Some Cabin Charter Sailing Vacations

Greece: Corfu and Sailing the North Ionian Islands

Seven mates joined on our 41 ft. Lagoon catamaran with four ensuite queen cabins. Five came from the USA and two from Finland.

We arrived a day early to enjoy fascinating old Corfu Town; a maze of small stone streets lined with shops, tavernas and topped by two ancient fortresses.

Our Greek sailing ports were: Kalami, Corfu Town, Benitses, Sivota, Emerald Bay, Lakka and Petriti. Under sunny skies we enjoyed excellent sailing, refreshing swims and pleasant company. Each evening we found another taverna with delicious local fare.

[Captain’s Log: Corfu and Sailing the North Ionian Islands]

 

Sailing north of the Arctic Circle: Lofoten Norway

Four intrepid friends decided they wanted a sail in an unusual destination – for them. They chose the Lofoten Islands, Norway, located three degrees of latitude above the Arctic Circle. We had a sturdy 40.5 Delphia sloop for this northern adventure.

Not only does the Gulf Stream make the Vestfjord Sea between Lofoten and Norway’s mainland the most abundant cod fishery in the world, it also delivers 60 – 70* F temperatures in August.

There’s many islands to choose from and lots of old fishing village ports to moor and explore. The fishing fleet is at rest in the summer so plenty of space along the piers and quays. And, there’s the fjords and late evening unusual light!

Captain’s Log: Sailing north of the Arctic Circle: Lofoten Islands, Norway

Croatia Sailing: the Croatian Coast and Islands

A family from the US decided on a Croatian sailing holiday to celebrate a birthday. We chartered a 41 ft. Bavaria sloop with two queen cabins aft and a queen V-berth.

The steep rocky cliffs of the mainland and islands drop steeply into the sea making coastal cruising here a breeze. Many small coves have family-run restaurants that allow free overnight mooring if you sample their tasty dinners.

We stopped each day at lunch for a swim and circled Mljet before heading back to Dubrovnik.

Click here for a photo-gallery from the sail. (external link)

[Captain’s Log: Sailing the Croatian Coast and Islands]

Caribbean Charter Sailing: Sail the USVI and British Virgin Islands

A family of 5 decided on the turquoise waters of the US and British Virgin Islands for their holiday. We chartered a 45 ft. Leopard catamaran with 4 ensuite queen cabins.

Stops in Tortola, Jost van Dyke, Norman Island and St. John gave us a mixture of snorkeling, beaching and sailing along with delicious Caribbean food at local restaurants.

Click here for a photo-gallery from the sail. (external link)

[Captain’s Log: Family Fun: Sailing Tortola and Jost van Dyke in the BVI]

Sailing Turkey: Marmaris, Bay of Fethiye, Coast of Turkey

Our 8 sailors were comfortable on a 49 ft. Bavaria sloop. Six mates came as a group from England and two joined from the US.

Over drinks our first evening in Marmaris we planned our itinerary to take half day sails east along the coast giving us time for midday swimming and evenings at berth.

We sailed each day and stopped at Ekincik, Tomb Bay, Gocek,Fethiye and Olu Deniz before a full day sail to Ciftik, about 6 nm SW of Marmaris Bay.

[Captain’s Log: Turquoise Turkey Sailing: Marmaris and the Bay of Fethiye]

Sailing Italy: The Amalfi Coast and Bay of Naples Islands

Two birthdays to celebrate on an extended family sail along the Amalfi Coast. Starting from the small and pretty Procida Island base, we visit Ischia and Capri Islands before the coast. Then it’s beautiful Positano and Amalfi before finding little Marina Cantone.

We enjoy some perfect sailing conditions with time to swim off the stern of our 38 ft. catamaran, Blue Island.

Click here to view a photo-gallery from the sail. (external link)

[Captain’s Log: Amalfi Coast and Island Sail]

Sailing Spain: Barcelona & the Costa Brava

For 2 weeks we chartered a 32 ft. Beneteau out of Port Vell in the old harbor of Barcelona. Enjoying a day at the local beach and cafes of Barcelona, we sailed north along the Costa Brava stopping at Arenys del Mar and Estartit on our way to Cadaques, a beautiful fishing village about 30 km south of the French border.

After 2 days in Cadaques, including a short sail around Cap de Cruez to Cala Culip for a day of swimming in a private cove, we had several beautiful sailing days south towards Barcelona. Tucking into Llafranc to avoid a brief Tramontana wind, we enjoyed Llafranc’s beach and restaurants and later stretched our legs with the walk along the cliffs to nearby Calella del Parafrugell. Other stops included Sa Tuna, Aiguablava and Balis.

[Captain’s Log: Sailing the Costa Brava: Barcelona to Cadaques]