Sailing - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T15:33:23Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/Sailing12 Tips for Planning a Memorable Yachting Trip with Family and Friendshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/tips-yachting-sailing-boating2023-10-05T10:40:00.000Z2023-10-05T10:40:00.000ZGlamour Yachthttps://tripatini.com/members/GlamourYacht<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11071940681?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><br /> A great experience like yachting with friends and family will live long in your mind. It's the ideal method for taking in the wonders of nature and spending quality time with loved ones. There are certain suggestions you should bear in mind if you're organizing a sailing trip with your loved ones in order to make it memorable and fun. Additionally, if you charter or buy a yacht or it makes sense to work with a yacht broker if you're there to assist you in efficiently planning your holiday. With that said, here are a dozen tips to help plan a memorable sail!</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Select the Right Yacht</strong></span></p>
<p>Selecting the appropriate yacht is the first and most crucial step in organizing a successful sailing holiday. Think about your group's size and the amenities you desire on board. You may find the ideal yacht that fits your goals and budget with the assistance of a yacht broker. They can also assist you in creating an itinerary that includes the top destinations to see and things to do.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Plan Your Itinerary </strong></span></p>
<p>After deciding on a yacht, it's time to make your travel arrangements. When choosing where to go and what to do, take into account the preferences and interests of your group. Look for family-friendly activities like snorkeling, fishing, and water sports if you're traveling with kids. You may organize your route with the aid of a yacht broker in Dubai, who can also recommend the top destinations.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Pack Wisely </strong></span></p>
<p>It's crucial to pack wisely for a yachting trip. Bring comfortable, climate-appropriate clothing with you. Sun protection measures include the wearing of sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. Make sure you bring the necessary gear, such as a swimsuit and snorkeling gear, with you if you wish to participate in water sports. Include some anti-seizure medicine as well; this is a good suggestion.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Choose the Right Crew</strong></span></p>
<p>If you intend to employ a crew for your yachting voyage, look for seasoned crew members who are familiar with the area so that you can safely traverse the rivers and coasts. The ideal crew for your journey might be found with the help of a yacht broker.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Hire a Chef</strong></span></p>
<p>If you want food made while at sea, you could want to do so. This is a great way to enjoy delicious food without having to go through the hassle of cooking for yourself. A yacht broker can make recommendations for talented cooks who are familiar with the requirements of boat cuisine.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Consider Hiring a Local Guide</strong></span></p>
<p>It may be a good idea to hire a local guide if you're sailing in a new location. A guide can offer insightful information about the area's history, culture, and natural beauties. They can also offer navigational assistance and recommendations for secret jewels that you would miss on your own.</p>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11071942299,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11071942299,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11071942299?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Bring Entertainment</strong></span></p>
<p>You'll have plenty of time to unwind and take in the beauty while yachting, but it's also a good idea to bring entertainment with you. To keep everyone occupied, consider bringing novels, board games, and music. You can bring your favorite films or TV episodes to watch on some boats because they may also have TVs and DVD players onboard.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Stay Safe</strong></span></p>
<p>Throughout your yachting journey, keeping safe should be your first focus. Ensure that everyone onboard is familiar with the safety policies and procedures. Make sure any children present wear life jackets at all times. You may find yachts that adhere to all safety regulations and have all the required safety equipment onboard by working with a yacht broker.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Communicate Expectations</strong></span></p>
<p>It's crucial to share your expectations for the sailing trip with your family and friends. This involves talking about the things they want to accomplish, their culinary preferences, and any unique demands or requirements. You can make sure that everyone is on the same page and has a good time by communicating beforehand.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Respect the Environment</strong></span></p>
<p>It's crucial to respect the environment when sailing and take action to lessen your impact. This involves using eco-friendly products, keeping wildlife undisturbed, and refraining from tossing waste overboard. A yacht broker can give you advice on the most responsible yachting techniques.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Consider Special Occasions</strong></span></p>
<p>Celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings on a yacht can be a wonderful experience. To assist you in organizing a memorable event onboard, think about working with a yacht broker. They may assist with yacht decoration, special cuisine arrangements, and event planning to make the occasion even more unique.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Enjoy the Journey!</strong></span></p>
<p>Last but not least, remember to have fun! A once-in-a-lifetime chance to make enduring memories is yachting with family and friends. Spend some time unwinding, taking in the environment, and being with the people you love.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.glamour-yacht.com/buy-yacht/" target="_blank">Buy a yacht in Dubai</a>.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><br /> </span></span></span></p></div>6 Inspiring Australia Destinations for Water Enthusiastshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/australia-water-sports-snorkeling-scuba-diving-sailing-beaches2023-07-21T09:57:54.000Z2023-07-21T09:57:54.000ZSophie Andersenhttps://tripatini.com/members/SophieAndersen<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12157790867?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Australia has a wealth of chances for </span><a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/tips-yachting-sailing-boating"><span style="font-weight:400;">water sports enthusiasts</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> looking for exhilarating adventures because of its amazing natural beauty and gorgeous beaches. Everyone may find something to enjoy in this unique nation, whether you prefer surfing, diving, snorkelling, or simply relaxing in the peace and quiet of crystal-clear seas. In this post, we highlight six Australian locations that any traveller who likes the sea should consider visiting.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Great Barrier Reef must be included on any list of places to visit in Australia that are on the sea. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the world's biggest coral reef system, covering over 2,300 kilometres off the Queensland coast. Witness the beauty of this underwater utopia as you dive into a world of colourful coral gardens and discover a variety of aquatic creatures. You will be in awe of nature's magnificence when snorkelling or scuba diving here.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/sea-man-beach-vacation-6299936/" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12157791498,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12157791498?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" /></a></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Bondi Beach, New South Wales</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Bondi Beach in New South Wales, regarded as one of Australia's most recognizable beaches, is a surfer's paradise. Both novice and expert surfers are drawn to its beautiful shores and reliable waves. There are several surf schools where beginners may learn the fundamentals. After a hard day of surfing, unwind on the beach or take a stroll along the spectacular Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which provides stunning views of the coastline.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">The South Coast of New South Wales</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Water lovers shouldn't pass up visiting New South Wales's southern coast, which is a hidden gem. This area has gorgeous beaches, quiet coves, and clear rivers from Jervis Bay to Eden. Discover the Jervis Bay Marine Park's crystal-clear waters, which are home to resident dolphins and migratory whales. Explore the calm waterways of Merimbula Lake or Batemans Bay by kayak or stand-up paddleboarding. Those who love to find peace while fishing will enjoy </span><a href="https://www.charterfishnarooma.com/"><span style="font-weight:400;">hiring fishing charters to Naroma</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">, a gorgeous town that offers amazing activities to fishing enthusiasts. All in all, the southern coast of New South Wales in Australia offers peace and tranquillity for those who enjoy the water.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Whitsunday Islands, Queensland</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Queenslandian Whitsunday Islands are a tropical paradise seekers' ideal vacation spot. This area is a must-see because of its 74 lovely islands to explore, turquoise seas, and palm-lined beaches. Join a sailing excursion to see Whitehaven Beach's spectacular beauty, which is renowned for its spotless silica sand and crystal-clear seas. Visit the northern region of the Great Barrier Reef, which is alive with vibrant coral gardens and marine life, to snorkel or scuba dive. </span><a href="https://trendswide.com/outdoor-adventure-party-ideas-for-active-kids-embrace-nature-and-unleash-the-fun/"><span style="font-weight:400;">Adventure seekers</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> may enjoy a beautiful water playground in the Whitsundays.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-wet-suit-under-water-11533702/" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12157791864,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="12157791864?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a></span><br /><br /></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Bay of Fires, Tasmania</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Whitsunday Islands in Queensland are the perfect getaway for anybody looking for a tropical paradise. The 74 beautiful islands to discover, the turquoise waters, and the palm-fringed beaches make this region a must-see. Visit Whitehaven Beach, which is famed for its pristine silica sand and crystal-clear oceans, by taking a sailing adventure. Go snorkelling or scuba diving at the northern Great Barrier Reef area, which is teeming with colourful coral gardens and marine life. The Whitsundays offer adventurers a stunning aquatic playground.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Off the coast of Western Australia, is a must-visit location. Ningaloo Reef, in contrast to the Great Barrier Reef, is easily reachable from the coast, making it perfect for snorkelling and diving excursions. Swim with the world's largest fish, the magnificent whale shark, or go snorkelling with elegant manta rays and colourful tropical species. Experience the breathtaking view of humpback whales moving along the shoreline between March and July. The underwater adventure promised by Ningaloo Reef will be spectacular.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">In Conclusion</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Australia is a haven for water enthusiasts due to its varied and fascinating landscapes. Each place has its own charm and beauty. Australia's seas provide both tranquil moments in nature and heart-pounding exploits. Travel to these enlightening locations, and let Australia's aquatic beauties make a lasting impression on your spirit.</span></p>
<p> </p></div>Join us at 23rd Annual Sailors Ball, Manhattan, NY on April 28,2023!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/join-us-at-23rd-annual-sailors-ball-manhattan-ny-on-april-28-20232023-03-13T02:04:59.000Z2023-03-13T02:04:59.000ZDebbie Rodriguezhttps://tripatini.com/members/DebbieRodriguez<div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r x126k92a"><div><span style="font-size:14pt;">23rd Annual Sailors Ball, Manhattan, New York</span></div><div><span style="font-size:14pt;">Friday, April 28, 2023</span></div><div><span style="font-size:14pt;">9PM-1AM</span></div><div> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div><span style="font-size:14pt;">Every spring, sailors, sailing enthusiasts and party people gather for the Annual Sailors Ball. This black-tie party celebrates the start of the new sailing season.</span></div><div> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div><span style="font-size:14pt;">Open bar & light hors d'oeuvres. Dancing all night long in the many theme rooms Down Town Association, Lower Manhattan. 60 Pine St, Lower Manhattan. Attire: black-tie.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></div><div><p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span class="S1PPyQ">The <a href="https://sailorsball.comtickets/">Sailor’s Ball</a> raises money for New York Harbor Sailing Foundation programs, including the Lady Liberty Regatta (NY Harbor’s premiere all-women’s event), Operation Optimist (the largest junior sailing program in the harbor) </span><span class="S1PPyQ">and the 12 Meter Program (preserving these important pieces of American yachting tradition).</span></span></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">The VIP part of the Sailors Ball is the “12 Meter Dinner” held from 7 to 9 pm before the Ball. This is a seated dinner within the Down Town Association where the New York Harbor Sailing Foundation recognizes those organizations and individuals who made significant contributions to the renaissance of recreational sailing in New York Harbor. This dinner also benefits to the Foundation’s 12 Meter Program.</span></p><h2><span class="S1PPyQ" style="font-size:10pt;">ABOUT THE NEW YORK HABOR SAILING FOUNDATION</span></h2><p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body"><span class="S1PPyQ" style="font-size:14pt;">The New York Harbor Sailing Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit corporation which is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.</span></p></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div><span style="font-size:14pt;">For tickets & details:</span></div><div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://sailorsball.com/">https://sailorsball.com/</a></span></div><div> </div><div><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10996671696,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10996671696,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="550" alt="10996671696?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10996670491,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10996670491,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="550" alt="10996670491?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a></span></div></div></div>Join us at the New York Harbor Sailing Foundation SAILORS BALL to celebrate the start of the new sailing season & support junior sailing in NY Harbor!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/join-us-at-the-new-york-harbor-sailing-foundation-sailors-ball-to2019-03-19T02:39:05.000Z2019-03-19T02:39:05.000ZDebbie Rodriguezhttps://tripatini.com/members/DebbieRodriguez<div><div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" id="js_42"><div id="id_5c9052eed8c324763251293" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Saturday, April 27, 2019 / 22nd Annual Sailors Ball, Manhattan</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Dennis Conner, New York Harbor Sailing Foundation</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>and the Benefit Committee invite you to attend the</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>22nd Annual SAILORS BALL</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>to celebrate the start of the new sailing season</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>and support junior sailing in NY Harbor.</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><div class="text_exposed_show"><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>At the Down Town Association, 60 Pine St in Lower Manhattan.</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Black tie. Open bar & light hors d’oeuvres</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Dancing all night long in the many theme rooms!</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009351877,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009351877,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" class="align-center" alt="9009351877?profile=original" /></a></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Regular Ball Tickets – $120 (before April 24). $150 at the door, if available).</strong><br /><strong>Platinum Tables – $10,000; Gold Tables – $5,000</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Individual VIP Tickets – $295, includes the “12 Meter Dinner” </strong><br /><strong>hosted by Dennis Conner from 7 to 9 p.m. before the Ball.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>For details & tickets: <a href="https://sailorsball.com/">https://sailorsball.com/</a></strong></span></p></div></div></div><div class="_3x-2"><div><div class="mtm"><div id="u_fetchstream_2_1c" class="_6m2 _1zpr clearfix _dcs _4_w4 _41u- _59ap _2bf7 _64lx _3eqz _20pq _3eqw _2rk1 _359m _3n1j _5qqr"><div class="clearfix _2r3x"><div class="lfloat _ohe"><div class="_63yw"><div class="_6ks"><div class="_6l- __c_"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Exploring Dubrovnik, Croatia's Gemhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/dubrovnik-croatia-adriatic-pearl2019-02-24T23:58:01.000Z2019-02-24T23:58:01.000ZAlex Dragashttps://tripatini.com/members/AlexDragas<div><p><span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Panorama_of_Dubrovnik.jpg/640px-Panorama_of_Dubrovnik.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Panorama_of_Dubrovnik.jpg/640px-Panorama_of_Dubrovnik.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="640" alt="640px-Panorama_of_Dubrovnik.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span> <span> <em><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_of_Dubrovnik.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Dudva</span></a></em><br /> <br /> <br /> Sometimes you have to wonder if a destination you have heard about for years will live up to its reputation. This one definitely does - I have to tell you, Dubrovnik justly deserves its title "Pearl of the Adriatic."</span><br /> <br /> <span>I mean, where else can you find marble streets lined with baroque buildings all topped with red tile roofs? Add in that the whole pretty city is surrounded by intact city walls... and it's no wonder it's a favorite holiday destination for almost everyone who visits.</span><br /> <br /> <span>The first thing we did once we were settled in walked the city walls. They are one of the city's main tourist attractions, and why not? The walk around the city offers outstanding views into the Old Town and out to the Adriatic. There's no better way to get a feel for Dubrovnik's history and architecture.</span><br /> <br /> <span>There are several places where you can climb up to the city walls, and there is an entrance fee. It's about 1¼ miles (2 km) around the whole circuit, so it's a good idea to bring water and wear sunscreen, especially in the heat of the day.</span><br /> <br /> <span>The famous red tile roofs were badly damaged when the Yugoslav National Army laid siege to the city for eight months during the war of the 1990s. With the help of UNESCO and nations all over the world, Croatia has managed to repair most of the roofs. You can see the evidence by the difference in the colors of the tiles.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009317888,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009317888,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" width="750" alt="9009317888?profile=original" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/night-on-stradun-main-street-of-dubrovnik-croatia-gm914945424-251813177" target="_blank">rusm</a></em></span><br /> <a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/night-on-stradun-main-street-of-dubrovnik-croatia-gm914945424-251813177"></a></span></p><p><br /> <br /> <span>Walk the length of the main street, called the Stradun or Placa. It's only approximately 1,000 feet long (300 meters) from the Pile Gate to the Ploce Gate in the city walls. The entire length is a pedestrian zone. There are churches and museums and galleries to see, but we think just wandering the city and soaking it all in is the main draw.</span><br /> <br /> <span>Go out the Ploce Gate and sit on the harbor. Wander side streets within the city and find great seafood restaurants.</span><br /> <br /> <span>You can fly into Dubrovnik or come on a tour. It has become a major stop for cruise ships on Mediterranean cruises. Renting a car and visiting the Dalmatian Coast on your own is easy and fun.</span><br /> <br /> <span>Most of the hotels are located outside of the city walls. That's convenient if you drive in... but we wanted to stay inside the city walls. We parked the car at a parking lot just outside the walls, and we dove in to explore.</span><br /> <br /> <span>There are a couple of hotels inside the city, but the most reasonable ones tend to fill up fast. We found a great B&B, which interestingly enough, was run by a woman who had spent several years in California during the Balkan war when Yugoslavia broke apart.</span><br /> <br /> <span>Tourists from those hotels on the outside and from <a href="http://www.silversail.hr/" target="_blank">Croatia sailing</a></span><span class="inner-html-content"><span> </span></span><span>cruise ships that dock during the day tend to make the city crowded in peak season... But late in the day, they go back to their hotels and ships, and the locals come out to take their evening stroll and children play football (soccer) in the street. If you sit at an outdoor cafe with a coffee or a beer, you'll get a feel for the real Dubrovnik.</span></p><p></p></div>The NY Harbor Sailing Foundation invites you to the 21st Ann Sailors Ball/NYC to raise funds for “Operation Optimist,” the largest junior sailing program in our harbor on April 28, 2018!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-ny-harbor-sailing-foundation-invites-you-to-the-21st-ann2018-04-07T22:00:00.000Z2018-04-07T22:00:00.000ZDebbie Rodriguezhttps://tripatini.com/members/DebbieRodriguez<div><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009250662,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009250662,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009250662?profile=original" /></a></strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Saturday, April 28, 2018</strong></p><p><strong>The 21st Annual Sailors Ball / New York City</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong><em>The New York Harbor Sailing Foundation</em> <em>invites you to attend the</em> 21st Annual Sailors Ball to raise money for “Operation Optimist,” the largest junior sailing program in our harbor. 9 pm-1 am at the Down Town Association. 60 Pine St in Lower Manhattan. Black Tie. Open bar & light hors d’oeuvres. Dancing all night long in many theme rooms, including the secret Silent Disco room.</strong></p><p><strong><em> </em></strong></p><p><em>Regular Ball Tickets</em>: $120 on or before April 24 & $150 at the door, if available (tickets are limited). <em>VIP Tickets</em>, includes the special “12 Meter Dinner” from 7-9 pm before the ball. $295 (very limited).</p><p> </p><p>The Sailors Ball is the annual black tie gala to celebrate the start of the new sailing season. It is always one of the best and most exciting black tie events of the year! This ball embodies the style, grace and beauty as well as the romance of sailing. All sailors and sailing enthusiasts in the New York area are invited to attend.</p><p> </p><p><strong>For tickets & details: <a href="https://nyharborsailing.com/sailors-ball/invite/">https://nyharborsailing.com/sailors-ball/invite/</a></strong></p><p><strong>Operation Optimist: <a href="https://nyharborsailing.com/opti/">https://nyharborsailing.com/opti/</a></strong></p></div>Sailing Lake Michigan in Chicagohttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/sailing-lake-michigan-chicago-illinois2016-01-30T15:14:11.000Z2016-01-30T15:14:11.000ZTheresia Vilanovahttps://tripatini.com/members/TheresiaVilanova<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009041266,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009041266,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="9009041266?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia, palatino;" class="font-size-5">I always feel an inner peace and satisfaction during in travel in water since childhood. My father taught me water skiing when I was 9 years old. In beginning, it was seem tough but after some struggle, I taught skiing. Last July, during a visit to Chicago, I decided to enjoy some Sunday sailing on <a href="http://great-lakes.net/lakes/ref/michfact.html" target="_blank">Lake Michigan</a> with my colleagues Jacqueline and Paul.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia, palatino;" class="font-size-5">We rented a boat in this regard from a local company. On Sunday, we were there with our necessary luggage and food. Actually, I have gone on many trips with my <a href="http://egoseoservices.com/" target="_blank">former company</a>’s colleagues but this was the first time when I selected a lake to visit.<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009040898,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009040898,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="9009040898?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-5">The water was looking very fresh and clear and sweet air was blowing when we start our journey. Our boat was going towards south and there were too many other ferries with us. In your boat under open sky, we are just feeling ourselves free from all tensions and worries. I will must say open sky and water of Lake Michigan have their own charm. The view of Chicago from Lake Michigan looks very dreamy especially at <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/sail-lake-michigan/2013/07/night-time-sailing/" target="_blank">night</a>.</span></p><p></p></div>Disaster at Seahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/disaster-at-sea2014-04-19T20:31:11.000Z2014-04-19T20:31:11.000ZAllan D. Kissamhttps://tripatini.com/members/AllanDKissam<div><p>By Allan D. Kissam and Richard W. Kissam</p><p></p><p>This is a true story of a death at sea. It is a story of weekend sailors and the US Coast Guard.</p><p>My father, Richard, was an experienced sailor. He studied sailing and boats, practiced maneuvers, and for years he sailed his sailboat around southern California. His long distance trips had included being crew on a Tahiti bound sailboat. He was better than most for seamanship skills.</p><p>He got the first boat in 1958, a 28-foot ketch that quickly became an obsession. Soon thereafter, his little red Triumph sports car was gone. The family car became a 1958 Chevrolet Nomad station wagon with more room for hauling sailing gear.</p><p>Nightly after work, he withdrew to his favorite chair to read about seamanship and voyages. He learned easily because in World War II he had been an airplane pilot. Later, in 1965, he upgraded to a 35-foot sloop – named Nixie. He retired at age 53 in 1972 and moved aboard his boat with my mother. Mom cried for months when thinking of her lost house. It was Nixie that he took to Hawaii in the 1980's when the death occurred.</p><p>He taught me to sail a boat and I helped with maintenance, like going up the mast in a boatswain chair. After college, the boating bug was in me and then came years of sea duty with the National Ocean Survey. The sea experience involved lots of ship handling, navigation, and running small craft around rough spots in Alaska, coastal California, and Washington. I left after eleven years service in the NOAA Corps* and discharged as a lieutenant commander. This service was previously known as the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. In parts of the story to follow, there are comments and experiences that supplement Richard's story.</p><p>Richard Kissam wrote the following story and I found it in his estate files. The participant names are changed. Some long sections are truncated to make what was certainly a first draft more readable –</p><p style="margin-left:40px;"></p><p style="margin-left:40px;"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>CRUISE TO HAWAII? SURE, LETS GO!</strong></span></p><p style="margin-left:40px;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008842891,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008842891,original{{/staticFileLink}}" title="Richard W. Kissam" alt="9008842891?profile=original" /></a>It all started during a beautiful late afternoon boat sit around in Long Beach Marina eighteen miles from Catalina Island.</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">. .. This particular afternoon one of these week end friends said, “Why don’t we take off and sail your boat to Hawaii”</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">I thought this was a great idea. Jake, the idea man was a great guy, … He was real easy to be around and I thought he would be a good companion for seventeen or eighteen days. ..We had a very adequate boat, an Alberg 35 that was well set up for cruising...</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">... Another friend on the dock who knew what I was up to said that I should put some ham radio gear aboard... I was not licensed and it is illegal to transmit .. except in an emergency.. Ignorance is bliss, because at that time my friend told me to set this knob at twelve o’clock , this one at three, press this lever and start talking and someone will hear you. This installation turned out to be one of the best things we had aboard as this trip progressed...</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">… Jake came aboard … concerning the possibility of another sailor joining us. It sounded alright. .. His name was Ted and he … had diabetes. That changed the whole complexion of the third man, but I was assured that there was no problem. ..Jake had sailed with him and being his close friend , he knew his health history. ... His doctor had cleared him for the trip and after all this would be his only chance to make this kind of trip…</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">... Nixie was a 35 foot full keel boat designed by the venerable Carl Alberg. She was built in 1965 during the era of the full keel race boats. The Alberg 35 now had the reputation of a comfortable, well built, reasonably fast cruising boat.</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">.. Outside of the protection of Point Conception the sea conditions take a dramatic change. The seas come rolling down from the north, winds can increase a bit and the associated chop can be uncomfortable. These conditions can extend offshore for 500 to 600 miles before you encounter the trade winds and experience the euphoria of down wind sailing.</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">First days out are the anticipation days as you watch the mainland disappear. After all the preparation and stowing gear, did we forget anything and was there anything that should have been checked? All seems to be in order and the Hasler vane is doing its job of steering and holding a fairly good course. The vane is an indispensable piece of cruising gear … A good well designed vane will steer by the wind for days on end without a complaint and require only minimal adjustment. This … was a copy of the original Hasler design which had been used in the early single handed Atlantic small boat races from England to the United States. Being a copy and hand built only the best materials were used... The one thing that was later to create a problem was the quadrant. The original was made of plywood and I had substituted a piece of one inch Plexiglass ...</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">As we proceeded westward. .. Ted was sitting in leeward corner of the cockpit not saying much, I wondered how he was feeling. I had been assured that sea conditions were really not a problem as Ted had his own boat for years. Jake had sailed with him and was familiar and knowledgeable regarding his problems, so I was enjoying the sail...</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">... Sea conditions were a little bumpy and we were rolling a bit and Ted was going to take the first watch. We could see the lights of coast wise ships as we were crossing their north south shipping lanes. ... The watch changed at midnight, Ted and I hot bunked it, as the watch changed I got out of the sleeping bag and Ted got in. Next morning Ted stayed in the bunk and was not feeling well. I was concerned but on talking the situation over with Ted, he assured me he would be OK soon. He did not eat breakfast and when lunch time came, he passed on that also along with dinner. That was not an unusual thing to happen when a person is sea sick. During my watch that night I had decided if he was not better the next day, I would turn around and go back to Long Beach. Morning came and Ted said he was feeling better and would be on his feet soon. So we sailed along fat dumb and happy but the anxiety was building and so were his assurances. Another day or two went by, we were still in the realm of reality of turning around for Long Beach. Three of us were below getting a dinner together, a terrific bang was heard from the stern of the boat, it sounded like a 45 revolver going off. I hurried to the stern and found a big chunk of the Plexiglass quadrant of the steering vane had broken off and was sliding around in the water on the deck. Repairs would be necessary even to sail back to Long Beach to put Ted ashore. I had a saw and hand drill aboard along with some bolts and nuts and proceeded to cut up a storage locker lid for some wood to do a patch job …</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">…It was now 7:OO o’clock in the evening … During the course of the repairs I was able to talk with Ted and more closely observe his now obvious signs. He had not been taking his Insulin because of not being able to hold his food down and thereby could go into a diabetic coma or something. He must have been getting way out of balance regarding his diabetes. He was coherent and insisting he could make it but the time had come to get him off the boat. Jake, his friend, was not any more familiar with Ted’s problems than I was other than giving him an apple or orange when he needed it. Ted must have been getting dehydrated because he would drink a quart of milk then a short time later he would drink a quart of water and it was not staying with him. What a dumb decision I made to have allowed myself to be talked into taking him. There had been lingering qualms regarding that decision but the Bon Voyage parties with all his friends and relatives, the very positive family attitudes, and no one questioning his decision must have played a large part in locking it together. I was not in the medical loop and was not informed.</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">The ham radio was hooked up … An amateur operator heard my call and I asked him to call the Coast Guard and alert them so I could talk to them…The Coast Guard came on the frequency and wanted my location which I had determined earlier in the day with a noon sight. Next a Doctor came on the radio and determined that it was necessary to get Ted off because of described symptoms... The Coast Guard decided to send a large C130 cargo plane out of San Francisco to locate us. A large cutter was dispatched from San Diego along with a helicopter to pick him up. We were beyond the range of the helicopters ability to make the round trip, so the cutter would retrieve the helicopter and medical personnel aboard would administer rapid treatment…</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">The C130 arrived in the morning and circled us …until the helicopter arrived. ... When that helicopter arrived, it created quite a stir. The tremendous air down blast from that planes rotor blades 100 feet above, pulled papers out of the interior of the boat. Water soaked cushions raised up off of the cockpit seats and general confusion takes place. The seas were quite lumpy and the wind was blowing, the helicopter crew talked to us by bull horn. They would lower the basket on the foredeck, along with a warning not to touch the basket until it was grounded because of possible static shock…Ted was told to crawl along the deck on the port side which he carried out with no problem. The basket was a rectangular shape which the occupant would sit in with his knees drawn up. When Ted was loaded in and ready to go , either the helicopter went up or the boat fell away in one of the large seas, the basket was now headed up and going to be jammed between the lower shrouds and the mast. Jake thinking quickly grabbed the basket and pulled it forward away from the mast, in so doing he forgot to let go of the basket. It all happened so quickly that the next time I saw Jake he was hanging on the basket 25 feet in the air on the port side of the boat. All my attention was devoted to keeping the boat heading in the pre-designated direction and in the … down blasting wind it was a tough experience. At this time the most unexplained maneuver happened which changed the whole rescue operation from success to tragedy.</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">… Jake…was doing loops as though he had been flung from the basket and was heading for the water on the starboard side. At the same time there was a tremendous crash as the basket came crashing down with Ted inside. It landing on the life lines and the starboard stern quarter of the boat, ... Ted and the basket had now bounced into the water. .. the command from the helicopter was , “pull off, we are coming down”. Jake was attempting to get to Ted as the chopper neared the water. A corpsman using a pole with a large wire loop on the end pulled the two men to a platform ramp and into the chopper. After they had effected the rescue the copter hovered off to the side of my boat and they asked with a ‘bull horn’ if I could sail the boat back to San Diego by myself. I signaled OK no problem and they took off. While considering what could be done regarding repairs and the realization of how fortunate we were that the rescue had been successful, at least to the extent that Ted was on his way to medical attention... Repairs completed and the steering vane working satisfactorily, headed to San Diego. During this time I had the opportunity to reflect on the whole operation and possibly what had caused the basket to drop.</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">The basket with Jake hanging on must have been run between the backstay and the mast as the helicopter was maneuvering for position to pull away. The basket cable hitting the backstay with such force as to throw Jake off and into the water on starboard side must have exceeded it’s breaking strength. During the trip back to San Diego ... I heard the terrible news that Ted had died while on the cutter. I was feeling terribly depressed and could not get my mind off of the enthusiasm Ted had expressed for this sail to Hawaii, and now having it end like this. ..I was sailing back healed over going to weather. I put a single reef in the main for comfort. Under the circumstances sleep was impossible, besides crossing coastwise shipping lanes at night without a look out is crazy. The Coast Guard …were going to bring another cutter … Finally they located me and followed me at six knots for two days. During that time they became concerned because the winds were picking up and seas were roughing up. The radio started blaring, they insisted that I stop and take a crew aboard. It was in the early evening and the Alberg Iay to easy with reefed main and no jib…</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">... two young seamen were brought aboard... I made breakfast for the three of us while they took over the steering and were really enjoying themselves. The radio came on with the notification that they wanted to put an officer aboard. The kids said, “No, No, don’t let them put an officer aboard.” Well, the kids won and when we were inside the San Diego jetty a Coast Guard officer did board us and the first thing he did was put a tape recorder under my nose with the request, “Tell me what happened out there.”</p><p style="margin-left:40px;">When Nixie was put in a slip at San Diego ..a Coast Guard officer .. went over the back stay with a magnifying glass. I suppose they were trying to find evidence of the cable hitting the back stay causing the cable to break. Later on they would not admit that the basket had hit the boat as it dropped. Even though the stern quarter life lines were down the cap rail was broken and paint from the basket was in evidence. Jake and I were questioned extensively by two Coast Guard Commanders … Sometimes all that help and information comes back to haunt you. I was attached to the Coast Guard as a Co-Defendant in a $ 4.5 million dollar wrongful death suit. Two years later the suit was dropped.</p><p></p><p><strong>Lessons Learned</strong></p><p>So, there was a dead man resulting from a series of bad decisions already addressed by Richard in his narrative. He is not alone in having medical issues arise at sea. Monitor some emergency channels and hear about sick seamen or accidents aboard vessels. Oftentimes, the vessels are being run by the best in the business.</p><p>Another story is my friend who wouldn’t step foot aboard a small boat when I invited him sailing. Although he had retired from the Navy as a master chief and I consider him a true salt, the deck now had to be 400 feet long minimum. His story was about going out for day sailing in a small boat, the fast and wet type where you hang over the side to balance the boat. He got tossed overboard without a life jacket. Then, the skipper did not know how to properly sail around in a circle to pick him up, and after several attempts, the skipper simply ran him over in desperation. My friend was so tired and cold that he could not hang on or pull himself up to the boat. He nearly drowned.</p><p>So, the moral of these stories is that one never knows what can happen at sea. A good practice for the weekend mariner is to discuss in advance what circumstances can happen and what everyone will do. When underway for long voyages, think ahead about decision points on the route for changed plans. Small boat skippers rarely practice emergency procedures and their crews do not like wearing life vests. Drinking liquor and beer on hot days only heightens the risks.</p><p>Summer is approaching and the springtime winds are upon us here in southern California. In the eastern U.S., the boats are readied from winter storage. Hopefully, this story of disaster at sea causes skippers to revisit their training and manuals on safety procedures prior to taking a family out on the sea.</p><p>______________________</p><p></p><p>* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps</p></div>Top 10 Sailing Destinations in Europehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/top-10-for-yacht-charter-destinations-in-europe2014-03-16T20:30:00.000Z2014-03-16T20:30:00.000Ztolga ynghttps://tripatini.com/members/tolgayng<div><p><a href="http://yachtsngulets.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Cobra-King-gulet.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://yachtsngulets.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Cobra-King-gulet.jpg" class="align-center" alt="Cobra-King-gulet.jpg" /></a><br /> Europe is surrounded by sea on almost all sides, with a diverse coastline and of course fascinating culture and natural beauty. If you're thinking of a holiday on the continent that includes sailing, these ten destinations, are undoubtedly the highlights:</p><ol><li><strong>Ionian islands, Greece</strong> – It is the most common charting place for travelers around the Mediterranean, a beautiful place to begin your sailing journey with, starting from Lefkada and winding through its seven large islands, passing through the smaller ones in the middle.</li><li><strong>Azores, Portugal</strong> – It is a cluster of various islands owned by Portugal out in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are common for their lush green vegetation and landscapes. These can be perfectly travelled by boat.</li><li><strong>Dalmatian Coast, Croatia</strong> – A travel destination that offers beautiful beaches and a traditional way of life, it has around more than 1,700 islands, best explored by boat. You will also get to see the traditional fishing villages and attractive hidden coves.</li><li><strong>Baltic Islands, Germany</strong> – The Brakish Inland Sea offers some really unique locations.</li><li><strong>Sporades Islands, Greece</strong> – These are a lesser known yet also beautiful Greek sailing route. It has 11 islands but Volos would be a good start. It's famous as the "emerald of the Aegean," has rich vegetation and a very traditional way of life. For more <a title="about yacht charter destinations from Greece" href="http://yngyachting.com/destinations/greece-yacht-charters.html" target="_blank">details about yacht charter destinations from Greece please check this link</a></li><li><strong>The French Riveria </strong> – The Côte d'Azur is not only tremendously popular but also offers a great sailing island for visitors, hence making it one of the most beautiful sailing destinations in Europe.</li><li><strong>Turkish Coast & Dodecanese Islands In Greece – Bodrum</strong>, it is situated along the listening Turkish coast and makes your way much easier to Turkish Dodecanese islands. This part of Europe is known for its rocky coastline and sunken villages.</li><li><strong>Balearic Islands, Spain</strong> – These three islands off northeast Spain makes a wonderful European sailing destinations. If you're looking for livelier ports, go for Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza; Minorca and Formentera are more laid back and away from the crowds. </li><li><strong>Corsica, France</strong> – With over 200 beaches, Corsica is one of the best kept secrets of Western Mediterranean. It is fairly isolated place, and offers you a less crowded waters for sailing.</li><li><strong>Fjords of Norway</strong> – Perhaps Europe's most spectacular maritime scenery. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjords were formed by glaciers and are a dramatic sight indeed.</li></ol><p>There's more where that came from, including are many more islands and places to sail around in the Mediterranean, such as <a title="boat charter places in Istanbul" href="http://turkishyachtcharter.wordpress.com/2014/03/10/places-can-be-reached-by-boat-at-istanbul/" target="_blank">Istanbul</a>. Whichever you choose, there's nothing like sailing for an unforgettable holiday experience!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div>How to choose the best luxury yacht in Croatiahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-choose-the-best-luxury-yacht-in-croatia2014-03-28T19:40:21.000Z2014-03-28T19:40:21.000ZYNG Yachtinghttps://tripatini.com/members/YNGYachting<div><p>Well, this is important information for all those who are planning for a first time visit to this place. Waterways are more exciting than roadways in Croatia. And for finding the best waterway service you need to follow the guidelines given below:</p><ul><li>Choosing your best yacht journey has been made simple with on the internet yacht display choices. Any guest can access all kinds of agencies that deal with yacht rentals. Such types of agencies are widely available throughout the city and guide the visitors with ease.</li><li>Decide your touring group. In simple words, before hiring a yacht you need to give details about the total number of members, age wise categorization of the members, budget of your vacation and the number of days you want to take the yacht for hire. </li><li>If you are comfortable in finding the right trip and yacht, go further to guide your journey. Otherwise you can talk live with the authorities to get right Mediterranean Sea deal.</li><li>After verifying your yacht, make sure to complete every official norms and regulations. Filling up of different forms that demands information such as name of yacht, private information of the guest, price range in dollars along with variety of visitors and date of your visit is included in the official work. Additionally this procedure also consists of information such as begin and get off points; selection kind and finally kind of charter.</li><li>Check for the finish and comfort of the yacht. If you are small family with less than 4 members you can select 2 cottage kinds to make it personal. There are also ships available for large amount of visitors such as 24 and 32. As these yacht visits begins usually on Saturdays, strategy your journey accordingly. If you are thinking about modifying a journey to start on Monday to Friday, you need to connect with the reservation authorities.</li><li>Before finalising the deal get a number of quotations from different yacht renting agencies. Make a comparison before finalising your deal. Remember good agencies always give free quotes to their prospective customers. So be alert! If anywhere you are being charged for a fees for quotation, avoid it. Always opt for free quotes.</li></ul><p>For more informations please visit this link about <a href="http://guletcruises.org/croatia.html" target="_blank">gulet cruises in Croatia</a></p></div>Greece Getaways - First Ever Cretan Union Cuphttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/greece-getaways-cretan-union-cup-sailing2013-10-13T21:48:07.000Z2013-10-13T21:48:07.000ZPhil Butlerhttps://tripatini.com/members/PhilButler<div><p>Starting today, the starting cannon for the first ever <a href="http://www.cucup.org/en" target="_blank">Cretan Union Cup</a> will announce not only a great regatta, but a celebration of 100 years of Greek unity. A century ago, Crete united with mainland Greece in a momentous union, and this morning in Chania (some boats below) a centuries old sailing tradition will be reignited.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008800856,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008800856,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="700" class="align-center" alt="9008800856?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Crete, the cradle of European civilization since the time of the Bronze Age Minoans, is now the scene of a renewed pledge of oneness in between mother Greece and the fabled Island of King Minos. The regatta, the first event of this kind ever organized on the North coast of Crete, is a race in between the holy triad of cities along the Northern shore of that bright Island. Skippers will sail between .Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos in a fast reinactment of sailing routes established before the Alexander the Great, before the Romans, and long ahead of Phonecian sea dominance in the Med.</p><p>The legendary birthplace of Zeus himself, is today one of the world's most sought after touristic destinations. A land so noted for its healthy climate, diet and lifestyle, is also a great sporting paradise as well. Guest of Crete can expect to see all the Island turning out in celebration, and the festive atmosphere would seem to be a perfect exclamation point to the end of Summer there. </p><p>This joint initiative by; the <a href="http://www.crete.gov.gr/index.php?lang=en#.UlfgelBmhOY">Region of Crete</a>, the Hellenic Sailing Federation, the Nautical Club Gaziou Crete, the <a href="http://www.nox.gr/">Nautical Club of Chania</a>, the Sailing Club of Chania, the Sailing Club of Rethymno, the Sailing Club of Heraklion, the Sailing Club of Ag. Nikolaos, and the Nautical Club of Sitia will feature many side events to entertain travelers.</p><p>Hotels such as <a href="http://www.lato.gr/">Lato Boutique Hotel</a> in Heraklion, academic entities like the University of Crete; the Cretaquarium-Thalassocosmos, and the the Porto Venetiano Hotel in Chania; plus so many others are participating and sponsoring these celebrations across Crete.</p><p>For those of you headed to Crete, the notorious Greek hospitality will be out in full bloom from today until the regatta ends next Sunday. The atmosphere on the Island of the Minoans, driven by love of country and holiday cheer, should be an eventful 2013 Cretan memory to take home. Drink a toast to Zeus or each other, no doubt the Ouzo will flow freely this weekend in Crete.</p></div>Five Can't-Miss Adventures of a Lifetimehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/five-can-t-miss-adventures-of-a-lifetime2014-01-30T15:02:17.000Z2014-01-30T15:02:17.000ZNicholas Kontishttps://tripatini.com/members/NicholasKontis<div><p><span style="line-height:0px;overflow:hidden;" id="mce_0_start"><span style="line-height:0px;overflow:hidden;" id="mce_1_start"><br /> Starting to think about warm-weather travel yet? Check these out:</span></span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Alaska-Bike-Tours1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4554" title="Alaska Bike Tours" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Alaska-Bike-Tours1.jpg" width="550" height="413" alt="Alaska-Bike-Tours1.jpg" /></a></p><p>During the summer months biking in Alaska is a fun way to see America's largest state. Get up close with Alaska’s nature and wildlife, meet the locals.</p><p><span style="line-height:0px;overflow:hidden;"> </span></p><p> By bike you get far away from tourist areas, but still travel on paved highways, on less traveled roads. Give yourself at least seven days to cover 50-70 miles of this pristine, outdoor wonderland.</p><p><span style="line-height:0px;overflow:hidden;"> </span></p><p> Local knowledge, small group size and personalized service have made Alaska Bike, the preferred choice for bicycle tours and multisport tours of Alaska! Owned, operated and guided by Alaskans.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.alaskabike.com/" target="_blank">www.alaskabike.com</a></p><p><img src="http://www.easysailing.gr/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/sporades/alonissos/Kokinokastro_Alonissos.jpg" alt="Kokinokastro_Alonissos.jpg" /></p><p>Sail the Greek Islands on a luxury chartered yacht with a great of your best mates. <br /> Set sail from Athens Greece to the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes, Crete, Zakynthos, enjoyyour sailing holidays in Greece. Alpha Yachting Greece is managed by Manos Komninos, an established Naval Architect with over 20 years of experience, who is not only a Yacht Broker, but who can suggest the ideal yacht for your sailing holidays in Greece.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.alphayachting.com/" target="_blank">www.alphayachting.com</a></p><p></p><p><span style="line-height:0px;overflow:hidden;"><span style="line-height:0px;overflow:hidden;"><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CAMEL-SAFARI-OZ1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4557" title="CAMEL SAFARI OZ" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CAMEL-SAFARI-OZ1.jpg" width="800" height="462" alt="CAMEL-SAFARI-OZ1.jpg" /></a></span></span></p><p></p><p>Australia offers the traveler unlimited options of activities, but it's not every day that you'll go on a camel trek in the Outback.<br /> Russell Osborne, Camel Trainer, explains the basics of training wild camels to becoming domestic, working camels. There is a lot more to the entire process than what can be described here in this blog and camel training should only be done under the instruction of a trained professional. In saying that, the relationship developed between camel and handler depends on the level of trust that is achieved.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.australiancamels.com/" target="_blank">www.australiancamels.com</a></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/brazil-wtl-7.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4558" title="brazil wtl 7" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/brazil-wtl-7.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="brazil-wtl-7.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="line-height:0px;overflow:hidden;"> </span> </p><p>Scuba Dive where few go in Brazil. Fernando De Naronha is a protected national park of of Recife, f the north east coast of travel in the Atlantic Ocean. Great for active divers, or a wonderful opportunity to get certified.<br /> One of the best dives to do is at Ilha do Meio, which has caves and an abundance of sharks. Another nice place to dive is Canal da Rata, ideal for night dives.<br /> Cagarras offers deep dives. Pontal do Norte is excellent for skillful l scuba divers. This region offers many sorts of dives and a large variety of sea animals to be seen.<br /> <br /> Fernando de Noronha is a wonderful place to visit. It is a small piece of heaven that can be found only in Brazil. There, you can practice scuba diving, observing the great amount of animals, relax on the beat and enjoy the azure, warm, Atlantic waters.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.scubadivingbrazil.com/" target="_blank">www.scubadivingbrazil.com</a></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Chetwan-National-Park.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4559" title="Chetwan National Park" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Chetwan-National-Park.jpg" width="500" height="435" alt="Chetwan-National-Park.jpg" /></a></p><p> </p><p>Think Nepal is all about trekking? Think again. In south central, Nepal lies Chitwan National Park where you can take in a real African style Safari in the backyard of the Himalayas , complete with riding elephants, and the chance to see the few remaining, endangered tigers and rhinos. <br /> <br /> In 1996, an area of 750 sq. km. surrounding the park was declared a buffer zone which consists of forests and private lands. The park and the local people jointly initiate community development activities and manage natural resources in the buffer zone. The Government has made provision of plowing back 30-50 percent of the park revenue for community development in the buffer zone. <br /> <br /> <a href="" target="_blank">www.chitwannationalpark.net</a></p><p> </p><p>Like my travel rants and raves?</p><p> </p><p>I am travel expert, Nick Kontis. I have sent over 10,000 people around the world with my discounted airfares.</p><p>Now, I promote travel on my World Travel List.</p><p> </p><p>You can post your travel tails or if your a travel provider post your company on Trip Rambler, and be seen by 1,000s of world travelers from over 120 countries</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com">http://trip.worldtravellist.com</a></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://facebook.com/worldtravellist">http://facebook.com/worldtravellist</a></p><p> </p></div>San Francisco's Louis Vuitton Cup: The Race To The America’s Cup Finalshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/louis-vuitton-cup-the-race-to-the-america-s-cup-finals2013-09-07T11:30:00.000Z2013-09-07T11:30:00.000ZNicholas Kontishttps://tripatini.com/members/NicholasKontis<div><p>Being a native of America’s favorite city of San Francisco, we are blessed with world class restaurants, museums, theatre, winning sports teams, a tolerant city, in a mild climate where outdoor activities are possible year long.</p><p>In the summer of 2013, I was able to witness the grand dame of yacht racing, the America’s Cup. San Francisco played host to some of the most skilled sailors and yachtsmen in the world. A sailing regatta like no other in a world class city, like no other. From July 7 to September 21, the world of sailing would converge on the “City by the Bay” to crown a world champion of the much coveted, America’s Cup.</p><p>From July 7 to August 30, two teams from Italy and New Zealand would fight it out in the Louis Vuitton Cup. In the best of 13 races, or the first to reach 7 victories, Emirates Team New Zealand would battle it out with Prada Luna Rossa Team Italy, to move on the finals.</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-742.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23978" alt="PV_LA_SF2b_2013 742" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-742.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></p><p>One of the few moments that the Italians, Luna Rossa boat would be neck and neck with Emirates Team New Zealand</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-793.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23949" alt="PV_LA_SF2b_2013 793" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-793.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></p><p>The stunning Luna Rossa sponsored by Prada. One could only expect a boat this gorgeous from the Italians</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-753.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23960" alt="PV_LA_SF2b_2013 753" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-753.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></p><p>The back drop of Alcatraz Island proved many a breathtaking moments during the Louis Vuitton Cup</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-681.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23961" alt="PV_LA_SF2b_2013 681" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-681.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></p><p>Spectators marveled at the boats so close to the Golden Gate Bridge</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-295.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23962" alt="PV_LA_SF2b_2013 295" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-295.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></p><p>The Louis Vuitton Cup would be all about Emirates Team New Zealand</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-757.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23964" alt="PV_LA_SF2b_2013 757" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-757.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></p><p>The America’s Cup is an elusive trophy and has rarely changed hands in the last 150 years. In the world of Yachting this is a most prestigious honor to win the cup.</p><p>As Sir Peter Blake so eloquently says, ”This is not a sport for the faint hearted. It is not a quest to take lightly or on a whim. It is a fight between sailors from yacht clubs all over the world that desperately want the same thing: get their hands on the Cup.”</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-528.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23968" alt="PV_LA_SF2b_2013 528" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-528.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></p><p>Capturing the Kiwis en route to another victory – Spectators marveled at the monuments of San Francisco</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-0741.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23971" alt="PV_LA_SF2b_2013 074" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-0741.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></p><p>Here on a Monday, fewer spectators were present to witness the races when held midweek</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-720.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23975" alt="PV_LA_SF2b_2013 720" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-720.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></p><p>Team Emirates New Zealand with beautiful Marin County in the background</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/San-Francisco-HYDE-st-and-PRADA-boat.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23984" alt="San Francisco - HYDE st and PRADA boat" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/San-Francisco-HYDE-st-and-PRADA-boat.jpg" height="520" width="780" /></a></p><p></p><p>With Prada Luna Rossa in the background the view from Hyde Street as a Cable Car descends upon Aquatic Park and Fisherman’s Wharf</p><p>Tourist from throughout the world converged on San Francisco for a spectacular summer that just so happened to include the world’s most prestigious sailing regatta.</p><p>San Francisco played host to the Louis Vuitton Cup /America’s Cup in the Golden Gate as thousands of visitors flocked to San Francisco Bay to view the events that made up the 34th America’s Cup to enjoy this fascinating port city. Spectators all along the waterfront experienced the excitement of the races up close and the entire city welcomed the global sailing community who came to watch and participate in this world class event.</p><p>Before and after the races, visitors enjoyed activities and entertainment at the America’s Cup Village while experiencing San Francisco’s scenic beauty, diverse neighborhoods, restaurants and cultural attractions. A special concert venue was erected for summer music events. Steely Dan, Heart, Sammy Hagar, Journey and other music acts performed at this special venue.</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/San-Francisco-Luna-Rossa-and-NZ-over-SF.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23989" alt="Luna Rossa Challenge 2013 Louis Vuitton Cup Final - Race 5" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/San-Francisco-Luna-Rossa-and-NZ-over-SF.jpg" height="473" width="960" /></a></p><p>With breathtaking San Francisco as a backdrop – Spectators were in awe of the races and San Francisco’s beauty (Photo by Chris Cameron/ETNZ)</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-622.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23980" alt="PV_LA_SF2b_2013 622" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PV_LA_SF2b_2013-622.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></p><p>In the end the Kiwis stood alone in best of 13 races, winning 7-1 over the Italians and Luna Rossa, capturing the Louis Vuitton Cup and advancing to the finals of the America’s Cup to face Larry Ellison’s Oracle Team USA.</p><p>The America’s Cup Finals will be held on San Francisco Bay – September 7-21. The perfect culmination to a wonderful summer in the city by the bay.</p><p>If Team Oracle USA</p><p>happens to come out victorious, the America’s Cup will be back in San Francisco in 2017.</p><p>Lean more about the America’s Cup <a href="http://www.americascup.com/">www.americascup.com</a></p><p>For more information about the city of San Francisco visit <a href="http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/" target="_blank">www.sanfrancisco.travel</a></p><p>All photos copyright by the photographer and author except where otherwise mentioned - Nicholas C. Kontis</p><p>About the Author: Nick Kontis – Travel Expert and Founder of World Travel List</p><p>Born on the one of the most beautiful Islands in the world, Santorini, Greece and raised in America’s culture capital of San Francisco. Nick Kontis started out as a world traveler at an early age traveling back and forth between California and Greece every summer. But it was a backpacking trip around the world at age 24 that proved to be a life changing experience. After traveling by car, train, plane, bike and, boat around the world, it would be this trip of a lifetime that would lead to a life as a travel entrepreneur and world traveler. Nick has been on both radio and television. Featured on Arthur Frommer’s television show, and referred by Lonely Planet writers as a leader in discount airfares. Frequently mentioned as the “father of around the world airfares.” Arthur Frommer once said, “If Jules Verne were alive today he would use Nick to go around the world in 80 days.” Nick and his various travel companies and agents have sent over 10,000 people around the world. Now, Nick promotes travel through his World Travel List and ‘Trip Rambler’ by World Travel List. Having traveled to over 80 countries Nick hopes to inspire others to travel the world.</p><p>Follow Nick’s “passion for travel” on the World Travel List.</p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/">http://trip.worldtravellist.com</a></p><p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/worldtravelist">http://www.facebook.com/worldtravelist</a></p></div>Marking 500 Years Since Florida’s Discovery, Spain Sends Another Galleonhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/marking-500-years-since-spain-s-discovery-of-florida-spain-sends2013-04-17T16:29:03.000Z2013-04-17T16:29:03.000ZDavid Paul Appellhttps://tripatini.com/members/DavidPaulAppell16<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008766890,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008766890,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9008766890?profile=original" /></a><br /> <span style="font-size:13px;">I’m standing on the deck of a mighty wooden treasure ship, 170 feet long and 495 tons, watching tourists amble and poke about – but I admit, in my mind's eye I’m picturing pirates, sailors, and skeezy, barnacle-encrusted zombies from Davy Jones’ locker slashing, parrying and whizzing through air filled with flames and cannonballs. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:13px;">Forgive me, I’m afraid that over the years, the</span> <strong><i style="font-size:13px;">Pirates of the Caribbean</i></strong> <span style="font-size:13px;">franchise has wormed its way all too far into my head. But enough - a shake of the head, and I can’t help but be impressed at the achievement here, this magnificent Spanish vessel, its brave crew, and the vision behind all of it. And of course the reason it’s here in <strong>Miami, Florida</strong>: to commemorate the landing near what is now <strong>St. Augustine</strong> 500 years ago by <em>conquistadores</em> under Juan Ponce de León, famously in search of the “fountain of youth” and eventually the Florida colony’s first governor.<br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008766293,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008766293,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-right" alt="9008766293?profile=original" /></a></span><span style="font-size:13px;">A faithful replica of an actual 17th-century galleon,</span> <i style="font-size:13px;">El Galeón</i> <span style="font-size:13px;">was built in 2009 by Seville-based foundation <strong><a href="http://www.fundacionnaovictoria.org/en/historical-ships.html" target="_blank">Fundación Nao Victoria</a></strong>. Beginning in late January, a crew of 36 men and two women sailed it more than 5,000 miles from the Canary Islands to Santo Domingo (a 17-day journey), then Puerto Rico before docking this past Monday at downtown Miami’s Bayfront Park, where it’s welcoming the public daily 9am to 5pm through Sunday, April 28 before continuing up the coast toward St. Augustine. Granted, admission won't exactly be considered cheap by everyone (adults $15, ages 12 and under $8), but I’d have to say worth it for a glimpse at a rare beast such as this, and chat with its crew about what it’s like to sail across the Atlantic Ocean by the winds and the stars.</span></p>
<p><br /> Well, almost. Crew spokesman Manuel Minero, 27 (right), took me into a room behind the ship’s wheel, and what do you know, there was a radio, some nav equipment, controls for in-port motors, and other newfangled gewgaws. Partly for backup, partly for modern-day nautical regulations, and partly, said Manuel, “because maneuvering into port now is very different and needs to be much more precise, than simply weighing anchor back in the old days.” <br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008767078,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008767078,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="9008767078?profile=original" /></a>Belowdecks, in addition to a recreation of how the captain’s and aristocrats’ quarters looked (left), there are also displays, set up by the Sunshine State’s tourism board, <strong>Visit Florida</strong>, relating to sailing ships and Spanish exploration, especially as they relate to Florida – there’s even a film about the Galeón and its construction. <br /> <br /> Manuel also took me behind the scenes into the quarters of today’s crews (hey, is that an expresso maker in the galley there?). It’s hardly luxurious, actually – I was especially impressed by the bunk room, which reminded me of a cross between a hostel and a capsule hotel (and smelled more like a hostel, actually, if you get my drift). In the old days, original crews would’ve numbered 100 to 150 on a ship this size, but it was just 38 people – ages 21 to 68 – who took the Galeón across the ocean (fortunately without incident) and 25 who will take it up the Florida coast. <br /> <br /> What an adventure – and in a world of ever more extreme adventure-seekers, this is all the more meaningful for being tied to a fundamental bit of history that helped create the world we live in. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.tripatini.com/photo/albums/spanish-galleon-in-miami-for-500th-anniversary-of-florida" target="_blank">Click here for more of my pictures</a>.<br /> <br /> Additional Florida visiting opportunities:<br /> <br /> - The Cove at Port Canaveral, Cape Canaveral: Wednesday, May 1 - Sunday, May 12</p>
<p>- Bahia Mar Marina, Fort Lauderdale: Tuesday, May 14 - Sunday, May 19</p>
<p>- City Marina, St. Augustine: Thursday, May 23 - Monday, June 3 </p>
<p>For more information/online ticket sales, log on to <a href="http://www.showclix.com/events/16987">http://www.showclix.com/events/16987</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.showclix.com/events/16987"><br /> <iframe width="400" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/62414012" frameborder="0"><p></p>
</iframe>
</a></p></div>Turkey expects 31 million tourists in 2011. See it on a Star Clipper Cruisehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/turkey-expects-31-million2011-02-15T21:00:43.000Z2011-02-15T21:00:43.000ZNancy Birnbaumhttps://tripatini.com/members/NancyBirnbaum<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008602481,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="295" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008602481,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008602481?profile=original" /></a>It’s the real thing! Tall ship cruise operator Star Clippers operates three of the world’s most authentic, head-turning ships; the majestic four-masted, 170-passenger Star Flyer and Star Clipper and the magnificent flagship, five-masted, 228-passenger Royal Clipper.</p><p>The Star Flyer began its’ maiden season in Central America last November, in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, where it will sail six, seven, 10 and 11-night cruises out of Puerto Caldera to explore the bays and inlets of the Pacific coastline, with visits to lush rainforests and hidden lagoons.</p><p>Star Clipper Cruises has exciting itineraries in Central America and the Caribbean, where the Clipper ships will visit dream locations in the Grenadines and British Virgin Islands among others. The company’s ever popular ocean crossings are ideally suited to those who dream of long sea voyages, while the summer season will find the ships roaming the Mediterranean (French or Italian Riviera), the Greek Islands and a fascinating new route between Athens and Istanbul, including Turkey as a new destination.</p><p>Turkey should be an awesome destination to see from the decks of a Star Clipper Ship. In an article released today in <a href="http://www.eturbonews.com/20785/turkey-expecting-31-million-tourists-2011?utm_source=TravelBuzz&utm_campaign=707db8eeb4-Travel_Buzz_1_28_111_28_2011&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">eTurboNews.com</a>, Turkey is expecting 31 million tourists in 2011!</p><p>The article states, “In the Turkish Hoteliers Federation (TUROFED) annual tourism report, Mr Ahmet Barut, the President of TUROFED said “The total tourism revenue is expected to reach USD 25 billion in 2011 with 31 million visitors”.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008602494,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008602494,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008602494?profile=original" /></a></p><p> </p><p>Turkey is on the way to becoming one of the top tourist destinations and is currently ranking as 7th in visitors numbers in the world. The tourism sector in Turkey has grown nearly 16% in the last 3 years whereas the more traditional destinations of Spain and France have contracted by a similar amount.”</p><p>Starting in May, 2011, The Star Clipper Cruise Line will begin sailing Turkey, seven nights Southern Turkey or with the Greek Isles and Northern Turkey. I can’t wait!</p><p>To find out more, visit <a href="http://www.starclippers.com/" target="_blank">www.starclippers.com</a>.</p></div>Fish Tales & Sailing Adventures in Manuel Antonio, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/fish-tales-sailing-adventures-in-manuel-antonio-costa-rica2013-04-25T17:24:40.000Z2013-04-25T17:24:40.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Planet-Dolphin-13.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Planet-Dolphin-13-150x150.jpg?width=150" width="150" alt="Planet-Dolphin-13-150x150.jpg?width=150" /></a>I met Nemo the other day. Well, actually it was his cousin. Instead of a cute bright orange and white striped Clownfish, this little guy was a vibrant yellow and turquoise with dark stripes. It swam right up to my snorkel mask, in my mind to say, “Hi!” Really, what it was probably thinking was “bug off,” given that it was a <a title="Sergeant Major Fish off Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica" href="http://www.costarica-scuba.com/sergeant-majors/" target="_blank">Sergeant Major Fish</a> and highly protective of its territory.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Planet-01.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Planet-01-300x183.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Planet-01-300x183.jpg?width=300" /></a>I was living the good life on a <strong><a title="Planet Dolphin catamaran tour in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica" href="http://www.planetdolphin.com/" target="_blank">Planet Dolphin</a> catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour</strong> off of <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Quepos" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.43194444444,-84.1611111111&spn=0.1,0.1&q=9.43194444444,-84.1611111111%20(Quepos)&t=h" target="_blank">Quepos</a></strong> and <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Manuel Antonio National Park" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.37555555556,-84.1358333333&spn=0.01,0.01&q=9.37555555556,-84.1358333333%20(Manuel%20Antonio%20National%20Park)&t=h" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio</a></strong>, on <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333&spn=10.0,10.0&q=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333%20(Costa%20Rica)&t=h" target="_blank">Costa Rica</a>’s Central Pacific Coast</strong>. What better way to enjoy the tropics than lazing about a luxurious huge catamaran, being served unending frosty tropical juice drinks by gracious and friendly staff, and cruising leisurely down the coast looking for wildlife and gorgeous scenery.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Planet-Dolphin-06.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Planet-Dolphin-06-300x230.jpg?width=210" width="210" alt="Planet-Dolphin-06-300x230.jpg?width=210" /></a>The afternoon sun soared overhead, but under expansive shade cover, the light sea breezes were delightfully cooling. The sea glittered with a zillion sunbeams. Manuel Antonio’s magnificent steep coastline poured green vegetation down to the jade-green sea, punctuated by million-dollar resorts and vacation homes peeking out exotically here and there.</p><p>Sergeant Major Fish notwithstanding (and they really are entertaining little fish), <strong>snorkeling</strong> in the <strong>Manuel Antonio Marine Preserve</strong> just off <strong>Biesanz Bay</strong> is lovely. Warm water, clear visibility and multitudes of vivid tropical fish make for a fun experience. Planet Dolphin handily provides all the gear – masks and snorkel, swim fins, lifejackets. If you want to ramp it up a notch, a near-vertical water slide aptly named “Tsunami” will rocket you off the boat’s stern. Or you can try a more than 10-foot plunge from the top deck into the water.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/MA-06-dolphins1.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/MA-06-dolphins1-300x187.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="MA-06-dolphins1-300x187.jpg?width=300" /></a>After our brief snorkel and swim, we cruised offshore in search of dolphins and other marine life. Planet Dolphin’s captain and crew were adept at finding a huge school of hundreds of Pacific Spotted <strong>Dolphins</strong> in a feeding frenzy amid flocks of diving <strong>pelicans, Magnificent Frigates, and other sea birds</strong>. Then it was time to visit a few sea bird rookeries and tiny volcanic rock islands before anchoring in a calm cove for gourmet sunset-view dining.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Planet-Dolphin-21.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Planet-Dolphin-21-300x225.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Planet-Dolphin-21-300x225.jpg?width=300" /></a>Planet Dolphin crew served up a delicious meal of fresh barbecued fish brochettes, pasta salad and fresh tropical fruit. Calm descended over the 80 or so passengers while reggae music softly played in the background and the sun’s fiery ball melted toward the horizon. We savored another <strong>picture-perfect Manuel Antonio sunset</strong> before motoring 5 minutes back to the <strong>Quepos Pez Vela Marina</strong> dock.</p><p><strong>Planet Dolphin</strong> provides <strong>two tours daily</strong> – in the morning at 9:00 am and in the afternoon at 2:00 pm – departing from the Pez Vela Marina in Quepos. Both last approximately 3.5 hours and include snorkeling, unlimited drinks and a meal. You can sail aboard the large70-foot, 110-passenger Tom Cat II catamaran; the roomy 60-foot, 45-passenger Tom Cat I; or the 37-foot Spanish Dancer sport catamaran, which is usually reserved for small groups and private tours.</p><p><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Costa-Rica-08-Manuel-Antonio.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Costa-Rica-08-Manuel-Antonio-300x225.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Costa-Rica-08-Manuel-Antonio-300x225.jpg?width=300" /></a><a title="Valle Dorado Tours in Costa Rica" href="http://www.valldoradotours.cr" target="_blank">Valle Dorado Tours</a></strong> is proud to offer the <a title="Planet Dolphin catamaran trip with Valle Dorado Tours" href="http://www.valledoradotours.cr/en/nature-of-sunset-cruise.html" target="_blank">Planet Dolphin catamaran trip</a> as one of their featured <strong>one-day tours in the Manuel Antonio / Central Pacific Coast area</strong>. Contact Valle Dorado Tours to experience the top one-day tours and custom tour packages in Costa Rica.</p><p>More than 20 years of local experience in the Costa Rica travel business, and personal inspections by their professional team of all tours, hotels, destinations, transportation, etc., ensures that . Explore their extensive menu of <a title="Valle Dorado one day tours, Costa Rica" href="http://www.valledoradotours.cr/en/tours/one-day-tours.html" target="_blank">one-day tours</a>, <a title="Valle Dorado destination tour packages, Costa Rica" href="http://www.valledoradotours.cr/en/tours/traditional-destination-packages.html" target="_blank">destination tour packages</a>, <a title="Valle Dorado thematic tour packages, Costa Rica" href="http://www.valledoradotours.cr/en/tours/thematic-tour-packages.html" target="_blank">thematic tour packages</a>, and <a title="Valle Dorado custom tour packages, Costa Rica" href="http://www.valledoradotours.cr/en/tours/custom-tour-packages.html" target="_blank">custom tour packages</a> all over Costa Rica. Their expert travel staff can help you arrange your <a title="Where to go in Costa Rica, Valle Dorado Tours" href="http://www.valledoradotours.cr/en/where-to-go.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation</a> from start to finish.</p><p>By Shannon Farley</p></div>A Taste of 'Lost Angel Walkabout': The Day I Became a Sailorhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/a-taste-of-lost-angel-walkabout-excerpt-from-the-day-i-became-a2012-12-15T17:53:14.000Z2012-12-15T17:53:14.000ZLinda Ballouhttps://tripatini.com/members/LindaBallou<div><p>The indifferent, howling storm tossed us through the night. The Hawaiian Islands are 2,000 miles from the nearest land. The waves come in from the open ocean and there is nothing to slow their momentum. We pitched twenty feet up, then plunged down, slamming on the water with a heavy thud. After several hours of this rude pounding, I gave up to the fatalistic notion that this was the way I was meant to go. Since I planned to have my ashes scattered at sea, I felt this was just a short cut to what I already had in mind for myself. “Be careful what you ask for.” kept going through my mind, over and over again, like a chinchilla on a wheel.<br /> <br /> Somehow, we slept. In the morning we woke to calm seas. I unfurled myself and went onto the deck. The ultramarine water shimmering in the morning sun gave no hint of the terror it had held in the night before. All was calm and steady to the horizon. The velvet green island of Kauai about a half-mile away floated gracefully beneath a rainbow arc as though nothing had happened. In island time, nothing had happened, but for me the world had changed. It was enlivened, washed clean, with a new beginning, and I was still there to see it.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008745870,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008745870,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008745870?profile=original" /></a></p></div>Ferry Tales From the Abacoshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/ferry-tales-from-the-abacos2013-05-02T16:16:39.000Z2013-05-02T16:16:39.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><p>by <a href="http://www.tripatini.com/profile/ChelleKosterWalton">Chelle Koster Walton<br /></a> <br /> <img width="300" style="float:right;" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008568454,original{{/staticFileLink}}" />I watched tidily uniformed schoolkids climb aboard as the crew loaded sacks of flour, a boxed microwave, some spare luggage, and various other unidentifiable bundles onto the 50-foot fiberglass ferry boat. Despite the early hour, everyone was cheerful as they made their way to their wood benches, nodding good morning to fellow passengers whether they knew them or not. The captain crawled through the window, gunned the engine, and we began powering our way through the bracing, briny air from Treasure Cay to Green Turtle Cay.<br /> <br /> Other seafarers that day were piloting million-dollar yachts that were costing them a small fortune in anchorage fees to travel around the Abacos, a 120-mile-long chain of more than a hundred <strong>Out Islands</strong> of the Bahamas. Us? We were paying $17 round trip to hop out to Green Turtle Cay, where we spent the day breakfasting at Green Turtle Club, snorkeling and picnicking, and touring the bright little town of New Plymouth (the very model of what a Bahamian town should look like).<br /> <br /> <img width="300" style="float:left;" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008568670,original{{/staticFileLink}}" />It’s my favorite pastime in the Abacos, the Bahamian sailing capital: day-hopping to its scattering of small isles or overnighting on one of the chain’s ten inhabited islands to soak up as much of the character of each as possible. Flights from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, West Palm Beach, and Nassau drop you on <strong>Great Abaco Island at Marsh Harbour</strong>, the third largest town in the Bahamas – but with only one stoplight, mind you. And out here you can find plenty of places to eat and overnight that your wallet will appreciate.<br /> <br /> From Marsh Harbour and the Great Abaco Island town of Treasure Cay, ferries depart regularly and dependably for Green Turtle Cay, Elbow Cay, Man-O-War Cay, and Great Guana Cay. The Sea of Abaco crossings are quick – 15 to 30 minutes – and usually smooth.<br /> <br /> <strong>Elbow Cay</strong>’s the most popular excursion because the ferry leaves from the Marsh Harbour municipal dock and delivers you to a fairytale town where the lighthouse looks like a candy cane and the homes cut from gingerbread. Hope Town, like New Plymouth, was one of four early Bahamian settlements created by Loyalists fleeing the turning tide of the American Revolution. With them they brought their architecture, ships, and slaves. All influence the makeup of today’s Hope Town, where motor vehicles are permitted only to those with special licenses.<br /> <br /> <img width="300" style="float:right;" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008569286,original{{/staticFileLink}}" />Daytrippers stroll Front Street and Back Street, stopping to learn the island’s history at the <strong>Wyannie Malone Historical Museum</strong>, perusing the galleries and shops, and refueling on “conch in da’ bag” at Harbour’s Edge restaurant. To overnight in the midst of the local scene, check in to Hope Town Harbour Lodge (<a href="http://www.HopeTownLodge.com">www.HopeTownLodge.com</a>). Tucked into a flowery hillside on the edge of a dune, its accommodations range from rooms in the historic inn to gingerbread-trimmed oceanside cottages, and start at $99 (the Bahamian dollar’s on par with the U.S.). Its tiny restaurant is considered one of the finest in town.<br /> <br /> In-the-know sailors know Great Guana Cay for <strong>Nippers Beach Bar & Grill</strong>, one of the most famous yachtie bars in the tropics — especially come Sunday, when it throws one heck of a wild boar roast. Drink something rummy here, grab a Guana Grabber (three kinds of rum mixed with pineapple and grapefruit juice) at Grabbers Bar & Grill, and you’ll find yourself easing into the rhythm of this island nicely. If you’ve grabbed one too many, Grabbers rents out one- and two-bedroom units (<a href="http://www.GrabbersAtSunset.com">www.GrabbersAtSunset.com</a>) from $100 a night.<br /> <br /> The antithesis of Great Guana Cay’s eternal happy hour, on <strong>Man-O-War Cay</strong> no booze is sold or served. So why go? As the boatbuilding capital of the Bahamas, it’s a fascinating place to watch craftsmen at work making and repairing boats, creating models, and creating ditty bags out of sailcloth. Another car-free, carefree island, it has a few interesting shops and harborside restaurants, plus a wonderful beach that’s nearly always empty.<br /> <br /> The Abacos are among those places where you just must get out on the water. And naturally there are plenty of varioius kinds of boats for rent and charter. But if that’s too involved and/or pricey for you, don’t worry, the ferry-boat system will do double duty for you: island-hopping you through mesmerizing seascapes that will send you back home full of ferry tales.<br /> <br /> <em>For more info/resources on the Abacos, see Tripatini's Bahamas group.</em></p></div>Sailing Lessons at Caribbean Resorts - aka Meet the Localshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/sailing-lesson-caribbean-resort-meet-locals2014-06-23T14:00:00.000Z2014-06-23T14:00:00.000ZEd Wetschlerhttps://tripatini.com/members/EdWetschler<div><p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;"><font face="Verdana, sans-serif"><font size="2"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296568863,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296568863,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="432" class="align-right" alt="9296568863?profile=original" /></a>With the beach facing west, the winds coming from behind pushed us away from shore until the beach was a distant white line. I was surprised that my sailing instructor had let us float that far out, so I said something about the first-ever sailing lesson at a Caribbean resort to terminate in Mexico. “Sailing lesson?” he said. “I thought you just wanted someone from the water sports desk to add weight to the boat. I don't know how to sail.”</font></font></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">Bummer. But it did reinforce my theory that you always learn something about your instructor when you take a sailing lesson. Maybe not on a large, keeled boat, where there are more things to keep track of, but definitely on a small, simple sportcraft like a Hobie-Cat. </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">After all, on an unmotored day-boat you and the instructor are sitting right next to each other, so you fill the long stretches between tacks (turns) with talk about your family, work, goals, and foibles. This is a gift, because when traveling overseas, you often end up having customer-vendor chats that are as superficial as they are genial. By contrast, there's a conversational flow on a Hobie-Cat that doesn't happen with your waiter or with the golf pro working (relentlessly, obsessively) on your swing.</span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">The Sailing Instructor and the Library</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">On a day when the breeze was light and the intervals between turns were especially long, one sailing instructor confided to me about having been born to a crack addict mother who'd had no interest in raising him. She handed him off to an older brother, he explained. “but my brother was still a kid himself, and he started taking drugs, too, so I was on my own. I taught myself how to be presentable,” he recalled. “I learned water sports by visiting a library and googling everything I could about sailing.”</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">And I'd thought Andrew Carnegie was a self-made man. He added, “I don't understand parents who abandon their children. My girls are everything.”</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296568680,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296568680,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="432" class="align-right" alt="9296568680?profile=original" /></a>On Anguilla, I learned something about that island's culture when an instructor offered to sail with me to St. Martin – across five or more miles of open water with big waves, and back. Mind you, this would have been on a boat whose length was barely 13 feet. “I'd be scared,” I admitted. “But it's sailing!” he exclaimed, as if that solved everything.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">“We Anguillans love to sail" he added. "If someone here doesn't love sailing, he is not a true Anguillan.”</span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">Tom Cruise Sails?</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">Yet another instructor seemed to have that same can-do attitude – until we started to talk about our love lives. Mine's pretty simple: I'm married, I belong to AARP. The instructor was 35 years younger than me and a lot better looking, but he told me he couldn't get a date because the local girls went for taller guys (he was maybe 5' 6”). I asked him if he'd ever seen one of those old Alan Ladd movies. He hadn't, so I said, what about Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Javier Bardem, Robert Downey, Jr.? He knew all them. "They have to fight the women off," I told him, "but not one of them is taller than you."</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">We got into a discussion about how men present themselves to women; how I'd met my wife. It was the sort of talk that might normally have made us both cringe – I mean, what is this, a manly sail or <i>The View</i>? -- but out there on the water, it was fine. Meanwhile, he turned me into a better sailor. And not a moment too soon.</span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">Bye-bye, Beach</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family:verdana, geneva;">It was on my very next trip to the Caribbean that I went out, way out, with the rookie water sports employee who didn't know how to teach sailing -- or even how to sail, <em>period</em>. I looked back at the beach, which was growing more distant every minute, and realized I was going to need some help getting back. I said to him, "You can't give me a lesson, so do you want me to give you one?” The answer was yes, and those next two hours of tacking back to the beach on a tough, zigzag course against the wind provided a good lesson for both of us.</span></p></div>Wild & Wonderful Water Adventures in Croatiahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/wild-and-wonderful-water-adventures-in-croatia2014-12-30T18:58:30.000Z2014-12-30T18:58:30.000ZVelimira Velikovahttps://tripatini.com/members/VelimiraVelikova<div><p><strong>Starting to thing about sun, sand and sea</strong> or <strong>action, adventure and adrenaline</strong> for next spring and summer? It might not be an easy choice, but luckily, some places have it all.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.sunnyrentals.com/search/europe/croatia/c97?cid=1486" target="_blank"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="http://traveler.sunnyrentals.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/21.jpg?width=600" alt="21.jpg?width=600" /></a></p><p><br /><a href="http://www.sunnyrentals.com/search/europe/croatia/c97?cid=1486"><strong>Croatia</strong></a> has long been a hidden gem for travellers. In recent years, it’s become one of the most popular destinations in <strong>Europe</strong> due to its fantastic climate, stunning scenery and gorgeous beaches. A private <strong>holiday home</strong> will allow you to enjoy the very best that <a href="http://www.sunnyrentals.com/search/europe/croatia/c97?cid=1486"><strong>Croatia</strong></a> has to offer. And if you’re looking for a more adrenaline-filled water activity than floating on a <strong>Lilo</strong>, then <strong>Croatia</strong> is definitely the place for you!</p><p>Some of the most exciting ways to really get up close to nature are <strong>rafting, kayaking and canyoning</strong>. Kayaking or rafting down the rivers as they flow through the unspoilt and varied landscape is a real thrill. If you’re looking for a serious adrenaline kick, try <strong>canyoning</strong> – the best way to explore <a href="http://www.sunnyrentals.com/search/europe/croatia/c97?cid=1486"><strong>Croatia</strong></a>‘s spectacular canyons. Walking through rapids, sliding through tunnels, swimming in river pools and abseiling down waterfalls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!</p><p><a href="http://www.sunnyrentals.com/search/europe/croatia/c97?cid=1486" target="_blank"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="http://traveler.sunnyrentals.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/15.jpg?width=600" alt="15.jpg?width=600" /></a></p><p><strong>Sailing</strong> is no doubt the best way to discover the wonders of the <a href="http://www.sunnyrentals.com/search/europe/croatia/c97?cid=1486"><strong>Croatian coast</strong></a>. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a beginner, you’ll be amazed by the crystal clear water and the multitude of islands, islets and reefs. Learn how to sail at a local sailing club or rent a private yacht and explore the archipelago on your own.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.sunnyrentals.com/search/europe/croatia/c97?cid=1486" target="_blank"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="http://traveler.sunnyrentals.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/yacht_shutterstock_41566594.jpg?width=600" alt="yacht_shutterstock_41566594.jpg?width=600" /></a></p><p><br />If you prefer the world under the surface, <a href="http://www.sunnyrentals.com/search/europe/croatia/c97?cid=1486"><strong>Croatia</strong></a> offers some of the best diving experiences in Europe. One amazing dive site is the famous shipwreck of <strong>Baron Gautsch</strong> near <a href="http://www.sunnyrentals.com/search/croatia/rovinj/t3191518?cid=1486"><strong>Rovinj in Istria</strong></a>. The underwater world off the island of <a href="http://www.sunnyrentals.com/search/croatia/korcula/t3197710?cid=1486"><strong>Korcula</strong></a> has been described as the most complex and interesting dive site in the Mediterranean. Do you want some photographic evidence to bring home from your marine explorations? Take a course in <strong>underwater photography</strong> at the dive centre in <a href="http://www.sunnyrentals.com/search/croatia/vela-luka/t3188326?cid=1486"><strong>Vela Luka</strong></a>.</p><p></p></div>Goa, Paradise on Earthhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/goa-paradise-on-earth2011-01-03T14:11:22.000Z2011-01-03T14:11:22.000ZTravel Tipshttps://tripatini.com/members/TravelTips<div><p><img height="489" width="680" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008590662,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008590662?profile=original" /></p><p> </p><p>People who live a hectic life find themselves taking a break and enjoying every bit of their tours to Goa, India. Fun and entertainment quotients are high in Goa and its cool and festive like environment makes it a refreshing holidaying destination. Learn how entertainment becomes an inseparable part of a Goa package tour.</p><p>Partying at Beaches<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://us.travelchacha.com/goa/beaches-of-goa.html"><em><strong>Goa Beaches</strong></em></a> are quite different from those found in other parts of the country. The<br />difference lies in the way people love to party at Goa beaches. <a target="_blank" href="http://us.travelchacha.com/goa/anjuna-beach.html"><strong>Arjuna Beach</strong></a> and many others have night clubs, bars and other venues that are highly admired for the <a target="_blank" href="http://us.travelchacha.com/goa/lifestyle.html"><em><strong>Goa nightlife</strong></em></a> entertainment. By choosing a Goa package tour, you will find yourself in the mood of partying all the time.</p><p><a href="http://us.travelchacha.com/goa/carnivals-of-goa.html">Goa Carnival</a> and Festivals<br />If you choose one of the Goa carnivals tours, you can witness the real festive spirit of the place. February is the month when Goa carnival is<br />celebrated with great enthusiasm and you can choose to be a part of the entertainment unlimited. Parades, dance, music and other fun activities help tourists make best out of their tours. Besides, there are round-the-year festive celebrations on the occasions like Chavoth,Easter, Christmas, Padvo and many such festivals and you can be a part<br />of these celebrations.</p><p>Ride the Adventure<br />Goa Tours offer ideal opportunities to people with inclination towards adventure holidays. Parasailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, dinghy sailing, water skiing and many such activities become a part of the Goa bpackage tour. Water scooters are other adventure-filled rides that let one have a great expedition on the sea waves.</p><p>Fun on <a target="_blank" href="http://us.travelchacha.com/goa/honeymoon.html"><em><strong>Goa Honeymoon</strong></em></a><br />Goa is among the most preferred destinations for the newly wedded honeymoon couples. One good reason for this is the Goa honeymoon cruises<br />that take honeymoon couples on a wonderful romantic voyage. Besides,there are many party cruises that a honeymoon couple can join. Swimming,relaxing at the beach and enjoying dance and music at entertainment venues are some of the other exciting parts of a Goa honeymoon package.</p><p>Other Fun Parts of <a target="_blank" href="http://us.travelchacha.com/goa/tourism-in-goa.html">Goa Tourism</a><br />There are a number of casinos in Goa that add to the entertainment part of tours to Goa. One can also enjoy crocodile watching and <a target="_blank" href="http://us.travelchacha.com/wildlife/bird-watching-tours.html"><strong>bird watching</strong></a> at some parts of the region. Enjoying seafood,<a target="_blank" href="http://us.travelchacha.com/goa/forts-monuments.html">Goa Forts and Monuments</a> regional cuisines and <a target="_blank" href="http://us.travelchacha.com/goa/shopping-in-goa.html"><em><strong>Goa Shopping</strong></em></a> further take the tour experience to great heights. Finally, there are many options for Goa weekend getaways.</p><p>Goa is a vibrant place with unlimited options to get entertained. Choose the Goa package tour and <a target="_blank" href="http://us.travelchacha.com/goa/resorts.html">Goa Resorts</a> carefully so that you can enjoy most of these options.</p><br /></div>Mancation - A Man's Vacation in Mainehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/mancation-a-mans-vacation-in2010-06-28T03:57:34.000Z2010-06-28T03:57:34.000ZAllan D. Kissamhttps://tripatini.com/members/AllanDKissam<div><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman">Landing in Portland, Maine, I quickly stopped wondering if this would be another shopping and stuff-your-face vacation. I was happy to note boats, sloughs, masts, traps, seafood signs, varnished wooden spars, and sea smells…back in my personal natural element on the Maine coast. <br /><br /></font></font></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman">Fortunately, there are many things to interest my wife at the same time; great food, interesting local shops, and historic B&B offering outstanding gardens. We would soon board an historic 1871 schooner for a 3-day sail around the local islands and wine tasting underway. It may surprise you; all these neat things to see and do just south of more famous Camden area.<br /></font></font></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman"><br /><img width="150" style="float:left;" class="style1" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008545086,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008545086?profile=original" />Rockland, Maine, is the storied place you could smell before seeing, as it had the seafood processing industrial base for the area. Around 1900, it was a major US port for the shipment of limestone and granite. This working town atmosphere persisted into the late 1980’s along with being a place you went to “get a beer and a beating.” Now, Rockland is becoming decidedly upscale but not too snooty.<br /><br /></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman">On the way in to Rockland from the Portland Jetport, we stopped at the <a href="http://www.coldrivervodka.com/">Cold River Vodka</a> distillation plant and tasting room. Make a note to stop here because this is a definite treat. They use batch distilling of potato mash and multiple-pass distillation to produce the smoothest vodka I’ve ever tasted. Larger producers use continuous process distillation that just cannot attain the same quality of fluid. Try the blueberry vodka. Pack a bottle in your checked bags; it’s worth the extra weight.<br /><br /></font></font></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman">We stayed at Victorian-era B&B <a href="http://www.berrymanorinn.com/">The Berry Manor Inn</a>. What a history this place has. The original builder was so rich he built closets with doors, supposedly to display his disdain for expense as the door constituted a room which was taxed. Hardwood floors are different in every room as an exhibit of wealth. I marveled at the finish work and the old metal grates built into the floor.<br /><br /></font></font></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman">In 1899, The Berry Manor once operated a state of the art heating system that is really the same as used by the Romans. A ruling-class home in the Roman period had floor heat provided through stone ducts as part of the foundation. Slaves kept a fire and forced hot air into the duct, maintaining a constant heat flow below the stone floor. Berry Manor once had a coal-dust fired boiler for heat exchangers located in a huge stone chamber. Stones and chamber rise to a high temperature and then fresh air is ducted through; filling the vacuum created by the hot chamber venting to the floor grates – no slaves with bellows required. Back in the day if it was too hot – the house staff would go down to the basement and slide in the baffle plate of the incoming air duct. Overall, it is ingenious but was unlikely to have heated the third floor rooms. Many solar systems today use the same heat retention techniques like the old-stone chamber.<br /></font></font></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman"><br /><img width="200" style="float:left;" class="style2" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008546091,original{{/staticFileLink}}" /><img width="200" style="float:right;" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008546662,original{{/staticFileLink}}" />We came in a day early to check out Rockland. From our Inn, we walked past other marvelous old estates and arrived on downtown Main Street. We discovered a truly great exhibit of artifacts from the sailing days. The <a href="http://www.sailpowerandsteammuseum.org">Sail, Power, and Steam Museum</a> caught my interest with original bubble-balance load planning tables for vessel stability (Graphical Stability Calculator), hull design models at scale used in building ships, and even Nathaniel Bowditch’s personal navigation instruments. I asked how a small model hull is used to build a real ship. I was told to visit the The Apprenticeshop school where wooden boat building is still taught as an art. <br /></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman"><br /><img width="200" style="float:right;" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296534093,original{{/staticFileLink}}" /><img width="150" style="float:left;" class="style3" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008547268,original{{/staticFileLink}}" /><a href="http://www.atlanticchallenge.com/">The Apprenticeshop</a> is a nonprofit trade school for learning about making wooden boats. Young people (and a few older types) learn the art of making boats by scaling up from plans and models. Several boats are available each year for purchase and they are truly beautiful objects to own. Students enroll in the full two-year apprenticeship program or take more focused instruction with shorter sessions. I loved visiting this place. Because I believe in the program and fear these skills will be lost, I made a small donation to preserve the time-honored trade of working with your hands.<br /></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman"><br /><br /><br /><img width="200" style="float:left;" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008547880,original{{/staticFileLink}}" />At our next stop, I got a tip to see the <a href="http://www.ohtm.org/">Owls Head Transportation Museum</a> and the stunning display of classic cars and airplanes. The 1935 Duesenberg J is a paint, leather, and chrome visual treat. There are also steamers, electrics, and touring cars from over 100 years ago. On the airplane side are original and reconstructed from original plans (including a Wright Brothers 1903 model). Like out of a cartoon, there was also an original 1900 Clark Biwing Orinthopter – a machine you’ve seen in old film clips trying to fly by flapping or jumping. The red 1923 Fokker C.IVA with passenger and luggage space is also fascinating, but I think my cramped-coach seat flight home is far better than where we started in air transportation.<br /><br /></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman">Since my wife and I like wine, we decided to do a short wine trip offered by the <a href="http://www.aatrolley.com/">All Aboard Trolley & Limousine</a> out to the mid-coast wine country. The company operates a regular wine tasting trolley service from Rockland and Camden. It is the kind of trolley with the old look outside but inside is open, cushioned seating so everyone has fun. What did I think of Maine wines; cold and rainy as the place is noted to be? These Maine wines are from vines selected for the limestone soil and climate. Most wine under production, however, is produced from imported grapes or juice. It is fun to experience a fledgling area and participate in their growth. I tasted local brandy from an old-time still, and cranberry crush wine that is astoundingly pleasant. <a href="http://www.mainewine.com/">Cellar Door Winery</a> facilities could be transported to California and not miss a beat, while others were small family operations with a well-experienced winemaker producing novel wines while enjoying the Maine lifestyle.<br /><br /></font></font></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman"><img style="float:left;" class="style3" hspace="5" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008548453,original{{/staticFileLink}}" /></font></font></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman"><br />In the late afternoon we had Captains Call aboard the 1871 built schooner <a href="http://www.stephentaber.com/">Stephen Tabor</a>. This introduced the crew and safety issues before getting underway in the morning. I sensed, rather than noticed, the ship’s smell was different from my experience. It has no engine and oil smells because there is no engine!<br /></font></font></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman"><br /><br /><br /><br />This historic ship sailed in freight service right through World War II. It is a centerboard design (I did a double-take on the centerboard for such a large vessel) so that access to piers or sloughs is possible given the 8-10 foot tidal range of the Rockford area. Now, the fine ship is an entertainment platform with top-drawer food cooked on an old wood-fired stove, wine tasting cruises, and anchorage in stunningly beautiful island coves of Penobscot Bay.</font></font></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman"><br /><img width="200" style="float:right;" class="style3" hspace="5" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008548462,original{{/staticFileLink}}" />Crew and Captain Noah Barnes handle the ship with obvious experience, but the hosting of sails or weighing anchor is a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate as if it is 1880 again. If you feel healthy and able, be an added hand; but be ready to breathe hard at the end. Once the schooner gets the breeze filling the sails, Captain Noah lets passengers take a turn at the wheel and feel how a 100’ schooner responds to helm. I can attest that this ship moves deliberatively compared to the prompt fiberglass sloops of my California recreational boating.<br /></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Times New Roman"><br />Captain Noah grew up aboard the Stephen Taber as his parents operated the ship for over 25 years. He knows all the best anchorages and the interesting history of the island homes you will pass underway. Seeing other schooners underway with large white sails filled and the colors up, gives an idea what life aboard ship was like in the now distant past.</font></font></font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman"><br /><img width="200" style="float:left;" class="style3" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296533698,original{{/staticFileLink}}" /><img width="200" style="float:right;" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008548100,original{{/staticFileLink}}" />Maine has 5,300 miles of shoreline when all the islands are included. It reminds me of Washington’s San Juan Islands for boating fun with places to anchor away from the crowds, fish-lobster-crab galore, and shore excursions with interesting walks. I am looking into bareboat charters but everyone I asked warned me of the rocks danger to novice boaters. I am not a novice boater… famous last words? Keep an eye out for my next Maine report.</font></p></div>The family of wild dolphins in Troia, Portugalhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-family-of-wild-dolphins-in2010-02-22T14:30:00.000Z2010-02-22T14:30:00.000ZPortugal Dream Coasthttps://tripatini.com/members/PortugalDreamCoast<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008536901,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" /></p><p>They're friendly, cute and crazy about children. They're a family of resident dolphins that live in the Sado estuary called "bottlenose", a very common specie of dolphins. We all love to see dolphins and for<br />many people the only way to do this is by visiting an aquarium. In<br />Troia you have the opportunity of seeing them in the wild.<br /><br />Each dolphin has been identified and has a name.</p><p>Visit our blog and know more about them: <a title="Portugal" href="http://portugaldreamcoast.blogspot.com/2010/02/family-of-dolphins.html" target="_blank">Portugal</a></p></div>6 Fun Water Adventures in Guanacaste, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/6-fun-water-adventures-in-guanacaste-costa-rica2017-09-12T15:32:32.000Z2017-09-12T15:32:32.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><strong style="font-size:12pt;"> </strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008840057,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008840057,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008840057?profile=original" width="640" /></a></strong></p>
<p><br /> <strong><a href="http://www.guanacastetours.com/rio-negro-tubing-adventure/" target="_blank">Costa Rica Tubing Tours</a> on Rio Negro</strong><br /> <br /> There’s nothing like a day of exciting fun bouncing and splashing down a cool, crystal clear tropical river under the hot Guanacaste sun. On the Rio Negro (Black River) Tubing Adventure at Hacienda Guachipelin, you ride five kilometers (three miles) of class II and III rapids in special, individual river tube rafts that are designed with handles and protective bottoms. Guides are with you the whole time to ensure your safety.</p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://www.guanacastetours.com/waterfall-canyoning/" target="_blank"> </a></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009193471,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009193471,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009193471?profile=original" width="266" /></a><br /> <strong><a href="http://www.guanacastetours.com/waterfall-canyoning/" target="_blank">Waterfall Canyoning</a></strong><br /> <br /> Another cool water adventure at Hacienda Guachipelin – one of the best places for Rincon de la Vieja tours – is waterfall canyoning. Rappel down a cascading waterfall and splash into the pool below. Then climb back up the rock wall and do it again, this time with a Tarzan-style swing!</p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://www.guanacastetours.com/corobici-river-float-tour/" target="_blank"> </a></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008856501,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008856501,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008856501?profile=original" width="650" /></a><br /> <strong><a href="http://www.guanacastetours.com/corobici-river-float-tour/" target="_blank">Corobici River Float Tour</a></strong><br /> <br /> <br /> Want a water adventure in Costa Rica that is a little more relaxing? The gentle float tour down the Corobici River is just the ticket. While your guide rows the raft, you get to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature and interesting wildlife, including exotic tropical birds, monkeys, iguanas and other animals of the area. This is a great Guanacaste tour for families.</p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://www.guanacastetours.com/whitewater-rafting-tenorio-river/" target="_blank"> </a></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009193682,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009193682,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009193682?profile=original" width="600" /></a><br /> <strong><a href="http://www.guanacastetours.com/whitewater-rafting-tenorio-river/" target="_blank">Whitewater Rafting Tenorio River</a></strong><br /> <br /> For an even bigger adventure, this Costa Rica whitewater rafting tour is a lot of fun and thrilling as you plunge through twists, turns and drops down eight miles of intense class III-IV4rapids. If that’s not enough, the beautiful scenery along the way will take your breath away.</p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://www.guanacastetours.com/snorkeling-in-guanacaste/" target="_blank"> </a></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009194294,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009194294,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="9009194294?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><br /> <strong><a href="http://www.guanacastetours.com/snorkeling-in-guanacaste/" target="_blank">Snorkeling in Guanacaste</a></strong><br /> <br />Guanacaste’s weather is perfect for snorkeling and diving tours – hot and sunny! The Pacific Ocean along the this coast is full of marine life, and with almost always clear conditions, you can see a lot. Keep an eye out for big schools of jack fish, eagle rays, manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins and whales. Plus you don’t need a wetsuit in the tropical water.</p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://www.guanacastetours.com/marlin-del-rey-catamaran/" target="_blank"> </a></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009194472,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009194472,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009194472?profile=original" width="600" /></a><br /> <strong><a href="http://www.guanacastetours.com/marlin-del-rey-catamaran/" target="_blank">Catamaran Sailing</a></strong><br /> <br /> Combine a snorkeling tour with sailing on a luxury catamaran along the Guanacaste coast by both Tamarindo and Coco Beach. Known as the Rolls Royce of day charter sailing catamarans in Costa Rica, these tours include lunch, an open bar, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and simply relaxing.</p>
<p> </p></div>Sailing the Aegean Sea in Greecehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/sailing-the-aegean-sea2011-12-13T15:05:10.000Z2011-12-13T15:05:10.000ZKeith Kelletthttps://tripatini.com/members/KeithKellett<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008673255,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008673255,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008673255?profile=original" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>Almost since the dawn of recorded history, Man has been crossing the Aegean Sea by boat, and this remains the best way to do it. We could paraphrase the words of Jean-Jacques Rousseau: <em>‘If you just want to get there, you could fly, but to travel, you must take a boat’</em></p>
<p>There are boats of all description plying this sea, and I’ve sailed on a lot of them. The one that the island people themselves use, as well as the tourists, is the ferry. Most of these leave the Greek mainland from the port of Piraeus. It’s a big port, and, since Greece has many islands, there are many ferries, and looking for the one you require can be quite a chore.</p>
<p>Don’t ask at a ferry company office; they will only tell you about their own ships, and disregard those of other companies! I once spent a weekend on Leros, because a ferry company told me there were no boats until Sunday night. There were, but not from that particular company! However, I couldn’t take too great an exception; my flight didn’t leave till Monday afternoon, and I’d rather have spent the time on Leros than in Athens.</p>
<p>For real information on all ferries, visit</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gtp.gr/"><span style="font-size:small;"><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb">www.gtp.gr</span></span></a><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb"><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb">, a website which tells you about all services … although it doesn’t tell you how to find your ship at Piraeus.</span></span></p>
<p>Unless you’re prepared to pay a premium price, the accommodation is fairly basic. If it’s an overnight trip, you’ll probably share a cabin with three other people, or even sleep in your seat. That’s an option often taken up by youngsters, who want to see as much as they can for as little money as they can.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008672888,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008672888,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008672888?profile=original" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>Many people like to take a cruise on a ship designed for that purpose, and the first time I did this, I was gravely disappointed. <em>‘Just a floating coach tour!’</em> I grumbled. The food was awful, and the entertainment worse. But, we did call at Rhodes and Santorini. At Rhodes, our friends met us, and took us around in their car. We seemed to visit most attractions at the best time … thirty minutes before the ‘hordes’ arrived from the ship!</p>
<p>Most cruises call at Santorini, even though they must always send their passengers ashore by tender, for only the smallest ships can moor at the quayside. On our first visit, we took a ride on the submarine out of Vlichada; an interesting experience, although most cruise operators prefer to keep their clients above the sea’s surface.</p>
<p>Sadly, the submarine is now gone from Santorini, and is, I believe, operating in the Canary Islands.</p>
<p>We were supposed to have ‘free time’ in Thera, but most of this time was spent queuing for the chairlift to take us back down to the harbour. And, we missed Santorini’s fabled sunset. By the time that happened, we were hull-down on the horizon, tucking into … roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.</p>
<p>I was wondering whether the sail on <em>Samaria,</em> when we finished walking the Samaria Gorge, on Crete, counted as a cruise. Ayia Roumeli, at the foot of the gorge, is inaccessible by road, so the ferries take you to Hora Sfakion or Souyia where you can catch a bus. But, I’ve just realised that Ayia Roumeli is on the southern coast of Crete, therefore not in the Aegean Sea.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008673285,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008673285,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008673285?profile=original" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>The next cruise in the Aegean was a complete contrast to the first. The <em>Costa Atlantica</em> is Italian owned and registered, therefore the food, the décor and the ambience were almost indescribably excellent. Although Santorini was the only Aegean port we called at, they allowed us much longer there. And, they laid on an excellent shore excursion for us. A <em>kaiki</em> picked us up from the ship to take us to the island of Nea Kamini, and we hiked up to the summit crater of that volcanic island, with an occasional glance over the shoulder to see the other passengers swarming up to Thera on donkeys. Or queuing for the cable car.</p>
<p>‘I hope that’s dust blowing from the crater’</p>
<p><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb"><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb">I said. <em>‘No, Sir!’</em> said the guide <em>‘It’s steam!’</em> But, he went on to say that wasn’t a problem … and, if it was <em>smoke,</em> the nearest person to the boat would be the second person into it.</span></span></p>
<p>The <em>Atlantica</em> is a big ship, and, later, I asked one of the officers which other harbours they could use. <em>‘Rhodes and Piraeus are the only ones we can tie up at’</em> he told me <em>‘We also use Santorini, Patmos and Mykonos, but we anchor offshore at these places, and use tenders’</em> I asked about the Cretan ports, and he replied he didn’t know, because they never go there.</p>
<p>So, if you want to visit the smaller islands, you must use a smaller boat and, some years ago, I took a trip on a 50-foot sailing yacht with SeaScape Sailing.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008674075,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008674075,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008674075?profile=original" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be an expert sailor to cruise on such a vessel. I was in the Air Force, which gave me a tendency to refer to the extremities of the ship as the ‘nose’ and the ‘tail’. But, nobody minded, and I was assured that I wouldn’t be aroused in the middle of the night to frammis the deadlights, or scupper the blinge spigot or something, for all nights were spent in port or at anchor.</p>
<p>We took at least one meal a day on shore, in a local <em>taverna,</em> which gave us a literal, as well as metaphorical ‘taste of the real Greece’ in locations such as Lipsi, Arki and Marathi, where the tourists rarely go. Generally, we followed the crew, for they knew all the best places to eat and drink.</p>
<p>In addition to these little islands, with their minuscule harbours and friendly <em>tavernas</em>, the crews know of hidden bays, where we could stop off for a swim. As we approached one of these, on the uninhabited island of Aspronissi, we were escorted to our anchorage by a pod of dolphins.</p>
<p>The itinerary is variable, guided by the weather conditions and the wishes of the passengers. The only fixed times are those of departure and arrival at Lakki, SeaScape’s home port. On the trip I took, we couldn’t make Agathonissi because of adverse winds, and therefore missed a meeting with George, the island’s famed ‘ouzo king’. But later, we called instead at Emborio, on Kalymnos, where even the crew hadn’t been before.</p>
<p>It’s not always an exercise in shunning the rest of the world, though. We made a call at Patmos, but, instead of the main harbour at Skala, we used the fishing port at Grykos. The crew pointed out two cats and a seagull, perched on a pile of nets on the pier. <em>‘They’re waiting for the Old Fisherman’</em> we were told <em>‘No matter how meagre his catch, he always has a fish for them’.</em> Half an hour later, the Old Fisherman arrived, and, sure enough, his first action was to throw a fish to his friends.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296558886,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296558886,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296558886?profile=original" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>With an assortment of hired cars and scooters, we set off up the hill to the St. John Monastery and the Apocalypse Cave. <em>‘We won’t have breakfast’</em> said the crew <em>‘Wait till we get up the hill! Jimmy’s Balcony Restaurant makes superb omelettes!</em></p>
<p>They did indeed, and, from the balcony, there was a really good view of Skala Harbour. And, sailing into the harbour was a sailing clipper especially designed for cruising.</p>
<p>That’s something I would like to try, but haven’t done so yet. Several operators have sailing ships or motor cruisers, about 150 feet in length, accommodating less than 50 passengers. And, since they’re so small, they can go to places bigger ships can’t, but allow more space than a 50-foot yacht does.</p>
<p>The main objection comes from my wife, who doesn’t like the lack of a swimming pool on most of them. But, we’re sailing the Aegean; there are plenty of places where you can swim, and most operators allow for swim stops in their itinerary. So, I’m working on it!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008674465,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008674465,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008674465?profile=original" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>Good sites to try:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.costacruises.co.uk/"><span style="font-size:small;"><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb">http://www.costacruises.co.uk</span></span></a><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb">;</span> <a href="http://www.costacruise.com/"><span style="font-size:small;"><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb">http://www.costacruise.com</span></span></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.seascape-sail.com/"><span style="font-size:small;"><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb">http://www.seascape-sail.com</span></span></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.seafarercruises.com/"><span style="font-size:small;"><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb">http://www.seafarercruises.com</span></span></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.gtp.gr/"><span style="font-size:small;"><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb">http://www.gtp.gr</span></span></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p></div>