Sailors limber up for Sydney-Hobart

Mark Pawlak    sailingbreaks     boats, Sailing, sailing in Australia, sailing racing, Yachting

Sailors will be warming up for this year’s Sydney to Hobart challenge in Friday’s Cabbage Tree Island Race.

The fleet of 32 vessels will get plenty of experience sailing in Australia when they embark upon the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s 180 nautical mile sailing race. The race is a qualifier for the Sydney-Hobart, which gets under way on December 26 and will see thousands of sailing fans following its progress over the Christmas period. The Cabbage Tree is seen by many as a good indicator of how crews will perform during the main event on Boxing Day.

But this isn’t the only opportunity to limber up for the Hobart, with a number of other events also pencilled in over the coming weeks. On the weekend of November 26, Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship will get under way, with the Lion Island Botany Race planned for December 3. The Botany Race is the latest addition to the CYCA’s Blue Water Pointscore Series (BWPS).

But there are opportunities for sailing in Australia all year round, with many other events to keep people busy and entertained. One of these is the Hamilton Island Race Week, which attracts thousands of yachting lovers every year. Last year’s Cabbage Tree race was won by Chris Bull on board his Cookson 50 Jazz, however he won’t be taking part in this year’s event. He isn’t the only major face missing out either, as Bob Oatley’s super maxi Wild Oats XI won’t be involved in the race.

Weather experts have predicted that the yachts will embark upon the race amid an east to north-easterly of up to 15 knots, with the sea breeze remaining steady until late on Saturday, when winds are expected to reach 20-25 knots. The weather conditions cast shadows over hopes for beating previous records, experts have suggested.

The rush for the BWPS title is being led by Darryl Hodgkinson, who will embark upon the challenge fresh from victory last month in the Flinders Islet Race. He currently holds an eight point lead over Loki, the current BWPS champion. Many commentators have also mentioned Hodgkinson’s name when discussing potential winners of the Sydney-Hobart Tattersall’s Cup. The coming few weeks mark a busy time for lovers of yacht racing events, with the BWPS series set to conclude at the end of the Sydney Hobart and the prizes dished out too.

Top Dubrovnik tourist spot named

Mark Pawlak    sailingbreaks     Croatia, Dubrovnik, Sailing, sailing holiday, Yachting

Tourism bosses in Croatia have issued their top tip for holidaymakers planning a visit to the city of Dubrovnik.

Any sailing holiday in Croatia this summer is likely to include Dubrovnik in its itinerary, and the local tourism board has highlighted East West Beach as one of the most exciting attractions in the popular coastal city.

The renowned venue has been named as a top site for a chill-out session thanks to its famous day beach soirees, which provide the perfect opportunity to lie back and relax on one of the world’s top coasts.

Those on a yacht charter in Croatia can spend a memorable day at East West Beach and enjoy its restaurant, club, lounge and pampering facilities.

The venue even provides a speedboat that can be used to explore Dubrovnik and nearby islands including Lokrum.

At night, the club becomes a fashionable and exotic party spot where revellers can boogie the night away.

Other recommendations from the Dubrovnik Tourist Board include Culture Club Revelin in the historic area of Fort Revelin.

Sailors face rough weather in island race

Mark Pawlak    sailingbreaks     Isle of Wight, Sailing, sailing holiday, sailing race, sailing races, Yachting

It is not just yacht charter holidays around exotic islands off the coasts of far-off countries that can tempt sailors out onto their vessels.

A race around the Isle of Wight has proved to be a strong enough attraction to draw in over 1,900 boats and 16,000 sailors.

One of the largest yacht races in the world, the J.P Morgan Round The Island Race took place on the 25th June.

The largest ever number of competitors faced rough weather conditions to take part in the sailing event, which is now in its 80th year.

TV presenter Denise Van Outen signalled the beginning of the race from the Crowes starting line, but because of the severe conditions – with up to force seven winds and waves around 20 feet – many boats were forced to retire early.

The winner of the epic race was Lionel Lemonchois, which crossed over the finishing line with a time of three hours, 49 minutes and 58 seconds.

Tall Ships Race gets under way

Mark Pawlak    sailingbreaks     Sailing, sailing holiday, Yachting

The 2011 Waterford Tall Ships Race has got under way, with the 45 vessels taking part as the flotilla left the Irish port.

Crowds gathered to cheer the majestic ships on as they sailed out of the quays and along the River Suir after assembling off Dunmore East for the Parade of Sail.

The gruelling race – one of the premier sailing events in the calendar – saw the vessels head around the west coast of Ireland to Greenock in Scotland.

However, the sailors were forced to head along the Celtic Sea as bad weather descended on the race – of which Russian ship Mir emerged an early leader.

Once the vessels begin arriving in Greenock they will embark upon a cruise to Lerwick in Shetland.

The second stage of the event will see the vessels race to Halmstad in Sweden.

Among the vessels docked on the north quays was past winner Sorlandet – a Norwegian ship built in 1927.

Milos becoming must-see destination

Ian K    Adventure Sports & Travel Thoughts, sailingbreaks, Tribe Sailing Blogs     Europe, greece, island hopping, island sailing, mediterranean, milos, plaka, pollonia, Sailing, sailing break, sailing holiday, sailing trip, st constantine, yacht, Yachting

The volcanic island of Milos could be this year’s best-kept secret for those on a sailing holiday in Greece who are keen on taking a short break within the country.

Located around 100 miles south-west of Athens, the horseshoe-shaped island is a quiet destination which is known locally for its array of colourful sand belts.

Photo from Flickr User: !!Ahmed!!

The shades range from serene cream to a more imposing black, with pebbles of almost every colour to be found by beachcombers.

A series of unusual rock formations playing against a backdrop of pale blue-green water also adds to the charm of the Aegean Sea location.

Once on the island, there is plenty for visitors to do – explore the castle ruins to be found at the top of the white-washed Cycladic village of Plaka or drive to the northern towns of Pollonia or St Constantine, where colourful fishermen’s boat garages dot the coastline.

Greece & Turkey top charter venues

Ian K    sailingbreaks, Tribe Sailing Blogs     acropolis, athens, culture, Europe, greece, Istanbul, parthenon, Turkey, Yachting

Sailing enthusiasts considering possible destinations may want to plot a summer course for Greece and Turkey. Those planning a yacht charter in Greece can look forward to beautiful weather, amazing beaches and plenty of culture inland, with a trip to the country’s capital Athens a must for visitors.

Photo from Flickr User: Taras Kalapun

Millions flock to the ancient city’s ruins each year. The Acropolis is an awe-inspiring sight – perched on a hilltop, these ruins include the famous Parthenon and are sure to thrill holidaymakers of all ages.

The same can be said for a bareboat charter in Turkey, which, apart from serene sailing conditions and clear blue seas, offers the opportunity to explore archaeological sites around the coast.

Turkey also represents a great venue for a family holiday and the capital Istanbul has numerous attractions for both young and old, including the Dolphinarium, which regularly puts on live shows featuring walruses, dolphins and belugas.

Summer opening for Rhodes marina

Ian K    ash, Sailing Holidays Talk, sailingbreaks, Tribe Sailing Blogs     Europe, greece, Marina, Rhodes, yacht charter, Yachting

Britons on yacht charters in Greece this summer will be able to enjoy the benefits of a new 100 million euro (£88 million) marina opening on the island of Rhodes.

It is hoped that the marina, which is based on the east side of the island, will become a tourist destination as well as provide relief to the congestion often builds up at the island’s only yacht harbour.

Photo from Flickr User: Bracketing Life

Scheduled to open by June, the marina is due to become fully operational by 2012, and will be able to accommodate the newest ‘mega-yachts’ as well as more than 400 vessels.

People on sailing holidays will be able to stock up on necessary goods using the onshore shops, as well as enjoy the restaurants, cafes and spa.

A ring road connecting the island’s international airport to the marina is also under construction, and is currently 70% complete. Plans to construct a five-star hotel and shopping centre in the area are under discussion.