Combining your passions
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-WorldCruising.com 30 Jan 2019 22:00 GMT
Canoe in the lagoon - Photo tour through Tahiti with Andrea Francolini © Andrea Francolini
It was just how he described it. That would be sailing and photography for him. And the 'he' is our good friend here at Sail-World, Andrea Francolini, or Il Duce, as you have probably seen him referred to. Now as for you, your opportunity to combine may well be the chance to have a truly unique holiday, and then also the very best mementos going around to remind you of it!
Reviewing the images that Andrea sent me, for I did have to make a selection to just a few to fit into this newsletter, certainly got me inspired. Perhaps it is because Tahiti is on my list, and as yet, even though I am on 70 countries so far, I have not made it that deep into the South Pacific.
Now obviously Andrea has been there before, because these are his pictures, so for him to be using the phrase, 'a trip of a lifetime', well it must be something special. Francolini also commented, "This rally will take you sailing to paradise, and along the way I will be there to help you improve your photographic skills. You will enjoy sailing in turquoise waters, and once you set anchor, pull out your camera and start taking pictures, which will have all your friends very envious, as they live through the cold Australian winter."
"From DSLR to iPhone, and regardless of your level of photography, I will help you see things in a different way, and make those small changes to how you shoot. Together we will take your photography a step up." Now if I recall correctly, Andrea even did a whole coffee table book on iPhone images of Tokyo, and it was really something. So there are tangible items that not only back this is up, but perhaps may inspire you to really kick off something special for yourself.
"It all begins in Papeete, with accommodation and airport transfer included on arrival. You fly from Papeete to Raiatea the next day, where the catamarans are based, and sail from Raiatea, one way to Bora Bora, visiting stunning places along the way. Included are seven days of sailing, with day trips ashore available each day."
"If you ever dreamed of sailing in Tahiti, then this really is the perfect opportunity. There will be three Bali 4.5 Catamarans available, so you can either reserve a whole boat with friends, or simply join by the cabin with a private ensuite. These cats have a full sized fridge in the galley, private cabins, and enviable al fresco entertaining and relaxing options, such as solid for'ard deck, not trampoline."
"After Bora Bora, you continue on to Huahine, which is just a 20 minute flight away. Here you can dip your feet in the water from your very own private overwater bungalow, and this is also included in your package." The operator of the rally is donating a percentage of the revenue from the trip to Andrea's charitable foundation, My First School, as well. In closing, Francolini implored, "So please support a worthy cause in Pakistan, whilst you experience the nearest place to heaven on earth!"
You can investigate more about the photo tours that Andrea guides by looking at his site. Of course, if you need no more inducement, and a ready to book, then please get your card out, and go to www.marinerboating.com/destinations/Tahiti-Yacht-Rally.
That's a hard to follow that act myself, so I won't, but I will say thank you to al of the amazing contributors and the delights you bring us from all the wide and varied places you visit, photograph and report on.
OK. Today you will find that we have information for you about cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere, drilling 2km into the ice in Antarctica, ARC, the Race for Water show us the work they're doing in the Pacific isles, Fountaine Pajot's Astrea 42 gets another award (no wonder they are selling so well), the Ocean Cleanup are getting good tests done with System 001, Morocco, X-Yachts new X4 Zero, BoatUS asks boaters to help the USCG, Florida Keys, the Caribbean, as well as much more.
So you see, there are stories, lessons, inspirations and history to regale yourself with. Please do savour... We're really enjoying bringing you the best stories from all over the globe. If you want to add to that, then please make contact with us via email.
Remember too, if you want to see what is happening in the other Hemisphere, go to the top of the Sail-WorldCruising home page and the drag down menu on the right, select the other half of the globe and, voila, it's all there for you.
In the meantime, do you love being on the ocean? Well remember to love them back too. They need our help. Now more than ever! Until next time...
John Curnow
Editor, Sail-WordCruising.com