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Archive for the 'Sailing & Cruising' Category

Tue
Aug
18

Setting Sail for Bermuda



Bermuda is a tiny chain of islands some 700 miles due east of South Carolina. Sailboats have traveled to or through Bermuda for hundreds of years, and it is the most popular offshore destination for sailing enthusiasts on the US East Coast. Bermuda is also a frequent stop for boats sailing from the Canada and Europe. As a vacation spot, Bermuda is the finish line for classic sailboat races and pulls hundreds of American boats on sailing trips.

The weather is usually good for sailing (Location voilier Corse) in April, when some sailboats cruise to Bermuda. This island chain is far from the southern trade winds, and historical data on nautical records show that the wind can come from any direction. If you’ll be boating across the Gulf Stream, watch the weather carefully before sailing to avoid being caught in a northerly wind, which may produce steep waves that are nauseating and can become dangerous. In the famous Newport-Bermuda sail travels in June of even years, almost 200 fast sailboats make the crossing in 6 days, depending on the wind. In odd-numbered years the Marion-Bermuda race is a more relaxed competition for cruising boats.

A British territory, Bermuda offers much to cruising sailors. The city of Hamilton boasts the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and has a fine huge harbor full of all kinds of sail boats. On the other side of Bermuda, the smaller town and harbor of St. George’s hosts the St. George’s Dinghy and Sports Club. Both clubs and both harbors have excellent benefits for traveling cruisers. Boat manufacturers, and other businesses abound.

With about 20 square miles of land stretched over many closely linked islands, Bermuda has a resident population of about 66,000. The economy is high quality and the locals friendly, and even modest neighborhoods are beautiful and make for pleasant walking everywhere. The subtropical climate keeps the islands warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Scenic beaches of white sand seem to cover all the islands, and coral reefs make for good diving, although the water is colder than in the Caribbean.

With so many sailboats coming there from so many other countries, Bermuda has excellent systems for aiding with sailing and arrival. Mariners need good maps to avoid the high concentration of reefs around the islands, especially on the north most side, but Bermuda Harbor Radio is easily reached on the VHF and should help guide you in. Customs must be passed first in St. George’s Harbor, which is well marked and lit for day entry. You enter the harbor through a thin rocky cut that seems very small even for a medium sized boat, but concerns about fitting through soon turn to embarrassment as you see a gigantic cruise ship make the same trip.

Christophe Denois in cooperation with the web site www.voilevoilier.com has Created this article which contains all sorts of information to assist you discover more on cruising.

Mon
Aug
3

Wisconsin Tourism Must Include a Getwaway to the Wind Point Lighthouse in Wisconsin



Wisconsin Tourism Should Include a Visit to the Wind Point Lighthouse in Wisconsin

Just on the edge of Racine, WI is the little village of Wind Point. It is right on the edge of Lake Michigan. Michigan tourist should include a vacation to this little hamlet and the beautiful Wind Point Light Station. The beauty of the facility and the heritage that surrounds it make for an exciting destination on your vacation.

Visiting the Racine region will provide you many opportunities to see some beautiful views. You may be able to experience the heritage of the region as well as visit a variety of excellent museums, but the one that will definiately focus in your mind for a long time is the visit to the edges of Lake Michigan and the views you will get from the Wind Point Light Station. Take along a picnic lunch to eat on the grounds. Watch the waves break as they roll in from this powerful lake and think about all the boaters that have traversed these waters over the years to haul supplies to the region or to pick up supplies for commerce at distant ports. Enjoy the chance to appreciate the opportunity to see the power, learn of the heritage and appreciate the architecture of the past that constructed this structure in the time before modern cranes and computer generated graphics. It is quite a site.

One of the more popular Wisconsin attractions, the tower itself is closed except for special occasions but the grounds are open to the public everyday from sunrise to 11 p.m. The tower is open during the first Sundays in June, July, August, September, and October. Because of the high demand to see for miles at the top of the lighthouse, reservations are necessary. Light House Tours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there is a ten dollar per person fee.

You will be able to learn about the heritage of this light house when you visit. It was constructed in 1880 and is the oldest and tallest Lighthouse in existance on Lake Michigan. Although it started out with Kerosene-fired lenses it was electrified in 1924 and then modernized in 1964. Since the station towers 110 feet at its focal plane the light is visible for a distance of nineteen miles. Just imagine the thousands of seaman that have been saved from disaster because of this Lighthouse leading the way to safety.

The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The village of Wind Point was given ownership of the property by the National Park Service in 1997. The Coast Guard still operates the lighthouse as a public navigation aid.

Arrive and see this beautiful piece of times past and possibly, take a vacation to tour the other Lighthouses on the Lake. It will make a fantastic Wisconsin vacations for you.

Sat
Feb
21

Enjoy Everything That New York Vacation Tours Have To Offer From A Double Decker Bus To A Ellis Island Tour



When you decide that you are ready to tackle the city of New York to experience the secrets and wonders of the city then you really want to take a New York City Tours. You may want to take it on a helicopter where you will experience the birds’ eye view of the city, or maybe you want to take a Double Decker bus tour where you will be able to see the city from street level without the risk of getting lost. It will help you decide which areas you want to go back to and spend more time exploring.

You might even want to take a tour riding on the boats of the River tours where you see the city from the rivers that surround the city. Here you will get a totally different perspective of the size and placement of the boroughs of the city and how the bridges connect everything together.

When you are flying over the city you will notice the vastness of the development on this relatively small section of land. The millions of people that live here and those that come to visit make for a true patchwork of varying cultures, beliefs and ideas. It is believed that every corner of the world has some representation in the city.

Look at the site of the Twin Towers and see the devastation left by the crazy people that choose to kill thousands to get noticed by the press and the rest of the world. Those brave people that forged ahead into the devastation to save anyone they could and to offer aide and comfort to those injured in the blast. The towers are gone but the spirit of the survivors and those that lost their lives will live on for years to come. Just the opposite experience of what the terrorists hoped to accomplish.

While you are on the red Double Decker Bus tour you will see Wall Street and realize that the many billions of dollars that have been invested in the stock market run through this relatively small area. The buildings with their emblems of power are an interesting site to see. The bus tour will give you that opportunity without you having to walk down the street and cock your head way back to see them.

If you choose to take the Statute of Liberty tour you will get a beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty and of Ellis Island. The history of these famous symbols is almost an overwhelming emotion as you gaze up on the beauty and think of how the immigrants had to feel when they first laid eyes on their new homeland. How afraid of the unknown they had to be, how grateful for the opportunity to start a new life in a new country and yet how confused they had to be with the process of getting admitted into the United States through the gates of Ellis Island. Emotions may run high during this portion of the trip, but you will certainly be glad you had the opportunity to witness these icons up close.

Sat
May
31

Tips For A Sailing Holiday In Mexico



A large part of North America is occupied by the United Mexican States, or Mexico. It is composed of more than 30 states as well as a federal district. Geographically, it’s enclosed with numerous bodies of water such as the North Pacific Ocean in the west, the Caribbean Sea in the southeast, and the Gulf of Mexico in the east. There are also several huge valleys and coastal plains in the area, perfect for some good sailing in Mexico.

During your holiday, make sure that you can pass through the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez). It’s located very close to several islands, such as Granitos and Mejia. From these islands, you can proceed to Sail Rock and Window Rock, which is found in Angel Island. Contrary to what you could be thinking, there are several species of plants and animals that thrive very well under the heat of the sun. One of the giant cacti in the world, the Cardon cacti, grows all over Midriff Islands.

On board a yacht for some sailing in Mexico, you can continue to La Paz. This is the capital of Baja, California Sur. It’s a small town that’s blessed with a vast amount of natural resources. The beaches are unspoiled and ideal for kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. You may also enjoy some whale or dolphin watching at Espiritu Santo Island, which is very close. When you’re done with the waters, you can then proceed to land-based adventures, like hiking, cave painting tours, golfing, and even mountain biking.

Besides sailing in Mexico, you can also explore the archaeological wonders that you can find in Yucatan Peninsula. You should not also miss El Castillo del Serpiente Emplumado, the central pyramid. For more sculptures and interesting artworks, you can walk to Paseo de Montejo or at Pasaje de la Revolucion. The art collections are more reflective of ecological art.

Find more information on sailing in Mexico and yacht charter Greece here. In this website you can find information on sailing charter from other parts of the world.

Thu
May
22

Dreaming Of A Yacht Charter? Try Portugal



You will find that the best sailing area is on the south coast where Algarve has a perfect 150 Miles of great sailing coast. The west of Faro consists of small bays and coves broken up by striking rocky outcrops and fascinating grottoes. East of Faro the coast has sandy offshore islets, which have created protected anchorages and the most wonderful quiet beaches that stretch for miles.

Portugal is a European country located close to the Atlantic Ocean and the Iberian Peninsula. The land is divided by the Tagus River, while the northern portion of the country is characterized as mountainous. The climate, meanwhile, is Mediterranean. Moreover, the nice climate is perfect for a little sailing, swimming, kayaking, or canoeing in any of the region’s beautiful beaches. There are also many historical and religious sites in Algarve. Today it’s a popular place for art and cultural exhibitions. Near the Praia da Rocha is a yacht marina.

Whenever you’re sailing in Portugal, make sure you can stop by the quaint town of Faro. Besides finding a good temporary home in its villas and holiday resorts, you can also visit a variety of artifacts and historical sites. For example, the Milreu ruins depict third-century homes of the Romans. There’s also a parish church that was built hundreds of years ago, Palacio de Estoi or manor house and the Bronze Age fort found in Santa Barbara de Nexe. West of Faro is more developed areas for example Vale de Lobo and Quinta do Lago.

Disembarking from a sailing, you can visit Monchique, a rustic and unexplored town in Portugal. Bordered by the hills of Picota and Foia, Monchique is proud of its cobblestone streets and dark doorways, which eventually lead to small artist shops. Apart from sailing in Portugal, don’t miss out the Bucaco Forest and their old grottoes and chapels built by monks.

Find more information on sailing in Portugal and yacht charter Greece here. In this website you can find information on sailing charter from other parts of the world.

Sat
May
17

Lake Minnetonka - Minnesota’s Hot Spot Tourist Spot



“Where on earth is Lake Minnetonka? Never heard of it!”

Now that’s surprising, considering that it is one of the most visited tourist resorts these days! Anyway, to tell you more about it, it is in the Hennepin County of Minnesota, and this modernized version of its name has been derived from the old phrase used by the American Indians while referring to it—“minn-ni-tanka”, meaning “big water”! As to why they thought it was “big”, well, the lake covers a huge acreage (14,000 acres) and goes down to a maximum depth of 113 feet!

The story behind Lake Minnetonka is an interesting one. You would be surprised to know that the lake itself is almost 11,000 years old! Even more astounding is the fact that this huge lake was formed entirely from large blocks of melting ice! It was officially named Lake Minnetonka in 1852 by the then governor of Minnesota, Alexander Ramsay.

Since the Indians gave it its name, it is obvious that they werethe first settlers around the lake. The groups were varied—Iowa, Dakota Sioux Indians, Cheyenne, and Ojibwa. The woodlands around the lake were considered sacred by these people. They were also used as their burial grounds.

The first Europeans to discover this area were Will Snelling and Joseph Brown, in 1822. Once outsiders forayed into the place, it was only a matter of time before civilization caught up with these remote shores. So the Minnetonka Hotel was established near the lake in 1853. Then the first steamboat was launched by the then Governor, Ramsay, in 1861. Tourists flocked to this Lake once the civil war came to an end, leading to the birth of the Minnetonka Yacht Club in 1889.

More changes took place in the lake during the 1950s. Around 41 million fish (most of them walleye fry) got deposited into the waters of the lake. It was but natural that someone would be interested in further research and study of the lake. Hence, the Gray Freshwater Biological Institute was established. The Institute was later taken over by the University of Minnesota.

The latest addition to this tourist destination is a Museum. The Lake Minnetonka Museum centers on local businesses, the lake itself, Excelsior Amusement Park and Excelsior High School. The Museum is kept open from the month of May till September.

Lake Minnetonka attracts a number of people (local and tourists) because of its natural beauty, its fishing prospects and all the activities going on around the lake! There are plenty of fishing tournaments held year after year, what with the large variety of fish that are available in the lake—walleye, muskellunge, sunfish, yellow perch and northern pike, among others.

Other entertainments provided are boat cruises. There are many of them up and down the lake, ever ready to ferry passengers. The rates are very reasonable. The staff on the boats very well trained and ensure that the passengers get excellent bar and catering services. All amenities are available on most of these boats. While some boats take up to groups of ten, others can even charter groups numbering 80! All in all, a boat cruise with one’s entire family at an affordable cost sounds really tempting!

Has this created an urge in you to go to Lake Minnetonka this very minute and enjoy all the pleasures that are offered there? Well, just make plans to go there on your next holiday trip! You will have no cause to regret going. The breathtaking beauty of the landscape, plus fishing and boating trips, cannot but enthrall you! Best of all is the reward of serenity that can be found in the surroundings of this old “big water”.

Go book your Lake Minnetonka Charter Boat today!

Sun
May
11

Treated Like A Queen On My Hawaii Yacht Charters Holiday



Ahhh…. There is nothing like being pampered as if you are a king, queen or princess whilst navigating the beautiful turquoise seas of Hawaii. The gentle sway of the sea and the smell of the warm ocean breezes will put a person in total relaxation mode. Can you feel it? Do you want it? Crewed Charter Yachts and Hawaii yacht charters may be more affordable than you think and not require the whole kingdom’s treasure.

* Know the feeling of owning your own yacht without the maintenance and upkeep costs of ownership.

* Be pampered like a yacht owner by the professionally trained crew. They will be at your beck and call with just a snap of a finger.

* Avoid crowded hotels and large luxury liners.

* Customize your holiday whatever way you like on crewed charter yachts. On large, luxury cruise liners with hundreds of other guests to serve and cater to, that is not possible, there is a pre-planned itinerary.

* Cordon Bleu trained chefs will prepare world class gourmet meals at your request.

* Abundant recreational water activities on Hawaii Yacht Charters; snorkeling, water skiing, diving,fishing, etc.

Before booking with one of the many crewed charter yachts available with Hawaii yacht charters compare prices, check the captain’s resume as well as the crew’s online. Even the yacht’s specs will be there for you to look over. The floor plans will be available to see where you will be sleeping, where the crew is quartered, etc.

It is recommended that you check with a friend or colleague who may have recently sailed on one of the Hawaii yacht charters listed online. Personal testimonies are always the best source of information.

After booking the yacht’s captain will usually call ahead for special requests. At that time you can make known any particular meals that you would like prepared or places you may want to visit. He will often times meet you at the airport and personally transport you to the yacht’s location.

The professionally trained crew and captain again treat you like royalty in they way that they are so discreet that you hardly notice them while they are sailing your vessel, preparing your meals, and cleaning your cabin.

So, all you kings and queens out there, relax and enjoy your massages on the lido deck while sipping cocktails (shaking, not stirred) aboard privately crewed charter yachts.

Sat
May
3

Chartering A Boat In Mallorca



When a holiday mood strikes your mind, never go for a second thought if you have Mallorca in your priority list. The fascinating beauty can never stop you from finalizing your decision to go on a trip to Mallorca. The largest island in Spain is charming as a queen hailing its beauty for the tourist lovers.

Once you reach Mallorca, none can pull you back when you decide to charter a boat. In fact Yacht Charter Majorca is the best place to charter a boat. You can plan to charter a yacht or a cruiser and the choice is exclusively left to you. And you can see that making two different selections can give you the feeling and thrill of two different holidays itself. You can sail as if in a dream throughout the Mediterranean to the French Riviera or you can go for a day trip through Mallorca. Decision is at your disposal.

Chartering a crewed sail boat to have a holiday enjoying the unending bays of Mallorca can be another brilliant decision. You can enjoy the beauty sailing to Menorca or can stay back to enjoy the Mallorca coastal beauty to its last drop. There are several marinas in Mallorca where you can tie your chartered boat to. You can get down at a coastal restaurant, from where you can have fun and food.

If you are a tourist who wants to do something special to make your vacation, chartering a boat in Mallorca is a wonderful idea. There are providers from where you can get a boat through chartering. The privately owned charter sail boat and cruiser boat are available for families to have a tour through Mediterranean. You can go for the cost effective boat through online booking as well. You can find experienced companies offering boats to make your seasons special by all means.

You can get boats to make your weekend special and if you are a tourist so fond of boats, you can also go for chartering boats for one month or more. The selection of the boat can be entirely at your disposal and you can select a 6 metres or 26 metres boat for sail. There are four wins, sportis and several other categories of boats exclusively for tour lovers. Mallorca has different services to help tourists through charter boats. They even provide you with technical advices when you are chartering a boat fro m them. The navigational instructions will be surely guidance to you when you are a novice user.

Sailing through the water bodies of Mallorca is a different experience. In fact this is the best method to enjoy the beauty of the island in all means. You can feel the island so beautiful like a princess and make your time with your loved ones exclusive and special. This text was translated by übersetzung deutsch englisch

Fri
May
2

Lake Minnetonka : That Ol’ Big Water



11,000 years ago, large blocks of ice melted and formed what is popularly known today as Lake Minnetonka. Minnetonka comes from an American Indian word minn-ni-tanka, that means “big water.” The first known inhabitants were Cheyenne, Iowa, Ojibwa and Dakota Sioux Indians. They held the woodlands areas in high regard as a great spiritual place and burial grounds. The first Europeans to settle in Lake Minnetonka who came in 1822 were Joseph Brown and Will Snelling. In 1853, the Minnetonka Hotel was built not far from the lake, and The Minnetonka Yacht Club was formed in 1889. Until today Lake Minnetoka remains to be an extremely popular tourist destination

Experience the beauty and wonder of the big lake, try the Lake Minnetonka Cruises on your next holiday.

Mon
Apr
7

The French Riviera - Great For A Sailing Charter



France is a highly diverse country. A combination of stormy summers, lesser rain, and colder winters prevails inland. Meanwhile, people who are living in the southeast region will experience a French climate great for some sailing in Mediterranean.

Great facilities are at Antibes, in the St Tropez-Cogolin area and in Toulon. Also, there are plenty of charter yachts available in this area but finding crew could be tricky.

Near the French Riviera is Cannes, a little city and commune situated in the southern part of France. Besides having one of the prestigious film festivals in the world, the Cannes Film Festival, several tourists flock Cannes to enjoy its yacht marina. Taking a walk means feeding your eyes with the loveliest docked sailing yachts and motorboats owned by some of the richest Europeans. It has a total area of 83,000 square meters and docks a total of 50 fishing boats and 450 yachts. When you’re sailing in Mediterranean, don’t miss passing through its much older and smaller port called Porto Vecchio. Sailing through the famous Côte d’Azur means choosing either of the two fantastic Mooring locations: Nice or Hyères. Cours Saleya, a very colorful Nice market, is full of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Stop by -François Square for experience the lively fish market.

Hyeres, on the other hand, is a French coast lined with culture and fine cuisine. It has unspoilt preserves of nature such as the Ile de Port-Cros and Ile de Porquerolles.

In most cases winds are northerly and South Westerly, South Westerly (occasionally very strong to gale force) due to endless stream of low pressure cyclones coming from the Atlantic Ocean. Winds along the Mediterranean coast and Corsica are more variable, but generally less severe.

Indeed, there’s fun, learning, and endless activity when you’re sailing in Mediterranean. When you are blessed with a beautiful view of the sea, mountains, and French people, what could ask for more?

Find more information on sailing in Mediterranean and sailing Greece here. In this website you can find information on sailing holidays from other parts of the world.

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