Family Sailing Holidays

After a period of consolidation during the Pandemic and a record year in 2022, Seafarer is planning significant new additions to flotilla fleets in 2023 as well as major upgrades to some of the older yachts in the fleet.

Popular new additions include the award-winning Bavaria C42, with the first of these joining the Saronic Gulf flotilla in May. The spacious interior with 3 double cabins and two heads, one en-suite, boasts advanced hull design plus enhanced styling and build quality, whilst sailing performance has received great reviews from the sailing press.

An equally innovative design comes from Beneteau with their stylish Oceanis 40.1. The versatile layout on this yacht is great for families with 3 double cabins, plus an extra bunk bedded cabin, ideal for those that don’t want to share a double bed. All of this is achieved whilst retaining a feel of space and comfort. Again sailing performance has received praise and we are delighted to have this yacht joining our flotillas in the Dodecanese in Greece and the Dalmatian islands flotilla operating from Split in Croatia.

Another welcome addition is the well proven Bavaria 46, with a great 4 cabin, three heads configuration. With the sailing performance you would expect from a modern yacht of this size, the bright spacious interior and huge cockpit give ample space and comfort for up to eight guests. The first new 46 will join exisiting yachts of the same model on our Ionian flotillas with another to be delivered at a later stage for the Saronic Gulf fleet

Recognising the very significant price hikes on smaller new yachts up to 37 feet which makes the charter rate prohibitively expensive for couples, we have undertaken a major refurbishment programme on some of our older yachts dating back to 2006-8. Popular models such as the Bavaria 33 and Bavaria 37, which have been recognised for their excellent build quality and performance have been extensively refurbished to ensure reliable performance as well as a cosmetic upgrade and these upgraded yachts will offer exceptional value for money. Works undertaken over the current and previous winter include new floors and upholstery, renewals to wiring and new electrical panels, new instruments and VHF radios, reconditioned engines, new bimini & spray hood and new sails. Finally, the domestic inventory has also received attention, and it is noted that these yachts have already had solar panels fitted.

Some of our more modern yachts dating back to 2014 such as the Sun Odyssey 33i and Bavaria 37 are also receiving upgrades with new sails and engine rebuilds.  All of this will ensure that these popular yachts will continue to provide reliable service and comfort, whilst continuing to offer great value for money on our Ionian and Saronic flotillas in Greece.

Last but not least, a yacht we have always rated very highly for build quality and heavy weather performance is the Ocean Star 51. We have two of these yachts with 4 guest cabins, each with en-suite, plus a crew cabin. These yachts are dedicated to our cabin charter programme in the Cyclades as well as skippered private charter. Whilst items such as the flooring, upholstery, plumbing and electrics are being renewed, the most significant upgrade to the accommodation will be the addition of a generator and air conditioning. Of course, we are not neglecting reliability and performance, with engines being re-conditioned as well as new sails and rigging for the 2023 season.

Okay, so it’s not completely new….We’ve taken the decision to freshen things up a bit in this fantastic cruising area by moving back to our original home in the ACI Marina in Split, where we started our first flotilla in Croatia.

There are many advantages to us moving back to the ACI marina in Split – transfers are shorter (and cheaper!) than they were to our base further north, the more central location means we can explore further into the islands and we have a UNESCO World Heritage Site on our doorstep. Take a 15 minute stroll around the harbour to the spectacular town of Split, with it’s chic cosmopolitan esplanade fusing perfectly with Diocletian’s palace, which has formed the beating heart of the city since the 4th century AD. Yo can lose yourself in the cobbled backstreets, filled with an eclectic mix of bars, shops and restaurants, both traditional and modern.

We’ve got two cracking new routes for you to try, with a mixture of the best we have found over our 15 years running flotillas along this beautiful coast.

The Hvar Route – It’s all about the islands on this route – we head to Brac, Hvar, the Pakleni Islands and Vis, with options to stop on Maslinica on your free sailing days. The stops are a fantastic mix of culture, nightlife, sleepy villages and peaceful anchorages, something for everyone.

The Skradin Route – Every destination on our route north-west along the coast is postcard perfect – Trogir, Primosten, Skradin all with cobbled streets and alleyways oozing with history. Optional excursions to the Krka waterfalls and plenty of island destinations to choose from for lunches and free sailing, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose your favourite.

Our new primary fleet in Split are Beneteau Oceanis yachts, ranging from 35 feet up to 48 feet, with 3 to 5 cabins depending on your needs. These are all late model yachts, the majority are 2018 and newer. The whole fleet is fully equipped, with most yachts benefiting from a bow thruster, solar panels and all yachts have cockpit mounted chart plotters. Most yachts have fully battened mainsails for the purists out there, but in-mast is an option on the 41 and the 40.1.

Below you can find a link to the page with full information on prices and specifications of the fleet – we will be running the flotilla from the 6th May through to our last departure on the 30th September. Don’t forget that as always, we can access a much larger fleet than you can see on our website, so if you are looking for a Catamaran or something a little sportier, give us a call!

With prices from £2,164 (excluding repeat client discount) for a week on our flotilla, including fuel, welcome pack, service of the lead crew, punch and beach parties, there is a yacht to suit everyone’s budget.

2 years on from my first visit to Thailand, the memories of my time there are still as fresh as if yesterday….read on for a first-hand account of our inaugural flotilla in this enchanting country, back in January 2020…

It is 0430 UK time on a cold January Sunday in England, and I am wide awake, having travelled back less than 24 hours ago. My mind is full of the images, tastes and sounds of my trip to Thailand to join our new flotilla for the first week. My eagerness to write some of my thoughts down hopefully gives you an idea of the impression I have been left with after my first visit to this amazing country.

I arrived in Phuket airport after 2 six hour flights, via Doha in the middle east. I flew with Qatar airways, and the interconnection was hassle free, a welcome chance to stretch ones legs. Arriving in Phuket, the 35 degree heat envelopes you immediately, and reminds you of how far you have come. It’s not oppressive, just warming.

Jumping in a cab I headed for our base, Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, only 20 minutes away. Turning into the marina entrance, you pass palm and rubber tree plantations before emerging at the water’s edge, 2 minutes from the pontoons. The Deck (the marina bar and restaurant) is a typically swish marina spot overlooking the yachts, happily missing the one marina aspect we can live without, the prices – a Pad Thai and a cold beer will cost you around 250 bhat (around £6.50) – and that’s expensive for Thai standards. Once you settle in, walk 5 minutes to the north to the Living Room or Papa Mama (both rustic spots on the shore) and the prices tumble.

After a beautiful sunrise, we strolled to the Living room restaurant for a main briefing and breakfast before setting off for the day. We are in tidal (and often shallow) waters here, so more focus on sailing and navigating than the mooring techniques. Getting out into the open water and the 10 knots of breeze means sails up and trimmed (yes, even on the lead yacht!) and away we went – down the river, leaving most of civilisation behind us. Hong is Thai for “room” and Koh Hong gives our first taste of what this means in these islands – the iconic columns of granite, with often a hollow centre. We anchor in 5 metres close to Koh Hong and its time for a punch party – with a difference. We dinghy into a cave (no engines, so as not to startle the bats) and emerge into an inland lagoon. No going ashore, so a raft with all the tenders is our venue, utterly stunning and completely to our selves now the day trip boats have gone. Its breathtaking and blows everyone away. Best punch party venue ever. Fact.

After a morning swim (as you do), we head out – all together, as the channels north get shallower. First stop is Koh Phing Kan, better known as James Bond Island, the setting for “The Man with the Golden Gun” – its full of tourist boats during the day, but we get as close as we can – one to tick off the bucket list. Navigating east across the shallows, we all go our separate ways, some heading off for a sail, some to explore the smaller islands and hongs along the way. We head to another Hong – Koh Roi and venture into this one on foot, across pure white sands. Inside is a sensory overload – the sounds of the birds only drowned out by the resting chirps of the thousands of fruit bats roosting in the mangroves….its paradise. After an hour taking it all in we weigh anchor and head down to our overnight stop on the south of Koh Yao Noi. A floating village of fishermen watch as we tender ashore and, after politely declining the offer of a taxi, we stroll the 2km to the aptly named Good View restaurant. This isn’t a touristic island, and the stroll passes the locals going about their day – mending boats, doing their washing, skipping home from school, all with mangoes, bananas, limes and pineapples growing by the side of the road. As a foodie, this really starts my journey, with a chilli soft shelled crab and pineapple rice ending off a perfect day.

Another day, another Hong….this one is also Koh Hong, but this is the Krabi one (the larger town on the mainland to the east). This one is navigable at high(ish) tide, and once inside, this is a huge lagoon, around knee depth, bordered with mangroves and white sandy beaches. We have a cracking 20 knots of breeze for a sail, but you wouldn’t know, being completely surrounded by the sheer granite cliffs. Out we go, and off we sail, getting a healthy 8.2 knots from our trusty Bavaria 36, on a close reach down to Rai Lei, and civilisation, backpacker style. Rai Lei is busy, the longtail boats buzzing past, carrying those less fortunate than us yachties.

Ashore is lively, will loads of bars and restaurants to cater for the largely bohemian crowd. Grab an ice cold beer, relax and maybe get a bamboo tattoo whilst you chill…hey, when in Rome….

We were recommended by our incredibly knowledgeable colleague in base to get to Koh Pu – its how Phi Phi Don was 20 years ago, she said……she was right. This is off-grid, relaxed beach life at its best. You’re not getting the co-ordinates from me…..we will tell you when you get there! (anyone remember “The Beach”?) This is a place to die for. My heart rate went down 50% when I stepped ashore. A couple of little restaurants, an amazing waiter who (with almost no convincing) had me order the freshly caught Barracuda with red curry sauce – I would happily see out my days on that dish alone. There are beach bungalows available for rent…..definitely the next holiday for my family is sorted – the image of my boys playing on the unspoilt white sand has to become reality.

Today is the day. We all (very reluctantly) leave Koh Pu and head west, to probably the most famous islands in Thailand, Koh Phi Phi Lei, and Koh Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Lei has been made world famous as the location for the film “The Beach” – its a shame old Leo wasn’t a yachtie, because the week has already given us more serene breathtaking places. Thankfully for the island, Maya beach is now off limits to tourists – but you can get close enough for a decent photo. It is beautiful, and the steps taken by the locals to stop the hordes has paid off – the coral reef is recovering, the sea life is back.

After some photos, and to imagine what it would be like without the longtails, day tripper boats and the speed boats, its time to head north, and into the vortex. Koh Phi Phi Don is insane…..but insane enough to make it still a worthwhile place to stop. Parties on the beach, fireworks, fire jugglers, madness everywhere…..go exploring the back streets and see just how far the rabbit hole goes…..

Our final day. The wind gods see fit to provide 20 knots from the east, and the 30 plus miles back to base gurgle past under sail alone, a glorious beam reach to take us back and remind us that this can’t be the last time to sail here.

We refuel back at base, a relaxed and simple affair, as everything has been. Back on the quay its time for a posh shower, to sit down, order a cold one and process the sights and sounds of this enchanting place.

There are many things that contribute to a perfect holiday. Thailand is, without a doubt, one of the most enchanting places I have ever visited, and one of the best places I have ever sailed. The scenery is stunning, the food is amazing, the people are the warmest, friendliest hosts and the culture is fascinating.

Thailand has a well deserved reputation as being known as the Land of Smiles. I can see why. Find the time, find the means and come sailing with us in Thailand. If you enjoy it as I did, you won’t be able to stop yourself smiling…..I know I can’t.

John Connolly
Product Manager

For more information or availability, you are welcome to call one of our sales consultants on 0208 324 3118. If you’d like to hear more about the day to day of boat life in Thailand, I am happy to talk. Your only issue will be getting me to stop….JC

We’re about to start our 5th year of the Kefalonia Flotilla it is no accident that it keeps popping up on our brochure covers, the last 4 to be precise. Is this a coincidence or is it because this area is so incredibly picturesque with a wonderful variety of places to visit, all in one flotilla?

Kefalonia

Many of the highlights of the area are on the island that gives the flotilla its name, Kefalonia (alias Cephalonia). The most famous stop is almost definitely Fiskardo, a beautiful village wrapped around a natural harbour marked by an ancient Venetian lighthouse. The village is noted for its pastel  Venetian buildings, winding streets and waterside tavernas and is known as the St Tropez of the Ionian with a star-studded cast. Further round to the west, under the shade of a Venetian castle, lies the small fishing village of Assos. It’s quite hard to describe just how beautiful is the colour combination of the turquoise sea, colourful houses and the dramatic wooded mountain scenery, so you’ll have to check it out yourself. Another must-see on the island is the famous Melissani Cave, with its amazing stalactites and stalagmites which you can visit from our base of Aghia Efymia.

Moderate Sailing – Level 2
Ideal For Families
Club And Flotilla Option
Combine Flotilla With RYA Tuition

Sail the kefalonia Flotilla

0208 324 3117

[email protected]

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Author Chris Lorenzo

We are delighted to announce our new flotilla and charter base in Greece for summer 2020 at Corinth, combining sailing in both the Saronic Gulf and the Gulf of Corinth.

Located just one hours drive south of Athens and giving a choice of two wonderful, yet very different sailing areas it is a unique base with a lot to offer. It is also next to the spectacular Corinth Canal.

With the base strategically positioned close to the west entrance of the Canal, Seafarer’s new flotilla ventures in both directions alternating between a week sailing east through the Corinth Canal to the islands of the Saronic Gulf and a week exploring the Gulf of Corinth to the west. A two week holiday combines both.  In the Saronic Gulf, islands such as Aegina, Aghistri, Poros and Hydra are all within easy reach as are some great stops on the Peloponnese coast such as Old Epidauros, Vathy and Methana.

In the Gulf of Corinth, it is quieter and the sailing winds more brisk. There are many interesting places to explore such as the little known Alkioni islands, Trizonia island and the historic Seafaring town of Galaxidi.

Another attraction to this area are the famous ancient sites ashore, such as the ancient oracle at Delphi and the famous Lion Gate and ruins of Agamemnon’s palace at Mycenae. The most impressive of these however is arguably the 2500 year old Amphitheatre at Epidauros, still in use today.

The area has something for everyone and is well served by flights from most places into Athens.

Seafarer veterans will remember the  Saronic Gulf was where Seafarer lainched it’s very first flotillas many moons ago,  and it was a firm favourite for many years, so we are delighted to be back, all be it with the enhancement of a transit of  the Corinth Canal and another great sailing area on the other side.

We look forward to welcoming you there soon.

Perhaps the question that comes up the most when we talk about sailing in Croatia is “We’ve heard it is beautiful, but it’s all marinas, right?”

Wrong! We’ve got more than a decade of experience under our belts, and we would love the chance to prove that assumption wrong!

A picture speaks a 1000 words, so here is lovely little Smokvica (“little fig” in Croatian) to show you what a Kornati islands “marina” looks like, oh, and by the way, this was taken yesterday (16th May 2019) just for the non-believers out there!

Yep, we know – loud, full of people, expensive….if you go without the local knowledge, that is…

Our base in Zaton

Either of our flotilla routes starts from our peaceful base – which is located in the sheltered approaches to the Krka River and is ideally and centrally located to explore the best of the Dalmatian Coast. Unlike a busy marina, our base is quiet, with most yachts looking out across the river.  A 10 minute stroll along the river leads to the small village of Zaton, which has all the amenities you need for the first and last night of your trip, with a supermarket, restaurants and bars. One of our favourite restaurants is located in Zaton, and we make use of their hospitality on the last night of the flotilla with a farewell meal, showcasing the local speciality, Peka, which is cooked under the hot coals in an outdoor fire.

Once the experienced local team have finished the briefings, its time to head out sailing, and depending upon the week, heading either north to the Kornati national park, or South towards Trogir and Split. One or other of the routes may appeal particularly if you are looking for either culture and history or alternatively national parks and the unspoilt Croatia, although of course the perfect choice would be to combine both routes in a two week holiday to experience the best of both.

The Kornati Route

The Iconic Krka Waterfalls

Our route heading north focuses on the Kornati National Park, often referred to as a “nautical paradise”. The park comprises 89 islands, islets and reefs and provides some excellent sailing and some beautiful spots from which to swim, relax and enjoy the unspoilt surroundings. Weather permitting, we avoid marinas entirely on this route, with a mixture of town quays and restaurant quays – very different from the regular image of busy marinas that pepper the coast and islands. We ease into the week in Zlarin, an island without cars giving a peaceful first night away from our base. Other stops on the route include Zminjak, a beautiful bay with a single restaurant – mooring is free, and the restaurant is excellent, with the bay providing the opportunity to enjoy an evening or morning swim in pristine waters. Smokvica next (photo above). After your free sail (with dozens of choices) its “friends reunited” in Skradin, and the trip to the falls.

The Trogir Route

Trogir, a “mini Dubrovnik”

Our Southern stops showcases the cultural and historic side of this beautiful coastline. The first of our favourites is Primosten, a small town dating back to the 16th century, originally strategically situated on an island – connected to the mainland by a movable bridge that has since been replaced with an embankment, turning it into a peninsula. The walled old town is stunning, and the views from the church at the top of the hill are well worth the climb through the cobbled streets. Rogoznica is next, on the way to Trogir, perhaps the biggest draw, and this UNESCO protected world heritage site has often been described as a “mini Dubrovnik” with a maze of cobbled streets, full of bars and restaurants, enclosed within the imposing city walls.

For the sailors

The winds in the area can be challenging at times, but the protected nature of the waters means that sailing is virtually guaranteed. The temperatures are idyllic during the summer months, with August high in the mid-thirties, although the breezes tend to keep the temperature manageable. Our experienced flotilla crew and local team know the area very well and ensure that any changes to the route are measured to keep everyone safe and enjoying the best that the Adriatic has to offer.

Sail The Dalmatian Islands Flotilla

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As we approach the summer season, we’ve been trying to keep you abreast of what’s new and exciting across our flotillas.

We have previously visited the Dalmatian Islands, The Lefkas Flotilla, The Sporades & The French Riviera.

So this week, we take a virtual trip to Kos and the Dodecanese Islands.

The Dodecanese has been a favourite sailing area of ours for quite a few years now as it allows us to run a flotilla with a bit more “real sailing” as well as all the usual Greek favourites.

We very much see this flotilla as the one to which you graduate after cutting your teeth in The Ionian. We fly to Kos, which is a great holiday destination in itself before you even consider it as a gorgeous sailing spot.

We get it, family or group holidays are a bit of a compromise operation and not everyone is a sailor… So, we’ve really raised our game when it comes to on-land excursions, trips and activities that don’t involve sailing!

Without wishing to sound too Brexit-y on today of all days, but these land-based activities should help you build a consensus around your European adventure!

We’ve teamed up with Kefalos Beach Club to give you a proper option to extend your stay in the Dodecanese after a week on flotilla. Kefalos Beach Club offers state of the art windsurfing in idyllic conditions as well as SUP’s kayaks and a small selection of dinghies.

Kefalos Beach Club

Take a trip to Stefanos Crater and the Volcanological museum in the village of Nikia on the volcanic island of Nysiros. While there hasn’t been an eruption since the 1880s. You can see the steam puffs and hear a crackle as you walk across the surface. Best leave the flip-flops on the boat!

Known as the island of colours, we suggest taking the 500-step meandering walk to the top where you will get a spectacular view of the island and the harbour. We recommend heading to the chapel of The Virgin Mary of the Castle, the highest point with the best views.

A visit to the Byzantine castle of Panteli will reward you with spectacular views of the Aegean.

For the divers amongst you, Leros is noted for its numerous wrecks, ships and aircraft from the 1943 battle for Leros. We can organise a wreck dive with our excellent local scuba diving partner.

In addition to all those options, we can point you in the right direction for your ‘free sailing’ days. In particular, we suggest you venture to the stunning island of Patmos and the monastery of St John the divine where he is reputed to have lived and written the book of revelation.

For anyone looking for an active day trip, we recommend a rock climbing trip on the island of Kalymnos which is very exciting. For those not looking to work up a sweat, why not take a trip to the local museum which looks into the island’s history of sponge divers.

Our start and finish point of Kos is of course famous as the island of Hippocrates the ancient Greek father of modern medicine. The extensive ruins of the Asklepieion are fascinating for all, but especially those from the medical profession. There is also an interesting museum on the site and our lead crew will organise a visit for all those interested.

With great sailing winds, an excellent fleet and so much to see and do, we think we’ve got a great balance here for keen sailors as well as culture vultures.

To find out about all this and much more, just give us a ring.

See you there!

Sail The Dodecanese Flotilla

As we approach the summer season, we thought it would be fun to keep you posted with the changes and improvements we’ve made to our flotillas for 2019.

We have previously visited the Dalmatian Islands, The Lefkas Flotilla & The French Riviera.

It’s Sporades Time!

The Sporades continues to be one of our most popular sailing areas, in no small part due to the near-perfect conditions: The Fresh Breezes, The uncrowded waters and the chance to do some ‘real’ sailing. We think this is the ideal step-up for someone who has been to the Ionian a few times and wants to make more use of their sailing skills.

The area gives a great mix of buzzing bays, stunning beaches, sleepy hamlets and authentic Greek Culture.

Fortunately, the wonderful area won’t change, the waters will be as crystal clear as ever and the food just as delicious. But there’s more to the Sporades than Sun, Swimming and Tavernas which is why we’ve really upped our game on land. We’ve also added some new yachts to the fleet, so book early to get your first choice yacht.

We know that many of you who go to the Sporades end up regretting the fact you only booked one week! We’ve now partnered up with Adrina Beach Hotel in order to offer you the chance to spend an extra few nights on land, exploring the area. The hotel has a Dive Centre, SUPs, a spa and a private beach. A touch of luxury.

Enjoy a 110-step walk to the world famous church of Agios Ioannis Kastri on Skopelos where a lot of the wedding scenes from Mamma Mia was filmed.

Take a trip on the iconic train on Mount Pelion [pictured] and simply enjoy the journey and the varied, stunning views on the way up. At the end of the journey we’ll point you in the direction of our favourite food stops!

Kyra Panagia is in the centre of a protected marine national park. We spend a night at anchor under the stars in a protected bay, with time to explore ashore.

In addition to these excursions, there will be opportunities to go scuba diving, or to hire a bike and do a cycling tour of some of our favourite islands. Our personal favourite, however, is snorkelling in the crystal clear waters!

To find out about all this and much more, just give us a ring.

See you in the Summer!

Visit Our Sporades Flotilla