Οκτ 13

A Glossary of Nautical Terms | A – Z

A-bracket

A metal triangular bracket supporting a propeller shaft beneath the hull, just ahead of the propeller.  The form usually is a V

A-Lee

On the opposite side from which the wind is coming. The helm is a-lee when it is put down to Leeward.

Abaft

Behind. A position abaft the mast like behind the mast. The opposite used to be afore, but today it is not used anymore. In collisions and other important occasions the word is commonly used in the phrase ‘Abaft the beam’.

To go about

To go about is to track the vessel through the wind. That is, to turn a sailing boat towards the wind, till the wind is dead ahead and to continue until the wind is on her other side.That done, she is about.

Accommodation

The habitable part of a boat. Do not confuse it with the accommodation ladder. The Accommodation ladder is over the ship’s side to help you come on board

Adrift

Refers to something that is drifting on the water, such as a boat whose mooring has broken.

Aground

When the boat is resting on the bottom in a place where she would otherwise be afloat. Resting in the boatyard she is Ashore

( Read more )

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Οκτ 06

Cold weather precautions

Although Greece is famous for its hot and sunny summer, Greek winter can be extremely cold.Therefore there are a few precautions to try and minimize the risk presented by some freezing conditions.

- Ensure that hot water, heating and drinking systems are drained down

- Ensure that engines, and any other water cooled machinery is well prepared for the winder days according the recommendations of the manufacturer

- For inland waterways yachts try to expel as much of the raw water from the cooling system as possible

- Ensure that upon re-launch all water systems are checked thoroughly for free flowing water and no leaks

We make sure that all the yachts of our yacht charter fleet are properly maintained in order for you to have the ultimate yachting and Greek Island experience through summer

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Σεπ 28

Autumn yacht maintenance

Winder Boat safekeeping

You‘ve got a wonderful summer with your boat. You crossed seas, you visited
virgin places, you met new friends and, to make a long story rather short, you
enjoyed revoltingly this summer!

Now you can go home with your conscience as clear as possible.

Oh, no! The summer may be over but your obligations as far as the boat is
concerned are not yet over. You cannot go home just like that. Now you
must see to it that you keep her in good health by maintaining the boat
yours, right?

Sail loft

The sailing gear must be removed, then washed down, then dried properly
and then and only then must be stored in a dry place, away from the rain,
dew, humid air, etc.

Boat maintenance

As a yacht owner you know well that the entire thing is a continuous fight
against all the elements.

Sun, sea and salt water constantly attacks your paint, gel coat, metal,
leather, vinyl and isinglass in a very harsh environment. You must understand
that regularly washing off salt with fresh water goes a long way towards
preventing unnecessary erosion, however preventative protection will not only
keep your yacht glistening, it will extend its life and reduce depreciation.

Boat repairs

You are the happy boat owner you but you are continuously well aware that
there is always something to fix! May be that the gel coat is a little chipped or
some scratching of the haul or something else.

Your boatyard personnel can give you all relevant information and assistance
for the purpose. You have a variety of experts to choose who can carry out
the job in the best way. Mind you to pick up not the cheaper but the one who
knows the job.

Boat equipment

Make a last check on the equipment of the boat. All electronic, electric and
other stuff must be checked one more time before the boatyard. During the
cold days of the winder even a small problem can be a large one!

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Ιουλ 05

Sailing the Greek Islands: The Island of Arki

Arki, one of the less advertised islands of Greece has some 40 inhabitants who live in the two settlements, Limani and Pano Horio.

The safe anchorage of the small port is at the end of a small bay with rocky entrance
The island is good for those seeking for unfrequented holidays, although in the last years has become a gathering base for yachts and other pleasure boats!

Around Arki there is a number of even smaller islets worth a visit, like Marathi, Tsouka, Makronissi etc.

Around the square of the village there are different taverns and small coffee shops offering a variety of local delicacies.
In the winter months there are only 50 people on the island who live from  fishing as well as farming and breading animals (mainly goats)
After only a 15′ walk, you’ll find yourself on top of the small hill with the oldest church of the island, to enjoy the magnificent view of the sea.
There is also the cave -still unexplored cave- full of interesting stalactites and stalagmites. Ask a local guy to take you there.

HISTORY

The ancient name of the island is Akritis and Narki.
Due to the dry soil and the small size, Arki never acquired a structured settlement.
The first settlers were Dorians and later the Ionians of Militos who made a small stronghold to control the passage.
The old Roman castle was destroyed by Julius Caesar by himself since he was a hostage there.

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Ιουν 07

Charter a Yacht in Greece and Sail Small Cyclades Islands

SMALL CYCLADES  - MIKRES KIKLADES

Between Naxos and Amorgos, several small islands with great history known as East Small Cyclades, are waiting to be discovered. Donoussa, Schinoussa,  Koufonissia, Iraklia, are the only ones populated, thus making Small Cyclades the perfect destination if you are a yacht owner or if you chose to charter a yacht from Eolia Yacht Club

The locals are friendly and hospitable and they are waiting to welcome you in their unique way. They will tell you stories from the past and they will show you ‘hidden’ beauties.

Small Cyclades have natural beauties that make them stand out among the rest of the Aegean islands. The numerous virgin beaches, where you can relax and swim in their crystal clear waters will fascinate you with their different shades of blue and turquoise. Delicious local dishes and tasty natural products, leaving you craving seafood that one can enjoy by the sea or at villages on the inland, next to picturesque white houses and small churches.

Today, the ports and bays of Small Cyclades are known all over the Aegean as the best resorts for sailing boats yachts and high-speed vessels, and it is no coincidence they have been the favorite hiding place of many a pirates.

DONOUSSA

Donoussa -the most isolated of them- is the northern island of Small Cyclades 10 miles north of Amorgos.

The island has only 163 inhabitants, on an area of 13.75 km², composed of mountains, hills, rocks and some bushes. The highest point is 363 metres (1,191 ft). Donousa has a small port at Stavros, its main settlement, having ferry routes to Naxos and Amorgos. Other small villages include Mersini and Kalotaritissa.

History

According to some versions, Ariadne fled to this island after Theseus had left her sleeping on Naxos.

Not many things are known about this island’s ancient history, except that it was probably inhabited as early as in the 10century BC, and that it was a place where the Romans sent their exiles after they conquered the Cyclades in the 2nd century BC.

Just like the other islands, it belonged to Venetian rulers from the 13th to the 16th century, when the Turks took over. Being such a tiny island, it was not very interesting for the invaders, so pirates took the opportunity and established a foothold here.

During World War II, a British warship was sunk here, and you can still discern it from Kedros beach.

Donoussa is a paradise on earth, ideal for those who are willing to pass their holidays far away from overcrowded islands.
There are some fish taverns with fresh fish and local specialties.
There are no hotels on the island but there are some nice hotel studios and rooms for your accommodation, if you travel there without your yacht.

It is impossible to imagine that on such a small piece of land there are so many beaches. Small or large, sandy or pebbly, well concealed or not, Donousa beaches undoubtedly capture the memory of the visitor.

SCHINOUSSA

The island has some 9 km and 250 inhabitants

In some old maps of the 18th century is referred as S.Quinoze possible name of a Vetetian governor.

Compared to other islands Schinoussa is blessed with a wide choice in sand beaches that are scattered all around the island. Altogether there are some 15 beaches, the best ones being Psili Amos, Tsigouri, Livadi, Aligaria, Lioliou and Almiros

Its harbor, which is one of three settlements on the island, beautiful Mersini was once an old pirate hideout. Today the sheltered, windless harbor is considered one of the best havens for anchoring smaller boats in the Aegean Sea. The other two settlements are Schinoussa or Chora (Hora) and Messaria.

The «Doric» beauty of the Cycladic landscape, where the marvelous beaches impress their prevailing serenity, the small quaint neighborhoods, the very good infrastructure for the islands visitors and the guileless hospitality of the locals, are the reasons that make the island a steady destination choice for those that dream of a unique escape away from civilization. And when we say away from civilization we mean it in every sense of the word, since Schinoussa has no banks, or fuel stations or busses or even taxis. So make sure you come to the island with your own vehicle although distances are small and most prefer walking. Whoever has a dirt bike will find it very useful since most beaches are accessible by dirt road.

Don’t omit celebrating with the locals in the local festivals of the island. It will be an unforgettable experience with Cycladic musical instruments and singers, good food and plenty of island «glendi» (fun).

Finally you can take a boat ride to Koufonisia which is only half an hour away from Schinoussa or to Heralkia, which you can reach by a leisurely swim, since it only takes 10 minutes.

KOUFONISSIA

Koufonisia is a cluster of two islands, Kato (Lower) and Ano (Upper) Koufonisi that belongs to the Small Cyclades. Located on the southeast side of Naxos and on the west side of Amorgos, Koufonisia also include the uninhabited island of Keros, a protected archaeological site with very important findings os ancient Cycladic art.
KATO (LOWER) KOUFONISI
It is located next to Pano Koufonisi, Shoinousa and Keros. It has an extent of 4, 3 sq.km. and it’s almost uninhabited, as there are only a few rural houses on it. The most characteristic sight of the island is the small church of Panaghia built on top of ancient ruins. In its small, graphic port there are tourist boats that take the tourists to the magic beaches of the island.

PANO KOUFONISI OR KOUFONISI
Pano Koufonisi is the smallest and most densely populated island of the Cyclades. It has an extent of 3,5sq.km and its population amounts to 366 residents. The main occupation of the locals is fishing, so you can have as much fish and seafood as you like!!

The tourists are welcomed by the white windmill on the east side of the port of island.

Chora, is a characteristic example of Cycladic architecture. The fantastic sandy beaches are part of the magic picture of the island. Koufonisi has been  developed the last ten years, so the natural beauty and its traditional color has remained intact. All these, along with the warm hospitality of the residents and the reasonable prices of the hotels, the rooms for rent and the food, make the island the perfect destination for the summer and -why not- winter holidays.

IRAKLIA

Heraklia is one of the Cyclades islands for relaxation. The lack of cosmopolitan life and the quiet streets of the island give a feeling of absolute peace to those who visit.

At the westernmost point of the Eastern Cyclades, Heraklia is so close to the island of Naxos, just 1 hour with your yacht.

The island has some 18.078 square kilometers. There are two main villages most visited by tourists, Panaghia and Aghios Georghios the port of the island.

The island had a significant growth from 3.200-1000 bC along with the Cycladic Civilization.

There were periods of time the island was abandoned because of the pirate’s raids

For the diving enthusiast, the island is ideal for exploring the bottom of the sea.

There are no cars, no gas station and no banks!!

During the summer months mostly all locals live deal with touristic

Enjoy the local food like the fava beans, the large variety of cheese and the famous honey, the delicious goat meat.

While there, ask to meet mister Stelios, a retired Admiral. You won’t regret it!!

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Μάι 18

Sailing Greece: The Island of Chalki

Sailing Greece - Chalki

The beautiful island of Halki, is located just a few miles from the island of Rhodes.

Chalki is the absolute island for those who have a dream for real vacations, away from noises, cars, pollution, stress etc.

Nimborio is the only village and port of the island. The people is warm, smiling and kind to tourists

Amphitheatrically built, the village is full of traditionally renovated mansions with two or three stores, which shows the wealth of the island in the past.

You can take a quiet walking holiday only to discover some 360 old small churches (one for every day of the year!)

Chalki history

Chalki got its name probably from the copper mines that existed in the old days. The first inhabitants, according to the Greek mythology, were the Titans. Then the Dorians followed and then the Phoenicians…

Aretanassa was the famous queen the island and she gave the name to one of the most beautiful beaches, Areta.

Finally, to make a long story short, Chalki was conquered by the Italians in 1912 and then incorporated with Greece along with the rest of the Dodecanese islands

Sailing Greece - Chalki

Holidays in Chalki

The life on Chalki is so simple without any rush! You can stay in the picturesque port enjoying your coffee or you can visit one of the nearby beaches. If you are a yacht owner or you chose to charter a yacht then you shouldn;t miss the chance to visit Pontamos and Areta.

Do not forget to pay a visit to the coffee shop of kyr Kostas, by the barber shop, and the Nouris tavern on the port!

Also, with a rented yacht you can visit Alimia, an islet that has one of the most physically protected gulfs, used for an arsenal during the Italian occupation

Don’t forget! There are no cars in Chalki! Only Yachts and Bicycles!

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Μάι 13

Sailing the Dodecanese Islands – Kalymnos Island

The Greek island of Kalymnos (Greek: Κάλυμνος) is an island in the southeastern Aegean Sea. This island is the third most populous island of the Dodecanese and is located between the islands of Kos and Leros.

History

Inhabited from pre – Minoan times, Kalymnos has a similar story with all the other islands of the Dodecanese.

After the death of Alexander the Great, one of his successors, the first Ptolemy of Egypt, came to power in all over Dodecanese

The Dodecanesians were the first Greeks who became Christians after the Apostles Paul and John visited the area to teach them the new religion.

From the 7th century those islands began to attract various conquerors because of their strategic position.

After the Knights of St. John of the 14th century, the Turks came in 1522 until 1912, when the island was occupied by the Italians, who (at the end of WWII) surrendered the islands to the British, until the 1947 where we have the final incorporation with Greece.

Today


This island is known as the home of sponge. Sponge diving has been called «the oldest profession» on the island.

Kalymnos is an island of rare natural beauty. It combines the charm of the mountain, the majestic scenery and wildlife banks full of herbs, with fine coastline and crystal waters.

In this beautiful island, you’ll enjoy some nice walks, you’ll swim at picturesque beaches with caves, and you‘ll discover places still «virgin», like the village of Vathi, hidden in a beautiful green valley.
Do not forget to visit sail with your boats the small islands of Pothia, Telendos and Pserimos. They say that the sunset of Telendos has the same majesty with that of Santorini!
Beaches
Many beaches here have this mystical and so inviting element that urges you to visit. There are so many but we’ll only but a few, like  Panormos, Mirties, or Kantouni. However as in most Greek Islands the best beaches are only approachable from sea by a boat. Therefore, don’t miss the chance to charter a yacht and discover the hidden treasures of Kalymnos

Historical sites

The visitor is astonished by the number of the historical sites and the various monuments on this island like:

Pothia Acropolis – The ruins of an ancient fort, built in the Hellenistic Period

Damos – Rich ancient settlement that reached its peak in the Hellenistic times, with ruins of a large bathhouse complex, paved roads, houses, workshops etc

Sanctuary of Delian Apollo (4th century b.C.) – This area was the most important place of worship of the ancient Kalymnos and functioned as a political and religious center.

Hagia Sophia Evangelistria – A stately temple destroyed by the earthquake 554 a. C. repaired and then abandoned in the 7th century. The excavations have not have revealed the entire church. There are remarkably colorful mosaics.

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Απρ 06

Sea Flags and Flags Etiquette

Today we pay not so much attention and respect to the various flags at sea, along with an infinite number of things and situations, but this is another case and we won’t let it bother us for the moment.

Flags at sea. A very important matter in the good old days.

The study of flags is the “Vexillology”. The word is a synthesis of the Latin vexillium, meaning «flag», and the Greek suffix -logy, meaning «study of».

Flags have been used by all kind of ships, since the beginning of shipping activities. On ships, flags are a symbol of honor, dignity, and ownership.

There are several rules and regulations attached with hoisting flags on ships.

Whenever possible, the proper place for a yacht to display the national colors is at the stern, except that when at sea, the flag may be flown from a gaff; when in a port the flag should be hoisted at 0800 hours and lowered at sunset.

Apart from the national flag there are many other types of flags -thoroughly described in another article here- for various navigational purposes. Indeed there are some rules and regulations governing these flags

Flag Etiquette at Sea

All vessels and yachts should display flags for mainly three reasons – to display the nationality of the ship, to display the status assigned to them because of the services they offer, and to provide courtesy in accordance with the international rules and regulations, no matter if you are a small leisure yacht or an ocean going cargo ship.

There are rules that govern the position or the height of the flags as well. For example, the ensign flag that marks the nationality of the ship should be flown above all the other flags and the pennant should be flown above all other flags.

A Hint

Do you want to baffle your fellows boat owners, showing them how high is your seamanship?

Hoist the above pennant the moment you leave your boat and lower it the moment you are back.

The pennant indicates when the captain is ashore or aboard!!

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Μαρ 22

Harbour and Yachting Etiquette in Greece

Let’s say you arrive at a harbor not so familiar to you and you see a number of boats anchored.

What you can do? Where do you anchor? How close to another boat? Should you use just both a bow anchor and bow-and-stern anchors?

Let’s assume you did solve the problem and finally you’re anchored. What actions you may take or what actions you should avoid?

All the questions are answered in the unwritten etiquette of harbors!

We’ll try to epitomize only but a few of the tips you may need while in a harbor.

In anchoring, the “first come”, “first served” rule, is applied. The first boat into harbor has the right to choose its anchoring location, according of course to the local restrictions, if any. Any other vessel arriving later is obliged to leave a way of departure of the first boat. In fact, this is the only rule of etiquette that has a legal priority, dictating that an earlier arrival has the right-of-way even though it’s at anchor. Boats arriving later must stay clear or they bear the responsibility for any damage.

Take into consideration the local wind changes, since it may become a problem if the boats swing in circles depending on the length of the anchor rode.

So be careful to consider what will happen if conditions change, after you’ve dropped the anchor next to another boat. Ask the skipper of the other boat how much scope has out, and if for example it is 100 feet then you better drop your hook at least 100 feet away.

The «first-come, first-served» rule also applies to the anchoring style and, if the first boat is lying to a single anchor, then all later boats should do the same. If the first boat has bow-and-stern hooks out, it sets the precedent for the anchorage. Don’t like it? Go somewhere else.

Do not anchor in any open space you think it is a good place. Move your boat carefully through the anchorage, to see how the others have anchored, how much scope they have in the water, and then make your decision on the right anchoring spot for you.

Read something also important too. If you’re looking for a peaceful and quit spot, do not anchor near a large yacht because large yachts are quite “noisy” during the night, mostly kids and air condition generators….

If, on the other hand, you’re the guy who causes all that nuisance you better find a spot away from the rest of the anchored yachts.

If your boat is already anchored, it’s good manners to help the later arrivals by giving advice of the anchoring spot on the weather or the harbor bed.

Whether you’re the first to arrive or the last doesn’t matter if you start to drag your anchor, because now you’re the burdened vessel in the eyes of the law and you must keep clear of all other boats. Everyone drags anchor at one time or another; it’s how you handle the situation that makes the difference. If letting out more scope doesn’t stop the dragging, the best thing you can do is to up anchor and move to a spot with a better bottom for the anchor to bite. Too many skippers delay the decision to move until they’re already banging into other boats, and perhaps causing those anchors to drag as well.

Once you’re settled at anchor, don’t stop being a good neighbor. If you plan to use your barbecue, don’t send clouds of smoke into the boats downwind. If you need to run your engine to charge the batteries, pick a time when it isn’t going to foul the anchorage with noise and fumes. And don’t impose your cellphone conversations on the entire anchorage, either.

Make sure that your music stays within the boat’s area and do not make the mistake of assuming that everybody is so eager to listen too

Want to socialize? Fine! Take a tour of the area and by saluting the others, you’ll know quickly if they’re interested and, if not, just keep cruising.

Finally keep in mind that the marine etiquette is quite simple and it’s all about been a good neighbor.

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Μαρ 18

Marine Radio Procedures – Yacht Communication

Routine communication

When you make a routine call to an other vessel, yacht or some coast station, keep the normal way of communicating. In making a normal call to another yacht or coast station the most important points to remember are:

  • You – (the other boat’s name)’ three times
  • You – ‘This is (your boat’s name) three times
  • You – “Over”
  • After answering, both go on a working frequency
  • after each transmission you say – ‘Over’
  • You finish the conversation by saying – ‘Out’.

Safety message

When you hear a message that is preceded by the word ‘SECURITE’, it is a warning, navigational, weather warnings and forecasts, always initiated by ship stations and shore stations.

Urgency message

An urgency message shows that the sender (a vessel or a station) has a very urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of a vessel-yacht, or the safety of a person. Urgency messages are sent on all distress frequencies and are identified by the words and sequence:

  • ‘PAN PAN’ three times
  • HELLO ALL STATIONS‘, three times
  • ‘THIS IS… (name of the vessel)’ three times
  • Urgency message’ once
  • OUT’.

Distress message

Distress messages are sent ONLY when a vessel or yacht is in grave or imminent danger. They take priority over all other calls, so if you hear anything that sounds even remotely like a distress message, you should suspend your own calls immediately and try to listen carefully.

In an emergency, the vessel in distress has full control over all other calls

  • You say – MAYDAY three times
  • You say – ‘THIS IS… (name of the vessel)’ three times
  • You say – ‘MAYDAY – THIS IS… (name of the vessel)’ once, state your position as accurately as you can and then make sure you describe the problem with the needed information. Then state the number of people on board and the time afloat.

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