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Horizon Sail & Day Spa 2008!ANTIGUA, April 16, 2008 - Horizon Yacht Charters (Antigua) has launched a new Sail & Day Spa package in partnership with the 5* Carlisle Bay Hotel ‘Blue Spa’, one of Antigua’s most luxurious Spa’s. Designed for sailors who appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy a bit of pampering to sooth the mind, body and soul. Exclusively for Horizon guests, Carlisle Bay has created four unique treatment packages, in addition to their range of treatments. The Spa day can last from dawn to dusk as guests can take full advantage of the pool, gym and perhaps decide to dine at the exclusive restaurant. Guests can choose from the 'hill out', 'Lovely Glow', 'Total Relaxation' spa treatment or opt for the full works 'Clear Blue Horizon'. Treatment Rates for the special Horizon packages range from US$225 – US$400. These costs are additional to the 7 night charter rates. Charter a yacht for 7 nights from US$2495 – US$7395. For a group of 6 this could mean as little as US$416 per person for a 7 night charter! Skippers are available from US$150 per day for those who like to have someone on board to help guide them through the islands or for non-sailors who prefer to let someone else take the helm. To find out more about the package contact the reservations team info@antiguahorizon.com Horizon Yacht Charters has an extensive fleet of yachts – catamarans and monohulls - throughout the Caribbean with bases in Antigua, St Martin, Grenada and in the British Virgin Islands. Horizon is the authorized Caribbean dealer for Fountaine Pajot catamarans and the regional dealer for Bavaria Yachts. For details on all the Horizon Yacht Charters bases in the Caribbean visit: http://www.horizonyachtcharters.com or e-mail: info@horizonyachtcharters.com Horizon Yacht Charters BVI Stay & Sail PackageBritish Virgin Islands, April 10, 2008– Horizon Yacht Charters (BVI) has introduced a new Stay & Sail package aimed at creating the perfect vacation to suit both sailors and non-sailors alike. People looking for a Caribbean getaway, that offers something for everyone, can now book a single package that combines 5 nights aboard your very own crewed yacht followed by a further 5 nights in a 2 or 3 bedroom island-style waterfront luxury home in Nanny Cay Village. Completed in 2008, each brand new home has central AC and its very own private dock, ideal for renting a rib or Boston whaler. Cruise through the beautiful BVI and explore a myriad of beaches and coves. On return to Nanny Cay Marina, check into a state of the art waterfront home and explore all that the island has to offer. Alternatively relax “at home” as Nanny Cay offers a range of shore-side facilities, including swimming pool, beach, tennis court, beauty salon, boutiques, gym and much more. Ten night package rates, based on double occupancy, start from US$5,295 – US$9,595 depending on number of guests and time of year. For a group of 6 this could mean as little as US$1316 per person! All yachts come with their own skipper to help guide guests through the islands. All rates include tax and service charges, skipper fees, fuel & water and permits. Provisioning is not included. To find out more about the package contact the reservations team info@horizonyachtcharters.com Horizon Yacht Charters has an extensive fleet of yachts – catamarans and monohulls - throughout the Caribbean with bases in Antigua & St Martin, Grenada and in the British Virgin Islands. Horizon is the authorized Caribbean dealer for Fountaine Pajot catamarans and the regional dealer for Bavaria Yachts. For details on all the Horizon Yacht Charters bases in the Caribbean visit http://www.horizonyachtcharters.com or e-mail: info@horizonyachtcharters.com Horizon Grenada Sail and Classic Cricket Package 2008!GRENADA, March 14, 2008 - Horizon Yacht Charters (Grenada) has launched a seven night 'Sail and Classic Cricket package, October 9 – 16, 2008'. Aimed at sailors and avid cricket fans seeking adventure, cricket, island hopping, tours and live music! The Grenada Cricket Classics is an annual event which has grown in popularity since it began in 2004. The focus of the weekend is on the games between Grenada, Barbados and Trinidad plus the two clashes between cricketing legends of England and the West Indies in the 20/20 matches. Former adversaries such as Allan Lamb, Derek Randall, John Emburey take on the legendary heroes of Caribbean cricket like Joel Garner, Curtly Ambrose, Richie Richardson and 'The King' Sir Viv Richards. Charter a yacht to stay on during the cricket and afterwards spend 3 or 4 days exploring the Grenadines – one of the most beautiful sailing areas in the world! Charter rates for 7 nights start at US$2495.00 and go up to US$5300.00 depending on the size of the yacht. For a group of 6, this could mean as little as US$416 per person. Additional costs include the Classic Cricket Supplement at US$200 per person. This includes: transfers to/from airport, return transfer to stadium, stadium tickets, party night tickets and food at two Classics parties. All inclusive packages can be arranged. Skippers are available from US$150 per day for non sailors or those who just like to have someone on board to help guide them through the islands or for non-sailors who prefer to let someone else take the helm. To find out more about the package contact the reservations team horizonyachts@spiceisle.com Horizon Yacht Charters has an extensive fleet of yachts – catamarans and monohulls - throughout the Caribbean with bases in Antigua & St Martin, Grenada and in the British Virgin Islands. Horizon is the authorized Caribbean dealer for Fountaine Pajot catamarans and the regional dealer for Bavaria Yachts. For details on all the Horizon Yacht Charters bases in the Caribbean visit: http://www.horizonyachtcharters.com or e-mail: info@horizonyachtcharters.com Horizon Yacht Charters is 10 years old!
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Bavaria 40 Vision 
Bavaria 44 Vision
Bavaria 50 Vision 
On July 20st, 2005 Bavaria Yachtbau has handed over the two Bavaria 42match training yachts to the german syndicates chief Uwe Sasse and skipper Jesper Bank. Immediately afterwards both yachts had been sailed by the UNITED INTERNET TEAM for the first time, accompanied by guests and journalists.
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Durley Dene on a winning tack |
Last year she won in consistent 25 knot to 35 knot winds, this year she won in fluky 5 knot -10 knot winds! A true all-rounder.
Whilst the Bavaria "Cruiser" range are so named to differentiate them from the Bavaria "Match" range of pure racers, the Cruiser range have proved over the years to be superb performance cruisers, at home on the race course, or being sailed short handed on a family cruise. "Durley Dene" is available for purchase, and at only $125,000, with an extremely comprehensive specification, represents superb value. Horizon also currently has 3 other Bavaria 36s available for private purchase or charter management, including a 2005 model for an unbeatable $162,000.
The Bavaria 44, "Blue Loon", with owners Ralph and Cathy Cerretani on board, secured second place in their class, against stiff competition. As relative newcomers to the racing scene, this was an outstanding achievement for Blue Loon. The yacht is a 2003 model, 3 cabin / 2 head yacht, immaculate throughout, and is for sale at an excellent price of $230,000.
"Nanuk of the North", a Beneteau 505 was Horizon's third boat in the regatta, skippered by Patrick Festing Smith, with co-owners Ron McClean and Marty Fehlmann aboard calling tactics and strategy, and sometimes ably assisted by their ice hockey team mates from Toronto. They convincingly won their one design class with four firsts and a second, for a second consecutive year, in difficult conditions for these large yachts. Marty also captained his team to win the hockey competition on the English Harbour "rink" in Antigua. Congratulations!
Horizon's Antigua Race Week Winners
Caribbean-based Horizon Yacht Charters Awards Free Week Sailing Vacation
in Antigua at Toronto Boat Show, 2005
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"Mr. Hayes can look forward to sampling the delights of the Leeward Islands and some of the finest sailing in the world courtesy of Horizon Yacht Charters, Antigua," said Mr. Thompson.
The Toronto Boat Show, attracting over 100,000 water enthusiasts, is one of the largest boat shows in North America. The event hosted hundreds of exhibitors from across the US, Canada and a select few from the Caribbean including Horizon Yacht Charters and the Antigua & Barbuda Department of Tourism.
There was the usual strong interest in the British Virgin Islands for chartering, but the attraction of new cruising grounds, and direct flights meant Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada & the Grenadines, were also high on the agenda.
For the second consecutive year, the boat show coincided with the coldest week of the year in Toronto. Plummeting to a brisk -36°C, and with an almost balmy high of -4°C, the extreme weather was not enough to keep the hardy Canadians away.
"With the National Hockey League in disarray and no hockey to watch, and the buoyant Canadian dollar, at 1.2 to the US$, the Canadians were out in force. They were less interested in the size of the discount and much more interested in the size of the yacht!" added Mr. Thompson.
Patrick Festing-Smith, owner of "Nanuk of the North", a Beneteau 505 in the Horizon fleet in the BVI, and Mango Yacht Charters brokerage in Oakville, Ontario, lured the chilled locals with daily weather reports of 27°C, and consistent 15 – 20 knot trade-winds in "the Islands". It was too much for several visitors who took advantage of Horizon Yacht Charters' "on the spot" discount and secured themselves a vacation in paradise there and then.
For the first time, there was a Bavaria yacht at the show, and this fuelled extra interest in tax free yacht purchase from Horizon, who are the Caribbean dealers for Bavaria yachts, both for private use, and for charter placement.
Horizon Yacht Charters has a fleet of 38 yachts in the BVI, 12 yachts in the Grenadines and 10 yachts in the one year old Antigua & Barbuda base, with a number of yachts under private management. Horizon is the Caribbean dealer for Bavaria Yachts and approved agent for Fountaine Pajot catamarans. For further information on Horizon Yacht Charters, its bases and fleets visit: www.horizonyachtcharters.com or e-mail: info@horizonyachtcharters.com.
Horizon Yacht Charters (Antigua) Celebrates First Anniversary with New Service
Jolly Harbour Marina, Antigua, October 22, 2004 - Horizon Yacht Charters (Antigua) marks its first year of operation on November 1st with the introduction of one-way charters between Antigua and St Martin. Charterers will now be able start or finish their vacations in French St Martin at Fort Louis Marina where Horizon Yacht Charters has teamed up with Virgin Traders to provide this service.
"Antigua is a great starting base for charters and owners alike to cruise up and down the island chain," said Alastair Ashford, base owner and operator. "The addition of one way charters between Antigua and St Martin, in addition to our local bareboat or skippered charters, broadens the Caribbean sailing experience for people who wish to island hop without incurring the otherwise prohibitive costs."
Based at Jolly Harbour Marina on the leeward side of the island, Horizon's Antigua base is the latest edition to the Horizon Yacht Charters family which includes the British Virgin Islands and Grenada. It has already doubled in size over the past year increasing its fleet size from a modest five yachts to ten yachts ranging in length from 36 to 51 feet.
"This has been a very exciting start for us," continued Alastair. "We are one of the very few companies in Antigua that provides a full range of sailing charter services and we are continuously exploring different itineraries that we can customise to suit our guests. The company is rapidly making its mark as the first choice for sailing aficionados looking to cruise the home waters of the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week Regatta that takes place every year in April."
"We have a fleet of well maintained yachts backed by excellent customer service and offered at exceptional value. These hallmarks are shared by all Horizon bases and are the reasons why we see so many guests looking to repeat their experience with Horizon Yacht Charters."
Horizon Yacht Charters (Antigua) is offering a celebratory package to include a $1000 discount and a champagne hamper for all new charter bookings for January and February 2005. A minimum charter of seven nights is required to qualify for the discount. Call Horizon Yacht Charters (Antigua) toll free on 866 439 1089 for more information.
Horizon Yacht Charters has a fleet of 36 yachts in the BVI, 11 yachts in the Grenadines and 10 yachts in the one-year-old Antigua & Barbuda base. Horizon is the Caribbean dealer for Bavaria Yachts and approved agent for Fountaine Pajot catamarans.
Youngstown Yacht Club
Horizon Yacht Charters are proud sponsors of the Level Regatta July 23 – 25, 2004
The Youngstown Yacht Club Regatta draws more boats than the Key West Race Week and the well-known Chicago-Mackinac Race. With typically 350 entries, the regatta is the largest sailing event on the Great Lakes and within the top 10 worldwide. Over 2,000 competitors and a like number of spectators are expected to meet in Youngstown on July 23rd, 24th and 25th to be part of the racing and festivities. Most of the boats hail from Toronto, Buffalo, Rochester and points in between. We also attract competitors from Ohio, Michigan, Massachusetts and Ontario, Canada.
The 2004 Level Regatta will mark our 31st anniversary. Our success is built on top-notch racing, terrific entertainment, including five bands through the weekend, good food and refreshments and of course the camaraderie that surrounds this regatta. It's become a great tradition with the sailing community.
Come join us; it'll be a rewarding experience.
Peter Ike, one of Horizon's most frequent charter guests, won his class in the Mayors Cup on Long Island Sound in his Bavaria 44CC "Newd" ( New England Windows and Doors is Peter's company).
Peter purchased his Bavaria from Horizon Yacht Charters in 2002, and when not collecting silverware, enjoys cruising Long Island Sound and beyond, that is, when he is not chartering a Bavaria from Horizon in the Caribbean!
Well done Peter.
ANTIGUA'S APPEAL CONTINUES SO WHY IS IT STILL SO UNSPOILT?
Tortola, British Virgin Islands May 6, 2004 - The name Antigua conjures up images of mega-yachts, the rich and famous and the spectacle of the Antigua Sailing Week Regatta. Yet the reality is quite different, there's so much more on offer and now, with the current strength of the pound and the Euro against the dollar, Horizon Yacht Charters is able to offer inexpensive sailing holidays as the perfect way of exploring this historical island.
Extolling the virtues of Antigua is Eugene Hughes, Base Operations Manager, "The cruising area of Antigua & Barbuda is simply beautiful. Like my father before me, I've sailed these waters all my life and I'm impressed each time. Barbuda offers a Caribbean paradise rarely found today - deserted powder-pink beaches, lagoon-like water and just the company of frigates to watch the sun set. A perfect breeze, clear waters and deserted anchorages, it's hard to think what more people would want from their sailing holiday".
With 365 stunning bays, coves and anchorages, Antigua was the obvious choice in which to open a New base to complement the successful Horizon Yacht Charters operations in the British Virgin Islands and Grenada.
Based out of Jolly Harbour Marina, Horizon's guests can enjoy a range of marina and sporting facilities that include restaurants, bars, swimming pools, tennis courts and craft shops. Prices start from £26 per person per day.
HORIZON YACHTS SEE OFF COMPETITION AT ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK
Tortola, British Virgin Islands, May 26, 2004 - Horizon Yacht Charters, one of the fastest growing, top-rated charter operations in the Caribbean with bases in the BVI, the Grenadines and Antigua, saw off bigger competition and walked off with some key prizes at this year's Antigua Sailing Week.
Wind and wave conditions during Antigua Sailing Week 2004 tested crews and equipment. With gusts up to 30 knots and 8 -10 foot seas throughout the week, Horizon's Durley Dene, a Bavaria 36; Moby, a Bavaria 50; Spirit of the North, a Bavaria 49 and Nanuk of the North, a Beneteau 505, all passed the test with flying colors, earning podium places in their respective classes.
Competing in Performance Cruising, Spirit of the North owned by David Waiter and helmed by Owen Parker (ex-navigator on Ted Heath's Morning Cloud) reveled in the surf conditions. She hit speeds of 16 knots under her powerful spinnaker taking first against some very stiff competition.
Moby, chartered from Horizon's Antigua base by David Fawcitt, sailed short handed with a crew of five but did extremely well in the challenging conditions to place third overall in her class, Bareboat II.
Sailing against nineteen identical Beneteau 505s, Patrick Festing Smith, an experienced offshore racer and co-owner of the BVI-based Nanuk of the North, managed a superb victory on the last day, moving him up from second to overall winner of Bareboat Class I. Patrick and his team mates on Nanuk of the North also entertained the locals and visitors with an impressive display of 'Canadian ice hockey, Caribbean style' on the basketball court at Falmouth Harbour.
But given the sea conditions, perhaps the most impressive result was that of Durley Dene. At 36 feet, this David in a sea of Goliaths, sailed to victory in Bareboat VI, taking five consecutive firsts beating many larger boats not only on corrected time but also over the line. In big seas and 30 knots true wind, with full main and full 132% genoa the Bavaria 36 hit 11.2 knots on the run. Horizon co -owner Andrew Thompson co-skippered the yacht with Jon Alsop and remarked, "Durley
Dene was beautifully balanced upwind in 10-foot Atlantic swells, and was remarkably well -behaved goosewinging downwind with a large following sea."
After five days of intense sailing in the main event of Antigua Sailing Week, the top three bareboaters in each class then battled it out on Saturday in the Bareboat Challenge Race. Durley Dene, Moby and Nanuk of the North took their places on the starting line. Despite a tactically flawless race by the smallest yacht in the race, the 36-foot Durley Dene could not reel in some of the 45- and 50-footers that were able to power through the rough seas. She settled for third and top placing Horizon yacht.
Durley Dene, the star of the Antigua show, had warmed up to the racing season during the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival . She played hostess to lucky Sarah Kafetz, winner of a week's charter with Horizon at last year's Skandia Cowes Week. Dragging six of her friends from cold and gloomy London, she placed in the middle of the pack in class. Sarah and co. could not have had more fun. Before she left the BVI, Sarah gushed: "Amazing. The racing was fun,
very competitive and I loved the multi-national feel of the class. The BVI is stunning."
Although a dependent territory of the UK, the British Virgin Islands' currency is the US dollar and with the drop in value, a Caribbean sailing vacation is currently a much better deal than it was a year ago.
In the BVI, a Bavaria 36 charters in the high season (Dec 18 - Jan 4 and Jan 31 - Apr 11) for US$2,995 per week. At an exchange rate of 1.8, this translates to a cost of 59 pounds per person per day based on four people. In the summer season (July 10 - Oct 31) this figure drops to 41.50 pounds per person per day - and three extra days are also thrown in.
"It's hard to get a hotel on the M4 for that price," joked Sylvia Driver, co-owner of Horizon Yacht Charters.
Horizon Yacht Charters has a fleet of 32 yachts in the BVI, 12 yachts in the Grenadines and 9 yachts in the recently opened Antigua & Barbuda base. Horizon is the Caribbean dealer for Bavaria Yachts.
For further information on Horizon Yacht Charters, its bases and fleets, visit: www.horizonyachtcharters.com or e-mail: info@horizonyachtcharters.com
For further information and photos, please contact:
Sofia Fay Marketing Manager
Horizon Yacht Charters, Tortola, BVI
Tel: (284) 494 8787
Email: info@horizonyachtcharters.com
COWES RADIO PRIZEWINNER ENJOYS DELIGHTS OF CARIBBEAN RACING
Sarah Kafetz from London receives her week-long charter with Horizon Yacht Charters from Cowes-based Paul Miller, results guru for the BVI Spring Regatta.
Last summer, Sarah Kafetz from London raced in the first weekend of Skandia Cowes Week and entered the daily 'Nanny Cay Painkiller Cocktail' Competition for the BVI Spring Regatta, taking place each day on Cowes Radio.
Answering the question correctly, she was automatically included in the grand final held on the last Friday of the race week. Unfortunately Sarah had to return to work but she continued to listen to the live commentary on Cowes Radio via the internet so as not to miss out on all the action out on the water – and on shore!
It was via the radio that she learnt of her chance to win a week's sailing charter for a group of keen sailing friends, aboard a luxury Bavaria yacht in the British Virgin Islands. At this point she forced her employer to let her return to Cowes to take part in the competition which was broadcast live on air on 106.2FM and around the world via internet radio. She went on to win the holiday of a lifetime courtesy of Horizon Yacht Charters.
Sarah and fellow sailors are making the most of their win and are currently out in the Caribbean taking part in the BVI Regatta & Sailing Festival which runs from 29th March to 4th April. This annual event is hosted by Nanny Cay Marina & Hotel in Tortola and the festival is a 4 day warm up to the main 3 day regatta starting on Friday.
Yesterday, on the first day of racing, Sarah and her team aboard the Bavaria 36 Durley Dene gave some of the local sailors and other international competitors a run for their money by taking 2nd place. At this rate they will be strong contenders for the Nanny Cay Trophy awarded to overall festival winners at a prize giving party to be held on Thursday.
Friends and family back home will be watching closely to see how Sarah's boat performs and Cowes looks forward to welcoming them back to Skandia Cowes Week starting on 7th August and to sharing a few memories of their Caribbean experience.
BROADENING THE HORIZONS
Tortola, British Virgin Islands, October 7, 2003 - Horizon Yacht Charters is expanding its Caribbean operations with the opening of its Antigua base at Jolly Harbour Marina on 1st November 2003.
Building on its established reputation for quality charters and good value for money, this new destination will compliment Horizon's fleets in the British Virgin Islands and in the Grenadines, offering the same impeccable service and meticulously maintained yachts.
Founding directors of Horizon Yacht Charters, Sylvia Driver and Andrew Thompson, believe Antigua is the perfect location for their third charter base. "Antigua and Barbuda provide such an historically rich and beautiful cruising ground but the area has been poorly represented by the bareboat charter industry; it's time we offered sailors a choice," says Andrew. "Our aim at Horizon Yacht Charters is to provide first class service on immaculate yachts and with our extensive Caribbean experience, we look forward to replicating this in Antigua".
"Our charter guests are really excited about this new destination," says Sylvia. "We have had a particularly enthusiastic response to Antigua Sailing Week charters, and our one-way Antigua-St Martin charters are also proving popular."
George Clarke, a highly experienced veteran of the Antiguan sailing world, is director of Horizon in Antigua and has worked closely with Sylvia and Andrew over the past 18 months. "Jolly Harbour Marina is perfectly situated for a charter operation," says George. "It's only 20 minutes from the airport, provides comprehensive shoreside facilities, and - being on the leeward side of the island - it has calmer waters and easy proximity to some of the best anchorages Antigua has to offer."
Eugene Hughes takes on the role of operations manager at Horizon Yacht Charters in Antigua, bringing with him almost 30 years of experience in the Caribbean marine industry, many of them in bareboat chartering, and intimate knowledge of the cruising grounds.
The base will open with a fleet of five yachts, ranging in size from 36 feet to 50 feet, including three of the prestigious German-built Bavaria yachts for which Horizon Yacht Charters are the authorized Caribbean dealers.
Horizon Bavaria win at BVI Spring Regatta
Tortola, British Virgin Islands, April 12, 2001 - Horizon Yacht Charters' Bavaria 37 "Island Fling" took on the charter powerhouses of Sunsail, The Moorings and VPM and bested them all with three bullets in the Bareboat II division at the 30th annual BVI Spring Regatta held April 6, 7, 8.
The lowest rated boat in her division, "Island Fling" beat Jeanneau 40s, Dufour 41s, Beneteau 36s, Hunter 34s and a Sunsail Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42.2 helmed by Shirley Robertson, Europe class Gold medallist in the Sydney Olympics, sailing with her coach Jamie Boag trimming and calling tactics.
With joint owner of Horizon Yacht Charters Andrew Thompson skippering and operations manager Nick Crosley calling the shots as tactician the Horizon team took their three firsts by considerable margins.
"It's a very exciting win for us," commented Andrew Thompson. "We beat the Jeanneau 40 raced by a Stardust Marine 'works team' who won the class last year on the water in two of the races and on the last day, we beat Shirley Robertson on the Jeanneau 42.2, by two minutes, on the water, boat for boat.
"In fact on the first beat of the last day of racing, we were first boat around the weather mark, ahead of the two Dufour 41s as well as the Jeanneaus and rest of the fleet. At the last leeward mark, we were 15 boat lengths behind Shirley, Nick called the shifts up to Nanny Cay when we went across, and came out two minutes ahead of Shirley at the top mark off Peter Island, with a short run to the finish. We sailed well but this is an excellent yacht to race which is
set up and well-rated for Caribbean racing."
Horizon Yacht Charters opened for business in the British Virgin Islands only three years ago; first-class service and value for money has enabled the company to quickly expand the fleet to a range of select vessels from 30 feet to 51 feet. This includes brand new 34', 37' and 50' yachts from the high quality German manufacturer, Bavaria, for which HYC is the BVI dealer.
Horizon recently opened a charter base at True Blue Bay Resort, Grenada and offers crewed as well as bareboat yachts and a full range of services which include hotel accommodation, provisioning and watersports options. It also offers American Sailing Association (ASA) courses in both the BVI and the Grenadines. The Bavaria and other yachts in the Horizon fleet will be available next year for the Grenada Sailing Festival, BVI Spring Regatta, Rolex Cup Regatta, USVI and the Angostura Yachting
World Regatta in Tobago. The Horizon team can also provide race clinics and 'tune-up' sessions if required.
For more information on Caribbean cruising or racing with Horizon, contact Sylvia Driver at (284) 494 8787, fax (284) 494 8989, or e-mail: info@horizonyachtcharters.com. Alternatively visit its comprehensive web site at www.horizonyachtcharters.com.
GOLD IN THE BVI
What does a Gold medal-winning Laser sailor do after the rigours of an Olympic campaign in Sydney, followed by a media fury on his return back home to the UK?
Well Ben Ainslie hops on the Internet, enters the requisite search term "yacht charters in the Caribbean" finds BVI-based Horizon Yacht Charters with the right boat at the right price, and flies out for ten days of cruising the British Virgin Islands.
As you would expect, an Olympic sailor's pace is a little different from the average charterer's. Not only did he sail from Nanny Cay to Anegeda, to Jost Van Dyke, stopping at every island in between, he also spent two days at the Bitter End Yacht Club where he couldn't resist the temptation of racing with Paul Cayard at the ProAm against some of the best sailors in the world.
His goal since a child has been to win a Gold medal and Ben planned to campaign in Solings for the 2006 Games if he didn't win this time round (they've subsequently been dropped for the next Games).
However, with his Olympic win his sights are now set on the America's Cup having joined the American syndicate, One World: "If someone was asked in sailing what your ultimate goal is, it's to win the America's Cup and not just win it but win it for their country. That's my case definitely, but if I can go and learn from a well-funded team that has all the top designers and top sailors who have been doing it for many years and many campaigns then I'm more likely to pick up on the knowledge," Ben said.
Ben hopes that he'll be back chartering in the BVI in the not too distant future.
To charter a yacht fit for an Olympian contact
Horizon Yacht Charters: www.horizonyachtcharters.com,
info@horizonyachtcharters.com,
tel: (284) 494 8787, fax: (284) 494 8989.
HYC Does it Again!
We've done it again! Horizon Yacht Charters has come up top for the second year running in an independent yacht charter trend survey! See the results on SailOnline.com. There can be no greater commendation than 100% of respondents indicating that they would charter with us again!
