Experienced from the sea, L’Empordà is a paradise. Leaving land behind, travelling onto the sea towards the horizon. Enjoying special landscapes that can only be seen from a boat. Closing your eyes to feel the breeze weaving the air around you, in the middle of nowhere, filling your nose with the smell of the sea, feeling the sun caressing your skin… That millisecond when everything else fades away is one of the most pleasing experiences for our senses.
Such magical adventures are to be enjoyed on ‘Ukelele’, the 16m² catamaran belonging to Eric Mañes (founder of Brava- Nautic). Being completely flat, with a sail area of 57 m² and 16 m² of clear deck, without walls or structures that would cut the wind, ‘Ukelele’ becomes a wide floating space sailing along the Costa Brava, from Platja d’Aro to an unknown destination. Perhaps to the castle of Tossa, or to the welcoming beach of Cala Canyet? Your destination depends on which of the wide range of possible trips you have chosen, be it The Exclusive Trail, Coral Bay, Pleasure of the Senses or Emporda Sunset. “Once on board you can’t get off until the end of the journey” is the first thing Eric teasingly says when you jump on the boat and enter the parallel world of his catamaran, so far away from our daily reality. Suddenly, the 12 of you that have decided to take part in this adventure enter into a bubble surrounded by water. There is only the ocean, the captain, the crew and you – all there simply to enjoy.
As ‘Ukelele’ leaves the port of Platja D’Aro the urban traffic disappears, only the pure blue sky touching the sea, and the landscapes and beaches drawn along the coast, exist. Sa Conca, Sant Pol de Mar, S’Agaró beach, Maset, the Cala del Molí (with the only coastal via ferrata in Europe), Sant Feliu de Guíxols bay, Vigatà and Urgell beaches, Rosamar, Canyet, Concagats… Cold drinks and music are supplied – Erics’ reggae is often a favourite… what more could one want? A whole day, an afternoon or a sunset in good company with the magic of ‘Ukelele’ to delight all of your senses.
After setting sails and learning to guide the catamaran, the trail through Mediterranean waters is in the hands of the crew, until you find a good place to anchor, switch the engine off and leave the boat to enjoy the sea at first hand. You can snorkel, kayak or paddle surf and discover the most hidden caves, beaches of crystalline waters or dive amongst the marine fauna. For those wanting to stay on board, there is also the option to fish, swim or enjoy the view while having a cold beer or a glass of wine from L’Empordà.
Time flies in the parallel world of Eric’s catamaran. You might feel like you jumped on board only a minute ago, but in fact the sun is already setting behind the cliffs and everything has that warm orange touch of the sunset in L’Empordà. Now is the moment to open the cava, or a bottle of wine from Oliveda, savouring it with artisan salamis from El Graner de Figueres or organic cheese from Mas Merce in Siurana.
Glass in hand and a head full of sensational flavours, we meet the peaks of sensory pleasure! Journeys aboard ‘Ukelele’ are a guaranteed unique experience: it is the only catamaran of its kind in Catalunya and Eric ensures every one of his passengers returns with salt in their senses and a big smile.
Visit the website to find out more about other activities on offer from BravaNautic including kayak trails, snorkelling, sail boat training aiming to encourage everyone to come and experience the sea.//
