You’ve seen them a hundred times — partially finished hulls resting on supports in the back yard of an ambitious sailor building his own boat. Sometimes, it takes years and you wonder if they ever actually do any work on the vessel. The answer is yes and no. Boat building requires a lot of preplanning before actually beginning this task. Those yards that seem to have an unfinished craft up on stilts for years generally have an owner who either didn’t really know what type of sailing he planned on doing or he was very short on money and could only get involved in boat building as funds became available. Questions you should ask before you begin would be what type of sailing do you want to do? Day sailing? Overnight cruising? How many of you will be using the boat at the same time? What can you afford?

Day sailing requires mostly getting the idea to build a boat, and then finding the right plans. You don’t have to worry about long hours at the helm, or inclement weather. You can pick and choose when to be on the water and when to follow the ducks, and get out of the water. Any form of long-term cruising, however, means buckling down to the specifics and trying to think of every possible need before you get the plans to boat building. Overnight cruising for more than a few days with 2, 3, and 4 people on board would need a boat of at least 30 feet in length for comfort and safety.

Your next, very important, consideration is just how much money you have to spend on boat building. Staying between 30 and 40 feet keeps you roughly in the same ball park as far as buying supplies and outfitting your choice. If your eyes are bigger than your pocketbook and you decide you want something above 40 feet, this could easily turn into a twenty-year project, unless you are heir to a windfall.

Once you’ve determined the size of the boat you wish to build, think of the use. If you want speed, you’ll want a long and skinny hull design. Taking the family for long cruises, you’ll want comfort, stability, and maneuverability, which means a shorter, fatter, slower hull design. Both boat building designs should move through the water with the least resistance and best stability at all points of sail. After that decision, you can focus on the choices of keel, rigging and interior floor plan. You can play with the interior throughout the building process but not with the keel.

A full-length keel will give you the best ride in a 30′ to 40′ ocean-going vessel. For those boats 40 feet and above, try a modified keel for a little more boat speed without much loss in stability. In boat building, accept that most all other types of keels have a place on day sailors or racing hulls with a few exceptions. While not yet as popular in the United States, a double keel bottom is very stable and with the shorter draft, you can visit more interesting nooks and crannies within around your anchorage. Rigging is a matter of choice and you can find out what you like best by renting any number of sailboats throughout your boat building period. If you are still unsure, visit your local boating supply store and locate some designers who will be more than happy to help you. Knowing what you want to do, where you want to sail, and how much just another foot or two can cost you when you are building your boat, will be a clue to how long your own boat’s berthing process will take.

For more information on boats,
boating and other related topics, visit Travel With Vision at www.travelwithvision.org

Things have changed and now almost anyone who wants to can obtain the means to purchase a boat even when raising the money needed to afford the boat in cash is not possible. Other solutions are now available and there is no need to keep renting.

This is particularly interesting because renting is not a good idea unless you only use the boat from time to time. But if you like using the boat every weekend or every two weekends, the costs associated with renting will turn out to be too expensive.
When financing was not possible renting was the only choice for those who couldn’t save the money to pay the boat in cash.

Financing Is Now Available

When my father took my brothers and I fishing, we always rented the boat because though my father always wanted to purchase one, obtaining the money was not easy. Nowadays, buying a boat is just plain simple. There are many financial options available for boat purchases with boat loans being the most popular ones.

Boat loans are personal loans specially tailored for purchasing boats and other water motor vehicles. Boat loans are specie of the genre of motor vehicle loans which are customized for purchasing any kind of motor vehicle and resemble car or auto loans when it comes to terms, approval and loan conditions.

Though not so popular and accessible as car loans, both motor vehicle loans and specifically boat loans can be qualified for by almost anyone with a source of income suit to pay the loan’s monthly payments.

Where To Get Boat Loans

This is not a simple issue as boat loans are not as common as other types of loans. Therefore, don’t expect to find boat loans offered by your local bank unless you reside in a community that is particularly fond of boats like riverside communities. Instead of local banks you can try bigger and countrywide financial networks that usually offer financing for any kind of motor vehicles.

However, if you are seeking an actual boat loan, the best source of information and resources is undoubtedly the internet. There are many online lenders that offer this kind of loans and even let you apply for them online without hassles and with an instant approval process. Within a matter of minutes you can know whether you have been approved or not for the boat loan you seek. It is a good idea to contact lenders informally first to know what their requirements are so as to apply knowing that you qualify for and thus avoid getting declined and lowering your credit score.

Variable Or Fixed Rate Loans?

As with most secured loans, there are fixed rate and variable rate boat loans. Fixed rate boat loans carry the same interest rate over the whole life of the loan making it fairly easy to plan and make financial arrangements to pay for it. But, variable rate boat loans provide an easy way to obtain cheaper financing because at any given time, variable rate loans are almost always lower than fixed rate loans.

The only risk is that if market conditions worsen, you can always end up paying higher monthly payments than you expected.

—

Jessica Peterson writes finance articles for Yourloanservices.com where she shares her knowledge about how to get money for a starting-up business, consolidating any kind of debt, repairing a home even with a bad credit history and more.

Mid July through to mid September are the busiest and most expensive months to cruise the Turkish coast. Temperature can exceed 40 deg C. May and late September are a little cooler and cheaper. April and October see some rain but it is still pleasantly warm. From May to October this area experiences the Meltemi wind. It blows from the N and NW and can make sailing in that direction hard work.

Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye are the chief yacht charter ports. The following destinations are ordered from north to south.

Iskele is a lovely little village on the northern Aegean coast opposite the Greek island of Lesvos. A lot of the village’s old stone houses now serve as inns, pensions and restaurants. A short distance away is Behramkale, although most people still call the town by its ancient name of Assos. It was founded around 700 BC by colonists from the island of Lesvos. On a hill nearby are the ruins of the Doric-style Temple of Athena (530 BC) surrounded by crumbling city walls and an ancient cemetery. Close to is the 14th-century Ottoman Murad Hüdavendigar Mosque. The hill offers spectacular views of the island of Lesvos and the Aegean Sea.

Ayvalik is a coastal resort in the northern Aegean. It is surrounded by olive groves that produce much of Turkey’s best olive oil. Ayvalik has an interesting history, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the Ottoman Greeks of Ayvalik moved to Greece, and Turkish citizens of Greece moved to Ayvalik. The town has many old Ottoman Greek houses and orthodox churches that have now been converted into mosques. The harbour has many good restaurants. Ferries run daily in summer between Ayvalik and the Greek island of Lesvos (Mytileni), but the fare is extraordinarily high for the 2 hour trip.

Alibey Island lies just off the coast opposite Ayvalik. It has good waterside restaurants and tavernas.

Izmir, formerly Smyrna, is a major port and commercial centre sitting on a large bay. The city was rebuilt after a fire, during the 1922 War of Independence, destroyed most of old Smyrna. Consequently the city is modern with little in the way of archaeological interest. There are perhaps other more rewarding places too visit if your time in Turkey is limited to a 2 week yacht charter.

Kusadasi is a major Aegean resort town and cruise ship port. It also has a full service yacht marina. From here it is possible to visit Ephesus, just 11 miles away, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean region. Other ancient cities such as Aphrodisias, Euromos and the Temple of Zeus, Priene, Miletus and Didyma can also be seen. Kusadasi is popular with holidaymakers from Western Europe; so expect to find the “Red Lion” serving the “all day English breakfast” and several outlets for Guinness.

Gumusluk has an attractive small harbour with good shelter There are several good restaurants around the harbour.

Turgutreis sits on the end of Bodrum peninsula and yachts can find berths in the full service marina, a short distance from the town. There are good beaches at Aspat, Akyarlar and Huseyin Feneri

Amazon Creek is a narrow bay lined with pine trees. Nearby is a campsite with swimming pool and small provisioning store.

Bodrum is one of the main centres for yacht charter on the Aegean coast of Turkey. Here are the ruins of the original Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And one of the world’s foremost museums of Underwater Archaeology is located in the Castle of St Peter, a Crusader fortress. The beaches in town of Bodrum are small and get crowded, neither is the water particularly clean. There are better beaches along the Bodrum peninsula. Bodrum is known for its nightlife with many loud discos and clubs going through until the early hours. You can take a ferry from here and visit the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes.

Datca harbour is divided into two halves by a thin causeway joining a small island to the mainland. In the summer months the harbour gets very crowded and a berth may be difficult to find. The town is good for provisioning and has plenty of restaurants to choose from. Nearby are hot, highly pungent sulphur springs.

Orhaniye lies at the eastern end of the Gulf of Hisaronu. A modern marina is situated about 1.5 miles from the comparatively unspoilt village of Orhaniye.

Ekincik can be identified by the light tower on its western headland. For a day trip, take on of the local boats for a guided tour of the Dalyan River. Watch for loggerhead turtles that can be seen on the long sandy beach at the mouth of the river. The beach is one of only two Mediterranean breeding grounds for this species. The first stop is usually the caves just outside Ekincik. Once you enter the river mouth travel upstream amongst reeds and marshes before reaching the impressive ruins of ancient Caunos. These include Roman Baths, amphitheatre, library, temple and a medieval fort. Carrying on up river to Dalyan village you’ll pass the Lycian rock tombs set high up in the cliff face and eventually reach the lake of Koycegiz Golu.

Marmaris is arguably the premier location for yachting on the Aegean Coast. It has a full service marina or yachts can try for a berth in the busy harbour. Take a stroll in the honeycombed streets of the old quarter. Ferries cruise to and from the Greek island of Rhodes several times a day during the summer months. It is in the natural harbour of Marmaris that Nelson prepared his fleet in 1798 prior to the Battle of Abukir that saw the English triumph over the French. There is a museum in its small castle.

Make a stop at Kumlu Buku and explore the ancient ruins of Amos in the hills to the north. The stiff climb will be rewarded with a fine view.

Ciftlik sits in a pleasant bay and is a good spot for basic provisioning.

Gocek lies in a wooded bay at the northern end of Skopea Liman. It is protected from all but the strongest south and south westerly winds. Skopea Marina is located in Gocek town and a second facility; Club Marina lies just across the water. There is a regular ferry service running between the Club Marina and Skopea Marina. Club Marina is set amongst landscaped gardens and pine trees; facilities include bars, restaurants and games areas for children. Gocek provides good shopping and many of the shops in the town will deliver to the boat. Restaurants offer a good choice of local cuisine

Fethiye lies on a broad Mediterranean bay with some of Turkey’s best beaches close at hand. The Çalis and Ölüdeniz beaches are within a few miles. The bay itself is excellent for sailing. On the approach to Fethiye, pass through the navigable channel to the west of Fethiye Adasi. From here it is possible to see the prominent rock tombs visible in the cliffs above the town. A good day trip inland is a visit to Saklikent Gorge, set high in the mountains above Fethiye. Over thousands of years rushing torrents of water have cut a constricted channel through the mountains. This gorge is 300 metres deep and 10 miles long. Because the walls of Saklikent Gorge are so high they cut out most of the sunlight and it a lovely refuge on hot summer days. Take a picnic or visit one of the rustic restaurants that overhang the river and try delicious fresh trout. In the summer months there is a ferry service from Fethiye to the Greek island of Rhodes.

Gemile Island, in Fethiye Bay, has many Byzantine ruins.

Sail southwards and pass the Seven Capes. Gusts from the top of these capes can be very strong and yachts are advised to stay a good two miles off shore when passing.

Kalkan is a lovely peaceful anchorage. This town is attractive and a good base for heading out to explore the ruins of Letoon, Patara and Xanthos.

Kekova Roads is the channel of water running between Kekova Island and the mainland. The roads are 6 miles long and offer many attractive anchorages and interesting ruins to explore.

Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide.
Follow this link for info on Gulet Charter in Turkey.
And this link for info on Mediterranean Yacht Charter.

Campidano is a fertile plain in the southwestern part of the island. Livestock raising and the cultivation of grains, olives, grapes, and tobacco are significant. In addition fishing, the mining of lead, zinc, and copper, and processing industries are also important economic activities. More recently a significant tourist trade has been developed. The capital of Sardinia is Cagliari.

Sardinia was conquered by Rome in 238 BC, after the fall of the Roman Empire Sardinia was overrun by first the Vandals and then the Byzantines. From the 11th to the 14th century, the Genoese and Pisans battled each other for control of the island. The Spanish ruled Sardinia until the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which ceded the island to Austria. In 1720 it became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and came under the rule of the house of Savoy. When the Kingdom of Italy was created in 1861 the Kingdom of Sardinia came to an end.

There are airports at Alghero, Olbia and Cagliari making for easy access to your chartered yacht. Alghero is used by the budget airline Ryanair so low cost flights are available to and from the UK.

The yacht charter season in Sardinia generally runs from April to the end of October. High season is July and August, when the temperatures (around 35ºC) and prices are at their highest. May and June, September and October are well worth considering. Prices are lower, the temperature more comfortable and for those wanting to sail rather than motor round Sardinia the winds are likely to be more suitable.

This article will now take a look at individual locations likely to be of interest to those chartering a yacht on Sardinia. Starting at Algehero on the northwestern coast and moving round the island in a clockwise direction.

Alghero is an old fishing town that has recently seen significant tourist development. However the old town dates back to the 12th century and is well worth exploring. There are a number of churches and historical places of interest to visit. Consider a guided excursion to make sure you do not miss anything. Close to Alghero is Porto Conte with its natural wildlife reserve that spreads along the coast. It can be reached either by land or by boat excursion. Alghero is a Catalan town and although today most of the cuisine available is Italian there are still a few Catalan influences to be found. Paella Algherese or Catalan lobster, which is served cold with tomato and onion. Sardinian specialities include roast suckling pig or Seadas, a pastry filled with Goats cheese and then dribbled with honey. Yachts can berth in the marina that is situated in the main harbour. Extended information on the marina can be found here

Stintino is a charming old fishing village stretched over two inlets with two harbours, Minori and the more modern Mannu, Sardinian for small and large respectively. There is an interesting museum, located at the new harbour, telling the story of tuna fishing through the ages. The local beaches are renowned and La Pelosa Beach is amongst the most beautiful beaches on Sardinia. La Pelosetta, Le Saline, and Ezzi Mannu are all worth a visit. Time your charter to coincide with one of Stintino’s festivals; the Rural Festival of Saint Isidoro in May, June sees the Tuna Festival, the village hosts the Latin Sail Regatta in late August and the Patron celebrations in honour of the Blessed Mary of Defence take place in September.

The island of Asinara lies of the of the NW coast of Sardinia. The western side is made up of steep rocky slopes with many landslides, ravines and crevices. In contrast on the eastern side you will find wide bays and many beaches. Asinara is known for its rich wildlife of which some species are both rare and endangered.

Marina di Porto Torres lies on the NW coast of Sardinia. The marina is the heart of the civic harbour in Porto Torres and overlooks the gulf of Asinara. More information on this marina can be found here.

Santa Teresa Gallura lies on the northern coast of Sardinia. There are lovely beaches nearby backed by the rounded rocks of the Gallura region. A ferry runs from the harbour to the French island of Corsica. Or take the yacht across the Straits of Bonifacio to Corsica and visits both the town of Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio a little further to the NE can easily be included in your charter.

The Straits of Bonifacio, the narrow stretch of water separating Sardinia and Corsica, has many smaller islands. These form the Archipelago of La Maddalena, made up of various forms of granite that over the years have taken on fantastic shapes. This is a stunning piece of nature. Those islands in the west include; Budelli, Barrettini, Barrettinelli, Corcelli, La Presa, Paduleddi, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Spargi, Spargiottello and Spargiotto. And further to the east; Cappuccini, Caprera Monaci, Chiesa, Delle Bisce, Della Paura, La Maddalena, Pecora, Porco, Santo Stefano and Sperduti di Caprera.

La Maddalena is the largest of the islands. The town La Maddalena lies on the south coast. Linked to it is the smaller island of Caprera. On the southern coast is the attractive Porto Palma. Caprera is best known as the home of Italian nationalist leader Giuseppe Garibaldi who lived on Caprera Island from 1856 until his death on the 2nd June 1882. His residence and tomb are often visited national monuments.

Cannigione lies on the west shore of the gulf of Arzachena and is a natural harbour. It was originally a fishing village and is today a popular holiday destination. In the port is a well equipped marina.

The island of Tavolara lies of the NE coast of Sardinia. On the south coast there is a small harbour at Spalmatore di Terra. Some of the island is inaccessible due to military restriction in place. Just south of Tavolara, lies another island Molara. Here you can see mouflons, rare wild goats, found only in Sardinia and large flocks of Cormorants. Both islands have good beaches and are popular diving locations.

Porto Cervo on the NE coast of Sardinia has a marina, see here for extended information. Yachts can also anchor in the bay. The town lies in the heart of the Emerald Coast, home to the rich and famous during the summer season. As you would expect there are numerous bars and restaurants and a busy nightlife. Inland you can visit the Giants Tombs of Coddu Vecchju at Capichera and La Prisciona, a typical Sardinian prehistoric construction of circular shape constructed with dry stonewalls. Other sites in the area include the Giants Tombs of Li Lolghi, the small temple of Malchittu and the funeral circles of Li.

There is a marina at Porto Rotondo with some 630 berths. It lies on the NE coast of Sardinia and is safe to enter in all winds. Extended information can be found here.

Olbia, situated on the east coast of Sardinia, has a marina. More information can be found here

Marina di Arbatax lies on the eastern coast of Sardinia. It has over 500 berths and is sae to enter in all winds. More detailed information can be found here. The harbour faces the 16m high Scogli Rossi or red rocks.

Slightly inland from Arbatax is Tortolì. Back in 1995 the streets and the piazzas of Tortolì started to exhibit works of contemporary art by Italian and foreign artists. Much of the town now feels an open air gallery. The area is well known for Bottarga, dried grey mullet eggs, and Cannonau, the local wine.

Just to the north of Arbatax is Baunei, set on the slopes of Mount Santo. The area is rich in prehistoric remains including the cave of Su Marinaiu where there is evidence of the first human presence in Sardinia. In the Golgo valley there are many nuragic monuments. Also in the area are the karst caves including the Su Meraculu Grotto and the Cave of the Fig, the latter is home to a flock of monk seals.

Villasimius, lies on the south coast of Sardinia, to the east of Cagliaria. A modern marina lies close to the town. The town is surrounded by mountains and is indeed very picturesque. Its lively nightlife makes the place popular with the young.

Cagliari, on the south coast of Sardinia, is the island’s capital. Following the founding of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 Cagliari saw rapid growth. Castello, the old part of the city, lies on top of a hill, with a wonderful view of the Gulf of Cagliari. Most of the original city walls are intact, and feature two 13th century white limestone towers, the Elephant tower and St. Pancras tower. The city walls and many buildings are also constructed from the locally quarried limestone. In Castello you can visit the Cathedral, repaired during the 1930’s. The palace of the Provincial Government is near the Cathedral. The Sardinian Archaeological Museum houses an important collection of artefacts from the prehistoric Nuragic civilisation of Sardinia. Marina, Stampace and Villanova are early districts of the town and retain much of their original charm. Evidence of Roman occupation can be seen at the Roman Amphitheatre. It is unique in as much that it was carved into the limestone on which Cagliari itself was built. Nearby are mountain parks, such as Maidopis or Monte Arcosu, heavily forested with abundant wildlife, Sardinian deers and wild boars. If you wish to obtain a feel for Cagliari prior to your yacht charter read one of the novels by Sergio Atzeni who has based many books on life in the city both modern and ancient. There is a marina at Cagliari. It is safe to enter in all winds and more detailed information can be found here.

On the south coast of Sardinia lies the deep Gulf of Teulada with its bays and coves. The wide bay is set between Capo Malfatano and Capo Teulada; these capes mark the most southern point of Sardinia. Although much of the area is under the restrictions of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) this has in part kept the area unspoilt and free from tourist development. Porto Zafferano for instance can only be accessed by boat and has some of the highest white sand dunes in Sardinia.

Teulada is a small village a few km inland. Today it is a tourist centre, there are shops selling locally hand made jewellery worn traditionally by the local women together with a wide brimmed felt hat with its clear Spanish influence. The village is also well known for its food; roast meats, suckling pig and suckling goat spit roasted on the fire and flavoured with the many local herbs that can be found. And don’t miss the tomato focaccia that is baked daily. It is a folded over focaccia filled with roasted cherry tomatoes, baked together it is one of never forgotten.

Buggerru lies on the western coast. It has a small harbour and good beach set between two impressive rocky promontories. The surrounding mountains are littered with historical ruins, relics of the mining of precious minerals such as the black obsidian that was exported all over Europe. The now defunct mines have left attractive caves and tunnels that have been turned into tourist attractions. The Henry Tunnel well worth a visit for the magnificent views of the bay.

Bosa lies to the south of Alghero on the west coast. It is a set on the Temo river valley, a short distance from the sea and is overlooked by the Serravalle Castle. The town is set on the slopes between the castle and river and is particularly charming. The river and sea have always played an important role in the life of Bosa and on August 15th every year there is a procession of boats honouring Our Lady the Protector of the Sea, with a carried on a boat statue of the Virgin accompanied by singing.

Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide.
Follow this link for info on Yacht Charter in Sardinia.
And this link for info on Mediterranean Yacht Charter.

The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, around 5000 BC, and there are many Cyclopean remains. These show the communities constructed dwellings of stone. There is evidence of primitive agriculture including the keeping of domesticated animals. Jewellery, pottery and tools appear to have been manufactured. Later Phoenician traders frequently visited them. In 654 BC the Carthaginians founded what is today Ibiza city. Roman occupation followed and the Visigoths in turn evicted them. The Moors invaded the islands during the 8th century and there is still evidence of their 300 year occupation to be found in the islands architecture and the customs of the islanders themselves. Christians reconquered the islands during the 13th century. Mallorca falling first in 1229, followed by Ibiza six years later.

Minorca was the last to fall in 1287. Initially the islands flourished as Catalan colonies but famines and raids by pirates encouraged by isolation from the mainland saw the Balearic Islands decline. The Bourbons following the conclusion of the Spanish War of Succession in 1715 occupied Mallorca and Ibiza. Minorca however was ceded to the British under the treaty of Utrecht along with Gibraltar on the Spanish mainland. British rule over Minorca continued until 1802. In the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39, Mallorca and Ibiza were soon under the control of Franco’s forces enabling the Italian fleet to use Mallorca as it’s base and offer support to the insurgents. Minorca remained Loyalist until 1939. The 1950’s saw the first charter flights land in the islands bringing the tourists that have in turn bought prosperity to the islands and their peoples involved in this lucrative trade. After tourism agriculture and fishing make significant contributions to the economy of the islands. Fruit, olive oil, wine, majolica ware and silver filigree are exported in quantity.

This is a popular yacht charter destination and most people will find what they are looking for, be it motor or sail, monohull or catamaran, bareboat charter, skippered or crewed yachts.

The Balearic Islands yacht charter season generally runs from April to the end of October. July and August are the hottest and tends to have lighter winds; it is also the most expensive time to charter a yacht. April-May and September-October have a lot of plus points, the temperatures are more comfortable, those sailing are likely to getter better winds, it is not as expensive and while ashore you will avoid crowds of July and August.

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and covers over 3,500 sq. km. Prior to 1276 Mallorca’s history was the same as the other islands. But then the kingdom of Mallorca was formed and included the island along with some areas of both mainland Spain and France. Perpignan, in Roussillon, France was the capital of the kingdom. It was returned to the crown of Aragon in 1343 and flourished until the discovery of the Americas and the subsequent change in major trade routes. The island is known for its stalagmite caves and architectural treasures and prehistoric monuments. A further landmark is the abandoned old monastery where both Chopin and George Sand lived. Es Pla, a large fertile plain, where cereals, flax, grapes, and olives are grown, dominates the interior. Pigs and sheep are raised. There is also limited mining of copper and lead and quarrying of marble.

In addition to numerous anchorages Mallorca has a lot of marinas, including; Puerto de Palma de Mallorca, Puerto de Cala Nova, Puerto Portals Marina, Puerto Sol de Mallorca, El Toro Marina, Marina de Santa Ponsa, Marina Andraitx, Marina San Telmo, Puerto de Soller, Pollensa Marina, Bonaire Marina, Alcudia Marina, C’an Picafort Marina, Serra Nova Marina, Puerto Cala Ratjada, Puerto de Cala Bona, Porto Cristo Marina, Cala d’Or Marina, Porto Petro Marina, Campos Marina, Rapita Marina, Puerto de s’Estanyol, Arenal Marina, San Antonio de la Playa Marina, Puerto de Cala Gamba, Puerto de Cala Portixol. More detailed information on these marinas can be found in the Balearic Islands section of our cruising guide.

Palma de Mallorca, on the south coast and renowned for it’s spectacular sunsets, is the capital city. La Seu is the city’s enormous cathedral. Built on the site of a former mosque, construction commenced in 1230. It was completed some 370 years later in 1600. Anybody, today, who has tried to hurry a Spanish builder will be undismayed at what to others must look like an eternity in time. The city also has museums, Renaissance mansions a plenty in the old town and many attractive churches.

Puerto de Palma de Mallorca is an enormous marina set in the capital. In addition to the marina facilities commercial shipping, fishing boats, ferries and the military, uses the port. All this commercial traffic has right of way. Entry and shelter are excellent in all conditions. The marina gets very crowded in the summer months and berths are extremely difficult to obtain. There is a useful anchorage in a bay to the east of the port.

Puerto de Cala Nova is medium sized purpose built marina. The marina is somewhat overshadowed by the surrounding high rise buildings but on the whole is pleasant. Entrance is easy and shelter good in all but strong E-SE winds when some swell may be experienced. There are several small beaches nearby but these get very crowded in the summer months. Palma de Mallorca is only a short distance away.

The Serra de Tramuntana Mountains, rising to nearly 1500m, dominate the northwest of the island. The combination of a rugged, rocky coastline, pine forests, olive groves and small, charming villages, Deia in particular, perched high above the Mediterranean, make this part of the island quite beautiful.

Two bays dominate the north east coast, the Bahia de Pollenca and the Bahia d’Alcudia. An almost continuous string of sandy bays and beaches make up the eastern coast and unsurprisingly this area has seen intense development.

Pollensa Marina is set at the head of a beautiful wide bay. The water is on the shallow side and attention must be paid to the depth when approaching and entering the marina. Winds from the NE - SE can make entry difficult and sometimes dangerous. The old town of Pollensa is worth a visit. The area is good walking country with a 1 mile stroll N to Cala Vincente worthwhile.

Alcudia Marina is situated in a larger harbour, which is used by commercial and fishing craft. The marina is easy to approach and enter but shelter is limited with E - SE winds. There is considerable tourist development and the whole area is very crowded during the summer. There is a Roman theatre, St Martin’s cave and a castle and museum, which may be of interest.

The southern coast, by contrast, is in the main rocky cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean. Port d’Andratx, on the south west coast, is a small attractive town built on low hills all around a narrow bay. Majorca has a magnificent coastline consisting of rocky outcrops intermingled with many small coves that offer excellent sandy beaches.

Andraitx harbour serves both as marina and is home to the local fishing fleet. The surroundings are most attractive as is the local village. Although the housing developments have taken away some of its original charm. Entrance is easy and protection good. Yachts can though expect some gusts from the high surrounding hills and strong winds from the S - SW can produce swell.

The semi-arid island of Sa Dragonera is part of a chain of islands off the southern coast of Mallorca, known for its abundance of wildlife and high, stunning cliffs. The wildlife includes peregrine falcons, migratory birds, and seabirds. Indigenous lizards and bats are also found on the island and timid mular dolphins can sometimes be seen around the coast. Head for the eastern shore and the natural harbour of Cala Lled. There is an excellent visitor’s centre here and some great walking trails that take in historical sights as well as some superb views and wildlife spotting.

Cabrera, an important bird sanctuary, also lies of the south coast of Mallorca. Yachts wishing to visit need to apply for a permit by sending copies of their sailing license and passport(s) to the base three weeks before arrival. Puerto de Cabrera, on the northwest coast, has 50 laid moorings and yachts must use these overnight. It is possible to anchor in S’Illa des Fonoll bay on the east coast during the day. These restrictions are to protect the algae plant, which makes a major contribution to the food chain of this island.

Ibiza, covering 572 sq. km, is the third largest of the islands. The capital is Ibiza city, renowned for it’s extravagant nightlife. This attracts large numbers of tourists; over one million now visit every year. Some of Spain’s most famous discos are to be found hear along with plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants. The Dalt Vila, a souk-like walled city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are plenty of beaches but in the summer months these get very crowded. Cala Mastella on the east coat and Beniras on the west are two of the best. Santa Eulalia is an attractive village and has three great beaches; Playas de Santa Eulalia, Cala Blanca, and Es Canar. San Juan also boasts good beaches such as Cala de Sant Vincent, Cala Portinaitx, and Cala Xarraca and the remains of a Carthaginian temple in the cave of Cueva des Cuieram. The locals of San Jos not only have a host of beaches but also one of the most beautiful churches on the island. The north of the island is popular with cyclists and hikers. Inland the landscape is rocky and pine trees grow in abundance. Fishing and salt works contribute to the economy with some subsistence farming, aided by irrigation. Little rain falls and the predominant crops are almonds, figs and olives.

In addition to some lovely anchorages there are several marinas on Ibiza; Marina Botafoch, Puerto Ibiza la Nueva, Puerto San Antonio-Abad, Puerto Santa Eulalia. More information on these marinas can be found in the Balearic Islands section of our cruising guide.

Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands (just 12 miles top to tip) located just off the south coast of Ibiza. Compared to the other islands Formentera is relatively underdeveloped with good beaches with powder white sand and clear blue waters. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking and walking.

Puerto de Sabina, the island’s harbour, gets very crowded in the summer and charges are very high. More information on this harbour can be found in the Balearic Islands section of our cruising guide. There are good beaches to the NE of the marina. San Fransisco Javier is worth a visit.

Covering 702 km, the island of Minorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands. In 1708 during War of the Spanish Succession the British occupied it. France seized it during the Seven Years War but in 1763 the Treaty of Paris returned it to British rule. In 1782, during the American Revolution, the French allied with Spain seized the island but sixteen years later the British returned once again. The final chapter came in 1802 when the Peace of Amiens awarded Minorca to Spain. But even today there is still strong evidence of British occupation. Architecture has a distinctive Georgian feel even down to the sash windows. Today Port Mahon, lying at on the east coast, is the capital and the island’s major port. The harbour is both deep and sheltered and overlooked by the town built on the cliffs at the southern end.

British influence can be seen at both Fort Marlborough and Collingwood House, named after the Admiral who served alongside Nelson. If any further evidence of the British past is required a visit to the Xoriguer Gin Distillery should provide it. In contrast to the other two main islands Minorca remains seemingly tranquil. There is little intensive development and it is still possible, even in the middle of summer, to find beaches almost deserted. Ciutadella, on the western side of the island, is a charming little town boasting fine mansions. There is much evidence of Minorca’s prehistoric past and a great number of megalithic monuments exist. There are many sites and they fall into three different time periods. The Pre-Talayotic Period or Cave Era from 2000 - 1300BC, the Talayotic Period or Bronze age, 1300 - 800BC and the Post Talayotic Period or Iron Age, 800 - 100BC. The centre is hilly but the island as a whole in mainly lowland. Despite the fact Minorca’s rainfall is greater than the other islands irrigation is still required. Cereals, flax, wine and olive oil are the main agricultural products. There is a little light industry. Lobster fishing also contributes to the economy.

Minorca has some lovely anchorages and there are marinas at Puerto de Mahon, Puerto de Ciudadela, Puerto de Fornells, Puerto de Cala de Addaya. More information on these marinas can be found in the Balearic Islands section of our cruising guide.

Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide.
Go here for info on Mallorca Yacht Charter.
And this link for info on Mediterranean Yacht Charter.

Guadeloupe is an overseas department of France and one of the twenty-six regions of France, an integral part of the Republic. Being part of France, Guadeloupe is also part of the European Union and its currency is the Euro.

Christopher Columbus became the first European to land on Guadeloupe in November 1493, seeking fresh water, while making his second voyage to the Americas. He named it Santa María de Guadalupe de Extremadura, after the image of the Virgin Mary at the Spanish monastery of Villuercas, in Guadalupe, in the Spanish autonomous province of Extremadura.

The French took possession of the island in 1635 and wiped out many of the Carib Amerindians. Over the next century the British seized the island on several occasions. One indication of Guadeloupe’s prosperity at this time is that in the Treaty of Paris (1763), France, having been defeated in war by the British, accepted to abandon its territorial claims in Canada in return for British recognition of French control of Guadeloupe.

1790 saw a dispute between French monarchists and those loyal to the French revolution. Victory went to the monarchists and they declared independence in 1791. In 1793, a slave rebellion started, which made the upper classes turn to the British and ask them to occupy the island. Britain attempted to seize Guadeloupe in 1794 and held it for only one month when French retook and freed the slaves who revolted and turned on the owners of the sugar plantations. Napoleon sent a force to suppress the rebels and reinstitute slavery, approximately 10,000 Guadeloupeans were killed in the process of restoring order to the island.

In 1813 Guadeloupe was ceded to Sweden as a consequence of the Napoleonic Wars. A year later Sweden left the island to France in the Treaty of Paris of 1814.. French control of Guadeloupe was finally acknowledged in the 1815 Treaty of Vienna in 1815. Slavery was abolished on the island in 1848 at the initiative of Victor Schoelcher.

Today the population of Guadeloupe is mostly of African origin with an important European and Indian active population. Lebanese, Chinese and other origins are also present.

Guadeloupe’s culture is probably best known for the islanders’ literary achievements. Well known writers include; Saint-John Perse, the pseudonym used by Alexis Léger, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature for 1960; Maryse Condé, Ernest Pépin and Simone Schwartz-Bart.

Painting and sculpture are also important. The following are of repute; Roger Arekian, les Frères Baptiste, Claudie Cancellier, Michelle Chomereau-Lamothe, Christian Bracy, Jean-Claude Echard, Léogane, Pédurand, Nicole Réache, Michel Rovelas, Victor Sainsily.

Guadeloupe enjoys many local dance styles including the quadrille “au commandement”, zouk, zouk-love, toumbélé. Typical Guadeloupean music includes la biguine and gwo ka à la base. Many international festivals take place in Guadeloupe, like the Creole Blues Festival, Festival Gwo-Ka Cotellon and the Marie-Galante Festival.

Guadeloupean dress is distinctive although now worn only on special occasions. Women dress on many layers of colourful fabrics with a madras scarf tied in many different symbolic forms, like the “bat” style, or the “firefighter” style, as well as the “Guadeloupean woman”.

The economy of Guadeloupe depends on tourism, agriculture, light industry and services. It also depends on France for large subsidies and imports. The traditional sugar cane crop is slowly being replaced by other crops, such as bananas, which now supply about 50% of export earnings, christophines, cocoa, eggplants, gourds, guinneps, giraumon squash, jackfruit, monbin, noni, paroka, pikinga, plantain, pomegranates, prunecafé, sapotilla and yams. Guadeloupe is still dependent on imported food, mainly from France.

Guadeloupe is a mix of modern cities, rainforests, stunning landscapes, sun-drenched beaches, attractive architecture and friendly people make this a popular yacht charter destination. In addition the area benefits from reliable trade winds during the season that rune from December to May. Most sailing can be done by line of sight so the navigator gets a holiday as well.

Guadeloupe offers all the types of yacht charter; bareboat charter, skippered and crewed yachts, catamarans, sail and motor and super yacht charter. One-way options are available, perhaps to St. Martin, Antigua or Nevis and St. Kitts. Raizet International Airport has daily flights to and from major cities in France and the USA.

The Euro is the official currency. Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. There are ATM in all the cities of Guadeloupe and in the marinas.

Basse-Terre is renowned for its waterfalls, mountains, rain forest, and world-class diving venue. The largest of the island’s three marinas is at Bas du Fort with 1000 berths, approximately 100 of which are available for visiting boats. It is located 10 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes from the town of Pointe-à-Pitre. The marina caters for all types of boats up to 130′ long. It is a full service marina with weather service information, shower facilities, fuel, water, shore power, chandlers, supermarkets, bars and restaurants.

Grande-Terre, famous for its white sandy beaches, cane fields, rolling hills, and resort areas. The Atlantic coast of Grande Terre is surrounded by coral reefs. This is probably not a must on your charter itineracy as the beach itself may be disappointing with many tidal pools and shells. There are no trees to offer protection from the sun and swimming is not. Plage de Bois Jolan is a long beach that stretches from St. Anne to St. Francois and is known as a family beach. At the St. Anne stretch there is a moderate amount of shade and an abundance of white sand. There is a fee to use the beach. It is by no means secluded or isolated, the town is directly across the street, and every amenity you can imagine is available here. Just west of town is St. Francois, with its small local beach and minimal amenities. The wind here is steady and there is plenty of shallow water for kids to wade in. This is also a great windsurfing beach.

La Désirade is the least developed and the least visited island of the archipelago. Its 200-year history reaches back to its origins as a leper colony. La Désirade has a desert like terrain, with coconut and sea grape trees lining the coast. The north side of the island has a rocky coastline with rough open seas, but the southern side is more inviting with white sandy beaches and reef protected waters. The main village is Grande-Anse, which has a small church with a flower garden. Le Souffleur is a boat-building community, and at Baie Mahault, you’ll see the ruins of the old leper colony. The best beaches are Souffleur, a tranquil oasis near the boat-building centre, and Baie Mahault, a small typical Caribbean beach with white sand and palm trees.

Marie Galante is located approximately 22 nautical miles from Guadeloupe, it is renowned for its unspoiled beaches and idyllic bays. Explore the island on foot along the many hiking trails. There is also very good scuba diving and snorkelling amongst the coral reefs.

Iles des Saintes is a cluster of eight islands, two main islands and six rocks. It is off the beaten path. Terre-de-Haute is actually the main attraction and the most interesting. The main settlement is Le Bourge, a single street that follows the curve of the harbour. It is a charming and sleepy village. The quaint houses are embellished with gingerbread trim, colourful doors and balconies. The historic ruins of Fort Napoleon date back to the 17th century, when the navel encounter of “The Battle of the Saints” took place. The underwater world of Les Saintes has been the host to famous divers such as Jacques Cousteau. The least qualified diver can experience the beauty of the multicoloured reefs and the captivating underwater grottos. Pigeon Island is the home of the Jacques Cousteau’s marine sanctuary, and a must see for the divers.

Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide.
Follow this link for info on Yacht Charter in Guadeloupe.
And this link for Caribbean Yacht Charter.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British overseas territory, located in the north of the Caribbean Sea to the east of both Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. They are part of the Leeward Island chain. The approximate co-ordinates are 18° 20′ N 64° 40′ W. The archipelago of the Virgin Islands archipelago is made up of the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

The British Virgin Islands enjoy a sub-tropical climate, moderated by the trade winds. Temperatures remain fairly steady year round with a daily maximum of around 29°C in the summer and 25°C in the winter. The BVI averages about 115 cm of rain per year, although this is higher in the hills and coast is drier. The wettest months are September through to December. The British Virgin Islands are in an area that can see hurricanes from June to October and this effectively limits the sailing season to November - May.

Amongst the many attractions on the British Virgin Islands are the; numerous white sandy beaches; the baths on Virgin Gorda, snorkelling on the coral reefs near Anegada; the well-known bars of Jost Van Dyke Island.

The British Virgin Islands include the main islands of Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola and Virgin Gorda together with over fifty other smaller islands and cays. The smaller islands include; Beef Island, Cooper Island, Ginger Island, Great Camanoe, Great Thatch, Guana Island, Mosquito Island, Necker Island, Norman Island, Peter Island, Salt Island. Only some fifteen of the islands are inhabited. The BVI are mostly volcanic in origin and have a rugged, hilly terrain. Anegada is the exception and is a flat island composed of limestone and coral. Tortola is the largest island, approximately twelve miles long and three miles wide. Road Town, on Tortola, is the capital of the islands. The British Virgin Islands have a total population of around 22,000 people.

The Virgin Islands were first settled by Arawak Indians from South America around 100 BC and inhabited the islands until the fifteenth century when Carib Indians from the Lesser Antilles Islands displaced them. The first European sighting of the Virgin Islands was in 1493 by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas. He called them Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Vírgenes (Saint Ursula and her 11,000 Virgins); this was shortened to Las Vírgenes (The Virgins).

In the early sixteenth century the Spanish Empire acquired the Virgin Islands and developed copper mining on Virgin Gorda. Subsequently the English, Dutch, French, Spanish and Danish all sought control of the Virgin Islands. They became a notorious pirate haunt. During the process of European colonisation the native Amerindian population was all but wiped out.

In 1648 the Dutch established a permanent settlement on the island of Tortola. The British captured Tortola from the Dutch in 1672, and the British annexation of Anegada and Virgin Gorda followed in 1680.

The Virgin Islands were considered principally a strategic possession, but were also planted when there were favourable economic conditions. The British introduced sugar cane that became the main crop and source of foreign trade. Slaves were brought from Africa to work on the sugar cane plantations and the islands prospered until the growth in the sugar beet crop in Europe and the United States reduced sugar cane production significantly.

In 1917, the United States purchased St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix from Denmark for US$25 million, renaming them the United States Virgin Islands and the British renamed the islands they controlled as the British Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands were administered either as part of the Leeward Islands Colony or with St. Kitts and Nevis, with an administrator representing the British Government on the Islands. Separate colony status was gained for the British Virgin Islands in 1960 and they became autonomous in 1967.

Since this time the BVI have moved away from an agricultural economy towards tourism and financial services and have become one of the richest areas in the Caribbean. Politically tourism is the more important of the two employing large numbers of the local population and many of the businesses are locally owned. However, economically, the financial service sector is by far the more important and provides nearly 50% of the Government’s revenues in the form of licence fees for offshore companies.

The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, also known as Beef Island Airport, has regular connections to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Saint Thomas, USVI. There are also flights from most of the major islands in the Caribbean, Antigua and Saint Martin. It is located on Beef Island, just off the eastern tip of Tortola. Virgin Gorda and Anegada have smaller airports. The islands are a popular destination for cruise ships in the Caribbean and they use the British Virgin Islands main harbour in Road Town on Tortola. The official currency of the British Virgin Islands is the US dollar. Major credit cards are honoured at the larger BVI establishments but do not expect to use them at small restaurants.

The traditional music of the British Virgin Islands is called fungi after the local cornmeal dish with the same name, often made with okra. The special sound of fungi is due to a unique local fusion between African and European music. The fungi bands, also called “scratch bands and use a great variety of instruments. Fingi is a form of festive dance but also contains humorous social commentaries and is a source of BVI oral history.

The British Virgin Islands are one of the Caribbeans most popular yacht charter destinations and Tortola is home to the world’s largest fleet of charter yachts. Prospective charters can choose between Skippered or bareboat charter. Motor or sailing vessels. Monohulls or catamarans. The short distances between the islands, often only 2 to 3 hours, make the BVI perfect for the first time yacht charterer and for families with young children. There are many flights to the BVI making access easy. On the downside the BVI can become crowded at peak periods; Christmas; Presidents Week and the Easter holidays. The first two weeks of July are also extremely busy due to Puerto Rico’s holiday schedule. Charter Yachts require a National Park Permit; ask your charter company for more details.

Moorings are increasingly popular throughout the British Virgin Islands to prevent anchors dragging on the bottom and damaging the important coral reefs. Although the cynics will tell you it’s also about revenue raising and at $30 per night it is hard not to sympathise with this point of view. Overnight moorings are on 18” white balls. Other mooring buoys will be encountered while sailing in the BVI and are colour coded as follows;

Orange - Non-diving, day use only.

Yellow - Commercial dive vessels only.

Large Yellow - Commercial vessels or vessels over 55′ in length

White - Non-commercial vessels, for daytime dive use only.

Blue - For dinghy use only

Also note that there is a 90-minute time limit on all moorings.

The major harbour in the British Virgin Islands is at Road Town, on Tortola. And most charters will start and end here. Village Cay Marina is one of the full service marinas available in Road Harbour offering fuel, water, ice, provisioning, laundry, shower facilities, beauty salon and spa. There is a fresh water pool and a waterfront restaurant and bar. Other marinas in Road Town Harbour include Fort Burt Marina and Inner Harbour Marina. There is also another full service marina in Nanny Cay that offers another starting point for yacht charters. The Nanny Cay Marine Centre has amenities including showers, water, gift shop, laundry, ice and fuel, provisioning, storage lockers and two restaurants. There are also a dive shop, mechanical repairs, refrigeration, welding and a 24 hour chase boat service. Allow time at the beginning or end of your yacht charter to explore Tortola. Driving around the island’s steep and winding mountain roads offers some breathtaking views. Some of the finest beaches in all of the BVI are located at Cane Garden Bay and Long Bay, on Tortolas’s north shore. Restaurants on Tortola are held in high regard throughout the Caribbean. Shopping and nightlife tend to be low-key, but a selection of small clubs playing local music can be found in Road Town and in the beach bars around the Tortola.

West End is shown on the charts as Soper’s Hole, a protected harbour lying between Frenchman’s Cay and Tortola. The Soper’s Hole Wharf and Marina offers a full range of services located in charming colourful houses. The Pusser’s Landing features waterfront dining in two restaurants and bars, an outdoor terrace and the company store.

Jost Van Dyke Island was named after a Dutch pirate. It has beautiful beaches, great food and music. Jost Van Dyke is the home to the famous “Full Moon” parties held at Foxy’s and Sidney’s Peace and Love Bar.

Anegada Island is known for its beautiful pink, sugar sand beach and snorkelling with age-old shipwrecks and coral reefs. Anegada’s Reef Hotel is renowned for the local lobster. The dining room and bar are directly on the beach. If you go ashore on Anegada carry bug spray with you. You have been warned!!!

Moorings are available and anchoring is possible all along the coast of Virgin Gorda. Or you can get a berth at the nearby Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, a marina with docking for 110 vessels, where the ferry arrives for land travellers. Shops are concentrated around the Yacht Harbour area, especially at the Courtyard. Virgin Gorda Island is famous for The Baths, a day filled with cave exploration and water holes within this unique rock formation. Dinghies are no longer allowed on the shore here and you must swim from a dinghy mooring to the beach. The Bitter End Yacht Club is located in North Sound and is a great place pick up a mooring. You will be amongst some of the beautiful yachts in the BVI here. The small deserted island of Prickly Pear is a great lunch and snorkelling spot and is just a dinghy ride from the Bitter End Yacht Club. Spanish Town on the southwest side of Virgin Gorda is a popular stop over for shopping and provisioning.

Norman Island or “Treasure Island” as the locals know it is home to the pirate ship “William Thornton”. Legend suggests this to be the fabled site of Long John Silvers treasure trove. Norman Island lies close to the boundary line separating the BVI from the US Virgin Islands. Although uninhabited it is alive with tourism. The caves here are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the BVI. This is a popular overnight anchorage and many charterers will take dinner aboard the Willy T, a 100′ steel schooner.

Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide.
Follow this link for info on Yacht Charter the BVI.
And this link for Caribbean Yacht Charter.

Christopher Columbus landed on Antigua in 1493 and named the island Santa Maria de la. Early Spanish settlement was replaced by English rule from 1632, with a French interlude in 1666. The islands were granted independence from British rule on the 1st November 1981. They remain members of the British. Commonwealth.

Reliable trade winds throughout the season, which runs from December to May, make Antigua and Barbuda a great yacht charter destination. Coral reefs and abundant marine life make for great snorkelling and scuba diving.

Antigua offers all the types of yacht charter; bareboat charter, skippered and crewed yachts, catamaran, sail and motor and super yacht charter.

Antigua has an international airport, with daily flights from many cities throughout the world. The East Caribbean dollar is the official currency but both US Dollars and Euros are used and major credit cards may be accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops.

Creole cusine predominates on the islands. The national dish of Antigua is fungie and pepper pot. Fungie is a dish almost entirely made from cornmeal and very similar to the Italian polenta. Other local dishes include ducana, seasoned rice, saltfish and lobster from Barbuda. There are also local confectionaries which include: fudge, peanut brittle, raspberry and tamarind stew and sugarcake. Good international cusine is also widely available.

Antigua is home to the famous English Harbour that lies on the island’s southern coast. Nearby Shirley Heights is famous for “Jump Up”, BBQs and punch parties with live music and dancing.

To the east of English Harbour is Falmouth Harbour, major yachting centre in its own right. Home to Nelson’s Dockyard, the only working Georgian dockyard in the world. There is a museum dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson who used English Harbour as his Caribbean base in the late 18th century. Nelsons Dockyard is an active yachting centre and the bay now has three large marinas and the Antigua Yacht Club.

Green Island, at the mouth of Nonsuch Bay on Antigua’s east shore, offers an unspoilt anchorage.

St. John’s is the capital of Antigua and lies on the islands west coast. Here you will find good provisioning. Five Island Harbour, just south of St. John’s, offers a choice anchorages in which good shelter can be found whatever the winds direction.

Jolly Harbour, on the south coast is a large complex of boatyards, marinas, restaurants, and shops.

Redonda, Antigua’s out-island, lies 30 miles to the southeast. It is completely uninhabited

Barbuda lies 20 miles to the north of Antigua and offers good sailing and a number of lovely anchorages on its west and south sides. Codrington Lagoon is on the west side and is seven miles long with pink sandy beaches. Codrington, Barbuda’s largest town is worth a visit while here. Many other pleasant beaches can be found on the island often covered with shells.

Every April sees the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club. And in May there is the Rolex Antigua Sailing Week. This local sailing week has grown into an international event attracting competitors from the world over and combines top quality yacht racing and an unforgettable social scene.

Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide.
Follow this link for more info on Yacht Charter Antigua.
And this link for Caribbean Yacht Charter.

We’re all looking for a convenient fishing boat, right? The problem, at least for me, is that a fishing boat can be an expensive proposition. Much more expensive than my budget will allow as a matter of fact. So are there convenient fishing boats available to the average angler or water enthusiast that don’t break the bank? The good news is that I recently realized that there are. These boats are amazingly convenient as a matter of fact. It might sound strange, but the type or boats that I’m referring to are inflatable. That’s right, inflatable, but I’m not referring to those toys that kids play with in the local pool. I’m referring to quality inflatable boats that work wonderfully as the most convenient fishing boats that I’ve ever encountered.

Quality inflatable boats come in a variety of styles from pontoon boats to canoes and kayaks. There are even quality inflatable motor mount boats that sit up to six people available at a fraction of what a traditional boat costs. For my money, there’s nothing better than using my inflatable pontoon boat to float and fish my favorite river. It’s incredibly maneuverable and the amount of water that can be covered is incredible. There are few things as convenient as fishing my favorite river in the comfort of my inflatable pontoon boat.

When I refer to the word quality, I mean the kind of quality materials and construction that will stand up to rapids and/or a dogs paws. Quality inflatable boats will also be made by manufacturers that offer “package” deals that include shipping and handling as well as free trial periods so that you can make sure the boat works for you. When purchasing an inflatable fishing boat, quality is a key, and these tips will help you make sure that your dealing with a quality company.

The most important thing about convenient fishing boats, in my opinion, is that they are so portable. Imagine being able to carry your boat in the trunk of your car, and then simply inflating it wherever you want to fish? Very few of us fish the same area every time, and with a quality inflatable boat, it goes with you wherever you want to go. And for rivers and small lakes that don’t offer boat ramps, it won’t matter to you because you don’t need a boat ramp when fishing from a quality inflatable boat. Check some out and see for yourself how, without a doubt, inflatable boats are the most convenient fishing boats that you’ve ever come across

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country…..Montana!

Convienient Fishing Boats: http://www.jrwfishing.com/boats.html

This article describes common boat handling mistakes made when performing the figure eight man over board drill while sailing. The information in this article originates from the experiences teaching the figure eight man over board drill at Fair Wind Sailing School where the drill is performed close to a thousand times per year.

Figure 8 Man Over Board Procedure — Overview

The Figure 8 Man Over Board (MOB) Drill is often the first man over board drill taught to new sailors since it can be accomplished without performing a potentially dangerous gybe. To properly perform the drill, the helmsman quickly positions the sailing craft onto a beam reach and progresses across the wind and away from the man over board far enough to allow maneuverability of the vessel. The distance required to gain maneuverability varies by type of boat, but is typically 4-6 boat lengths.

Next, the boat is tacked back toward the MOB and then steered onto a broad reach. The objective of the broad reach is to get downwind of the man in the water, a critical prerequisite to returning the man over board. Once the vessel has progressed a sufficient distance to allow the victim to be approached on a close reach, the vessel is turned to that point of sail and the man over board is approached. Finally, the vessel is coasted to a stop next to and to windward of the man in the water. Note that a sailing vessel can typically only be stopped while heading upwind, hence the importance of first positioning the vessel downwind of the man over board prior to making the final approach.

Common Error One — Sailing Too Far Upwind

Our experience demonstrates that three fundamental mistakes are made during the drill. The first mistake is that most helmsmen do not get the boat to a beam reach and continue sailing upwind of the victim. Reasons for this include the confusion and anxiety of first learning about the man over board, lack of focus on point of sail and, on occasion, panic. The mistake comes in two common forms. First, not turning on to a beam reach immediately, but waiting until the boat has traveled several lengths upwind before turning. Second, turning the boat, but not turning far enough away from the wind to get all the wind to a beam reach. Rather, continuing to sail on a close reach.

The impact of this error is threefold. First, since the victim can only be picked up with the vessel downwind of the victim and moving upwind, the further the boat goes upwind of the victim the more distance it must travel to get downwind. This makes the maneuver longer and keeps the victim in the water longer. The second issue is that the further the boat moves away from the man in the water, the more difficult it is to judge the points of sail and necessary boat maneuvers to effectively get back to the victim. This is especially true for new sailors. Finally, the further the vessel moves away from the victim, the more difficult it can be to see the victim in the water.

Common Error Two — Failing To Get Downwind of The Victim

The next common error occurs after the tack procedure. After completing the tack and turning back toward the victim in the water, there is a strong desire to sail directly to the person in the water — after all you can’t get someone back on board until you get to them. This, however, is not the best course of action. Sailing directly to the person from this position means the boat will approach the victim on a beam reach — the fastest point of sail for most boats. Since it is nearly impossible to stop the boat on a beam reach and the boat will be moving far to fast to make contact with the man over board and pull him or her on board, this technique will not be of much help.

After completing the tack, the goal is to get the vessel downwind of the man over board. This means heading on a broad reach below (i.e. downwind) the man over board and not directly at the MOB. The purpose of this technique is to maneuver the boat downwind so it can eventually make an upwind approach to the victim. To review, while there is a strong desire to head directly toward the man over board after completing the tack, heading to the MOB at this point have the boat arriving too fast to stop and too fast to recover the man over board. The proper course of action is to avoid that instinct and head the boat down wind of the man over board.

Common Error Three — Approaching on a Close Hauled Course

A third common error is to return to the victim upwind, but on a close hauled course rather than a close reach. The issue with returning on a close hauled course is one of flexibility and safety. If the wind is steady, victim stationary and the course perfectly called, it is possible to complete the maneuver successfully close hauled. However, with a small shift in the wind, drift of the man over board or error in calling the course line, returning close hauled runs the risk of stalling the boat since it is impossible to turn the boat closer to the wind without stalling flow over the sails. Thus, your options are limited maneuverability diminished. The preferred point of sail to approach is to return on a close reach that allows the helmsman steering ability in either direction while still moving upwind to slow the boat speed.

Summary

The Figure Eight MOB is a safe and effective means of recovering a man over board under sail. Common errors occur with executing beam reach, broad reach and close reach procedures, however these can be avoided with concentration and focus.

Capt Dave Bello is President of Fair Wind Sailing School, an ASA affiliate sailing school offering monohull and catamaran sailing charters and sailing lessons, in the Virgin Islands Chesapeake Bay and on Lake Erie.