Destinations seem to come and go in the yacht charter popularity stakes as the yacht sailing public seem to opt in large numbers for one destination in preference to others each summer. In 2012 there seems little doubt that Croatia was the favourite of the summer, having proved to be a near sell out whilst the other two major yacht charter destinations, Greece and Turkey seemed to do better only once Croatia had sold out!
So why was Croatian Yacht charter more popular than a sailing holiday in the Greek Isles or yachting in Turkey?
One obvious factor was the Eurozone crisis and the significant scaremongering that was very evident in elements of the national media. Whilst the many thousands who took a Greek sailing holiday will confirm that they experienced no issues whatsoever, many thousands more opted to stay away or go elsewhere for fear of strikes, shortages or disruption.
Turkish yacht charters should theoretically have proved much more popular since they have traditionally benefited when their neighbour was out of fashion for whatever reason. Indeed, Turkey has over recent years proved to be a great success story with a booming economy and great improvements in infrastructure as evidenced by the glitzy new marinas springing up along the Aegean coast plus new hotels and improved roads. Certainly this boom has meant that it is no longer as cheap a destination as it once was.
That these three countries certainly seem to have the market cornered between them is beyond doubt and it is easy to understand why. All three are stunningly beautiful with a warm sunny climate and attractive and varied cruising areas to suit most tastes and abilities. Other factors are their rich history and culture, though one could argue that all Mediterranean countries can boast these same attributes and certainly Italy and Spain have a great deal to offer.
In our view, what gives the three favourites of the Eastern Mediterranean the edge is their rustic charm, since it is still easy to escape the crowds and discover places untouched by 21st century commercialism. The other major factor has to be value and those that have ventured west for their yacht charter holiday will confirm the much higher mooring charges or the eye wateringly high cost of eating out in say the beautiful the Aeolian Islands of Southern Italy which no doubt ensures that they will keep their exclusive image.
So where in 2013? Preferences seem to follow some kind of cycle and early indications are that sailing in the Greek Islands will top the popularity stakes next summer. Certainly the country seems to represent great value with costs of things like eating out actually coming down. It is also true to say that Croatia and Turkey are proving popular and early bookings are at higher levels than the same time last year. Certainly after a particularly wet and miserable summer at home last summer, I know where I would rather take a sailing holiday!
For details of Seafarer’s early booking offers on yacht charter and flotilla sailing with savings up to 25% see www.seafarersailing.co.uk or call 0208 324 3118
