DECEMBER 2011

Dear Charterer,

This year saw me reaching the big 50, over half of which I have been fortunate enough to be working in an industry and a job that I love.

The pleasure of course comes from dealing with people and I believe the type of person that a yachtie generally is - independent, pratical and seeking adventure in different parts of the world. For me talking about boats, cruising areas and weather is what I like to do in my spare time!

We know that the Xmas/New Year break is a great time to sit down with family and friends to plan your next charter adventure as from mid to late January our phones are usually ringing hot.

2012 I believe represents excellent value for both yachts and airfares, not to mention the great Aussie dollar buying power while you are overseas.

Whether you are planning the big European trip or a short break to the Pacific or Asia we are standing by to assist and advise you on the best options to increase your holiday value.

Wishing you all a safe, merry Xmas and happy New Year and thank you for your support over 2011.

ELAN YACHTS

We seem to focus on the big three being Beneteau, Jeanneau and Bavaria, however we have no predetermined preference for any manufacturer and tend to find that all have their merits and foibles.

Elan are built in Slovenia and are now mostly designed by renowned naval architect Rob Humphries, although they began as a company in 1949.

Elan build a variety of performance and cruising yachts from 21' to 51', as well as a range of power vessels from 30' to 53'.

The yard is located in the Slovenian Alps and with 340 employees they are not a small player in the European market. Not surprisingly Croatia, which is only a short distance by road, is a major market.

The "Impression" range features a deck saloon feel with increased headroom and large twin wheel cockpit.
Pricing is less than a comparable French vessel - for example a 2012 built Elan 444 is available in Croatia from $480 per night in early June. For a new 44' 4 cabin vessel this is value that is definitely worth a look.

GULETS IN ITALY

Gulets have continued to gain popularity with yachtsmen and non-yachties alike.

Turkey and Croatia offer the widest selection of gulets, however they are moving west and are now an excellent option in Italy.

Sicily and Sardinia/Corsica are our most popular areas, although the Amalfi and Tuscan Islands are also popular.

Most gulets are Turkish built and range from 80-120'. Costings are not a lot different to Turkey, from $300 per person per day for a 5 cabin (10 share) gulet including 3 crew.

Please call us for a detailed gulet description.

CHARTERER IN FOCUS - ALAN MORGAN

Alan Morgan has been a regular client of ours for a long time and we always enjoy arranging his group of friends which often include a large New Zealand contingent.

Alan's first charter was on two Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46 catamarans sailing from Corfu to Levkas, although since then have been many other adventures including a boys trip on two identical monohulls in Croatia.

Next year Alan has booked two Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 54 (Deck Saloon's) for two weeks in Turkey and will be travelling on one of our most popular overland routes from Marmaris to Istanbul including Ephesus, Kusadasi, Pamakkale (Hierapolis) and of course Gallipoli. They will be taking a midibus with a driver and taking in these sights at their leisure.

Always a pleasure to deal with, we look forward to making this adventure in Turkey their best yet!

CABIN SHARE CATAMARANS - THAILAND

Cabin share catamarans are a great option for those who like to meet new people and want to get away as a single or couple.

Our range of crewed "book by the cabin" catamarans are increasing with Phuket, Thailand the latest to be offered on a Nautitech 82 (with pricing from $180 per person per night/twin share including all meals - they are excellent value).

These weekly set departures are guaranteed, so often the catamarans are only half full which is a great crew/guest ratio.

Catamaran cabin share is also available in the Caribbean, Tahiti, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and the Maldives.
Discounts are currently offered of 20% for Dec/Jan/Feb departures.

NEW PRICING POLICY

In a sign of the times some yacht charter operators are moving to new yield pricing. This means that the price for a week's charter will vary on a daily or weekly basis so there is effectively no price list.

As with airlines the pricing will be consistently tweaked to fill low demand times and reward early and perhaps very late bookings. As always we will compare prices of our client's favourite charter operators to find the best possible value for many and offer the widest possible range.

CHRISTMAS PRESENT IDEAS

Why not get a copy of your next charter destinations' cruising guide. Most are a great read, and offer practical tips on all the cruising destinations.

Place your order by this Monday 19 December for delivery in time for Christmas Day.

• Greek Waters Pilot $75
• Turkish Waters Pilots $75
• Adriatic Pilot $75
• Croatia Cruising Companion $50
• Italian Waters Pilot $80
• Corsica & North Sardinia $75
• Whitsundays (100 magic miles) $80
• New Caledonia Cruising Guide $70
• Guide to the Kingdom of Tonga $80

FOCUS ON THE BALEARICS

The Spanish are renowned as being friendly, helpful, kind, honest, inquisitive and excitable, although they have little sense of time or urgency and 'manana' (tomorrow) is the common answer to most requests. Mass tourism of course has changed this behaviour in many parts, although many ports accessible by yacht are not on the main tourism paths.

Ibiza is known as the 'party island' and is the most westerly of the group which includes Mallorca in the middle and Menorca to the east. Most charter bases are in Mallorca, the largest and most central island, and in a 14 night charter Ibiza at 50 miles away not worth the effort. The cruising however around Mallorca and Menorca is highly recommended and enjoyed by charterers.

Palma in the south-west corner is a popular pick up point. A large marina town and the capital city of the Balearics, it was, due to its position the centre of trade in the Mediterranean. The island of Mallorca is relatively large (62x47 miles).

The normal sailing route takes you south-east anticlockwise around the island. At the south-east tip lie the National Park islands of Cabrera, the archipelago consists of 18 small islands and the whole area is a nature conservation area.Today, 50 yachts can anchor at the main bay Puerto de Cabrera with special allowance and 8 yachts at the bay Cala es Burri. The necessary permission can be ordered at Ministerio de Medio Ambiente in Palma free of charge, at least 2 weeks before the planned visit. We normally pre arrange this permit for you.

Heading north-east along the coastline, there are a number of interesting and deep protected harbours. Llonga has a choice of three pretty bays. Porto Petro and Porto Colon are also great anchorages.

Cala Figuera is one of the most beautiful fishing ports of Majorca. It is situated just 2 sea miles to the south-west from Cala Mondrago. This romantic bay has a very special and unique atmosphere with the village houses built on the rocks, boat garages, green doors and shutters, a fish market hall called La Lonja and typically Majorcan style cafes and restaurants offering a beautiful view over the whole bay from their terraces.

Only 20 miles from the top right corner of Mallorca lies Menorca, the second largest island in the group at 26x11 miles. It is not as mountainous as Mallorca and has a considerable amount of arable land for farming and is not as sophisticated tourist wise as the other islands. First port of call is usually Ciudadela, an attractive natural harbour consisting of a long narrow cala (bay). Menorca has many of these deep calas which offer great protection and stunning scenery.

Access to the Balearics is relatively easy with commercial and charter flights normally to Mallorca. The bareboat fleets are extensive with a full range of mono and multi hull options.

Please contact us for more comprehensive information.

Good chartering!
Brook Felsenthal
and the Charter World Team