Mariner Boating has your next holiday covered

by Di Pearson on 19 Oct 2006 With Mariner Boating holidays becoming increasingly popular and a number of repeat offenders replicating their prior holiday experiences, the company has increased its annual holiday sailing program; so come aboard and whet your appetite as you select your yachting holiday from the list of destinations for 2007.

The most work you will have to do is pick up the phone or go online and choose your holiday, fill out the booking form and rest is taken care of by Trevor Joyce and his friendly team at Mariner Boating, the world-wide boating holiday specialist.

Your airfares are booked, the boat is ready to sail and one of the company’s representatives will accompany you to your destination making sure your every need is taken care of, so your carefree holiday is just that.

Melburnian, Doug Shields, took part in the inaugural Bonifacio Cup Yacht Rally in Corsica and Sardinia last year and is full of compliments. 'If Trevor rang me today and said come for another holiday, I’d be there!'

Shields says: 'Going on the inaugural trip to Bonifacio was a definite attraction. It was a sensational trip and I compliment Trevor and his team putting together and managing such a great sailing adventure – and it wasn’t easy for them, having to set up a new event. I’ve done a lot of sailing away from home, so I know how hard these things are to put together. It was the best holiday I’ve ever had.'

For Val Mallett from Sydney, the 2005 Bonifacio Rally was her 12th holiday with Joyce’s company, which is a good advertisement in itself. Val has done each of the trips offered by Mariner Boating at least once; going twice to Tonga. 'Trevor always manages to get a wonderful balance of sailing and travel into his holidays,' Mallett says, 'and the people who go are always interesting and fun. I couldn’t speak more highly of him and the adventures he takes us on.'

Get a group of friends together, or go on your own and meet new friends. Apart from the sailing, the tours and many social activities will ensure you have a good time – and no, you don’t have to be an experienced sailor, but you will have the opportunity to learn a lot.

Starting in March 2007, with the season ending in October, Joyce and his team have made sure that there’s something to suit everyone’s taste here, and should you not be able to make it in 2007, the company has already locked in some destinations for 2008.

Feel like some relaxing fun and sun? The 2007 holiday season kicks of with the Phuket Yacht Rally in Thailand from 22 March to 2 April.

Set In a beautiful tropical location, the spectacular scenery of the Andaman Sea along with the famous Thai hospitality and cuisine creates an unforgettable experience. You will navigate your yacht through limestone formations that jut dramatically out of the water. At the end of the day, relax with a Mai Tai as you watch the sun sink into the Andaman Sea.

For those who enjoy a bit of history, try the Gallipoli Gulet Rally from 27 April to 17 May in Turkey, where you will visit Anzac Cove after spending three nights in the city of Istanbul.

Continue on by road to Bobrum, where you board your traditional 'Gulet' after taking in the many ancient sites along the way, followed by 10 days of cruising the beautiful Turkish coast – a long-time favourite yachting ground to sailors worldwide.

Then there’s the Yacht Rally of the Aegean from 17 May to 4 June, taking in Turkey and Greece The rally is a relaxing downwind sail combining the Greek Islands of the Dodecanese group and the coast of Turkey between Bodrum and Marmaris. Embarking in Kusadasi, Turkey, the route includes Samos, Arki, Patmos, Lipsos and Kalimnos.

Back in the Pacific, the Kalia Cup Yacht Rally in Tonga from 19-30 July is a great mid-year winter getaway. Join the humpback whales as you cruise through the Vava'u Island group of Tonga. Warm tropical waters, sandy beaches and steady tradewinds – heavenly!

Fancy late summer in Italy? Try the Bonifacio Cup Yacht Rally takes in Corsica and Sardinia from 30 August until 17 September and are playgrounds to the rich and famous. By unprecedented demand, following the inaugural Rally last year, this destination is set to become as sought-after as Croatia. Sail Northern Sardinia, Southern Corsica and the Maddalena National Park with an inland excursion thrown in; this trip is not to be missed.

The Croatia Yacht Rally – a hugely fashionable holiday destination for people all over the world. From 31 August to 18 September, and such is its appeal, this is the sixth Croatia Rally. One of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world, a number of clients have backed up for seconds and thirds!

The 7th Tahiti Nui Cup is the final destination for 2007. To be held from 14-26 October, you will sail among the stunning tropical Islands of Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora in Tahiti's Leeward Islands. Enjoy island hopping, traditional food and entertainment and a warm welcome from the locals. And when the parties are over, cruise the turquoise waters of the most beautiful lagoons in the world.

Can’t find something that appeals here? For those who want to go their own way, Mariner Boating has you covered. Choose your own destination and budget and Mariner will help select the best yacht at the right price, offer itinerary suggestions and general tips about your destination, then package it up for you. Too easy!

Mariner Boating is a travel agent with more than 30 years of experience in travel, sailing and boating world wide.

For all information including bookings: Phone: 612 99 66 1244, email: info@marinerboating.com.au or website: www.marinerboating.com.au