Dear readers,

Christmas is just around the corner. Some people love it, others hate it and I'm caught between two worlds. I love spending the festive season with my closest family, often in the north of Denmark. Roast goose, dancing around the Christmas tree and walks together on the deserted beach, where the icy cold wind gets the metabolism going. This year, however, I need an alternative.

In the midst of the hectic pre-Christmas rush, I find it hard to look forward to the festive season. In the crowded, over-decorated city with 3D sound systems playing Christmas bangers such as "Jingle Bells" and "Last Christmas", I have thoughts of escaping. I used to spend Christmas Eve in a tent in the coastal forest, accompanied by a bottle of schnapps and my iPod - that was cool, but now I have a family and they would rightly give me the bird.

So why not go on a boat? Unfortunately, my own boat is out of the question. It's jacked up in outdoor storage and doesn't offer the comfort for a cosy family celebration. Last year, my brother was still in Guadeloupe with his Hanseat. There was goulash and red wine on board, accompanied by African-Caribbean music. Selfie with swimming trunks and Christmas hat. That would be it, but unfortunately this boat is now also in winter storage at home.

That leaves the charter. The Caribbean or the Seychelles are definitely out of my budget and there could also be problems with customs, because I don't want to miss out on my Christmas roast. A colleague had the idea that saved the day: chartering a boat on Mallorca. The off-season costs are moderate and it's easy to get there. You just need a bit of luck with the weather.

So he and his wife spent one Christmas in the Puerto de Cabrera. Not another boat for miles around. That dream bay in the national park south of Mallorca, whose mooring buoys are always fully booked in summer and have to be reserved in advance. In spring-like temperatures, even the bathing platform found its purpose. The best thing, however, was that they were able to put their roast rabbit in the aluminium travel roaster in their luggage. A 12-volt Christmas tree from the trucker's shop provided the festive atmosphere. And is there anything more contemplative than relaxing with a glass of wine in the Mediterranean? The perfect Christmas for sailing romantics!

Well, almost. At least until the evening when sudden downdraughts rocked the boat to such an extent that not only did the mood change, but the half-digested roast also went over the railing. But there's always something. In any case, my plan for a Christmas on board is set.

Morten Strauch

YACHT editor

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