands, the best price to quality ratios, and the best services. Many of the factors seem trivial when it’s all on paper, but you’ll thank yourself for it later on.

It doesn’t take much to see that Greece is a boater’s paradise: scenic islands, clear waters, great food, and a wealth of culture and history thrown in. Sailing holidays in Greece are easily customized to suit every boater’s interests, and they have lots of return value—one trip alone is seldom enough to see all that the country has to offer.

Island-hopping is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Greek holidays. The variety between its islands is what makes it such an interesting destination, some boasting postcard-worthy coastlines and others strewn with dramatic ruins and historic architecture. With a sailing holiday, you can call the shots and decide on your next destination.

Some of the bays and islands can only be accessed by yacht, so you can avoid the crowds if you come during peak season. The afternoons are usually the best time to go sailing, but most sailors come in the morning to see the sights before heading to the waters. Quaysides are often lined with restaurants and taverns, so there’s no shortage of entertainment for the evenings.

There are several ways to go about your Greek sailing holiday. The simplest but often most expensive is a yacht charter, where you rent a craft for half a day to several days. You can choose from small bareboat watercraft to luxury yachts brimming with extra features. Another option is to join a flotilla, where you join a crew and are allowed to take the helm occasionally. Destinations for flotillas are a bit more limited; some of the most popular are Skiathos, the Ionian, and Saronic islands.

You can also take sailing courses, whether it’s a crash course or a refresher. These usually last three to six days (beginner courses take longer) and are part of a flotilla package. If you want to stay longer or have other destinations, most companies also offer “sail and stay” packages where your fee includes accommodations at a nearby hotel or inn.

Finally, you’ll want to choose your destination—and there are dozens on your plate. Winds get stronger as you go east, so take this into account along with your skill level. All the popular islands—the Ionian, the Saronic Gulf, the Sporades Islands and the Aegeans—are worth spending a day in. It’s all a matter of knowing what you’d like to see the most, so do your research and make sure each day counts!

The Mediterranean is everyone’s top pick for sailing holidays. But for those who’ve been there and done that—or who simply want to go off the beaten path—there are more than a few alternatives. Croatia, for instance, offers a wealth of scenery along the Adriatic Sea, with most of the islands offering great views. Some are even uninhabited and are hard to access with conventional transport. If you like to take your vacation into your own hands, sailing holidays in Croatia may be just what you’re looking for.

Sailing trips may include a boat charter or a quick course, with the option of a skipper. Courses are designed for all levels, so even true beginners can get their feet wet and see what it’s like. More experienced boaters can take refresher courses to brush up on their skills, or get ideas on where the best sights are. There are even some themed courses, such as trans-Adriatic trips and gourmet cruises.

Luxury is also one of Croatia’s strong suits when it comes to chartering. Many companies offer sailing holidays that can rival their European counterparts, taking you to some of the most picturesque islands on the Adriatic Sea on board some of the country’s best yachts. Most boats have capacities of up to 14 people and offer a range of other perks, such as fine local cuisine and on-board entertainment. An expert crew can also tell you more about your destination and give you ideas for the rest of your stay.

Smaller watercraft is also an option for those who don’t have the time or budget for a luxury trip. You can find small motorboats, which can take you to some nearby islands for a reasonable price. When comparing rates, it’s important to take other fees into account, such as the use of marina facilities. Many companies run a number of marinas on the coastline, but their rates can run the gamut from friendly to extremely prohibitive.

Another thing to remember is that you have to be clear on what you want—whether it’s a standard holiday with everything in a single quote, or a more customized trip. You can usually save by opting for an all-inclusive package, but not all companies are the same and there are always some exceptions. Get as many offers as possible and try to negotiate—you’d be surprised at how much you can slash off your budget just by asking a few questions!