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Cruise and Course Dates We have a number of activities planned until the end of the year and we will continue to update the plan which can be amended for groups and flight arrangements. Other bookings can be made outside these times. If you would like more information Complete the Online Enquiry Form or RYA Courses and Cruises SE Asia It is possible to cruise to a number of destinations from Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia, Phuket in Thailand, Mergui in Myanmar Burma, the Andaman Islands, Singapore Sumatra and Borneo. Normally the weather is perfect for sailing with calm sea conditions and light to moderate breezes. The scenery here is extremely unusual and spectacular, towering limestone islands rise from the sea, magnificent cliffs, caves, stalagmites, stalactites. Wildlife abounds above and below the waves and we often see sea eagles, monkeys, wild boar, otters, dolphins, manatee, rays and much more (if wildlife is of interest this can be a feature in your cruise so please ask) See our news page on A Cruise Around Langkawi , Sailing between Langkawi and Phuket, Sailing in Myanmar and The Andaman Islands. These can incorporate Langkawi Island, The Islands between Langkawi and Phuket, Pang Gna Bay, and the Island of Penang. Langkawi has some superb and very un spoilt islands and beaches while the Islands on the way to Phuket are amongst the most dramatic in the world (see Taratoa, Lanta, Mook, Phi Phi and many more). Pang Gna Bay is famous for its spectacular islands and "Hong's" not to mention James Bond Island as well as some great snorkeling and diving sites. The Islands South of Langkawi have an abundance of fish life and good snorkeling before reaching the old and colourful colonial port of Penang. There are several options and we will as far as possible design these cruises and courses to suit you so please let us know your preferences when booking. Please note that the dates and destinations listed below are subject to change so please check all details before booking. See our news page on A Cruise Around Langkawi and A Langkawi Phuket Cruise August 2009 8 Aug - 14 Aug - Phuket/Langkawi cruise or RYA course - 7 days £685 - €925 per head September 2009 19 Sept - 25 Sept - Phuket/Langkawi cruise or RYA course - 7 days £685 - €925 per head November 2009 11 Nov - 17 Nov - Phuket/Langkawi cruise or RYA course - 7 days £750 - €980 per head December 2009 18 Dec - 24 Dec - Phuket/Langkawi Cruise or RYA course - 7 days £750 - €980 per head Available for charter - Other RYA courses pending details on application. January 2010 Available for charter - RYA course pending details on application. February 2010 Wk 1 - 10 Feb - 16 Feb - Phuket - Langkawi/RYA course - 7 days £750/€980 per head Wk 1/2 10 Feb - 23 Mar - Langkawi/Phuket cruise or RYA course - 14 days £1450 - €1900 per head The Andaman's Cruise -We are looking for people to commit to an expedition to the The Anderman Islands next year if you are interested in joining us please let us know as soon as possible. Here are some dates which we have set and different legs can be confirmed on booking. It is advisable to book this cruise well in advance in order to arrange all the necessary visas and permits. There are superb opportunities to gain ocean miles with possibilities of visiting the Similan Islands and/or the Surin Islands when sailing to or from Phuket to these out of the way Indian Islands. Cruising the islands will be adventurous and involve fascinating discoveries from the unique culture to the rare interesting flora and fauna both above and below the water. In particular we are planning the trip to see Manta Rays and Whales. Book for a minimum of a week but we recommend at least two or three weeks to cruise some of the 572 islands before returning. Wk 1 - 10 Feb - 16 Feb - Phuket - Andaman's Cruise/RYA course - 7 days £790/€1100 per head Wk 1/2 10 Feb - 23 Mar - Phuket Andaman's Cruise/RYA course - 14 days £1500/€2100 per hd Other combinations of dates may be available on application. * * * We are ready for a busy and active sailing season through into next year. Whether you want to charter the whole boat or join one of our cruises and courses we will be more than happy to hear from you. There is a plan above but the dates and destinations can be changed if these do not suit your requirements and all plans are subject to change so please check before booking. Also if you have something special in mind get in touch and I will plan something just for you - let me turn your dreams into reality. We plan to stay in Asia cruising between Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Burma, Cambodia Vietnam, Hong Kong and Philippines. There is a huge amount to do and see here. The area is a place of extremes from highly westernised tourist and business areas to remote fishing villages. With hundreds of different islands there is a vast cultural diversity. Interesting artifacts abound including textiles, painting, jewellery, furniture and carvings. There are some amazing things to see including volcanoes, mountains, rain forests, buffalo, monkeys, deer, wild pigs, native sailing pinisi' and canoes, reef diving, surfing and fishing to name a few. The people are wonderfully friendly and interested. Their own cultures vary considerably from island to island and from village to village. This area is really the most interesting place I have visited to date with so much extra potential to explore. The cruising has been excellent with calm seas, clear blue skies, great scenery, clear water and good snorkeling, plenty of fish to see, catch as well as friendly visits to the local villages. I have recently seen a 12 - 15 meter Whale Shark, Dolphin, Reef Sharks, Leopard Shark and Manta Rays in these waters. Safety Issues At the time of writing, although there may be travel advisories issued by various governments they normally relate to major resorts and do not apply to small and remote islands. We are not aware of any current political or religious disturbances in the area which would cause a problem. No where is 100% safe anymore but the main targets are always going to be places with a high density of people. As we specialise in finding quiet and remote places we tend to spend most of our time well out of the way of any potential trouble spots. Some parts of southern Thailand should be avoided. Contact us if you have any concerns and we will endeavour to supply the best and most recent information available. You should of course take the same precautions against theft etc., that you would take at home or anywhere else. I have no hesitation in recommending the area as a holiday destination. Overall Planning The itinerary has been drawn up to make best use of world weather patterns, including trade winds and avoiding tropical storms and adverse monsoons. The plan is not rigid and it may be possible to make changes should you wish to visit other places. At each stage the most interesting and attractive ports of call have been sought out. As with any sailing trip, plans must be subject to appropriate weather conditions and the discretion of the skipper. The circumnavigation has been divided into a number of legs. However if you would like more information on where you could join Meniscus Complete the Online Enquiry Form or clickhere (Yacht_Mensicus@compuserve.com) to send Mark a message. Please send text only emails with no attachments and make your subject heading relevant ie. "Booking Meniscus". |