Here’s your chance to win an unforgettable sailing adventure for two in Greece, courtesy of GlobeSailor.

Are you dreaming of escaping to the Mediterranean, and longing to cruise through lovely warm waters? GlobeSailor is offering you the chance to win a catamaran charter in Greece this summer. It’s everything you’re looking for, without the price tag!

ENTER NOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

About the Charter

Enter now for the opportunity to embark on a captivating catamaran charter in Greece aboard the Lagoon 450 Catamaran, thanks to GlobeSailor – the leading yacht charter agency in Europe.

Imagine sailing with your chosen companion through the stunning Saronic Gulf, exploring the natural wonders of Greece’s iconic islands. Known as one of the most breathtaking regions of the Mediterranean, this is your perfect opportunity to discover the exquisite landscape under the radiant sun. Dive into the crystal-clear turquoise waters and savor delicious cuisine during your catamaran excursion in Greece.

GlobeSailor’s competition entry, for a dream charter in Greece, closes on May 12th. The winner will be announced via email on May 13th. Keep an eye on GlobeSailor’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates!

Visit GlobeSailor’s website HERE.

Win Sailing Charter in Greece: What’s included?

Enjoy a week of sailing with GlobeSailor Yacht Charter in the enchanting Saronic Gulf aboard a comfortable catamaran, which includes:

1 double cabin for 2 with an ensuite bathroom

Cruise on a Lagoon 450 catamaran (maximum 8 people)

Departure/Arrival: Athens, Greece

️ Professional skipper and a hostess/cook

Half board service

Prize valued at €4,198 for 2 people

Win Sailing Charter… Competition Entry Closing Soon!

Entry for the competition ends 12th May. CLICK HERE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

Read More:

• Tabarly Triumph: Ocean Globe Race Winner by Barry Pickthall
• Peloponnese: Sailing In Peaceful Greece
• Tom Cunliffe: What to do with no Berths in Town

The post Win Sailing Charter in Greece for Two: GlobeSailor’s Competition appeared first on Sailing Today.

Insights from Marin Susac, Director at GlobeSailor

The yacht charter industry is constantly evolving, influenced by a range of factors such as economic conditions, travel trends, and customer preferences. In the summer season of 2023, GlobeSailor, a leading European yacht charter agency, conducted an analysis of the market to understand the trends shaping the yacht charter landscape.

The insights are provided by Marin Susac, the UK/US market director at GlobeSailor yacht charter agency.

Globe Sailor’s participation in recent major boat shows, including events in Southampton, Cannes, La Rochelle, Genoa, and Barcelona, has provided us with a unique opportunity to engage with various partners and key players in the yacht charter industry. These interactions have also allowed us to gather valuable information about the yacht charter market. Coupled with our own statistical data we present you the analysis of yacht charter market in the season of 2023.

In 2023, with the inflation the yacht industry has seen price changes, with boat purchase prices experiencing a noticeable increase of approximately 25 to 30% on average. This significant rise in the acquisition costs of vessels has inevitably led to a ripple effect in the yacht charter market.

As a result, rental prices for yacht charters in 2023 have also seen a notable increase compared to the previous year, 2022. Charterers are faced with higher costs when booking vessels, reflecting the overall economic landscape. This price surge emphasizes the importance of booking early even further, as securing reservations well in advance not only guarantees availability but can also help mitigate the impact of rising charter rates.

Yacht Charter Preferences and Vessel Types

The data analysed in this article has been primarily focused on GlobeSailor’s clientele from the UK, North America (USA and Canada), Australia, and New Zealand.

One of the trends observed was the type of charter chosen by holidaymakers. A significant 57% of charterers opted for a private bareboat charter, highlighting a desire for a more personalised and independent sailing experience. On the other hand, 29% of charterers preferred a private crewed charter, highlighting the appeal of a hassle-free sailing vacation with professional crew members.

Additionally, we can see an increase of the cabin charter segment where 14% of holiday makers embraced a new type of vacation by choosing a cabin charter, allowing them to share the yacht with other individuals or small groups. Indeed, an increase in cabin yacht charters from 9% in 2022 to 14% in 2023 shows that the market is still welcoming a new clientele that is looking for a different type of holiday, and holiday makers are shifting towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly type of vacation.

Yacht Charter by Vessel type

In terms of vessel types, in 2023, similar to 2022 catamaran charter is the most popular, representing 53% of the market share, followed by sailboat charter at 44%.

Motor yacht charter constituted a smaller portion, representing only 3% of the charters booked.

Early Booking Trends for yacht charters

Early planning was evident among a considerable portion of charterers, with 24% of UK clients and 25% of North American (USA and Canada) clients booking their sailing holidays six months in advance. This early booking trend suggests a desire for securing preferred dates, itineraries, and vessels, showing the importance of planning and organization in yacht charter vacations. By booking their sailing holidays six months in advance, clients can often take advantage of lower flight costs, contributing to overall cost savings for their entire sailing vacation.

Popular Summer Sailing Destinations

The choice of destination is a crucial aspect of any yacht charter vacation, and the summer of 2023 saw certain yacht charter destinations standing out as favourites among charterers.

Top Mediterranean Destinations for UK Charterers

• Greece: 27%
• Croatia: 24%
• Italy: 12%
• Spain: 6%
• France: 6%
• Turkey: 3%

Top Mediterranean Destinations for US and Canadian Charterers

• Greece: 32%
• Italy: 18%
• Croatia: 10%
• Spain: 3%
• France: 6%
• Turkey: 2%

Top Mediterranean Destinations for Charterers from Australia and New Zealand

• Greece: 21%
• Croatia: 20%
• Italy: 20%
• Spain: 4%
• Turkey: 3%
• France: 2%
• Montenegro: 2%

The choice of Mediterranean destinations reveals the top 3 sailing grounds: Greece, Croatia, and Italy as perennial favourites, with slight variations in popularity. Greece, an all-time sailing classic appears to be a consistent favourite among charterers from various countries, boasting a diverse range of islands in different sailing zones across the country and picturesque coastlines.

GlobeSailor – Yacht Charter, Cabin Cruise & Sailing Holidays Specialists Find your way to sail.

The post Summer 2023 Yacht Charter Trends appeared first on Sailing Today.

Caroline Barbour, UK Marketing Manager for The Moorings, said: “Skippered charters open up sailing to the inexperienced as your skipper will take control of the navigation in your chosen destination. They are also a fantastic source of local knowledge and best-kept secrets.”

Meanwhile The Moorings and sister company Sunsail are celebrating after winning three prestigious British Travel Awards – gold in the Sailing and Flotilla Holidays category, bronze in the Adventure Holidays category and bronze in the Special Interest Holidays category.

moorings.co.uk

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*Entries close at midnight on Sunday 2 April, 2023.

Dream Yacht Worldwide Charter Guide Competition 2023: Terms and Conditions (the “Terms)
The competition is run by Dream Yacht Worldwide
Entries
In order to enter the Dream Yacht Worldwide competition (the “Competition”), you must sign up to the competition page by entering your email address between Friday 27 January 2023 and midnight Sunday 2 April 2023 on this webpage sailingtoday.co.uk. Each email address is an “Entry” and more than one, “Entries”. By posting an Entry you will be deemed to have irrevocably agreed to these Terms and any terms and conditions cross-referenced in these Terms.
The Competition is free to enter and no purchase is necessary.
To be eligible for the Competition and submit a valid Entry, you must (a) be over 18 years of age; (b) not be an employee of any Dream Yacht Worldwide company or a family member of such an employee; and (c) accept these Terms.
Only one Entry per person will be accepted. All additional Entries will be automatically disqualified.
The Competition opening time will be 00.01 on 27 January 2023. All entries must be received by 00:00 on 2 April 2023. If you submit an Entry after the Closing Time you will not be entered into the Competition.
The winning Entry will be selected by random selection from valid Entries. One winning Entry (the “Winner”) will be chosen by Dream Yacht Worldwide on Monday 3 April 2023 and will be notified via email as soon as possible after the Winner has been chosen. The Winner must accept the Prize by replying to the email within 24 hours of being notified as the Winner. If Dream Yacht Worldwide does not receive a response within 24 hours of when Dream Yacht Worldwide first tries to contact the relevant Winner, Dream Yacht Worldwide reserves the right to award the Prize to another entrant and the original Winner will have no right to insist on receiving the Prize. Thereafter the alternative entrant shall be the Winner for the purposes of these Terms.
Responsibility for determining the operation and results of the Competition including eligibility and the ultimate Winner, and all decisions relating to the Prize rests solely with Dream Yacht Worldwide. Dream Yacht Worldwide’s decision shall be final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into concerning any of these matters.
Any person found to be submitting unsolicited bulk messages (i.e. spam) will be disqualified from the Competition.
Dream Yacht Worldwide can, in its absolute discretion, disqualify any entrant for breach of or non-compliance with these Terms or the submission of any material containing obscenity, defamation, an invasion of privacy or other objectionable content. Dream Yacht Worldwide may vary or amend these Terms, change the Prize or terminate this Competition without prior notice. You agree that no liability shall attach to Dream Yacht Worldwide or any other Dream Yacht Worldwide company as a result thereof and that, in such circumstances, no compensation will be payable.
If you do not correctly submit your Entry in accordance with these Terms, you will not be eligible to win the Prize. Dream Yacht Worldwide takes no responsibility for any Entries that are lost, delayed, corrupted, damaged, incomplete or otherwise invalid. Dream Yacht Worldwide will not be responsible for any technical fault or failure which prevents a person from entering the Competition.
The Prize
The prize is a seven-night bareboat charter aboard a six-berth, three-cabin yacht in one of Dream Yacht Worldwide’s 50+ idyllic destinations on mutually agreeable dates, subject to availability.
The winner or a member of their crew much hold the correct sailing certificates to sail bareboat in the chosen destination. Please speak to a member of the sales team when you book your charter to confirm requirements.
The holiday does not include flights to and from the UK, travel insurance, fuel, food, drinks, any transfers, taxis, car rentals, excess baggage fees or airport taxes
Winners will each be awarded an original prize certificate which must be presented and surrendered at check-in or prevailing hotel or yacht charter rates will apply. Altered or copied certificates will not be accepted. The prize is non-transferable, non-endorsable, non-refundable, non-negotiable and has no cash redemption value or cash alternative.
The Prize must be taken on mutually agreeable dates, subject to availability of the yacht.
The prize certificate will contain all the relevant contact details required for the Winner to make the reservations. The certificate will be subject to any terms printed on it or in any accompanying letter or memo. The prize certificate will contain all the relevant details for booking the Prize and the Winner will be solely responsible for making the arrangements in order to redeem their Prize. Failure to follow the instructions or to make a reservation will result in the Prize being forfeited.
No part of the Prize may be exchanged or transferred and no cash alternatives will be offered. The Prize is subject to availability and to change
The Prize and each element comprising the Prize are not transferable or exchangeable. The Prize has no cash value and cannot be taken as cash or for any other item or benefit. If for any reason the Winner does not make use of the Prize including if the Prize is not claimed or redeemed, they shall not be entitled to any alternative prize. In each case, no refund or compensation will be provided
In the event of an infringement by the Winner of these Terms or any other terms incorporated into these terms by reference, Dream Yacht Worldwide reserves the right to withdraw the Prize and shall not be obliged to offer an alternative
The Winner enjoys the Prize at its own risk. The Winner is responsible for safeguarding his or her property when enjoying the Prize and Dream Yacht Worldwide and the Dream Yacht Worldwide companies shall not be liable for property lost, stolen or damaged at the event.
General
Your entry and participation in the Competition will also be subject to the Dream Yacht Worldwide terms and conditions of usage found at https://www.dreamyachtcharter.com/gb/terms-and-conditions/
Dream Yacht Worldwide reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to amend these Terms or to withdraw, amend, cancel the Competition at any time and without notice. No liability shall attach to Dream Yacht Worldwide or any Dream Yacht Worldwide company as a result thereof and, in such circumstances, no compensation will be payable. Any changes to these terms will be posted on this page.
By opting in, your personal information (including your name, email address and telephone number) will be collected, stored and processed by Dream Yacht Worldwide in a database for the purposes of managing the Competition. Such information will not be used for any other purpose than as stated in these Terms or as separately accepted by you. Dream Yacht Worldwide may contact you by email from time to time to tell you about Dream Yacht Worldwide activities and news. You may unsubscribe from any such communication at any time by notifying us via http://www.dreamyachtcharter.com/
Any personal data which you provide will be held and processed in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR rules
By submitting an Entry, you consent to the use of your Entry on Dream Yacht Worldwide and associated social media channels and other Dream Yacht Worldwide company websites.
The Winners agree to take part in all reasonable Competition-related publicity as requested by Dream Yacht Worldwide. Dream Yacht Worldwide may require additional information from the Winners in order for the Winners to enjoy the Prize. If the Winner does not provide this information within a reasonable time after Dream Yacht Worldwide request, Dream Yacht Worldwide reserves the right to withdraw the Prize without further notice. Dream Yacht Worldwide accepts no responsibility for any loss (including disappointment and/or the inability to enjoy a Prize) caused by the Winners failure to provide such information.
Neither Dream Yacht Worldwide nor any Dream Yacht Worldwide company shall be liable for any failure to comply with its obligations caused by (but not limited to) weather conditions, fire, flood, strike, hurricane, volcanic eruption, earthquake, industrial dispute, war, terrorist activity, hostilities, political unrest, riots, civil commotion or any other circumstances beyond the control of that of Dream Yacht Worldwide company.
This Competition is governed by English law and any dispute arising from this Competition shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

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A record season for yacht charter

It has been a successful season for Dream Yacht Charter, with excellent sales on offerings including sailing holidays with or without a skipper, crewed yachts and cabin cruises. Occupancy rates approached 100% during the very high season in mid-June through to early September, continuing the positive trends prior to Covid. Along with higher occupancy rates, the business is seeing an extended season in the Mediterranean, their most popular location, with bookings starting much earlier, from April-May, and ending at the beginning of winter.

“This summer, holidaymakers are choosing to sail in record numbers, driven by a real need to get away from it all, to enjoy the peace and quiet, far from the worries of Covid or the crisis”, says founder Loïc Bonnet.

The best-selling destinations are Croatia, Greece and the West Indies. The season was a real success for exotic destinations as well, with very good booking levels, especially in Martinique, French Polynesia, and the Seychelles.

Thanks to this positive trend, the Group will generate more income with 850 boats in 2021 than with 1050 in 2019. This is indicative of the return of Dream Yacht Charter’s regular customer base, along with an influx of new enthusiasts, attracted by the ease of chartering with a skipper or full crew option. Skippered and crewed charters have increased by more than 20% in one year.

In order to continue this dynamic, Dream Yacht is launching more than 150 new boats for the coming season, of which nearly 80% are catamarans.

Access to boat ownership – a busy order book

With the largest historical pre-booking of boat deliveries (monohulls and catamarans) from the largest French shipyards, Dream Yacht is in a central position in the market for unit acquisitions. 2022 has provided concrete evidence of commercial recovery, and forecasts for 2023 are already equivalent with over 160 boats to be sold by Dream Yacht Group next year.

Every boat marketed for charter via Dream Yacht Group or sold for private use comes from French shipyards, with 3/4 of the orders dedicated to Bali, Fountaine-Pajot and Lagoon brand catamarans, and 1/4 to monohulls. Deliveries are mainly planned for exotic destinations (including Seychelles, Thailand, and French Polynesia) and the United States, while 1/3 are destined for the Mediterranean.

Group news

Dream Yacht Charter UK franchise reacquired by the Dream Yacht Group: Partners for many years, the Dream Yacht UK franchise has recently returned to operate under the Dream Yacht parent company. With a range of exciting new projects being launched at Group level over the coming months, the UK team will join the USA and Europe teams in driving the UK market forward and will work closely in aligning strategy and promoting growth. The UK team remains the same and will participate at the Southampton Boat Show from 16 to 25 September.

New boat offers for 2023: The catalogue of Dream Yacht offerings is growing with new models including Bali 4.4, Lagoon 51, and Excess 14 catamarans, as well as the Bali Catsmart.

Private ownership solutions: Several new programmes are being launched. The latest offering is the Shared Ownership access program. In response to strong customer demand, Dream Yacht is innovating and providing up-to-the-minute services that meet the expectations of the sharing economy.

Dream Yacht Sales, new Excess Catamarans dealer in the West Indies: Dream Yacht Sales, the boat sales division of the Dream Yacht Group, has become a dealer for Excess Catamarans, the Bénéteau Group’s cruising catamaran manufacturer and brand for the French West Indies. The Excess 14 was exhibited at the recent Cannes International Yachting Festival as a world premiere.

Southampton Boat Show – Meet the Dream Yacht teams on stands J140 and J158 between 16-25 September and be in with a chance to win a late summer 7-night bareboat charter in the Med – Find out more.

Read More

Active Nation’s Southampton Water Activities Centre named official charity for the Southampton International Boat Show 2022

Ancasta debuts Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 at Southampton International Boat Show 2022

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The four new bases – Bahamas, Antigua, British Virgin Islands and Grenada – cover the four main island groups in the region, and will give customers the chance of idyllic sailing in one of the best sail cruising grounds in the world.

It means that sailors will be able to see the swimming pigs in the Bahamas, sail to the Tobago Cays (otherwise known as “Paradise on earth”) from Grenada, take in the epic view and atmosphere at Shirley Heights lookout in Antigua, or sample a Painkiller cocktail on the beach at the Soggy Dollar Bar in the British Virgin Islands.

Boat charter prices are comparable to boats in the Med, though long-haul flights will mean that travel costs are a little more for customers travelling from Europe. The season runs from October to July. Charters are still Saturday to Saturday, and there are more catamarans than yachts on offer in the region.

Tommy Tognarelli, co-founder of PlainSailing.com, said “We’re so, so excited about our latest step forwards of adding the Caribbean as a sailing destination – it’s literally an unbelievable place to sail – the sun is always shining, the sea is always warm (and full of tropical fish), the beaches are always beautiful, and the locals are all welcoming, so I’m sure our customers will absolutely love it out there!

“It’s not by coincidence that the pirates roamed these parts – though thankfully not any more – they chose to live their best lives, and it’s the ideal place to kick-back, relax in the sunshine, grab a glass of rum, smoke some lobster on the barbie, and get back to loving life!

“The last year has been a year to forget for most of us, but booking a sailing holiday in the most idyllic part of the world is the perfect antidote to all that doom and gloom!”

The post PlainSailing.com launches in the Caribbean appeared first on Sailing Today.

Rob Peake enjoys getting afloat again after lockdown, with a day charter from the Hamble, on the cleanest yacht known to mankind…

Perhaps against the expectations of some, the safest holiday you can undertake in the world today is on a yacht.

Yes, you still have to contend with the normal perils of life afloat – your G&T may spill as another boat’s wake sends ripples across your anchorage, and you might have to tweak the jib sheet more than once as you pootle round that nearby headland.

Who knows, you might even have to reapply some Factor 50 after an afternoon swim off the bathing platform.

Of course, in post-Covid world, what you really want to know is that the yacht you will find on your handover day will be clean enough to operate on.

I don’t get halfway through this question, when we turn up at Universal Yachting on the Hamble, for our day charter of a Dufour 412, before fleet manager Steve reassures me.

Steve has in fact spent most of the last year scrubbing hard in between charters and covering not only Universal Yachting’s fleet of Dufours but also himself in the necessary anti-viral mist.

On board, all knives and forks are in sanitised plastic bags and similar measures have been taken for other implements.

Any pandemic-induced neuroses can be dispelled. This is probably the cleanest, freshest boat we have ever been on.

Our children, aged 7 and 10, disappear down below to explore the three cavernous cabins and multitude of lockers, while Steve gives my wife Kathy and I the handover chat.

We’re only out for a day, so he doesn’t give us the long version reserved for week charters – and we pay close attention, because our own sailing together has been on a 1980s Moody, not a modern Dufour that comes bristling with the latest systems.

Steve has been kind enough to switch on and set up everything that we’ll need for the day, from batteries to plotter. We take note of the basics – VHF, emergency kit and heads procedure.

And then there is nothing for us to do other than to work out how to get this good-as-new, quarter of a million pound yacht that belongs to someone else out of the marina without an embarrassing mishap.

Both Steve and company boss Chris have given excellent advice on coming in and out of Mercury Yacht Harbour, but the Dufour is a typically massive modern yacht and we know its high side decks will cause more than a bit of windage.

We give the bowthruster a few trial squirts, leave go the lines and motor on out. We have with us Kathy’s mum, Sue Heaser, who is here partly as a thankyou for having had the kids to stay for the past week, but mostly because she’s a far better sailor than either of us.

Sue has the helm and steers the boat out into the river easily. No mishaps, the sun is shining and we’re in the Hamble, which for sailors new to the area is an attraction itself.

Sue and Kathy, both lifelong east coasters, enjoy watching ‘the cradle of yachting’ slide past to port and starboard. Jolie Brise is a highlight, neatly moored up as we motor downstream.

It’s a glorious Friday and the Solent is empty. With the help of 10-year-old Miles, who is self-appointed chart-plotter, and seven-year-old Amity on the wheel, we take an easy route towards Osbourne Bay.

The twin wheel set up on the Dufour means an adult can steer on one side, while a youngster gets the hang of it on the other. The deck and cockpit space is huge and really this boat, with eight good berths down below, could take two or three families easily.

We spread ourselves out luxuriously and settle down for a rare day afloat. It’s been a while, mainly due to parenthood rather than lockdown, since mum and dad have sailed together.

In the old days, pre-kids, we found it worked best with Kathy as skipper, while I did nav, ropes and tea. We settle into the old routine and all works fine.

There is, of course, the inevitable rustiness that comes after a long period ashore – and in 2021 after almost an entire year ashore – but luckily granny Sue has been enjoying some more regular sailing on Arthur Ransome’s Nancy Blackett on the River Deben.

Universal Yachting are keen to attract people who are newer to sailing and may want a skipper. No problem – they can provide.

Their ‘Pop Up’ days are designed to get new sailors afloat, particularly as the pandemic persuades many people that sailing is a good option if they can’t fly to the Algarve.

Unsurprisingly, Universal Yachting are already getting booked up for the summer ahead.

Nobody needs explaining how perfectly well-suited UK chartering is to the idea of bubbles, social distancing and not being able to fly.

And us Brits are blessed, of course, with some of the finest coastline in the world. Not all of it, admittedly, lies in the Solent, but as we near the Isle of Wight things get decidedly more scenic.

We potter round below Norris Castle and into Osbourne Bay, to join a handful of other yachts anchoring there for lunch.

Universal Yachting’s charter party the day before had apparently tacked all the way up the Beaulieu and explored their way up the Medina too, before arriving back at base after nine hours underway. That’s getting your money’s worth.

It’s true that the Solent is ripe for exploring, with plenty of places off the beaten track, and plenty on it.

We have a more leisurely time in mind. After sandwiches and coffee, we raise the anchor on the electric windlass and slowly get underway again.

We pootle past Cowes and take a right turn after the Brambles cardinal, heading home while enjoying more Solent sights.

Not an ambitious trip by anyone’s standards, and all the better for it!

The two children have loved their first day on a ‘megaboat’ and mum and dad have got the wind in their hair again after almost a year without getting afloat.

For more on Pop Up Sailing Days with Universal Charter click here.

The post Our sailing staycation: yacht charter after lockdown appeared first on Sailing Today.

Universal Yachting on the English south coast have launched ‘pop-up’ sailing days, designed as an easy, safe way to try a new activity for first-time charterers – and get over the lockdown blues!

Chris and Mel Warwick, principals of the family-run sea school and yacht hire business, have put in place two initiatives ready for people to enjoy as soon as the country comes out of lockdown.

The new Pop-Up Sailing Days will provide an alternative adventure, running at short notice when a good weather window ‘pops-up’, and can be booked on a first come first served basis.

The inspiration for the Pop-Up Sailing concept came from many family summers spent on Chichester Harbour, as members of Emsworth Sailing Club, where when the sun is out and the tide is in, you can drop everything and escape out on the water.

Melanie Warwick said: “We have teenagers at home and know that everyone is looking for fun, exciting things to do after lockdown that are safe. As a family we saw how crowded the beaches got last summer. We’ve been running the business from home during lockdown and around the kitchen table with our kids input, we came up with ‘Pop Up Sailing’ as way to enjoy a new experience sailing on the sea, away from the crowds.”

All you have to do is pre-register to have a chance of a fabulous day.

Starting out from the beautiful River Hamble, seeing the Solent and South Coast from the water, and sailing with a highly experienced, qualified skipper you’ll be able to have up to seven people in your group.

No previous sailing experience is needed and the Pop-Up Days will run according to all government restrictions and safety guidelines.

“Going sailing is an amazing feeling. It’s an exceptional activity for mental and physical well-being and an escape from everyday life. Something we all need!” adds Melanie.

Pop Up Days will cost £400 per group. Simply register your interest and you will be contacted before each Pop Up Day is due to run with the chance to book in.

In addition to the Pop Up Days, family groups can also pre-book private days out on the Solent midweek or at weekends.

With a variety of lunch options and itineraries, it’s the chance to try something new and to have something in the diary to look forwards to.

Family days make a fabulous gift and are the perfect chance for everyone to get stuck in and have a go.

Register your interest here:

https://www.universalyachting.com/day-sailing-trips/

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The yacht charter company says that “with premier sailing and stunning scenery on offer, a Dalmatian Island flotilla holiday provides the perfect balance of independence and sociability, with support and guidance available whenever you need it”.

As the highest and largest of all Croatian islands, Brač offers unforgettable views, with plenty of vineyards to be seen on its shores. “Guests will experience Croatia as it once was, visiting old fortresses, built by the same ancient stone used to build the Washington D.C. White House, sail through turquoise waters and enjoy the best cuisine and culture of the Dalmatian Coast,” said a spokesman.

Highlights of the Brač flotilla include:

• Gin and tonic party surrounded by beautiful white-stone houses
• Exciting snorkelling spots and charming beaches
• Great watersports possibilities including kayaking, paddle boarding, and diving
• Modern and lively towns with great nightlife
• Cocktail competition and Rakija – a schnapps, grappa or liquor – tasting by “Little Venice”
• Hilly countryside that’s a honeypot for hikers, bikers and mountaineers
• Visits to some of the region’s most beautiful sites including Jelsa, on Gvar island, a picturesque town surrounded by hills and stunning beaches
• Dingy race and prize giving

Great for families, groups, couples and solo sailors, flotillas offer an informal, hassle-free and incredibly unique experience. Sail in the company of other yachts, and be guided by an expert lead boat, which has a mechanic, skipper, and hostess on board for support and guidance 24/7. Sailing on a flotilla is an easy way to enjoy a sailing holiday, with helpful daily briefings and an expertly tailored itinerary, so you get the most out of your chosen destination.  Non-sailors can hire a skipper to get them where they need to be.

Prices for the Brač flotilla start from £1,052 per person (based on a group of four) for a week-long Flotilla, on a Sunsail 34 – two-cabin monohull, including flights from London Heathrow, transfers, YDW (Yacht Damage Waiver) & Flotilla fee, tourist tax and Wi-Fi, departing on 11 September 2021.

Optional skipper hire is £182 per day. Other optional extras include stand up paddle boards available for hire per week for £126 and kayaks from £119.

Kate Staniforth, UK Senior Marketing Manager for Sunsail, says, “We are pleased to unveil our latest holiday offering in the shape of the Brač flotilla, an adventurous journey which is perfect for first time sailors and experienced skippers alike. Make sure Croatia is on your 2021 to-sail list and book early to secure the yacht and holiday date of your choice.

“We want to make sure our customers experience their next Sunsail adventure in a safe environment, and have made sure that we are able to adhere to all social distancing guidelines and have implemented stringent new health and safety procedures across all of our bases to protect our guests and staff. We hope by adapting our business to offer flexible booking options, our guests will feel comfortable and confident setting sail with us. We hope they will enjoy chartering our fantastic range of world-class yachts, with sailing experiences that are fun, exciting and safe.”

Book and travel with confidence

To give clients peace of mind in uncertain times, Sunsail has updated its booking terms and conditions to offer flexible rebooking terms. The company has also introduced a comprehensive set of health and safety measures and protocols, which endeavour to make guests so they can travel with confidence and make the most of their time on the water.

If you would like book, please call +44 (0) 330 332 1182 to speak to a friendly Holiday Planner, or visit  www.sunsail.co.uk.

The post Sunsail launches new flotilla in Croatian island of Brač appeared first on Sailing Today.

The beguiling mix of crystal clear waters, predictable winds, gorgeous hillside rooms, great food and Painkiller cocktails has been a successful one for decades.

The resort was damaged catastrophically in the hurricanes Irma and Maria and major efforts are ongoing to rebuild it.

Meanwhile, this atmospheric promo video for the Bitter End Yacht Club dates from circa 1975 and shows some wonderful scenes.

The post Video: Bitter End Yacht Club as it was in 1975 appeared first on Sailing Today.