| Picture: Image Bank |
Countless factors come into play when booking a sailing
holiday. Which country, not to mention which island, should a
client choose? Depending on the waters and level of ability, would
a guided sail or self-sail be more suitable? Do clients need a
refresher course? A skipper? A yacht or a catamaran?
Pricing is more complex than a standard package, so agents have
their work cut out making a booking. Neilson head of product and
marketing Joe Lynch said: “Agents should think of a boat as a
portable villa and try to price accordingly. Two people hiring a
large boat is more expensive than six hiring a small one, just like
a villa.”
He concedes the process can be confusing and is happy to guide
customers through the brochure and make the sale over the
phone.
“We realise how hard it can be for agents, but there’s
a lot of commission to be had,” he said.
To help guide you through the fog, Travel Weekly takes a close look
at the popular sailing destinations of Greece, Turkey and
Croatia.
| Greece |
When to go? The sailing season starts in May
and ends in October, with high season from July to September. Avoid
Ionian islands such as Corfu and the islands in the Argo-Saronic as
they can get crowded during high season.
What’s it like? Greece, with its lighter
winds and shorter sailing times between islands, is ideal for
beginners. It’s very well set up for sailing, with plenty of
yacht clubs. Many tavernas also provide mooring facilities and
showers. The Greek islands make up 20% of Greece’s total area
with a combined coastline of more than 9,300 miles. The Ionian
islands of Zakynthos and Cephalonia are particularly good for
traditional villages offering local food and wines, while Corfu has
bars and clubs. Other popular sailing spots are around the Cyclades
in the Aegean sea, best known for their pristine beaches and
whitewashed cliff-top buildings.
Who would it suit? The mild conditions and relaxed
atmosphere suit couples and families looking for a romantic or
quiet getaway. The area is popular for beginners on villa/flotilla
holidays (see box, right).
Expert opinion: Neilson head of product and
marketing Joe Lynch: “The Ionian islands are one of the
Mediterranean’s most popular yachting destinations. The south
has shorter routes and sheltered waters, ideal for beginners, while
the north has longer passages and less crowded waters, ideal for
more adventurous sailing.”
Sample product: Neilson offers a two-week
villa/flotilla holiday from £770 per person including flights,
a week’s self-catering accommodation, a four-day training
course and a week on a 32ft yacht in May.
| Turkey |
When to go? The seasons in Turkey are longer,
with yachting running from April to November. Clients should steer
clear of July and August if they want to avoid the crowds. The
water is a little warmer here than in the eastern
Mediterranean.
What’s it like? Slightly cheaper than Greece
but with fewer facilities for mooring, Turkey appeals to
intermediate and experienced sailors. High winds in the peak months
can also deter beginners, although these tend to die down by
September. Diversity is the main draw, with culture, great food and
friendly locals. Guests can dine in a deserted mountain village in
Zia near the south coast one night and go clubbing in Bodrum the
next. Bays only accessible by boat are also a big attraction, with
hop-off points to towns barely touched by tourism. For the ultimate
Turkish experience, round off the visit with a trip to a
traditional bath house.
Who would it suit? Young couples and groups
looking for a mixture of peace and quiet and good nightlife.
Expert opinion: Mark Warner Holidays head of
marketing Nigel Ragg: “Turkey’s Aegean provides the
perfect waters and wind conditions for sailing, with calmer
mornings ideal for beginners and lively afternoon winds for the
more experienced.”
Sample product: Mark Warner offers one week at
Palm Beach Resort near Bodrum in June from £714 per person.
The price includes flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals
with wine, windsurfing and sailing tuition, and an introduction to
scuba diving.
| Croatia |
When to go? Its location further north than the
Mediterranean means the weather in the Adriatic can be cooler and
unsettled in the shoulder seasons, but pleasant and quiet in the
peak season of July and August – albeit more expensive. The
yachting season runs from May until the end of October.
What’s it like? Mornings in Croatia tend to
have strong breezes, better for more experienced sailors, although
winds slow by mid-afternoon. With hidden anchorages and secluded
beaches, the Adriatic is ideal for diving, with some of the
clearest waters in Europe. But the biggest attraction is the walled
city of Dubrovnik – a great day trip and often a welcome
break from the water. Other attractions are the Kornati national
park in central Croatia, the vineyards of Kremik and Side’s
well-known harbour front.
Who would it suit? Couples and families who have
had some sailing experience and are in search of a quiet, cultural
break.
Expert opinion: Sunsail product communications
manager Mel Warwick: “Croatia has something for everyone. The
area between the open Adriatic and the mainland is known as the
Coast of a Thousand Islands and is ideal for quiet
anchorage.”
Sample product: Sunsail offers a week in June from £605 per
person, based on four sharing, including yacht charter, flights and
transfers.
