Sea Kayak Accessories – Essential And Fun Accessories For Kayakers

Sea Eagle.com is well known for their inflatable whitewater and ocean kayaks. The manufacturer offers a complete line of sea kayak accessories. Some of these accessory items are essential for your safety on the ocean or whitewater trips, others fit into the ‘fun’ category.

 

Some of the most common inflatable ocean kayak accessory items include:

Life jackets and paddling vests – Coast Guard approved PFDs are a must for owners of inflatable boats and kayaks.

 

Inflator pump – You can inflate your sea kayak with a hand operated pump. A 110 V high volume inflator/deflator makes the job easier and faster.

 

Repair kit for kayaks – This is an essential accessory item in case the kayak develops a leak. The kit contains two patches of the hull material, glue and a valve replacement tool.

 

Bilge pump – A high volume hand operated bilge pump is essential for getting the water out of the inflatable when on the water.

 

Storage bags for bow and stern – Great boating accessories for storing your supplies and gear.

 

Kayak carry bag – Deflate and roll up the inflatable sea kayak, then place it on the bag and wrap the bag around it for easy storage.

 

Seats – It’s nice to have a seat with a back rest in your ocean kayak for long paddling or rowing. These Deluxe seats are very comfortable

Although there are many more types of accessories you can get for your inflatable ocean kayak, this will give you an idea of what is available.

 

The most important accessory on the above list is the life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). A PFD is not considered an accessory for any boat, whether it is an ocean kayak or a dinghy. It is an essential part of any sea kayaking equipment and you should never go out in any inflatable without wearing a Coast Guard approved life vest.

 

The second most important inflatable boat accessory is your hull repair kit. Although Sea Eagle has a small patch kit for minor repairs there is a better inflatable ocean kayak repair kit available for bigger jobs from Tuff Coat. Most if not all of these boating accessories can be bought from the manufacturer or retailer where you bought the kayak.

Crewed Motor Yachts – Sail The Seven Seas Without Stress

Crewed motor yachts are yachts that you charter for a vacation without needing to have any sailing experience. With the crewed charters, you don’t have to do any work in handling the yacht or navigating the waters of the location you choose. You can choose to have a luxury charter where you have exquisite surroundings and meals prepared by a chef. Waiters bring you drinks and the members of the crew will provide instructions for water sports if you need any. Crewed motor yachts range in size from yachts that can only take 2 passengers to ones that can take up to 12 or more.

 

A crewed motor yacht charter is an excellent choice for a family vacation. Children are welcome on these yacht charters, but none of the crew will be assigned to looking after them, even with luxury motor yacht charter. Parents are expected to keep the children entertained and to bring whatever they need for enjoyment aboard with them. Crewed motor yachts are perfectly safe for children, but like any location, you do need to keep them within your sight at all times.

 

When you choose a luxury motor yacht charter, you have a personal chef to prepare your meals. However, before you arrive to meet the yacht, you will already have informed the company about your food preferences through the food preference sheet. This sheet also includes a list of beverages for you to choose from, which include soda, wines and alcoholic beverages. The chefs of crewed motor yachts take great care to prepare meals that you will enjoy and only use the freshest ingredients. In the case of fruits and vegetables, the chef of a crewed motor yacht charter may buy foods at the various locations.

 

Whether or not you experience any seasickness on crewed yacht charters depends on you. It is probably a good idea to take some form of seasickness medication with you so that you can thoroughly enjoy being on a luxury motor yacht. If you are new to vacationing on a crewed motor yacht charter, be sure to let the crew know so they can choose routes that will cause you less discomfort. If you smoke, you will have to limit your habit to the outside areas of the yacht. Since the interior of the yacht consists of close quarters, yacht charter companies do not permit smoking inside.

 

With crewed motor yachts you have comfort and style. You do not have to bring anything with you and all the linens, dishes and utensils are there for you to use. Both the exterior and interior of these yachts are roomy so you can sit back and enjoy the charter in comfort. You don’t have to worry about the wind because the motor will take you to your destination on time. You can enjoy air-conditioning with luxury motor yacht charters, although most of the charter yachts do have this feature included. Depending on the location and type of charter, some crewed charter yachts include scuba diving equipment, kayaks and other equipment you would need to enjoy a variety of water sports.

River Party Boat Cruises in Greater London – a Corporate Event to Raise the Team-Building Attitude

The River party boat cruises in Greater London offer an experience unparallel to any other boat cruising parties. If you have a fetish for the warm sparkling waters of the river, then you should opt for such a gala cruise party to get refreshed after weeks of constant work pressure. If your town or the nearby town to your place has a frothy blue river then you can go for such parties on every weekend. The party truly seeks to test the team-building attitude present in corporate people.

 

The riverboat party offers you a promising time with its varieties of games, fun-filled entertainments and unique interaction. As you come to meet various people of different origin, you feel rejuvenated in soul and this induces further effective participation and productivity in you. There can be no greater alternative to this riverboat party cruise.

 

If you are thinking of visiting one of these evening gala parties, then you can contact Chillisauce. With the reputation of these corporate event organizers reaching skyrocketing heights, one can never ignore the functional activity of this company. Chillisauce is managed by efficient event planners that offer an array of exciting daytime and evening activities for corporate people. With the soul purpose of freshening the minds of corporate people, the river party boat cruise in greater London also tests the team-building spirit and time management skills in them.

 

However, river party boat cruise can only take place in Gloucestershire and Greater London.

 

River party boat cruises in Greater London offer great fun onboard of some famous and luxurious ships or yachts. You can dance throughout the night or simply chill at the bars with an array of exotic drinks. The deck, which remains flooded with rainbow colored lights, offers all corporate people to enjoy in the al fresco party and get thoroughly refreshed. Just as the chill sets in, the booming voice of top class DJs fill the evening air echoing fun and frolic all over. There is also a cash bar on the board that can be available at regular pub prices.

 

The culinary delights offered in the river party boat cruise in Greater London are simply amazing. You can enjoy dishes of roasted legs of chickens, hot jacket potato with butter, different types of salads with spicy dressings and buttered rolls. Along with the food, the party extravaganzas continue for 4 hours and leave you completely refreshed and rejuvenated in mind and spirit.

 

The river party boat cruise in Greater London imbibes the following factors among corporate people:

— To increase productive efficiency

— To test the team building attitude

— To enhance inter-personal relationship between corporate people

 

Attend the river party boat cruise in Greater London to feel regenerated before going back to your hectic schedule.

Once In A Lifetime Experience – Yacht Charter Sailing In Greece

Greece is a country chosen by the Gods Offering its visitors spectacular beaches, interesting villages, an abundance of history, as well as flowing green country sides, Greece is an ideal destination for a wide variety of groups. Greece boasts one of the world largest and most beautiful coastlines and over 2000 islands to choose from. Therefore, chartering your own private, crewed yacht is quite simply one of the best ways to visit this exciting destination. With numerous luxury yachts adorning the perfectly blue, crystal-clear waters off the coastline of Greece, Yacht Charter trips in Greece has turned out to be one of the favorite past times of the country and an awaiting adventure for its many visitors. As you island hop your way through the islands of Greece, a wide variety of available activities and land base excursions are at your disposal. Drop anchor for a while and wander the winding cobbled streets, experience a Greek coffee or a taste of sizzling grilled octopus at one of the many small island taverns, visit one of the many beautiful beaches, or take a cooling swim in the sparkling sea. A Yacht Charter in Greece is not your ordinary vacation it a trip of a life time and an experience that is sure to be filled with adventure, history and fun.

 

For our clients interested in Yachting Vacations in Greece, we offer quality yachts, professional crews, friendly service, and 12 years of hands on experience owning and operating our own charter yachts, at no additional cost to our clients. We make it our business to know the yachts, the crews, and our destinations we recommend first-hand. Therefore, we recently attended the charter yacht show in Poros, Greece where we had the opportunity to step aboard classic Sailing Yachts, stunning Motor Sailers and sleek Power Yachts galore. In addition, we took the opportunity to explore the most popular grouping of islands in Greece, the Cyclades, which include well-known Mykonos and Santorini. These are the islands that typify Greece with their white washed villages, beautiful beaches, and cosmopolitan nightlife. Other popular island groupings in Greece include the Ionian, the Argo-Saronic and the Dedoconese. The Argo-Saronic Islands, with their close proximity to Athens have a rich history. The picturesque harbors and cobbled streets of Aegina, Poros and car-free Ydra are still lined with Neo-Classical mansions of a time gone by. The Ionian Islands, which lie off the west coast of mainland Greece, are the greenest of the island groups, less visited than the popular Cyclades islands, and therefore a “crew favorite” among the yachts of Greece. These islands, which include Corfu and Ithaca, enjoy crystal-clear seas, superb beaches and inviting towns and villages. The Dodecanese Islands are situated at the most eastern part of Greece, along the West coast of Turkey. These islands, including Rhodes and Kos, offer their visitors a wonderful blend of architectural styles with both eastern and western influences. Discover traditional villages, crystal clear waters, splendid beaches, historical sights, and an exciting nightlife.

 

In addition to destination choices in Greece, there are various types of yachts available for Yacht Charters in Greece, including Monohulls, Motor Sailers and Power Yachts. Monohulls are the perfect choice for the traditionalist as these yachts provides a classic sailing experience. Guests aboard this style of yacht will experience the exhilarating thrill of sailing as well as the traditional features of these yachts. Motor Sailers are a traditional yacht style found in Greece. These yachts typically use their engines in tandem with their sails. This would be an excellent choice for those wishing to explore the islands of Greece in luxury while enjoying the character and exhilaration found onboard a sailing yacht. Power Yachts are a suitable choice for those interested in greater mobility in the islands. This type of yacht is a popular choice in Greece as the distances between many islands are greater than those found in the Caribbean. This category additionally features yachts of over 100 feet in length, which could be individually classified as “Mega Yachts”. This type of yacht is suited to the high-end customer interested in world-class amenities, cuisine and service while traveling the islands of Greece aboard a private, luxury yacht.

 

 

Riding In The Lap Of Luxury Travel With A Virgin Island Yacht Charters

If you’ve never had the experience of being at the helm of a yacht as you sail through the crystal waters of the Virgin Islands, then consider making that your next vacation goal. A variety of yacht rental and/or vacation facilities are available that will provide you with a complete line of vessels from which to choose for your luxury excursion.

 

Yacht Chartering Services

 

+ Bareboats BVI – Located in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, this facility offers a comprehensive line of yachting models and services. Complete with Caribbean sailing charters, motor yacht vacations and crewed yachting holidays, there’s something for everyone – with every level of experience – at this premier yacht chartering establishment. They can be located online at www.bareboatsbvi.com.

 

+ Island Yacht Charters – Be the skipper of your own chartered yacht or rent a crewed charter when you choose a vacation package through this top-of-the-line Caribbean facility. Located in the Red Hook area of St. Thomas, these folks also offer land packages which include accommodations at Villa Nathalie – a two-bedroom villa on the island’s east end. For more information, visit their website at www.iyc.vi.

 

+ St. John’s Classic Motor Yacht – Complete with public cruises and private charters, this establishment – located in Cinnamon Bay – offers a variety of vacation and charter packages. Destinations include Virgin Gorda, Outer Cay and Norman Treasure Caves, and will personally customize your trip to accommodate up to 40 guests. Their luxurious yachts include amenities such as spacious salons, teak and mahogany construction, awnings, oversized sun decks, on-board heads and more. Visit their website at http://motoryachtcinnamonbay.com to check out their vessels and vacation options.

 

+ Destination BVI – This wonderful online travel facility allows you to charter a yacht, plan a vacation and virtually tour the surrounding areas that you may choose to sail by visiting www.destinationbvi.com. Both motor and luxury yacht charters are available to guests, as well as special holiday options that are available during designated times. Whether you prefer a sailing yacht, motor yacht or luxury crewed yacht, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Destination BVI.

 

+ VIP Yacht Charters – With more than a dozen models to choose from and a variety of locations throughout the 75 islands which comprise the Virgin Islands territory – including both the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands – VIP Yacht Charters offers comprehensive packages for vacationers who are looking for more than the run-of-the-mill boating excursion. Their website, www.vipyachts.com, includes fully linked pages that provide information on all aspects of your Caribbean vacation.

 

Amenities and Activities

 

For the most part, the basic types of activities and amenities that can be expected from a yacht chartering vacation are pretty much the same, regardless of which facility you choose for the planning of your excursion.

 

Although the particular attractions will vary from one destination to another, you can expect to enjoy excellent opportunities for fishing, water skiing, wind-surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking, in addition to other water-related sports. For those who prefer to soak up the sun at the water’s edge, there are plenty of beaches throughout the Virgin Islands, and most of the chartered yachts are equipped with spacious decks that are just right for getting a bit of sun without ever leaving your lodgings.

 

If you’re booking a crewed yacht charter, or taking a group tour with others on a luxury yacht, then the menu is often prepared in advance, offering a delectable assortment of foods that will appeal to just about everyone. In addition, most will offer custom dishes for those who wish to enjoy a special favorite, since the chefs that accompany such cruises are generally pleased to accommodate guests in such a manner. Other amenities include a wide variety of luxury items, specific to each model.

 

For a great sea-going vacation in the Virgin Islands territory, treat yourself to a chartered yacht, and enjoy the best of all possible worlds.

BVI Yacht Charters – The Only Way To See The British Virgin Islands

With BVI yacht charters you can choose to take a diving charter and learn to scuba dive in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. You can choose to take a yacht charter where you will learn to sail or even choose a luxury charter where you will have your own floating resort with amenities of all kinds at your fingertips. Flying to the British Virgin Islands is not expensive and when several couples book one of the BVI yacht charters it is only about the same as staying at an all-inclusive tropical resort. At the resort to keep your dog busy buy them some toys from DoggieToys.Deals

 

BVI diving is rated as one of the best diving experiences in the world. There are over sixty dive sites you can visit with one of the yacht charters. BVI charters will take you to many unexplored reefs or if you want you can dive in one of the National Parks, where there are buoys for yacht charters to use. With the many vertical walls and shipwrecks, by booking one of the BVI yacht charters specializing in diving you might just discover a sunken treasure ship.

 

The year round temperature in the BVI is suitable for swimming and diving all the time. The seas are calm and there are no currents to worry about when you book one of the BVI yacht charters. The dive sites are all located in sheltered coves and if you have sailing experience, you don’t have to hire a captain or a crew. You can enjoy bareboat sailing with your yacht charter. BVI charter companies have all types of yachts from bareboats to luxury yachts capable of carrying 8 or more passengers.

 

You can have the ultimate honeymoon with BVI yacht charters. With its quiet pristine beaches, you can be alone in paradise with fabulous accommodations and dining on board the yacht. With honeymoon yacht charters, BVI companies can plan to meet you on any of the islands, except St. Croix, if you decide that you want to spend a few nights at a hotel before you get on board the yacht. With crewed yacht charters, you will have the perfect honeymoon where you have a crew ready to wait on your hand and foot.

 

BVI yacht charters offer discounts for families looking for the perfect vacation. You can choose captain only yacht charters or one with a full crew. If you have young children, you might think that a yacht charter might be dangerous, but it is perfectly safe. The only thing you need to keep in mind when booking family yacht charters in the BVI is that the crew does not look after the children for you. You have to do this yourself. BVI yacht charters have all the information you need available online so you can browse the many charters and choose the one that best meets your needs.

Alaska Yacht Charters – See The Glaciers And Exciting Wildlife

Crewed Alaska yacht charters allow you to enjoy whale watching and the many other sights that Alaska has in store for you. With these yacht charters you can gaze in awe at majestic mountains that reach into the clouds and visit places that a cruise ship cannot enter. There are flexible itineraries to suit every individual taste so that you get to have the full experience that Alaska has to offer with a yacht charter. If you have sailing experience, you can handle the yacht yourself when you book one of the many Alaska yacht charters.

 

The abundance of wildlife that you can see with one of the Alaska yacht charters is astounding. Killer whales, black bears, mountain goats and the many species of birds that Alaska offers are just one of the reasons why an Alaska yacht charter is a popular vacation idea with so many people. If you are an avid fisherperson, then with yacht charters, Alaska will help your fishing dream to come true. The type of fish you catch depends on the time of year you book the yacht charter. From May to September, you can fish for different species of salmon, while halibut is present all through the year.

 

If you want to learn how to sail the waters of Alaska, you can take an educational Alaska yacht charter where you learn as you sail along. Then when you decide that Alaska yacht charters is the way you want to spend all of your vacations, you can save money by not having to hire a captain and crew. With bareboat yacht charters, Alaska has so much to offer that it will take several charters for you to see it all. You can be the captain of your own yacht when you have the proper qualifications and bring along your own food and supplies.

 

With Alaska yacht charters you can have your own private cruise to Alaska without having to share anything with strangers. This way you can have the run of the yacht and its spacious rooms and deck area. You don’t even need to bring your fishing rods with an Alaska yacht charter if you book one of the crewed yacht charters. Alaska is the perfect destination for any occasion, but honeymooning in Alaska is one vacation you will never forget. There are unnamed coves along the coastline of Alaska where you can see the majesty of the scenery in all its glory.

 

There are so many possibilities with Alaska yacht charters that it is difficult to list them all. Sightseeing and education are all rolled into one with this type of yacht charter as you get to see the sights up close that you saw in books and magazines. Dock in one of the small towns and explore the streets, stores and cafes. Take a helicopter trip to see polar bears in their natural habitat and to get a glimpse of the vast landscape. Once you book one of the Alaska yacht charters you will most definitely want to repeat the experience.

Hawaii Yacht Charters – Enjoy A Sailing Vacation In Paradise

Hawaii yacht charters allow you to sail around the most beautiful coastline in the world. Enjoy the balmy winds of the Hawaiian Islands and sunbathe on the deck of the yacht. Watch the surfers perform their feats of expertise on the huge waves from your berth at the dock. Along with the stunning landscape, you can also enjoy some of the most famous beaches in the world by booking one of the Hawaii yacht charters. This type of sailing vacation will be the vacation you have always fantasized about.

 

There are many coves and inlets you can visit during your yacht charter to Hawaii where you can be completely alone, The 3800 –foot cliffs on Moloka are the highest in the world and the Pelekunu Valley opens into a uninhabited valley. There are golden beaches in this area and if you wish you can moor your yacht offshore and row to shore in the dinghy. Hawaii Yacht Charters will also provide you with the opportunity to engage in spectacular diving experiences. With Hawaiian sailing vacations you can also enjoy the thrill of sliding down over 10 foot waves, something you won’t encounter on other tropical yacht charters.

 

Hawaiian sailing vacations are very fast – much faster than in the Caribbean. This is what makes Hawaii yacht charters so popular with those that have been sailing for years. You do have to have some knowledge of sailing the waters around Hawaii when before you take one of the bareboat charters. Tips to help you have a safe Hawaiian vacation with a yacht charter include such things as not taking a night trip on the water when the wings lay and avoiding going to the windward when the trades winds are up.

 

One of the advantages of booking one of the Hawaii yacht charters for the sailing vacation of your dreams is that there are no taxes in Hawaii. Therefore the cost you are quoted is what you pay. You don’t have to allow any extra money for Hawaiian sailing vacations. The director will find the perfect yacht to suit your needs. There are also many options you can have included, for an extra price of course, so that you have a truly customized Hawaiian vacation.

 

Some of the various Hawaii yacht charters that you can choose from include sunset dinner charters, event charters, activity charters and charters for formal occasions, such as weddings. You can choose a yacht that can only hold 6 passengers or choose one that can hold as many as 49. This larger yacht is a powered boat and it is crewed so that you can enjoy a private resort as you are sailing the islands of Hawaii. You can book your Hawaii yacht charters completely online without leaving the comfort of your home.

Kayaking Facts

Kayaking is the process by which a kayak will be used to move through rivers or lakes. The kayak is a small boat that must be powered by a human. It will have a deck which is covered, and it will also feature a cockpit that is covered as well. A special paddle is used to push it forward, and this boat was first invented by the Inuit and Aleut hunters in the colder regions of North America. A contemporary kayak can come in a wide variety of different styles, and kayaking is a sport which is enjoyed by many people. Research has indicated that the kayak has existed for at least 4,000 years.

 

Some kayaks can hold a maximum of three people, but they will commonly only seat one or two people. The person will sit in the cockpit facing forward, and the spray skirt will stop water from getting into the craft. While the Aleut or Inuit males would design kayaks to be used for hunting, some kayaks were specifically designed for women. Generally, a kayak will be about 17 fee long, and could be 22 inches wide and 7 inches deep. In the early models, the kayak could almost be compared to an additional layer of clothing. Kayaks are commonly used today by people who practice kayaking.

 

Kayaking is the process of paddling a kayak on water that is moving. While some people consider it to be a sport, others do it for mere recreation. There are multiple forms of kayaking, and the two most common are Sea kayaking and Whitewater kayaking. While traditional kayaks were made from wood and animal skins, most kayaks today are made from materials such as kevlar or fiberglass. Some people will challenge fast moving rivers by using a kayak to move through certain sections of a river. These trips may last a single day, or could last multiple days. Whitewater Racing is a professional competition in which racers will attempt to use kayaks to outrace each other.

 

The term creeking is used to describe kayaking in difficult rivers. People who practice creeking can expect to run into slides, waterfalls, and ledges. Slalom is another form of kayaking in which racers will try to get to the bottom of the specific part of a river. Not only must they move quickly, they must also move around gates, and these are poles that have been set up at certain points in the river. Most Slalom races will have over 20 gates on a single course, and they must be properly navigated. Playboating is another variation which places an emphasis on the artistic side of kayaking instead of the speed.

 

With this style, the participants will generally remain in one portion of the river, and will seek to move from one point to another. However, they will need to work against the power of the river in order to achieve this. Kayaking is a sport that is popular in places that have strong river. However, it can be dangerous, and some participants have died in the most difficult rivers.

Yacht Charter in the Northern Ionian Sea

No look at the Ionian would be complete withouth mention of Homer and the Odyssey. The Odyssey tells the storey of Odysseus and his travels and adventures throughout the Mediterranean in around 800BC. The Trojan War concluded when the Greeks sucseeded into bringing a wooden horse into the city of Troy. Greek soldiers were hidden inside and opened the city gates to the Greek army who sacked the city. Odysseus and the other Greeks could know return to their kingdoms across the sea. To say Odysseus’s journey was eventful is rather understating the matter.

 

On departing Troy in what is now north west Turkey he sails south through the Aegean Sea. On reaching the southern tip of Greece he is blown off course to the lotus eaters in what is thought to be Libya. The it’s on to Sicily where he runs into Cyclops. This one eyed giant eats two of the crew before they escape. More trouble in the Laestrygonians – Corsica or Sardinia. Here the fleet is attacked by giants hurling boulders and more of the crews are devoured. Theh survivors head east to Italy and the enchantress Circe. She entertains the sailors and then with a wave of her wand, turns them into swine. Odysseus is protected by the herb that the god Hermes has given him.

 

At some point in the journey reference is made to the pillars of Hercules. And this is supposed to be the Rock of Gibraltar and Jebel Musa in Morocco. These two mountains sit either side of the straights that are the enterance to the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. Now he must pass the Sirens whose sweet singing lures sailors to their deaths. Odysseus plugs fills the ears of his crew with wax and then lashes himself to the mast so he cannot steer the ship onto the waiting rocks. Passing through the straits between Sicily and mainland Italy they run into Charybdis, who swallows the sea in a whirlpool, then spits it up again. And Scylla who uses each of her six hands to reach down from her cliff and pluck a sailor from the deck and then promptly, yes you guessed, eats them.

 

More misfortune as they upset the god Zeus who sends a thunderbolt to destroy the ship. Only Odysseus survives, washed ashore on Malta, the home of the nymph Calypsos who detains him against his will. Zeus, the king of the gods, sends Hermes skimming over the waves on magic sandals with orders for Odysseus’s release. But when nearly home again another god, Posiedon, sends a storm to wreck his vessel and he is washed ashore on Corfu several days later. He falls asleep in an olive thicket and is woken to the sound of female laughter. This is the Princess Nausicaa come down to the riverside to wash her wedding dress. Odysseus approaches her and she agrees to help him try and finish his journey home. She introduces him to her father and when he has heard Odysseus’s story he orders him sped home to Ithaca.

 

Once home he finds the island full of suitors for his wife’s hand, after such a length of time Odysseus is believed dead. He and an ally fight and win a battle against overwhelming odds with a little help from the gods. And then Athena tells the contending parties to live together in peace down through the years to come.

 

Weather – The wind is consistent with conditions found throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. Little wind in the morning but from noon the wind freshens throughout the afternoon reaching perhaps 20 knots. The evening and night sees a return to calm cinditions. During the summer months it blows from the NW and from the SW for the remaining months.

 

The sailing area from the north

 

Corfu – . The island receives three times the average amount of rain for the area and as a consequence is a mass of green woodlands, wild pine-covered mountains, lakes and cultivated fields. It also has miles of sandy beaches. The island’s capital, Corfu Town is atractivly situated on a promontory on the east coast, dominated by the New Fortress. Visit Sidari to the north to swim in the Canal d’Amour, the legend has it that lovers will stay together for life. 16 km to the south of Corfu Town is the Villa of Achillion, built in Italian Renaissance style and situated at an altitude of 145 m. It has magnificent gardens and attractive panoramic views. Today it is a museum. 3 km further south is the charming fishing village of Benitses and the remains of a Roman villa. Climb to the summit of Mount Pantokrator where you will find an abandoned monastery dating from 1347. The hilltop also provides beautiful views

 

The main harbour is in Corfu town. Enter the Old Harbour from the eastern end of the breakwater. The entrance into the interior of the harbour is very narrow and a strong northwesterly makes entry difficult. Once inside there is excellent shelter in all weathers. Visitor’s berths are behind the windward mole, alongside, two and three deep. Anchoring is not advised, you will almost cetainly get gear tangled. Having berthed you are within walking distance of the town’s centre. Adjacent to the harbour you will find chandlers, machine shops, boat engine repair services and others for electrical and electronic gear. Corfu town unquestionably offers the best all-round facilities in the northern Ionian.

 

3 miles to the NW is Linin Gouvia, a large land locked bay. At it’s southern end is Gouvia marina which has become Corfu’s centre of yachting. It is home to a Venetian arsenal.The surrounding area has beeen given over to the package holiday and there are more pleasent places to spend time on a yachting holiday.

 

The north Corfu channel is the stretch of water between Corfu and Albania. Beware the reef just to the north of Agios Stefanos.

 

Agios Stefanos is a small inlet in the North Corfu Channel. No objection is normally made to anchoring here despite the presence of a nearby military post. Anchor in the middle of the bay in depths of 3 – 6m. The bottom is thick weed and mud which can be difficult to get through. Good shelter from the prevailing NW wind. There is a rough stone mole on the south side of the bay but this is usually taken by local boats. There are numerous tavernas around the shore. Some holiday villas have been built here but the bay retains a calm and a beauty well worth the stop for the night. Limited provisions can be obtained

 

Agni Bay is immediately south of Kalami in the north east of the island. It is open to the south and and east but offers good shelter from the prevailing NW wind.

There are three taverns, each with it’s own private jetty, where you may anchor preferably bow to. If you overnight here it is better to anchor at the northern or southern end of the bay to avoid the large waves created by the ferries that enter and leave during the night.

 

Paleokastritsa is on the east side of the Island it is an attractive tourist resort dominated by the Monastery of Panayia Theotokos wich perches on a high cliff. A 90 minute hours climb takes you to the ruins of Angelokastro Castle which dates from the 13th century. There are many sea caves in the locality that can be reached by tender or dinghy. It is not easy by day to distinguish the entrance to the bay when approaching from the northwest. However the monastery on the peak of the peninsula is conspicuous. The harbour is situated on the western side of the bay and protected by a quay running north south. Usually full of fishing caiques the only a few available berths are to be found near the head of the quay. Protection is good in all weathers excepting strong southerlies when waves crash over the break water and create a large swell in the harbour. The port has no water. Fuel can be delivered. There are bars, restaurants and a supermarket all within walking distance.

 

Petriti Village – To the north of the harbour is an old quarry which visible from a distance. There are shallows stretching south of the harbour along the bay and care is needed. Good protection from all weather in the harbour. Head for the new quay towards the land where depths are greater than 2 meters. If you moor hehind the breakwater be aware of the shallows nearby. The taverns ashore usually have fresh fish. There are shops at the village of Argyrades some three km away. Good beaches for swimming nearby

 

Paxos is 7 miles to the south of Corfu. It is a charming little island, covered with pine trees. It can be explored fully in a few days with a car or motorbike both of which can be rented locally. The architecture of the three main towns, Gaios, Laka, and Logos is typically Ionian with colourful two and three-story homes lining the streets. By contrast the rural landscape is filled with low stone houses surrounded by lush green gardens.

 

The emblem of Paxos is the trident. It is said that Poseidon, the god of the seas, wanted to create a beautiful, peaceful island apart from the other gods and men and intended to live there with his beloved Amfitriti. So he struck the southern part of Corfu hard and Paxos was formed. However he lost his trident striking the blow which was later found by Paxiots who made it their emblem.

 

Gaiosis the capital of Paxos. It is a charming port and spreads itself along the waterfront. Enter Gaios from a northerly direction passing two small islands, Panayia and St Nicholas Island. Soak up the atmosphere of this bustling capital in Gaios square. In it’s centre is the church of St Apostoli. Gaios harbour and the approaching inlet are very safe overnight moorings with security patrols on both land and water. There are several buildings worth visiting the castle of St Nicholas, the Monastery of Panayia, the Church of Agioi Apostoli and the early Christian church of Agia Marina. Take in the sunset at the Ostries. Ther are fine beaches at loni Gouli, Kamini and Kaki Lagada.

 

Port Gaios is the principal port of the island. You can moor right in the middle of the busy touristy scenery or choose aquieter berth further down the long quay. If you want a berth in July and August be here early in the afternoon. Excellent shelter in all weathers. Care should be taken when laying your anchor as passing ferries in the narrow channel may foul your chain.

 

Lakka, in the north of Paxos is set in a gorgeous horseshoe shaped bay and is flanked by high ground covered in cypres trees and olive groves. The bay which nearly landlocked is excellent for swimming and water sports. Holding is good. Some swell may occur dependent on the wind’s direction. There are some berths on the quay, limited to around 10 yachts. Fresh water from the local water truck.

 

Its tiny sister island, just to the south, Anti Paxos is surrounded with crystal clear waters lapping onto some lovely sandy beaches.