by: Kerry S. Mason
Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. “The simple life” can be pretty complex--I think of it as having a plane, a car, and a house compressed into a very small space. This specialized environment calls for specialized equipment and tactics...sometimes. In spite of what marine retailers would like us to think, there are a number of 'normal' (and inexpensive) items that we can put to very efficient use aboard our boats. For example:
For easy lighting that won't impair your night vision, stock red cellophane (the kind you get in rolls in a gift wrap store) and rubber bands. Cut squares to fit over flashlights and rubber band them in to place.
Forget buying purpose-made bag clips. Clothespins can do double duty by securing laundry to the life lines as well as keeping the bag of potato chips (or whatever) closed. And only use rubber covered clothespins--the metal hinges on the wooden ones rust out in about five seconds in a marine environment.
When the clothes dryer eats a sock, don't throw away its mate. Save those unmatched socks to use as jar and bottle covers aboard the boat. They provide good shock absorbency.
If you haven't completely switched over to a digital camera, you should have plastic film canisters hanging around. Reuse them for storage aboard the boat--small fittings, pill boxes, herbs/spices, anything small that needs a compact home.
Have several plastic spray bottles on board. Besides their use for cleaning solutions (e.g., a bleach/water combination for controlling mildew), they are great 'hand showers'. Douse yourself on hot days to encourage evaporative cooling. And when you’re out on the ocean and go over the side for a bath, use a spray bottle to rinse yourself off with fresh water-- works great. Just make sure you keep your cleaning solution bottles separate from your shower bottles!
If you aren't already doing so, save your old toothbrushes for cleaning and maintenance on the boat. There are loads of tight places above and below decks where a small brush works great. One overlooked spot: Use a toothbrush to clean the inside of anchor chain links.
You can never have too many zip-locking bags. Keep several sizes available, and use them for more than just food storage. Spare parts, clothes, office equipment, medicines, and lots of other stuff will pack more compactly when transferred to zip locking bags. And reuse the bags: invert, wash, and then hang to dry with those double-duty clothespins.
These are just a few examples of the use of 'non-marine' things that have a place aboard a boat.
(c)Copyright 2004 Kerry S. Mason
About The Author
Kerry Mason is the webmaster for http://www.finesailing.com, The #1 resource on the Internet for sailing, boating and water sports enthusiasts. Be sure to visit his complete archive of articles at... http://www.finesailing.com/articles/index.html
21 Haziran 2007 Perşembe
Sailing Hints & Tips
by: Yannis Moraitis
I spend almost all my summers sailing around the Greek islands. With this small article I would like to share some sailing hints with you that will help you enjoy the most out of your sailing holidays.
- When moored or anchored, use your sun tent and stay under it most of the time. Our friend, the Sun, sometimes can be dangerous, especially during summertime.
- Be cautious on board and if possible, always wear a pair of soft boat shoes. This way you will protect your feet and the deck surface. When sailing, avoid walking on deck without particular reason and in rough weather, remember to use your life belt.
- If you have children on board, let them sit outside but always in the cockpit wearing a life vest.
- Before operating the electric anchor winch, start the motor and run it at aprox 1.200 to 1.500 rpm in neutral. This is necessary in order not to exhaust the service battery, as the consumption of the winch is extremely high. Our recommendation is to low your anchor manually and collect it using the remote control. Whenever using the anchor winch (dropping or collecting your anchor) be very careful with your fingers. An electric anchor winch is a great facility but also extremely danger with careless use.
- Remember to use the electric refrigerator only with the motor running.
- Many yachts are equipped with a switch with which you may connect the two batteries, to have more power to start your motor. You can keep them connected, as long as your motor is running. When you stop the motor, remember to disconnect them. This will protect you, to be without electric power in case that you will forget, for example, the electric refrigerator running.
- When you moor in a port, always have a fender between your yacht and the quay, so even if your anchor for any reason is unable to keep you in position, the yacht will not touch the quay. Take care of the swell that big ferries cause and avoid mooring the yacht close to the place these boats anchor.
- Before you put your engine in gear, have a look around the yacht for floating ropes that may block or damage your propeller or gearbox. When you want to go from forward to backward, do it after you let the engine speed drop to idling.
- Avoid towing your dinghy especially in rough weather, as you may lose it. It's better to keep it secured in front of the mast. Remember that lost items are always charged to the charterer. In case you need tug help and before you accept it, agree on the price and ask for a receipt that clearly states that no further payment will be asked.
- Avoid dropping papers or napkins in the toilet bowl. It's better to use plastic bags for the waste papers. Toilet pumps are not able to dissolve such things.
- Remember to close the main switch at the top of gas bottle when you don't use the gas stove or when nobody is on board.
- While refilling either water or fuel tanks, make sure not to mix fuel with water or water with fuel. In both cases the situation becomes unpleasant and difficult to be repaired.
- Keep always an eye on the hour counter of your motor and make sure that you have sufficient amount of fuel in your tank. The fuel gauge is not always reliable, so check the hours that you have used the motor.
- Do not throw plastic bottles, cans or any other waste in the sea. Keep them on board and remove immediately at the first harbour.
- It is also requested not to raise any flag, other than the Greek, at the aft side of the yacht, as it is against Greek and International marine regulations.
CAUTION : If the yacht is equipped with DSC VHF, DO NOT PRESS DISTRESS SIGNAL BUTTON UNLESS IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY (FIRE - COLLISION - GROUNDING - SINKING).There is a penalty for the unnecessary use.
- For more information please check http://www.seascope-sailing.com
About The Author
Yannis Moraitis at http://www.seascope-sailing.com
I spend almost all my summers sailing around the Greek islands. With this small article I would like to share some sailing hints with you that will help you enjoy the most out of your sailing holidays.
- When moored or anchored, use your sun tent and stay under it most of the time. Our friend, the Sun, sometimes can be dangerous, especially during summertime.
- Be cautious on board and if possible, always wear a pair of soft boat shoes. This way you will protect your feet and the deck surface. When sailing, avoid walking on deck without particular reason and in rough weather, remember to use your life belt.
- If you have children on board, let them sit outside but always in the cockpit wearing a life vest.
- Before operating the electric anchor winch, start the motor and run it at aprox 1.200 to 1.500 rpm in neutral. This is necessary in order not to exhaust the service battery, as the consumption of the winch is extremely high. Our recommendation is to low your anchor manually and collect it using the remote control. Whenever using the anchor winch (dropping or collecting your anchor) be very careful with your fingers. An electric anchor winch is a great facility but also extremely danger with careless use.
- Remember to use the electric refrigerator only with the motor running.
- Many yachts are equipped with a switch with which you may connect the two batteries, to have more power to start your motor. You can keep them connected, as long as your motor is running. When you stop the motor, remember to disconnect them. This will protect you, to be without electric power in case that you will forget, for example, the electric refrigerator running.
- When you moor in a port, always have a fender between your yacht and the quay, so even if your anchor for any reason is unable to keep you in position, the yacht will not touch the quay. Take care of the swell that big ferries cause and avoid mooring the yacht close to the place these boats anchor.
- Before you put your engine in gear, have a look around the yacht for floating ropes that may block or damage your propeller or gearbox. When you want to go from forward to backward, do it after you let the engine speed drop to idling.
- Avoid towing your dinghy especially in rough weather, as you may lose it. It's better to keep it secured in front of the mast. Remember that lost items are always charged to the charterer. In case you need tug help and before you accept it, agree on the price and ask for a receipt that clearly states that no further payment will be asked.
- Avoid dropping papers or napkins in the toilet bowl. It's better to use plastic bags for the waste papers. Toilet pumps are not able to dissolve such things.
- Remember to close the main switch at the top of gas bottle when you don't use the gas stove or when nobody is on board.
- While refilling either water or fuel tanks, make sure not to mix fuel with water or water with fuel. In both cases the situation becomes unpleasant and difficult to be repaired.
- Keep always an eye on the hour counter of your motor and make sure that you have sufficient amount of fuel in your tank. The fuel gauge is not always reliable, so check the hours that you have used the motor.
- Do not throw plastic bottles, cans or any other waste in the sea. Keep them on board and remove immediately at the first harbour.
- It is also requested not to raise any flag, other than the Greek, at the aft side of the yacht, as it is against Greek and International marine regulations.
CAUTION : If the yacht is equipped with DSC VHF, DO NOT PRESS DISTRESS SIGNAL BUTTON UNLESS IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY (FIRE - COLLISION - GROUNDING - SINKING).There is a penalty for the unnecessary use.
- For more information please check http://www.seascope-sailing.com
About The Author
Yannis Moraitis at http://www.seascope-sailing.com
Learn About The Traditional Chinese Sailing Ships
by: Jakob Jelling
The traditional sailing ships are one of the main prosperity Chinese symbols. Actually, these objects are the most known symbols after dragons in the Chinese culture. Just like dragons, they can be seen in most Chinese buildings and houses as traditional objects as well as prosperity amulets. They not only symbolize prosperity but also are very auspicious for goal achievements and happiness in general, and can help us attracting such benefits into our homes.
One of the most usual ways these sailing ships are represented is carrying gold coins and gold ingots. Actually, the tradition says they should contain as many richness and wealth symbols as possible, since sailing ships carrying such items symbolize the ship transporting richness into the house or towards the place where they are. Besides, the way by which the sails hold the air and the wind has great symbolism as well. The sails holding the wind symbolize problems being stopped from entering the house, and this way the sailing ship helps those around it keeping problems away from them.
There are specific indications on how and where the sailing ships should be placed. Sailing ships should be inside the house and next to the main door. If it is in your working space, it should also be inside it and right next to the door. Besides, it is important that it is facing inside symbolizing that it carries prosperity into your space. If it is pointing outside, it might produce the opposite effect and send prosperity away.
If the door is at the northwest or west of the building, the sailing ship you choose should be made of metal in order to create harmony for that area. On the other hand, if the door is at the east or southeast, your sailing ship should be made of wood; and if the door is at the northeast or southwest you should place a crystal ship next to it. By following these indications, you would not only be attracting prosperity into the wished space, but also applying feng shui principles and creating balance between the main elements.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!
The traditional sailing ships are one of the main prosperity Chinese symbols. Actually, these objects are the most known symbols after dragons in the Chinese culture. Just like dragons, they can be seen in most Chinese buildings and houses as traditional objects as well as prosperity amulets. They not only symbolize prosperity but also are very auspicious for goal achievements and happiness in general, and can help us attracting such benefits into our homes.
One of the most usual ways these sailing ships are represented is carrying gold coins and gold ingots. Actually, the tradition says they should contain as many richness and wealth symbols as possible, since sailing ships carrying such items symbolize the ship transporting richness into the house or towards the place where they are. Besides, the way by which the sails hold the air and the wind has great symbolism as well. The sails holding the wind symbolize problems being stopped from entering the house, and this way the sailing ship helps those around it keeping problems away from them.
There are specific indications on how and where the sailing ships should be placed. Sailing ships should be inside the house and next to the main door. If it is in your working space, it should also be inside it and right next to the door. Besides, it is important that it is facing inside symbolizing that it carries prosperity into your space. If it is pointing outside, it might produce the opposite effect and send prosperity away.
If the door is at the northwest or west of the building, the sailing ship you choose should be made of metal in order to create harmony for that area. On the other hand, if the door is at the east or southeast, your sailing ship should be made of wood; and if the door is at the northeast or southwest you should place a crystal ship next to it. By following these indications, you would not only be attracting prosperity into the wished space, but also applying feng shui principles and creating balance between the main elements.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!
Simple Things for the “Sailing Life”
by: Kerry S. Mason
Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. “The simple life” can be pretty complex--I think of it as having a plane, a car, and a house compressed into a very small space. This specialized environment calls for specialized equipment and tactics...sometimes. In spite of what marine retailers would like us to think, there are a number of 'normal' (and inexpensive) items that we can put to very efficient use aboard our boats. For example:
For easy lighting that won't impair your night vision, stock red cellophane (the kind you get in rolls in a gift wrap store) and rubber bands. Cut squares to fit over flashlights and rubber band them in to place.
Forget buying purpose-made bag clips. Clothespins can do double duty by securing laundry to the life lines as well as keeping the bag of potato chips (or whatever) closed. And only use rubber covered clothespins--the metal hinges on the wooden ones rust out in about five seconds in a marine environment.
When the clothes dryer eats a sock, don't throw away its mate. Save those unmatched socks to use as jar and bottle covers aboard the boat. They provide good shock absorbency.
If you haven't completely switched over to a digital camera, you should have plastic film canisters hanging around. Reuse them for storage aboard the boat--small fittings, pill boxes, herbs/spices, anything small that needs a compact home.
Have several plastic spray bottles on board. Besides their use for cleaning solutions (e.g., a bleach/water combination for controlling mildew), they are great 'hand showers'. Douse yourself on hot days to encourage evaporative cooling. And when you’re out on the ocean and go over the side for a bath, use a spray bottle to rinse yourself off with fresh water-- works great. Just make sure you keep your cleaning solution bottles separate from your shower bottles!
If you aren't already doing so, save your old toothbrushes for cleaning and maintenance on the boat. There are loads of tight places above and below decks where a small brush works great. One overlooked spot: Use a toothbrush to clean the inside of anchor chain links.
You can never have too many zip-locking bags. Keep several sizes available, and use them for more than just food storage. Spare parts, clothes, office equipment, medicines, and lots of other stuff will pack more compactly when transferred to zip locking bags. And reuse the bags: invert, wash, and then hang to dry with those double-duty clothespins.
These are just a few examples of the use of 'non-marine' things that have a place aboard a boat.
(c)Copyright 2004 Kerry S. Mason
About The Author
Kerry Mason is the webmaster for http://www.finesailing.com, The #1 resource on the Internet for sailing, boating and water sports enthusiasts. Be sure to visit his complete archive of articles at... http://www.finesailing.com/articles/index.html
Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. “The simple life” can be pretty complex--I think of it as having a plane, a car, and a house compressed into a very small space. This specialized environment calls for specialized equipment and tactics...sometimes. In spite of what marine retailers would like us to think, there are a number of 'normal' (and inexpensive) items that we can put to very efficient use aboard our boats. For example:
For easy lighting that won't impair your night vision, stock red cellophane (the kind you get in rolls in a gift wrap store) and rubber bands. Cut squares to fit over flashlights and rubber band them in to place.
Forget buying purpose-made bag clips. Clothespins can do double duty by securing laundry to the life lines as well as keeping the bag of potato chips (or whatever) closed. And only use rubber covered clothespins--the metal hinges on the wooden ones rust out in about five seconds in a marine environment.
When the clothes dryer eats a sock, don't throw away its mate. Save those unmatched socks to use as jar and bottle covers aboard the boat. They provide good shock absorbency.
If you haven't completely switched over to a digital camera, you should have plastic film canisters hanging around. Reuse them for storage aboard the boat--small fittings, pill boxes, herbs/spices, anything small that needs a compact home.
Have several plastic spray bottles on board. Besides their use for cleaning solutions (e.g., a bleach/water combination for controlling mildew), they are great 'hand showers'. Douse yourself on hot days to encourage evaporative cooling. And when you’re out on the ocean and go over the side for a bath, use a spray bottle to rinse yourself off with fresh water-- works great. Just make sure you keep your cleaning solution bottles separate from your shower bottles!
If you aren't already doing so, save your old toothbrushes for cleaning and maintenance on the boat. There are loads of tight places above and below decks where a small brush works great. One overlooked spot: Use a toothbrush to clean the inside of anchor chain links.
You can never have too many zip-locking bags. Keep several sizes available, and use them for more than just food storage. Spare parts, clothes, office equipment, medicines, and lots of other stuff will pack more compactly when transferred to zip locking bags. And reuse the bags: invert, wash, and then hang to dry with those double-duty clothespins.
These are just a few examples of the use of 'non-marine' things that have a place aboard a boat.
(c)Copyright 2004 Kerry S. Mason
About The Author
Kerry Mason is the webmaster for http://www.finesailing.com, The #1 resource on the Internet for sailing, boating and water sports enthusiasts. Be sure to visit his complete archive of articles at... http://www.finesailing.com/articles/index.html
New Winter Sailing Destinations in the Caribbean
by: Christopher Longmore
Although the sailing season in the South Eastern Mediterranean runs from mid-May to the end of October, there is still significant demand from European sailors for charters in waters warm during the long, cold Northern winter.
Traditionally the Caribbean has been the main beneficiary of this. The British have tended to go to the ex-colonies - the Virgin Islands, Antigua, and Grenada. This always has two problems. Travel costs are high and/or inflexible, and the area is equally popular with North Americans to the point that it gets very crowded. Getting there from the USA is seriously cheap and easy, and there is little or no time difference.
The charming French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe have long been an attractive alternative to the traditional winter destinations for frost-bitten Brits, but one that they seem determined to ignore. A quick connecting hop to Paris and a direct flight from there to either French island is an altogether more attractive option; when you get there the Gallic charm (and excellent food) is much in evidence; and there are plenty of yachts to charter from companies every bit as well equipped and more flexible than their neighbours in the English speaking Caribbean! The cruising opportunities are almost the same.
The other interesting alternative is Cuba. The country does not always enjoy the best of press coverage, and is in many ways a good advertisement for the failure of socialism. Despite that there is a rapidly emerging yacht charter industry on the northern coast. Transfer times from Havana airport are a little long at 2 1/2 hours, but you do get to see some of the islands magnificent scenery. The sailing itself is fabulous. Getting there is also relatively easy via either Madrid or Barcelona. The latter in particular has plenty of low-cost flights from all over the UK, so it isvery easy to combine a couple of days there with a Caribbean holiday sailing in Cuba (see http://www.allafloat.com).
Last but by no means least is Belize. OK OK, so you don't know where it is. Neither did we until we got interested in the yacht charters (see http://www.global-yacht.com) business. You may know it as British Honduras though. Anyway it's in the middle of the Central American mainland. Yes it is very very difficult to reach, and should only even be on your agenda if you have at least two weeks to spare, with three an advantage! It's definitely near the top of our personal wish list. There are three reasons for this. Belize is home to the world's second biggest coral reef, and you are sailing inside it in a catamaran; on shore there are some of the world's greatest Mayan monuments, and some amazing luxury boutique hotels.
About The Author
Christopher LONGMORE - Owner of Top Notch, a GibSea402 based in Turkey and of the Global Yacht sailing holiday group (http://www.global-yacht-holidays.com).
cbl@global-yacht.com
Although the sailing season in the South Eastern Mediterranean runs from mid-May to the end of October, there is still significant demand from European sailors for charters in waters warm during the long, cold Northern winter.
Traditionally the Caribbean has been the main beneficiary of this. The British have tended to go to the ex-colonies - the Virgin Islands, Antigua, and Grenada. This always has two problems. Travel costs are high and/or inflexible, and the area is equally popular with North Americans to the point that it gets very crowded. Getting there from the USA is seriously cheap and easy, and there is little or no time difference.
The charming French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe have long been an attractive alternative to the traditional winter destinations for frost-bitten Brits, but one that they seem determined to ignore. A quick connecting hop to Paris and a direct flight from there to either French island is an altogether more attractive option; when you get there the Gallic charm (and excellent food) is much in evidence; and there are plenty of yachts to charter from companies every bit as well equipped and more flexible than their neighbours in the English speaking Caribbean! The cruising opportunities are almost the same.
The other interesting alternative is Cuba. The country does not always enjoy the best of press coverage, and is in many ways a good advertisement for the failure of socialism. Despite that there is a rapidly emerging yacht charter industry on the northern coast. Transfer times from Havana airport are a little long at 2 1/2 hours, but you do get to see some of the islands magnificent scenery. The sailing itself is fabulous. Getting there is also relatively easy via either Madrid or Barcelona. The latter in particular has plenty of low-cost flights from all over the UK, so it isvery easy to combine a couple of days there with a Caribbean holiday sailing in Cuba (see http://www.allafloat.com).
Last but by no means least is Belize. OK OK, so you don't know where it is. Neither did we until we got interested in the yacht charters (see http://www.global-yacht.com) business. You may know it as British Honduras though. Anyway it's in the middle of the Central American mainland. Yes it is very very difficult to reach, and should only even be on your agenda if you have at least two weeks to spare, with three an advantage! It's definitely near the top of our personal wish list. There are three reasons for this. Belize is home to the world's second biggest coral reef, and you are sailing inside it in a catamaran; on shore there are some of the world's greatest Mayan monuments, and some amazing luxury boutique hotels.
About The Author
Christopher LONGMORE - Owner of Top Notch, a GibSea402 based in Turkey and of the Global Yacht sailing holiday group (http://www.global-yacht-holidays.com).
cbl@global-yacht.com
The Rise and Rise of Croatia for Sailing Holidays
by: Christopher Longmore
In the 1980s, Croatia - then part of Yugoslavia - built up a sizeable yacht charter industry. It was never then on the scale to rival long time favourite Greece, but it was large enough to get itself noticed as an attractive coming destination. Then came the various Balkan wars - one of them involving Croatia itself - and the disintegration of old Yugoslavia. Croatia is now the ex-Yugoslav republic with almost all the coast line!
Since the wars ended the growth of the croatian yacht charter (see http://www.gyc-croatia.com) industry has been little short of astonishing. In an industry notoriously short of credible statistics, we suspect that Croatia must now be a serious rival to Greece. There are a number of expalanations for this remarkable success:
The country is naturally blessed with sailing waters as good and varied as anywhere in the world.
After the war, the Croatian government went out of its way to encourage and indeed subsidise the re-building and building of the necessary infrastructure - most obviously the marinas.
Northern Croatia is a 4 hour drive from most of Austria, and southern parts of Germany. Even Dalmatia, where perhaps the best sailing is to be found - is only 6 hours away. This was always a big advantage, but in the wake of 9/11, when Germans in particular were reluctant to climb on an airplane, it catapulted the industry forward.
Sailing holidays in Croatia (see http://www.allafloat.com) now include almost everything that customers could conceivably want. There are thousands of bareboat yachts to charter (see http://www.global-yacht.com) in bases from Pula and Cres in Istria, to the massive yachting centres of Zadar, Sukosan, Sibenik, Murter Island, Split, & Dubrovnik. Each one of those can be chartered with a skipper for those without the necessary experience. There are sailing flotillas from Split, and an RYA Authorised Sailing School on Murter Island. The opportunities to spend one week afloat and another ashore are endless.
One of the problems for the British used to be that getting there was expensive and there were not enough seats on such planes flew there. Things started to improve in 2004, with regular charter flights to Split at least. For 2005, there are flights to Opatija in the north, Zadar to get to central Dalmatia, Split, and also Dubrovnik. Getting to Istria is easy. Just fly EasyJet to Venice, or Ryanair to Trieste. The first has hydrofoil links to the excellent sailing of Pula; the second is a transfer bus away from Portoroz (actually in Slovenia), and Pula. Croatia is now the sailing destination for the British - the destination that has it all!
About The Author
Christopher LONGMORE - Owner of Top Notch, a GibSea402 based in Turkey and of the Global Yacht sailing holiday group (http://www.global-yacht-holidays.com).
cbl@global-yacht.com
In the 1980s, Croatia - then part of Yugoslavia - built up a sizeable yacht charter industry. It was never then on the scale to rival long time favourite Greece, but it was large enough to get itself noticed as an attractive coming destination. Then came the various Balkan wars - one of them involving Croatia itself - and the disintegration of old Yugoslavia. Croatia is now the ex-Yugoslav republic with almost all the coast line!
Since the wars ended the growth of the croatian yacht charter (see http://www.gyc-croatia.com) industry has been little short of astonishing. In an industry notoriously short of credible statistics, we suspect that Croatia must now be a serious rival to Greece. There are a number of expalanations for this remarkable success:
The country is naturally blessed with sailing waters as good and varied as anywhere in the world.
After the war, the Croatian government went out of its way to encourage and indeed subsidise the re-building and building of the necessary infrastructure - most obviously the marinas.
Northern Croatia is a 4 hour drive from most of Austria, and southern parts of Germany. Even Dalmatia, where perhaps the best sailing is to be found - is only 6 hours away. This was always a big advantage, but in the wake of 9/11, when Germans in particular were reluctant to climb on an airplane, it catapulted the industry forward.
Sailing holidays in Croatia (see http://www.allafloat.com) now include almost everything that customers could conceivably want. There are thousands of bareboat yachts to charter (see http://www.global-yacht.com) in bases from Pula and Cres in Istria, to the massive yachting centres of Zadar, Sukosan, Sibenik, Murter Island, Split, & Dubrovnik. Each one of those can be chartered with a skipper for those without the necessary experience. There are sailing flotillas from Split, and an RYA Authorised Sailing School on Murter Island. The opportunities to spend one week afloat and another ashore are endless.
One of the problems for the British used to be that getting there was expensive and there were not enough seats on such planes flew there. Things started to improve in 2004, with regular charter flights to Split at least. For 2005, there are flights to Opatija in the north, Zadar to get to central Dalmatia, Split, and also Dubrovnik. Getting to Istria is easy. Just fly EasyJet to Venice, or Ryanair to Trieste. The first has hydrofoil links to the excellent sailing of Pula; the second is a transfer bus away from Portoroz (actually in Slovenia), and Pula. Croatia is now the sailing destination for the British - the destination that has it all!
About The Author
Christopher LONGMORE - Owner of Top Notch, a GibSea402 based in Turkey and of the Global Yacht sailing holiday group (http://www.global-yacht-holidays.com).
cbl@global-yacht.com
An Engine Problem Destroyed My Sailing Holiday. What Shall I Do?
by: Alexander Vournas
Nobody likes to run into problems whilst on holiday, but the very nature of a yacht charter holiday does demand that you have to cope with the sea - which is always unpredictable (hence "sea" being of the feminine gender) - and a vessel, which consists of thousands of parts and bits of equipment, (electrics, electronics, mechanical items, sails, etc) all of which should work together, and in unison. You can ignore all the promises that nothing will go wrong - it might just do that.
Add to that the fact that you have chosen an idyllic setting for your holiday - "away from it all" - for example the Ionian Islands in Greece (the Caribbean, Turkey, or any other exotic location would be similar), where you can not expect the natives to be as trained and proficient as those in the Hamble. A recent TV commercial for a Jamaican rum shows the very situation.
Let us look at an example - how you should react - how you should carry out the necessary damage limitation steps - and tips as to how you can smooth out the resulting aggravation.
Let's say you have chartered a yacht in the Ionian Sea, in Greece, for a week. Everything starts off well - until the morning of Day 3, when you are in Ithaca and THE ENGINE WILL NOT START. After a few vain attempts at sourcing the cause of the malfunction you call the contact number given to you for such eventualities, and a polite individual listens to your problem and says; "Don't worry, Mr Jones, somebody will come very soon and look at your engine". What they will, or should, do is to contact their man on the spot. Soon Vangelis arrives, spends a couple of hours with his head buried in the engine compartment, covers all your saloon cushions with oil and grease, and emerges triumphantly holding the fuel pump which he says is the cause of the problem. He states that he will take the pump back to his workshop and repair it.
"How long this repair will take, Vangelis?" You ask.
"Hmm, about a couple of hours" is his reply.
Away he goes, with your pump, and as it is already noon on Day 3 of your holiday, you decide to go and have lunch and then wait for the return of Vangelis. But, there is no sign of Vangelis, or your pump, and much later, as the sun is going down Vangelis's assistant arrives with the wonderful news that your pump can not be repaired on Ithaca and that it has to go, by ferry, to Patras, where there is a pump specialist, and that it will be returned the next day on the ferry. Whilst this part of the saga is unfolding your blood pressure has gone sky-high. You have also made three more phone calls to the local contact and two back to the UK to your yacht charter agency, with whom you booked the charter in the first place.
WHAT YOU DID NOT KNOW was that Vangelis failed to tell you that - since it was noon, he would first have to go for his lunch, then his siesta, then his cup of coffee THEN he would have a look at the pump. For him, this is normal behaviour as working in siesta time is "out of the question" in a place like Ithaca. After all, you asked him how long it would take to repair the pump - NOT when he would come back. He didn't lie - it took him the forecast two hours to find out that he couldn't fix your pump.
So, here you are, on the morning of Day4 of your holiday, with a vessel broken down, waiting for Vangelis to arrive. Imagine the state of your blood pressure when noon arrives and no sign of Vangelis. It is not until late that afternoon that a smiling local arrives and invites you to come and join the local Saint's Day celebrations. To work during siesta time is against local customs BUT to work on the local Saint's Day is a crime against humanity. Not only does Vangelis not work on a Saint's Day but he does not think it appropriate to inform "infidels" of the simple facts of life. For him it is a day to celebrate and anyone who doesn't realise that should be dead.
You have, by now, made another ten phone calls to your yacht charter agent and to the local contact, as has the charter agency BUT Vangelis doesn't answer the phone on a Saint's Day. The only thing you can do is to grin and bear it and join in the festivities. Taking more blood pressure pills or blowing up the village square will not enamour you to the locals, or get your boat fixed - it won't help you a lot, either.
Now it is the morning of Day 5. Still the yacht is not functioning and nobody has turned up. Now is the time to start believing in "God's Will". At around 11 o'clock a smiling Vangelis arrives with your pump - fully functional. He sets to work probably realising that the look in your eye is not indicative of your good temper and feelings towards him. Thus, after an unusually reasonable period of time, with the saloon cushions sporting another layer of grease and oil, with engine testing and cleaning carried out, your boat is READY. However, it is now 5 p.m and too late to set sail for your next port of call, so your departure has to be put off until tomorrow morning.
The morning of Day 6 dawns - and you are ready to sail, BUT a minor detail now crosses your mind - the only destination open to you is back to your original departure Port or Marina as you only had a week's holiday, your flight home departs tomorrow morning early, and you need to be back in that port that evening !!
What an we learn from this story? However reputable the yacht owner/agency, however new the yacht and its equipment, however well maintained, however careful you may be - this sort of thing can happen to anyone, anywhere. Just change the names and places and a similar problem can arise. Don't forget also that you can be gale-bound in harbour for days on end.
Can you protect yourself against such a happening, and what should you do when it arises?
The answer to the first question is NO, and the suggested reaction to the second is: - relax (difficult though this may at first seem); be patient; try to understand the elements of human nature which will be displayed by all around you - your crew and the "outsiders".
You could react like the skipper in our story and make endless irate phone calls to everyone you can think of or, as we suggest, you can accept the facts as they are - the problem has arisen.
Try and make the best of a bad job. Explore the locale where you are "marooned". Make short trips by water-taxi, taxi, hire-car, on foot or by local ferries and keep your crew amused and remaining in holiday mood, i.e. shopping, sightseeing, swimming, enjoying special lunches and dinners, etc.
Remember, you will certainly be compensated by your charter agent/owner for the lost sailing days, provided you take a few simple steps to ensure that your claim will be met.
Contact your charter company immediately, PREFERABLY IN WRITING, if it is at all possible, e.g. by fax or e-mail, and inform them of what has happened and that you will contact them again. Give them a telephone or fax number where you can be contacted.
NEVER LEAVE THE VESSEL UNATTENDED OR OUT OF SIGHT - Vangelis would love you to give him an excuse or "cover story" for not having come back to the boat when promised.
Be understanding of Vangelis's problems - he will do his best if you are polite and patient. Tip his assistant - that will work wonders.
When all is well again and the boat is repaired - contact your agent again, by fax or e-mail preferably, tell him that all is well and tell him that a FORMAL CLAIM for compensation for loss of holiday will be forthcoming.
When you finally return home make the formal claim, in writing, detailing the minutes details of the saga as it unfolded - what happened, the actions you took, the reactions of the local agent and his employed contacts.
Make sure you have all the paperwork involved, especially the contract documents- do not leave them on the boat! A sensible thing to have done would have been to look back in the Ship's Log Book (if there is any), to see if previous charterers had run into similar problems.
If an accident was part of the cause of the problem make sure that other people who may have been involved are brought into the act, and statements are taken for witnesses.
We can not really advise you as to whether, or not, you will accept any offered compensation - whether it be cash or substitute holidays - THAT CHOICE IS YOURS. Only you know how you and your crew felt about the happenings, whether you made the best of a bad job at the time, whether everyone did their best to mitigate your losses and disappointments, and whether the offered compensation is adequate.
Whether you accept cash or a replacement holiday will probably depend on how much holiday time you and your crew have left.
Alexander M. Vournas
About The Author
Alex. Vournas is the owner and managing director of Almi Yachts ltd, a yacht charter company in Greece. He is also the web designer and SEO for www.almiyachts.com e-mail:avournas@almiyachts.com
Re-print rights
Need content? You may use this articleon your website, or in your newsletter. The only requirement is inclusion of the following sentence: Article by Alex. Vournas of www.almiyachts.com , with the link to our web site active.
Nobody likes to run into problems whilst on holiday, but the very nature of a yacht charter holiday does demand that you have to cope with the sea - which is always unpredictable (hence "sea" being of the feminine gender) - and a vessel, which consists of thousands of parts and bits of equipment, (electrics, electronics, mechanical items, sails, etc) all of which should work together, and in unison. You can ignore all the promises that nothing will go wrong - it might just do that.
Add to that the fact that you have chosen an idyllic setting for your holiday - "away from it all" - for example the Ionian Islands in Greece (the Caribbean, Turkey, or any other exotic location would be similar), where you can not expect the natives to be as trained and proficient as those in the Hamble. A recent TV commercial for a Jamaican rum shows the very situation.
Let us look at an example - how you should react - how you should carry out the necessary damage limitation steps - and tips as to how you can smooth out the resulting aggravation.
Let's say you have chartered a yacht in the Ionian Sea, in Greece, for a week. Everything starts off well - until the morning of Day 3, when you are in Ithaca and THE ENGINE WILL NOT START. After a few vain attempts at sourcing the cause of the malfunction you call the contact number given to you for such eventualities, and a polite individual listens to your problem and says; "Don't worry, Mr Jones, somebody will come very soon and look at your engine". What they will, or should, do is to contact their man on the spot. Soon Vangelis arrives, spends a couple of hours with his head buried in the engine compartment, covers all your saloon cushions with oil and grease, and emerges triumphantly holding the fuel pump which he says is the cause of the problem. He states that he will take the pump back to his workshop and repair it.
"How long this repair will take, Vangelis?" You ask.
"Hmm, about a couple of hours" is his reply.
Away he goes, with your pump, and as it is already noon on Day 3 of your holiday, you decide to go and have lunch and then wait for the return of Vangelis. But, there is no sign of Vangelis, or your pump, and much later, as the sun is going down Vangelis's assistant arrives with the wonderful news that your pump can not be repaired on Ithaca and that it has to go, by ferry, to Patras, where there is a pump specialist, and that it will be returned the next day on the ferry. Whilst this part of the saga is unfolding your blood pressure has gone sky-high. You have also made three more phone calls to the local contact and two back to the UK to your yacht charter agency, with whom you booked the charter in the first place.
WHAT YOU DID NOT KNOW was that Vangelis failed to tell you that - since it was noon, he would first have to go for his lunch, then his siesta, then his cup of coffee THEN he would have a look at the pump. For him, this is normal behaviour as working in siesta time is "out of the question" in a place like Ithaca. After all, you asked him how long it would take to repair the pump - NOT when he would come back. He didn't lie - it took him the forecast two hours to find out that he couldn't fix your pump.
So, here you are, on the morning of Day4 of your holiday, with a vessel broken down, waiting for Vangelis to arrive. Imagine the state of your blood pressure when noon arrives and no sign of Vangelis. It is not until late that afternoon that a smiling local arrives and invites you to come and join the local Saint's Day celebrations. To work during siesta time is against local customs BUT to work on the local Saint's Day is a crime against humanity. Not only does Vangelis not work on a Saint's Day but he does not think it appropriate to inform "infidels" of the simple facts of life. For him it is a day to celebrate and anyone who doesn't realise that should be dead.
You have, by now, made another ten phone calls to your yacht charter agent and to the local contact, as has the charter agency BUT Vangelis doesn't answer the phone on a Saint's Day. The only thing you can do is to grin and bear it and join in the festivities. Taking more blood pressure pills or blowing up the village square will not enamour you to the locals, or get your boat fixed - it won't help you a lot, either.
Now it is the morning of Day 5. Still the yacht is not functioning and nobody has turned up. Now is the time to start believing in "God's Will". At around 11 o'clock a smiling Vangelis arrives with your pump - fully functional. He sets to work probably realising that the look in your eye is not indicative of your good temper and feelings towards him. Thus, after an unusually reasonable period of time, with the saloon cushions sporting another layer of grease and oil, with engine testing and cleaning carried out, your boat is READY. However, it is now 5 p.m and too late to set sail for your next port of call, so your departure has to be put off until tomorrow morning.
The morning of Day 6 dawns - and you are ready to sail, BUT a minor detail now crosses your mind - the only destination open to you is back to your original departure Port or Marina as you only had a week's holiday, your flight home departs tomorrow morning early, and you need to be back in that port that evening !!
What an we learn from this story? However reputable the yacht owner/agency, however new the yacht and its equipment, however well maintained, however careful you may be - this sort of thing can happen to anyone, anywhere. Just change the names and places and a similar problem can arise. Don't forget also that you can be gale-bound in harbour for days on end.
Can you protect yourself against such a happening, and what should you do when it arises?
The answer to the first question is NO, and the suggested reaction to the second is: - relax (difficult though this may at first seem); be patient; try to understand the elements of human nature which will be displayed by all around you - your crew and the "outsiders".
You could react like the skipper in our story and make endless irate phone calls to everyone you can think of or, as we suggest, you can accept the facts as they are - the problem has arisen.
Try and make the best of a bad job. Explore the locale where you are "marooned". Make short trips by water-taxi, taxi, hire-car, on foot or by local ferries and keep your crew amused and remaining in holiday mood, i.e. shopping, sightseeing, swimming, enjoying special lunches and dinners, etc.
Remember, you will certainly be compensated by your charter agent/owner for the lost sailing days, provided you take a few simple steps to ensure that your claim will be met.
Contact your charter company immediately, PREFERABLY IN WRITING, if it is at all possible, e.g. by fax or e-mail, and inform them of what has happened and that you will contact them again. Give them a telephone or fax number where you can be contacted.
NEVER LEAVE THE VESSEL UNATTENDED OR OUT OF SIGHT - Vangelis would love you to give him an excuse or "cover story" for not having come back to the boat when promised.
Be understanding of Vangelis's problems - he will do his best if you are polite and patient. Tip his assistant - that will work wonders.
When all is well again and the boat is repaired - contact your agent again, by fax or e-mail preferably, tell him that all is well and tell him that a FORMAL CLAIM for compensation for loss of holiday will be forthcoming.
When you finally return home make the formal claim, in writing, detailing the minutes details of the saga as it unfolded - what happened, the actions you took, the reactions of the local agent and his employed contacts.
Make sure you have all the paperwork involved, especially the contract documents- do not leave them on the boat! A sensible thing to have done would have been to look back in the Ship's Log Book (if there is any), to see if previous charterers had run into similar problems.
If an accident was part of the cause of the problem make sure that other people who may have been involved are brought into the act, and statements are taken for witnesses.
We can not really advise you as to whether, or not, you will accept any offered compensation - whether it be cash or substitute holidays - THAT CHOICE IS YOURS. Only you know how you and your crew felt about the happenings, whether you made the best of a bad job at the time, whether everyone did their best to mitigate your losses and disappointments, and whether the offered compensation is adequate.
Whether you accept cash or a replacement holiday will probably depend on how much holiday time you and your crew have left.
Alexander M. Vournas
About The Author
Alex. Vournas is the owner and managing director of Almi Yachts ltd, a yacht charter company in Greece. He is also the web designer and SEO for www.almiyachts.com e-mail:avournas@almiyachts.com
Re-print rights
Need content? You may use this articleon your website, or in your newsletter. The only requirement is inclusion of the following sentence: Article by Alex. Vournas of www.almiyachts.com , with the link to our web site active.
Buying a Used Sunfish Sailboat: Know The Ins and Outs Before Sailing Away
by: David Dunlap
As anyone who’s ever bought a used car knows, you have to approach the project armed with your own knowledge before you even set foot on the lot. In this situation, being uninformed is tantamount to being taken to the cleaners.
The same goes for buying a sailboat. And, like automobiles, no sailboat is the same, so you should know the basics (and some particulars, as well) about the overall condition of the Sunfish sailboat you have your eye on.
The first question should always be, of course, how much cash are you willing to part with? If you plan on upgrading a used Sunfish, that alone can cost from $550 to $750 or more, depending on whether you want to use it to race. Prices also vary by location and supply; there’s no “set” price for a used Sunfish sailboat.
Then, where do you find a good used boat? Some people prefer to place their own ads (either in local newspapers or on the Internet) as opposed to responding to those already published. Many people have used Sunfish sailboats in pretty good condition but just haven’t thought of placing an ad for it. Also, check out local dealers, particularly if you’re buying out of season or if the outfit isn’t a Sunfish dealer. Also, knowing that sailboats go for less in winter and fall will put you ahead of the game.
Some obvious things that people often forget to look for are: age of the boat, which can be determined by checking the rudder, gunwales, or the serial number, if you don’t know the actual age; the weight of the hull, which should be between 115 and 130 pounds, and the resistance or lack thereof – watch out for a hull that’s too flexible.
Also, check the mast step and daggerboard trunk for hairline cracks or holes, and the condition of the bailer and storage compartment. And, the cockpit rim may be hiding some damage.
Other places to look for potential deal-breakers:
Signs of moisture in ports or drains.
Nicks or dents in the blades; splits and cracks in wooden blades.
Rudder and tiller cracks, corrosion, or pitting.
Dents or bends in the mast, near the tube.
Corrosion in the gaff and boom.
Holes or bad seams in the sail.
Never let the seller think you know as much as you do, bring plenty of cash just in case, and you’ll find a good deal on a used Sunfish sailboat.
About The Author
David Dunlap is the owner and founder of All About Sailboats and The Ocean Sailing Guide, two online resources for every sailing enthusiast. For sailing information and resources, including boat insurance and sailing charters, visit http://allaboutsailboats.com or http://theoceansailingguide.com.
newlink@allaboutsailboats.com
As anyone who’s ever bought a used car knows, you have to approach the project armed with your own knowledge before you even set foot on the lot. In this situation, being uninformed is tantamount to being taken to the cleaners.
The same goes for buying a sailboat. And, like automobiles, no sailboat is the same, so you should know the basics (and some particulars, as well) about the overall condition of the Sunfish sailboat you have your eye on.
The first question should always be, of course, how much cash are you willing to part with? If you plan on upgrading a used Sunfish, that alone can cost from $550 to $750 or more, depending on whether you want to use it to race. Prices also vary by location and supply; there’s no “set” price for a used Sunfish sailboat.
Then, where do you find a good used boat? Some people prefer to place their own ads (either in local newspapers or on the Internet) as opposed to responding to those already published. Many people have used Sunfish sailboats in pretty good condition but just haven’t thought of placing an ad for it. Also, check out local dealers, particularly if you’re buying out of season or if the outfit isn’t a Sunfish dealer. Also, knowing that sailboats go for less in winter and fall will put you ahead of the game.
Some obvious things that people often forget to look for are: age of the boat, which can be determined by checking the rudder, gunwales, or the serial number, if you don’t know the actual age; the weight of the hull, which should be between 115 and 130 pounds, and the resistance or lack thereof – watch out for a hull that’s too flexible.
Also, check the mast step and daggerboard trunk for hairline cracks or holes, and the condition of the bailer and storage compartment. And, the cockpit rim may be hiding some damage.
Other places to look for potential deal-breakers:
Signs of moisture in ports or drains.
Nicks or dents in the blades; splits and cracks in wooden blades.
Rudder and tiller cracks, corrosion, or pitting.
Dents or bends in the mast, near the tube.
Corrosion in the gaff and boom.
Holes or bad seams in the sail.
Never let the seller think you know as much as you do, bring plenty of cash just in case, and you’ll find a good deal on a used Sunfish sailboat.
About The Author
David Dunlap is the owner and founder of All About Sailboats and The Ocean Sailing Guide, two online resources for every sailing enthusiast. For sailing information and resources, including boat insurance and sailing charters, visit http://allaboutsailboats.com or http://theoceansailingguide.com.
newlink@allaboutsailboats.com
Swift Sailing: Whipping Through the Tempestuous Waters of Newfoundland
by: David Dunlap
Looking for some truly spectacular East Coast scenery from your sailboat, but you’re tired of hitting the usual spots? Hungry for a change of pace? Here’s the ticket: Try the excellent – but challenging – sailing opportunities offered right off the Atlantic Coast – in Eastern Canada’s Newfoundland.
Off Newfoundland’s coast, you’ll sail between limestone islands and into the giant fjords while watching whales glide and spout and exotic wildlife keeping house alongside the usually rocky, windy shore.
You don’t have to be in lumberjack-shape to take on these waters, but after all, since you wanted a change of pace, why not make it a little more strategic than usual? If you really want to work on your technical sailing skills, these chilly Atlantic waters certainly won’t leave you disappointed. Plus, you’ll enjoy the “local color” only Newfoundland can offer, including the lilting dialect and the cuisine that you won’t find anywhere else.
The best times to set sail in Newfoundland are sometimes tricky to get a handle on. Because the weather at this particular high latitude of the world often changes so quickly, leaving you in the ice in mid-July, for example, it’s best to consult with a seasoned boat captain or sailing expedition guide before heading out. In fact, that very changeable weather is a prime draw for many adventurous sailors, whether they’re renting a sailboat or cruising along on a guided tour.
Should you decide to peruse Newfoundland’s moody coast, go fully prepared, and do a lot of research before setting sail; every day is different, exciting, and guaranteed to be something like you’ve never experienced before. But also be aware that when at sea, just because you’re at the helm of the sailboat doesn’t always mean you’ll be in charge; in Newfoundland, sailing takes on a whole new meaning.
For more information, see www.allaboutsailboats.com.
About The Author
David Dunlap is the owner and founder of All About Sailboats and The Ocean Sailing Guide, two online resources for every sailing enthusiast. For sailing information and resources, including boat insurance and sailing charters, visit http://allaboutsailboats.com or http://theoceansailingguide.com.
newlink@allaboutsailboats.com
Looking for some truly spectacular East Coast scenery from your sailboat, but you’re tired of hitting the usual spots? Hungry for a change of pace? Here’s the ticket: Try the excellent – but challenging – sailing opportunities offered right off the Atlantic Coast – in Eastern Canada’s Newfoundland.
Off Newfoundland’s coast, you’ll sail between limestone islands and into the giant fjords while watching whales glide and spout and exotic wildlife keeping house alongside the usually rocky, windy shore.
You don’t have to be in lumberjack-shape to take on these waters, but after all, since you wanted a change of pace, why not make it a little more strategic than usual? If you really want to work on your technical sailing skills, these chilly Atlantic waters certainly won’t leave you disappointed. Plus, you’ll enjoy the “local color” only Newfoundland can offer, including the lilting dialect and the cuisine that you won’t find anywhere else.
The best times to set sail in Newfoundland are sometimes tricky to get a handle on. Because the weather at this particular high latitude of the world often changes so quickly, leaving you in the ice in mid-July, for example, it’s best to consult with a seasoned boat captain or sailing expedition guide before heading out. In fact, that very changeable weather is a prime draw for many adventurous sailors, whether they’re renting a sailboat or cruising along on a guided tour.
Should you decide to peruse Newfoundland’s moody coast, go fully prepared, and do a lot of research before setting sail; every day is different, exciting, and guaranteed to be something like you’ve never experienced before. But also be aware that when at sea, just because you’re at the helm of the sailboat doesn’t always mean you’ll be in charge; in Newfoundland, sailing takes on a whole new meaning.
For more information, see www.allaboutsailboats.com.
About The Author
David Dunlap is the owner and founder of All About Sailboats and The Ocean Sailing Guide, two online resources for every sailing enthusiast. For sailing information and resources, including boat insurance and sailing charters, visit http://allaboutsailboats.com or http://theoceansailingguide.com.
newlink@allaboutsailboats.com
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