Helm has provided their tips for skippering a vessel for your tailored adventure on the high seas. Perhaps venturing out to deep blue waters, setting sail into the wind or island hopping is a must on a bucket list. To satisfy that customer looking for something different, or mark a milestone like a marriage or a retirement – this might be of interest. Equally twinning a land-based destination with a sea adventure may be the perfect tailored getaway for a customer.
Borrow a Boat
The team at Helm shares that they “are often asked about how to create a dream honeymoon sailing holiday and, although you will find lots of advice out there we have gathered together some of our key recommendations to help you plan for your dream getaway.”
The Caribbean
With its beautiful palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear waters, clear blue skies and sunny climate, the Caribbean’s group of exotic islands is synonymous with romance and luxury.
Fly to Antigua and spend a week touring the coast to explore its many pristine pink coral bays. Alternatively, opt for the lushly vegetated St Lucia with its brightly coloured houses and hidden beaches.
For total seclusion, the Borrow a Boat team recommends the Grenadines – a chain of 32 beautiful and unspoilt islands – while Mustique offers numerous tiny island paradises to enjoy, plus a lively nightlife. For a lower-key destination, try Grenada.
When to visit: year-round sailing, high season December – April
The Mediterranean
The company runs yacht charters throughout Europe – from the Balearic Islands to Croatia. Each destination has its own charms – whether it’s sipping a limoncello off the Amalfi coast and gazing across the Bay of Naples, marvelling at Greece‘s Melissani Cave when a shaft of sunlight lights up the waters below, snorkelling in the Gulf of Fethiye enjoying its turquoise waters, or island hopping in Croatia. All are equally romantic in their own way and won’t disappoint.
When to visit: May to October, best weather July to September
Thailand
A truly magical destination, Thailand is sure to make for an unforgettable honeymoon. Their yacht charters set off from Phuket and take guests to some of the best locations in the country, giving travellers a unique opportunity to enjoy its mix of untouched and lively party islands, stunning scenery, delicious cuisine and superb beaches.
All in all, an incredible backdrop to a sailing holiday.
When to visit: year-round sailing, high season December – April
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are often considered among the very best sailing grounds in the world. From the low-lying coral atoll of Anegada to Virgin Gorda’s enormous rock pools and the hundreds of dive sites teeming with tropical fish, the BVI cruising ground is utterly spectacular. The Borrow a Boat Team would highly recommend them for a honeymoon, as their offer sublime natural beauty and endless activity options.
When to visit: year-round sailing, high season December – April
A Tailored Experience
The team at Borrow a Boat are there to help tailor trips to exactly meet your requirements including local diving trips, advice on historic sites or secluded spots to drop anchor. Itineraries can be customised when booking a charter and travellers can talk through their plans with their skipper on their first night on board. He or she will have excellent first-hand knowledge of the area and will be able to give advice.
The Ideal Yacht
Unless travellers are keen sailors, it is recommended to a skippered yacht. This way, a professional skipper will be at the helm so guests can just sit back and relax. A chartered yacht is a self-catered option, so guests can stock up with local supplies en route or dine out each night.
Alternatively, guests can book a hostess. She will sleep on board (as will the skipper) and is able to assist with the cooking and cleaning. The yachts used are well-designed to ensure privacy and a hostess is a popular option with couples.
If guests are looking for a five-star experience, there is a fully crewed experience.
When chartering a crewed private yacht, guests will have on board a professional captain and crew who will work tirelessly (and unobtrusively) to ensure travellers have everything they need.
For more, check out www.helm.yt
