SAIL AWAY - HOLIDAY NEWS

Busy Booking Holidays

Did you book a sailing holiday at the start of the year? sailingholidays.com told us January was extremely busy with many people sorting out their summer sailing in the sun. Many two week flotilla dates are full already, particularly in September and October. The team suggest, for those looking for something a little different, a new one week North to South Ionian trip leaving on 18 June, returning South to North on 25 June. sailingholidays.com

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

If you have still not decided where to holiday this year why not try one of PlainSailing.com’s many comprehensive destination guides, available at their website. The team are more than happy to chat through your options too.

An early-season Easter break in Greece for under €1,000 a boat, an island-hopping adventure in Croatia, arriving in style in France or Italy, exploring somewhere new - like Turkey, Spain, Malta or Montenegro - or a week or two chartering in the Caribbean, the choice is yours. Here are some PlainSailing.com holidays to tempt you…

EASTER IN ATHENS!

Charter your own yacht or catamaran from Athens for Easter Sunday and treat yourself to a bit of sun along with all that chocolate! Available bareboat or with a skipper.

DATE: Saturday 8 – Saturday 15 April 2023

PRICES FROM: €950 for a 36’ 3-cabin yacht

Destination of the Year

The Yachting Destination of the Year has been awarded to Grenada in the Southern Caribbean, with Port Louis Marina receiving particular mention by the Caribbean Travel Awards judges.

“Grenada has quietly become an in-demand yachting hotspot in recent years, both for the tri-island state (including nearby Carriacou and Petite Martinique) and for its place as an easy-toreach hub for exploring the wonders of the islands of the Grenadines. The Moorings (www.moorings.co.uk) is here too,” said the judges.

Grenada is known as the ‘Island of Spice’ and is one of the most authentic and charming Caribbean islands, offering a wonderful yachting experience for visitors. Grenada consists of the island of Grenada, two smaller islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and several small islands which lie to the north of the main island and are a part of the Grenadines. Due to its rich cruising grounds, Grenada is fast becoming the must visit destination on the yacht charter map. Visitors to the islands of Grenada can enjoy many activities both on land and on the water. Popular excursions include rum and chocolate tasting tours, waterfall and jungle walks, horse riding along Great Anse Beach and diving at the infamous Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park.

Zara Tremlett, CMM, marina manager at Port Louis Marina, said: “We are so excited to receive the special mention from the judges. Grenada is one of the most fantastic cruising locations, and our marina is working hard to help facilitate and service yachts throughout the year. The team at Port Louis Marina has seen incredible occupancy growth in the last year, and is now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

“We are hosting seven international and regional sailing events in the marina this season, which certainly brings a fantastic atmosphere to the docks.”

LIFE’S A BEACH!

Ever fancied sailing around the Bahamas? You can charter a yacht or catamaran (with or without a skipper) in May or June 2023 for the best possible prices.

DATES: Sail in May or June 2023

PRICES FROM: €2,500 for a 3-cabin yacht or €4,500 for a 4-cabin catamaran

CRAZY CROATIAN EARLY SEASON OFFERS!

Charter a yacht or catamaran from Zadar or Split for under €1,000 bareboat if you pick up the boat on or before Saturday 13 May. Boats also available with a skipper.

DATES: Saturday to Saturday. Sailing season runs from April to May 2023

PRICES FROM: €800 for a 34’ 3-cabin yacht (suitable for 6 people) in April 2023

PlainSailing.com

Top 10 for 2023

If you are looking for inspiration Nautilus Yachting has put together a great guide to the top 10 destinations for 2023. How many can you already tick off?

South Ionian, Greece: the sheltered Ionian on the west coast of Greece is ideal for a relaxed sailing holiday, making it popular with families.

Split, Croatia: located on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia between Zadar and Dubrovnik, with its warm weather, clear Adriatic waters and numerous coastal coves, beaches and islands it is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts.

North Ionian, Greece: this sailing area is less crowded than the Southern Ionian. A bareboat yacht charter from Corfu is an ideal sailing holiday for couples and families with older children looking to explore the Ionian off the beaten track. Saronic Gulf, Greece: plan a relaxed sailing holiday in the Saronic Gulf south of Athens with reliable winds and a good variety of islands to visit.

Fethiye & Gocek, Turkey: enjoy a relaxed sailing holiday in the Gulf of Fethiye with short passages, easy sailing conditions and remote, protected anchorages.

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Dubrovnik is a beautiful medieval city with an amazing Old Town, now a UNESCO World heritage site. On the southern coast is where you will find most of the sandy beaches in Croatia.

British Virgin Islands: anchor off your own white sandy beach. Dive into warm turquoise seas to snorkel among the coral reefs. Relax with a rum punch sundowner on the deck of your yacht while you watch another glorious sunset.

Sporades, Greece: explore the beautiful Sporades and scenic gulf of Volos from Skiathos and experience exciting sailing off the tourist track.

Dodecanese, Greece: Explore the unspoilt Dodecanese islands in the southeast Aegean sea, just off the coast of Turkey. Perfect for early or late season sailing from Kos.

Sardinia, Italy: enjoy a sailing holiday on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, ‘the Emerald Coast’, famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and jet-set lifestyle. www.nautilusyachting.com