Red Sea
Club La Costa Yacht Club Winter season 2010/11 – El Gouna, Egypt
There is no better way to experience all that the Red Sea has to offer than to do so on board one of our luxury catamarans. World class diving and snorkelling, local produce prepared on board, gourmet style, and the spectacular sights of the archipelago that stretches from north to south along the eastern coast of Egypt.
From your vantage point aboard, you will be constantly reminded of the awesome desert vistas stretching into the distance, yet free to explore the small hidden bays that can only be reached by water.
Your sailing adventure begins in the exclusive resort of El Gouna, created on a whim by the entrepreneur Samih Sawiris whose vision was to build one spectacular home with a jetty for his family. His friends soon joined him and El Gouna’s creation was assured.
Your first evening will be a taste of the week ahead as you get to know your fellow guests. Moored in the marina, you will be pampered in true Yacht Club tradition and, should you choose, have the opportunity to venture into the town to appreciate its unique atmosphere.
Next day we set sail for a plethora of fascinating locations along the Egyptian coast, with Ashfari Island and Qeisum Island among the first ports of call. In the balmy waters, which can reach temperatures of 24º at this time of year, you'll see the bays, reefs and coral that will become the signature of your week aboard. Gubal Island is one of the most well known while Tawila Island is famed for its long and sparkling white sand beaches, dolphin population and superb snorkelling conditions.
For diversity of sea-life, the waters in and around Shakar Island are without equal. Set against the huge gorgonian fan corals you are likely to encounter hawksbill turtles, dark blue water snappers, antheas, sweepers and blue lunar fusiliers; there's even the chance of a thrilling encounter with grey pilot whales and dolphins.
Sha'ab abu nuhas reef is a large triangular reef which, translated, means 'Father of brass'; so called because of the vast number of shipwrecks that littered the ocean floor many decades ago , sunk while carrying their precious metal cargo. This booty made many locals rich as they dived to 'recover' the spoils.
One of the northern-most points of your week will find you at Sha'ab el erg, home to more resident dolphins, manta rays, blue spotted rays, parrot fish, unicorn fish and even some harmless white tipped reef sharks.
Your week sail will provide ample opportunity to absorb the sights of the lagoons and landscapes of the eastern coast, while relaxing on deck or by other means of enjoying the ambience that only a Club La Costa yacht holiday can offer. There will also be time to encounter the creatures that inhabit these beautiful waters; how close is up to you, but rest assured, they are all used to the proximity of humans and interaction is usually based on mutual curiosity!
A Club La Costa yacht holiday has no set itinerary, merely a basic 'canvas' on which to paint your own pictures, with the glistening turquoise water as your backdrop, the vivid colours of the hundreds of species of marine life that inhabit the spectacular coral reefs as your subjects, and the superb sea and air temperatures, not forgetting the lovely sunshine, as your inspiration.