Setting Sail for Europe

Summer is underway and the perfect vacation is not unobtainable. With the rich culture of Europe, sailing on the coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea offers a truly unparalleled experience. There is exquisite art, fine cuisine, and breathtaking architecture along each port and coastline. Discover Europe like no other will by sailing through gorgeous cerulean waters.

The first stop is the ancient secrets of the Greek Islands. Greece is home to four seas and over a thousand different islands. A multitude of hidden coves are ideal for unearthing the quintessence of the Mediterranean. The white villages litter the mountainous coastline providing an unforgettable landscape. The islands are very closely grouped together and allows for many different coastlines to be cruised. Drop the boat anchor in Athens and enjoy an authentic Greek salad while enjoying a steady breeze on the sailboat.

The hidden gem of Europe is the coastlines of Croatia. A mild summer climate, curious villages, and historical towns pervade in 3107 miles of Adriatic coastline. There are many harbors to dock at in the numerous amount of islands in the country. The landscape offers lofty mountains and magnificent waterfalls. The southern region of Dalmatia is rich with history. The best time to visit these coastlines is now, just as the high season kicks off in July and August.

One of the biggest tourist capitals of the world is with out a doubt, Italy. There are over 5000 miles of coastline. While summer can be extremely busy on the west coast in the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea, there should not be any foreseeable problems if advance bookings are made for a berth there. There better be a fishing pole and bait in the stock of boat supplies aboard because in Sicily there are ample waters for fishing. The islands offer excellent hiking opportunities and breathtaking volcanoes in the scenery. The Italian coastline simply cannot be fully enjoyed in only two weeks, as there is much to see and do.

France arguably offers the finest cuisine in Europe. The chic culture of the Cote d’Azur region offers a chance to sit champagne and reflect while docked at a harbor in Nice. A big crowd of Hollywood celebrities gather at the famous annual Cannes Film Festival held in Cannes. Since most of it is untouched by tourists, the secluded island of Corscia in the West Mediterranean has a timeless quality to it.

With dozens of countries to visit, there is scarcely enough time to see all that this region of the world has. The inhabitants of the Mediterranean are used to wet cool winters and dry hot summers. Being on a sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea is unequivocally a once in a lifetime journey. The real summer is just about to begin, and the waters of the Mediterranean beckon sailors

Sailing Right with Gadgets

Sailors benefit from the digital age, as many more doors open. First and foremost every sailor should have a boat Global Positioning System unit, GPS. In the sky there are at least four satellites, a GPS unit is able to work by receiving from GPS satellites in orbit around the earth. The unit takes signals from three satellites and triangulates position. Today most GPS units are accurate to within 10-20 meters. A boat GPS unit is essential and best of all it is easy to use and straightforward.

Today, sailors also have a wide variety of boat stereos and boat TVs to choose from. Getting a weatherproof TV would be most prudent. Clutter can be kept to a minimum by using extensive wall mounts. With the advent of flat screen TVs, having a TV aboard has never been so easy and efficient. There is nothing quite relaxing as sailing while listening to some good tunes. Boat stereos have advanced significantly in the past 10 years. With better and smaller waterproof designs, upgrading to today’s stereos is definitely a good long term investment.

All advancements made in technology today serve as benefits to devices like VHF radios. Transmitting and receiving is not all that moden VHF radios are limited to. A few in fact have a level of DSC calling capability. When connected to a hailer horn, the more expensive models can act as a hailer. Bluetooth compatible boat VHF radios are also available. A digital distress signal can also be sent out which combines the abilities of VHF radios and GPS.

Sailors should have depth and speed instruments aboard. When it comes to using depth and speed instruments, wireless capabilities have allowed greater latitude. A digital display depicts the values, ellimating human error with a simple output screen. Additionally many sailors chose to purchase wind instruments as well. Today there are advancements making boat instruments easier to use, safer, and intuitive.

A safer journey can be had if one has the best sailing technology and instruments. Where would a sailor be without the GPS unit to direct him or her? Out of all electronics to have on board, having a GPS unit should be a sailor’s number one purchase. Some sailors are reluctant to rely so readily on electronics, preferring to sail with old fashioned instruments and methods. Regardless of preference to old ways or new, the benefits of modern electronics speak for themselves again and again.

Sailboat Upkeep: Supplies and a Cleaning Schedule

There is nothing quite as disappointing as finding rust eating a sailboat up, or grime stuck to the decks and hull. Maintaining a sailboat assures that every time it is taken out, it will perform to the best of its ability and effectively. With little effort a sailboat can be kept in excellent condition. There are some key tools and methods involved in maintenance.

First off the sailboat itself needs to be well protected against the elements. Carefully wash the boat with soap, being sure not to use bleach products unless prompted to. From time to time, the hull of a boat needs to be adequately recoated. A smoother surface against the water is created, as well as a protective seal for the hull aganist rust. A fresh coat of varnish on the deck should be from time to time. Boat paint and varnish can serve a sailor very well with general upkeep of a sailboat.

From bow to stern, sailboats should be routinely inspected. Small imperfections and cracks can be revealed by carefully glancing along the sailboat and which could grow to be a bigger problem if not addressed early. Assessing and acting on these cracks can help a sailor save time and money on more costly repairs down the line. For small cracks, a liquid sealant which does not shrink when cured is best. Such boat calking and adhesives are durable and cost efficient to use.

Long term problems can be prevented from building up by cleaning the sailboat every so often. Protect the sailboat now and often, and then cleaning will not be as difficult as if the sailboat was only cleaned once in awhile. Creating an effective schedule for routine boat maintenance comes from dedicating time to each aspect to address. Be sure to be stocked up boat cleaning supplies and get down to business.

Many sailors fall victim to costly repairs and maintenance because they did not establish a cleaning schedule for cost effective maintenance themselves and stick to it. Taking care of a sailboat does not have to cost an arm and a leg if you know what to do. Time management and a cleaning schedule can help assure that a sailboat will see many more sunsets without breaking the bank.