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Topical Island Sailing Adventures aboard the Suwan Macha from Phuket
Imagine this! A sun-drenched shimmering sea of emerald green studded abundantly with exotic islands streaked with powder-white sandy beaches and harboring unseen lagoons and secret coves. Sounds like a fantasy land, a scene from Peter Pan but this is the sailing ground for a 4 day sailing adventure on board the Suwan Macha in Thailand; paradise it is, fantasy it is not.
This short sailing holiday takes places on board the Suwan Macha, an Asian rigged traditional junk with characteristic burnt sienna sails that today navigates a route from Phuket Thailand to Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands before reversing her cruise to go back to Phuket with a new set of fortunate sailors over another 4 day heavenly family boat trip among the off-lying tropical islands of Phuket.
The Suwan Macha
With 5 cabins, the Suwan Macha can host up to 10 guests and sails with a experienced skipper and crew. Things are personal, slightly intimate but relaxed on-board this traditional junk which blends Asian world charm with Western creature comforts.
The Suwan Macha just emphasizes the fairy tale backdrop and watching the boat is almost dream-like as this imposing Oriental yacht sails majestically atop the green sea displaying an entirely ageless profile of lines and contrasting colours. Thousands of travellers to Thailand flock to Phuket annually and a few take to the seas to visit the plethora of off-lying islands by day or on live-aboard diving boats but very few get the chance to experience this exotic island cruise free from the crowds and in complete harmony with the surroundings.
While salvagers have scowered the seas for hidden treasure, the Suwan Macha is bounty in itself and a junk sailing cruise that takes you to explore and discover natural treasures like hidden lagoons, secret sandy coves, mangrove forests and a small community of Sea Gypsies that still exist segregated and independent from the general population of Thailand.
Suwan Macha Adventure Sailing
This tropical island sailing cruise can be done from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay and onto Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands or in reverse; the former departs on Saturdays and the latter on Tuesdays but either way the cruise begins from the front door of your Phuket hotel. If you take the reverse cruise we collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the ferry which whisks you from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands where you will board the Suwan Macha.
Cast off, Castaway and James Bond (Day 1)
But let’s set out from your Phuket hotel and join the Suwan Macha after a short drive to the Phuket Yacht Haven where she is moored. Departure time is 2pm and you will be onboard with plenty of time to spare. Mooring lines are cast-off and the Suwan Macha plots a route for Phang Nga Bay weaving her way through towering limestone karsts and edging ever closer to the ever popular James Bond island that was put firmly on the chart in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). Otherwise known as Koh Tapu the island is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park and after taking time to explore the island the day trippers flee for home leaving the Suwan Macha in tranquil harmony. Drop anchor, kick back and prepare for a picture postcard sunset before enjoying a feast of Thai food for dinner taken on the teak decks.
Sea Gypsy’s, Hidden Lagoons and Powder White Beaches (Day 2)
There is nothing quite like waking up on a sailing yacht (or junk!), coming up on deck to experience Nature in all her glory and in amongst the rock karsts of Ao Phang Nga National Park, the visual impact is awe-inspiring. Breakfast is served on-deck before guests are invited to explore a unique Sea Gypsy Village and experience a boat ride through the mangroves in search of hidden lagoons.
After visiting the Sea Gypsy’s, sail onwards and southwards to the clear azure waters of Krabi. This is time to stretch out on the sun-soaked decks whilst enjoying icy cold cocktails and the panoramic splendour of the tropical seascape. Today also hammers home the real advantage of yacht sailing as the Suwan Macha discovers deserted powder-white beaches for swimming, snorkeling and some private sun-bathing.
As the afternoon draws to an end guests are treated to their second Andaman Sea Sunset followed by a table laden with Thai Food to enjoy beneath the stars on-deck.
Yacht Sailing from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands (Day 3)
Another morning, one more anchorage, one more feast for the senses topped-up with breakfast on-deck! The theme today is Tropical Island hopping. The final destination is Koh Phi Phi but between there and the anchorage in Krabi are scattered many smaller islands and a chance to snorkel, swim and sunbathe occur in series.
Once at Koh Phi Phi, guests have a chance to go on shore to explore before returning to yacht in time to catch their final Andaman sunset aboard the Suwan Macha followed by the now ubiquitous smorgasbord of Thai food served up on-deck.
The Beach, the Bay and Return (Day 4)
As Koh Tapu became a lure for tourism after being featured in The Man with the Golden Gun, Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley captivated viewers movie-goers by its awesome, hypnotic and mesmerizing beauty when it became the backdrop in the 2000 drama film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Maya Bay is the final destination for the Suwan Macha 4 day cruise.
Regrettably Maya Bay now magnetizes boatload after boatload of tourists on a daily basis who descend on “The Beach” for a glimpse of paradise. Having anchored in close proximity, the Suwan Macha has the upper-hand though and by making an early morning visit guests are spared the lifejacket-clad hordes.
After visiting Maya Bay and exploring the cave guests of the Suwan Macha take lunch on Koh Phi Phi before returning to Phuket by ferry.
Sailing Adventures from Phuket
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is bathed by the Andaman Sea. Most holiday-makers know Phuket for its entertainment value and it resounds with opportunities for adventure sports, eco adventures and recreational activities, embracing both water sports and outdoor adventures on land. Phuket is also famous for its nightlife, in places somewhat decadent, but that scene is contained and easily avoided if neon lights and gyrating bodies are not your scene and Phuket has a positively epicurean side.
Inaugurated in 1987, the annual Kings Cup Regatta thrust Phuket into becoming the headquarters of Yacht Sailing in Asia and it continues to be the biggest and most popular regatta in the region today. And in the wake of the Kings Cup Regatta leisure sailing has boomed with private yacht ownership, flotilla sailing holidays, corporate sailing and sailing schools all now offered all-year-round, although November through to April is the official Phuket Yacht Sailing season.
Needless to say, the cruising grounds in close proximity to Phuket are extraordinarily beautiful. Don’t expect Fastnet or Sydney to Hobart conditions but if you are looking for gentle sailing holidays that offer island hopping and adventure sailing in profusion then Phuket Sailing Vacations make for a very inspired alternative to the more conventional Phuket holiday formula. Sailing vacations in this area are also perfect for Families with kids and provide end-to-end entertainment with swimming, snorkeling and island adventures each and every day.
The Suwan Macha is but one option where Phuket sailing holidays are concerned and this authentically shaped, Asian rigged traditional junk, oozing oriental world charm but with enough Western creature comforts, is a perfect platform for family cruises in and around the islands and she can also be chartered outright.
Join Club Sail on a yacht for a two week cruise from Tenerife via Madeira to Huelva – in the beautiful and unspoilt South West Spain
Final plans are in place for two milebuilding trips from Tenerife to Madeira and Madeira to Huelva (near Cadiz).
Two of our Club class yachts, Stan (a Prima 38) and Agi (a Hanse 400e), are sailing together up to southern Spain. The first leg leaves Tenerife on Friday 26th June for Madeira. After a short sail to get your sea legs, we will make the 300+ mile passage in one go—aiming to arrive in Madeira on the Wednesday.
Madeira is a located in the mid Atlantic ocean. It is one of the remote islands of Portugal with maderia island and Poto Santo Island being the only inhabited islands.
We will have a day to explore other harbours and anchorages on Madeira, before you leave us on the Friday (why not stay the weekend?) or take your berth for the next leg.
The second leg from Madeira to Huelva is planned to leave on Friday 3rd July and cover the 500+ miles to Huelva in about 5-6 days
Huelva is a maritime town between the rivers Anas and Baetis, it was seated on the estuary of the river Luxia, and on the road from the mouth of the Anas to Augusta Emerita.
Christopher Columbus started his voyages to the new world from Huelva – and we will be racing in late August here to La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, in celebration of these voyages.
Our final destination will be a marina adjacent to the Doñana National Park located in the Spanish province of Andalusia, in the provinces of Huelva and Seville, and covers 543 km², of which 135 km² are a protected area. The park is an area of marsh, shallow streams, and sand dunes and a river delta flowing into the Atlantic ocean. The original area was established in 1963 by the World Wildlife Fund and the Spanish government.
With a day to explore the area by sea we will ask you to be ready to leave the yacht on Saturday 11th July.
Both legs include breakfast, lunch and dinner on board the yacht and cost €800 per week. If you book both legs the cost is €1400.
Contact us at info@clubsail.com for more details
Christopher Cross performing his number one hit “Sailing” live in 1980
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RYA Sailing Courses From CompCrew to Yachtmaster
If you have a love for adventure and a matching passion for the open sea, a Royal Yachting Association certified training center can make your dreams of sailing a reality. Whether you’re already qualified as a day skipper or still a raw landlubber who’s never smelled salt air, the RYA offers sailing courses that will give you the confidence and leadership skills you need on the big blue sea. RYA courses prepare sailors and would-be sailors to safely and expertly operate under power and sail.
The theory and practical training provided by RYA sailing courses represent the gold standard of excellence. Everything you need to be a competent crew member, day skipper, coastal skipper or yachtmaster is presented by qualified, friendly instructors in a relaxed atmosphere. RYA courses are available for every level of experience. Online learning is provided for those who need fundamental information before climbing aboard a vessel.
RYA sailing courses are presented in such a manner that the training is very enjoyable. But while you’re having fun learning you will also be getting expert guidance from patient instructors who have lots of knowledge and experience in sailing courses. RYA courses are only conducted by trainers who have demonstrated both technical knowledge and practical skills in sailing. As with all types of training, you must attain certain minimum levels of experience prior to advancing to more advanced levels. As an example, a day skipper certification course requires at least 100 sea miles while coaster skipper mandates 800 previous sea miles before entering the course.
Find a certified RYA training center today and take the first step to making your dreams a reality.
Convert Your Computer Into A Chartplotter! Visit: www.diginav.us ….. Collection of funny moments in sailing. All filmed in last few years at practice and international regattas. Snow was in Athens, February 2004, with -18 degrees temperature. Celebration is filmed after winning 420 Europeans by Croatian team I was coaching, Matija Longin and Pavle Kostov.
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If You Want To Sail Take Sailing Courses from the RYA
If you’re interested in sailing in the UK at all, you’ve probabably heard of the RYA or Royal Yachting Association. Founded in 1875 as the Yacht Racing Association, the name was changed in 1953 to better reflect the number of watersports that they govern, from sailing and windsurfing to personal watercraft, powerboat and sportsboat racing.
In addition to governing these water sports, the RYA offers educational courses. The sailing courses are many and varied.
They offer courses in windsurfing and personal watercraft, for example. Sailing courses include small boat sailing, sail crusing, powerboating and motorcruising. (Powerboats are powerful boats used for speed, for towing waterboarders and waterskiiers. Motorcruising is a term for boats that are built to cruise long distances, not meant for speed alone) .
Courses for day skipper are offered. What is a day skipper, you ask? Contrary to the name, it is a person qualified to skipper a craft day or night. Such skippers are familiar with the tides, have docking and navigation skills, and are familiar with all safety guidelines and regulations.
The courses also include an Inland Waterways helmsman’s course, which enables people not only to cruise through the inland waterways of the UK, but also the lakes, rivers and canals of Europe as well…which is an excellent way of getting up close and personal with the areas one is visiting.
All types of watersports are fun, but piloting sailboats and powered craft are also extremely complex, requiring a lot of knowledge, and the place to gain that knowledge is the RYA, and the RYA courses which are designed to teach their students everything they need to know to be a safe and competent sailor.
déjate llevar…
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