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Sailing Vacations
Author: Mac Herrison
A sailing vacation is a great way to have the vacation of lifetime. The possibilities are endless since you can sail wherever there is open water. One of the more popular sailing vacations that you can find on the Pacific Ocean can be found off the coast of Washington and British Columbia. If you are new to sailing you can learn to sail while enjoying the wonderful views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands. For approximately $950 during the months of May to October you can learn how to handle a sailboat with the safety of an instructor before planning your next sailing vacation.

If you choose to sail in this region, you will be in the Pacific Northwest banana belt. People call it this because the climate is mild and the scenery is unmatched. The San Juan's and Gulf Islands offer an abundance of sheltered coves where you can anchor overnight. You won't be able to take your eyes of all the gorgeous scenery during the daytime.

While you are learning to sail you can enjoy several activities on shore such as visits to small villages, a beer at a local inn, stops at remote islands, and a luxurious massage at a local spa. If you keep your eyes open while you are sailing along you may be able to spot an Orca whale that is passing by since this area of the world is home to these amazing whales. Other wildlife that you should keep your eyes open for are otters, bald eagles, seals, porpoises, and other birds of the ocean.

Be sure and find the sailing excursion that is just right for you. Wonderful accommodations await you when you board a sailing craft in Washington or British Columbia. They usually sleep four people in two double cabins. If you choose to dine onboard rather than going to an onshore restaurant, your chef will prepare scrumptious meals for your enjoyment. This is the perfect ocean trip for the novice sailor preparing for bigger adventures in far off ports of call.

For a sailing vacation in more foreign waters a great location is the British Virgin Islands. This area is a great sailing vacation for newly weds and for couples who want a romantic, yet adventurous trip, to make lasting memories. The weather of the British Virgin Islands is warm and sunny, and the clear Caribbean waters will soothe your skin as you take a swim off the side of your sailing vessel. Have lunch on board the sailing ship before napping in the sun off the side deck. You'll have the vacation of a life-time when you board one of the many sailing boats that can be found in the British Virgin Islands.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Mac Harrison is the chief editor for Sailing Etc, a fantastic resource for information about Sailing , For more articles on Sailing why not visit: www.sailinge.com/articles

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Caribbean Sailing Charters – Not Just For The Experienced Sailor
Author: Peter Leigh
Caribbean sailing charters are not all designed for those with sailing experience. If you want to charter the sailboat or yacht on your own, you will need to provide proof that you can handle the boat. You don't necessarily need to have a license, because many companies regard years of experience in sailing as better than having a certificate. You can book a sailing charter just for the relaxation of sailing. There are also Caribbean sailing charters that will teach you everything you need to know about sailing.

When you decide to take sailing lessons through one of the Caribbean sailboat charters, you will have an experience captain as your instructor. These lessons are designed for the whole family so that the next time you want to enjoy Caribbean sailing charters you can take the sailboat on your own. When you use this opportunity to learn about sailing, it will take you only one week to complete the basic course. If you wish to charter a sailboat in the Caribbean for sailing lessons you have to do on a single hulled sailboat. These lessons are not available here for catamarans.

When you book one of the Caribbean sailing charters you will want to know what is and what is not included with your booking. All of the bed linens, towels and kitchen equipment is standard fare on the bareboat sailboats. You will also have a VHF, boat phone, a cruising guide of the Caribbean and all the charts you need for sailing these waters. The basic navigation equipment, such as binoculars, safety equipment and first aid kit, is also included in Caribbean sailboat charters. You will get a full tank of fuel and water and you are expected to return the sailboat with the tanks refilled.

Some of the Caribbean sailing charters include snorkelling and diving gear with the charter. Others require you to rent this equipment if you need it. You should check out the different sailboat charter companies that offer charters to the Caribbean to see which one has all the equipment that you need for your vacation. If you choose a bareboat charter, you will have to supply your own food and if you want a captain, you also have to supply the captain's meals. On the luxury Caribbean sailboat charters, all the food and drink is included in the price as well as the cost of hiring the crew.

Caribbean sailing charters offer you the opportunity to see the Caribbean at your own pace. You set the itinerary and spend as long as you like in one place. Go ashore to shop at the markets and take in the unique culture of each of the Caribbean islands. Once you book one Caribbean sailing charter, you will be so enchanted that you will dream of the day when you can take another.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

To find out more about Sailing Vacations visit Peter's Website Your Sailing Vacation and find out about Luxury Yacht Charters and more, including Caribbean Yacht Charters, Crewed Yacht Charters, Bareboat Charters and Florida Charters.

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Selecting the Right Boat Broker
Author: Captain Marty Ward
When you're interested in listing your boat for sale, selecting the right boat broker is the key to having an easy and effortless transaction. To help you find the boat broker who is right for you, follow these ten tips. Any broker can take your listing and advertise your boat in the trade magazines. But the best brokers have an undeniable passion for boats and boating. Make sure any boat broker you're considering meets all ten of these criteria and you're bound to have a quick and easy sale:

1. Is affiliated with an established brokerage firm. Reputation is key in this industry, where fly-by-night brokerage firms are a dime a dozen. Make sure the broker you select is affiliated with a reputable, long-standing firm, with a history of at least 20 years in the business. Bigger is definitely better – the more boats a firm has listed, the more potential customers will be looking at your boat. Make sure the firm is licensed and insured. Ask to see their certificates before you sign on the bottom line.

2. Offers free appraisals of boats. Nothing is harder for a broker than trying to sell an overpriced boat. On the other hand, nothing is more frustrating for a seller than feeling like you're not getting the best value for your boat. The best boat brokers are experienced enough to provide an honest evaluation of your boat's condition. This allows them to quickly establish a fair-market value for the boat, from their own experience and current market trends, so you receive top dollar and a quicker sale.

3. Is a savvy negotiator. Experienced boat brokers know what the market will stand. They know what the typical margin is for offers and counteroffers. They can steer you away from frustrating interactions with buyers and sellers before they happen and they can keep small obstacles from becoming deal-breakers.

4. Uses a Central Listing Agreement. To maximize your exposure, you want a broker who has an incentive to sell your boat. A Central Listing Agreement establishes a one-on-one relationship with your broker, and outline's the broker's commitment to advertising, promoting, and co-brokering the sale of your boat.

5. Has a solid network of brokerage contacts. Good brokers establish and maintain positive working relationships with other reputable brokers to give you the maximum exposure to potential buyers. They enlist other brokers to show your boat, no matter where it's located, to facilitate a quick sale.

6. Has long-term, established connections with boaters. Boaters like personal relationships. They like buying boats from people they know, trust, and respect. The more boaters your broker knows, the larger your pool of potential buyers. The best brokers have a lifetime of industry contacts, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Look for a broker who has established contacts in the boating industry. These contacts may come from a wide range of places: teaching classes, owning and operating a sailing school, being active in boating-related charitable activities, crewing for racing teams, being active in Olympic-related boating events, etc.

7. Has hands-on boating experience. A broker who has spent time aboard sailboats and yachts can more easily point out to potential buyers how the benefits of your boat match their desires. They can also give you quick and easy pointers for minor "fix-ups" on your boat that will create enormous additional value for a buyer.

8. Has a history of going "above and beyond." Being a good broker takes more than sharp sales skills. Good brokers have a history of going that extra mile for their customers. But don't just take a broker's word for their commitment to you. Select a broker who has gone "above and beyond" in their personal life and you're guaranteed to find a broker who will do the same for you.

9. Is driven to succeed and to support the success of others. A competitive edge is important in a boat broker. It's equally important that your broker has a desire to create a win-win situation so both the seller and the buyer come away from the transaction feeling valued and satisfied. Look for evidence that your boat broker is both competitive and a team player, such as taking part in racing events, as both crew and support personnel.

10. Is willing to point out the strengths of your boat and offers possible solutions to any problem areas. The best brokers won't sugar coat the condition of your boat, just to get your listing. They'll be the first to point out areas that might be "stoppers" for a potential buyer. They will also work with you to design a strategy that includes possible solutions you're comfortable with so these "stoppers" don't become deal breakers. This way, your broker can help you sell your boat more quickly, in a manner that makes financial sense to you.

About the Author

Marty Ward is a yacht broker with Bollman Yachts. Sailing since 1963, Ward has cruised and raced from Maine to Bermuda, including as a member of the winning 2000 Rolex team. She has served on racing committees including the Melges, and the Olympic Yngling trials. For a free, no-risk appraisal of your boat, contact Marty at 954-761-1122 or via email at marty@bollmanyachts.com

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Great Lakes Sonnig Cruise
Author: Kriss Hammond
Great Lakes Sonnig Cruise

Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cruise02/greatlakes/columbus/columbus.html

The Great Lakes were formed ten thousand years ago by retreating glaciers. The sweet water seas of the Great Lakes are one of the newest, yet also one of the oldest cruise destinations in the world. Seven night cruises started here over a century ago with palatial ships such as the "North Land " and "North West", and today cruisers are only now rediscovering the beauty and excitement of the region.

Sailing on the Great Lakes, passengers enjoy a new port of call every day, visiting small picturesque towns, turn-of-the-(20th)century resorts, or a historic city with magnificent galleries and architecture. Some of the things that can be enjoyed along the route include: world class theatre, salmon fishing, First People dancing and drumming, or hiking through woodland glades.

The largest cruise ship on the Lakes system may come to you as a surprise, because it is a German company called Hapag-Lloyd, well-known for one of the most luxurious cruise liners, the Europa, rated the best in the world for the last five years. Hapag-Lloyd is a subsidiary of the world's largest tourism group — TUI. On the Great Lakes the line sets sail with a wonderful Three Star ship called the C. Columbus, which has been plying these waters for over five years.

Recently the M/S Columbus won awards for World's Best Ship in the Great Lakes from Berlitz Publishing's Ocean Cruise and Cruise Ships 2005, by Douglas Ward; it also won an award for Best Cruise Ship from Luthansa City Center.

I race down the old Navy Pier in Chicago, dodging the tourists who are nonchalantly strolling the attractions, restaurants, and vendors, and at the end of the pier is my ship. As I board C. Columbus I am immediately given a Willkommen au Bord like a member of the family. The German crew is crisp in speech, manner, and demeanor, but the smiling faces are beguiling witnesses to a crew of fun people. I meet the ship's Director of Hotel Operations, Stefan Doktor, while checking in. He assures me that my starboard bow cabin is one of the nicest outside staterooms. with a large oval window for a porthole. My bags are silently whisked off.

All-in-all there are 134 outside cabins on the ship, all at about 162 square feet, but they must have had a German feng shui expert design the layout because even though my cabin is compact, it is roomy and easy to walk around in. There are also eight suites onboard, two of which have a balcony. There are also 63 inside cabins at 140 square feet that are often sharply discounted. My cabin (kat in German) has an adequate bathroom with an expansive shower, complete with botanical shampoos and a hairdryer. Other ensuite amenities include mini bar, safe, telephone (that ialso serves as the ship intercom for relaying the day's events), color TV, and generous wardrobe space. The two twin beds make a wonderful king bed when squeezed together. All inside cabins has separate beds. My Philippina housekeeper keeps me in stock with fresh towels and nightly turn down chocolates.

That evening, while dining in the Main Salon, C. Columbus barks a honk and we are off across Lake Michigan to Traverse City. There is only one sitting at the huge restaurant and I immediately make new friends with Sonnig, which in German means sunny. The blond, lithe German lass is a delightful rainbow of sunny smiles, and I later learn her name is but a nickname; everyone on board loves her fresh, energetic style. The food is fantastic in the restaurant or Main Salon, and the wine cellar is superb. The Maitre d' continuously circles the two sides of the restaurant making sure all guests are well received and satiated. He arrives at my table, clicks his heels, bows, and smiles. All crew members speak excellent English. Any special diets require a three week advance notice before sailing. Dining is casual — only the Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners call for something more formal — a cocktail dress for the ladies and jacket and tie for the gentlemen.

C. Columbus also has the Showtime/Lounge Bar for nightly entertainment by the Allegro Band, and the Palmgarten Bar off the Sonnendeck (Sun Deck) on the sixth deck is kept lively during the day, as guests play games, listen to music, and are served drinks and casual dining. The Galleria is a cozy seating area.

To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cruise02/greatlakes/columbus/columbus.html

Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

About the Author

Kriss Hammong, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.

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"How To Navigate the Bewildering Array of Internet Cruise Deals"
Author: John Williams
Why do people love cruises ? Why do so many cruise
vacationers swear they wouldn't go back to hotel vacations
? Cruise travel represents a pinnacle of luxury. You
travel around the world, or your chosen area, in cosseted
pleasure.

Every whim gets catered for. Every time you're hungry,
food awaits. You go ashore to sightsee a new place, but
return to your own bed every night. A floating hotel,
travelling to a new location every day.

But how do you choose your cruise deal ? How do you know
what's good or bad ? Firstly, let's look at the different
types of cruises.

* Size

Ships range from city size ('000s of people) right down to
small sailing vessels holding less than 10 people.

* Location

Your choice of ship might depend on location. If you're
cruising the Caribbean, you could try a sailing ship. If
you want a world tour, you probably should go for something
bigger ?

Some of the newer ships from the major cruise operators
allow you to cruise the world in luxury. Their high-tech
stabilizers mean your wine barely ripples, even in rough
seas.

So for smaller cruises in benign weather e.g Caribbean or
Med, you can choose large or small. For longer cruises,
such as an Atlantic crossing, Arctic visit etc., you need a
big ship.

* Price

Prices vary dramatically. Only a few years ago, cruises
were an expensive luxury. Now prices fall within any
vacation budget. In fact, all inclusive special cruise
deals can be much cheaper than land-based vacations. For
less than a 5* hotel, you can get 7-days all inclusive in a
luxury location.

* Internet

How do you find these great deals ? As always, use the
Internet. Sure, call your local travel agent, or respond
to newspaper ads, but you'll find the best deals online.

There's only a limited number of cruise ships. So you'll
find exactly the same cabin standard, exactly the same food
deal, for widely varying prices.

Try to narrow down your preferred location before starting.
How long do you want to go for ? Then start searching the
web. Try 'cheap cruises deals' for a search term, and see
what comes up. Immediately, you'll be faced with a
bewildering array of choices.

Click on a few of these search results sites. Read some
advice and info. Get an idea of prices to your preferred
location.

When you've seen some deals you like. When you've seen at
least three different deals to your preferred location.
When you're tempted to book right there & then. Stop !

Before you book, you must seperate the wheat from the
chaff. That bewildering array's about to become clear.
Put the cruise company name into your search engine. Put
the destination into the search engine. You're looking for
reviews. You're looking for feedback from other people
who've been with that cruise company. You're looking for
reviews about your destination.

Do this for each of your cruise vacation shortlist. Check
there's no hidden catches. Check price fully includes
everything, and you won't be stung for lots of onboard
extras.

Follow these simple guidelines, and you'll soon be
embarking on the cruise of your dreams.

===========================================================
Discover valuable cruise information, advice and great
special deals. Go to
==> http://www.cheapcruisesdeals.com/

** Attention eZine editors / Site owners ** Feel free to
reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on
your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not
modify the content and include our resource box as listed
above.

If you do use the material please send me a note so I can
take a look.. mailto:john@cheapcruisesdeals.com Check out
other great articles at
http://www.cheapcruisesdeals.com/articles.htm

About the Author

==========================================================
"How To Navigate the Bewildering Array of Internet Cruise
Deals"

- by John Williams

© DigiLectual Inc. 2004
http://www.cheapcruisesdeals.com/
===========================================================

...

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"How To Navigate the Bewildering Array of Internet Cruise Deals"
Author: John Williams
Why do people love cruises ? Why do so many cruise
vacationers swear they wouldn't go back to hotel vacations
? Cruise travel represents a pinnacle of luxury. You
travel around the world, or your chosen area, in cosseted
pleasure.

Every whim gets catered for. Every time you're hungry,
food awaits. You go ashore to sightsee a new place, but
return to your own bed every night. A floating hotel,
travelling to a new location every day.

But how do you choose your cruise deal ? How do you know
what's good or bad ? Firstly, let's look at the different
types of cruises.

* Size

Ships range from city size ('000s of people) right down to
small sailing vessels holding less than 10 people.

* Location

Your choice of ship might depend on location. If you're
cruising the Caribbean, you could try a sailing ship. If
you want a world tour, you probably should go for something
bigger ?

Some of the newer ships from the major cruise operators
allow you to cruise the world in luxury. Their high-tech
stabilizers mean your wine barely ripples, even in rough
seas.

So for smaller cruises in benign weather e.g Caribbean or
Med, you can choose large or small. For longer cruises,
such as an Atlantic crossing, Arctic visit etc., you need a
big ship.

* Price

Prices vary dramatically. Only a few years ago, cruises
were an expensive luxury. Now prices fall within any
vacation budget. In fact, all inclusive special cruise
deals can be much cheaper than land-based vacations. For
less than a 5* hotel, you can get 7-days all inclusive in a
luxury location.

* Internet

How do you find these great deals ? As always, use the
Internet. Sure, call your local travel agent, or respond
to newspaper ads, but you'll find the best deals online.

There's only a limited number of cruise ships. So you'll
find exactly the same cabin standard, exactly the same food
deal, for widely varying prices.

Try to narrow down your preferred location before starting.
How long do you want to go for ? Then start searching the
web. Try 'cheap cruises deals' for a search term, and see
what comes up. Immediately, you'll be faced with a
bewildering array of choices.

Click on a few of these search results sites. Read some
advice and info. Get an idea of prices to your preferred
location.

When you've seen some deals you like. When you've seen at
least three different deals to your preferred location.
When you're tempted to book right there & then. Stop !

Before you book, you must seperate the wheat from the
chaff. That bewildering array's about to become clear.
Put the cruise company name into your search engine. Put
the destination into the search engine. You're looking for
reviews. You're looking for feedback from other people
who've been with that cruise company. You're looking for
reviews about your destination.

Do this for each of your cruise vacation shortlist. Check
there's no hidden catches. Check price fully includes
everything, and you won't be stung for lots of onboard
extras.

Follow these simple guidelines, and you'll soon be
embarking on the cruise of your dreams.

===========================================================
Discover valuable cruise information, advice and great
special deals. Go to
==> http://www.cheapcruisesdeals.com/

** Attention eZine editors / Site owners ** Feel free to
reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on
your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not
modify the content and include our resource box as listed
above.

If you do use the material please send me a note so I can
take a look.. mailto:john@cheapcruisesdeals.com Check out
other great articles at
http://www.cheapcruisesdeals.com/articles.htm

About the Author

==========================================================
"How To Navigate the Bewildering Array of Internet Cruise
Deals"

- by John Williams

© DigiLectual Inc. 2004
http://www.cheapcruisesdeals.com/
===========================================================

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