'By the Berth' sailing holidays - making life easy

by Sail-World Cruising on 3 Jan 2012 So you want to go sailing AND you need a holiday, but you don't have a boatload of people to join you in chartering a boat. One travel company is now making life easy by introducing sailing holidays in some of the world's prize cruising grounds - places like Thailand, Croatia and Greece - with one big difference.

The difference is that Intrepid Travel is opening up the world of sailing to solo travellers as well as couples and groups of friends, with the launch of sailing adventures that can be booked by the berth.

The adventure travel company's new sailing itineraries will not only drop anchor at some of the world's favourite island playgrounds but also at some lesser known, hidden spots. With a high quality boat, experienced crew, meals and snorkelling equipment included, you will be free to swim, snorkel and kayak while at sea, and hike, rock climb, dine and relax while on land.

The itineraries are fixed, but flexibility is a key feature as you are given the choice of helping to sail the boat or simply sunbathing on deck with a good book. Equal freedom is given to the stops on land, where visits to ruins, restaurants, bars or beaches are left up to the discretion of the passengers.

'We're really pleased to add sailing adventures to our ever-growing list of trips,' said James Thornton, Intrepid Travel's General Manager, Global Sales. 'Consumer demand for small group sailing trips is strong and Intrepid's itineraries will provide people with a fun, safe and hassle-free way to sail in Europe and South East Asia, whether you're travelling solo or with others.'

Here is an example of the itineraries, together with Intrepid's description:

Sail Thailand © SW

Phuket to Ko Phi Phi Sailing - 4 days:

(but that's one way - you can always take the return trip)

Feel the wind in your hair as you set sail through the paradisical surroundings of Thailand's west coast.

Plunge into the glistening turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and lie back on powdery white island beaches as this short but sweet sailing adventure gives you a taste of this magnificent part of the world.

Explore the perennial island favourite, Phuket, Pay a visit to 'James Bond Island', Spot vibrant marine life on a snorkelling adventure, Kick back at night listening to the sound of the waves, Explore mysterious caves on Ko Hong,

Drop the anchor in paradise on Phi Phi Don

Sail Croatia - Dubrovnik to Primosten - 8 days

Experience the old-world charm of Croatia on a sailing odyssey through this surprising part of Europe.

Spend days cruising around impressive coastlines, exploring lush national parks, wandering through medieval towns or rolling off the boat into warm, turquoise waters to swim.

Contrast this emergence into Croatia's natural beauty with regular doses of the unique culture and tastes of the lively restaurant and bar scene, indulging in fresh seafood and regional wines while looking onto stunning coastal vistas.

Visit the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', Sail across the jewel-like waters of the Adriatic, Discover a tangle of ancient laneways in Ston, Spy native birds in Mljet's national park, Hit the beach in beautiful Hvar,

Finally, experience the old world charm of Split.

Sail Greece - Santorini to Mykonos - 8 days
Dreaming of crystal-clear sapphire waters, whitewashed villages, history laden ruins, lively Greek culture and delectable cuisine straight off the land or from the sea?

Then sailing from Greece's Santorini to Mykonos may just be what the doctor ordered.

Spend eight blissed-out days under sun drenched skies enjoying the best the Greek Islands of Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, Small Cyclades, Naxos and Mykonos have to offer.

Enjoy stunning costal views in Santorini, Swim in the warm turquoise waters off the island of Amorgos, Eat fresh seafood off the boat at a taverna in Small Cyclades, Wander the olive groves of Naxos, Climb the winding stairs of Syros, Explore the Church of Panagia Paraportiani in Mykonos

For more information go to the www.intrepidtravel.com!Intrepid_Travel_Website.