SAIL AWAY

on your dream holiday this year with the latest news and offers

NEW GREEK ROUTE

Discover The Moorings’ new two-week Cyclades itinerary for Athens.

This is a new route packed with ancient history to discover, from ancient theatres, temples and medieval castles, to exploring traditional open-air markets and dining in intimate tavernas and stylish waterfront restaurants. As travellers cruise through the Aegean Sea, they will be spoilt for choice when it comes to snorkelling, diving, swimming and sunbathing on pristine beaches.

Prices for a two-week Cyclades itinerary, departing Athens, for a fully equipped Moorings 43 Power Cat, based on four people, starts from £10,982.05 and includes Wi-Fi and damage insurance.

Prices for a two-week Cyclades itinerary, departing Athens, for a fully equipped Moorings 45, based on four people, starts from £ 7,126.55 and includes Wi-Fi, fuel and damage insurance. 0330 332 1524 / www.moorings.co.uk

Image: Jamen Percy/Shutterstock.com

CHARTER SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT

Image: stylefoto24/Shutterstock

We all know the obvious, and hugely popular, places to charter a boat such as Greece, Croatia and the British Virgin Islands, but there are so many amazing locations all offering their own unique character.

Mexico is obviously a popular tourist destination but have you ever chartered a boat in this fascinating country? It is easy to get away from the busier tourist areas and discover stunning cruising grounds where you will be able to discover incredible wildlife, lovely old towns and relax in beautiful waters.

From the warmth of Mexico to the chilly waters of Antarctica. If you have ever dreamed of exploring this frozen wilderness a charter is definitely the way to go. The best time of year to visit Antarctica is between October and March when the days are long and the weather is more temperate. A couple of other ideas include the small islands of French Polynesia in the waters of Oceania and Taiwan, with its picturesque coastline and amazing food and beaches.

So, when you are planning your next getaway, why not try somewhere different...

KEEP ON SAILING

Whilst most people picture blue skies and a sun-soaked vista for their holidays, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy a winter sailing trip.

If you are keen to learn a new skill, you can head to a local watersports centre and learn to sail at any time of the year.

Alternatively, consider chartering a skippered boat in the UK or abroad. Whilst you will need to ensure you are appropriately wrapped up, winter is a beautiful time to explore the beautiful UK coastline and offers the chance to see a range of wildlife - think whales, seals and sea birds - you would miss at other times of the year.

Or, head further afield and enjoy the awe-inspiring backdrop of snow-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls and some of Europe’s most dramatic coastlines in Norway. You may even be treated to a spectacular light show courtesy of the famed Northern Lights. www.borrowaboat.com

SAILING IN WINTER SUN

As the evenings are getting cooler, we decided it was time to ask Sunsail about those all-important winter sun sailing destinations. They came up with some really interesting ideas, alongside the more familiar British Virgin Islands, St Lucia and St Martin in the Caribbean.

Staying in that part of the world, Belize offers sheltered sailing within a barrier reef. From their base in Laru Beya Marina, on the west of Placencia Peninsula, you can explore picturesque anchorages hidden along palmfringed cays and see more than 500 species of tropical fish while snorkelling or diving along coral reefs.

For the holiday of a lifetime, how about visiting The Whitsundays, a chain of 74 islands off the Queensland Coast. The Great Barrier Reef runs along the length of Queensland’s coastline, and makes up the fringing reef of the Whitsunday Islands.Snorkel, dive and explore the beaches and secluded coves of the Whitsunday Islands.

Lastly, we are heading to Asia and the tropical bliss of the Andaman Sea. It will not take you long to see why Phuket is known as the Pearl of the Andaman.A sailing holiday here will introduce you to a world of exotic beauty and idyllic islands. Belize Sailing Holidays from:£3,623 The Whitsundays, Australia from:£8,305 Phuket Sailing Holidays, Thailand from:£2,467

FURTHER INFORMATION

■ Nautilus Yachting: www.nautilusyachting.com ■ Seafarer: www.seafarersailing.co.uk ■ BVI Charters: www.bviyachtcharters.com ■ Ocean Elements: www.ocean-elements.co.uk ■ The Moorings: www.moorings.co.uk ■ Dream Yacht Charter: www.dreamyachtcharter.co.uk ■ Mallorca Yacht Charter: www.mallorcayachtcharter.eu ■ Sunsail: sunsail.co.uk ■ Tall Ships Youth Trust: tallships.org

FOUR SEASONS LUXURY SHIPS COMING

Four Seasons is launching a fleet of luxury passenger ships under the name Four Seasons Yachts. The first ship will be delivered by the end of 2025.

The vessel’s 95 spacious accommodations will feature an extensive network of joining suite combinations creating adaptable, villalike residences. Each suite will offer floor-to-ceiling windows and access to terrace decks. The most expansive residence, the ‘Funnel Suite’, will be across four levels.

Luxury travel expert Larry Pimentel is leading the new enterprise: “In partnership with Four Seasons, we are creating a new category of luxury lifestyle travel that appeals to discerning guests.

“We are bringing together the very best across industries to create the pinnacle yachting offering through world-class design, curated experiences and truly exceptional service. When we launch in 2025, there will be nothing else like it on the open seas.”