Attention travel writers: Planning a feature on Barbados as a destination? If you are visiting the island to write a feature, please contact us about a day trip on Cool Runnings which we can facilitate.

Here is some information about one of the best days out in Barbados, as voted by the globally recognised Zagat Survey, where the unique charter company, Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises, offers a superb days sailing along the west coast on a 60ft luxury catamaran and the chance to swim with the native sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Barbados is sanctuary to a healthy population of hawksbill and leatherback turtles. These sociable creatures were once endangered by over-fishing but are now protected by The Barbados Sea Turtle Project (BSTP) who actively promotes awareness about sea turtle conservation.

Described as �The Rolls-Royce of catamaran excursions� � �Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises�, voted 2nd most popular attraction in Barbados, specialise in personalised day, sunset and private cruises, ensuring the utmost in comfort, service and enjoyment. These elegant, custom-built catamarans sail with a limited number of passengers onboard, to guarantee a superb day of sailing in an uncrowded atmosphere.

Owners, Robert and Annika Povey, run a professional operation - this is apparent from the moment you step aboard, taking your shoes off for a day barefoot - the captain and crew are a good humoured group of well-trained, experienced sailors who know how to look after, and entertain, their guests; the boats are immaculately maintained, spacious and comfortable, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. An open bar from the moment you step on board will treat you with soft drinks, coffee, or a rum punch and other alcoholic beverages, and the most delicious home cooked bajan buffet lunch.

Cool Runnings offers a 5 hour snorkel lunch cruise with three stops along the way up the beautiful calm and tranquil waters of the west coast (or �Platinum Coast�) of Barbados in the Caribbean Sea. The North East trade winds are comfortable for sailing and the colour of the sea is unforgettable. Snorkel with the friendly sea turtles while expert staff will feed them in front of your eyes, explore a shallow shipwreck where you can see schools of tropical fish or swim in a secluded bay by a beautiful sandy beach. Barbados is a coral island, and its beaches are formed from finely ground coral. With an underwater camera you can capture all the colours of the fish and the excitement of swimming with the turtles.

The 4 hour sunset cruises are a wonderful and romantic way to enjoy a dazzling tropical sunset and include a stop for a swim and snorkel on a shipwreck. Cruise with your partner, your family or just on your own with the rest of our guests for some great sailing.

Private cruises which are ideal for corporate entertaining, celebrating those special occasions or simply when you want the peace and privacy of a catamaran for your own personal skippered cruise.

Cool Runnings cruises depart from the Careenage in Bridgetown. A normal day cruise starts around 9.30am and returns by 2.30 in the afternoon. Costs include transportation arranged for guests to and from their hotels to the Careenage � a day cruise including lunch is USD 85, and BDS 170. It�s no surprise when you sail on Cool Runnings that so many of the other guests you will meet are repeat business in the high season, returning time and again for a great day out. And Cool Runnings entertains a host of international celebrities throughout the year.

Email: info@coolrunningsbarbados.com Web: www.coolrunningsbarbados.com Phone: 001 � 246 � 436 0911

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Cool Runnings was started as a business by keen sailor Robert Povey and his wife Annika in 1997. His love of sailing inspired him to start out on his own after 12 years crewing for others in Barbados. In the early days word of mouth spread the news about a day out with a difference. Povey set out to maintain high standards in what he offered his guests and limited the numbers on board for the daily lunch cruises.

The small numbers on each catamaran mean more chance to snorkel at the three stops the yachts make during their day cruise. Povey is well known for creating a happy atmosphere on board for all guests � the catamarans regularly return to their moorings in the Careenage in Bridgetown with everyone dancing on deck.

�Cool Runnings� is a well known name from the famous movie about the success of the Jamaican bob sleigh team. But the phrase means �run smoothly� in Jamaica where Robert was born. When he bought his first catamaran, and set up the company, he intended it to run smoothly which has done over the last 8 years. It�s no surprise when you sail on Cool Runnings that 90% of the other guests you will meet are repeat business in the high season, returning time and again for a great day out. Povey has several families who have sailed with him for at least 15 years, in this business and with him when he worked for other yacht charters.

Cool Runnings II was built in St Croix, in the US Virgin Islands by a coast guard approved company to Robert�s specification, taking the best points from all the other yachts he had worked on previously offering the best comfort for passengers, and adding increased safety factors to comply with recent legislation. Cool Runnings III joined the fleet in February 2006.

THIS INFORMATION, FURTHER DETAILS AND PHOTOS FROM CAROLINE GRAHAM/CAROL ANDERSON AT THE BUSINESS T: 0131 718 6022 E: carolineg@thebusinesspr.co.uk / carola@thebusinesspr.co.uk