Albatross

The spectacular Phang Nga Bay with its amazing limestone karsts became famous through the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”as well as Maya Bay where the movie “The Beach” was shot, starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Phuket, which lies at 7 degrees, 53 minutes north latitude and 98 degrees, 24 minutes, east longitude, is Thailand’s largest island and the ideal base for Thailand fleet.

There are hundreds of islands in the Andaman Sea to explore, countless miles of beaches fringed with swaying palm trees, shimmering emerald-colored seas, coral reefs, charming villages and simply dazzling scenery. For the busy professional and adventurous sailor in search of an unforgettable vacation, Thailand is among the finest, most interesting and beautiful places to sail in the world. Where else can you sail among the spectacular limestone pinnacles that jut above the waters of Phang-nga Bay? Yet, that’s just the beginning. Sailing approximately 28 nm southeast of Phuket brings you to the Phi Phi Islands, which have become one of southern Thailand’s favorite tourist destinations.

The most developed island, Phi Phi Don, is surrounded by astonishingly clear water. Stunning anchorages suitable for overnight stays and lunchtime stops abound. Many of the islands in this region are ringed with multi-colored coral reefs, which are rich in marine life so varied and vibrant, you will be tempted to spend all of your time in the water.

The Similan Islands are located about 54 nm northwest of Phuket. Just as towering limestone monoliths are a distinguishing geographical feature of southern Thailand, this group of nine islands (they have both names and numbers but are usually referred to by their number), are distinctive because they are made of granite covered by dense tropical jungle. In 1982, Thailand created a marine reserve called the Mu Koh Similan National Park to protect the region’s natural resources.

This group of islands is recognized internationally as one of the finest diving locations in the world. The same volcanic eruptions that created such dramatic island landscapes eons ago, also created equally dramatic underwater seascapes. Divers have even given the best sites colorful names such as, East Of Eden, Donald Duck Bay,

Chinese Wall, Boulder City and Deep Six. A this sailing vacation offers a multitude of scenic and secure anchorages, pristine white-sand beaches, rugged uninhabited islands, and lively nightlife and resorts. The warm, hospitable people of Thailand enhance the enjoyment of a Phuket yacht charter, making the sailing adventure even more memorable in a nation often called the Land of Smiles.

This intriguing land which was out of bounds for half a century is now welcoming more and more curious visitors. Now is the best time to see Cuba in her true colours. The sailing community is receiving increasing support from the government. There are around 20 marinas and nautical centres offering good services and welcoming yachts under all flags.

Lying less than 100 miles from Key West, Florida, the Cuban archipelago is composed of the principal island of Cuba and countless ‘cayos’ and rocky islets. The varied landscape is made up of inland mountains and inland agricultural valleys fringed by supreme beaches on the south side. This once Spanish colony blends its European influences with a South American spice that’s as tasty as salsa and hot as a salsa dance.

Cienfuegos, one of Cuba’s largest and most prosperous cities. Colourful colonial streets with a seaside vibe weave around what is known as the Paris of Cuba, thanks to its French flair. Packed with waterside attractions and entertainment hot spots, this nautical hub has places to eat, drink and dance. It’s great for shopping and soaking up Cuban culture.

Catamarans are an excellent charter choice here getting you closer to the beautiful beaches along a coast which currently offers an adventure into the relatively unknown with longer cruising distances and exhilarating winds best suited to experienced sailors.

The exposed top of a submerged mountain ridge, the Maldives is the lowest country on earth, with an average height above sea level of just one to three meters (three to six feet). The islands have long been a welcome sight on the horizon among mariners, positioned as they are along ancient trade routes and sea-lanes. Now, as then, sailors are welcomed by Maldivians and find shelter from the Indian Ocean among its countless protected, deep-water anchorages.

Maldivians trace their roots to several different cultures including South and Southeast Asians, Africans, and Arabians. The nation converted to Islam in 1153, but those religious beliefs are melded into the fabric of Maldivian life along with the folklore and supernatural beliefs attributed to islands’ first settlers. Cultural diversity can be seen in everything from music to boat building. Music is frequently played with a local bodu-beru, or big drum, that is quite similar to African drumming. And the Maldivian dhoni, a sailboat built locally by skilled craftsmen, is strikingly similar to a dhow, the traditional Arabian sailing vessel.

Our base is on the main island of Male’, which is the perfect spot to begin a sailing tour of this remarkable country. If your definition of paradise is a lifestyle stripped to the basic essentials of whether the sky is blue and the sun is shining, where the toughest question to answer is if the beach now astern is more beautiful than the one ahead, one word will suffice in describing the Maldives. Perfection. Our itineraries will introduce you to astonishingly lovely white powder sand beaches on one island after another. Some feature local fishing villages you can tour, others are home to elegant resorts with facilities our charterers are welcome to use, and many are uninhabited.

The snorkeling and diving, shelling and abundance of marine life are all beyond compare in water the temperature of a relaxing bath. For honeymooners, sun worshipers, divers, or simply salty dogs in search of new cruising grounds, incredible memories and wonderful stories, the Maldives have everything one could want in an unforgettable sailing vacation.