2020 BOATING GUIDE


When it comes to off-shore sailing, your first choice is between the calmer Mediterranean and the wilder blue of the Atlantic Boatbookings


Grace the waters of the French Riviera or Corsica on a choice of crewed motor yachts, sailing yachts and catamarans – as bareboats or day charters. The latter are the most popular along the French Riviera, with the company’s Cannes to Saint- Tropez trips making for an especially memorable day out. Corsica, meanwhile, provides outstanding cruising against a backdrop of stunning rocky scenery and white beaches. The island’s west coast is highly recommended, as its numerous points of interest are close together, providing ample opportunities for short, sunny bursts of sailing in between stops. With no keel to fret over, a catamaran is best for those wishing to anchor closer to the shore for snorkelling and swimming, and they are generally more comfortable overnight,


especially if there happens to be a slight breeze in the air. www.boatbookings.com Tel. +44 (0)20 7193 5450 charter@boatbookings.com


Clearwater Sailing


Clearwater Sailing is a family-run business based in the UK and offering sailing trips, holidays and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses around France. The company is committed to helping folk fall in love with the art of sailing. There’s the option to charter a berth, a double cabin or the whole boat, depending on how ambitious you’re feeling; and everything else – provision of the yacht, bedding and cooking – will be done for you, while the skipper and crew sail the boat. And the best part of it all? You can get involved as much or as little as you like. Grind the winches, trim the genny, haul up the spinny for a race against the


Coolsailing


Many have fallen for the tenacious charm of France’s coastlines when out on the ocean. We can’t deny that there’s something spellbinding about watching the shore recede while you’re rolling with the waves. If you’re umming and aahing about your first venture onto the big blue, consider Coolsailing. This experienced boat rental company, having operated since 1998, organises cruising with or without a skipper, depending on your experience. Have a boat licence? Simply pick from a large selection of catamarans, monohulls, motorboats, gulets and luxury yachts, and set sail


wind… But don’t worry, nobody’s going to judge you if you simply kick back on deck and relax. www.clearwatersailing.co.uk Tel. +44 (0)7 979 537 648 info@clearwatersailing.co.uk


with your friends and family for the weekend before leaving for a night crossing home. Not only does this unique trip provide experience with navigating busy shipping lanes by day and night, and safely berthing in ports, but it also gives you a chance to dine in local restaurants and delight in this region’s outstanding cuisine, with its robust meat dishes, seafood and creamy cheeses. Potential coastal skippers or yachtmasters could even see this as an opportunity to complete a 60-mile qualifying passage. www.nomadsailing.co.uk Tel. +44 (0)1424 461185


OceanBLUE Yachts This yacht charter company sweeps passengers and aspiring captains off to the sumptuous Côte d’Azur, and Corsica, which makes an excellent cruising destination for a crewed yacht charter, bareboat or skippered


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IMAGE © OCEAN BLUE


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