Happy New Year!
2011 has come to an end and the New Year is now upon us. We have had a great year with our first taste of Egypt and the magnificent Gocek and its surrounding islands. As all of you are aware, we had planned to have our members’ meeting this year. However, when we asked if you would be interested in attending the meeting, only a very small number of members indicated their interest and for this reason we have decided not to hold it. Instead, I will use this newsletter to inform you of all that is happening, and there are a few subjects that I would like to raise here to keep you up to date with what is going on in our Club.
Crew
Five years have passed and in these years we all had the privilege of meeting several different crews. As you are all aware, the job of the crew is complex , very demanding and intensive, therefore the normal “shelf life” of a crew is one to two years with the latter being an exception.
Finding a suitable crew for our Club is not a simple task as we are looking for a multi-talented team who will be able to provide the service both for you the members, and the company. Unfortunately, during the past year we had two short term crews, who both were very good teams, but did not fit all the needs of our Club. Choosing and training a crew is a difficult task and we are doing our best to keep the crew for as long as we can, both for your benefit and ours. Regardless, in the duration of your membership, you will get to know a few different crews and you should have faith in our ability to choose them and train them to the Club standards and to know that you will have a wonderful experience with whoever your crew might be.
I receive constant requests on Preference Forms to sail with a particular crew, with most members choosing to sail with a familiar crew, which is natural. The reality is that I cannot always grant these requests as either the particular crew is not with us or there are too many requests for the week in question. I actually prefer that members get to experience different crews to reassure them that their holiday will be great with which ever crew is on board.
Previous couples: Niv and Liron and Tal and Eyal have both finished their journies with us and I am sure you will join me in wishing them all the best in their new adventure.
After this lengthy introduction, I would like to welcome into the Yacht Club family two new crews. We have welcomed two lovely couples – Christian and Natalia and Jeronimo and Louise, all with a deep love of the sea and vast experience of sailing and hosting. I believe that they will make a great team and will deliver you the holiday you expect from us and more. I would like to wish them good luck and hope that you will all show them a warm welcome to our family.
Multi-cabin booking
For the coming summer we have received many requests from members to book multi-cabins on the boat. As a result, we have filled this summer’s space fairly quickly in comparison with previous summers. Going forward we will first accommodate all members’ requests in line with their annual allocation before releasing the extra space to book multi-cabins by borrowing from future years. I believe that this method will ensure a fair distribution of the space and will keep disappointment to a minimum. To clarify this, here is an example
A Shell member has one cabin a year allocated and therefore we guarantee the space of one cabin. If this member would like to exercise their right to borrow cabins from future years, this will be granted to them only after all members have received their allocation. If there is enough space left we will confirm the multi-cabin booking. The same goes for a Coral member, where we will grant the two cabins first before allowing any accelerated cabins to be booked.
This protocol is for the benefit of the Club and the members as a whole. I hope you will all agree. To prevent any disappointment, it would be best if you ensure that your annual allocation of cabins is corresponding with your typical cabin needs. Here is a reminder for the annual allocation by level
Shell - 1
Coral - 2
Jade - 3
Pearl - 4
Winter Season
When we set sail for the first time with our Club, the idea was to create a European based club. From the discussions I have had with you over the years I believe that the vast majority of members are part of our Club because of that fact. In the past 5 years we have tried to have a winter season at Eilat in the Red Sea, which has given us 4 winters with only a small number of members staying on board during the winter. We sailed to Egypt last winter and had a very successful season until the local regime changed and forced us in to the dock. Unfortunately, in light of the current events in Egypt we will not be able to return this winter as at present it is impossible to obtain the necessary permits to operate there. However, as it was such a popular destination we will of course keep our eyes on the situation and should policies and politics improve then we may return in the future.
All of the above has brought us to the conclusion that the only place with an acceptable travel distance, both for the boat and your flight time is Eilat. However I believe that Eilat has been “sailed out” by us and we have found ourselves without a winter sailing destination.
We have therefore decided to winter in the Mediterranean .This will be in a different format to the normal Yacht Club week. We will place the boats in an interesting location, such as the South of France, to offer you a short break, be it a long weekend or a mid- week break. You will be able to come and stay on board in marinas in attractive and interesting cities on the European Mediterranean coast. We will either stay in the marina and the yacht will be your floating home for the weekend, or if the weather is good, we will go out for some day sails.
If you are wondering how these short breaks will work it is explained in your Members Guide. You will be charged a percentage of your week for a midweek or weekend break. Using your Vacation Club points will also be an option and these breaks will be offered to Vacation Club members also
Summer season
Summer season will be spent in the Mediterranean from May to mid October. In past years ,as you all know , we worked on a three weeks on, one week off schedule, and in this way we have 18 weeks of operation. In light of the new decision regarding our winter operation we would work the whole summer without weeks off to increase the number of weeks we can offer. To be able to operate this way we will have three crews rotating, so each crew will have two weeks on and one off. The boats will have a small refit at the beginning of the summer and at the end, preparing them for the weeks to come and preventative maintenance will keep them running smoothly
This change enlarges the number of members we can have in the Club and will allow us to keep selling this winter. The number of cabins we will have to sell will be small and before we sell it all out by the end of this winter, I would like to offer the opportunity to you to get the first pick of the remaining weeks. Any of you that are considering an upgrade to your membership, especially those of you that are Trial Members and Sand Members, please let me know so I can keep some space for you.
Club’s termination
In the year 2022, our club will be sailing its last year, which for some of you will be the end of 12 years and for others their 12 years will end before. For those of you whose membership will end prior to 2022 we are offering the ability to purchase the extra weeks you need to stay with us until the final year, and these will be explained to you on your next visit to the boat when you will have the possibility to “fill in the gap”. Please give it some serious thought as we will be looking to sell out all the remaining weeks by the end of this summer.
Future destination
Summer 2013 Montenegro
Summer 2014 Greece
Summer 2015 Ionian Islands
Flights and transfers
The internet has changed the way we book our travel arrangements. There is now less need for the conventional travel agency, isn’t there? As much as you can book all your travel needs on your own computer, you may find it time consuming and sometimes a little annoying. With the vast range of budget airlines the choice is big. Something to remember when it comes to the budget airlines is that more often than not it is an unreliable service and if your route is not direct you will have to make your own way without any guarantee that you will make the connection(s).
We offer you the possibility to book your travel arrangements with us, which may be a little more expensive but it is more reliable.
Regardless of whether or not you make your travel arrangements with CLC Travel or on your own, we need to know your arrival time and your transfer arrangements so that if something does go wrong for you we will be aware of it and in a position to assist you if needed. The more important part of this is the transfer from the airport to the marina, which we can book for you if you wish, and it is a service we offer for your benefit. The advantage of doing it with us is that we can put a number of couples together on the same transfer as we know the arrival times.
To be more specific regarding the coming summer in Sicily; the airport is two hours (more or less) drive from the marina, and a taxi will be about 100-150 euro each way You can book a transfer in a minivan for about 35 euro per person, but these minivans have to be pre-booked. If it is a group the price will reduce and the minivan will bring you direct to the marina. The normal transfer will drop you in the main port of the town which is about 20-30 minutes’ walk to the marina or another taxi ride. To make the transfer smooth for you - and with it a nice start for your holiday - we recommend booking your transfer with us. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, please let us know the details so that we know your arrival times. Please remember that we do not gain anything from these transfer bookings but from past experience it will work out better for you.
Booking for Sicily
There are only 8 cabins left for this coming summer so please place your booking by mid February. After this date we will offer the space outside of the Club!
I would once again take this opportunity to wish you health and happiness for 2012 and look forward to seeing you all again soon. Please do not hesitate to contact me direct should you have any queries.
Best regards
Commodore
Club La Costa Yacht Club
June 2011
Ahoy sailors,
First and foremost, we have to introduce our new crew, Niv and Liron, who come to us with a wealth of sailing experience, added to which Liron has a passion for cooking! They are looking forward to welcoming you all on board.
We said goodbye to Mark and Meg at the end of May, as they have decided that after traveling around the world for 2 years they would like to spend some time with their families in the UK.
Well, it has been a fantastic month for the Yacht Club. We started in El Gouna in Egypt and finally delivered the yachts to Göcek in Turkey. On the way, we had some great sailing in Suez, stopping for a dive at Bluff Point where we said our last goodbyes of the season to the dolphins of the Red Sea, before setting sail towards Rhodes for an overnight stop. Thanks to the amazing crew of YC volunteers, we enjoyed an excellent variety of food, great company, hard work and a lot of fun - a truly wonderful experience not to be forgotten by any of us.
For those of you who haven’t had the chance to sail in the Göcek area, we’re spending this season in a bay known throughout the world as the centre for sailing adventures and history. The Taurus mountains, which skirt the coastline, provide stunning scenery where cliffs - their slopes covered with Mediterranean pines - drop to the sea and lost goats pop up from nowhere, all against the backdrop of clear azure blue skies. The bay features numerous small islands and enchanting hidden bays that create an atmosphere taken straight from old pirate movies and was indeed once a haven for pirates - but not now! For the history lovers among us, there are traces of the ancient Carian and Lycian civilizations and later Roman ruins spread throughout the islands.
So far, we have had 3 wonderful weeks’ sailing to start off this season .We have signed up several new Club members and are now looking forward to an amazing summer here in southern Turkey.
Thanks again to the intrepid sailors who participated in our relocation and to all of you who spent time with us exploring the wonders of Göcek. Jennifer is already taking names for the next relocation - from Göcek to Eilat - and will be in touch shortly regarding dates etc.
Looking forward to sailing with you all again soon…
Best regards
Commodore
Club La Costa Yacht Club
Urgent notice
Summer 2011 Goçek
Many Yacht Club members have already confirmed their cabin reservations for our Summer 2011 destination of Goçek in Turkey and we look forward to welcoming you, as always.
As you know, Yacht Club members enjoy an exclusive priority booking access period to ensure that you get the choice of dates that best suit your holiday needs. To encourage the continued growth and development of the club we also offer any remaining cabins to other Club La Costa members, but only after the exclusive Yacht Club booking period has passed.
The deadline for this period is fast approaching and it is therefore essential that any member planning to join us in Goçek next summer, and who has not yet booked their cabin, does so very soon.
Your deadline to book is Monday 11th October after which time any remaining cabins will be released for general offer to other Club La Costa members who have expressed an interest in the yacht experience.
Red Sea – Winter 2010/11
We also have a few cabins available for this coming season in the Red Sea, sailing out of the exclusive, El Gouna. Contact the reservations team now to check availability, and come and enjoy some winter sunshine.
We look forward to seeing you soon
Best regards
Commodore
Club La Costa Yacht Club
The inagural Club La Costa Yacht Club newsletter
Ahoy members,
This is our first edition of the CLC Yacht Club Newsletter. In it we will keep you informed of new developments within the CLC Yacht Club and hopefully entertain you a little as well. Who knows, you might even learn something you didn’t know about sailing to boot.
Primarily the newsletter will be written by me, Meg, but you will notice sections within where we invite member participation. This gives you an opportunity to write in and share some of your holiday stories and photos with other members.
So without further ado, let’s begin…
New Destinations. Where to Next?
The Red Sea is our new 2008 destination which has been so popular we will be returning for the winter in 2009. Everyone has been blown away by how stunning it is. Check out all the amazing photos on our website www.clublacostayachtclub.com to discover what you’ve been missing out on! Then make sure you book for next season so you don’t miss all the fun!
Big news! Your yachting holiday options just keep growing with our new 2009 destination - Turkey. This will be the feature in our next newsletter. Turkey 2009 is open for booking now so contact the Reservations Department.
Be aware that the earlier you book, the better it is for all concerned. We keep cabins reserved exclusively for our members until six months prior to the charter. Once we reach this cut off date, bookings then become open. This is necessary to ensure we fill our boats.
You will find more information on all of our destinations at www.clublacostayachtclub.com
Discovering the Red Sea
Some of you will have already experienced the wonder and realised that there is no better way to explore the Red Sea and its world renowned coral reefs than by yacht. For those of you who haven’t yet, there’s always next season.
Being the world’s most northern tropical sea, the Red Sea is enriched with an abundance of unique marine life, including rare black corals and huge Gorgonian sea fans. The captivating desert landscape invites you to experience the simple pleasures of Bedouin life and view shimmering night skies. Winter climate offers more than comfortable air temperatures (87ºF/30ºC), warm water and very little rain.
Food around the Red Sea is prepared using aromatic spices that produce those tantalising Middle Eastern flavours. On board you eat the best of regional cuisine, prepared using fresh produce from the local markets, from Bedouin style lamb to shwarma you are spoilt. Picture yourself enjoying cocktails and mezze platters in the cockpit whilst anchored in a secluded bay, watching the last rays of light play on the romantic Arabian Desert backdrop as the setting sun transforms the pleasure filled day into an exotic evening.
Meet Our 2 New Crews
We have two fantastic new crews: Kate and Rob, Brian and Bev, who have started with us this season. If you haven’t met them already, you’d better start planning your next yachting holiday so you can have the pleasure.
The sailing idiom everyone needs to understand: In the Offing
Every issue I will explain the meaning of one idiom related to sailing (and believe me there are a lot).
The offing refers to the part of the sea furthest from shore that is still visible. Therefore a ship that has just appeared on the horizon is considered to be in the offing. So in general use it refers to something that looks like it will happen soon. For example, you might say ‘my lifelong dream of a trip to Turkey is in the offing’.
Now I challenge you to go and use it in a sentence today.
How to make Shakshuka (pronounced Shack-shoo-ka)
serves 4
This is a very popular breakfast or brunch dish around the Red Sea.
8 eggs
4 finely chopped tomatoes
1 brown onion diced
2 de-seeded green peppers diced (approx. 1cm)
1 de-seeded yellow or red pepper diced (approx. 1cm)
1 red chilli pepper finely chopped with seeds removed (unless you like it hot, then you can leave some in!) or you can use ½ tsp of chilli powder or flakes
1 clove garlic finely chopped
3 tbl tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp olive oil
1. Saute onions and garlic in the olive oil in a large fry-pan.
2. Add peppers and fry until soft (about 5-8 mins). Add all spices, stir and cook for another minute. Add tomatoes and tomato paste and lightly simmer for 10 mins, stirring occasionally.
3. Break eggs over top, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and cover with lid. Cook eggs to your preference (2 mins soft or 5 mins hard yolk).
4. Serve with thick bread or toast.
Winning Photo of the Quarter
This is the first spot where we will encourage member participation. Please email us your favourite yachting holiday snap with your name and where you’re from and we will put the best ones in the newsletter.
As we don’t have one for this quarter, here’s one of Leor’s which we have to admit is pretty good. Thanks to Cathy for the use of her camera (he can’t take all the credit!).
Send us your Articles
And this is the second spot.
We’d love you to send us tales of your adventures or any sailing related article of interest and we will print them here. Try to restrict them to 400 words or less and again provide us with your name and location (or you may use a nom de plume).
As we don’t have one for this time, I wrote a little piece I thought might be of interest entitled:
‘Sailors' Superstitions’
We’re a funny lot us sailors. Most sailors, especially in bygone days, were very superstitious. The list of items considered to be bad luck to have on board a boat would be pages long. Some of them are very unusual, for example did you know it’s bad luck to have bananas on board?
Superstitions are irrational fears based on a belief in the supernatural. Most derive from a time in history where ignorance about the natural processes of the earth prevailed. People didn’t have the knowledge to explain why a particular incident occurred.
In the modern world most of us look for rational reasons as to why certain events unfold the way they do. Yet most of us are not willing to discredit these superstitious beliefs entirely. How many of us today will still avoid walking under a ladder, just in case there is something to it all? (Or is that just in case it falls on our heads?)
I suspect many of these sailors superstitions may have come about because early mariners were trying to find reasons why some boats sank and others didn’t. If a boat filled with a cargo of bananas came to grief in a storm, rather than try to comprehend what causes storms in particular areas, people found it more acceptable to blame the bananas as bringers of ill fortune. Sailors wanted some reassurance that so long as their ship wasn’t carrying any of the cargo listed as a bad luck item, they were in less peril. As more boats with varied cargos sank, more items had to be added to the list which includes flowers, pillows and mattresses.
Fortunately in these days of scientific enlightenment, we know a lot more about why ships sink and how to avoid it. If this were not the case, I’m afraid ladies, that you and I probably would not be welcome on most boats. Yes it was also considered poor providence to have women on board. And think how much less fun that would be!
Read the interview with the commodore below to find out what he’s superstitious about!
An interview with The Commodore: Leor Revivo
Firstly, what does the term Commodore mean?
The head of a yacht club. It’s the highest non-officer rank.
How did you think up the concept of this sailing club?
I wanted to bring this unique and fabulous way of holidaying into the grasp of everybody, to enable them to do things they would never have dreamt of.
Why did you choose Catamarans rather than monohulls?
Aside from the extra space both on deck and inside, they offer greater stability and comfort which is especially important for those fairly new to boating. More importantly, you can still drink your cup of tea whilst sailing.
Why is sailing better than power?
Sailing is quieter and therefore more relaxed yet at the same time exhilarating to be moving only by the force of the wind. When you sail you become one with the sea and the elements (how very Zen of you Leor)and it’s more ecologically friendly.
Power boating is all about the destination and how fast you can get there. On a sailing boat you’re already there, exactly where you want to be. It’s all about the journey.
How long have you been sailing?
I began my love affair with the sea, sailing on it and diving under it 17 years ago. We’re still happily married.
What is so unique about cruising on a yacht as opposed to a ship?
You can get in to beaches and coves you can’t get to on a big ship so it’s more private. It’s a much more personal environment so you really get to know and make friends with your crew and travelling companions. Being closer to the water you feel more connected to the sea and have the ultimate freedom to do as you please. You can jump off for a snorkel whenever you feel like it. There are endless opportunities for the various activities.
What do you do on your holidays?
Surfing, sailing, diving, wakeboarding… (Hmm, that sounds like what you do for work Leor).
Future plans for the yacht club?
Expand the member base and the destinations throughout the globe. I plan to conquer the world!!! Though not literally. We’d need a different type of boat for that…
Are you superstitious? If so, about what?
In life no, but in sailing yes. I never whistle at sea.
Why, what does that do?
It upsets Neptune.
Written and compiled by Meg McDowell.
Please email any photos, jokes or stories to Meg: Meaghan.McDowell@clublacosta.com
