West Nautical caught up with our Client Manager Claire Sinclair to get the low down on her favourite charter destinations, as well as her own personal experiences at sea, as we head into the summer season.

1. How did you get into yachting?

I was first introduced to the yachting industry by friends who kindly invited me on vacation and to get involved in the sailing regattas they participated in. A later introduction to the industry somewhat, but it came as I adjusted my work-life balance after raising three wonderful children and running several businesses. I took an adult gap year during which I travelled and afterwards began working on board motor yachts as a Chief Stewardess, upon which I discovered a passion for the lifestyle and community. Eventually, I came back to shore and started working as a broker which allowed me to combine my business skills and background with my newfound love of yachting.

2. Which do you prefer, sail or motor yachts?

That’s a difficult question…You love them for different reasons! Sailing is a sport and has a romanticism about it, there is something inherently beautiful about being at sail and being at one with nature, it is also less costly and generally kinder to the environment. However, I also appreciate the exquisite luxury, decadence and convenience of a motor yacht, nothing else compares when it comes to a luxurious and relaxing break.

3. Favourite Eastern and Western Mediterranean destinations?

Sicily and the Aeolian Islands are my favourite in the Western Med, it’s mother nature at her best with all of the volcanic islands and of course the Sicilian people are what make it, as well as lots of areas off the beaten track to explore. In the Eastern Med it has to be Turkey, I really love it there and feel like it is often overlooked somewhat. The coastline is absolutely stunning, full of beautiful hidden coves, sailing conditions are great and the hospitality from the locals is outstanding.

4. If you were going to book a charter for this summer, where would you go and why?

Although I do love Turkey, I’d go to Croatia this summer. I still have much to explore with over a thousand islands, many of which are uninhabited, and the country is not as commercialised as some of the Western Med so it feels like stepping back in time to a slower pace of life with beautifully preserved medieval cities to meander around. It’s kinder on the wallet too with the tax and the cost of living being lower.

5. What is your favourite restaurant from your charter adventures?

It has to be Raya in Panarea, the food is fantastic, but it is all about the view, it’s out of this world…There are no vehicles on the island so it’s wonderfully tranquil. You can relax over a sunset dinner watching the lava flow of Stromboli illuminating the sky across the sea on an island best described as ‘where the jet set go to escape the jet set’.

6. Favourite activity or day trip you’ve been on as part of a yacht charter?

I have so many, being in the Bahamas and swimming with sharks, pigs and iguanas all in the same day. Climbing volcanos such as Stromboli, exploring the ancient temples of Greece, hiking alongside water falls in Bali and Lombok in Indonesia. Diving and snorkelling on coral reefs in Thailand or Red Sea, every day on board a yacht is an adventure!

7. What is the most awe-inspiring thing that has ever happened to you on a charter?

There are so many moments but the ones that truly speak to my soul are the memories of sailing at night with star-filled skies overhead. Whether it was through the Caribbean, Thailand Hat Nopparat Thara National Park, or Ao Phang Nga National Park, it’s what you would call a spiritual experience. With the engines switched off there is a beautiful silence, everything is still and the stars so vivid that you could almost reach out and pluck them from the sky. You can’t really describe the feeling you are filled with, it makes you feel as though you are at one with the universe, you never feel smaller and yet part of something greater at the same time.

8. Why would you choose a yacht charter over a land-based holiday?

It’s the ultimate freedom, flexibility, privacy, luxury and adventure.

9. What is your favourite water toy? ¬

Water skis and wakeboards

10. If you had to tell someone who had never chartered a yacht before something, what would it be?

Do it. It’s the ultimate luxury escape and gift to yourself, family and friends.

For all charter enquiries contact: charter@westnautical.com