and, for the irst time this year, is
ofering charters in Mexico, Belize
and Guatemala. heir two large
monohulls (Beneteau 50 and Dufour
48) are speciically chosen to make
the most of the fantastic trade wind
conditions in these areas, with each
having diferent cabin conigurations
to cater to diferent budgets.
Samantha Bartlett, owner and skipper,
explains: “he boats sail together so
the itineraries are the same, and a
group of between four and eight people
makes for some lively banter when
we socialise at overnight stops.”
Bartlettsaysmorethan90percent
of customers are singles: “We have
many returning guests and, ater eight
years,it’snicetoseesomeofthemnow
bringing along their new partners.
“We do stress, however, that our
holidaysarenot‘matchmaking’
trips–thereisnohintofa‘singles’
party atmosphere (although every
group is diferent!), just a focus on
sharing the experience of sailing in
the beautiful Caribbean islands.”CLOSER TO HOME
Travelling long haul is not the only way
to get a dose of adventure. Seafarer’s
cabin charter programme operating
in the Greek Isles allows you to book
by the cabin or berth on one of the
company’s three 52t yachts and take
in the Aegean or the Ionian Islands.
Although the yachts are skippered, there
is plenty of opportunity to take the helm
and get involved in navigation. “he
choice is yours, you can get involved
or just sit back, relax and take in the
scenery,” explains MD Chris Lorenzo.
Commenting on the single person’s
supplement, Lorenzo says: “One
can avoid the single supplement
with the opportunity to book a half-
twin share (bunk beds), though you
may end up sharing the cabin with
anothersolotravellerofthesame
sex.Alternativelyyoucansecurean
en suite cabin to yourself without
incurring a single supplement if
booking within 28 days of departure.”
For the total beginner, Seafarer
ofersweeklongRYAlearntosailFAR FLUNG CHARTERS
Spending a week or longer with a
group of strangers in a space not much
larger than the average sized kitchen
can sound challenging! But taking
a berth on a charter boat is one of
the best ways to integrate with like-
minded holidaymakers and, in many
cases, build up life-long friendships.
It is also a way to experience unique
opportunities and explore destinations
that are of the beaten track.
For those wishing to explore in
style, Dream Yacht Charter ofers an
all-inclusive cabin cruising package.
On board a premium standard
yacht, you can enjoy the luxury
of a private chef and professional
crew, in any one of 15 enticing
destinations, including the Paciic, the
Indian Ocean and the Bahamas.
Solo travel specialist, Sail for Singles
runs regular charters in Greee, Croatia
and the Balearics, but also schedules
additional one-of trips that are very
popular. Marina Vela explains: “We
head to the Caribbean every year; we
also participate in regattas and ofer
places on board. We will shortly publish
details of our Valencia-Gibraltar-Tenerife
crossing in December of this year and
our next Atlantic crossing, Tenerife-Cape
Verde-Martinique in January 2019.”
Sailing Nations provides sailing
holidays for solo travellers in the
20-40 age group. Exotic locations
on ofer include hailand, Cuba, the
BritishVirginIslandsandStMartin.
Founder Wolfram Zummach points
out: “All our tours are available
without any single supplements.”
YachtIbisCaribbeanAdventure
Sailing ofers interesting itineraries
between Trinidad and the BahamasAbove
Travelling solo
enables you to
have fun and do
your own thing
Below left
Building
confidence with
an instructor at the
helm; Wildwind
runs courses
for all abilities
Below right
Your skipper will
ensure there are
plenty ofways
PHOTOS: C/O OCEAN ELEMENTS; YACHT IBIS CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE; WILDWIND get involved
July 2018 Yachts & Yachting 73