Charter a Yacht

Archive for February, 2010

Hamble le Rice is a small village situated just outside Southampton on the south coast of England. It is famed the world over for its association with yachting. There are three marina’s and three yacht clubs which provide plenty of moorings and berths for visiting and more permanent sailors. The River Hamble is at the heart of the sheltered waters of the Solent, protected from the open sea by the Isle of Wight. It benefits from a two hour stand at high water, is an ideal base for cruising, whether one’s horizons are limited to the Solent and Isle of Wight, or extend further afield on the South Coast, the Channel Islands or France.

Hamble valley has a number of popular visitor attractions including Manor Farm Country Park, Netley Abbey, Royal Victoria Country Park, Southampton Hall of Aviation and Bursledon Windmill. The outstanding natural beauty means there are plenty of walks to take in the wildlife; flora and fauna.

A great way to explore the surrounding area is through a river Hamble RIB charter. RIBs enable fast and exciting water travel as well as providing a number of water sports and activities. Skippered RIB hire is available so you can enjoy all Hamble and its surrounding area has to offer with a safe and knowledgeable skipper. Another option for those looking for a more unique location for a party is a dockside Thames sailing barge charter. A Hamble Thames sailing barge charter offers a huge amount of space to entertain guests in an unusually nautical setting.

Keith McGregor
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/visiting-the-river-hamble-670163.html

For many people, the idea of Mediterranean boat charter represents the ultimate in dream holiday experiences.

However, given the fact that Mediterranean yacht rental is generally associated with extremely high-costs, most people believe that they will never be in the financial position to pursue their interest.

While it is true that areas such as the Cote d’Azur remain exclusive to all but the rich and famous, there are still many parts of the Mediterranean where charters for sailing boats remain affordable to those on more restricted budgets.

Three ways of Chartering Mediterranean Yachts

The first thing to realise when looking for good value is that there are in fact three different methods of securing yacht charter in the Mediterranean.

Fully Crewed Yachts

The first method is to charter a private yacht with a full crew. These boats tend to be larger and more luxurious than most hire boats, and prices tend to include all meals and occasionally drinks too. Unsurprisingly, this is the most expensive option for yacht charters in the Mediterranean, and even if you attempt to share costs by travelling with another family, you will still find this to be an expensive choice of holiday.

As an example a typical cost of hiring a crewed catamaran in the Mediterranean with 4 cabins and a capacity for 8 guests, is 18,600 euros per week during the high season and 15,500 euros per week during the low season.

Mediterranean Bareboat Yachting

The second method is to charter a bareboat for your Mediterranean cruise. This is undoubtedly the cheapest option as you do not have to pay for a crew, only the hire-cost of the boat itself. However, in order to qualify to hire a bareboat you have to prove that you have the relevant experience level for the area where you intend to sail.

Fortunately there are many Mediterranean destinations with a Level 1 rating, and you can qualify for this with as little as 5 days, or 100 miles, skippering experience.

As an example a typical cost for hiring a Mediterranean charter bareboat with 3 cabins and a capacity for 8 guests, is 2,400 euros per week during the high season and 1,800 euros per week during the low season.

Mediterranean Skippered Bareboat Yachting

If you are interested in Mediterranean sailboat charter but neither have the budget for a crew nor the experience to hire a bareboat, then the third option, hiring a skippered bareboat, may well be the right one for you. Although this option is clearly more expensive than hiring a crewless bareboat, it offers the advantage that under the tutelage of your skipper you can literally learn the ropes and gain the relevant experience that will allow you to charter a bareboat in the future. Should you wish, you can also upgrade your holiday experience by choosing to hire a host/hostess who will take care of cleaning duties.

Typical costs for hiring a skipper will begin at around 125 euros per day, while a hostess will cost a little over 100 euros per day. Although this seems to offer exceptional value, you should note that you will also have to factor in both their accommodation and living costs (i.e. food/drink) while aboard the boat. Generally, however, this remains a far more affordable option than hiring a fully crewed sailboat.

Rumble Romagnoli
http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/luxury-yacht-charter-in-the-mediterranean-chartering-sailboats-722067.html

For many people, the ultimate idea of decadence is to laze in the Mediterranean sun aboard the decks of a luxury yacht. However, as with all things in life, you can have too much of a good thing, and all but the most lethargic of individuals would agree that such indulgence can soon become tiresome.

The fact is, there is only so much stimulation that the sea itself can provide and the whole point of choosing the Mediterranean as a destination for boat charter, is to enjoy the charms of the countries that share its beautiful shoreline.

However with a shoreline that extends for 46,000 km and is shared by 3 different continents and 21 different countries, the Mediterranean offers those interested in sailboat charter an almost inexhaustible choice of potential destinations. How then, does one go about choosing the ideal venue for Mediterranean yacht rental?

In order to answer this question you must first consider which type of boat you intend to charter for your Mediterranean sailing experience.

Should you choose to charter a sailing yacht, then your average sailing speed, depending on winds and weather conditions, is likely be between 8 and 10 knots (14-18km/h). Assuming 5-6 hours of sailing a day, you are looking at covering a distance of around 350km over a week long cruise.

If on the other hand you choose to charter a motor yacht, then your average cruising speed is likely to be a far more impressive 20 knots (36km/h), allowing you to easily cover distances of over 100km in a day and 700km (the distance from Nice to Rome) in a week.

If your time is limited, it is clear that you can only attempt to cover a relatively small part of the Mediterranean during your charter cruise. As a result the most popular destinations for yacht charters in the Mediterranean tend to be those where the coastal attractions are situated in close proximity.luxury yacht charter in the Western Mediterranean

Popular destinations for Western Mediterranean charters include Croatia, the Cote d’Azur (The French Riviera), the Balearic Islands, and the Italian Riviera.

A typical cruise in Croatia might take you from Venice (close to the Croatian border) to Split, via the unforgettable Dalmatian Coast. This route will take you past literally thousands of beautiful islands offering countless ports and idyllic anchoring spots. This coastline also offers a host of ancient settlements and ruins, including the city of Pala with its well preserved 26,000 seat amphitheatre.

The Cote D’Azur needs little in the way of introduction and at any one time a large proportion of the Mediterranean’s yachts will be moored in one of the region’s many marinas. The Riviera is famous for its spectacular entertainment, and world-class cuisine while the towns of Nice, St. Tropez, Monaco, and Cannes are all centres of high-fashion and great shopping.

If you are looking for a somewhat quieter cruising experience then the Balearic Islands are an ideal choice. Comprised of four main islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the Balearics offer an abundance of wide beaches, rocky coastlines and historic towns. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Balearics are an ideal destination year round.

The Italian Riviera offers a wealth of diversity and its coastline is rich in culture and history. On the mainland, Portofino and the Amalfi Coast are particular favourites amongst the yachting community, while the picturesque islands of Ischia, Capri, and Elba are also superb destinations.

Luxury Yacht Charter in the Eastern Mediterranean

Popular destinations for Eastern Mediterranean yacht rental include Greece and Turkey.

Greece offers a mainland with a long and varied coastline, though it is arguably most famous for its thousands of islands. Here it is possible to trace a route steeped in both history and mythology, from Ithaca, home of the legendary Odysseus to Lefkada, where the 240ft White Cliff is said to be scene of the poet Sappho’s suicide.The coastline of Turkey is no less steeped in history. Amongst its coves you will find the sunken remains of ancient Greek and Roman civilisations, while high up in the cliffs, you will find ancient tombs carved into the rock. The most famous route in this region is known as the ‘Blue Cruise’. Starting in either Didim or Ku?adas? the cruise follows the prevailing winds to the port of Antalya, allowing those who sail it the opportunity to retrace an ancient and historically significant trade route.

For many people, the ultimate idea of decadence is to laze in the Mediterranean sun aboard the decks of a luxury yacht. However, as with all things in life, you can have too much of a good thing, and all but the most lethargic of individuals would agree that such indulgence can soon become tiresome.

The fact is, there is only so much stimulation that the sea itself can provide and the whole point of choosing the Mediterranean as a destination for boat charter, is to enjoy the charms of the countries that share its beautiful shoreline.

However with a shoreline that extends for 46,000 km and is shared by 3 different continents and 21 different countries, the Mediterranean offers those interested in sailboat charter an almost inexhaustible choice of potential destinations. How then, does one go about choosing the ideal venue for Mediterranean yacht rental?

In order to answer this question you must first consider which type of boat you intend to charter for your Mediterranean sailing experience.

Should you choose to charter a sailing yacht, then your average sailing speed, depending on winds and weather conditions, is likely be between 8 and 10 knots (14-18km/h). Assuming 5-6 hours of sailing a day, you are looking at covering a distance of around 350km over a week long cruise.

If on the other hand you choose to charter a motor yacht, then your average cruising speed is likely to be a far more impressive 20 knots (36km/h), allowing you to easily cover distances of over 100km in a day and 700km (the distance from Nice to Rome) in a week.

If your time is limited, it is clear that you can only attempt to cover a relatively small part of the Mediterranean during your charter cruise. As a result the most popular destinations for yacht charters in the Mediterranean tend to be those where the coastal attractions are situated in close proximity.Luxury Yacht Charter in the Western Mediterranean

Popular destinations for Western Mediterranean charters include Croatia, the Cote d’Azur (The French Riviera), the Balearic Islands, and the Italian Riviera.

A typical cruise in Croatia might take you from Venice (close to the Croatian border) to Split, via the unforgettable Dalmatian Coast. This route will take you past literally thousands of beautiful islands offering countless ports and idyllic anchoring spots. This coastline also offers a host of ancient settlements and ruins, including the city of Pala with its well preserved 26,000 seat amphitheatre.

The Cote D’Azur needs little in the way of introduction and at any one time a large proportion of the Mediterranean’s yachts will be moored in one of the region’s many marinas. The Riviera is famous for its spectacular entertainment, and world-class cuisine while the towns of Nice, St. Tropez, Monaco, and Cannes are all centres of high-fashion and great shopping.

If you are looking for a somewhat quieter cruising experience then the Balearic Islands are an ideal choice. Comprised of four main islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the Balearics offer an abundance of wide beaches, rocky coastlines and historic towns. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Balearics are an ideal destination year round.

The Italian Riviera offers a wealth of diversity and its coastline is rich in culture and history. On the mainland, Portofino and the Amalfi Coast are particular favourites amongst the yachting community, while the picturesque islands of Ischia, Capri, and Elba are also superb destinations.

Luxury Yacht Charter in the Eastern Mediterranean

Popular destinations for Eastern Mediterranean yacht rental include Greece and Turkey.

Greece offers a mainland with a long and varied coastline, though it is arguably most famous for its thousands of islands. Here it is possible to trace a route steeped in both history and mythology, from Ithaca, home of the legendary Odysseus to Lefkada, where the 240ft White Cliff is said to be scene of the poet Sappho’s suicide.The coastline of Turkey is no less steeped in history. Amongst its coves you will find the sunken remains of ancient Greek and Roman civilisations, while high up in the cliffs, you will find ancient tombs carved into the rock. The most famous route in this region is known as the ‘Blue Cruise’. Starting in either Didim or Ku?adas? the cruise follows the prevailing winds to the port of Antalya, allowing those who sail it the opportunity to retrace an ancient and historically significant trade route.

Rumble Romagnoli
http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/luxury-yacht-charter-mediterranean-destinations-722005.html