You like boats and you like holidays, so why not treat yourself to a charter? From hiring a Linssen in France to bareboating in Thailand, there's a world of choice
Thailand
Cruising grounds don’t get much more idyllic than the waters of Thailand, littered with exotic islands and framed by some of the most pristine beaches you will find anywhere in the world.
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The island of Phuket off Thailand’s west coast is the main boating area, but although the region is popular with yacht charters, motorboat charters can be harder to find.
From the boat base in Ao Po Grand Marina, head north into Phang Nga Bay for Koh Hong. You can explore the hongs by tender or go for a swim before overnighting between towering limestone rocks. From here you can cruise through beautiful Phang Nga Bay, home to several islands, including Ko Tapu, otherwise known as James Bond Island as it was here that ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ was filmed.
Anchor at the quiet beach of Koh Hong Krabi, which has a lovely white sandy shores as well as brilliant coral and a large lagoon to explore – so make good use of the snorkelling gear on board.
The following day you can cruise south to the unspoilt area of Krabi, which is simply sublime. The next day head to the Phil Phi islands, where you can swim and snorkel surrounded by colourful fish at Maya Bay in Phi Phi Le before heading to Tonsai Bay for a lively evening.
The next day head west to the beautiful island of Koh Racha Yai, another popular snorkelling spot, before cruising north back to Phuket. If you have time you may wish to stop for lunch at Koh Khai Nok, a good spot for watching dolphins feeding on the coral. From here it’s a short hop to Koh Rang Yai where there’s a small resort to anchor near.
Boat hire
Well-established international charter company Moorings Power has a relatively new base near Phuket and it offers a two-cabin 37ft catamaran, the 372 Power Cat. A larger catamaran is also available for charter. The 372 is a new addition to the Moorings fleet and is powered by twin 110hp Yanmar diesels giving a top speed of 21 knots.
Moorings Power
Tel: 0844 463 6386
www.mooringspower.com
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