Brisa Elegante: The Luxurious Sailing Experience in Quepos & Manuel Antonio

December 25, 2022

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.

Why does Brisa Elegante look like a pirate ship?

She is built in a very traditional way—like sailships have been designed for centuries. In the days of the Buccaneers, pirate ships were about the same size as Brisa Elegante. So, by boarding her, you will get the very feeling that generations of sailors had during the past 500 years!

How is sailing on Brisa Elegante?

After leaving the marina and setting the sails, the long pacific waves gently roll the cruiser. This feels like sitting in a giant rocking chair on the front porch with a gigantic view! Watch the dolphins playing under the bowsprit and chasing each other. Just relax and enjoy the sound of the wind in the sails and the water murmuring under the keel.

What are our guests saying?

Daniela from Switzerland is taking a deep breath, saying: “Now I really feel like being on vacation!”

Anne-Marie from Canada is happy: “This is the single best experience I had during my stay in Costa Rica.”

How does the crew experience Brisa Elegante?

Well, here are some insights.

Let’s hear Oscar “Chirrasqui”, the capitán. He has been working on ships his whole life, sailing in North, Central, and South America. “Brisa Elegante is a grand lady who deserves our attention, love, and care!” he laughs and pads the steering wheel. “She is definitely out of the ordinary, and sailing with her is exciting!”

Christopher, the 1st Mate, is responsible for the guests’ well-being. He has 20 years of experience on passenger vessels and is happy to have two bars to cater to his guests. He says: “The large deck area, lounge area in the cockpit, and saloon gives the guests ample space to enjoy the cruise and interact. This makes the trip with us such a personal experience.”

Iván, our chef, will prepare a delicious meal for you. He uses fresh, local ingredients, cooking everything from scratch—you will taste it! Having worked for many years as a chef in several luxury hotels, he now enjoys the challenges of a ship’s cook. “Welcoming the guests aboard, handling the lines, and setting sails before starting to cook adds additional challenges! I love it being a sailor and chef at the same time!”

Melanie, our Chief Stewardess, is behind the bar, mixing the finest cocktails on Costa Rica’s west coast. She is the sunshine on board, always smiling and cordial. “My favorite cocktail is the Brisa Elegante cocktail, made from local dark rum and fruit juices (and secret ingredients). I hope you love it as I do!” she says, smiling.

Last but not least, meet Bryan. He is the 2nd Mate aboard, jumping in wherever required. Being a local Quepoan, his passion is nature and sea life. Having worked for many years on sailboats along the coast, he is your local expert! “Every day on the sea is different—wind, waves, colors, nature. We see whales, dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and a wide variety of birds, but we never know what we will get—it is always a surprise.”

After our return to the marina, Daniela from Switzerland recognizes, “This trip is packed with experiences and impressions; hard to believe that you can put this much in a half-day cruise.” Walking down the gangway, she says: “I will be back for my next vacation. For sure!”