Brisa Elegante: The Luxurious Sailing Experience in Quepos & Manuel Antonio
Have you seen a classical two-masted sailship cruising along the coast of Manuel Antonio, the sails spread in the wind? Or have you visited Marina Pez Vela, where a wooden sail cruiser dominates the view of the marina?
This is Brisa Elegante, the new landmark of Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
What kind of sailship is this?
Brisa Elegante was built in 2010 by the Fethiye Shipyard in Turkey. She is a Gulet, a type of sail cruiser known for its spacious and robust design. Shipbuilding in the south of Turkey has a long tradition. More than 2000 years ago, even the Phoenicians had their ships built in this region.
Gulet became popular in the 1930s in the Eastern Mediterranean, with growing popularity during the following decades. Today, Gulets are popular for day cruises and week charters in the Med, especially in Turkey, Greece, and Croatia.
But Brisa Elegante is special! Her hull is built from solid 3-inch mahogany planks, giving her a unique look and strength. She boasts a spacious foredeck, providing room for functions, weddings, and parties, and for your family and friends to enjoy a cruise on the Pacific Ocean.
After her completion and initial operation in Turkey, she sailed from Fethiye from east to west through the Mediterranean and past Gibraltar to the Canary Islands. She crossed the Atlantic Ocean to St. Lucia in the Caribbean and sailed to her new home in St. Augustine FL, USA. This whole journey took her three months and has proven one thing—she is seaworthy!
Brisa Elegante has a good spirit who is protecting the vessel. Her name is Raquel, and you can find her under the bowsprit. She is the figurehead of our cruiser, and always observing our course and protecting us from harm and misfortune. Raquel is carved out of one solid piece of wood and a piece of art. Make sure you don’t miss her when sailing on Brisa Elegante.
A really cool thing is the water toys on board! Next to the snorkeling gear, there are stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, surfboards, and a floating mattress. Snorkel to the reefs nearby our anchor spot, and observe the thousands of colorful reef fishes, octopuses, and lobster. Test your skills on the paddleboard, it is more challenging than it appears. Float on the water mattress and enjoy a Mojito or two. These are the moments where you feel that you really are on vacation!
