IntersailClub sailing destinations in the Atlantic Ocean? The hedonistic hotspot of Ibiza has had a shakeup in the last few years. Sure, you can still go for the epic nightlife and parties, but dedicate a few days of your superyacht vacation to exploring the burgeoning health and wellness scene that’s sweeping the White Isle. Drop anchor at Playa d’en Bossa, then head to Beachouse for a sunrise yoga session on the sand. Lunch calls for a trip inland to Aubergine, a farm-to-table restaurant in the midst of olive groves and pine trees (ask your charter broker about calling ahead to book a car). Discover additional details at IntersailClub.

The Ionian Islands are a great choice for a yacht holiday – as the sailing time between islands is short. Sailing here is also well sheltered, with easy holding anchorages. This allows for more time to be enjoyed onshore. The Ionian Islands include the legendary Corfu and Paxos, among 5 other islands. Each destination here is loaded with its own unique charm and drawcards. Between the sheer natural beauty and the wonderful Greek towns – the Ionian Islands is always a favourite cruising ground in this country. Discover the Mallorca’s Balearic Islands and swim in their crystal-clear waters or book an Ibiza yacht charter cruise to discover sheltered, hidden coves and enjoy the best sunsets you’ll ever see. With more than 6,000 islands, Greece is an ideal destination for sailing. From ancient ruins and breathtaking culture to incredible cuisine, idyllic villages, endless olive groves, and turquoise waters, Greece offers countless opportunities for fun and relaxation.

A luxury sailing yacht charter creates the opportunity for an uplifting and memorable escape, with the salt on your skin and the wind in your hair. Delivering access to remote bays and inlets due to a generally shallower draft than a motor yacht, sailing yachts also offer unparalleled tranquillity, with ultimate reliance upon the wind. Romantic, liberating and exciting, a charter on a sailing yacht is the ultimate getaway to fuel your deepest passion for the ocean. From the perfect winds and sailing conditions, to the best hidden bays and secret spots to discover, we have highlighted some of the top global locations to fully relish the opportunity of chartering a sailing yacht.

The type of charter contract applicable to your charter will depend on where in the world you are cruising, as there are various terms within the industry which dictate how the payment structure is determined. For instance, a MYBA (Worldwide Yachting Association, formerly known as Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) contract operates under Western Mediterranean Terms (WMT) and is arguably the most commonly used, particularly with large yachts embarking on a Mediterranean yacht charter. This contract is often referred to as a “plus all expenses” contract and requires that the charterer pay for fuel, food, beverages and dockage fees as an additional expense outside of the base charter fee. Typically, guests can accumulate an additional 25% to 50% of the base charter fee though this is dependent on what is consumed. These expenses can be tracked through the use of an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) which we will cover in the next section. Three different 30-metre charter yachts may vary in cost by as much as 75,000 Euros. Ask your broker to explain the differences. One yacht may have a larger and more experienced crew or a big-name chef, another yacht may be a little tired, another may not be in a prime location. It’s important to understand why the prices are higher or lower.

Sailing tip of the day: Overlaying radar on the chart helps to interpret the display! The biggest problem most of us face when interpreting radar is lack of familiarity. We go about our daily business most of the year, then come aboard, hit the fog and turn it on. Unfortunately, unlike GPS, AIS and the rest, radar is more of a conversation between the operator and the instrument, so it’s not surprising we have trouble interpreting the picture. When I’m motoring, I, therefore, make a practice of keeping my radar transmitting even in good visibility and running an overlay on the chartplotter to keep me familiar with its drawbacks. The image above, for example, clearly shows that what the radar sees may not stack up with what the chart is telling me. Note how the trace seems mysteriously to end halfway up the coast. So it does, but that’s because the echo returning from high cliffs in the south gets lost when the land falls away to lower-lying estuarial terrain. The echo ends either because the flat shoreline isn’t providing a good enough target, or because the coast falls below the scanner’s visual horizon.

Another beautiful Greek sailing route takes you through the less famous Sporades islands which are located off the East coast. There are eleven islands in total but if you start at Volos or Skiathos, you’ve got a good chance of visiting quite a few. Known as the emerald of the Aegean, expect rich vegetation, unspoiled green-blue waters and a more traditional way of life. Highlights include the picturesque island of Skopelos, the party-island Skiathos and the Marine Park of Alonissos which is dotted with secret coves.

At the moment, the official event calendar for summer 2021 gives as confirmed some parties in July-September period. Events organised under the most strict anti-Covid measures and with limited assistance so, most likely it will be possible to enjoy, even if not 100%, discotheques and clubbing. Ibiza, the second smallest of the Balearic Islands, is one of the world’s most attractive islands, a gathering point for countless celebrities from the worlds of fashion, cinema, music and sport. The wonderful thing about the so called “White Island” is that it has as many faces and provides as many options as visitors can desire: beautiful safe white sand beaches, cosy coves, a relaxing inland with rural villages, lively coast towns with a rich heritage and the best nightlife you could ever dream of. Cala Xuclá is one of the smallest and most secluded beaches on Ibiza. You won’t find flashy beach bars, washrooms or watersports in this tiny cove, which backs onto a dense and aromatic pine forest instead of a busy promenade. Fishermen still store their boats in little enclaves carved into the pink and red rocks that surround the beach, providing a rustic contrast to the fancy vessels seen moored off Ibiza’s more mainstream beaches. The underwater landscapes at Xuclá are just as rugged as its countryside, making it excellent for snorkelling. The last year was a year we stayed at home. It was the year of coronavirus anxiety, canceled plans, and severe lifestyle changes. With 2020 finally behind us, many of us are hoping for our lives to get back to what we know as ‘normal’: the life without facemasks and fear of illness. Life with schools, offices, restaurants open, and social gatherings and travel plans as things to look forward to. If you cannot wait to pack up and go again, let us show you the destinations that will make you forget about your daily stresses. Start planning your Mediterranean yacht cruise in 2021 in some of Europe’s most secluded locations of blissful beauty. A summer sailing trip in the Mediterranean Sea is a dream vacation that can quickly come true.