Active Adventure Sailing Holidays

Sailboat

Velvet Lady Velvet Lady is a 55 foot long Oyster yacht which is renowned for it’s high quality, comfort and performance. With a maximum number of 8 on board (6 guests and 2 crew) she is never crowded. The saloon is large and comfortable with seating for 8 around the main table and has an additional seating area with coffee table. The cockpit is deep and secure for when it is windy, there is plenty of deckspace for sunbathing when it is calm. The cockpit table allows us to dine al fresco when the weather is suitable. There are 3 twin guest cabins each with access to a shower and toilet – either en suite or next door. With 3 showers and plenty of hot water there is never much of a queue. The galley is fully equipped and secure enabling us to produce good food even whilst at sea.Velvet Lady has a very full inventory of equipment which includesElectronics:Navtex, DSC/VHF radio with command microphone in cockpit, hand held VHF, EPIRB, Colour Chart plotter, GPS, Radar, Autopilot, SSB Radio, Weatherfax, Inmarsat CGeneral Equipment Electric anchor windlass, Roller furling main and headsails, Cruising chute, 240V Invertor, 240 V Generator, Microwave, TV and DVD player, Stereo radio and CD player, Electric Heating, Air Conditioning, Watermaker, Solid bottom dinghy with outboard in davits, Sextant, BarbequeVelvet Lady carries a full inventory of safety equipment and is coded by the MCA for commercial use

Destinations

We have just completed our summer season in Iceland and are heading south to the sunshine of Spain, Portugal and Madeira arriving in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands for some winter sun and sailingt.

In the Summer of 2009 we will be sailing north to the beautiful Lofoten Islands of Norway. Join us as we explore this beautiful region

Join us fon our way north for a mini ocean adventure including 3 days of true ocean sailing on the passage north from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands to the beautiful emerald island of Madeira. This adventure includes some coastal cruising with a longer offshore passage. We will spend our first day sailing along the coast of Lanzarote and making an overnight stop at the beautiful island of Graciosa. We then set off on a 2 to 3 day passage to sail 270 nm across the Atlantic to Funchal, the capital town of Madeira. On arrival we also have a short time to explore the Madeira coastline before you fly home

Join us for an ocean adventure sailing north between the mid Atlantic islands of Madeira and San Miguel in the Azores. Take the opportunity to combine coastal cruising with a short ocean passage. We will sail along the spectacular coastline of Madeira before setting course for Punta Delgada on the island of San Miguel in the Azores Archipelago 550 nm away On arrival we will also have time to explore the coastline of this remote island

All our holidays are led by round the world yachtswoman Lin Parker. With 20 years experience she is well accomplished at both introducing the new comer and coaching the more experienced. With our experienced staff and small guest numbers we are able to tailor the exact itinerary around the interests of those onboard making each holiday unique.

Typical Day

The beauty of sailing and our flexible itinerary is there is no need rush. This is the time to leave the stress of detailed schedules behind you. Breakfast is served when you get up; if we have decided on a long sail this could be early, if not we enjoy a relaxed leisurely breakfast. After breakfast the crew prepare the boat for sailing, often allowing enough time for a wander ashore. After departure it is time to clear away the lines and fenders and hoist the sails, take the wheel, trim the sails, plot the course or just sit back and enjoy the sunshine. Whether you are a beginner or experienced sailor we encourage you to do as much or as little as you wish. Time slips by as you admire the scenery and enjoy the fresh air as we head for our next destination. Lunch is often served on the go and so is likely to be simple but delicious. We drop the anchor or moor at our new destination mid to late afternoon. Once the boat is secure afternoon tea is served, and then it is time to go exploring. Dinner is prepared on board and served around 8 pm but to fit in with shore excursions. The food will be good wholesome food and plenty of it, cooked with fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Lin and Richard prepare all the food, but are always happy for a bit of help in the galley, especially when it comes to washing up or when under way. Depending upon our destination evenings can be a quiet time to relax on board, take a stroll ashore to enjoy the peace or sample the local nightlife. You may retire to bed whenever you like. Hot and cold drinks, and snacks are available all day on a help yourself basis. During the week the heads/bathrooms are cleaned daily by the crew as well as the communal areas. The cabins are your personal space, and it is up to you to keep them tidy and stowed for sea.

Age range, type of group

Individuals, small groups and familes are all welcome.

Sleeping and meals

Velvet Lady has 3 twin bedded cabins. Duvet, pillow, bedding and towels are provided.All meals are included whilst living aboard the yacht