Hiring abroad.

[Phill]

Hi all,
Just popped over from the Inland forum for a bit of advice please.

We've recently sold our faithfull old Princess 33 that we've used on the non tidal Thames for the past few years with a view to replace it with something more suited to coastal cruising in the future.

In the meantime, my wife and kids fancy a holiday abroad with a bit of sun and are very keen to repeat a flotilla holiday we had some years ago on a sailing boat. (I know)

So this lead me to think that it may be possible to do something similar with a motor boat. I'm thinking along the lines of a boat for the five of us with instructor, cruising from port to port, with me maybe obtaining a qualification along the way.

Is that realistic, and does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks

 

[coliholic]

Have you thought of hiring on the inland waterways in Europe? At least you get to "drive yourself" whereas more likely to be skippered charter in the med. Fairly wide choice of boats avaiable, France, Holland, Germany, Ireland.

http://www.leboat.co.uk

And for chartering in the med

http://www.yachtcharterguide.com/find.asp?area=15&service=24

Or of course there's our very own Suncoast - I think he does skippered charters out of Estepona. Send him a pm asking him if he can recommend.

http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk/

 

[Shannoner]

Hmmm, the "bit of sun" bit may rule Ireland out. But if the sun ain't that important to you then you can't beat the Shannon, plenty of river cruising and then there are Lough Derg and Ree which are more like inland seas. Much better craic than mainland Europe. And due to the recession it is a bit quieter than past seasons. Check out http://www.iwai.ie/, plenty of info and links to hire companies.

 

[wp1234]

Much better craic than mainland Europe. QUOTE]

I'll second that - have enjoyed some fantasic week long trips on the Shannon and 'to be sure to be sure' Loch Derg is my favourite area .