Sailors face rough weather in island race
Mark Pawlak 
sailingbreaks 
Isle of Wight, Sailing, sailing holiday, sailing race, sailing races, YachtingIt is not just yacht charter holidays around exotic islands off the coasts of far-off countries that can tempt sailors out onto their vessels.
A race around the Isle of Wight has proved to be a strong enough attraction to draw in over 1,900 boats and 16,000 sailors.
One of the largest yacht races in the world, the J.P Morgan Round The Island Race took place on the 25th June.
The largest ever number of competitors faced rough weather conditions to take part in the sailing event, which is now in its 80th year.
TV presenter Denise Van Outen signalled the beginning of the race from the Crowes starting line, but because of the severe conditions – with up to force seven winds and waves around 20 feet – many boats were forced to retire early.
The winner of the epic race was Lionel Lemonchois, which crossed over the finishing line with a time of three hours, 49 minutes and 58 seconds.
Croatian beaches have sex factor
Croatian beaches are famed for their gorgeous climates and easiness on the eye – but for one steamy website it is their inhabitants that cook up most of the heat.
Travel Channel has taken it upon itself to compile a list of Croatia’s 10 sexiest beaches, for those fancying a double dose of natural beauty.
Over 95 million users, many of whom will be plotting their next sailing holiday in Croatia, have been advised that Plat beach is the sexiest on offer.
The US-based company advises fun seekers to “leave the kids at home.. we’ll take you to the sexiest beaches”.
As well as finding a yacht charter in Croatia, beaches have long been the biggest attraction, with Zrce beach on the island of Pag and the beaches of Pakleni islands also deemed notable for their sex appeal.
Others to feature on the list include Zlatni Rat on the island of Brac, Rab Kandalora beach, Rovinj Valalta, Baska on island Krk and Girandella in Rabac.
Travel Channel also pointed out numerous islands just off the country’s coastline that are well worth a visit.
Ben Miller hails Caribbean paradise
Comedian and actor Ben Miller is loving filming a new BBC detective series in the Caribbean.
The Primeval star is currently filming in Guadeloupe for the new show, to be shown on BBC1 later this year.
The new series, called Death in Paradise, sees Ben play the role of a British detective who is posted to the Caribbean island of Sainte Marie despite hating sun, sea and sand.
But Ben has been loving the location, having already visited a few of the surrounding islands.
He said: “It’s amazing. Guadeloupe where we’re filming, there’s quite a few different islands but the two main ones are Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre.
“Basse-Terre is very flat and touristy and where they grow loads of sugar cane and Grande-Terre is volcanic, very wild and basically just rainforest and beaches, very little tourism. Completely unlike any other place I’ve ever been.”
The show could encourage people to visit the region on holiday, and may even tempt the more adventurous to consider sailing in the Caribbean to experience the different islands like Ben.
However those looking for a family holiday may also want to consider the region as Ben said his children loved the beaches.
He said: “They’ve come out (to visit me). My son loves it out there absolutely loves it. The last time he was out there he was just running about on the beach going ‘I love it here I love it here.’”
Winds force MedCup cancellation
The final day of racing has been cancelled at one of Europe’s biggest sailing events.
Strong Mistral winds made it impossible to hold the last scheduled showdown of the Audi MedCup Marseille Trophy 2011. The tough conditions saw the magnificent yachts of the TP52 fleet remain firmly moored in Vieux Port.
The 16-metre racing yachts, constructed entirely of carbon fibre, are widely considered to be the Formula 1 craft of the sea, with the brand also a popular choice for those taking part in corporate sailing events.
The cancellation in Marseilles made the previous day’s results final, with Container named the winner followed by Quantum Racing.
There was also silverware for the Audi Azzurra sailing team, who took third place as they did in the first leg in Cascais.
The overall classification for the circuit after two legs also sees Azzurra in third place with Quantum in the lead and Container in second.
Azzurra tactician Francesco Bruni said: “We came in the top three again, even if with some difficulty, it is still a good result.”
“We made a few too many mistakes and on two occasions we could have done better, in any case this is a positive result. The next objective is to be protagonists during the home leg in Cagliari from July 19.”
Fishing sailing trips launched
Tourism officials in Italy have launched a promotion which may be of interest to people who love sailing the Mediterranean.
Liguria’s tourism body is inviting holidaymakers to take trips with local fishermen to learn more about the country’s coastline and the Italian way of fishing.
The organisation said that the sailors are happy to demonstrate their knowledge of the local waters and the fish and shellfish that are found in it during the trips.
People taking the trips also get to enjoy eating the fish they have caught, with the fishermen simply grilling and serving it before explaining more about local life.
Aside from food, the day trips also offer the option of diving into the clear waters for a swim or lounging around beneath the baking sun on-deck.
Located in north-west Italy on the Bay of Genoa, Liguria is well-known for its impressive beaches and local food.
Take in top-class onshore attractions while on a yacht charter in the BVI
Mark Pawlak sailingbreaks boat charter, hire a yacht, Sailing, sailing in the British Virgin Islands, yacht, yacht charter, yacht charter CaribbeanFor a chic holiday at sea, there is nothing quite like sailing a yacht charter through the British Virgin Islands, or BVI as they are often referred to. While you’ll be able to navigate the seas in total luxury, make sure you spend part of your holiday onshore so you can enjoy many of the territory’s top-class attractions and amenities.
And you will certainly find there is a wealth of things to catch your interest while in Tortola – the BVI’s largest and most populated island.
Stop by the BVI Folk Museum as here you’ll be able to learn more about the area’s history and see exhibits – including items dating back to the slavery era – that document its past.
For an even closer insight into local culture during your yacht charter BVI break, go on a tour of some of Tortola’s ruins. These include buildings such as Fort Burt and the Mount Healthy Windmill, structures that are hundreds of years old.
Should you be in the mood for a little shopping then Road Town – the BVI’s capital – is likely to be the place for you. The city’s Main Street contains a range of retail outlets, with handmade jewellery, textiles and jams among the many items that are sold.
But if you want to do nothing but relax and soak up the island’s laidback atmosphere then head to the coast. You’ll find there are lots of beautiful beaches for you to visit, including Apple Bay and Smuggler’s Cove.
However, Tortola is by no means the only part of the BVI where you’ll find fantastic onshore attractions and you should certainly think about spending some time at Peter Island.
One of the region’s largest isles, there are a wealth of things to see and do at the resort here.
Moko jumbie dancers and steel bands give regular performances – offering you an insight into Caribbean culture – while there are a range of high-end restaurants for you to dine at.
You’ll also be able to relax on pristine white sand beaches before going snorkelling and exploring the world underneath the waves.
While sailing on a yacht charter Caribbean you might want to consider mooring your vessel up at Marina Cay.
Although the island measures just eight acres, there will still be plenty of things to catch your interest. Indeed, dining at the Pusser’s restaurant gives you the chance to sample award-winning cuisine – both freshly-caught seafood and traditional Caribbean fare will be on the menu – before washing it down with a rum cocktail.
Marina Cay is also a great place to go for a walk and by trekking up to Sunset Bar – the island’s highest point – you’ll be afforded fantastic views of the land below.
Likewise, Virgin Gorda will offer you the opportunity to take in breathtaking natural scenery should you decide to step onshore.
This island contains an array of beautiful national parks, home to a range of exotic wildlife and indigenous plants, while the presence of several ruins provide you a glimpse into its Spanish roots.
One Virgin Gorda attraction that certainly draws many people is the Baths. These immense boulders scattered across the island’s beaches have created a number of saltwater pools and grottoes that are just perfect to explore for an afternoon.
You may also want to make a special effort to spend a little time on the island of Anegada. This is the most northerly isle in the BVI and upon setting foot on dry land make sure you keep your eyes peeled for some of the exotic wildlife to be found here.
Rock iguanas, ospreys and blue herons are just a selection of the creatures you’ll be able to spot on the island, while you can learn more about the region’s past by visiting the Anegada Museum.
Here, you’ll be able to look at items recovered from nearby shipwrecks and hear tales about sunken treasures.
Of course, if you just want to do spend some time sunbathing then you will have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the favourable weather and beautiful scenery. Nestle up under a palm tree at one of Anegada’s many beaches – which include Bones Bight and Flash of Beauty – and you’ll be able to take in stunning views of the calm sea as you relax.
By going on a bareboat charter BVI holiday, you can take in an array of attractions on land while also enjoying the amenities of your luxurious boat as you sail.
Corporate Sailing Days in the Solent
Mark Pawlak sailingbreaks corporate sailing days, Sailing, sailing break, sailing event, sailing for businesses, sailing in the SolentIf you want to thank a client by doing something a little bit different, why not consider embarking on the packed itinerary associated with corporate sailing days in the Solent?
Clients are usually wined and dined in restaurants or taken out for drinks, and while this will no doubt be appreciated, a business that suggests doing something that little bit different could find it has the competitive edge over its rivals.
Treating long-serving clients – or even getting to know new ones – via sailing events can boost communication between parties as nobody has time to stay shy or on the sidelines when a yacht needs to be sailed!
This is why gathering employees onboard a yacht can prove to be a fun and engaging teambuilding day. There are a plethora of skills that bosses want their staff members to have, such as crisis management, effective communication, problem solving and encouraging teamwork.
All these abilities are looked upon favourably in the workplace and are also required when sailing a yacht. Just some of the many tasks that need to be carried out when in the middle of the ocean include watching out for the boom – which is prone to swinging across the deck and needs to be closely monitored – as well as hoisting the sail up or down and running to the correct side of the vessel when it starts to tip in the wind.
Standing to one side and letting others do the work is not an option, which is why corporate sailing can prove to be the ideal activity to bring individuals together who may usually not get the chance to speak to one another.
Indeed, some may even only ever need to communicate via the telephone or email and putting a face to a name can improve relations when back in the office and make individuals feel more engaged.
The itinerary for corporate sailing days, is a busy but enjoyable one, with the day likely to start with everyone being introduced to the yacht’s skippers. After a safety talk and an explanation of the day ahead, employees can then step onboard and get to grips with the basic skills of sailing.
After some time spent on the waves of the sea, you are then likely to want to take a rest and enjoy some lunch and lots of water. It is important to stay hydrated when open to the elements, but you may find that people are enjoying the day so much they want to get back to the task at hand as soon as possible!
Corporate sailing days – whether for entertaining staff members or clients – can be tailored to the specific needs of a company. So if you want to challenge your workers and instil some healthy competition in them, a yacht race could be just the ticket to rounding off their time onboard.
Alternatively, you may want individuals to enjoy a more relaxing cruise – but there will still be plenty of things that need to be done to ensure the vessel arrives safely back to the harbour.
Once everyone has their feet back on dry land, this could give you the opportunity to discuss with colleagues how they felt the day went and if they learnt anything that could be translated to their everyday working lives.
In fact, they may have had so much fun that they talk about it in the office for weeks to come! This could also prove great for communication and engagement and hopefully reflect in their work for the future.
Some people may even be inspired to learn to sail. Colleagues can join forces and attend classes at a sailing school together. Developing a new skill with others can be more fun than attending lessons alone.
If enough workers show an interest in developing their sailing abilities, bosses may decide to organise sailing lessons. And of course, sailing events need not be simply saved for teambuilding days.
Companies will find that rewarding the hard work of their staff with a day away from the office will be appreciated and employees are likely to look forward to this more than the usual free round in the pub on a Friday night.
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