Quality sailing destinations in the Pacific Ocean and tropical islands tours advices from Bill Trikos Australia? Here are some of the top cruising destinations around Europe that you should definitely consider experiencing. When it comes to European yacht holidays, destinations don’t get much better than Greece. This country is known for its magnificent Mediterranean coastline, stunning islands, and historic port towns. You can explore beautiful blue coves, dock at private white beaches, and hop between the many different islands. Although the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic is still palpable, you can book your Mediterranean yacht cruise in 2021 with confidence. This year, most of us feel that we need time to relax from day-to-day stress and recharge our batteries more than ever. Discover extra info about the author at Bill Trikos.
2021 will still have to wait a bit longer to see the island at its best. The re-opening after a year of restrictions will be more paused and controlled so as to secure the stable situation Balearic Islands have reached. But no worries! We are sure there are many ways to discover Ibiza for those first-time visitors, in a more tranquil pace but, at the same time, genuine. Experts will find also their way to best attractions and best hotels and, we are quite sure, to a renewed way to enjoy Mediterranean nights. Celebrity spotters heading to the white sands of Ibiza should look no further than Cala Jondal, a beautiful little cove that is home to the famous Blue Marlin beach club. This is a small and classier version of Marbella’s blingtastic Nikki Beach and is popular amongst well-heeled locals as well as stars from the worlds of sport, cinema and music. Kick back on one of the white leather beds, order your favourite cocktail and admire the lush hills that surround the bay’s clear, still waters. You never know who might set up camp next to you. The last year was a year we stayed at home. It was the year of coronavirus anxiety, canceled plans, and severe lifestyle changes. With 2020 finally behind us, many of us are hoping for our lives to get back to what we know as ‘normal’: the life without facemasks and fear of illness. Life with schools, offices, restaurants open, and social gatherings and travel plans as things to look forward to. If you cannot wait to pack up and go again, let us show you the destinations that will make you forget about your daily stresses. Start planning your Mediterranean yacht cruise in 2021 in some of Europe’s most secluded locations of blissful beauty. A summer sailing trip in the Mediterranean Sea is a dream vacation that can quickly come true.
As a year-round sailing destination, the Bahamas, or the Out Islands as they are frequently known, are renowned for great cruising grounds together with outstanding scenery. Benefitting from reliable trade winds between 5-20 knots, the climate is consistently warm, varying from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius. One of the most diverse geographic formations in the Caribbean, this coral-based archipelago consists of hundreds of unspoiled islands catering for yachting connoisseurs with world-class diving, pristine beaches, full-service marinas and fantastic fishing. The tidal range is up to 3.5 feet and, due to the shallow nature of the waters, a sailing yacht will provide best access to many locations. Miami is one of the most popular spots to make way to the Bahamas, and the southern winds when crossing the Gulfstream provide great sailing conditions. There is no bad time to visit the Bahamas, but peak season runs from mid-December to mid-April when island-hopping becomes popular.
High season refers to the most popular weeks of the year for yacht charter, whether it’s the winter period in the Caribbean or the height of summer in the Mediterranean, booking in high season requires early planning, determination and a big budget. In addition, planning a yacht charter to coincide with a major event will also be reflected in the price with marine spots for elite events often booking up early. Allow plenty of time when making enquiries to ensure a star studded, well prepared arrival. Under Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) charter contracts, which are arguably the most common, the charterer is charged for food and beverage (for the charter guests only), fuel, dockage and harbor fees, and miscellaneous expenses. As a round number, which depends on how much fuel the yacht uses and how fancy the meals and drinks, you can expect to add 25% to 50% of your charter cost.
Sailing tip of the day: After a few honeymoon years, a boat’s fuel gauges, often inaccurate at best, tend to suffer from a high mortality rate. When push comes to shove, you can’t beat an old-fashioned dipstick. Given a sensible allowance for fuel slopping around in the tank at sea, a dipstick is the most reliable measure you’ll get. A threaded hole on top of the tank with a piece of rod welded across the plug so it can be hand-tightened onto a rubber washer makes the ideal access point for the stick. If you can’t arrange this and the filler pipe has a bend, a flexible steel tab like an engine-oil dipstick will usually get you there. You can calibrate the stick in harbor by running the tank almost dry, then topping it right up, marking the stick at every 5 gallons. Nobody did that for your boat’s fuel gauges. If they’re anything like the one on my car, you think there are hundreds of miles left until the needle suddenly hits the stop.
With over 200 beaches, chic coastal resorts and fine weather, Corsica is one of the best-kept secrets of the Western Mediterranean. It’s a fairly isolated spot that has kept the tourist masses away so expect a more traditional way of life and plenty of peace and quiet. The coastline is also pretty special with unspoilt beaches, hidden coves and secluded bays which are best appreciated from the deck of a yacht. Highlights include the beautiful town of Ajaccio which is encircled by mountains and Bonifacio, a major port with a restaurant-lined harbour.
Sitting on the eastern tip of Croatia’s coast, Dubrovnik is ideal for those looking to take some time out to recharge and enjoy the delights of discovering a new city. Bordered by sparkling Adriatic water, Dubrovnik is known for its Gothic architecture, dramatic terrain and buildings capped by baked clay-red rooves. The pace of life is slower in the city, so be sure to take some time to walk the stone streets and soak up the charms of Croatia. Trees grow everywhere, infusing the air with the scent of sweet figs and bitter oranges, for which Dubrovnik is renowned. If you’re visiting during summer, you’d be remiss not to check out the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. This celebration of classical musical sees the city come to life with music and art, with plenty of concerts and recitals on the schedule.
Many superyacht vacations are all about multi-generational groups enjoying lovely family occasions. Superyacht crew are known for creating theme nights for guests on board, and for managing the yacht’s watersports like teaching children how to sail, SUP or snorkel. However although your crew will always give 100% to keep guests happy, they already have full time jobs and it’s not their duty to be babysitters. If you are looking to have a complete break then bringing along your nanny is highly recommended. It is also very comforting to your child(ren), and reassuring for you, to have someone familiar in charge.