The Captain's Log

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Aegean Sails Yacht Charter Service Launches New Web Site

Fairfield, CT - Aegean Sails, LLC, a full service yacht chartering agency specializing in cruises on the Aegean Sea, today announced the launch of a new company web site located at www.AegeanSails.com. The newly designed site features a fresh design and color scheme as well as a fast and easy to use interface.

No newcomer to the yacht charter business, Aegean Sails owner Trisha Johnson knows that her clients are discriminating travelers seeking the best that life has to offer. The new web site reflects the sense of culture, adventure, high living, and relaxation that an Aegean Sails cruise offers.

According to Ms. Johnson, “Our site needed to reflect everything that a cruise aboard a majestic Turkish Gulet yacht affords our clients - high class, a touch of the ancient world with modern amenities, and the utmost in beauty, fun and relaxation. This latest redesign of our web site does just that.”

The new web site features photos and descriptions of the various sizes and types of Turkish gulet yachts that Aegean Sails charters, links to cultural and historical information on the Aegean Sea, detailed cruise itineraries, and answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Turkey and Greece.

Visit www.AegeanSails.com for more information, or contact Trisha Johnson by phone at 1 (203) 368-9942.

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Charter boat company - Aegean Sails LLC - opens offices in Fairfield, CT

Weeklong Mediterranean voyages explore historic southern coast of Turkey and nearby Greek islands. Luxurious sailing yachts accommodate up to 16 passengers. Focus on group vacations, family reunions, anniversaries, affinity groups, business incentive reward programs. Charters available for 2006 and beyond.

Aegean Sails LLC, a company specializing in chartered sailing cruises in the eastern Mediterranean, has opened offices in Fairfield, CT. According to owner Trisha Johnson, the company owns and operates the 26.5-meter (86 foot) Piccolo, and represents more than twenty other charter sailing yachts.

“We cater to vacationers who enjoy the experience of small-group sailing,” Ms. Johnson says. “Most trips are family gatherings, anniversaries, reunions, affinity groups or business sales reward programs. Many seek something ultra-trendy and very expensive, but we also satisfy young honeymooners and the backpacker crowd.”

Ms. Johnson, a seven-year resident of Fairfield, had a successful career in travel and corporate relocation for nearly 20 years. Six years ago, she and husband David planned a Mediterranean vacation with a group of friends.

They chose to sail the less-frequented Aegean coast known locally as the Blue Voyage. “The southwest coast of Turkey and the nearby Greek islands are places of great historic interest and natural beauty, but these destinations remain virtually undiscovered by most vacationing Americans,” notes Ms. Johnson.

The Johnsons chartered a traditional sailing vessel familiar in that area - a gulet - and the early planning for Aegean Sails began to emerge.

“Gulets were originally built for the ancient Mediterranean Sea trade,” says Ms. Johnson, “but in recent years they have become increasingly popular among Europeans for yachting holidays.”

Most older gulets are being completely refurbished with luxurious features designed to ensure a first-class cruise holiday. These two-masted sailing ships, with their ketch-like configuration, offer glorious opportunities for open water sailing.

All Aegean Sails yachts, including Piccolo, are air-conditioned, all cabins have their own private bathrooms, there is plenty of hot water at all times, and there is lots of space to enjoy tanning or relaxing on the wonderful teak and mahogany decks. When it gets too hot or when the rare shower comes up, both fore and aft decks are sheltered by large canvas awnings. All gulets are equipped with quiet, powerful diesel motors.

Ms. Johnson has hired an experienced, full-time crew of four under the leadership of Captain Yilmaz Sahin, a veteran of 25 years on the sea. All crew members are fluent in English.

Her full time chef turns out an array of incredible dishes, taking advantage of the quantities of fresh vegetables and fruit, and the abundance of fish, chicken and lamb available throughout the region.

The Blue Voyage sailing season runs from May through the end of October. In addition to Piccolo, many other gulets available for charter through Aegean Sails range from 80 to 120 feet long (23 to 40 meters). They can accommodate as many as 16 people. One-week all-inclusive cruises, not including airfare and optional services, start from as low as $1,200 per person.

Aegean Sails LLC is located at 1809 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. The local phone number is 368-9942 and the toll-free number is 1-877-368-9949. The company’s website address is: http://www.AegeanSails.com