F.A.Q.
Living on a sailboat is a little different than living on land and there are a few rules to respect but so much joy to discover... Some information and recommendations to make your stay more pleasant.
How is life on board?
On board you can participate in maneuvers and navigation. Daily tasks are to be shared: cooking, washing dishes, shopping for supplies, cleaning the boat. The important thing is to keep the sailboat in a state of order and cleanliness during your stay, for the great good of everyone and your safety. All this is done in good humor and in complete conviviality.
At the stopover, we will need to do the shopping, fill up with water or fuel, ice but also empty the trash... It's not huge and if everyone participates it will give everyone more time. .e to enjoy the island…
A pleasure in itself, sailing remains above all a means of traveling far from the tourist circuits, providing a feeling of escape. You will encounter Greece differently.
You can participate in the maneuvers of the sailboat under the responsibility of the skipper. No sailing skills are required.
You are now an integral part of the crew.
Schedule of a typical day.
Wake up between 8 and 9 a.m., breakfast on board, refueling, storage, preparation for navigation. Every morning your skipper shows you the day's route.
Departure, around 9/10 a.m., 4 to 6 hours of navigation, depending on distance and winds, allowing everyone to refine the settings and race in a friendly way. If the route allows it, a break at midday for lunch and swimming. The skipper who listens to your expectations will be able to initiate you or improve you…
Arrival, around 17 p.m., end of the stage, the sailboat moored in a small traditional port, will allow you to visit local curiosities. Or at anchor in a wild cove, to relax and enjoy the clear waters of the Aegean.
Aperitif comes quite naturally and around a traditional glass of Ouzo, the crew exchanges their impressions and “exploits” of the day.
The evening, tasting Greek cuisine at the tavern or dining on board, discovering the delicious dishes cooked by the members of the crew. Presentation of the next day, before letting yourself slide into the soft Aegean night, into the arms of Morpheus.
What is the boardcash?
The on-board cash register covers all expenses related to the cruise.
It will be used to pay for meals taken on board and at the tavern, port costs, water, fuel and cleaning of the sailboat at the end of the cruise (lThe skipper's meals are covered by the group).
Upon boarding, each participant will give the skipper the amount in cash. The skipper keeps an expense journal. Thus each crew member can control, if they wish, the evolution of the on-board box. You will not have to pay anything else during your stay regarding these expenses.
Transfers, vehicle rental, museum visits and bar drinks are not included in the boardcash.
What type of sailboat?
Our sailboats are safe, seaworthy and well suited for this type of cruise. Boats revised and improved every year with classic charm.
Boat, from 12 to 15 m, from 3 to 5 cabins (double berths or bunk beds), shared shower/WC, lounge and kitchen area. No triple cabins. Maximum capacity of 6 to 8 participants depending on the sailboats + the skipper (French or English speaking).
The sailboats and the ESCALE YACHTING base are in regular contact. In the event of damage or accident, we can assist you very quickly. Do not hesitate to have the use of safety equipment on board, fire extinguishers, life jackets, survival equipment, etc. explained to you.
What will your skipper offer you?
Its objective is to lead the cruise in a harmonious way between relaxation, learning and discovery. He will know how to find the right rhythm of stopovers between traditional and lively ports and wild anchorages.
He will also be there to facilitate exchanges, communication, learning to sail through teaching adapted to the objectives of the stay and the desires of each person.
The skipper has a perfect knowledge of the boat and the navigation area. He is responsible for the sailboat and its crew and must ensure that navigation is carried out in complete safety in accordance with the legislation of the country.
If the weather conditions are not good and the winds are not suitable for sailing (greater than 7 Beaufort), the skipper will be able to offer you alternative activities on land.
If the participants are satisfied, it is customary at the end of the cruise to leave a tip to the skipper (30€ per person on board is a correct base).
Boarding?
For our Active Sailing cruises in the Cyclades, boarding is scheduled for Sunday at 18 p.m. and disembarkation on Sunday at 10 a.m. from Paros (if you have time requirements for your transfers, we can adapt).
The precise meeting place and the contact details of your skipper will be communicated to you in advance.
How long do we sail on average per day?
In the Cyclades, navigations between the islands do not exceed 25 miles.
The nautical mile (or nautical mile) is the unit of distance used in navigation which is equivalent to 1 meters (it corresponds to the length of one minute of a degree of latitude measured on the equator)
Our sailboats sail according to the winds between 5 and 6 knots (the speed is expressed in knots and the distance in nautical miles). At 5 knots, you will have covered 5 nautical miles in one hour.
You should therefore count on a small average of 5 hours of navigation per day. Sometimes less, sometimes more. But don't worry, every evening we arrive safely at port or in a protected anchorage.
What can we do at the stopover?
In the morning or upon arrival, you will have time to visit the islands, all as pretty and authentic. And you will enjoy moments of relaxation and swimming.
Your skipper will advise you on the sites not to be missed.
In the evening, we generally meet at the tavern to taste traditional dishes. Trust us, we know the best taverns…
It is possible to anchor in a sheltered bay. The anchorage is the opportunity to organize barbecues on the beach, tasty grills, like in the days of the buccaneers... We then take the dinghy to reach the land, it's a little adventure which often delights young and old alike. !
What do we do if the weather conditions do not allow sailing?
Overall the itinerary will be respected, but it may be modified in the event of force majeure.
Our sailboats are perfectly adapted to the navigation area that we offer. But from a wind greater than force 7, the sailboat must be immobilized for safety reasons, in this case no refund can be requested.
This can happen, but rarely for more than 24 hours.
Then, the skipper will find replacement activities on land with the crew.
In any case, the safety of the passengers and the sailboat will be its priority.
Do we sail at night?
In the Cyclades, the distances between the islands do not justify sailing at night.
The night is therefore made for sleeping, resting or dreaming under a starry sky.
When to sail?
It is possible to sail all year round in Greece. In the Cyclades, the winds are almost always present and this is ideal for learning to sail.
But you will have to remain vigilant and not be surprised because they are very changeable. It will be necessary to observe the gust, the Venturi effects, the thermal breezes, the katabatic winds. the wind shifts at the cape… And if the wind dies, the engine will help us reach our stage.
Even if we notice climatic changes, there are always characteristic seasons.
April / May until mid-June : The islands offer you a very sunny and flowery spring, filled with Mediterranean smells. Moderate winds accentuated by a thermal breeze promote comfortable navigation. The temperatures are mild, the sea, still cool in April, quickly becomes welcoming.
Mid-June / July / August : A hot and dry summer, with more “sporty” sailing days, thanks to the Meltem, a northerly wind. You will enjoy very beautiful evenings, from the twilight softness of a wild anchorage to the lively warmth of one of the ports of the Cyclades.
September October : A beautiful autumn that does not fear winter. The winds become moderate again. After summer, calm and rest. Shorter days, but with the most beautiful sunsets... Warmed all summer, the sea is ideally gentle. Navigation and mild temperatures for those who fear the summer heat.
How to prepare for navigation and how to move on the Bridge?
Before departure and in general during any maneuver, be careful not to leave anything lying around on the deck... Make sure that all your belongings are properly secured.
Have on hand what you will need during the stage (sweater, raincoat, sunscreen, sunglasses, bath towel, book, etc.). It is not always easy to go down to your cabin and rummage through your belongings while sailing. Don't leave your belongings all over the place, put them away and moor them, because the wind can pick up and the boat might list.
Close the portholes tightly, especially the side ones, and the valves in rough seas. After these recommendations, you will soon hear the “orders” from the captain, who will have informed you in advance of the maneuver to be carried out.
Movement on deck must be light, safe and controlled. If you have to maneuver, wear shoes (avoid the black soles that mark the bridge). As a general rule, hold on. One hand for the boat and one hand for the sailor, the saying goes…
You will also acquire new vocabulary: Pay attention to the boom and the jibe, secure the balance, counter the tack, prepare to anchor, fix the parbats... Rest assured, after a few maneuvers everything will be learned but you must follow the skipper's instructions and understand what you are doing.
If the sea is rough and the wind is strong, dress warmly, you don't want to be cold at sea. You can also strap yourself in with a harness. For the rest, trust us, our skippers have extensive sea experience and are also good teachers.
As a true team member, you cast off, hoist the sails, stay the course... You have now become a sailor, so good luck to all.
What should you bring for your stay and what document? What to put in your bag?
Each cruise participant must have a valid identity card or passport. If he/she does not have these documents, he/she will not be able to participate in the cruise. In this case, no compensation or reimbursement could be requested.
If you already have a sailing license or if you are learning, we offer you the opportunity to acquire the nautical miles necessary to complete your training.
If you are undergoing treatment, do not forget your medications because it will be difficult for you to find the equivalent without a prescription. No special vaccination is required. A mosquito repellent lotion can be useful for evening trips ashore.
Take in a soft bag, easy to store:
- Light clothing that protects the skin well from sunburn.
- Filter sunglasses.
- A hat that fits on your head.
- Sun creams.
- Sports shoes and white sole shoes for the boat.
- Beach towels.
- Sweaters and raincoats (despite the sun it is necessary to protect yourself from the wind and spray).
- A sleeping bag (if you are cold and depending on the season).
You don't need sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. they are provided on board.
We have diving equipment on board: masks, fins and snorkel but we advise you to take your mask and snorkel with you.
On board our sailboats, we also have a complete pharmacy.
How to manage the space on board, the electricity, the fresh water, the kitchen?
Space on board is limited, so don't overextend yourself! Organize yourself to respect the places to be shared. Make sure everything is stowed and secured for your safety. Your stay will be all the more pleasant.
electricity
Remember to turn off the lights in your cabins and any other space when you don’t need them. Electricity on board is provided by batteries.
A few hours of motoring per day to recharge them is enough. Our sailboats have a converter that will allow you to recharge your cell phones, cameras and cameras.
Freshwater
Water on board a sailboat is limited, so you have to be careful about it. The tanks contain 600 liters of water used for washing dishes, washing or rinsing. Refueling will be done every three days. For water consumption, we recommend bottled mineral water.
For washing dishes, a foot pump allows you to bring in sea water, then all you have to do is rinse with fresh water.
For the shower, a water heater allows you to have hot water when the engine has been running for a while. Don't forget to drain the shower. In summer you can shower outside. Remember to only use the water you need.
Kitchen / Gas cooker / Fridge
Using the gas cooker is simple and safe. A security exists on the burner and you will have to keep the button pressed for a few seconds after lighting it.
Cooking on board can be pleasant and friendly, you surely have a recipe to share. Otherwise you can always help with the dishes.
For waste, do not throw anything overboard that is not quickly degradable, at the stopover you can get rid of your garbage cans.
The fridge spends a lot of energy and to improve its performance we regularly add ice.
The races are organized at the beginning of the week and the supplies will be made gradually at the stopovers. There is the possibility of shopping at the mini-markets and finding all the necessary products there. Do not hesitate to share your preferences for provisioning on board.
How to fight seasickness?
A sailboat moves, it rolls from side to side, gently following the pitching of the waves. This roll may seem uncomfortable at first sight when you are not used to being on board. Seasickness can take different forms depending on the degree of sensitivity of the person: drowsiness, nausea, fatigue.
Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for seasickness!
However, don't worry, if you are sensitive to the rolling of the sailboat, you will get aboard very quickly! The first navigation passed, your body will automatically adjust itself to the movements of the boat and from the second outing, you will already suffer less and perhaps you will not feel anything anymore.
- Preferably settle in the center of the boat, because that is where the stability is maximum, preferring well-ventilated areas and of course avoiding confined spaces!
- Do not look for a forgotten book in your cabin, at the bottom of your bag, for example.
- Look away. If you are sensitive, do not read, do not smoke, and avoid watching the boat's movements or its wake, which could trigger a feeling of dizziness.
- Sleep. Your skipper watches over you and will take you safely to port! It is there to ensure your safety, you can sleep peacefully if seasickness occurs, with complete confidence.
But there is no miracle cure, everyone has their own technique.
Above all, you must avoid being cold, take an interest in the boat, in the sea, not be passive, keep busy, take the helm, avoid going down to look for the “essential” item at the bottom of your bag.
Eat regularly with digestible foods.
And if there really is nothing to do and you feel it coming, don't rush to the sink or the toilet, don't throw yourself onto the windline... You risk going overboard or best to paint the boat. But ask for the bucket, it's more elegant and safer. In general, after a few times of navigation, you will be completely amarinated. Certain medications can also provide relief.
And it will all just be a bad memory.
You will also discover land sickness, an almost pleasant ailment which, on land, makes you sway, before the first drink. And as the old Breton sailor said, the only real cure for seasickness is to lie down in the shade of an apple tree. Good luck !
What are the regulations related to COVID 19?
Regulations related to Covid 19 are no longer in force. There are therefore no more constraints, which does not prevent you from protecting yourself at the first symptoms. in order to avoid any spread.
Can we accommodate children on board?
Our cruises are open to families with children. The minimum age required is 7 years old and they must know how to swim. In general, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We try to make a distribution between the sailboats to homogenize the groups. Note that the cruise program is made for the whole crew, it is not organized specifically for children.
We therefore advise families to make a private rental with a skipper, which will allow them to adapt the circuit and the navigation time.
Your skipper will make them discover new experiences at sea. The instruction is to follow his recommendations. A sailboat involves some risks at sea, the rule is above all caution. Very quickly, they will learn to master the space of the boat and will become real sailors.
And of course, there will also be pretty villages to discover with narrow, car-free streets, where they can wander without risk, get lost and find each other again for their greatest pleasure. But especially the sandy beaches easy access, protected and welcoming for swimming and various water games.
And if you are lucky enough to meet dolphins during your navigation, greet them for us 🐬
Can we rent the entire sailboat?
You can indeed privatize the sailboat with skipper as part of our active sailing cruises.
You can also request a cruise different from those we offer.
An “à la carte” cruise,In this case, let us know your preferences: type of boat, with or without skipper, period and duration, navigation area (departure and arrival base), number of people.
How to make a reservation?
Following your request, we will inform you of availability and offer you an option.
Your reservation must be confirmed to us by e-mail or post.
It will be definitively confirmed to you after payment of the 50% deposit – The balance must be paid 4 weeks before departure.
Registering for the cruise implies that the participant accepts all of our terms and conditions.
Quick links
EscaleYachting, Denis Kyriazis, Damala 10, Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece.
