Apr 10, 2012

The Ultimate Getaway!


If you've been dreaming of a getaway with a group of friends or family, well here is a great and unique idea!  Have you ever thought about chartering a sailboat in the tropics?  Well, maybe it's time you did.  Even if you've never been sailing before, you can charter a sailboat.

When chartering a sailboat, you can choose from sailing a boat on your own or hiring a captain to take you to the different islands.  If you really want to "pamper" yourself, you can even hire a crew along with a captain to prepare meals for you and provide a luxurious sailing experience.  When splitting the costs among several people, chartering a sailboat can be very reasonable.

What better way to spend time with a group of friends or family than sailing between tropical islands and stopping along the way at beautiful anchorages and sandbars. There are many great places to charter a sailboat, but one of the most popular places is the British Virgin Islands.  These islands are not only absolutely gorgeous, but an easy and safe place to sail.  If  you want to snorkel or scuba dive, just throw the anchor overboard and jump into the clear blue waters!  You're sure to view incredible marine life and coral while swimming along in the shallow, warm waters.  If you want something a little more exciting, try windsurfing or kite surfing.  The light winds and calm waters are a great place to try these exhilirating sports.

When you're ready to plant your feet on land, the British Virgin Islands provide lush, beautiful scenery to explore.  There are two national parks, one on Tortola and one on Virgin Gorda.  After a day of water activities or exploring the islands, spend the evening enjoying great food and music at one of the many bars and restaurants. There are several beach bars, where you can enjoy a tropical drink and awesome sunsets.  Some of these bars, such as the Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy's are world renowned.

Imagine leaving your cell phone behind, and only needing to pack a small suitcase with a swimsuit, flip-flops, some t-shirts and shorts.  Add a little spending money, some sunscreen, and a camera and you're ready to experience a whole new world!

So go ahead, plan a tropical getaway with a group of friends that will not only be beautiful and unique, but also unforgettable.  You might even realize that you love to sail, and pick up a new hobby!

Mar 15, 2012

Sailing Can Improve Your Health!


The health benefits of sailing vary for each person, but did you know that sailing can improve your health?  Sailing can be a great cardio workout, sometimes even more than other activities such as softball and tennis.  According to Glamour.com, a 130 lb. woman can burn approximately 370 calories while sailing for two hours, and a 160 lb. man can burn 450 calories.

Sailing can also increase muscle strength and muscle endurance, which can help your body burn more calories, even at rest.  Flexibility and agility are also part of the health benefits of sailing. Many of the tasks in sailing require you to be flexible and agile, especially when tacking and gibing.

Need proof?  Fit & Sail is a research project initiated by Dr. Wolf-Dieter Mell, an engineer and the head of IBoaT, the German Institute for Boating and Tourism.  It examines age- and gender-related exertion levels and their effects on participants 60 years or older when performing typical boat chores.  Dr. Burkhard Weisser, a professor at the University of Kiel, conducted medical tests for Fit & Sail on 26 volunteers, and these were his findings:
  • For most participants, a sailing trip involves significantly more physical activity than normal day-to-day life.
  • The positive effects of this activity are comparable to daily workouts on a Galileo fitness machine, an apparatus that stimulates pelvis, spine and abdominal muscle groups.
  • Moving about and working on board likely strengthens muscles and improves coordination and balance.
  • After three weeks of cruising, the fitness of the tested individuals had improved by a measurable 3 percent, equaling that of someone two years younger.
Then there's the mental health that sailing provides.  Sailing can be a great stress reliever.  Imagine being on the water, with blue skies, fresh air, and the wind blowing through your hair.  What a way to relax and relieve stress! Today, sailing suggests freedom, new relationships, harmony, and beauty.  It also suggests fun, challenge, and visits to new places.

Sailing is a great way to provide overall fitness and well-being, not to mention it's a lot of fun.   So, get out there and go sailing!  You're sure to feel relaxed, yet exhilirated all at the same time!

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