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Welcome to the World of The Moorings

With over 50 years at sea, The Moorings is the world’s premier yacht charter company. Our exclusive fleet of award-winning yachts spans more than 20 destinations throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and beyond. Alongside exemplary service through every step of the vacation experience, we’re here to give you a getaway at sea worth cherishing for a lifetime. Choose a sail-it-yourself bareboat charter and enjoy freedom of vacationing aboard your very own sail or power yacht , or opt for an all-inclusive vacation aboard a Crewed yacht complete with an expert captain and gourmet chef. The choices abound, but one thing will always remain the same—our commitment to making your time on the water truly unforgettable.

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Boats & Boathouses

Take to water and stay onboard a houseboat, converted narrowboat, or a boathouse by the water’s edge. Browse our accommodation, ranging from static, moored sailing boats to mobile barges that follow an water-based itinerary tailored to you.

All Boats & Boathouses

LV14 SULA Lightship

Gloucester, gloucestershire, england.

Salmestone Dutch Barge

Sandwich, kent, england.

Floatels by Tŷ Milford Waterfront

Milford haven, pembrokeshire, wales.

The Adrianto

Pin mill, suffolk, england.

Dream Motor Yacht

Brixham, devon, england.

The Harpy Houseboat

Tower bridge, london, england.

Boutique Narrowboats

Market harborough, leicestershire, england.

The Boathouse London

Paddington, london, england.

The Woodland Boat

Hingham, norfolk, england.

Camillia Boatel

Edinburgh, scotland.

Floating Dreams

Nantwich, cheshire, england.

A yacht holiday? A dream that is now reality

Rent a yacht? We’ve probably never considered the idea of a yacht holiday, but now its become possible. A new holiday concept, finally accessible to everyone. In other words, we can turn a dream into our next trip, with just one click.

Yacht holidays: staying in a unique environment

A luxury yacht holiday, just like the ones you see in the movies as they cruise the Caribbean seas. We’ve probably all thought about it, but we’ve always seen it as an unachievable dream. Unless we have an unexpected lottery win that is. Certainly we’ve thought about how we would relax while sunbathing on deck, waiting to arrive in an isolated cove, where to immerse ourselves in the crystal clear sea or simply how special it could be to spend time on the sky-deck of a yacht while moored in a beautiful Marina.

Rent a yacht: with just one click

But is it really just a dream? Not any more, because you can rent the most elegant yachts, either to sample the experience of sleeping on board moored in the Marina (Bed&Boat) or to organise a wonderful cruise. So, you just have to pack and choose your yacht. Are you ready to board?

Rent a yacht for a perfect holiday, in an unrivalled and luxurious environment. Since we’re not easily satisfied, we are always looking for the very best for our dream stay. In other words, a holiday where our only concern is how to enjoy every single moment on the boat and the right clothes to pack.

Above all, it’s a safe as well as unique holiday: only us on board, together with the people we have decided to spend our yacht holiday with. That is, no crowds, no gatherings, no queues: just relaxation, sipping an aperitif on the deck. But not forgetting the environment that surrounds us. Yachts can be compared to the creations of great designers, opulent and tailor-made, to offer maximum comfort and style.

A private cruise in the Seychelles aboard a catamaran

The Seychelles is a paradise for sea lovers and consequently there’s nothing better than discovering the islands on a private cruise aboard the stunning catamaran , Pazzona . The yacht is moored at Eden Island, from where you can set off to discover the beauty of the Seychelles, with its crystal clear waters perfect for diving and snorkelling.

Yacht holiday: discovering the Balearic Islands aboard a sailing boat

Sailing has a unique charm and a yacht holiday on board, for example, the exclusive Maha it is even more beautiful. The sailing boat is moored at Sant Antoni de Portmany, in the heart of the Balearic Islands. A perfect starting point to navigate the waters of Ibiza and Formentera: a paradise for those who love both the sea and nightlife. To live aboard a yacht, just like real VIPs.

The Greek islands seen from the deck of a yacht

The Greek islands are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean and reaching them by sea is the perfect way to discover them whilst avoiding the typical summer crowds. So why not consider a cruise aboard the Silverstar catamaran? With a modern and refined interior, perfect for enjoying life on board after a day spent at sea, on a boat of the highest standard.

Yacht holiday: discover Sicily

If we want to stay a bit closer to home on the other hand, what better destination for your yacht holiday than Sicily. Exploring the island’s coastline, starting from Marsala, sailing to the Egadi Islands aboard the exclusive yacht Alaria is truly an unforgettable experience. And not only for the scenery, since the beaches of the area are on a par with those of the Caribbean, but also for the chance to taste fresh fish caught and cooked by the skilled hands of the on board crew. A perfect mix to revive body and spirit.

Sleep on board a yacht? You can do it all year round!

What if we don’t feel ready for a cruise yet but still want to experience sleeping in a unique location such as that offered by a yacht? No problem, because we can also choose to sleep on a boat (Bed&Boat), that is, rent a moored yacht, perhaps on a classic such as the Paxos .

The atmosphere that welcomes us will be incomparable, quite different from the one we can find in a hotel. The wood that surrounds us transmitting elegance and warmth, the chance to sleep under the light of the stars and to wake up without the annoying buzz of the alarm clock but thanks to the sun that gently enters the portholes. Not forgetting of course the opportunity to discover life in the Marina, away from the crowds but still in the heart of the most beautiful cities on the coast.

A day onboard a moored yacht

A day on board has no schedule, no commitments, no deadlines. Perhaps only that of breakfast, taken slowly, when you’re ready, there on the bridge. Even a simple coffee tastes different when enjoyed in the sun whilst looking out to sea.

A stay on a romantic floating base is special and everything is designed for beauty and comfort. As in the best hotels, but with something more.

In summary, every moment is extraordinary and unforgettable on a yacht holiday. From sunrise until sunset, when the noise subsides, the lights of the other boats illuminate the sea and a candle lights up the dinner table. Even in the evening, when you turn off the lights in the cabin, forgetting the tv or smartphone. Enjoying the blanket of stars like never before. Because the sky is different too, seen from a boat.

All this without being tied to a particular “season”. A stay at the mooring allows you to discover new locations at any time of the year. Travelling in the low season can prove to be a very interesting experience, thanks to the scarce crowds and the possibility of enjoying even the most popular tourist places, in relative peace.

Stop dreaming and just do it. It only takes one click to choose an unforgettable yacht holiday.

Book a night on a yacht with prices starting from €120 for two people including breakfast.

DISCOVER ALL THE MOST EXCLUSIVE YACHTS FOR CRUISES OR MOORING STAYS

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Yachts Moored royalty-free images

91,625 yachts moored stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free for download., close-up of a mooring rope with a knotted end tied around a cleat on a wooden pier/ nautical mooring rope.

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Aerial view of group of yachts moored in row against pier in calm green sea water in sunlight

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MARBELLA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 13: Front view of a red super sport car (Lamborghini) parked alongside luxury yachts moored in the marina of Puerto Jose Banus, Spain, on October 13, 2016.

Kaunas, Lithuania - 14 May 2022: Aerial view of yachts moored in local marina.

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Alcudia Port Bonaire Marina in North Majorca in Mallorca Balearic island of Spain

CANNES, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 9th, 2015. Luxurious interior of a modern yacht. YACHTING FESTIVAL 2015, Cannes.

Aerial view of a sailboat moored in front of Vivara island natural reserve, Flegree Islands archipelagos, Naples, Campania, Italy.

Mooring at a pier/ A white yacht moored with a line tied around a metal fixing on the quayside.

Luxury yacht in Rhodes harbor

Luxury Yacht Docked In Front Of Waterfront Condominiums

The port of Antibes, French Riviera

View of Harbor and marina with moored yachts and motorboats in pattaya thailand

modern motor long big black and white yacht isolated on white background.

Germany- mecklenburg-vorpommern- krummin- boat moored in marina with setting sun in background

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Expensive Yacht

A blue yacht moored with a line tied around a fixing on the quayside/ Mooring at a pier

Vintage illustrations of white nautical rope knots over blue background

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Luxury Yachts

Boat Rope Secured To Cleat On Wooden Dock With Dark Water Below

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Aerial photo of luxury super yacht marina and sailing boats

Yacht parking, A marina lot, Yacht and sailboat is moored at the quay, Aerial view by drone.

Luxury yacht moored on harbor, being cleaned

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beautiful mediterranean landscape. view of sea and luxury resort of Cote d'Azur in Provence, France

White yachts on an anchor in harbor

Large luxury yachts anchored at St. Tropez in French Riviera

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Yacht moored shot through a opening in the trees

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Luxury Yachts moored in a harbor of Porto Cervo on the early sunset, Sardinia, Italy

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Row of luxury yachts mooring in a harbour

Luxury cruise ship anchored near the island of Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, in the Eastern Caribbean.

Blue rope on the belay

Side view of a yacht under deep blue sky

Yachts parking in the Adriatic harbour in croatia in sunset

Steel anchor on boat or ship/ White mooring rope tied around steel anchor

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Cruise ship on dock in Zadar, Dalmatia, Croatia

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Numerous yachts in the Port of Saint Tropez

Lighthouse of St. Tropez. beautiful mediterranean landscape. french riviera, Cote d' Azur, France

Luxury yacht docked In dock

Cleat and rope, yacht detail

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Yacht at the pier, Ibiza. Luxury rest at Balearic Islands. Holidays of rich people. Yacht rental.

Super Yachts moored at Puerto Banus Harbor near Marbella Andalusia Spain

Rope tied in a knot on a bollard. Mooring rope wrapped around the cleat on sea background. Metallic capstan in harbor for the mooring of yachts and boats.

sailboat sailing in Mediterranean sea in Denia blue Mediterranean

Luxury yacht moored on canal with the sun coming down at Fort Lauderdale canals. Sunset in Ft. Lauderdale, known as the Venice of America, due to its extensive and canal system. Las Olas Blvd.

Yacht moored in harbor

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Aerial top view of a lot of white yachts and sailboats moored in marina on a turquoise water, summer season. Yacht week, hundreds of boats in port. Monaco, France, Croatia, Italy, Fort Lauderdale.

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Pier speedboat. A marina lot. This is usually the most popular tourist attractions on the beach.Yacht and sailboat is moored at the quay.Aerial view by drone.Top view.

Boats bow in marina Mediterranean sea bow detail harbor

Split shot of anchored sail boat with heavy clouds in sky

Close-up of a moored rope on a luxury yacht.

Moored vessels, sailboats, yachts and motorboats at Cala Salada turquoise lagoon cove. Idyllic scenics place for vacationers and summer holidays, bright colours, Ibiza Island, Balearic Islands. Spain

blue mediterranean sea water in marina port of Spain

large yachts in the marina at night

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Mallorca Puerto Portals port harbor marina yacht in Spain

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I took a sailing holiday – on one of Norfolk’s historic wherries

The elegant wooden boats that once cruised the Broads ferrying groceries – and George Formby – are once again carrying daytrippers

T here is a rightness about sailing a Norfolk wherry that leaves you feeling in harmony with the world. As a sustainable form of transport, a wooden boat being propelled across the water by the wind is about as low-carbon as you can get.

I must confess, though, I had never heard of a wherry before setting off on an overnight trip from Wroxham on the Norfolk Broads. Little wonder, as there are only eight of these traditional boats still sailing from a fleet of hundreds that once earned their living delivering goods around Britain’s waterways. Later, some of these trading vessels were converted into elegant cruisers such as the Ardea (Latin for heron), where I am to spend the night.

I descend the narrow staircase and am transported back to the elegance of the 1920s. The teak-lined cabins are a statement of style and true class. For a moment I have returned to an era when the Norfolk Broads were a destination for the wealthy and famous, a time when adventure and glamour were something to be sought amid the beauty of your own country, not by leaping on a plane to elsewhere.

A tiny piano occupies one corner and comfy armchairs are dotted around the saloon. I long for a period costume in which to sashay around sipping champagne from crystal glasses while listening to a tuxedoed pianist. The Ardea is a piece of living history and I wish to live it to the full.

Instead, I join the rest of my party up on deck and drink Norfolk gin and tonic as motor launches chug past, their temporary captains wrestling with the steering as they try to avoid the larger pleasure cruisers coming the opposite way.

We head out to dinner at the Fur and Feather in nearby Woodbastwick, where I enjoy a fine steak and an English whisky. It is night when we return. The Perseid meteor shower is reaching its peak. I lie back under a dark sky, watching shooting stars burn trails across the night. I sing Billy Bragg’s A New England , wishing on “space hardware” as a flotilla of swans sail by and bats flit above the water.

The next morning, as I doze in my comfortable cabin below the waterline, the swans are locked in battle up above. I can hear their feet paddling past as the water slaps against the hull of the boat. I think about the people who may have dozed here before me. It is rumoured that 1950s film star and ukulele player George Formby , who owned a riverside mansion close by, came to parties on board. Later on, the boat was owned by a Parisian madame who used it as a place of rest and recuperation for the women who worked in her brothel. I picture one of these girls lying with her stockinged feet against the cabin wall while she takes a break from a long shift.

After breakfast we transfer to another wherry, the 10-metre White Moth, built in 1915. Like all the wherries she has a chequered past, moving from luxury charter yacht to houseboat before being sunk in a dyke.

White Moth is one of five (of those remaining eight) vessels rescued by the Wherry Yacht Charter charitable trust, which restored the boats with the help of National Lottery Heritage Funding and now uses them for education and day trips as well as event and weekend charters. A team of enthusiastic volunteers help maintain and skipper the vessels.

Our skipper for the day on White Moth is Dean Howard, who began as one of several apprentices the trust recruited, recognising the need to enthuse and train younger people in sailing the boats if they were to survive.

We head out along the River Bure. Although some of the boats have electric engines, the trust prefers to travel by sail where possible. It makes a world of difference. As we leave the day trippers behind, there is only the creak of the ropes and the clink of brass cleats to be heard as we slip past banks tufted with the candyfloss flowers of hemp-agrimony. Dragonflies keep pace alongside and a heron takes off from a dead tree.

Saturday magazine

This article comes from Saturday,  the new print magazine from the Guardian  which combines the best features, culture, lifestyle and travel writing in one beautiful package. Available now in the UK and ROI.

We head across Wroxham Broad in full sail, sending children in dinghies giddying around us like whirligig beetles. Tourists on paddle steamers snap photos of us. We wave back regally. We know we look magnificent.

The boat tilts into the wind and we sway on deck in time to her decisions. It is as if the boat and the elements are communicating, and we humans are mere passengers. The moth wing of the sail, white as an oyster shell, bends to take the wind. Dean leans against the tiller, ropes running through both hands. I get the feeling he is in conversation with the boat, a constant dialogue of question and reply.

“Does each boat have its own personality?” I ask.

“They are all different to sail,” he says. “Would you like to try?”

I would. I climb down into the skipper’s well, and attempt to guide the tiller, while Dean operates the sails. He has made it look like light work but it is not. It takes weight to move the tiller, which is better operated with the hip or the back, leaving the hands free for the ropes. At 5ft 2in I can barely see over the deck, and stay alert to Dean’s instructions.

I look up into the rigging: the single mast is over 15 metres tall. Sun shines on mast hoops made from ash, and our red banner flies in the wind.

We stop for lunch in a secluded bay, a place of dark water and fallen trees. All is quiet as we eat, locked in the peace of this spot, and then a cry goes up: “Otter!”

I scramble across the deck, binoculars in hand, in time to see the curve of a back and a line of bubbles as the otter disappears. We chart its progress beneath the surface, fish leaping from the water in fear, a swan arching its wings and guiding its cygnet away. I wait, wishing, having never seen an otter. Beneath the black water, the otter eludes me again.

Later, as we slip past Wroxham Island and head back towards the Bure, Dean pulls open a little door in the well and produces a brass horn. He pipes to let boats in the main channel know we are coming.

As the super cruisers give way I feel a swell of pride to be on board. This boat belongs here, is built from this landscape by men who knew it intimately. It is part of the woods and water in a way the churning vessels bellowing clouds of diesel can never be. It is a privilege, for a short while at least, to spend time in its company.

The trip was provided by Natural Britain , who work in partnership with Wherry Yacht Charter charitable trust and offers two ways of experiencing Norfolk wherries: scheduled day sailings are available most weekends (and some weekdays) between May and September for £49pp . Private skippered charters , cost £420 a day or £950 for a weekend. The wherries vary in size and have a variety of cabins, saloons, toilets and simple showers. Most have a small piano . For details visit natural-britain.com/ sail-on-a-wherry-norfolk-broads

More ways to explore on water

Tall ship sailing, Scotland & Cornwall Bessie Ellen, built in 1904, is one of the UK’s last wooden ketches (two-masted sailing ships) still under sail. It is now used for sailing holidays in Scotland (10-day voyages in search of orcas around Skye and the Outer Hebrides) and Cornwall (three-day breaks in Helford, Fowey and Falmouth). From £495 for three nights, bessie-ellen.com

Coracle safari, Gloucestershire

Coracles – light, round, wooden one-person craft (pictured below) – were once a common sight on British rivers. Today, WWT Slimbridge offers short coracle safaris. The boats are notoriously unstable, but once mastered, paddlers can expect to see water voles, warblers and waterfowl. £10 a boat, wwt.org.uk

Electric narrowboats, Monmouthshire Castle Narrowboats has two eco-friendly electric boats to explore the 33-mile Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Boats can cover 18 miles on a single charge, so don’t need a boost every day. From £1,145 for seven nights, sleeps four, castlenarrowboats.co.uk

• Norfolk holidays
• Sailing holidays
• Boating holidays
• England holidays
• United Kingdom holidays

Most viewed

Sailing holidays

Flotilla and sailing holidays in the Mediterranean.

All our sailing holidays include:

• Flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh
• Lead boat crew and support
• Damage waiver
• Security deposit
• All fuel & water
• Pilot book & chart
• Navigation equipment
• Safety equipment
• Bed linen & towels
• Basic grocery starter pack

why choose a sailing holiday in the Mediterranean?

Sailing holidays in the Mediterranean offer the ultimate escape.

Sheltered waters and gentle winds make the Mediterranean and, more specifically, the south Ionian, a great spot for a sailing holiday. Not to mention the inviting, clear waters and stop-off points with delicious Greek food and timeless culture to be enjoyed. The weather tops it all off, with bucket-loads of sunshine during the summer months. Med sailing holidays deserve a place on everyone's travel bucket list.

sailing holidays for beginners

New to sailing? Beginners needn't worry. We offer skippered flotilla holidays with an expert on hand to help you sail against a beautiful backdrop. It's not often you get your own personal skipper! You can choose to participate in the sailing and help crew the yacht, or simply relax and enjoy the sun and scenery. Our experienced skipper has insider knowledge of the local area, so you can trust that you're in good hands.

You'll never be more than a few miles away from the shore and the distance between each port is small, making it the ideal location for beginners to build their confidence.

Flotilla sailing holidays

By joining a flotilla (a small fleet of boats) you can socialise with others during your sailing holiday in the Med. Start every day looking forward to a new destination while having fun with fellow sailors and the Neilson lead crew along the way.

Our flotillas are chosen for their beautiful locations and great sailing conditions. You’ll be able to explore the Mediterranean along the southern coastline of the Ionian Sea of Greece. And you can choose to sail the south Ionian for 1 or 2 weeks.

All yacht skippers on flotilla are required to hold the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) certificate.

Skippered flotilla sailing holidays

If you're considering a flotilla holiday but lack sailing experience, we have the perfect solution for you! Our skippered flotilla holidays are tailored to suit your needs. You'll feel at ease on your yacht in no time and have a wonderful time exploring and sailing.

You may choose to participate in sailing and assist with the crew, or simply relax and relish in the sun and surroundings. Our skilled skipper has invaluable knowledge of the area, ensuring you're in safe hands.

Book your one-week skippered flotilla sailing holiday today! 

Stay and sail holidays

Prefer some time on land on an activity holiday to the Mediterranean but also head out sailing? Add some time sailing the shores of the Greek Ionian on your next Beach Club holiday with a stay and sail adventure. This is perfect for novice sailors who want to experience the freedom of their own yacht to explore the stunning coastline of Greece. And if you've been sailing for years, it's a good way to mix it up, keeping everybody happy (including the beach lovers).

Enjoy your first week land-based at Vounaki Beach Club . Here you can join in with a range of inclusive activities including dinghy sailing and cycling  before joining the one-week flotilla for the second week of your holiday. To book a stay and sail sailing activity holiday to the Mediterranean give our friendly team a call on 0333 014 3351.

Our sailing holiday yachts

Our well-maintained yachts are based in Greece and moored at Vounaki Beach Club . They'll be ready and waiting to take you on the ultimate sailing holiday adventure. The yachts sleep between 2 and 8 people, opening the possibility of a more sociable or peaceful sailing holiday experience. For comfort and privacy, we would recommend you don't fill them to the max. 

Every yacht is prepared for your arrival, with everything you need. Towels and bed linen are provided, as well as the more technical elements, such as navigation kit, safety kit and fuel. You just need to bring food and drink that extends beyond the water and grocery starter pack we provide you with.

Sailing courses

We offer a range of certificates and courses , and what better way to nail those new sailing skills than in warm and sunny Greece.

We can offer the   ICC assessment , RYA Day Skipper and RYA Competent Crew . In this course, you will learn the skills needed to be a useful crew member. We will also add some extras to your training, and you will be helping to moor and navigate the boat each day. This means that you will finish your training with us knowing that you have done that little bit extra, making it a great foundation if you want to go on and do more courses.

Why choose Neilson for your sailing holiday?

A sailing holiday in the Mediterranean is idyllic – and you can count on us to ensure it's as comfortable and accommodating as possible. Our experts on-shore and off-shore will be there throughout your trip, whether it's your qualified skipper or one of the team at our Beach Club.

With over 40 years of adventure holiday experience, we're one of the top sailing holiday companies on the market. Check out our reviews on Feefo – you'll have over 2,000 positive ones to sift through! You can also gather tips ahead of your trip by browsing the articles in the Neilson Hub .

To find out more or book your next holiday with us, contact our friendly team .   

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Norfolk Broads boating holiday: The perfect introduction for an inexperienced crew

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An end of season charter on the Norfolk Broads proves just the ticket for a relaxing family boating holiday with inexperienced crew…

Growing up around Plymouth, boating has inevitably played a significant part in my life, from sailing dinghies in the Sound to family days out sailing the Tamar on my father’s Hurley 22 yacht.

Thankfully, my wife likes to be near the sea too and as a youngster had enjoyed boating on the Broads. However, she’s not one for the bumpy stuff so, back in 2007, when we were looking for a family holiday, we booked our first Norfolk Broads boating holiday from a Wroxham-based yard and loved it so much we have returned several times since.

Our most recent booking was in September 2021 aboard Norfolk Yacht Agency’s Moneypenny , a Haines 42 offering six berths, with all the facilities we’d need, including three cabins (two doubles and a twin) and two separate heads compartments with showers.

There’s full standing headroom throughout, a swim platform at the stern and a large upper deck, complete with a bimini cover, fridge and sink, all of which became very useful as the weather warmed up.

The one drawback of this particular boat is that it is quite large, with an air draught of nearly nine feet that prevents it from accessing certain areas of the Broads due to low bridges. In addition, the tall topsides and shallow keel make it prone to being blown about by the sudden breezes which seem to whip up from nowhere over the open Norfolk landscape.

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After a comprehensive handover from Terry at NYA’s Brundall base and a quick accompanied trip to ensure we were all happy with the way the boat handled, we headed off to our first night’s mooring at Norwich Yacht Station in the centre of the town.

Although it can get a little noisy here, as it’s near a busy road and close to the city’s clubland, it makes for a very easy and convenient first overnight location.

For the new boater, the two-hour trip up the Yare to Norwich is a great opportunity to acclimatise to your craft while enjoying a condensed summary of what a Norfolk Broads boating holiday is all about; stunning rural views with plenty of wildlife, lovely riverside pubs, and total peace and quiet, save for the engine burbling away beneath you.

With a 6-knot speed limit, cruising the Broads forces the pace of life to slow down

Before long all the stresses and strains of everyday life melt away and you find yourself adapting to the slower pace of boating – the speed limit is a relaxing 6 knots across most of the Norfolk Broads so there’s no point rushing.

As a result passages are almost invariably calm and tranquil with only the occasional wakes from other boats to disturb the still water, making a Norfolk Broads boating holiday ideal for crew members prone to seasickness or nervous about being on the water.

The approach into Norwich is full of interest, passing under several low bridges, the lowest of which carries a railway line. If you time your transit under this metal bridge just as a train is passing overhead, the noise is quite impressive, so much so that on a previous trip my ever-encouraging shipmates thought I had collided with the bridge!

Andy with his son Adam

With nearly 12 tonnes of moving boat and a solid object only a few inches overhead, it’s vital that sensible safety measures are taken, with everyone kept out of harm’s way. Again, thorough preparation, including removing the flag from its holder, prevented any damage and, with the bridge successfully passed, we headed upstream to our berth.

Just beyond the Yacht Station is the historic Pull’s Ferry, where the river widens a little making it easier to turn a long boat in a constricted space. As always, it’s recommended to moor against the river’s current but our boat’s responsive engine, coupled with both bow and stern thrusters , made docking the boat a simple enough task even for a relative newcomer.

In high summer, the Yacht Station gets very busy but in September we had no trouble finding a space and, with the assistance of the rangers, were soon safely moored up. The Station also provides hot showers, black water pump out facilities and fresh water supplies.

Wroxham by night

The boat’s batteries and engine will run most of the essential electrics on board but shore power outlets can be found on many quays too and usually require the use of a pre-paid card, purchased from the charter company.

After an enjoyable stay in Norwich, we started making our way to Wroxham, the self-styled ‘capital of the Broads’. By road, Wroxham is just over eight miles away, but, by boat, we were first heading towards the sea at Great Yarmouth and then heading back inland up the River Bure, a total cruising distance of more than 50 miles and a journey time in excess of ten hours.

Far from the madding crowd

Being early September, the volume of river traffic was much lower than we had previously experienced in high summer so we soon slipped into a lazy routine of motoring for a few hours, stopping for lunch and then heading onwards to our planned overnight mooring without fear of not being able to find a berth at popular locations such as at Horning or Ranworth.

The bucolic idyll of the Broads as viewed from Ranworth church

Bear in mind that hired boats are not meant to be moving in darkness, so if you can’t find an overnight mooring alongside a quay, it might be a case of dropping your mud weight anchor in one of the bigger Broads.

Although this means foregoing the amenities of a shoreside berth, stopping in a quiet location can lead to a happy time gazing at the stars with only the sound of the night-time wildlife and water lapping against the hull for accompaniment.

Having a boat with a relatively high air draught meant that we needed to time our transit through Great Yarmouth very carefully due to another low bridge and a high tidal range.

Surveying the scene from Moneypenny ’s top deck

This part of the journey can catch out the careless. At any time other than slack water, the current races past Great Yarmouth’s Yacht Station and progress can be hard going against the tide or difficult to control if travelling with a rapidly falling tide.

As we passed the station, I called out to one of the rangers to check if we’d fit under the low Vauxhall Bridge and, suitably reassured, we headed on, only to find another boat racing directly towards us in the narrow channel.

Careful use of reverse to slow our progress and judicious use of the bow thruster avoided an incident and we were soon on the vast expanse of Breydon Water.

Feeding ducks from the bathing platform

The heat is on

After an overnight on Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft, we continued to head towards Wroxham with a lunch stop at Somerleyton. By now the promised heatwave had fully arrived and we soaked up the sun with a gentle cooling breeze rustling through the reeds and grasses.

Having plenty of food onboard, complete with the essential liquid refreshments, gave us the flexibility to stop when we fancied but others may prefer to plan around the many well-known eating or shopping locations.

A key benefit of a Norfolk Broads boating holiday is the support infrastructure for boaters which has developed over the years so, if your travelling companions become restless, it’s easy to moor up and take a walk or visit one of the area’s sights, such as the ruins of the medieval St Benet’s Abbey.

Stretching their legs on a stroll to St Benet’s Abbey

Wroxham is a favourite location of ours with an attractive approach, first through thick woodland and then past some beautiful riverside homes, many with their own boat docks.

The lack of river traffic meant the water was clearer than on previous trips, so we could see the long fronds of the aquatic plants waving in the sunlight. Easy, free mooring, followed by a short walk through the warm evening air to an excellent Thai restaurant, meant we all ate and slept well, ready for the return leg back to Brundall.

Heading back down the Yare, we stopped for a picnic lunch close to the Berney Arms Inn, once Britain’s most remote hostelry only accessible by foot or boat. Crossing Breydon Water again, we broke up our journey with a stop at the Stracey Arms Mill, visiting the donkeys and making suitably touristy purchases from the store.

Moneypenny moored at Wroxham

After an overnight stop at Reedham, we were soon back in Brundall, where we reluctantly moored up after what had been another thoroughly enjoyable spell aboard Moneypenny .

Norfolk Broads boating holidays may not be as glamorous as the Med or as exciting as a high-speed RIB , but it is an excellent way to get a first taste of life aboard a motorboat and see if your whole family shares your enthusiasm for life afloat. In my case, the answer has been a resounding ‘yes’ and we all look forward to our next adventure on the water.

First published in the July 2022 issue of MBY.

Moored up at Stracey Arms Mill

Before long the stresses and strains of everyday life melt away and you find yourself adapting to the slower pace of life, andy’s children adam and emma loved the boat’s generous proportions, andy’s wife debs and daughter emma, the family chartered moneypenny, a haines 42, from the norfolk yacht agency, this boater got lost in the waterways of rural france, new cauldwell outboard motor: petrol performance & diesel reliability, the new ‘transformer’ megayacht concept that expands at anchor, latest videos, fairline targa tour: sensational new british sportscruiser, navan s30 & c30 tour: exceptional new axopar rival, galeon 440 fly sea trial: you won’t believe how much they’ve packed in, parker sorrento yacht tour: 50-knot cruiser with a killer aft cabin.

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Stay on a luxury yacht…for less than £200

Beds on board: a new way to stay.

Modern families are an intrepid bunch, especially when it comes to our holidays. Looking beyond traditional hotels and b&bs, we’re g lamping in yurts, sleeping in tree houses and shacking up in shepherd’s huts.  Thanks to the likes of Airbnb and Home Swap, we’re even holidaying in each other’s homes.

Now, with Beds on Board, you can spend the night on a luxury yacht, for less than the  price of a Travelodge. But there’ll be no sailing off into the sunset – all boats are safely moored in marinas and moving them is strictly against the rules.

Beds on Board’s Mark Seamer tells me how it all began. In 2015, founder Tim Ludlow was at a busy regatta in Palma, Mallorca, struggling to find accommodation. All the hotels in town were fully booked and there was not a room to be had, but as Tim strolled along the waterfront, he noticed that most of the yachts in the marina were empty. That was the lightbulb moment.

At any given time 90% of yachts in UK marinas are empty, Mark explains, so  Beds on Board was created to connect their owners with accommodation seekers. ‘It’s essentially Airbnb for boats’, he says.

It’s such a good idea and I can’t wait to take up Mark’s invitation to try it for myself. 

She’ll do nicely. Amana, a Sunseeker yacht

How it works

The booking process is refreshingly simple. I sign up to the website, choose my required dates, destination and number of guests, and I’m given a selection of fancy boats to choose from. I select a gorgeous two-bedroom yacht called Amana, which the site tells me is a Sunseeker Camargue 50. She’s moored in Lymington Yacht Haven, in the desirable New Forest area. 

It’s not as pricey as you might expect. In March, Amana costs £195 a night, which is less than some hotels in the area. 

As bonkers as it sounds, staying on a yacht can be an economical choice for families, given that most have at least two bedrooms and so work out cheaper than checking into multiple hotel rooms.

Once I’ve booked, the boat owner has 48 hours to accept or reject my reservation. Later that day,  I’m contacted by Jason, the friendly owner of Amana. He’s incredibly welcoming and happy to answer all my questions.

‘Can I bring my dog?’ I ask, wincing as I scroll through photos of Amana’s soft, white leather interiors. ‘Of course!’ Jason responds, to my delight. That evening, I flounce into the living room and  announce to my husband that we’re all off to stay on a yacht. 

Amana in the early evening light

Just like Airbnb, when guests arrive at the start of their stay, they’re met either by the boat owner or by his or her representative.  My husband and I are met by Jason’s rep, the charming Samantha, at Lymington Yacht Haven. Check-in starts at 3pm and Amana is bathed in golden afternoon light when we first step onboard.

I’m struck by how immaculate she is and silently congratulate myself for packing a dog towel.  The deck is spotless and we’re welcomed by a vase of fresh daffodils and bottle of wine in an ice bucket. I know we’re going to love it here. There’s even a packet of Captain Jack dog biscuits for our four-legged companion, Flint. 

Inside, the walnut interiors glisten and plump towels are waiting on our bed. There’s a kitchen (galley in boat-speak) with all mod-cons, including a hob, microwave and to my husband’s delight, a Nespreso coffee machine.

A very warm welcome

A white leather sofa stretches the length of the living room and there’s a fold-out dining table. At either end of the boat are two en-suite bedrooms with showers.

Samantha gives us the lowdown on how everything works, but since we won’t be sailing anywhere, there’s nothing to be intimidated by. It’s mostly a case of getting to grips with the heating and making sure we know where the bottle opener is.

Jason’s detailed welcome pack invites us to help ourselves to tea and coffee. He’s even left us beer and wine, along with an honesty tin (which is so honest that there’s already money in there when we arrive).

Captain Flint at the helm (just pretending of course – sailing isn’t allowed!)

A taste of the high-life

Even without the prospect of a cruise, being on the boat is exciting. Reclining on deck with a glass of something cold as the sun sets over the water, we feel like interlopers in a world we’d never normally have access to. A boat like this would cost thousands to charter, but here we are – and for tonight, it’s all ours.

Marinas, by their very nature, are in pretty places with great restaurants, and the beauty of a Beds on Board stay is that you’re never far from a scenic waterfront stroll or great evening out.

That being said, a night onboard can be just as fun as going out. Unlike a hotel room, you can cook for yourselves and enjoy a meal on deck watched by expectant seagulls, or cuddle up in-front of a film as the sea gently rocks you to sleep (Amana has Sky and a hefty DVD collection).

Amana’s cosy main cabin

Lymington Yacht Haven neighbours a picturesque nature reserve. When we eventually tear ourselves away from the boat, we walk Flint along the seawall, looking down on ducks bobbing about in the salt marshes. A footpath called Solent Way runs from the marina all the way to Milford on Sea, hugging the coast. It’s a pretty five mile walk, but we only manage one or two, before our wimpy city dog starts dragging his feet.

We arrived in Lymington under a warm sun, but this being March in England, by the time we go to bed the wind is howling and rain thunders down on the roof. But we’re on a big boat, so a storm is thrilling! There’s something deliciously comforting about snuggling under a heavy duvet as the weather rages outside.

The next morning we awake to pale sunlight streaming in through the portholes, seagulls cawing softly and a text from boat owner Jason. He wants to know if we slept alright and survived the weather. ‘Do you have everything you need?’, he asks. Jason tells us to stay as long as want, even though check-out is officially at 11am.

Amy admires the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve, in the New Forest National Park

Staying on Amana is like spending the night in a luxury hotel, with the personal touches of a family-run b&b. Even though we never meet Jason in person, I’ve rarely stayed anywhere where I’ve felt so looked after.

Unsurprisingly, this new accommodation trend  is catching on and Beds on Board now has boats in over 50 countries.  It’s impressive stuff from such a young company and Mark is excited about the future. ‘Our aim is to offer travellers a million new beds around the world, without doing a single bit of construction.’

Back in London, I brag to friends about our weekend on a yacht (for under £200) and they all react in the same way – what a brilliant idea! They all say they’re going to try it. After all, w ho wouldn’t want to enjoy the glorious yachting lifestyle without the responsibility or the price tag that go with it?

Calm after the storm: morning breaks over the marina

Beds on Board: the lowdown 

• Search bedsonboard.com for a boat in the place you’re visiting
• Chat to the boat owner through Beds on Board’s message centre
• Hop onboard and enjoy a quirky stay!

Prices start from around £50 a night and you can book everything from sleek catamarans and sailing boats to super yachts that come with their own crew (around £7,000 a night)

Amana, the boat I stayed on, starts at £195 per night for up to four people

Find out more about Beds on Board and book your stay

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•  Prices / Inclusions      •  Sailboat details / Meet the skipper      •  Destinations      •  Meal options      •  Guest's impressions

How much does a yacht charter costs

The prices below are the charter rates for the whole yacht (per sailboat - NOT per person). In order to obtain the charter rates per person for a sailing holiday, you simply divide the the rates listed below to the number of persons in your party.

For example a group of 6 interested in a 7 day trip in June - season B - will pay 5470 euro per boat thus 5470 euro / 6 persons = only 911 euro per person for a 7 days yacht charter in Greece.

Incredible value for money - cheaper than any other holiday option and an absolute superior experience to the typical "ferry to an island / stay in a hotel" alternative.

We offer our guests the advantage to pay a flat rate prior to setting sail, and that’s it!

After surfing the web and looking at different options for your sailing vacation, you might have noticed most yacht rental are structured similarly with renting a car. The charter rate covers the price for hiring the yacht itself (just like the car rental price covers the car itself).

And all the other aspects/costs involved are on you to cover as you go. For a car that would be things like gas, toll rates. With similar structure, when you are budgeting for your sailing holidays, you will have add on top of the charter rate, the other expenses involved as they appear. The trouble with this approach is that for a yacht the total/ final price the extras add up to varies several factors. Which makes it difficult for the traveler to figure out the total price he will end up paying (an aspect that will naturally might make him worried or anxious).

For example while the rate applied for skipper services is pretty much standard for all companies (190-240 euro/day), all the others extra can range according to many factors. How much fuel you are going to use depends on how long the engine will be running - more specifically on the distance to your favorite destination and weather condition. "But won't we be sailing most of the time-why are we discussing fuel?' you might be wondering. Please read below the paragraph marked with **

So we are taking a different approach. In order to avoid the hassle of having an expense account open , we have grouped everything in the : "All costs included" combo of 330 euro/day to include the expenses associated with chartering the sailing yacht (skipper, fuel, final cleaning, etc) that will guarantee worry free vacations. You won't have to keep an expense account open. You simply pay a one-time flat rate - divided in between the members in your group prior to setting sail, and that’s it! Much easier to plan and budget for! No hidden costs, no surprise at the end of the trip.

** How much will we be sailing /motoring? Well...it all depends on the wind conditions and the distance to the next destination. So let's take for example a sail from Mykonos to the port of Paroikia in Paros that is 28 nautical miles apart (a good average).

• In favorable weather conditions a sailboat is perfectly capable of reaching a destination powered only by sails. With a good wind speed (10-12 knots or more) a sailboat would be a moving with a regular speed around 7 miles/hour. Thus, assuming a proper breeze, you would be covering the 28 nautical miles distance in about 4 hours.
• But when winds are very mild or from an un-proper direction, the speed a sailboat can reach just on sail power can drop significantly - even as low as 2-3 miles/hour. As a result, if you try to save fuel and move just on sails, you would be covering the same distance in 9-10 hours (no time left for swimming or exploring the island you are heading to). This is when the engine is one's best friend! Is helping to go up to the regular speed of 7 knots so you reach the destination you wish, the day you wish in a reasonable time. This is an especially important aspect for many of our guests as soon as they realize a regular day on board is divided in several parts (the 3-5 hours travel time to the next destination, the 1-3 hours stop for a swim, the late afternoon/evening for exploring the islands you reach, on-shore activities, exploring the villages and dinner).
• With a 4 hours travel there's time to mix all these in a single day.

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Depending on each situation, a one-way fee applies in order to cover the cost of the boat travelling from the base/regular embarkation point to the pick up point of your choice (fuel + rate for the day/s when it cannot be chartered as it will be traveling to the island you prefer to embark at).

Thus the one way fee depends on the distance to the destination chosen and can vary from 800 euro to 1450 euro.

Please contact us for more details.

Our team - The skippers

We are a boutique yacht charter company whose main focus is treating our guests individually and striving to make their dream reality. The two of us, Adriana and Radu are the owners of the Albatross and Freedom, and it is our great pleasure of sailing you around the Greek islands. We like to see and treat each person on board more as a friend rather than a typical client.

Frequently Asked Questions - for more informations about life on board please check our FAQ page .

Why charter a sailing boat in greece what are the benefits of a sailing holiday with skipper over a traditional vacations in the greek islands.

Below you can find a comparison in order to get a better idea of what you get when booking a Blue Water Sailing yacht charter comparing to a traditional holiday.

Click here to show / hide the comparison - charter vs. hotel

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Looking forward to seeing you soon.

There is no yachting qualifications or experience needed in order to participate in the skippered boat sail trip. Skippered yacht charter is perfect for everybody from young, fun-loving groups to families with children wanting to live the experience of boat a holiday in Greece without the pressure of looking after the boat. Sailing holidays with skipper is also the best option if you are searching for a relaxing holiday and want to discover the Greek islands (sailing the Cyclades starting at Paros or Mykonos OR the Saronic islands and Peloponnesus coast from Athens) without having to worry about anything at all. Just relax and enjoy the trip.

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Five-star Sunborn Gibraltar Hotel, Gibraltar

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Accommodation

Holiday highlights.

• Spa & wellness centre
• Outdoor swimming pool

Our Price Includes

• Return flights from various UK airports
• Two nights' five-star bed-and-breakfast accommodation at the Sunborn Gibraltar

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Sunborn Gibraltar Hotel -

Sunborn Gibraltar is a luxury 5-star yacht hotel offering stylish accommodation in the heart of Gibraltar Highlights include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a great location in the marina. Gibraltar boasts a fascinating history, having been part of the Roman, Moorish, Spanish and British empires Nearby places of interest include the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned and the Rock of Gibraltar, which features a cable car, the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens and a nature reserve containing the only wild monkeys in Europe. The hotel is housed in a luxury yacht moored in Marina Bay, facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and gym. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises. Deluxe rooms are 30sqm, decorated in a classic style and feature a balcony with sea and marina views Amenities include air-conditioning, tea and coffee equipment, a 46-inch flat-screen satellite TV, mini-bar and work desk. The en-suite bathrooms feature a walk-in shower, Sky Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed setting, guests can also enjoy a range of drinks and snacks at the hotel bars. A buffet breakfast is provided every morning and there are plenty of dining opportunities in the vicinity

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Other information, terms and conditions, holiday code, holiday provided by jetline holidays.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: fully refundable and 100% financial protection with ATOL. This holiday is sold and operated by Jetline Holidays (ATOL 6153). This ATOL bond means that, when you book a Jetline holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.

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U.S. Eyes $156 Million Yacht in Dubai Linked to a Russian Oligarch

The U.S. Justice Department is taking steps to seize the Madame Gu, a 324-foot luxury yacht, but it will be diplomatically thorny.

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By Kate Kelly ,  Michael Forsythe and Julian E. Barnes

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — On a clear morning in late October, the jewel-blue hull of the Madame Gu, one of the world’s most luxurious superyachts, gleamed, its aluminum rails shimmering in the sun. Workers on the pier said they had recently seen people painting, cleaning and generally keeping the ship with its helipad and six guest staterooms in pristine condition.

In past years, such a scene would not have been noteworthy. Many superyachts come and go from Dubai’s Mina Rashid Marina, best known as the home of the Queen Elizabeth 2, the trans-Atlantic ocean liner-turned-hotel that dominates the waterfront here.

But Russia’s war in Ukraine has turned an otherwise routine tableau into a diplomatic battleground between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, an important American ally that has established itself as a safe haven for Russian money and assets out of the reach of U.S. sanctions.

The $156 million Madame Gu epitomizes the problem. In June, the United States designated the vessel, which is linked to Andrei Skoch, a Russian steel magnate and lawmaker under sanctions, as blocked property. That means the yacht cannot use American companies for its upkeep, employ U.S. citizens or even use the dollar. The Justice Department is now taking steps to seize the Madame Gu, according to people with knowledge of the plan.

But the United States can’t seize property in a sovereign nation without permission from its government. The Emirates, which has taken a friendlier position toward Moscow, is balking at cooperating with the United States to pursue oligarchs, American officials said. The Kremlin is also using oligarch-controlled companies in the Emirates to acquire war supplies that the West is trying to keep out of Russia’s reach, according to a Western official involved in the sanctions effort against Russia.

Emirati officials did not comment specifically on the Madame Gu but said in a statement that they took their role “protecting the integrity of the global financial system extremely seriously.”

A closer examination of Russian assets in the Emirates shows that even before the war in Ukraine, Dubai had become a playground for Russians with links to President Vladimir V. Putin. At least 38 businessmen or officials with ties to the Russian president own homes in Dubai that are collectively valued at more than $314 million, according to the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. Five of those owners are under U.S. sanctions.

Since the Russian invasion, Dubai has established itself as a safe haven for Russian yachts and aircraft unable to sail or fly elsewhere. After Russian jets were barred from the European Union in late February, the Emirates became the destination for 14 percent of all private flights leaving Russia, up from 3 percent before the invasion.

“It’s frustrating when you see huge assets that are sitting out there and it appears that the country is not cooperating,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Democrat of Rhode Island, referring to the Emirates. “It would be nice if there were more common cause against Putin while he’s busy shelling hospitals and schools.”

Mr. Whitehouse is sponsoring legislation that would use proceeds of the sales of seized Russian assets to help rebuild Ukraine. Senior officials at the Treasury and State Departments have also complained publicly about the situation.

U.S. officials view the presence of superyachts in places like Dubai and Bodrum, Turkey , as a symptom of wider Russian circumvention of sanctions and continued access to financial markets. Yachts have also come to symbolize the decadence of Russia’s oligarchs, especially at a time when Russian soldiers are scrounging for body armor and sleeping bags on the front lines.

Pursuing the Madame Gu

Built by the Dutch firm Feadship and put into service in 2013, the Madame Gu has a large helicopter pad on its forecastle with a hangar underneath that can double as a squash court when the chopper isn’t on board. The vessel has berthing for 36 crew members, according to one trade magazine.

Mr. Skoch, a member of Russia’s Parliament who is linked to assets worth billions of dollars, according to U.S. court filings, has had sanctions imposed on him twice by the United States, first in 2018 and then after Russia’s invasion this year. The Treasury Department has cited his “longstanding ties to Russian organized criminal groups.”

Mr. Skoch could not be reached and did not respond to messages left at his office at Parliament.

In an interview in October about the government’s broader efforts to go after the assets of oligarchs, Andrew Adams, a federal prosecutor leading the Department of Justice’s KleptoCapture task force, declined to discuss the Madame Gu. But the United States, he said, is warning companies they must not do business with individuals and assets under sanctions. The government, he said, will pursue oligarch-owned assets whose sale could be used to aid Ukraine.

“Where we know there is an asset that can potentially provide significant remuneration for Ukraine, that obviously is an attractive case to pursue,” he said.

U.S. officials are likely to use the case they made for impounding a $90 million Airbus business jet linked to Mr. Skoch in August as a blueprint for seizing the Madame Gu, said people familiar with the plan.

That means investigators will aim to show that the owner of the vessel, or the companies that have been providing services to it, have intersected with the U.S. financial system.

“If there are U.S. dollars or a U.S. nexus associated with supporting this vessel, massive enforcement actions could take place,” said Adam M. Smith, a former official overseeing sanctions at the Treasury Department. Companies that provide support to entities under sanctions could potentially face their own sanctions, said Mr. Smith, who is now a lawyer at Gibson Dunn in Washington.

This year the United States has carried out two high-profile seizures of yachts tied to Russians under sanctions, working with cooperative governments. The $300 million Amadea was taken in Fiji in May and sailed to San Diego under an American flag. In April, the United States worked with Spanish police to seize the $90 million Tango.

A Problematic Partner

Diplomatically, the Emirates has been reluctant to take a clear anti-Russian position when it comes to the war in Ukraine. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, recently met with Mr. Putin in St. Petersburg, and the Emirati foreign minister recently hosted his Russian counterpart. Yet Sheikh Mohammed has also talked with Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, more than once and recently gave the country $100 million in humanitarian aid.

The United States has publicly expressed dismay over the mixed messages.

During a visit to Dubai in June, Wally Adeyemo, the U.S. deputy treasury secretary, warned of the need for vigilance and proactive steps in combating Russian evasion. That same month Barbara Leaf, the State Department’s under secretary for Near East Affairs, said at a congressional hearing that regarding the Emirates, she was “not happy at all with the record at this point” on sanctions enforcement. Mr. Adeyemo reiterated his concerns in a meeting with Emirati officials in October in Washington.

A senior State Department official said in a statement to The New York Times that the agency continues “to reinforce the importance of conducting enhanced due diligence to prevent sanctions evasion and investigating allegations of such activity” to the Emirates.

The Treasury Department declined to comment on the Madame Gu or the relationship with the Emirates.

Last month, the Treasury Department announced it had placed sanctions on an Emirates-based company, Constellation Advisors Ltd., that the American government said was operating on behalf of a nephew of another Russian oligarch, Suleiman Kerimov. Mr. Kerimov, according to American court documents, was the owner of the Amadea superyacht .

American officials are also worried the Russian government is using the Emirates to acquire military supplies for its war in Ukraine. On Nov. 15, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on two Emirates-based transportation firms that had worked with another Iranian firm under sanctions, which in turn had helped transport drones and personnel from Iran to Russia.

Moored in Dubai

Based on a recent visit to Dubai’s Mina Rashid Marina , where the Madame Gu is moored, it is clear that international companies are playing a critical role in its care.

The Emirates-based company DP World, through its subsidiary P&O Marinas , oversees the pier where the Madame Gu is moored. Employees from another DP World subsidiary , World Security, staff the small guard box at the entrance. That makes DP World, which is owned by Dubai’s royal family, potentially vulnerable to American sanctions.

DP World “fully complies with all applicable local and national laws and intends to continue doing the same regarding the Madame Gu and other vessels utilizing our services,” said Adal Mirza, a spokesman for the company. He added that DP World had not yet heard from the United States or other countries that had placed Mr. Skoch under sanctions, including Britain and the European Union.

A generator set that dock workers said in late October was powering the Madame Gu — two container-like structures near its stern — bore the distinctive orange logo of Aggreko , a British company. The generator set was connected to the superyacht by thick cords; one of the containers was emitting grayish exhaust.

At the Mina Rashid Marina, soon after Aggreko was contacted by The Times, workers removed the generator. “Having identified that the generator was being used to power a vessel that is allegedly connected to a sanctioned person, we immediately terminated this rental and have since recovered the generator,” the company said in a statement.

Mr. Mirza, the DP World spokesman, said the Aggreko generator had been replaced with one from a local supplier.

P&O Marinas arranged for the diesel generator to provide power for the Madame Gu because that part of the pier, a holding area, has no shore-supplied electric power, said a port official in Dubai, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk to the press.

“At the end of the day, if the U.A.E. hasn’t imposed sanctions, it’s not really their job to enforce other countries’ laws within their borders,” said Nabeel Yousef, a Washington-based partner at the law firm Freshfields, where he runs the sanctions practice. Nevertheless, “companies should not take comfort in the fact that their country has not imposed sanctions,” he added, “because even the smallest connection to the U.S. can lead to U.S. penalties.”

There has also been a notable absence onboard the Madame Gu in recent weeks: a flag. Unlike other ships moored nearby, including the Quantum Blue, a superyacht linked to the billionaire Sergei Galitsky, the Madame Gu appears to be stateless, apparently having been deflagged by the Cayman Islands.

Cayman Islands officials didn’t respond to an emailed inquiry about the ship’s status.

If DP World were to face fallout from U.S. sanctions enforcers, it wouldn’t be the first time the company has been the focus of attention in Washington. In 2006, DP World was seeking to manage some terminal operations at six American ports but dropped out of the deal after a bipartisan uproar in Congress.

Anton Troianovski contributed reporting from Turin, Italy, and Oleg Matsnev from Berlin.

Kate Kelly covers money, influence, and policy as a correspondent in the Washington bureau of the Times. Before that, she spent twenty years covering Wall Street deals, key players and their intersection with politics. She is the author of three books, including "The Education of Brett Kavanaugh." More about Kate Kelly

Michael Forsythe is a reporter on the investigations team. He was previously a correspondent in Hong Kong, covering the intersection of money and politics in China. He has also worked at Bloomberg News and is a United States Navy veteran. More about Michael Forsythe

Julian E. Barnes is a national security reporter based in Washington, covering the intelligence agencies. Before joining The Times in 2018, he wrote about security matters for The Wall Street Journal. More about Julian E. Barnes

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

Russian missiles streaked into Kyiv  in the biggest assault on the Ukrainian capital in weeks, injuring several people and damaging several buildings.

Jake Sullivan, President Biden’s top national security official, made a secret trip to Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine.

Under pressure to come up with billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s military, the E.U. said that it had devised a legal way to use frozen Russian assets  to help arm Ukraine.

Symbolism or Strategy?: Ukrainians say that defending places with little strategic value is worth the cost in casualties and weapons , because the attacking Russians pay an even higher price. American officials aren’t so sure.

Elaborate Tales: As the Ukraine war grinds on, the Kremlin has created increasingly complex fabrications online  to discredit Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, and undermine the country’s support in the West.

Targeting Russia’s Oil Industry: With its army short of ammunition and troops to break the deadlock on the battlefield, Kyiv has increasingly taken the fight beyond the Ukrainian border, attacking oil infrastructure deep in Russian territory .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Royal Yacht Britannia

Top choice in Leith

Built on Clydeside, the former Royal Yacht Britannia was the British Royal Family's floating holiday home during their foreign travels from the time of her launch in 1953 until her decommissioning in 1997, and is now permanently moored in front of Ocean Terminal . The tour, which you take at your own pace with an audio guide (available in 30 languages), lifts the curtain on the everyday lives of the royals, and gives an intriguing insight into the Queen's private tastes.

Britannia is a monument to 1950s decor, and the accommodation reveals Her Majesty's preference for simple, unfussy surroundings. There was nothing simple or unfussy, however, about the running of the ship. When the Queen travelled, with her went 45 members of the royal household, five tonnes of luggage and a Rolls-Royce that was carefully squeezed into a specially built garage on the deck. The ship's company consisted of an admiral, 20 officers and a 220-strong crew.

The decks (of Burmese teak) were scrubbed daily, but all work near the royal accommodation was carried out in complete silence and had to be finished by 8am. A thermometer was kept in the Queen's bathroom to make sure the water was the correct temperature, and when the ship was in harbour one crew member was charged with ensuring that the angle of the gangway never exceeded 12 degrees. Note the mahogany windbreak that was added to the balcony deck in front of the bridge: it was put there to stop wayward breezes from blowing up skirts and inadvertently revealing the royal underwear.

Britannia was joined in 2010 by the 1930s racing yacht Bloodhound, which was owned by the Queen in the 1960s. Bloodhound is moored alongside Britannia (except in July and August, when she is away cruising) as part of an exhibition about the Royal Family's love of all things nautical.

The Majestic Tour bus runs from Waverley Bridge to Britannia during the ship's opening times.

Ocean Terminal

Get In Touch

https://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

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Pearls of Croatia Cruise

Holiday highlights.

Book today with a deposit of just £450 per person

Relax and let the captain, the crew and the cruise manager take care of you - with a maximum of just 38 passengers, they provide a highly personalised, intimate cruise in a tranquil atmosphere with luxurious comforts. Mornings you can sunbathe on spacious decks, relax in the jacuzzi or enjoy a swim in the Adriatic Sea. Afternoons and evenings are carefully planned for you to explore Croatia's finest destinations with local experts . Dining is enjoyed in an elegant yet casual, relaxed setting so there is no formal dress code required. Meals are served on a half-board basis, all prepared fresh by the onboard chef and include an extensive breakfast buffet, three-course set lunches and some dinners as shown in the itinerary. Others can be enjoyed while in port for opportunities to sample traditional Croatian cuisine in local restaurants.

Cruise highlights

• Visit Korcula – Marco Polo's birthplace
• Enjoy views of the Makarska Riviera
• Explore ancient Split
• Visit Hvar – Croatia's sunniest island
• Sail the lovely channel between Brac and Solta
• Mljet island visit
• Cruising close to the Elafiti Islands
• Dubrovnik city tour

Included in price

• 7 nights on board the 4 star MS Captain Bota cruising the southern Dalmatian coast and its islands
• Your choice of sea view en-suite cabin accommodation and deck
• Daily buffet breakfast, welcome dinner, 6 lunches and Captain’s Dinner
• Free Wi-Fi on board
• 5 tours and visits plus swim stops
• Guided tour of Dubrovnik, Pearl of the Adriatic
• Guided tour of Split and Emperor Diocletian’s Palace
• Visit the fabulous islands of Hvar & Mljet
• Guided tour of beautiful Hvar
• Guided tour of Korcula, known as the birthplace of Marco Polo
• Return flights from a choice of regional airports to Split
• One piece of hold luggage and one piece of hand luggage per person
• Return airport to ship transfers
• Port taxes and airport taxes
• Services of an experienced cruise manager
• 24/7 access to our UK Customer Services team
• ATOL Protected

Accommodation

MV Captain Bota

The luxurious MS Captain Bota is a First Class modern motor yacht built in 2015 - with its classic lines and superb passenger facilities it wouldn’t look out of place on the Cote d’Azur! Having just 38 guests ensures there is plenty of room to relax and unwind.

The 18 spacious cabins are on the main deck and the lower deck and are well appointed and contemporary in style. These luxurious cabins all have double or twin beds, an en-suite bathroom with toiletries, air-conditioning, satellite LCD TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe, radio and a hair dryer. Cabins on the lower deck have two portholes and cabins on the main deck have windows. Cabins on the main deck are accessed from outside the ship and cabins on the lower deck are accessed from inside the ship.

Public areas are well laid out and include an upper deck air-conditioned restaurant with a separate lounge-bar area as well as an outside, covered terrace with tables and chairs - ideal should there be occasional inclement weather.

The sun deck has sun-beds, or soak up the sun in the Jacuzzi. During swim stops head to the rear of the ship where you’ll find a swimming platform with ladders that dip down to the clear blue waters of the Adriatic, giving very easy access for a swim.

Please note; due to the size and overall design of the MS Captain Bota there is no lift between decks and therefore a reasonable degree of mobility is required to negotiate the stairs and gangways.

Excursions & Itinerary

Fly to Split and transfer to the port to embark on the MS Captain Bota, where the captain, cruise manager and crew will welcome you aboard and help you settle into your comfortable, well-equipped cabin. Meet your travelling companions over drinks and a Welcome Dinner, which is included on board this evening. The ship remains moored in Split overnight, so perhaps after dinner you may like to go ashore and enjoy a drink in one of the local bars. The ship’s bar will also be open should you decide to stay on board.

As you enjoy a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be so glad you chose this yacht cruise. Our exclusively charted yacht, which really is just like a private yacht, weighs anchor and sails out to sea. Split soon dips below the horizon as we sail south – but we will be back for a more in-depth visit later. On our cruise it is impossible for large cruise liners to call at most of the picturesque harbours on the islands which we will visit on the MS Captain Bota. This cruise includes five lunches and two evening meals, including a Captain’s Dinner, prepared on board. On other occasions you can step ashore to try local restaurants and, each evening, there’s the option to enjoy a nightcap at the ship’s relaxed upper-deck bar. Swimming is planned today at one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat (the Golden Cape) near Bol. Bol is a typical small fisherman’s town turned into a popular tourist destination and there will be time for a walk or to have a coffee in one of the pavement cafes until lunch is served on board. After lunch our cruise continues towards Hvar which, with some 2,700 hours of sunshine each year, makes it Croatia’s sunniest island! On arrival we have a guided walking tour and then the evening is at leisure. There is a good choice of family owned restaurants in Hvar.

This morning we sail towards the island of Mljet, which is a National Park and one of the most beautiful of the Croatian islands. We’ll make a swim stop along the way, then lunch will be served on board while cruising to Mljet National Park. On arrival there is an opportunity to explore the National Park with its two salt-water lakes (optional) and to enjoy the sun and sea on this peaceful island which, legend has it, was a favourite of the Greek hero Odysseus. This evening the Captain’s Dinner is served on board, offering a variety of delicious Mediterranean and Croatian dishes. The ship remains moored in Mljet overnight.

After breakfast we sail for UNESCO listed Dubrovnik, which for many will be the highlight port of call on the cruise. Arriving in Dubrovnik’s bustling port in the afternoon, a coach takes us to meet our guide for our included walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, which is completely encircled by its 15th century stone walls. Dubrovnik was described as “heaven on earth” by George Bernard Shaw and is often referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic. Learn all about the turbulent history of this amazing Adriatic city during our tour and discover its beauty whilst uncovering the treasures of the Old Town. The main avenue, the Stradun, is lined by inviting cafés and restaurants and is completely paved with marble. Other highlights will include the Franciscan Monastery that houses Europe's oldest pharmacy, and the Rector's Palace (entrances payable locally). After the tour the time is your own to make further discoveries in this fascinating city. Perhaps stroll around the 1,900 metres long walls or take a ride on the cable car to the top of Srd Hill for breathtaking views of the city and beyond and then choose a restaurant or cafe for dinner. A return coach transfer to the ship is scheduled for this evening or you can easily return on your own. We stay overnight in the port of this magical town.

After breakfast we start our cruise to Korcula Island, making a swim stop on the way. Korcula Island is bursting with authenticity, tradition and untouched natural beauty with its picturesque villages, vineyards and olive groves. We have lunch on board as we cruise on to Korcula town. Step ashore to discover the narrow streets and crumbling fortifications of this lovely town on our included walking tour. This is – legend has it - the explorer Marco Polo’s birthplace and his house can be viewed among the splendid Venetian style architecture. On Korcula Island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else in Croatia. After our guided walking tour, you are free to explore this beautiful town further. This evening, enjoy dinner ashore at your leisure in one of the innumerable harbour-side restaurants and cafés. Overnight stay in Korcula.

After breakfast you’ll want to go out on the sun deck to see the breathtaking coast of Korcula island sliding by as we cruise northwards to the Makarska Riviera on the mainland, making a refreshing swim stop on the way. On reaching the mainland we drop anchor in the port of Makarska, who’s old town is characterised by its narrow stone-paved streets, a main church square and a Franciscan monastery that dates back to 1614. This evening relax with an aperitif whilst watching the spectacular sunset over the Adriatic and enjoying dinner at a restaurant of your choosing.

This morning after breakfast we’ll cruise across from the mainland to the beautiful island of Brac, making a port of call at Pucisca. In tiny Pucisca, everywhere you turn is pretty as a picture thanks to the town’s skill for stone masonry. Cream-coloured townhouses and gently swaying palms give the place a model village look, while sleek yachts like ours and waterfront cafés around the sheltered harbour show off a touch of riviera chic. After time for a relaxing stroll we’ll lunch on board while cruising to Split. Split may be more than 1700 years old, but this spirited destination is anything but tired. Situated at the heart of the Dalmatian Coast, Split has a charming old town that contains the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diocletian's Palace. An included walking tour of Split includes a visit to this vast Imperial Palace which is named after the Roman Emperor Diocletian who built it as his retirement home and lived here from 295AD to 305AD. Croatia’s second largest city is bursting with energy and a charming Mediterranean flavour, with lots of bars and restaurants where you can take dinner at your leisure whilst the ship remains moored in Split. Back on board perhaps enjoy a farewell drink on the sun deck under a beautiful night sky.

After breakfast we disembark from the Captain Bota and return to the airport at the appropriate time for our return flight to the UK.

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Classic Yacht Register

Historical Summary:

Holiday has been family owned since launched in July 1946. My Grandfather Rex Bartlett commissioned Ed Monk Sr. to design her and was built on Lake Union by the Edison Technical School. Jim Chambers who ran the school along with Earl Wakefield and Vic Franck also worked on building her. I grew up on the boat and later helped "Gramps" maintain her, taking ownership in 1985. We are very proud of the fact Holiday has been maintained all these years and not restored. Of course mechanical repairs and replacements have been made due to normal wear and tear. She still has the original varnished Grandy lap strake dinghy stored on the galley deck which was given to my Grandfather as a gift from the school for the volunteer work he did there. Holiday has been displayed in Passage Maker magazine, Bet Olivers' Ed Monk and the Tradition of Wooden Boats and will be featured in Wooden Boat magazine later this summer. In the early days my Grandmother Verda wrote articles about their trips for Sea and Motor Boat magazines. We are currently moored in Marysville on Ebey Slough where she has been comfortably protected from the elements for over 60 years. Holiday , family owned for over 67 years, and our son JJ is next in line to take over.

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