Cowes, Isle of Wight

We visited Cowes on the Isle of Wight last week.  I haven't been there for 12 years so it was nice to return as it is known as "the sailing capital of the world".   However, New Year is a VERY chilly time of the year so not much sailing going on. (photo source)

Just an hour's ferry ride, with the Red Funnel, from Southampton and we reached East Cowes.  An intriging chain ferry then hauled us across the other side of the Medina river to West Cowes.

Promotions for the Superyacht Cup in 2012 just prior to the London Olympics.

The world famous photography shop of "Beken of Cowes" was unfortunately closed due to the holidays, but good to see the photo in the window of the large one I have framed here in Croatia of Susanne 1911. 
Link for more:   www.cowes.co.uk  and   www.uksa.org

Late afternoon sunshine

Autumn seems to be closing in now with dusk being earlier every night. The legendary tall ship Sea Cloud came sailing past at 5.30pm and into a fabulous sunset on her way to Venice. By 7.30pm we had darkness! Daily temps are still 28c/82f, blue skies and sunshine with tourists continuing to enjoy the beaches.

Small ship cruising with country house style

click photos to enlarge

I must be the resident "ship/yacht spotter" of Dubrovnik! Everytime I set foot onto the balcony a vessel of some kind cruises past. Yesterday MV Minerva of Swan Hellenic came by. A lovely looking ship (with Cunard colours ha ha, navy hull and red waterline stripe). 350 passengers and 160 crew. A British cruise line going back 50 years but reading the history seems to have been bought up by the big conglomorates, only to be returned to Swan Hellenic in 2008. Cute ship.

I could have gone sailing instead ...

Instead of being in the office next week I could have been sailing! I was asked so many times to join my American & Canadian friends to join them on "Sinbadsan", a 22m sailboat for their week around the Adriatic. Alas people keep buying property so I have to be in the office! Above are a few photos of what I will be missing. 4 double guest cabins, 2 crew cabins & 5 toilets and showers. I will hear more about their fun next week. Charter here

Orsan Yacht Club, Dubrovnik

The small private sailing yacht club called Orsan, on Lapad peninsula, has just re-opened its doors to a new restaurant (June '09). Fabulous food, varied menu, impeccable service and superb location, just feet away from the water. Definitely one to try again.

Dinner in the Marina

Had a lovely dinner tonight in the ACI yacht marina next to the overflowing swimming pool. The sun was just going down and the temperature fair. To be surrounded by the many sail/motor yachts in a delightful atmosphere made the evening very enjoyable. (When dining ask for your parking ticket, so free parking!)

She's Back! The Maltese Falcon

A great sight just as I was driving past the Old Town today - the sailing yacht The Maltese Falcon drifting by - sans sails. Magnificent 88m (288ft) - owned by the American Tom Perkins. I have posted this before in Feb about her previous visit, but she arrived today to grace our Dubrovnik shores. A total of 6 guest cabins (12) and 8 crew cabins 16).

A rather smart superyacht

A few pics of a rather smart superyacht. For those who know me will know the reason for posting these. The bathroom is amazing - the Bisazza tiles I love! The term 'superyacht' is generally given to a sail/motor yacht well over 23m/75ft, and of course they are VERY expensive. This one is 40m/130ft. 12 passengers and 12 crew. The taps and knobs are Swarovski Crystal and it looks immaculate throughout. I can imagine myself on the stern here lounging around with a G & T in hand!

Perfect weather for boats

Fabulous weather today for boating .... 30 degrees and a slight wind. Certainly the people on these yachts sailing by were having fun with their sails up, catching the breeze. Perfect Sunday weather for relaxing.

Wind Surf

1120pm and the Wind Surf ship is sailing past. Pitch black night she has 4 sails up and spotlights, the ship looks magnificent slipping away towards Venice. The ship has been anchored in front of the Old Town all day, and now time to move to another port. 308 pampered guests in 154 luxury staterooms (formerly known as passengers and cabins!)

My talented and artistic friend

I was delighted to receive a message from my long time friend Michelle Gill back home in Yorkshire. She is so artistic both with painting and the camera and has just launched her website. You can see it here. Michelle & hubby Adi came to Croatia in 2006 and we went sailing for a week around the islands; a fantastic inspirational voyage. The above photo is it the Caribbean? No! It's Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. I wish Michelle all success.

Spring Cleaning Time

Whilst Edin is sailing in Rijeka today, I got down to spring cleaning - the windows. We have two side bedroom windows with a beautiful view to the island of Lokrum. During the summer we had Mari Cha IV massive sailing yacht - 140ft / 42.6m. So no photos of me cleaning, but here's a nice memory of the huge yacht through the window!

So what did you do this Sunday?

Have just come back from an exhilerating day on our friend's yacht. We sailed round the local islands and then for lunch on Kalamota, a car-free island near to Dubrovnik. Sails were up on the way there, with 10 knots of wind, but the wind died down for the return trip. Look at the weather today! 15th of March and it's fabulous - 14 degrees (57F). We had the Adriatic to ourselves, hardly any other boats around. Crystal, clear, unpolluted seas.