SAILING-VACATION OPPORTUNITIES
Crewed charters aboard Cristal, a 53-foot sailing catamaran exploring the southwest coast of Sri Lanka bordering the Indian Ocean, are offered by G Adventures, a Boston-based small-group adventure operator. Embarking from the port city of Mirissa, one-week charters and two-week itineraries combining a charter with land travel are available, in collaboration with Sail Lanka (sail-lanka-charter.com).
The multihull features four double en suite cabins and full crew, local guide, captain, chef and deckhand. Families with children at least 16 years of age are welcome aboard.
Routes involve sailing along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, stopping along the way at the old Portuguese-founded trading fort of Galle, at remote beach towns and at the fishing village of Kudawella. The route allows time for snorkeling, surfing and beach outings, as well as sightings of blue whales, which feed in the deep-sea trench just off the coast. Guest crew can also visit Ussangoda National Park, home to a variety of wildlife and rare medicinal plants. A 14-day itinerary from Negombo to Mirissa includes a safari and a visit to a spice plantation. For details, log on to the company website (gadventures.com). Mexico-based sailors. Frequent flights operate into and out of Loreto International Airport. For more information, contact the company (charter-catamaran .com; Mike Tolda, 619-517-5630).
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