Often, a yacht charter vacation is an opportunity to be out on the water and getting back to nature. Therefore, many look for ways to be more environmentally friendly while enjoying a blissful getaway in locations such as the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Greece or the Caribbean. Whether you are chartering for the first time or are a seasoned charterer, it’s never too late to make changes to be more environmentally friendly on board
Waste Management
Responsible waste disposal and recycling are incredibly important onboard your yacht charter, especially when trash and garbage can quickly end up in the ocean, either by accident or as a result of careless behavior onboard. Keep all garbage and items to be recycled secured somewhere on the boat until you can permanently and properly dispose of them onshore. This way, you can enjoy your charter by swimming with nature, not with garbage.
Many catamarans in the BVI and elsewhere in the world are now employing the use of reusable water bottles. Try to stock your boat with a few plastic products as possible. If you are chartering without a crew, purchase water in larger containers and then refill reusable bottles or glasses as needed. Having less plastic bottles and cups on board will not only benefit the environment, but it will also minimise unwanted clutter.
Eco-Friendly Products
Many are not aware that all on board fluids flow directly into the ocean. Therefore, opting for EPA-approved household products has a significant impact on the environment. There are many eco-friendly product options available, so all you have to do is read the labels and look for soaps, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, and other common cleaning solutions made with natural ingredients. If you want to contribute to ocean conservation positively, only apply marine-safe sunscreen.
In locations from Tahiti to Sardinia, the beauty you’ll find is not possible in any other method. Observe and enjoy the natural surroundings, without disturbing anything along the way. When snorkelling or diving coral reefs, be particularly mindful not to touch anything with your body or equipment. Rather than taking home shells or dead coral as a souvenir, take a photograph instead. As travelers and sailors, most of the cruising and charter community has an interest in preserving the integrity of our premier vacation destinations and maintaining a respectful relationship with the environment. By sharing responsibility with small, thoughtful contributions, we can make a positive global impact, and leave a positive legacy behind for generations to come.
There’s a special place in my heart for the Ionian. I have lived, sailed, swam, and grew as a person there. From Lefkas to Kefalonia, these islands are what I called home onboard a 2015, 37ft Bavaria called PARIS.
She may not look like much, but this girl got us through some bad weather, sticky situations, and above all, our refuge.
Like many sailors who have sailed in one particular area, you tend to have your favourite anchorages – your ‘go-to’ place which is versatile and enjoyed by many a ‘crowd-pleaser’ if you will! Below I talk about my top three anchorages and why you should incorporate them in your itinerary.
Number 1. KIONI – Ithaki Island.
The pretty bay and harbour of Kioni on the small island of Ithaki.
Check out our 7-day bareboat sailing itinerary here!
Why?
Kioni, in my opinion, has the cleanest water due to how quiet it is. In the evenings you MUST go swimming! It’s absolutely teeming with phosphorescent algae which sparkle when disturbed.
You can, more often than not, find a place to drop anchor and tie off to a rock, and if there’s space, on the town quay.
The town is quaint, with a few stunning restaurants located along the harbour wall and up in the foothills overlooking the bay.
Fantastic holding, and normally fairly quiet.
Where?
Kioni pin drop.
Kioni is located on the northeastern tip, protected from the northwesterly prevailing winds. Many sailors tend to hot-foot it down to (big) Vathy located further south which subsequently means that Kioni is fairly quiet, even during high season.
In this lovely town, the time has stopped in the previous century
When?
This anchorage is best enjoyed overnight. It provides protection from the prevailing NW winds and is best viewed early morning!
Anything to watch out for?
A common phenomenon happens pretty much everywhere in the Ionian and that is the Katabatic winds. Most of the tiny anchorages in the Ionian are hidden and tucked away between hills. As the air cools, and the land is warm, it pushed air and funnels between the hills. From around 5:30 PM onwards it can get pretty breezy. It normally settles by about 7:30/8 pm so make sure your anchor is well dug before heading off for your fresh greek dinner!
Number 2. Foki Bay – Kephalonia.
Yes, before you ask it really is called that – and it is truly stunning.
White yacht moored in the bay of Foki beach with cypress trees in background, Fiskardo, Cefalonia, Ionian, Greece.
Why?
The Trees. I nicknamed this bay ‘Little Canada’ because of the Cypress trees that almost fall into the water.
The caves. Accessable by tender or simply swim in! Turn your outboard off just as you enter the caves as people swim in and out of them. The Caves were used for mining in the ’50s and still remain now. Don’t worry if you’re scared of small spaces as these caves are absolutely massive. They are so big you could easily fit a two-story house in them! Take a torch and enclosed shoes (don’t wear flipflops as some bits are quite steep).
The beach. Sometimes while sailing around you just need some time on a beach! Well, this bay has one. In the top right-hand corner is an adorable beach with a quaint taverna serving the best drinks!
You can walk into Fiskardo for some shopping, it’s around 1.5-2km walk.
The water is CRYSTAL clear!
Where?
Foki bay is based on the northeastern tip of Kephelonia, a stone’s throw (or 10-minute tender ride) into the famous Fiskardo, boasting up-market restaurants and beautiful jewellery shops.
When?
This is a perfect lunch spot, or evening stopover (if the winds are favourable). Great holding for lunchtime with the most stunning scenery to enjoy your freshly prepared lunch!
Foki Fiskardo with crystal clear and transparent water, Kefalonia, Ionian Islands, Greece.
Anything to watch out for?
In the high season time, the beach is buoyed off to protect the swimmers, make sure you don’t get caught up in there. Try and head as far in towards the beach as possible as most of the superyachts take the entrance area as its deeper. This will also protect you from the swell that is created from the passing ferries.
Number 3. One house bay – Atokos
Beautiful bay in Ionian sea, called One house bay.
Why?
The pictures speak for its self. One House Bay, characterised by the one house which sits by its self in the foothills.
The crystal blue water and picturesque beach are just some of the reasons you should stop over here!
Gorgeous scenery.
Deep blue water.
Excellent walking.
Where?
One House Bay is on the Southeastern corner of Atoko Island, East of Ithica island. The island is only home to goats, which the shepherd attends to every 4th day.
When?
A perfect lunch spot when travelling from the eastern islands to the western islands. If the winds are favourable, you can possibly stay here overnight, please bear in mind it offers little to no protection.
Getting first-hand knowledge about the area is key to creating a memorable charter. I have traveled extensively throughout Greece and the Meditterenian to visit destinations to provide you with the best recommendations and advice. Looking to explore the Southern Ionian? Speak with Alice today at [email protected]!
The Isle of Wight, located between 2 to 5 miles from the Coast of Hampshire in the South of England. It is separated by the Solent, a waterway famous in the yachting world for hosting annual events such as Cowes Week Regatta and Round the Island Race.
Isle of Wight – Aerial Photo
The largest industry on the Island is tourism, with numerous passenger and car ferries, as well as a Hovercraft transporting people back and forth from mainland England throughout the year. Agriculture still plays a large part in the Island’s economy but transport costs have made it difficult for more traditional Island commodities to flourish.
The Needles during Round the Island Race 2017
The iconic white cliffed Needles towards the West of the Island and the formidable forts that litter the Solent from WWll, are hugely recognisable and it what has helped ensure the Islands rich maritime history remains.
Seaview Old Man’s Fort
Onshore regattas such as Bembridge Dingy Week and the Seaview Regatta offer the chance for individuals to test their sailing abilities in a competitive setting. Even an annual cricket match that takes place on the Bramble Bank at low tide! Similarly to the IOW, Palma de Mallorca is another Island that makes up one of the several Balearic Islands and similarly has a rich yachting presence.
Annual Bramble Bank Cricket Match
Boatbookings offer exciting charters from bareboat to luxury in either motor yacht or sailing yacht alike. Get in touch with one of our friendly and professional Brokers today to enquire into your Summer adventure out on the water!
In this article, I will discuss the safety of traveling to Turkey post-2016 coup d’état and the effects this has had on tourism.
Istanbul
Over the past few years, specifically from 2016 onwards, Turkey has seen the downfall in tourism due to political conflicts and terror-related instances. In this article, I aim to dissect Turkeys conflicting past, understand what affects this is having to the present and what this means for the future.
Demographics
Turkey – where east meets west. A culturally vibrant corner of the Mediterranean enriched by its ancient history. Turkey is home to over 82 million people. Away from the larger towns, such as Istanbul or Bodrum lays a country of vastness. Approximately 104.5 people per square kilometer as opposed to England’s 427 people per square kilometer. (Statista, 2017).
While there are some problematic trends include rising unemployment and inflation, education in Turkey still remains strong. The literacy rate is high at 95.6%, a surprising statistic, however, the Turkish take their education seriously, even in rural areas. The most common foreign language, besides the native dialects, is English. Children residing in Turkey are enrolled in mandatory English classes from ages 8. Subsequently, in this culturally diverse country, the population can still communicate well with holidaymakers. (Turkey Population, 2018).
Turkey was consumed by a failed Coup d’état, a word that derives from the French language “To overthrow of an existing government”. Coups are generally a quick and sudden act of violence by a small sect of people, often military. Since 1950 an astonishing 463 Coup attempts have happened worldwide with an even more staggering statistic that 233 Coups were successful – just over 50% success rate. (Besaw, C. 2018). In the last century, there have only been two years where a Coup was not attempted, 2007 and 2018. According to OEFResearch’s Coupcast predicts that Turkey is down in the risk of another Coup, while countries like Thailand, ranked 2nd highest in `odds of a coup attempt` are up in their risk. (Coupcast, 2019).
Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Istanbul.
The Turkish Coup, arranged by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), attempted to seize control in several politically important areas including Ankara and Istanbul. The Coup was formed in retaliation to the Government, who was accused of controlling the media and what deemed to be enforcing undemocratic laws. The delivery of Coups are generally over quickly, however, the accusations towards to Government in question and the outcome never recede as quickly as the delivery of the Coup.
BBQ on the bow – what more could you want.
Turkey was in a state of shock, with many people killed and arrested it was a very dark time in Turkeys 95-year political history. What was often missed out in the media was something quite unprecedented. The civilians of Turkey took to the streets armed with kitchen utensils, garden tools to fight against the Turkish Armed Forces. Shoulder to shoulder with the loyalist soldiers and the Turkish police force, they were able to defeat the coup attempt within a few hours.
Early morning, Gocek.
Ancient trading routes
The years following the devastating events took a toll on Turkey in many ways – but most importantly the Tourism. Turkey is no stranger to hosting different cultures. Turkey is home to one of the many ancient networking trade routes that linked the east and west. These ancient trade routes, named famously as the ‘Silk Roads’ became established in the Han Dynasty of China era, which dates back between the times of 130BC – 1453CE. According to the European explorer Marco Polo, he noted down that the roads were used for the delivery of many goods including livestock, spices, foods, and carpets. (Masefield, J. 2011).
One of the many Silk Road routes.
The trading routes which networked through Turkey meant they were more advanced in their lifestyle development than what Europe ever was until it came to the industrial revolution. In the turn of the century, Turkey turned to tourism as being one of its main revenue sources. Turkey did this extremely well and what was impressive is that it didn’t even have to try, it sold itself. The country appeals to the masses. You have history, architecture, beaches, nightlife, sailing, exploring, tracking, health tourism and all at an extremely reasonable price. Direct flights from London means you can be totally immersed in the hustle and bustle of Turkish life within four hours.
One of my most favourite places on earth, Fethiye.
Tourism
In 2014, Turkey was ranked 6th most popular tourist destination in the world, 42 million foreign tourists traveled to enjoy all of what Turkey has to offer. This injected 32 billion euros of revenue, this provided socioeconomic growth throughout the country. (Daily Sabah, 2015). Since 2014 tourism started to decline due to the political situation that Turkey was involved in. In 2015 tourism dropped by 6 million and then in 2016 it dropped another 11 million resulting in a total drop of 17 million. This was detrimental to the country when they needed the money most. Recovery began in 2017 when tourism increased to 32 million, still 10 million less than when Turkey was in its heyday.
Ölüdeniz Belediyesi
Sailing
Nautical tourism is increasing in popularity for holiday choices. With the rise of Flotilla holidays where certificates are not always needed and thousands of bareboats around the world, it has created an accessible industry for various classes. Just like traveling by plane, yachting was seen as elitist. It was more expensive to charter yachts 30/40 years ago because there simply wasn’t a lot of yachts to charter. With the advancement of ship manufacturing, and marina building it has created a gap in the market for sailing holidays.
Two traditional sailing yachts, Gullets.
With more hulls in the water, this gave way to more accessible sailing, typically in the Mediterranean. Turkey grabbed at this opportunity and concentrated on building the infrastructure to hold yachts of all sizes and types. Turkey has many attributes that sailors look out for mainly sailing conditions and anchorages.
Marmaris
The Mediterranean is typically popular because of line of sight sailing which means even novice sailors can get around with ease. Adding to this, there is barely any tide to factor making anchoring, passage planning and general maneuvering of the yacht easier.
Temple of Apollo
Turkey is in the prime position for an eclectic mix of chartering. The wide range of yachts that take advantage of this historic country may surprise you. From traditional sailing boats all the way through to superyachts – this country has something for everyone. Not only does Turkey offer some of the best sailing in the Mediterranean, but it also offers a lot of excursions on land too.
Lycia, Fethyie
Historical sites dating back to a mind-blowing 10th millennium BC. Turkey is also famed for its Turkish Hammams, which are extremely popular not just in Turkey but worldwide. Turkish Hammams combines the Roman baths and the Arabic steam baths, Hammam is actually the Arabic word for ‘bath’.
Hierapolis
To date, France and Turkey have the same threat level on the UK Home Office travel advice page stating that attacks are very likely to be carried out. However, this did not stop 89 million tourists visiting France alone in 2018. This indicates that even though there are threat levels people are still willing to visit terror hit countries. It begs the question that perhaps culture is more the defining factor rather than the threat level.
Fethyie
Personally, I believe as a nation, and as a fellow sailor, we should not let these terrorist groups dictate our lives and hinder what we can and cannot enjoy in life. This is not to say we should not proceed with caution, but if we exercise too much caution, we could overlook some of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
2. Besaw, C. (2018). The conversation. Retrieved from 04/03/2019: https://theconversation.com/no-coups-occurred-in-2018-will-next-year-be-so-stable-108387
6.AFP. (2017). Turkey
tourism income slumps after attacks, coup. Retrived from 04/03/2019:
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1312674/turkey-tourism-income-slumps-attacks-coup/
7. Masefield,
J. (2011). Marco Polos The Silk Road (Art
of Series) (Art of Wisdom). London, United Kingdom.
8. M, Sariisik.
O, Turkay. O, Akova. (2011). How to
manage yacht tourism in Turkey: A swot analysis and related strategies.
Elsevier LTD: Amsterdamn, Netherlands.
Mallorca, the biggest island out of the famous foursome. Known for the party vibe and hot summers! These islands sometimes get a rep of being only suitable for party lovers. Well, you have never been so wrong! Yes, these islands have a buzzing nightlife, however, the islands themselves are some of the most beautiful in the northern hemisphere.
Over 40% of Mallorca’s wildlife is protected which has created a luscious green island surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
Day 1: Palma, Cabo Blanco and Es Trenc.
Leave Palma port in the southwest direction and run by Cabo Blanco with its stunning cliffs.
Shortly after Cape Blanco is the entrance to Cala Pi, enter it and swim! After Cala Pi, sail the coast of S ‘Estanyol and Sa Rápita.
Anchor and spend the night in the southeast part of the beach of Es Trenc surrounded by the dark green of the pine woods.
Day 2: Es Trenc, Cabo Salinas and Porto Colom.
Head to the National Park of the Archipelago of Cabrera, certainly worth a visit.
When you pass the Cape Salinas, you will be sailing the east coast of Mallorca where you will find numerous coves to anchor and swim.
You can enter the Natural Park of Cala Mondragó and anchor in turquoise waters with white sandy bottoms, however, there are often many visitors on land.
Day 3: Porto Colom, Porto Cristo and Cala Ratjada.
Sail along the coast of Porto Cristo. This region is known as Calas de Mallorca -the coast of the coves.
Take a swim and snorkel around the shallows, or use the water toys aboard your yacht!
Spend the night in the port of Cala Ratjada, with the calm waters offering a stillness perfect for relaxing.
Day 4: Cala Ratjada to Cala Formentor.
The fourth day will be spent sailing through the bays of Alcudia and Pollensa.
The coasts and beaches of the two bays are great and have many choices for anchoring.
We recommend spending the night in Cala Formentor moored to a buoy.
Day 5: Cala Formentor to Port de Soller.
Leave by Cap Formentor – a great place for scuba diving, with much of the local wildlife being able to be spotted here.
Navigate through the rugged north coast of Mallorca with the Sierra Tramuntana.
You should visit Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis to reach anchor and spend the night in the Port of Soller.
Day 6: Port de Soller to Port d’Andratx.
Sail from Port de Sóller and head southwest while viewing the Sierra de Tramuntana to port.
During this journey, you will see Cala Deia, Sa Foradada, Port of Valdemosa, Banyalbufar and Estellencs. Perfect spot for a swim.
Later, you will enter the channel Dragonera to arrive at the Port of Andratx to spend the night in a sheltered anchorage.
Day 7: Port d’Andratx to Palma Port.
Leave the Port of Andratx towards the city of Palma for disembarkation.
Visiting the island of Toro and Malgrats, the bay of Santa Ponsa and Playa del Mago.
Make your way back to Palma Port where you will depart from your yacht, having had a truly memorable holiday!
We have a great range of yachts in Mallorca waiting for people to create memories on! We have a range of yachts for different purposes and itineraries. Get in touch to secure your yacht for this Summer!
