Booze-free cruises

Sobriety Holidays was set up by Julia and Sandra Wyatt as an answer to one of the biggest problems facing alcoholics - how to avoid alcohol while on holiday.

Both sisters know from experience the pitfalls recovering alcoholics face and tell heartwrenching stories of how alcohol almost tore their lives apart.

So they are well placed to help others by offering chartered boat cruises off the coast of Turkey in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.

Julia, 37, from South Street in Cuckfield, near Haywards Heath, said: "It all started when I came out of rehab last year and my mum offered to take me away on holiday.

"They say you shouldn't go on holiday for at least two years after coming out of rehab. You know what it's like - every bar gives you a free drink.

"It's one of the most dangerous times for alcoholics. There were no other companies doing this sort of thing at the time so I thought it would be a good idea."

Julia's battle against the booze began three years ago shortly after she and her husband separated.

She said: "I didn't think it was that serious because I was still doing my job and getting up in the mornings until last March when I drove my mother's car into the village pub.

"It stopped me drinking for four months but it didn't make me address alcohol.

"Then one night in July I was drinking and booked myself into rehab. I'm not saying it has been easy. I've slipped since but have been nothing like I was. The business is what's keeping me sober."

Julia said her family had a history of alcoholism, which partly explained why her sister, Sandra, 42, from Hove, had similar problems.

Julia said: "Sandra got to the point where she lost everything.

My mother and I had to get her arrested because we didn't know where to leave her for the night where she would be safe. It's harder than you think to get help.

"She has been sober four years now and is my inspiration to keep me going."

Despite the emphasis on recovering alcoholics, Julia says Sobriety is also for people who simply want a healthy retreat.

Holiday-makers will be able to choose from a hands-on working yacht trip to a laid-back sailing holiday in a traditional Turkish gulet.

Julia said: "As an alcoholic, you need to be busy.

"I've had to make it very clear in the terms that if anyone is found with alcohol or appears to be drunk, they will be asked to leave the boat. We've got to provide that reassurance for everyone else."

Some of the profits will go to Brighton-based substance misuse charity St Patrick's Trust.

For more information, visit www.sobrietyholidays.co.uk or call 01273 271927.