During your adventure family vacations you will face various
situations every day
On this page we will try to familiarize you with the most common
practices when sailing in Mediterranean waters, as well as the local
customs and working hours.
Anchorage
The Mediterranean tradition is to moor stern to the quay or jetty.
Drop the anchor 4 ship's lengths from the quay, reverse back to the
quay and throw the aft mooring lines ashore to secure the vessel.
The bottom is mostly sand, with occasional eelgrass. Always
check that the anchor has bitten and is holding. In bays
without jetties it is usual, if room is restricted, to take a long
line to the shore to prevent swinging in the event of wind or
current.
Dinghy
All yachts are equipped
with a dinghy. Under normal conditions and a reasonable speed
it can be towed, but in case of high winds they can flip over and
fill with water, or the towline can break. In that case take
the dinghy on board and lash it securely to the deck.
Climate & clothing
In July and
August it can be very hot. In May/ June & September/October
you are advised to bring some warm clothing -sweater, trousers-
and a sailing jacket for the evenings. Sunglasses are a must,
as is high factor sun cream and a sun hat or cap.
Cold store
The ships are
equipped with an electric refrigerator BUT should only be switched
on when the engine is running, or shore power is available.
Alternatively you can use ice blocks which are available in most
places.
Fill up
Your yacht will be
supplied to you with a full tank of fuel and it is up to you to hand
it back full
Pilot
Each yacht has it's own
pilot book, in the English language, in which you will find a
massive amount of valuable and useful information. Please take
good care of this book -it is a rather expensive item.
Showers
All yachts are
equipped with at least one shower (most have a deck shower as well,
with cold water), for use during the charter. There are good
showers available at the starting point marinas, but during your
vacation showers are intermittently available at taverns for a fee.
Telephone
There are phone
boxes everywhere, using phone cards, which are available at most
shops, kiosks, etc. If you should feel that you have to bring
your cell phone with you the reception is generally good.
With non-satellite phones you can get screened by the odd high
mountains.
Radio
All yachts are equipped
with VHF radio for safety reasons and to keep in touch with your
flotilla leader. You will be informed at the skipper's
briefing which channel the flotilla is using.
Shopping
Most shops are open
until 22.00 hrs. The supermarkets in the larger towns are open
until 20.30 hrs. It is wise to make a price comparison before
making your purchases.
Credit cards are usually acceptable.
During your charter you will find small local shops, where you can
get most things you need on daily basis but prices will vary
considerably.
Swimming
It is safe to swim in most bays and
inlets. The waters are generally clear and clean.
Water
The water supply in most
towns and villages you will visit during your adventure family
vacations is not drinkable. You may use it boiled for your
tea, coffee and for cooking and usually safe for you to clean your
teeth. Drinking water is best purchased in bottles from most
shops.