Sitting outside in the sun, looking out to sea from the bay of La Herradura, whilst having a coffee and talking to Stephen from Sail and Stay, is what living and working in Spain is all about! Stephen has managed to turn his hobby of sailing into a full time job, whilst living in the sun. His successful business, charm and likeability factor has meant that Sail and Stay has been approached a couple of times to be on television on “Living the Dream” type programs. The most recent will be aired this September on Channel 4 and is called “Homes by the Mediterranean”, presented by Charlie Luxton. The film crew sailed with Stephen and his wife Maggie to experience one of their excursions and I am sure, talking from personal experience, they all had a fabulous time … it will be great to watch on TV. Stephen is originally from Essex where, for 25 years, he ran a successful manufacturing business. However, when business began to slow, mainly as a result of the sector moving the manufacturing to China, he decided he wanted to create a new life. He owned a boat on the East Coast and he sailed whenever he could in the UK as his hobby and passion. So his dream was to make a business out of this hobby, but in the sun! 10 years ago that is exactly what Stephen set out to do. Once in Spain, he bought an ocean-going yacht and spent the first couple of years sailing the whole of the southern Coastline exploring, researching and having fun. Then 8 years ago he set up Sail and Stay from Marina del Este. This part of the coast was chosen due to the many beautiful places to stop and anchor with numerous bays, coves, caves and waterfalls. Initially excursions were on the original yacht but 2 years ago, Stephen sold the old boat and purchased a bigger Catamaran which is perfectly suited for his excursions and cruises due to its large decks and spacious acommodation. Sail and Stay now operates with 3 sets of crew and there is a choice of excursions throughout the day. Stephen’s two favourites are the Breakfast cruise where dolphins can often be seen and the Sunset late evening cruise. More information about all the excursions is on the Sail and Stay website along with an online booking form. Stephen urges you to please to book online where you can see all the available dates, times and places on the various excursions. But a word of warning … Stephen & his crew are always fully booked in the high summer months and have to turn people away each year, so to avoid disappointment, it is recommended to make an early reservation ! I asked about plans for the future of Sail and Stay and the reply was to build on the success of the current business and invest in a second, bigger catamaran. This would be for longer cruises, with Stephen and Maggie living onboard and exploring the Mediterranean with a new website to show their current location and their intended next route. Guests could then fly out to join them for each leg of their passage, staying for a week onboard. A great idea, and sure to be another great success … watch this space ! And don’t forget also to keep an eye out in September to see Sail and Stay on UK television! See advert opposite!
