Greece Summer 2012
January 15th, 2012 by jkadmin
If you would love to sail around some of the Beautiful greek Islands this Summer then get in touch. There are plenty of wonderful yachts available in the area from small Catamarans to larger catamarans, monohull and mega yachts
We recommend Miss Kirsty, a 62ft Catamaran sleeping 6 guests plus Captain and Chef. Check out her full brochure here … http://www.cyabrochure.com/eb/1570/xary/3026/1
Other Catamarans Include:
Mamma Mia www.mammamiacatamaran.com
and Monohulls:
Shooting Star www.shootingstar.gr
More Catamarans, Monohulls and Power Boats available, just get in touch! info@jkyachtcharters.com
Kitesurfing Charters in the BVI
January 15th, 2012 by jkadmin
Catamaran PLUTO is now offering specialist Kitesurfing charters with Captain and Kitesurfing enthusiast Vincent and Chef and Kitesurf Instructor Lulu.
- Available in: BVI, St Martin & Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Grenadines.
- Sleeps 8 Guests in 4 Cabins
- Fully Crewed and All Inclusive 44ft Catamaran
Check out the full brochure for Catamaran Pluto here …http://www.cyabrochure.com/eb/1570/xary/3263/1
For further details email us on: info@jkyachtcharters.com
Corsica & Sardinia
January 15th, 2012 by jkadmin
We sailed in Corsica and Sardinia last Summer and thought it was just one of the most beautiful areas we have ever sailed in. Stunning Scenery, Crystal Clear Waters, Pristine Beaches and numerous Islands just short sailing distances from each other are just some of the things you will find in this area.
One of our favourite crews from the Caribbean are heading over here this coming Summer and are offering charters in the Beautiful Maddalena Islands (in-between Corsica & Sardinia) and on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. We think these are two great destinations to charter and Barry and Bridget on Ad Astra are a great crew to be showing you around.
You can take a look at their website and further info on the cruising area, the yacht and its crew.
For rates and further information, email us on: info@jkyachtcharters.com
Our Favourites for the Caribbean 2011/2012
October 15th, 2011 by jkadmin
As another Season begins in the Caribbean I thought I would write a bit about some of my favourite crewed yachts out there. I have picked a selection of boats ranging from 45 to 80 Feet, all boats that I personally have been on and Crews that I personally have met (and would recommend!). As it is a favoured chartering ground for many most of these Yachts are based in the British Virgin Islands, some however do charter in the Leeward and Windward Islands (St Maarteen, Antigua, Grenadines etc). Really when it comes down to it though the BVI does have everything to offer, with hundreds of islands in the area you can choose from quiet & secluded anchorages, to busy beach bars and lively restaurants.
Take a look at our suggestions and see what you think:
Viking Dream (Leopard 4700)- An Immaculate and Comfortable Yacht, Viking Dream is personally Owned by its wonderful Crew Mark and Sally. They are a fun and experienced crew with a love for Chartering and the Islands, a perfect boat for 3 couples or a family, Mark & Sally can adapt to either. Their enthusiasm, fun personalities and years of experience will ensure that your vacation in the British Virgin Islands is one that you will never forget. Click here to view Viking Dream.
AdAstra (Lagoon 57)- Bridget and Barry are a seasoned Crew who have been running charters on Ad Astra for 4 years now. With a zest for adventure they love to travel when working and when on vacation, they are sure to have many stories and experiences to share with you. AdAstra is a well kept boat, with many new additions each year. She sleeps 8 people in 3 Queens and 1 Bunk Beds, with a great out side dining area as well as a large salon. Perfect for Couples and Families. In May, Ad Astra will be heading over to the Mediterranean for more Adventures so either make the most of then in the Caribbean or try an adventure with them in Corsica and Sardinia this Summer. Bridget and Barry are fun, considerate and always aiming to please. Their love of AdAstra and chartering is shown in the presentation of the Yacht … Chartering with them is a once in a lifetime vacation, you will want to go back again and again! Click here to view AdAstra
Pas De Deux (Fountaine Pajot 60) - Rodrigo and Kerry embody everything that is needed to be a fantastic charter crew, they have been in the British Virgin Islands for several years now and after previously running larger yachts they prefer the more personal aspect of chartering with just 2 crew. Pas De Deux offers an added bit of luxury in the decor of a charter yacht, with Kerry presenting it beautifully, you will find hidden extras such as bath robes and personalised towels that you may not find on all our yachts. Rodrigo and Kerry bring with them their high standards and a personal touch that will not be missed. Pas De Deux offers 3 Queen Cabins, the Master offering a walk around bed and walk in shower. Kerry is a fantastic Chef, and both Kerry and Rodrigo are a relaxed, friendly, fun & at the same time professional couple to be around. A charter with them is truly 1st Class! Click here to view Pas de Deux
Soterion (Lagoon 570) (previously DOUBLE FEATURE) A lovely Yacht, one guest liked her so much he bought her back in 2009! Sleeping 8 guests in 4 Queen Cabins(one with walk in shower), she has a spacious salon & cockpit area. Sasha and Tara have crewed Soterion for the almost 2 years keeping her updated each season. They are a lovely couple who delight in sharing their Caribbean experiences with you. Click here to view Soterion.
Avalon (Lagoon 620) is one of the newer boats to the fleet. Launched in 2010 with Paul and Mel who were involved throughout the build process, Avalon has been decorated tastefully throughout, she is fantastically spacious and has a lovely light and airy feel. She sleeps 10 guests and also offers diving. Both Paul and Mel are passionate about sailing and love to share their adventures with their guests. Their love for the islands shines through when they are sailing and showing you around. Mel is an accomplished Chef , always adding to her skills with new courses, she enjoys pushing herself to the next level in her gourmet offerings. Paul is an experienced Captain who is great fun to be around, he is always happy to show you the ropes (literally!) or take on the sailing himself. A charter on this stunning new Yacht is sure to impress and Paul and Mel will leave you with memories hard to forget! Click here to view Avalon.
Kings Ransom (Matrix 76)- If you really want to be pampered in luxury then a charter on Kings Ransom is ideal. At 76ft this catamaran sleeps 10, all with ensuite bathrooms and walk in showers, the master cabin being particularily special with wraparound windows and a bath tub! The cockpit is very spacious with a large dining table, on the second deck there is plenty of sunbathing space and a hot tub! Your Crew Emily and Euros bring with them years of experience chartering. Emily is a masterful chef and Euros an accomplished Captain. Joining them to keep the level of service you would expect on a larger yacht like this are 2 further crew. If you want to enjoy that added bit of luxury Kings Ransom is where you will find it. Available not only in the BVI but throughout the Caribbean. Click Here to view Kings Ransom. Due to a recent cancellation Kings Ransom is now available for Christmas up until 26th December.
If you would like to enquire about any of these Yachts please drop us an Email or call us on Skype. For contact details click HERE
If you cannot see what you are looking for here try using our Yacht Search Page to take a look at some other yachts or get in touch with us and we will recommend something more suited to your criteria. There are many wonderful yachts and crews out there to choose from, we want to help find the right one for YOU!
A Charter in the Ionian…
July 24th, 2011 by jkadmin
The Ionian Islands, set off the west coast of Mainland Greece, are the perfect place for an Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Charter. Most of the islands are short distances apart making a great itinerary for the beginner or seasoned sailor. With hundreds of anchorages to choose from, deserted quiet harbours, lively seaside resorts, historical villages and clear blue seas you will be spoilt for choice. There are airports on most of the islands so you can pretty much choose your own itinerary depending on how long you want your vacation to be … take a look at a sample 7 days here …
Day 1: Corfu is the ideal place to start a charter. It has an international airport which is not far from Corfu Town where there is a lovely anchorage off the Old Fortress that you can spend your first night. Your Captain will meet you ashore and take your group to board the boat by dinghy, be welcomed aboard with cocktails and nibbles and spend the afternoon at your leisure, starting to relax whilst your crew tend to your every need. Enjoy your first dinner prepared by your chef and settle into life onboard, if you are feeling energetic your Captain can take you ashore after dinner for an evening stroll around Corfu Town.
Day 2: Woken up to the smell of Coffee and something baking, your Chef will have prepared your first breakfast. Your Captain will likely get the chart out and discuss some options with you and give you a short safety briefing before setting sail to the Sivota Islands just off the mainland coast of Greece and the village of Mourtos. Mourtos is very picturesque. It is lovely to walk around, have a drink in one of the taverna’s and do a spot of shopping. There are several nice anchorages to choose from in between the islands. They are generally well protected and offer good flat calm water, ideal for spending the afternoon enjoying a range of water sports.
Day 3: Another morning sail to the island of Paxos where you can stop and anchor for lunch on the south side and take a look at the several caves on the coast. Take a kayak, a paddleboard – or even a snorkel and mask and explore! After an afternoon swim you can take the boat around the north side of Paxos to Longos, a small fishing village with white washed houses huddled around a miniature harbour under olive-clad slops, here you can spend the night and enjoy what delicious meal your Chef may have prepared for you.
Day 4: You might want to opt for a big breakfast at this mid week point with a little longer sail to Vasilikki on the island of Lefkas- or even opt for a lunch under way. Arriving in Lefkas mid afternoon you can jump in to the beautiful clear water in this harbour. If you feel like stretching your legs you can take a hike ashore and visit the site of a temple dedicated to Apollo or if you are feeling energetic hire a windsurf in one of the top ten spots in the world!
Day 5: Winds may not be too favorable for a sail this morning but you can admire the views as you motor through the Stenon Meganisiou the straight between Meganisi and Lefkas, one of the loveliest channels in the Ionian. There are several spots to choose from on Meganisi, being well protected, most of the bays fringed by olive and cypress with clear blue water. These are a stunning place to spend the afternoon in the water or chilling on deck.
Day 6: Heading further south are the Islands of Ithaca and the largest of the Ionian Cephalonia. Both rugged and steep, Cephalonia is home to the highest mountain of the Ionian Islands, Mount Nero. Fiskardho, on Cephalonia is a lovely place to stop and explore, with picturesque 19th-century houses set amid green pine groves. There are a number of bays to choose from in this area which are pretty much deserted and ideal if you are looking for a quieter spot. You could also check out one of the anchorages in Ithaca, perhaps visit Port Polis where a local school teacher looks after a small museum housing a collection of items from excavations on the supposed site of odysseus palace or if you feel like heading over to the NE side try Frikes, postcard stuff! Set at the bottom of a wooded ravine with a stream running down to the sea. A couple of windmills also sit above the village on a rocky cragg.
Day 7:Assuming you are flying out of Preveza on the mainland (there are many options available for arrival and departure which can be discussed when planning your charter) it is time to start sailing north again. From Cephalonia you will sail up to Lefkas and perhaps anchor in the seaside town of Nidri. It is a lovely place to spend your last night and only a short taxi away from the airport.
Day 8: One last breakfast, One last swim … Time to pack up and say good bye to your home for the past week, your crew and the islands …. until next time 
Getting There: Corfu, Cephalonia, Kythira, Zakynthos and Preveza (about 20km from the northern end of Lefkas) all have airports. It is a great idea to do a one-way charter flying into Corfu for example and flying out of one of the smaller islands further south. Try looking at sites such as www.skyscanner.com for the best deals.
Weather: Winds are consistent in the Summer Months and from June until the end of September the prevailing wind direction is NW to WNW. Generally it arrives in the afternoon and dies at Sunset. The climate is mainly sunny with little rain and temperatures regularly reach up to 32C plus in July and August.
If you are interested in a Yacht Charter in the Ionian Islands, get in touch using the Contact Us Form or take a look at the different boats available in Greece using our Yacht Search Page.
A Charter in the BVI …
July 22nd, 2011 by jkadmin
British Virgin Islands – One of Natures little secrets …
The British Virgin Islands also known as the ‘BVI’ are one of the most popular places in the world to go on a sailing holiday. Offering something for everyone from the beginner to the seasoned sailor, with over 70 islands of bays and cays to experience, this area is a Yacht Charterer’s dream. People return to the BVI year in year out because every year there is something different to go and see, a new anchorage to go and explore or a favourite place to return to.
Here is a 7-day sample of what you may experience should you embark on a Yacht Charter in the British Virgin Islands…
Little Harbour, Peter Island
If you are flying into Beef Island on the East end of Tortola your Yacht can pick you up right there! There is an anchorage next to the airport which is just perfect, within minutes of stepping off the plane your captain will meet you and take you in a short dinghy ride to the boat. Pick up can be almost anywhere in the Virgin Islands depending on where you are coming in from but other popular options are Roadtown (the capital of Tortola) and Sopers Hole, West End (the closest point to the US Virgin Islands). Coming in this way you can choose to fly into St Thomas which can often be cheaper and more direct. Flights coming into Beef Island often come via Puerto Rico, Antigua or St Maarten.
White Bay , Jost Van Dyke
Day 1: If flying in to the airport on Tortola, you can board the boat in Trellis Bay, a couple of minutes dinghy ride from the airpot. Your Captain will welcome you onboard and show you around, giving you a short briefing before you sit down to your first lunch aboard. After Lunch he will likely show you a Chart of the area and talk through your options for the week, finding out from you what sort of vacation you are looking for. You may spend the afternoon by taking a short hop over to Cam Bay – a popular quiet anchorage with a private beach tucked behind a reef or you may choose to motor over to Marina Cay, a small island with a nice beach bar and a short hike with some great views over to Virgin Gorda and the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
Day Two: After a leisurly breakfast you will set sail to Virgin Gorda and The Baths which is an area of huge granite boulders strewn between beaches, forming scenic caves that are open to the sea. There is a great walk through the boulders, climbing up rocks and down ladders. It is also a pretty snorkel off the beach. After Lunch you will sail up to the North Sound where there are several resorts and anchorages to choose from all secluded in this natural and sheltered ‘Sound’. You can choose to anchor off the famour Bitter End Resort and take a walk ashore or to anchor in a quieter spot perhaps off the beach at the back of Eustatia with a view to Necker Island (owner by Richard Branson)
The Baths, Virgin Gorda
Day 3: North Sound is a great place to set sail to Anegada – the furthest away of all the Islands within the BVI and also the flattest. Prevailing wind angles make for a great sail even in stronger winds. Anegada is surrounded by reef, making for some great snorkelling and is covered in endless white sandy beaches. It is also famous for its lobster and you will be spoilt for choice as to which beach restaurant to sample it in! If you are only eating ashore one night, this is the night to do it.
Day 4: From Anegada it is another great sail back down to the North East Side of Tortola. A stop at Monkey Point is a great place to snorkel with great visibility and a good chance of seeing some large tarpon here. For the night a beautfiul spot (if no one has taken it before you) is Bails Ground. In the right conditions there is room for just one boat to stern tie. It is a great place for water sports and snorkelling.
Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
Day 5: A morning sail to Jost van Dyke. First stop for a snorkel to the beach of Sandy Spit. Literally a spit of sand in the middle of the sea – this is postcard stuff! After Lunch a motor over to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. Most famous for the Soggy Dollar Bar where the Painkiller was invented. The beach is long and white, the sea is perfectly clear and there are Island Style beach bars all along – its the perfect place for an afternoon to swim ashore and have a drink or two!
Day 6:Time to set sail to Norman Island, if you fancy a spot of shopping you can stop in the colourful harbour of Sopers Hole or you can push on to the Indians or the Caves at Norman where you can do some of the best snorkelling in the BVI. The rock pinnacle at the Indians is a favourite. The anchorage of the Bight can be busy but if you want to party Willy T – the famous floating bar is the place to go in here or if you fancy something a little more peaceful you can choose from Privateers Bay, Kelly Cove or even around the corner to Benures Bay.
The Indians, Norman Island
Day 7: Its the final day and what better way to end it than the beautiful Peter Island. A morning sail to the resort where you can take a hike, indulge in the spa (you will need to book ahead for this) or have some lunch on the beach. In the afternoon you can sail around to Little Harbour where you can stern tie. One of the favourite anchorages of the crews in the BVI, it is great for watersports & snorkelling and is utterly peaceful.
Day 8: Unfortunately time to leave, a morning sail over to Roadtown where you can get the ferry or a taxi to the airport. Your crew will help arrange a driver for you if needed. If you have a later flight you can always wander around a couple of the duty free shops and grab a bite to eat in the marina.
If you are interested in a Yacht Charter in the British Virgin Islands, click here to use our yacht search or get in touch by emailing me at – info@jkyachtcharters.com
Please NOTE : Most BVI Charters are Priced on an All Inclusive Basis. Extra Charges that need to be taken into account when considering your budget are:
- Your Flights
- Transport to and from Airport
- Crew Gratuity (generally between 10% and 20% of the charter fee)
- Meals Ashore
- Shore Duty: Souvenirs or Special Excursions such as Spa Treatments or Rental Cars.
- Special requests such as champagnes and vintage wines or extra requested dockage.
