One of the most pleasurable activities known to man is sailing. It seems only proper that we combine it with another one of our favorite activities, vacations. Sailing vacations allow you to take pleasure in the best parts of both activities all at once.

Imagine being able to take in all the sights and sensations of a leisurely ocean sail and waking up the next day just to do it all over again! All that and more is what a sailing vacation can offer you.

Sailing vacations will vary depending on the package that you sign up for. At the very least however you should be able to expect comfortable accommodations and a restful place to sleep at night.

Lower priced trips may be able to offer you your own room, but you may have to share the bathroom with the other cabins. Of course the higher up you go in the price scale, the better you can expect your accommodations to be. The pricier sailing vacation will probably be able to provide you with luxurious suites all to your own.

The meals that you will be served will also follow suit, ranging from the simpler fare of the more budget sailing vacations to the fine cuisine of the higher priced ones. Nevertheless, no matter which package you go for, you are well within your rights to expect a decent meal during the entire course of your trip, so check this part of the package out beforehand.

You may also want to ask your guide what the sailing vacation covers and what you can expect with regard to the activities that they offer. Of course you will have plenty of time to take in the invigorating sea air, but other packages may offer snorkeling, swimming and even stops to some beaches on the side. You may want to bring your camera so you can keep a record of all the fun things that you will do and see.

Speaking of what to bring, make sure that you pack everything you will possibly need before you go. There is nothing that can put a damper on a fun sailing vacation faster than a forgotten swimsuit or sun block. Aside from those two aforementioned items, don’t forget to bring sunglasses and some form of head covering. Dress lightly and casually and don’t forget to bring along a shawl or sweater for the nights which can get chilly.

The Bahamas offer a wide range of yacht charter including bareboat yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter.

Yacht charter in the Bahamas offers turquoise waters and sparkling white sandy beaches. There are many attractive, interesting yacht anchorages.

The climate of the Bahamas is subtropical to tropical. The Gulf Stream significantly moderates the climate particularly in the winter. Summer temperatures in the Bahamas average 30 degrees Celsius and are just 5 degrees Celsius cooler in the winter. Summer and autumn can bring very severe weather in the form of hurricanes.

History: The seafaring Taino people moved into the southern Bahamas around the seventh century from Cuba and Hispaniola. They came to be known as the Lucayans and there were an estimated forty thousand Lucayans on the Bahamas at the time of Christopher Columbus’ arrival. His first landfall here was on San Salvador Island, also known as Watling’s Island, in the southern part of Bahamas.

Later Bahamian Lucayans were taken to Hispaniola as slaves. In two short decades many Lucayan societies ceased to exist due to forced labour, warfare, disease, emigration and out marriage. After the Lucayan population was eliminated, the Bahamian islands were virtually unoccupied until the English settlers came from Bermuda in 1647 and settled on the island of Eleuthera.

In 1718 the Bahamas became a British crown colony. Some 8,000 loyalists and their slaves moved to the Bahamas in the late 1700s from New York, Florida and the Carolinas. Slavery was ended in the Bahamas in 1834 and this led to many slaves fleeing the USA and making a dangerous crossing of the Atlantic for the promise of a free life in the Bahamas. In 1964 the British made the Bahamas self-governing. And in 1973, the Bahamas became fully independent, but remained a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The culture of the Bahamas is a mix of African and European influences. This can be seen in the islands music and different styles include; junkanoo, rake and scrape, calypso and a unique form of hymnal. Marching bands are also an important part of life and are heard playing at funerals, weddings and other ceremonial events.

In the less developed outer islands of the Bahamas, known as the “Out Islands” or “Family Islands”, regattas are important social events. They usually comprise one or more days of racing by old-fashioned workboats and combine an onshore festival. The Bahamas also have festivals associated with the local traditional crop or food, such as the “Pineapple Fest” in Gregory Town, Eleuthera or the “Crab Fest” on Andros.

Currency: US Dollars and US$ travellers cheques can be used. Major credit cards may be accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops.

Abaco is a major centre for yacht charter in the Bahamas. Here a full service marina is home to many charter yachts. Fuel, water, ice, laundry and shower facilities are all available. You can also provision the yacht here. Fly to Abaco from Florida’s Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami airports. Your charter yacht is just five minutes from airport.

There are several modern marinas in the Bahamas.

The main cruising area for yacht charters comprises Great Abaco and Little Abaco, along with a delightful string of sandy cays just to the east. Begin in the centre at quaint Man-O-War Cay.

The beach at Treasure Cay is one of National Geographic’s Top 10!

Great snorkelling and a Marine Park are to be found at Fowl Cay.

Green Turtle Cay is known for its cultural appeal with its museum, sculpture gardens, and fine dining at the Green Turtle Club. Visible for miles is the historic lighthouse of Hope Town, a candy-striped sentinel on the southeastern reef.

South to the Pelican Cays National Park you’ will enjoy extensive colourful coral and sea life. Giant starfish can be seen scattered along the sandy bottom for miles.

There’s nothing more liberating than setting sail on the open sea. For thousands of years, the sea has been a life source for millions of people, and an escape from the pressures of life on land.

There is a myriad of possibilities when it comes to purchasing and customising a Yacht. Consider a few important factors to help you make some of the main decisions.

Buying New or Used?

A major point for consideration when deciding between a new or used Yacht is the time it takes to receive your Yacht. A new Yacht can take a considerable amount of time to be delivered, while a used Yacht will most likely be ready and waiting in the dock.

Although used Yachts can be totally refurbished, the upside of buying a new Yacht is that you can personalise it completely from inception.

What Are You Looking For?

The average size of Yacht ranges between 30 and 100m, and the key is to decide what type of Yacht you’re in the market for. Are you interested in racing across the sevens seas? Or is your main goal to find a luxury venue for entertaining and sun tanning?

A fast planing Yacht may be what you’re looking for if you’re interested in something fast for clocking up those nautical miles between beautiful ports along the Mediterranean coastline. Cruising Yachts are normally propeller or jet propelled, but sailing cruisers, offering good mobility under engine-power as well as sail are also not uncommon.

For those looking for a rawer, more intimate connection with the sea, a sailing Yacht may be more your ideal vessel. Aside from the romantic ideals associated with sailing the seas like an adventurer of old, a sailing Yacht does allow for a more genuine relationship with the ocean. These Yachts bring their passengers into closer contact with the environment and generally provide a more intense experience.

For even more luxury, some Yachts come with every extra under the sun from fully equipped galleys fit for professional chefs, walk in cupboards and Jacuzzis to comfortable cabins and saloons with enough space to accommodate a large group of friends.

These days, Yachts are available with a host of onboard facilities and equipment. Scuba diving gear, water sports equipment (such as jet skis and windsurfing boards) and many other optional extras. Yacht Brokers will be able to find your ideal Yacht featuring whatever toys you are looking for.

Speak to a Yacht Broker

Once you’re more aware of what you are interested in, contact a professional Yacht Broker. They know the industry and specific Yachts well, so not only do you receive advice and expertise from those in the know, but you also get personalised service to cater for your specific needs and wants.

You’ll find out right away that if you want to set up a bareboat charter, you have three basic options: sailing with a full crew and captain, sailing with a captain, with you and your party performing as crew, or sailing by yourself. The first two options don’t require prior experience or a license. However, if you want to do a true bareboat and sail your own ship through the British Virgin Islands, you will have to have some sort of license.

There are nearly sixty different licenses offered by the U.S. Coast Guard; of these licenses, you’ll find that most BVI bareboat yacht companies will accept the lower-level ones when renting you a boat. But you will also find that the higher level your license is, the more money you’ll save on insurance. However, these high-level licenses often require many days worth of service on boats that can document your performance, and are not appropriate for pleasure boaters.

Fortunately, the main license required by most bareboat charter companies is the Safe Boating certification from the U.S. Coast Guard. This is a fairly simple course, and you can take it online without ever getting on a boat. The Coast Guard will administer the test; contact them by calling 1-866-BOAT-ABC. They can also help you get more information on boating safety and more advanced boating licenses.

If you have plenty of time before you plan to go bareboating but not a lot of experience with boats, consider joining the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. This volunteer organization operates to support local Coast Guard units, and if you work with them you’ll be able to get much more training and experience with boats for free, in exchange for your time teaching safety courses, helping with equipment, and performing other support services for the Coast Guard.

Another wise certification to get is the Red Cross CPR and First Aid certificate; after all, you’re going to be out on the wide blue sea by yourselves. This course requires either a full-day or half-day class, depending on who teaches it, and you can get it for free through the Red Cross. You can also get your Safe Boating course through the Red Cross in some areas; ask if you think yours might offer this.

If you don’t have your Safe Boater license when you get to your charter company, they may still allow you to bareboat after you’ve acted as crew for at least one day with a captain provided by the company. You won’t become a sailing expert in one day, but the charter company will at least be able to assess whether you can competently sail their boat and obey sensible rules. Still, it’s better to come prepared with that minimal license.

Sailing charters are truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether you go on one to celebrate an anniversary or a honeymoon, or you simply want to treat yourself and a special someone to this most memorable experience, you don’t really need an excuse to go on a sailing charter.

Many sailing charters go far beyond the more commonly available sailing trips that have you spend the entire time on the water.

Although these are enjoyable in their own way, especially if you merely want to enjoy a relaxing ocean cruise on a sailing vessel, sailing charters typically offer a much more varied, well-rounded and ultimately more rewarding experience. And the best part about it is, they do not even have to cost much more than your typical sailing trip.

If you have a lot of experience piloting a sailing vessel then by all means, sign up for one of the many available sailing charters that allow you to take the helm. This is an ideal way to chart your destiny during your vacation so to speak, and if you are fully qualified for the task, then you already know that nothing can come close to the feeling of being in total control of your journey.

If you want to take things a bit easier on the other hand, or if you have no experience at all behind the wheel, there are certainly many crewed sailing charters that you can avail of. These will come with a thoroughly qualified crew on board so you do not even have to lift a finger once you leave port until you anchor back in. This is the ideal arrangement if you want to be free to enjoy every last bit of your vacation. And with all that is in store for you on a sailing charter, you can hardly be blamed for wanting it so!

Many sailing charters will start out the day with a short sail in the morning, reaching the day’s destination by noon when you can have lunch either inland or on the boat. The rest of the day will then typically be spent in swimming, snorkeling, lazing around the beaches or exploring the local culture. Evenings will be spent having dinner in the balmy breezes and you wake up the next day only to do it all over again! Truly an experience that is as close to paradise as you can get on earth, and something that sailing charters can make a reality!

It seems to me that many sailors, particularly beginners, are quite frightened of sailing with a spinnaker. There’s no need to be. But there are some basic traps to be avoided.

I have sailed in scores of ocean races, including 14 Sydney to Hobarts, and the best way I can illustrate what I mean is to tell you about an incident when I sailed as Navigator and local knowledge for a Russian crew.

They were from St Petersburg - and they were very much the modern Russian, smart, self-assured and commercially aware. Though they were 20 years out of date in their sailing techniques they were almost arrogant in their belief that they were not. This was to lead to some firm discussions between us.

 

We were running before a good hard northerly on the second day of the race. The wind had been blowing for some time so that the seas, even though they were running with the current, had become significant although not big.

 

I pointed out to the skipper that the big spinnaker was four or five feet from the top of its hoist, which naturally was causing the boat to get into a heavy rolling pattern. Also the crew had not fitted a choker to the sheet, which was not helping.

 

At first he pretended not to hear me. Then he said, “This is not the Russian way.” I insisted that not only was this heavy rolling slowing the boat down but that there were very great pressures being put on the mast. He insisted, still, that this was not the Russian way.

I snappily replied he would lose the mast - but it was no satisfaction to me when that happened only half an hour or so later. We were out of the race.

 

(By the way it is something to see when 12 fit strong young Russians, who don’t have much money but a lot of incentive, recover from a broken mast. They had the whole thing back on board within 2 minutes and then had the problem of about 15 feet of overhang bow and stern. It didn’t matter much at the bow, but with the mast in the steep seas at the stern the helmsman had a struggle to counteract the sweep effect. The mast was trying to steer the boat.)

 

A better way to sail under spinnaker

 

If that’s the wrong way what is the right way? For a start, never, ever (to coin a phrase) fail to pull the spinnaker halyard, and the spinnaker, right to the top of its hoist. The moment the spinnaker starts to sway from side to side the forward drive of the boat is lost. That’s bad in its own right, but as I pointed out, that puts strains on the boat that are far too dangerous. For instance the steering comes under enormous pressure as the side of the boat starts to take control and the helmsman has to use all pressure to try to counteract. If he fails the boat broaches, of course.

 

The choker, which I mentioned to the Russians, is another way of preventing the death rolls. It is a simple arrangement which may be as basic as tying a line over the sheet, tying a bowline in that line and pulling the standing part through a block and to a winch so that the sheet is pulled down and in to the side of the boat. On some boats a special open-sided block is used which sits over the sheet and then goes through another block in the same way. As tension is put on the line, and the sheet pulled down again, the spinnaker is held firm and any tendency to roll is counteracted.

 

While the main way to learn how to sail with spinnakers in heavy weather is to practice, there are a couple of good basic rules to learn. In the first place always keep the boat under the spinnaker. This apparently silly little phrase is actually the best rule to know. It means that if the boat rolls to starboard steer ‘under the spinnaker’ to starboard and counteract the movement of the hull. By this I don’t mean giving a big swing on the wheel and making the boat turn to 45 degrees. It is more a little kick.

 

The next rule is to reef down. When the boat starts being hard-pressed when running it is because the pressure in the mainsail is trying to turn the boat to the side opposite the main. At its extreme the helmsman won’t be able to counteract this and the boat will broach. For this reason it is best to take a reef in the main (not always easy when the sail is pressed against the shrouds) but nevertheless take a slab out of the sail and so reduce the turning moment. Of course, in the end, no amount reefing is going to allow you to keep the spinnaker up.

 

But all is not lost. Even without the spinnaker the boat can be kept moving very fast and safe by using two headsails.

Seychelles is one of the most interesting sailing destinations in the world. With 150 lush and green islands, this area is well suited to inter-island cruising. You can anchor at wonderful beaches as well as discover parts of the archipelago normally not reachable by other visitors.

Seychelles is an archipelago close to Africa that is very rich with flora and fauna. Almost 50 percent of the entire country is made into reserves and marine parks. There are also unique species of trees, shrubs, and living creatures that are to be found in the different islands. The island nation is also blessed with warm climate all year round, as well as sandy beaches and deep-blue waters. Sailing in Seychelles therefore is one thing you’d love to do once you’re there.

Sailing in Seychelles becomes possible if you take a yacht charter from Port Victoria. This is the harbor you can find in the capital city of the country. It’s also a gateway to other interesting mainland sights of the country, such as the clock tower, which is reminiscent of the Little Ben of London. You can also take a trip to the botanical gardens, or the national museum of history. There is also a national stadium nearby, where a lot of popular festivities of the country are being celebrated. The port is also well known for exporting main products of Seychelles such as coconuts, vanilla, tortoise shell, and guano.

Mahe is a popular destination for those who are into water activities during their vacation. Known to be the largest island in Seychelles, almost all points in the area have a lot of things to offer to their guests. For example, you have the Turtle Bay and Anse Aux Pins. The coastline covers southeastern portion of the island. There are several shallow waters and sandy beaches, where you can simply relax and have some time swimming or snorkeling. Along the area, you can also find some rock pools, which are actually filled with numerous marine species. This is a very ideal activity to do during low tide. Beau Vallon, on the other hand, is the most popular beach resort for a variety of reasons. You can choose to swim or charter a boat that will take you to other islands. There are also a number of hotels, where you can stay for a day or two.

There are also 72 low-lying atolls that make up the Outer islands. They are located quite far from the Seychelles Plateau, which then defines the inner islands. They are less commonly visited compared to those that belong to the inner islands, simply because the outer ones are situated farther and are more remote. Yet if you want to really explore the wildlife and the natural habitats of Seychelles, visiting one or two of them will be a good choice. Good examples will be Desroches and Alphonse. These islands also offer superior and luxurious lodges, as well as great opportunities for swimming, diving, and sailing.

The many islands are better experienced when you go sailing in Seychelles. Nevertheless, make sure that you bring your snorkeling and diving equipment with you. After all, you don’t want to miss out the many diving, snorkeling, and swimming spots.

When you are looking for boating accessories, you may become overwhelmed at the amount of products that are available. Are you wondering just what kinds of boating accessories you really need? The truth is that the answer is really up to you.

 

To begin with, you need to make sure that your boating accessories include all of the required equipment as outlined by your local Coast Guard Centre. Those boating accessories usually include:

 

* Fire extinguishers

* Life jackets for each person on board

* A sound device like a foghorn, a whistle, or a bell

* Adequate lighting for night sailing

 

You will also want to have some type of two-way  VHF radio for communication with those on shore in the event that you become stranded. While this is not a mandatory boating accessory, you really won’t want to be without this while in the middle of the water.

 

As far as other accessories for boating, the rest is your decision. How will you be using your boat and how far are you expecting to go? If you will be participating in water sports, look into a pair of water skis and a slalom ski as well as a strong tow rope. Inner tubing just requires a reliable tube with handles and that same tow rope.

 

Some people think that an essential boating accessory is an on-board stereo. If you will be entertaining on your boat, this can be a great addition. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a boat stereo, but you may find that the extra investment is well worth your enjoyment!

 

Recreational boating accessories can run the gamut from fishing gear to nice sunglasses. If you think you will want to park in one of the proverbial “party coves” that exist on many bodies of water, you will want to have an anchor lest you drift away from the party!

 

If you will be travelling on large bodies of water, a boating accessory you may really need is a navigation system. Today, many GPS systems can be found relatively inexpensively and they can save your life should you become lost or mixed up while on the water.

 

If your boat has separate below-deck living quarters, you will want to outfit that with some cool boating accessories. Well, they’re not necessarily boating accessories specifically. What we’re talking about here is a coffee pot, a microwave, and maybe even a television with a DVD player. If you will be bringing your kids along, these devices could be life savers!

 

Boating accessories can be found in many places. Your best deals will be found online. Shop around and outfit your boat so it reflects you and how you want to use your boat. Then enjoy!

Sailing in Greece offers visitors the chance to discover the hidden splendor of Greece & the Greek Islands. Experience the luxury of sailing in the warm turquoise waters of Greece and explore hidden coves on remote Greek islands.

Drop anchor in a secluded bay and sunbath on untouched sandy beaches that can only be reached by boat. Picture yourself diving off your yacht into crystal clear waters of the Aegean or enjoying your afternoon meal on deck, then relax and have a cool drink in the midday heat listening to the waves gently splashing against the keel.

Many people have the misconception that chartering a yacht in Greece may be well over their budget but in reality the total cost (depending on the type of yacht you charter) may end up about the same if not less.

Take in to consideration the total costs for hotel accommodation, ferry, airline tickets, car rental, dining out etc… If your thinking taking the whole family along on vacation then a yacht charter is definitely worth it.

Another good reason to charter a yacht in Greece is if you plan on doing some Greek island hopping, then you can visit more islands at your own pace. You don’t have to worry about not finding a hotel, missing your ferry or flight. You control where you want and when you want.

What type of yacht should I charter?

The type of yacht you choose depends on what you want, a motor yacht offers more space, privacy, luxury & comfort as well as all the extra goodies such as jet skis, scuba & fishing gear, chef, and hostess and will get you where you want to go fast.

A sailing yacht on the other hand brings to mind the true meaning of sailing in Greece. This is an ideal choice for the adventurous type who wants to enjoy the full pleasures of sailing. Although they are slower and more economical to charter they are limited in space, and fewer amenities.

A good yacht charter company can help you plan your sailing holiday in Greece, choose your own custom itinerary and select the right type of yacht for your sailing vacation in Greece.

So leave your troubles behind and prepare yourself for carefree sailing holidays in Greece

visit http://www.alphayachting.com/ for more details on chartering a yacht in Greece