1:43 AM Wed 17 Feb 2010 GMT
For every race that every boat enters at Sail Port Stephens, the boat qualifies for an entry into the draw for the major prize from Mariner Boating Holidays worth $15,000.
World famous for their policy of more lay days than racing, the Mariner Boating Yacht Rally in Croatia in June 2011 could be your next overseas holiday if you're at Sail Port Stephens from the 12th to th 18th of April in 2010.
Lynn Becker had a wonderful time on her trip with Mariner Boating to Croatia and she tells of some of her adventures here...
We are participating in the Croatia Yacht Rally and so far have only gone from Sibenik as far as Vis.
After the race here, we spent a wonderful lay day exploring this rugged and beautiful island and interesting and attractive as it is .. we have more places to see so we cruise to a pre-arranged bay then race to Hvar.
We actually moor in a fantastic marina in the middle of a pine forest on St Klement where the water is so crystal clear and yachts are so few that we all leap in and make it our very own swimming pool.
Dinner ashore is in the fabulous Meneghellos restaurant - the welcome - the food - the wine - what can one say?
They have obviously been welcoming the Mariner Boating fleets here for many years. We are immediately part of the extended family. What a fabulous night!
The port and town of Hvar are a short taxi boat ride away and next morning without exception we set off to explore this historic old city guarded by the famous fort, and a walk is recommended.
A paved pathway zig-zaggs up the mountain but it is not too onerous a climb.
The fort is interesting and the view is breathtaking. Now we feel we have space for lunch which is partaken in a walled garden restaurant recommended in our news letter.
We are rewarded and replete when we finally take the taxi back to St Klement for a free night on board.
The race to Lastovo is next day and once again we are welcomed in grand style to the post race dinner ashore. Then of course the following day is a lay day to explore the island with the help of some suggested overnight anchorages and restaurants.
Electing to stay in the very beautiful Skrivena Luka Bay we arrived in the midst of a fierce short storm. With the help of a few locals we moored safely to the quay and waited out the rain.
An hour later in beautiful sunlight, we took a walk to explore the lighthouse at the entrance to the bay - a walk of about five km. Then back again and to enjoy a fresh fish dinner in the balmy evening on the quay overlooking this magical bay and our yachts tied to the jetty.
Race day again and this time our destination is the 'Venice of Croatia', Korcula.
The breeze is very strong in the early morning so the decision is to postpone the race to allow all the participants to choose their own level and motor sail or sail.
After lunch the wind dies out completely and we are left up the creek without a breeze. Disappointing - but we are rewarded with our first sight of marvellous medieval Korcula. And after all, it is really all about getting there!
The biggest problem is that now we are well into a rally that no-one wants it to end.
We console ourselves by thoroughly exploring Korcula and enjoying the beaches, bars, shops and taking long hot showers in the marina facilities which are immaculately clean and even have hair driers!
The wind is up next morning so our race to Mljet is fast and exciting.
The one design fleet finishes so close together we can keep a check on everyone participating. A few cans are exchanged and the water fight we have at anchorage that afternoon is conducted in the best of spirits!
Polace on Mljet is another welcome of 'old friends'. The food is too much - but tomorrow we are hiring bikes, so we will work it all off on the way to the monastery.
The hills look challenging and they certainly tested us, but this island national park is covered with pines and the roads are shaded.
Some of the less fit crews hire motor bikes and small cars for the morning.
In the afternoon we decide to head off along the coast to a bay for the evening.
The next days we cover the miles along the coast calling at Sipan and finally into Dubrovnik.
We do a 'sail past' the old city walls prior to returning the yachts to the marina where we disembarked and headed to the five star hotel for two nights ashore and our final night party.
Dubrovnik is amazing so we extended an extra night to take our time and enjoy this lovely city - especially in the evening when the cruise ships leave, the lights come on reflecting in polished paved streets, and the locals relax in the squares, cafes and bars.
The balmy temperatures, clear skies and exotic location make a magical mix.
Sound like somewhere you'd like to be for your next holiday?
Join the fun at Sail Port Stephens this year, and every race you enter scores your boat an entry in the draw to win a trip for 2 worth $15,000 with Mariner Boating Holidays.
The more you race, the more you win - check it out more info about Sail Port Stephens at
www.sailportstephens.com.au
and read more about Mariner Boating Holidays at
www.marinerboating.com
by Maggie Joyce
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