expedia charters 368
LateSail, which since 1999 has offered last-minute, discounted yacht charters around the world via the Internet, is putting new emphasis on the U.S. market by opening an office in Florida. James Gilbert, a longtime sailor and licensed captain as well as an instructor certified by the American Sailing Association, is the U.S. director of operations.
The company’s website typically lists around 1,000 yachts from more than 40 destinations available at discounted rates. The site also gives charter operators 24/7 access to amend and add special offers, enabling up-to-date listings. The website provides information on the terms of the charter offered and the yachts available. Also available is the inclusion of a charter blog, which allows visitors to the site to read the comments of others and to add their own, creating a valuable resource for sailors planning a trip to an unknown cruising ground. For more details, log on to the website (www.latesail.com).
Kiriacoulis Mediterranean Opens Bases in Croatia
Kiriacoulis Mediterranean has opened two bases at the towns of Trogir and Krvavica, expanding the company’s charter presence in that country. The two newest bases offer excellent starting points for sailors wishing to cruise in the Adriatic Sea along the scenic Dalmatia coast.
Trogir has been granted World Heritage Site status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, and the Kiriacoulis base there is only about 10 miles from Split International Airport, which serves the communities in and around Split, a waterfront city. Krvavica, a small town with a good marina, is about 50 miles south of Split and is another spectacular starting place for a charter to islands with many ancient ports and UNESCO sites. For details, contact Kiriacoulis (www.kiriacoulis.com).
Sunsail Recognized for Asia Operation
Sunsail Sailing Vacations was named the best Asia-based charter company at the Asia Boating Awards 2009 in Shanghai, China. Judges chose the winners from a short list of nominees drafted by Asia-Pacific Boating reader votes. Sunsail’s commitment to the region, selection of bareboat options, training options, and brand building were all mentioned in the citation accompanying the award. For details about the award and chartering, contact Sunsail (www.sunsail.com).
Yachting Vacations Offers Fractional Shares
Yachting Vacations, in Punta Gorda, Florida, offers boat ownership via its partnership with Beneteau Fractional Sailing.
Yachting Vacations, a sailboat charter and American Sailing Association school, is based in Burnt Store Marina, just south of the city of Punta Gorda, between Fort Myers and Sarasota.
Beneteau Fractional Sailing will assist with the financing of the boat and the scheduling of the sailing time by owners, while Yachting Vacations will get the marina space, perform the maintenance, and provide concierge service. Yachting Vacations expects to have about three to five Beneteaus in the program within a year.
For additional details, contact Yachting Vacations (www.yachtingvacations.com).
Elaine Lembo
