Happy Holidays from Out on the Water Sailing – Festival of Lights, Sailing Gift Ideas and BVI

December 15th, 2011

Hey all,

What do the holidays get Chris and Toby thinking of?  We think of our friends, family, our awesome clients and of course Sailing.  Well, truth be told, we’re kinda always thinking about sailing.

Annapolis Lights Festival

Annapolis Festival of Lights

Just last weekend Toby went down to Annapolis and got to see the Festival of Lights on the harbor.  What an amazing site.  Annapolis, one of our top favorite sailing towns, really put on awesome show. This is not surprising as Annapolis sailors have such spirit. Powerb0ats to sailboats alike gave Santa’s sleigh a run for its money and have us thinking — “would Santa be better off delivering presents on a sailboat??”  Some of these boats make us say YES!  Check out the great coverage of the Annapolis Harbor Festival of Lights.

Not to forget the gifts for that perfect sailor, we have our top recommendations of what should you be getting that sailor on your list. First and foremost, treat that sailor right with Out on the Water Sailing’s amazing trip to the BVI! We have only one full cabin left on our amazing Jeanneau 53 and we’d love to have you aboard on this fantastic trip on this fully provisioned top of the line luxury yacht. Also cool,  get that sailor a uber trendy SailorMade bracelet to wear while dining in Anegada this February. While you can’t take it down on the plane to Tortola with you, a sailing knife is a safety item no sailor should be without. We love the line of Myerchin knives available through Defender Industries. This titanium crew knife can do just about whatever you need aboard in a pinch.  If you’re looking for the perfect gift for that uber corintian nester, an Onne van der Wal print looks great in any proper sailor’s home. We love this print looking up the mast of Amorita, one of the most historic and beautiful classic yachts anywhere, and this awesome action shot of the stunning J Boat Ranger.

As we all know, however, the holidays aren’t about great sailing gifts. The holidays are about cherishing those friends and family we love and giving thanks. Captains Chris and Toby, and the crew at Out on the Water Sailing, would like to wish you and yours a heartfelt Happy Holidays and a sincere thank you for your support.

Seasons Greetings,

Toby and Chris

 

 

 

Race Course: Volvo Ocean Race

November 30th, 2011
First Leg Winners, Team Telefonica

First Leg Winners, Team Telefonica

A huge roar broke out from the hundreds crowding the dock as Groupama’s bow finally came into view under Table Mountain in the moonlight on Tuesday, more than 24 days after the team left Alicante back on November 5.

Children and wives skipped across the pontoon and were soon in the arms of men who barely had time to tie the boat down before being embraced. Helmsman Thomas Colville, sporting a new beard, tossed his young daughter high in the air before taking his wife in his arms in a hug lasting a full minute.

While Team Groupama was the last to finish, they were very lucky to do so—being only the third of six boats to finish leg one. With problems that started as early as a few hours after the beginning of the race, Abu Dabi, Puma, and Saya had to bow out of this first leg from Alicante to Cape Town.

To follow the race and read the full story, you can visit volvooceanrace.com.

Source: volvooceanrace.com

 

It is time to book your BVI Sailing Vacation!

November 29th, 2011

Jeanneau 53 Interior

Hey all! We’re getting really excited about this year’s BVI adventure sail, leaving Tortola on February 25-March 3, 2012 and hosted by Captain Chris Bartick. If you’re thinking of joining, now is a great time to sign up and start planning. To get you pumped-up, here is a little info about our boat and trip.

The Jeanneau 53 is as roomy inside as it is outside. The yacht model was completely redesigned in 2010 to feature the latest innovations in sailing technology. She boasts a bright and airy salon with ample seating, a huge galley, tons of storage and impressive large cockpit.

Jenneau 53

The Jenneau 53

Guests will share 3 cabins (two guests per cabin unless you book the whole cabin to yourself), which each have separate heads. It has the capacity of sleeping 11 people, but we will keep it down to 7-8 total aboard to give even more comfort for our guests. When sailing, we’ll have the benefit of easily managed sails and electric winches. When at anchor, we’ll enjoy a hard bottom inflatable. The boat comes equipped with snorkel gear and plenty of toys for our fun and relaxing island-hopping journey.

The trip reaches some of the best sailing grounds and swimming spots in the world.  Known for its near perfect reliable breezes, marvelous anchorages, pristine beaches and richly populated snorkeling reefs, the British Virgin Islands is the ideal spot to retreat with us.  From Lob Lolly Beach in Anegada to the Bitter End Yacht Club and The Peter Island Resort, we choose the best anchoring spots to luxuriate and swim after a great sail.

To read more about the trip, visit our destinations page. To reserve your spot, contact info@out-sailing.com.

Sailing Skills

November 29th, 2011

Do you know how to use a marine radio?  Captain Toby shows us in this howcast video.

 

 

 

Fashion: BVI Board Shorts

November 29th, 2011
Oakley Board Shorts

Oakley Board Shorts

Ready to mingle with the kiteboarders on your BVI sailing vacation?   We are, but we’re also wondering what the fastest boys under kites will be wearing during their party in Anegada. We’re thinking warm tropics will be the theme on this adventure while the winter sets in up north.
These Oakley Turbocharge shorts will certainly be seen around.  We like the black ones… and a pair of the blue ones would be nice, too.  The quintessential Quicksilvers also never fail to impress. These shorter candy-stripe  Cypher Brig Pigment shorts are adorable and sure to be very popular.

As they do at the Soggy Dollar bar, get ready to stuff those shorts with dollars and swim ashore for some rum punches.

Sunday Fall Sailing! November 6th.

November 2nd, 2011

Come join us this Sunday for a little Out on the Water sailing aboard Pearl absolutely free! This sail is open to former clients and those thinking of joining us in the BVI. It is our way of saying a fun thank you for everyone who has come out sailing with us!

The weather is looking to be a light breeze and mid 50′s. What a time to try out that new winter/fall coat!

Contact Chris or Toby for more information and sign up at: http://appreciationsail.eventbrite.com/

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure

August 4th, 2011

Temple of Poseidon, Sounion

Temple of Poseidon, Sounion

This past January when Out on the Water Sailing got the call that one of it’s clients would be chartering a 43 foot sailboat for two weeks and was in search of a captain to lead their excursion. Naturally, we were happy to deliver. This July, Capt. Chris flew to Greece for an incredible two weeks of culture, food, sun and sailing!

The trip began in Alimos, a suburb of Athens, where we picked up our 2011 Beneteau 43. After all 6 guests had arrived and provisions were stowed we began our first leg to the ancient ruin of Sounion, where a Parthenon-era temple of Poseidon sat high on the hill above our anchorage overlooking the islands that we would explore over the next two weeks.

Each day we would travel to a new destination, often making two or three stops a long the way at small islands or beaches. Our breakfasts and lunches were often in the cockpit of the boat with the freshest of local ingredients. Dinners were mostly spent in the unique towns. Our general path through the islands was a counter clock-wise fashion with Santorini being the southernmost and Mykonos being the westernmost.

All the islands have their own unique personality and memorable charm like Milos’s widely varied caves and rock formations, Santorini’s volcanic arrangement, or Mykonos’s beaches and gay culture. Most islands have a port and a ‘hora’ or main town center. During their formation, the horas were typically high on hills in order to protect from attacks by pirates or other intruders.

Anchored for lunch at Polyaigos

Anchored for lunch at Polyaigos

Lasting impressions of our trip will include the frequent cliff diving with locals, scuba diving in the volcano of Santorini, exploring cave formations and ruins of Milos, partying with the Mykonos crowd, endless fresh salads with the ripest tomatoes, and experiencing the famed Meltemi winds that whisked us through the islands.

If you would like to plan a sailing vacation and need a captain or sailing instructor, please consider Out on the Water Sailing to bring you anywhere in the world!

 

Sailing Skills Revisited

August 4th, 2011

Recently, Captain Toby was tapped by Howcast media to become their boating expert on a variety of websites. Check out our first installment, a review of how to tie a cleat hitch:

Offerings with Out on the Water Sailing

August 4th, 2011

We are happy to announce the following offerings currently available:

Indian Rocks, British Virgin Islands

Indian Rocks, British Virgin Islands

Carribean Charter 2012: Warm sandy beaches, beautiful breezes and tropical sunsets await you. Hosted by both Chris and Toby, we will be setting sail for a fun week aboard a luxury charter yacht. We will board our boat in Tortola (Beef Island) on February 25 and spend a week visiting the beautiful beaches, towns and reefs throught the BVI including such destinations as Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Salt Island among others. We are excited to take in the culture, scenes and activities that the BVI has to offer and share them with you. Click here for details.

New York Evening Sails:  Enjoy an evening out in New York harbor with up to 4 friends aboard our J22 sailboat, Wanderlust.  Click here for dates and prices.

Provincetown Labor Day Sailing: Join us for our 3-hour private charter for up to 6 people Labor Day weekend.  Slots are available for breakfast, afternoon and sunset. Light snacks are provided gratis and custom arrangements can be made for an additional fee. Whether you are looking for a casual sail amongst six friends or a romantic jaunt for two, these three hours the boat is yours. Click here to reserve your spot.

Scroll down above to select the date and time for your Provincetown private sailing charter.

Destination Provincetown and Labor Day Weekend aboard Pearl!

August 4th, 2011

Not many people know that Provincetown was the original landing spot of the Mayflower. While those fickle Pilgrims signed the “Mayflower Compact” in P-town and  agreed to settle the land, they quickly jumped back in their boat headed to Plymouth, MA. While we’ll never know why they left, we can only assume that it was all those bears (Maybe they came during Bear Week).

Pearl awaits a sail in Provincetown

Pearl awaits a sail in Provincetown

These days, Provincetown enjoys another type of pilgrim – the fun seeking gay heading for relaxation, fun and adventure. If you’re looking to party at a fun club like Paramount or head out to an entertaining show like Naked Boys Singing, P-town has it all for you, A stroll down Commercial Street for some great choices for eats, shopping and art. For a nice dinner, we love the Mews, and if you’re looking for some great styles (and Sailormade bracelets featured this month) check out Rogue’s Gallery. If you’re looking for some wild fun right in your realm, check out P-town during its theme weekends like Carnival or Bear Week, but book early as P-town is always bustling.

Provincetown forces the worn out city homo to embrace their outdoors nature.  Between the beaches, the ideal bicycling and great walking, P-town keeps you busy and active. Take a bike ride to Truro Light and hang with the seals dotting the Cape Cod National Seashore while watching whales blow their spouts just offshore. Or, just stay in town and climb the Pilgrim Monument.

What better way to enjoy the outdoors in P-town than to see it from the water, which you can do this Labor Day weekend with a private charter with Out on the Water Sailing. We’re offering morning, afternoon and evening charters, September 2 – 5.

Contact toby@out-sailing.com for more info.