SAIL AWAY ITALIAN CUISINE PONZA FLOTILLA

For foodie-travellers looking to discover Italy’s best kept culinary secrets, Sunsail has launched a specialist Italian Cuisine Ponza Flotilla by SailEATtalia.

Sailing Holidays is always looking for new ways to explore the Greek Islands, whether coming up with interesting and different routes or putting on new dates for popular routes. Here are a few to tempt you…

One week Whole Ionian in June - usually only available in April or October, join a week Whole Ionian one-way flotilla taking in highlights from the North and South Ionian areas.

Sail on 18 or 25 June from £995pp

Flotilla through the Evia gulf - a rare opportunity to explore a different part of Greece. Despite its proximity to Athens, Evia remains a largely unspoiled island.

Sail on 12 or 19 May for two weeks from £1,265pp

New Faraway Islands dates - due to popular demand there are extra dates for the more adventurous Faraway Islands flotilla. Looking for empty bays, more consistent wind and the chance to visit places off-the-beatentrack... this could be the one for you.

Sail on 16 or 30 July, 13 or 27 August from £1,755pp

Sail on 1 or 15 October for two weeks from £1,015pp www.sailingholidays.com

EDream Yacht Worldwide and Fountaine Pajot have announced a partnership to launch the first of its collection of electric catamarans which they expect “to have a significant global impact toward more sustainable sea holiday experiences”.

Powerful and highly efficient electric engines power the new Aura 51, with two lithium technology battery banks for storage – providing power for hours of motor cruising, or as much as a week at anchor, without any emissions.

“By partnering and supporting

With departures available from July, guests will be taken on a gastronomic adventure, setting sail along the Amalfi Coast to the Pontine Islands to uncover Italy’s local cuisine.

The flotilla begins in the glamourous port town of Procida, with picture perfect pastel houses and indigo seas. Guests will be given a warm Italian welcome with drinks and a pizza party.

Then it is a short crossing towards Ischia on the second day to the port town of Forio. The artisanal restaurant on the side of the mountain provides a breath-taking backdrop to sample wines from the traditional wine cellar. From there sailors head towards the island of Ventotene, stopping in the harbour of Porto Romano to enjoy a traditional meal in one of the local restaurants. On day four, the flotilla makes its way to Ponza, renowned for its unspoiled beaches, blue caves and shipwrecks.

Before sailing back to Ischia, there is a visit to the uninhabited Palmarola. With a rugged landscape and hidden caves, and thriving flora and fauna, this island is an idyllic destination for exploration, diving and swimming.

Caroline Barbour, UK marketing manager for Sunsail, said: “The most sociable way to tour the Amalfi Coast, this flotilla holiday is perfect for foodies looking to meet like-minded people and to enjoy a unique and memorable experience.

“A flotilla is a great option for all experience levels, as you will be sailing alongside other yachts following an expert lead boat, which has crew on board to help with any problems, day or night, with as much independent exploration as the heart desires. You do not need to have sailed before to go on a Sunsail holiday as there is the option to hire a skipper, which is ideal for those new to sailing or who would prefer a helping hand.” www.sunsail.co.uk the research and development of electric yachts, we can continue to make sailing accessible to people around the world but with a lower impact on our seas and environment,” said Loïc Bonnet, CEO and founder of Dream Yacht Group.

Prices for a one-week Italian Cuisine Ponza Flotilla, departing 22 July 2023, start from £3,171 based on two people and includes a fully equipped Sunsail 311 yacht, flotilla fee, support from a lead yacht, assistance with moorings at each stop and marine park permit. At each daily morning briefing, the lead crew advises on the day’s sailing, ideal routes, weather conditions and hidden gems to discover.

“Being environmentally conscious is central to our mission to protect our planet and oceans, and we are confident that our charter clients will support this endeavour.”

With additional electric models in development by Fountaine Pajot, and a growing electric charter fleet for Dream Yacht Worldwide, the release of the Aura 51 Smart Electric is the first step in an ongoing commitment and joint ambition of achieving an all-electric yacht offering zero carbon emissions by 2030. In total 22 electric yachts are expected to join the Dream Yacht fleet by spring 2024. Of these, 10 will be sailing catamarans and 12 will be sailing yachts from Dufour, a part of the Fountaine Pajot Group. www.dreamyachtcharter.com

The first Aura 51 Smart Electric will be available for booking in the Dream Yacht fleet in Italy from April.

Paul Clough: +34 629 166 927

Many of us are familiar with the boat hire and yacht charter business Borrow A Boat, but you might not know the group has expanded into several new countries in the last 12 months, including France, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The rise of interest from US sailors has seen bookings across Europe and, not surprisingly, Greece and Croatia top the list with their easy sailing, fascinating culture and beautiful weather. The strength of the Dollar versus the Euro has further fuelled the growth in holidaymakers from the US in the Med. Not ones to hang around, 2023 objectives for Borrow A Boat include further European expansion with the release of dedicated new country websites in the coming months.

Boats of all types are available for rental, including sailboats, motorboats, riverboats, RIBs, catamarans, gulets, superyachts and luxury yacht charters. Customers can choose a boat with or without a skipper, depending on their sailing experience. www.borrowaboat.com