Sue pelling checks out the vital ingrediants that give Minorca Sailing its special flavour...

As the plane takes off in to thick cloud above Gatwick in early May it’s almost impossible to imagine that the weather anywhere in the world could be different. Two hours later however, as you step on to the runway at Minorca’s Mahon airport, the sun and balmy breeze does its magic to dispel the image of grey Britain and very soon you find yourself in serious holiday mode.

Minorca Sailing’s base is at Ses Salines on the north coast, so the short coach trip through the unspoilt, lush countryside from the airport is the perfect introduction to the island. At just 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, Minorca is the second smallest Balearic island. It has 125 miles of coast, hundreds of white endless beaches and scenery to dream of.

But if it’s sightseeing you’re after, Minorca Sailing is not the holiday for you! Those who choose this excuse for visiting the island are passionate about sailing or learning to sail and rarely see any of the interior save that which leads to and from the airport.

While it’s not the intention to imprison clients at the resort, it forms a natural magnet that never fails to draw everyone back to base. Once you arrive at Ses Salines you’ll find there really is little need to travel anywhere. The Bay of Fornells is probably one of the world’s most idyllic sailing holiday locations. It’s quiet and clean with one restaurant overlooking the bay, one bar, one shop and some of the prettiest whitewashed Minorcan houses you’re ever likely to find on the island. The mix has a special charm all of its own.

The sailing
Minorca Sailing is arguably one of the best-equipped holiday centres in the Med. There’s an impressive selection of different classes of racing dinghies, windsurfers/rigs, and up-to-date kit to choose from and every year the inventory is upgraded. You can also be sure that if anything breaks during your stay, it’ll be replaced within minutes to ensure you get back on the water as soon as possible.

From complete beginners to experts, there’s something for everyone including the weather, which usually ranges from reasonably light winds in the mornings to a good ‘blasting’ breeze in the afternoon. The full range of dinghies to try out is too long to list but with classes such as the Optimist, Topper, Pico Laser, Finn RS200/300/600/700/800, B14, 49er, Wayfarer, 470, Vareo, Laser 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 you’ll never be short of a boat to sail. Also for those who are keen on racing or who want to learn to compete, there’s a chance to join in the race sessions each afternoon and claim your place on the startline for the big regatta day each Thursday.

The bay itself is one of the safest venues we have seen. There’s little in the way of tide to worry about, the water is generally flat and a gentle shelving beach make learning to windsurf, and launching and recovery of dinghies, relatively easy.

Tuition
The good thing about Minorca is that you can come and go as you please and although there’s always the highest standard of tuition available at all times, there is no pressure to join in the lessons if you don’t want to. All standards of windsurfers and dinghy sailors are catered for and there is plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the RYA grade exams (up to Grade 4).

Another highly popular activity in addition to the morning and afternoon lessons, are the personal tuition sessions at the end of the day. Simply put your name down with the choice of boat you wish to sail (including the 49er) and one of the highly experienced instructors will give you an hour’s one-to-one tuition.

The safety cover is probably the best I’ve ever seen. There are always plenty rescue boats (RIBS) to hand and the trained staff do an excellent job in maintaining vigilance without being intrusive.
As an active dinghy racer, I was keen to try out a few of the boats I’d not sailed before but more than anything I decided to do a bit of windsurfing which is something I get very little opportunity to do at home. So, under the expert eye of Pete Clark, I joined the Intermediate windsurfing course and spent a week having a great amount of fun perfecting my rusty boardsailing skills.

Most people who come to Minorca have a fixed idea of what they want to achieve during their holiday and active dinghy sailors often pick a class that they sail at home and practice their racing technique. Others use the centre to test out all the different classes and to find out which boat they’re most suited to. Rebecca Ballard who sails at Burghfield SC in Reading was holidaying with a friend. For her Minorca Sailing is the ideal place to train and improve her race tactics.

For the complete beginner, there couldn’t be a more perfect place to learn. The good choice of beginners’ boats, expert tuition and useful variety of winds are exactly the right ingredients needed to convert a non-sailor to a sailing junkie. To find out if its possible to learn to sail in a week, I asked Martin Johnston from London decided who had decided to come out to Minorca on his own and learn to sail. He’d never been in a dinghy before and judging by his enthusiasm and amount of time he spent on the water, there seems no doubt it worked for him.

Intermediate sailors such as Clare Hargreaves who was holidaying alone was amazed at outstanding selection of dinghies to choose from – her aim was to have fun and sail every dinghy in the fleet!

Minorca Sailing is also the perfect place for sailing-mad families. Babies and young children are well and truly catered for a creche located adjacent to the beach. Helen and Adam Wright from Stokes Bay SC have two young children and were most impressed with the facilities.

Social scene
Don’t miss the welcoming meal on the first evening where you have your chance to meet up with all the instructors and all the other guests. The second evening (Saturday) is the welcoming drinks party on the balcony of the Ses Salines hotel, which overlooks the bay. Copious supplies of Minorcan punch is – depending on how much you drink– an excellent start to the week! Most other evenings are free to do as one wishes but you’ll find after a good day’s sailing there’s nothing better than meeting up for a cold beer to discuss the highlights of your day. Whether you’re single, a couple or a family, Marga’s bar/restaurant with its warm, welcoming atmosphere is the perfect meeting venue. Either stay at Marga’s or take a 20-minute stroll along the coast road to Fornells – the pretty fishing village, where you can take your pick from the vast selection of fabulous restaurants/bars. Thursday night is regatta prizegiving night where, Minorca Sailing’s medals are handed out. Winners or no, the occasion usually provides everyone with an excuse to party.

Accommodation
A broad selection of accommodation ranges from budget apartments near the water, to luxury five bedroom villas. There’s even an option to stay in the Ses Salinas Hotel. All accommodation, apart from the hotel, is self-catering, and all visitors have use of a swimming pool. One of the favourite choices of accommodation is the Mistral Villas – a smart-looking complex just two minutes from the beach with its own swimming pool.

As a person travelling alone, I opted for the economy class Perello Apartments on an apartment share basis. Given the price, I was very impressed. It’s close to the water, and although it’s basic, it really has everything you’ll need when the intention is to spend the majority of time in a boat.

Cost of holiday
For a one week holiday in mid May in the economy class Perello Apartments with three sharing and the use of the swimming pool and all equipment on the beach expect to pay £635 per person.
For a family of four with two children under two years old staying in luxury apartments such as Villa Phillipe or Carolina in early May the total cost is approximately £2,220. This does however, include use of all facilities including a creche, cots and high chairs.

Things to take with you
Minorca Sailing supplies everything you’ll need to get on the water including buoyancy aids, wetsuits, harnesses and boots. All you’ll need is a pair of sailing gloves and copious supplies of Factor 35+ sun protection cream. Because you’ll be on the water for most of the day, it’s vital you protect yourself from the intense sun. Even in early May the sun will burn your skin if you don’t take adequate precautions. It’s also advisable to take a sun hat, sunglasses and a long sleeved t-shirt to keep the sun off your arms during beach demonstrations.

While midges are not a great problem in Minorca, it’s well worth taking a bottle of repellent to save yourself getting eaten alive when the sun goes down.

If you do fancy doing a bit of walking in the rugged countryside, make sure you take a pair of trainers or walking shoes and a light pair of leggings or trousers. Do not be tempted to go in flip flops and shorts!

Things to buy
Do not leave Minorca without a bottle of Mahon Gin. It has a distinct flavour, costs just £5 a bottle and is the perfect medicine to help you make the transition back from play to work.

Conclusion
With 25 years under its belt, Minorca Sailing has grown into one of the most successful sailing holiday centres in the world. There is no denying the fact that the cost of the holiday is expensive compared to some of the other sailing holidays on the market but if you want a guaranteed first class, relaxing holiday with plenty of equipment to choose from, it’s definitely worth paying that bit extra.
As someone who’s been lucky enough to visit the centre on more than a few occasions at different times of the season, I would say there is nowhere to compare. Whatever age, whether you’re a beginner, improver, single, couple or family, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the experience – and want to go back.

Contact
For a brochure, price list and availability, contact Minorca Sailing Holidays on 020 8948 2106 or log on to www.minorcasailing.co.uk
 

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