Welcome to the Montana

In sailing circles, it is often said that "sailing is the most expensive way to travel uncomfortably" - I think, it is one of the most beautiful ways to enjoy nature.

Nowadays a sustainable approach to the environment should also take an important role for leisure activities and vacation. Therefore, I have adopted the motto "leave nothing but footsteps, take nothing but pictures" from the USA and want to implement it on our travels. Nature is fragile and at the same time it is the basis of life for all of us. It should be a matter of course to protect it.

A sailing trip is an extraordinary opportunity to meet people and make new friends. But it is also a situation in which, at the beginning, strangers find themselves in a confining space. This can only work if you respect each other's privacy and treat your fellow sailors with courtesy and respect. This approach is encouraged by me.

Markus Bocks, owner und skipper of SY Montana

Sailing trips on SY Montana

A wide range of sailing trips is offered on the SY Montana, which are send to different target groups of sailing enthusiasts. First there is the classic sailing holiday, where the emphasis is on stress-free sailing. Holiday trips are offered in the Caribbean from January to May and in Europe from June to October. As skipper and host Markus Bocks is on board the Montana, these trips are also suitable for sailing beginners. On these sailing trips, the basics of sailing are conveyed and, if desired and with the appropriate previous knowledge of the guests, more, such as sailing under spinnaker. These holiday trips are usually planned in such a way that the sailing distance can easily be covered in the time available, and therefore the individual wishes of the guests can be accommodated with regard to port or anchor stops. Markus Bocks has been sailing in the Caribbean for over 6 years and knows the most beautiful beaches, harbors, restaurants, anchorages and shore excursions.

Atlantic crossing

An Atlantic crossing, on the other hand, is a completely different sailing trip. The Atlantic crossings with SY Montana are aimed at sailors who already have sailing experience. Furthermore, the guests must be aware of what to expect. Before booking, a longer telephone call or even a personal meeting with the potential sailors takes place. Here it is to be determined whether the expectations of the potential fellow sailors coincide with the conditions to be expected. After all, such an Atlantic crossing can last up to three weeks. The gain of sailing knowledge on such travels pertains to planning and controlling resources (e.g. catering, fuel, but also human resources), as well as navigation, weather planning, and communication. Furthermore, it is to consider that you are on your own on an ocean passage a long time and that is why you have to be self-sufficient when unexpected problems emerge. As already mentioned, the SY Montana is a Swan 48 and therefore designed and build for exactly this way of sailing. Moreover, it is also specially equipped for it, which has been proven by an executed certification by SeeBG (German certification authority for ships).

One is in a close area with partly strangers for a long time and additionally, one may be physically challenged. If the team composition is right, this is an outstanding positive sailing experience for every sailor.

Regatta cruises

As the third version of sailing, regatta participations are offered. The S&S Swans were finally also designed as regatta yachts and it is a pleasure to continue in this tradition with the Montana. There are still some S&S Swans 48 to be found on the regatta courses today. However, some of them have already been heavily rebuilt for regatta use. Our Montana however is still very close to the original design. The resulting performance disadvantages are compensated by a corresponding rating. On regattas the execution of sailing manoeuvers take an important role and will be trained accordingly. Teamwork and timing of the manoeuvers in dynamic environment will be improved and the sailing limits of ship and crew will be experienced. Needless to say, the safety for crew and ship is always in the focus of all action.

The first regatta we offer regularly is the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers). The ARC is of course not a classic regatta, but rather an Atlantic crossing with an additional sporting incentive. Another highlight of our regatta calendar is the Classic Regatta in Antigua. Our Swan 48 has been eligible there for one year. Being allowed to sail in this field of the most beautiful classic sailing yachts makes every sailor's heart beat faster. Furthermore, the Heinecken Regatta in St. Maarten, the Grenada Sailing Week and the Antigua Sailing Week as well as the Caribbean RORC 600 are on the program.

Actual position

If you choose to accept Cookies, you will be able to follow
Montanas persent position on a map by clicking the globe.