OCTOBER 2011

Dear Charterer,

One of my favourite tasks is to follow up recently returning charterers and this month I called all of our September clients. The information I receive is accurate, first hand and allows us to offer new clients the most up to date details. As we talk through the itinerary, I can imagine each bay and harbour and it takes me back to the area where I can almost taste the food and smell the air.

One of the best tips I received was from Shay O'Hara-Smith who took a dozen $5 chemist reading glasses to Tonga and was nearly mobbed (in a nice way). We have previously recommended textas and books which are always greatfully received by the local schools.

I was lucky enough to spend a few days in the Pittwater/Hawkesbury area last month staying at RPAYC marina (while my son Jack completed a regatta) and then heading up to Coal and Candle Creek and exploring the Hawkesbury. I must admit that I had only been in these bays once ever (a very long time ago) and I was blown away at the natural beauty of this cruising area so close to Sydney 100ft waterfalls flowing to the beach at Refuge Bay and the tranquil waters and stunning topography further upstream were spectacular.

I have been to most of the so called best and prettiest bays and harbours in the world and I genuinely rate this area up with the best. 

Sydney-siders do not know (or maybe they do), how good they have it from a cruising potential. Not only this beautiful harbour but many only a days sail up or down the coast.

Aside from Brisbane, it is certainly not like this for most of us cruising out of the other capital cities.

However no matter how good your local waters are, as St Augustine said "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page".

NEW CATS IN NEW CALEDONIA

Recently arriving via the Atlantic and Pacific on their own bottoms are two new Catana 47's and one Catana 42 to increase the bareboat offerings in New Caledonia. Catana are the Ferraris of the production cat world, offering superb performance via their centreboard design. In fact they are the only centreboard charter vessel I know of in the world!

These vessels are configured with four double cabins (all with ensuites) and well equipped including Gennaker, solar panels, watermakers, generators and air conditioning (on the 47's). Perfect for those who want monohull performance with catamaran comfort.

Our clients were the first to try the new 47's in September and both returned with rave reviews.

Regate de New Caledonia is an opportunity to book a berth or cabin in September 2012 (please call for details) and the Brisbane to Noumea Yacht Race (in June 2012) is promoting a rally to join the racing boats' cruise to the Isle of Pines.

WHITSUNDAY CHARTER OPERATOR COLLAPSE

In a sign of the times (of how tough the domestic travel industry is), Airlie Beach operator 'Whitsunday Private Yacht Charter' recently closed their doors. For many years, one of the largest operators in
the Whitsundays, their doors were suddenly closed with many charterers' funds and plans put up in the air. 

Over our 25 years we have seen this happen in a number of countries and financial security is one of our most important factors in choosing the operators we work with.

Of course as Licenced Travel Agents your monies are also protected with us (via the Travel Compensation Fund). We can proudly say that no client has ever lost any funds or value since our
beginnings in 1985.

SICILY

Sicily has been offering bareboat charters for almost a decade now, however not on the large scale of other Mediterranean areas. The history of Sicily is rich and varied. It consists mostly of successive waves of invaders occupying the islands and leaving cultural influences which have blended (in often fascinating ways) such as the unique Arabic-Norman architecture of the Middle Ages.

Originally the only base offered was Palermo which is 50 miles from the Aeolian Islands which holds much of the cruising attraction. Now new bases have been established just south of Vulcano
allowing easy access to these stunning islands.

Of course there is more to Sicily than just the Aeolians; a base at Marsala on the west coast offers a different region. It has also been popular for our clients (often over 3 weeks) to circumnavigate Sicily taking in Pantelleria and Malta.

However the Aeolian's are the most dramatic and popular comprising the seven islands of Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Filicudi, Alicudi and Stromboli. Filling within a rough triangle of 30x30x30 miles, the islands are peaks of volcanoes and two remain active on Stromboli and Vulcano.

Portorosa, on mainland Sicily, is a popular departure point. This modern marina is part of a large waterfront apartment complex with numerous boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Full services are available at the marina including a well-stocked supermarket.

15 miles north of the harbour entrance finds you at the first of the Aeolian Islands - Vulcano, an extinct and active volcano separated from Lipari by only 800 metres. Bubbling mud pools and hot springs at the northern end allow you to select your perfect water temperature depending on how far away you move.

Porto di Levante offers good moorings and the mirrored bay at Porto di Pontente is a beautiful anchorage, albeit exposed to the prevailing wind.

As stated, Lipari is less than a kilometer away and is the largest most populated and arguably prettiest island in the group. A full service marina on the southeast corner is a perfect overnight anchorage.

The twin peaks of Salina are also close by, just over two miles northwest of Lipari. The Santa Marina Salina is another full service marina and the place to stay - famous for its Malmsey wine there are several small harbours around the coastline.

A longer sail of just over 20 miles is required to reach Stromboli, Pararea is about half way and a good lunch stop.

A navigation beacon for centuries, this active volcano guided Odysseus and Ulysses. Anchoring on the northeast corner at San Bartolomeo and San Vincenzo offer the best access to the guided tours at night to watch the fireworks and perhaps collect some pumice stone.

Alicudi and Filcud to the west make up the group of seven islands but are less popular with charters with limited anchoring possibilities.

As you would expect friendly excitable Italians offer great food and hospitality which are a highlight for returning charterers.

A fleet of monohulls and catamarans up to the Lagoon 440 are available.

Please contact us for further information.

CHARTERER IN FOCUS / TURKEY

Paul & Myra Hyne have been regular clients of ours for over a decade. They now charter annually, but only in Turkey and always with the same operator.

Paul and Myra have chartered both catamarans and monohulls, but I believe (with them) that the boats are secondary to the destination which has never disappointed them. I must admit that my first real chartering experience was in Turkey (operating flotillas) and I have never waived in listing it as my favourite destination of all.

At one time we used to say the three T's were the best being Turkey, Tonga and Thailand and the main reason we liked them and continue to do so is because of the friendliness of the local population.

Turkey is really part of Asia so there is a serving mentality, but also genuine warmth that goes with wanting to give guests a great experience.

The gulet is another relatively unique experience in Turkey with a coastline allowing short hops that even the least boating people enjoy.

The cultural difference separates it from the other more western European charter alternatives. I might get Paul and Myra to look at other areas, but not for some time, and I have no problem with the theory that if you find a good thing - stick to it!

NEWS - YACHTS & PRODUCTS

Jeanneau's new range of Sun Odyssey's are becoming popular additions to charter fleets around the world recently releasing the new 379, 409, 439 and 509.

Many of our clients experienced these model this season as well as the 2010 released Jeanneau 53 and 57.

All enjoyed the light, space and have commented that they sail well. One of our clients felt that the finish down below the 409 was of less quality than previous models, as I believe that the production process involves more module based building.

Yacht manufacturers will continue to employ cost saving techniques which are having noticeable effects on the quality, however the safety I do not believe has been compromised. In a charter application of relatively enclosed waters, lots of light windows and a light displacement are all an advantage. Going to sea is of course a different matter.

DATA CARDS
The latest option offered by our charter operators is a 3G USB internet stick which can be used to access the internet with even greater coverage especially in the Mediterranean. It has of course been possible to arrange previously but running around to telephone shops on holidays is not ideal - now just bring your laptop or similar device and you can get online quickly and cost effectively.

My other techo advice would be to always carry an 'unlocked' phone to be able to use local SIM cards at a fraction of the cost of Australia's networks or affiliates.

LICENCING
Currently there remains no major changes to previous season's requirements with our list of quality operators, however we note that some operators are requiring more specified licences - please contact us for details. A boating licence is required in all Mediterranean counties as well as a supplementary radio licence in Croatia.

For those interested in obtaining a radio licence the following link may be useful - www.amcom.amc.edu.au

Once obtained the radio licence is current for life with no ongoing fee.

Good chartering!
Brook Felsenthal
and the Charter World Team