Essentially something for every occasion
Cruising the French Riviera and Italy’s Ligurian coast this summer, the high-end Beneteau Oceanis 50 yacht sleeps up to six guests – all in comfortable en-suite cabins. The professional crew will help you put together your own itinerary– whether this includes finding the most secluded bays for a swim, the best gelateria or the most impressive scenery to sail past.
Here are some holiday ideas to suit a variety of occasions and timeframes:
The Honeymoon Couple
Picture this: your very own luxury private yacht, a professional (and discreet) crew to sail her for you, glorious sunsets and champagne out on deck. Couples searching for a memorable honeymoon can live the life of luxury for a week – without the need to break the bank. Enjoy candle-lit suppers moored up in the romantic harbours of Italy’s Portofino or Portovenere, find complete seclusion at an anchorage off the French Riviera’s Îles de Lérins, and perhaps even arrange a cookery lesson à deux. The crew can book you into romantic restaurants along the coast – from France’s first café-chantant (live music café) to Monégasque cuisine overlooking Prince’s palace.
- A week’s exclusive use of yacht costs from £2,870pp (two sharing)*
The trip for time-precious friends
It’s the usual scenario: you’re keen to get away with friends but unable to find a whole week when you’re all free. So, with these people in mind, Essential Sailing has launched a new four-night trip which should make a holiday far easier to coordinate. You’ll only need to take a few days off work to enjoy, what is effectively, a sailing break in miniature, but you’ll still be treated to the same luxury crewed service of the longer trips. And, as time’s of the essence, you’ll be even more grateful for the crew’s expert restaurant recommendations in both France and Italy.
- Four nights in July or August cost from £849 pp (six sharing) **
The day trip
If a day trip to France conjures up thoughts of ferries, traffic jams and a trip to the hypermarché, think again! Live the life of a jetsetter for a day with Essential Sailing’s new one-day trip. Waking up in the UK, it’s a short flight to Nice and you’ll be out on the water aboard your private yacht (worth around half a million pounds) by 11.30 a.m. for a day of sailing, sightseeing and delicious food. Beating Britain’s unpredictable weather hands down, the French Riviera itinerary is perfect for both work and leisure – whether you’re after a new business trip idea or looking for a memorable way to mark a special occasion.
- A day in July or August costs from £250 pp (six sharing) ***
The landmark event
If a milestone celebration is on the horizon and you’re looking to celebrate in style, a private fully-crewed sailing holiday may be the answer. Tie this in with the Cannes Firework Festival (July and August), and watch fireworks light up the sea and sky with outstanding displays from across the globe. Celebrate ashore in the evenings with the crew suggesting (and booking you into) restaurants, whether you’re after Michelin-starred meals or a more low-key affair. There’s space aboard for four friends or family members too, if you wish to celebrate in company, or you could just treat yourselves.
- A week in July or August (high season) costs from £1,450 pp (six sharing)* or from £2,870 pp (two sharing – exclusive use of yacht)*
The grown-up family
Older children who’ve flown the nest sometimes need a little persuasion to come on a family holiday. Entice them with a week aboard First Essential – ideal for sailors and non-sailors alike. There’s no compulsory joining in, and guests can take part in the sailing as and when they like, or leave it entirely to the crew. Opt for the Italian route to beat peak-season crowds, and head to the Ligurian coast in September or October. There you can enjoy fantastic regional foods such as home-made pesto (from Liguria) and spaghetti alle vongole as you cruise the coast stopping off at the Cinque Terre villages, Portofino and elegant Santa Margherita Ligure.
- A week in October (low season) costs from £1,150 pp (six sharing)*
The family holiday
Embark on a nautical adventure en famille along the Côte d’Azur. Children will love helping winch in the sails and taking the wheel of the 50-foot yacht, and there’s an ‘Essential Start to Yachting’ course for those who really want to learn more. Then, when the boat’s at anchor, there’s swimming, snorkelling and fishing to look forward to. And if you can get the children away from the water, there’s plenty ashore to keep them entertained. Walk the course of the Monaco Grand Prix, make your own perfume in Grasse and cycle along scenic tracks on Porquerolles Island.
- A week in July or August (high season) costs from £1,450 pp (six sharing)*
In 2012, Essential Sailing will be in Italy in June, September and October and in France throughout July and August.
For further information, visit essentialsailing.com.
Prices:
*Price includes private airport transfers, seven nights’ en-suite accommodation on board, fully-crewed service, daily breakfast and lunch on board, two dinners on board and all drinks served with meals. Flights excluded.
** Price includes four nights’ en-suite accommodation on board, fully-crewed service, daily breakfast and lunch on board, one dinner on board and all drinks served with meals. Flights/transfers excluded.
*** Price includes a day’s fully-crewed service, lunch on board with drinks. Flights/transfers excluded.