Longterm and loyal LateSailor, Tony Urwin has been sailing with us for more than a decade and recently left us a fabulous Trustpilot review, “The whole booking process is so straightforward. I asked for advice and this was expertly provided by Russell, even when the business was closed. I have now used Latesail for 10 years and they have never let me down.”
Tony, originally from Newcastle but living in Manchester, UK, was happy to share his charter highlights and advice…
How did you get into sailing?
I started sailing with the University Sailing Club at Tynemouth but stopped for a number of years until I bought a 50% share in a Flying Fifteen, which we raced at Derwent Reservoir. The highlight was participating in the National Championships at Cowes.
When did you start chartering?
My wife and I were introduced to “big boats” through flotilla sailing, starting with a Jaguar 27 in the Ionian. After a couple of further flotillas, we had the confidence to go for a bareboat charter.
Where was your first LateSail charter?
My first charter with Latesail was 12 years ago, which was a week out of Palma, Majorca. This was followed up the same year with a fortnight spent between Sicily and Malta, including my first overnight trip. That was the first time I saw the stars clearly, without any light pollution.
Where else have you sailed over the years?
We have chartered in Thailand, as well as the usual Mediterranean hotspots, such as Greece, the South of France and the Balearics. Over the years, we have introduced both grandsons to sailing, as well as taking my father, then 87, for his first sailing holiday, which was in Majorca. In the photo is our nine year old grandson at the helm for the first time.
What are your standout chartering moments?
They include the overnight trips between Sicily and Malta, followed by the Bay of Phuket. I’d also include seeing dolphins riding the bow wave in the Dodecanese.
The Bay of Phuket has got to be my favourite sailing area with so many interesting and picturesque spots. The hongs, hollowed out small islands, were particularly interesting. In the Med, it has got to be Emerald Bay on Antipaxos.
We’ve enjoyed breakfast at the Captain’s Cabin in Fiskardo, Kefalonia, as well as a cold beer up the hill from Spartahori, Meganisi, which was well worth the climb.
What is your favourite boat?
I’ve chartered everything from a 36ft Bavaria to a 49ft Oceanis last year out of Athens. The Oceanis 39 is just the right size for a couple and it pointed nicely.
What tips do you have for sailors just beginning their charter experiences?
Keep practicing stern to berthing, as you’ll eventually get it right. And, don’t be frightened to have a go.
Find out more
Use our Deal Finder tool to search for charters by date or destination, request a quote or contact our team on 01227 479 900.
Tags
is growing and joining 
