AS THE BOW LINES CAST OFF ON YOUR SPECTACULAR SAILING YACHT SO DO YOUR CARES SETTING SAIL FAR FROM THE CROWDS YOUR EXPERIENCE TRULY BECOMES DEGREES FROM ORDINARY VANESSA LEE IT’S FULL SAIL AHEAD for Windstar’s glamorous and sexy yachts where you can sail to some of the world’s most enchanting places on the sea’s most unique, luxury cruise line. Small, sleek and gracious, gliding their way through spectacular seas and oceans, under the soaring splendor of billowing white sails these beautiful yachts will take you to some of the most desirable ports, secluded coves and hidden harbors – whether in Europe and the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Costa Rica or new for 2014, a return to French Polynesia with cruises from Tahiti. As guests step aboard they will discover new enhancements throughout each yacht – whether it’s Wind Star or sister Wind Spirit with 148 guests or the larger Wind Surf accommodating 310 fortunate souls, each vessel has been beautifully refurbished and their gleaming teak decks await. Luxurious new materials abound as does an elegant new design, tasteful new amenities and fabulous cuisine. Everything formerly loved by Windstar’s loyal clientele is still here – just even better. I sailed recently on the Wind Surf in the Caribbean and was really impressed by the changes in the yacht which has always been a real favorite of mine. Everything I have always enjoyed – including the friendly and warm crew – is still here but now the yacht feels fresh, new and cleverly designed and it works really well. The feeling on board is of an even more nautical tone and the colors, wooden oors, shutters and clever touches throughout just enhance the feeling of being at one with the ocean. The relaxed and laid back atmosphere still predominates but you also feel as if you are sailing on a 5-star yacht with a few close friends. One of the things best loved about Windstar is the smart casual dress code – no ties required and really not even a jacket for the gentlemen and ladies can wear their pretty summer dresses. And during the day it’s shorts, tees and bathing suits, naturally. The other much loved Windstar feature is open seating dining which means you can choose where and when and with whom you want to dine and really enjoy the fun loving and social camaraderie which abounds. Time on these yachts can be absolutely magical; there’s something truly exhilarating about sailing into exotic Istanbul as dawn breaks and the domes, towers and minarets glow in the morning sunshine. Or anchoring o that charming Greek Isle with the watersports platform down and diving into the cooling waters of the Aegean Sea; and perhaps watching the sails unfurl as you sail late at night in the warm Caribbean air with a million diamond stars glimmering in the night sky. Life feels di erent on these yachts; romance is in the air, laughter resonates, music plays – and all is well in the world. CRUISE HOLIDAYS 23