Cut from the same ocean-sprayed cloth, sailors and kiteboarders are natural aquatic brethren. Inspired by these kindred spirits, Sunsail is proud to introduce a new type of flotilla for the adventurous soul The Kiteboard Flotilla. From November 5-12, 2016, Sunsail is calling on the old salts and the young-bloods of the sea to experience a guided tour through some of the liveliest kiting spots in the Bahamas aboard spacious Sunsail catamarans.
Nurturing the healthy bonds of sportsmanship, Sunsail flotillas offer a sociable experience and exploration on some of the world’s best cruising grounds. Sunsail charterers can expect to sail a beautiful modern yacht from one island to the next by day and socialize with new friends in fantastic restaurants and bars by night. Flotilla vacations are perfect for groups looking to make friends and share new experiences. While on a flotilla vacation, charterers sail under the guidance and expertise of a lead crew. The Kiteboard Flotilla will be led under the instruction of Ocean Guide Brock Callen, who’s a professional sailor and kiteboarder.
He will take you along the Bahamian coastline where the conditions are ideal to catch the best wind. Callen has been sailing since he was five and developed a passion for kiteboarding twelve years ago. “I have been lucky to do both in some of the most epic venues. But the opportunity to live on the boat and use that as the platform for all the fun is definitely the best. This trip is designed with that concept in mind.
To use the Sunsail boats to take us all over the Abacos so we can explore and kite and enjoy our natural surroundings. “I don’t like it as much when you have to drive 20 minutes or further to your launch spot. I want to roll over, have my coffee, and throw my kite in the water to ride before breakfast. I want to look through the binoculars and see a deserted beach and take the boat there and then ride in crystal clear Bahamas water. That’s what we all want, right?” says Callen.
For eight days in the Caribbean, charterers can expect to explore the Bahamian paradise. Guests will arrive at the Sunsail base in beautiful Marsh Harbour where they will meet fellow kiters and lead crew. Some cold beverages may be in order to welcome this spirited group of individuals. After a good night’s rest from a day of traveling, the adventure begins with some flat water cruising on the northern tip of the island full of large sandy beaches and cay’s to explore. There are a variety of cays to see throughout the trip such as Guana Cay, Green Turtle Cay, No Name Cay, Elbow Cay, Scotland Cay and Treasure Cay, named one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Beaches.
Soak in the best sunset views and wake up to glorious sunrises. Kiteboarders will experience downwinders through shallow turquoise waters, to riding the surf breaks and mangroves. When kiteboarders are not soaring the water, they can spend lazy afternoons relaxing on the beach or snorkeling the calm blue sea.
Each catamaran comes with a dinghy and is a short ride away to excellent beach bars and restaurants that offer the opportunity to interact with your crew and meet locals along the way while experiencing the Bahamian culture. During island visits charterers can marvel at unique architecture and stunning wildlife. A few top to-do’s on the itinerary, besides kiteboarding, includes a visit to a tiny islet known as ”˜Piggyville’, notorious for its sime-feral resident pigs, a picturesque peninsula of golden sand that is Tahiti Beach, the oldest kerosene lighthouse on earth known as Elbow Cay Lighthouse, and much more.
“Keeping with the time-honored tradition of sailors breaking boundaries and bridging cultures, Sunsail is proud to debut yet another groundbreaking venture The Kiteboard Flotilla. Sunsail started the flotilla concept in 1974, and it essentially takes the stress out of sailing. With an Ocean Guide leading the way, veteran sailors and first-timers can feel at ease in finding those ”˜uplifting’ landing spots to get their blood pumping. For Sunsail, life on the ocean is our passion and the wind guides our direction to explore new grounds,” says Nicolle Smirlis, Sunsail Marketing Manager.
Sunsail offers plenty of “waves” to get on the water with three different charter experiences including bareboat, skippered and cabin charter options. Lock in the adventure while yachts lasts, as there are only five boats available. Sunsail is a full-service travel agency and can accommodate sailing charter reservations as well as airfare booking services. Sunsail Vacation Specialists are experts in what they do and have the expertise needed to answer all your vacation planning questions.
From May 1 August 31, 2016, Sunsail will run a contest for two lucky winners to be special guests on board the lead boat for this incredible journey. Accommodations provided by Sunsail. To enter the contest, learn more or book your next adventure, please visit sunsail.com/soarthewater.