A Few Ideas For a Luxury Sailing Holiday

I've dug into my past travels and voyages and come up with a few ideas for unique sailing holidays that you would find truly memorable. For sailing in the Mediterannean, you can't go past the space and comfort of a cruising catamaran. Out in the rolling swells of the Atlantic or Pacific, maybe a well founded mono hull might be better suited. We can certainly discuss what type of yacht might suit you and where you'd prefer to journey.

Why not head to Corsica and Sardinia?

The archipelago of La Maddalena, off the Costa Smeralda, is a quiet place of turquoise lagoons, deserted islands and the most heavenly beaches in Sardinia, with barely a footprint to spoil them. In the translucent seas of the La Maddalena archipelago, you're in another world. It doesn't feel like the Mediterranean here. It feels like a more rugged version of the Caribbean. Suspended between Sardinia and Corsica, this scatter of seven large islands and 55 tiny isolotti has some of the most spectacular beaches in Italy, and some of the cleanest and clearest water. A perfect place to cruise and Corsica is just a short hop to the north, an easy days sailing.

Croatia - combine the joy of sailing with the magic of great wine and food.

We combine two sublime pleasures - wine and sailing. Can you picture yourself living onboard a luxury catamaran for seven days, sailing amongst the magical islands of the Dalmatian coast and enjoying what might be one of the world's most unique wine tours?  Nathalie and I have explored the islands of Hvar, Brač, Vis and Korčula extensively, seeking out the best artisan winemakers. You will get to experience the authentic Croatian island lifestyle when we venture ashore, all the while enjoying the comfort of your floating home as it makes it's way amongst the islands. All you have to do is relax and be transported from one idyllic locale to the next.

You will enjoy a perfect mix of sampling the vibe of ancient, charming towns and villages as well as those times when we find a perfect beach and quiet anchorage to enjoy the beauty and solitutude that is the islands of the Dalmatian coast.  If you want a perfect mix of ultimate relaxation and an authentic money can't buy experiences, then please join us aboard for this truly unique sailing wine tour.

A hidden gem in the Mediterranean - the Aeolian Islands

Rising out of the cobalt-blue seas off Sicily's northeastern coast, the Unesco-protected Aeolian Islands (Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi) are a little piece of paradise and perfect for cruising. A perfect blend of stunning waters for swimming, while trekkers can climb hissing volcanoes and gourmets can sip honey-sweet Malvasia wine.

Our base is Lipari, the largest and liveliest of the seven islands, while Stromboli and Vulcano entertain nature lovers with awe-inspiring volcanic display and black-sand beaches. We can sail to ultra-chic Panarea while the islands of Filicudi and Alicudi have an end-of-the-line appeal that's irresistible for those that want a real adventure.

Sailing Charter Destinations

We are fortunate to be able to have so many wonderful choices where to go sailing and explore. Although we are based around the Mediterranean, we are not limited to just organising charters in the Med. It depends on what you are looking for when organising a sailing holiday. Do you want short hops between anchorages and local culture? Would you prefer more remote locations and more sailing, really getting away from it all?

Sailing in Croatia

Croatia is certainly a gem, there is no doubt about it. A maze of islands that dot the sea just off the mainland, you are spoilt for choice between lovely anchorages, hidden beaches and charming coastal towns that brim with life and culture. I've seen and sailed my far share of Croatia and can seek out the places that suit your style of sailing holiday, whether its the high life or the quiet life, (or somewhere in between).

Sailing amongst the islands of Croatia lends itself to chartering a luxurious catamaran as the distances between destinations is relatively short and there is nothing more comfortable than a nice cat at anchorage or alongside the town quay.

Sailing in Greece

What hasn't already been said about sailing in Greece? A wonderful mix of ancient culture, remote islands, beautiful scenery and the hospitality of the Greek people you meet along the way. What I don't think people appreciate is the vastness of the seas and islands there are to explore. You could spend an entire lifetime just sailing and exploring Greece's mainland and islands of the Ionian and Aegean Seas.

I have sailed from Corfu in the west to Kos in the east and to Skiathos in the north. It would be my pleasure to show you the favorite places I've discovered along the way.

Sailing in France & Corsica

The coast of the Côte d'Azur is a gem and offers a gateway to Provence and all that this magic region offers. This is Nathalie's territory and the lure of good sailing, great food and superb wine is a great combination to create a truly memorable sailing holiday.

Corsica is something of a hidden gem but like Provence, offers great food and wine, lot's of culture and some truly breath taking anchorages and stopovers. We can't wait to go back.

Sailing in Italy, Sicily & Sardinia

These islands are as ancient as civilisation itself. We can organise a charter to suit your tastes whether it's exploring the Straits of Messina or the delights of Palermo but it's the off-lying islands that are a truly remarkable experience. Anchoring under the smouldering volcano on Vulcano visting the Aeolian Islands of the Tyrrhenian Sea is a once in a lifetime experience.

Sardinia is also a gem and the archipelago of La Maddalena, off the Costa Smeralda, is a quiet place of turquoise lagoons, deserted islands and the most heavenly beaches in Sardinia, with barely a footprint to spoil them.

Sailing in the Canary Islands

For a more adventurous sailing holiday, the Canary Islands definitely fit the description. I have sailed and explored extensively around Lanzarote and Gran Canaria and if you want an other worldly experience, it can be found in the Canaries. Typically more wind and waves than what you might find in the Mediterannean and with greater distances between the islands, it's a destination that's off the beaten track. Lanzarote with it's moon like landscape is a place like no other whereas Las Palmas on Gran Canaria is a thriving provincial Spanish city with a beautiful seaside waterfront, Las Canteras. There is no shortage of variety in the Canaries.

Las Palmas is reputed to have the world's best climate and the Canaries offer year round sailing opportunities which is terrific for escaping Europe's winter. It's a relatively short flight compared to heading to the Caribbean.

Other Destinations

Where we can organise a charter is only limited by your imagination and desire. Whether it's the Caribbean or the Pacific or somewhere in between, it can be organised. Our only stipulation is has to be warm!

Based principally in the Mediterranean, I offer a range of sailing services to private clients on a one-on-one, personal level. Whether it's providing sailing tuition onboard your boat or organising a bespoke, private charter, everything I do is based around attention to detail and great service. Building long term relationships with special clients and guests is what I always strive to achieve.

When it comes to private charters, these are usually organised with my partner, Nathalie Amey. A French national with extensive experience in wine, gourmet food and hospitality, we make a good team to ensure our guests are looked after from both a sailing and a hospitality perspective. The best of both worlds!

Our sailing services include

Sailing lessons and tuition, on your yacht or ours.

Bespoke, private sailing charters in the Mediterannean, Caribbean and South Pacific.

Assisted passages for those times when you need extra experience and hands onboard

Yacht deliveries. We will deliver your yacht with the maximum care and minimum fuss

Fees and Costs

An indicative price for my services is 200-350€ per day plus travel expenses to and from my base in either France or Portugal. I am happy to look at each sailing assignment on a case by case basis and talk to you about a plan that works for both of us. Flexibility is the key.

Professional Yacht Delivery Service

There will be times as a yacht owner you need have you boat delivered to a new location but you don't have the time to do it yourself. One option is to hire a professional delivery skipper and crew and this is where I can assist you.

Taking time to work with you, we will plan the delivery together to make sure we understand your expectations and requirements. My aim is to take the maximum care with the minimum fuss. I only use experienced crew with solid blue water miles, preferably with suitable RYA quailfications or equivalent experience. With your boat and our lives at stake, there is no point in using crew that aren't qualified for the task. Generally, delivery passages are sailed 24/7 with a minium of skipper (myself) and 2 experienced crew capable of standing solo night watches. Additional crew welcome to help spread the load.

A yacht delivery is made up of a number of stages.

Pre-Delivery

Prior to departure, we do a comprehensive check of all the boat’s systems and prepare the boat for passage, even for short deliveries.

This includes a detailed checklist covering the function of more than a hundred items of equipment and fittings from pushpit to pulpit, bilge to masthead. Anything that is not serviceable and might have an effect on the delivery passage will be reported on, and rectified if practical, before setting out. At your request, all vulnerable areas of woodwork and upholstery below decks can be wrapped in protective cladding to avoid any inadvertent damage while at sea.

During Delivery

Once underway we establish and maintain a rate of progress towards the destination that makes for a safe and timely passage. For sail boats, this progress will be under sail, however if the wind dies then the engine will be used to ensure that the delivery is not delayed. You as an owner are welcome to join us onboard although on delivery we will routinely sail 24 hours a day with only brief stops as necessary for fuel, provisions or to avoid severe weather.

Safety is always the first priority and the skipper’s judgement at sea is final. If I was to decide that the conditions are too rough to proceed then the yacht will head for shelter. It is my philosophy to sail conservatively and not over-stress sails, rig, hull, engine or crew.

On Arrival

On completion of your delivery, I will complete a detailed condition report on the vessel and it's systems so that you have a picture of your boat’s condition on arrival. It's my responsibility to organise every aspect of the delivery passage and there is no requirement for a formal handover from you as the owner or your representative.

Yacht Delivery Quotations

Please contact me directly to discuss your delivery requirements and time frame. After an initial discussion and receiving your brief, I can put forward a detailed delivery plan and quote.

Please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to outline your requirements.

Sailing and Assisted Passages

There will be times when as a yacht owner you feel out of your comfort zone with a planned passage. This maybe because

• you do not have enough skilled crew

• perhaps you think the passage might be beyond your skills as a sailor and navigator

• the distance is greater than you are comfortable with

• involves more night sailing than you are used to

This is part of being a good skipper, knowing your limitations. I can assist you with passages where you feel you might need some assistance. The beauty of having an experienced sailor onboard is two-fold. You get practical help with sailing of the vessel, navigating and standing watches for instance as well as having the opportunity to learn and improve your skills.

Depending on your time constraints, sailing the boat yourself with an experienced hand onboard is a very good alternative to having your boat delivered from A to B as well. I can also call on additional experienced, qualified crew to help with passages where you are short handed.

Contact me directly via to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your plans.

Sailing Tuition

Specialising In Own Boat Tuition

Are you relatively new to yacht ownership? Introducing your wife or partner to sailing and need a gentle hand to provide guidance and instruction? Or maybe stepping up to a larger yacht and need some assistance? I can  guide you through the early stages of yacht ownership, or for the more experienced, help you to improve your personal skills and become more confident. The advantages are that you can learn at your own pace and get used to the handling of your own boat without the pressure of being part of a structured sailing course.

What If I Don't Have My Own Boat?

That is not a problem. We have the flexibility to organise any type of yacht that suits your particular learning needs. For example, you may want to concentrate on getting your skills up to speed on a 40' monohull because this is the type of boat you think you will be sailing most often in the future. We can organise the charter of the boat you require in the location that best suits you and tailor your tuition program to suit.

Tuition can be organised on a one on one basis, for couples, a family or a group. Just let me know what your requirements are and we can discuss making it happen.

Sailing Tuition Overview

Tuition will be tailored to suit individual requirements. If you have any knowledge gaps or would like to train with your own group of friends and family at a time of your choosing, I can address your needs directly with specialised personal coaching.

For example, you may wish to concentrate on one or more of the following areas

• Safety

• Boat Handling

• Passage Making and Pilotage

• Meteorology

• Sail Trimming

• Sails and Rig

• Electronic Navigation

• Night Sailing

You can contact me directly to discuss your personalised sailing tuition needs - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.