TOP 5 REASONS WHY I LOVE LIVING ON A SAILBOAT

    

Living on a sailboat sure sounds romantic, with sunsets, wine, and platters full of grapes and cheese on the gently rolling stern. In reality, it’s often windy and cold, with spray from waves settling in a light mist over clothes and hair. 

Sailboats also take a lot of work, and it sure is good to have someone handy on board.

I thank my lucky stars that Torsten knows how to fix everything and anything, and I’m in charge of the meals. I call myself the “support staff” for this boat, and that’s just fine with me. There are some amazing reasons to live on a sailboat, and here are a few.

1) WE CAN CHANGE OUR BACKYARD…VERY EASILY.

Even on a Wednesday night, we can take our sailboat and go somewhere beautiful. I love sailing our way up Sicily to China Camp, as the sun sets in bright oranges and yellows over the horizon. When we get to our anchorage, it’s so peaceful. Even though we live in a big city, it’s a place to find a little quiet, and we feel like we could be a world away.

2) I LOVE LIVING IN A SMALL SPACE

It may seem strange, but I really like the intimacy of a small space. Anywhere on the boat, we can chat with each other, and it’s always nice to have the other person close by. I also love working in the kitchen and smelling the fresh breeze through the companionway. I always feel so connected to nature!

3) SAILING IS EXCITING

I love living on the boat because it means I can go sailing, a lot. Sailing is something I love so much. The boat moves slow, at tops ten miles per hour, but it feels like a speeding racehorse as it heels over under the power of the wind, cutting through the waves. When I’m steering the boat, I feel like I’m at the helm of a powerful beast. I love being out in nature and really experiencing what the wind can do to the boat.

4) THE POTENTIAL FOR TRAVEL IS ENDLESS

I like having options when it comes to life, and with sailboat living, I know that we could just pick up and decide to go anywhere. Malta this winter? What about Greece? Maybe Croatia next summer. It’s fun thinking about the places we could go. The only thing that stops us is hurricane season....

5) NO MORE HOTELS AND AIRBNBS

One big drag about traveling is the constant need to stop and search on your phone or computer for your next hotel or Airbnb. And who knows if the place will even be safe and clean? With boat living, we can take our tiny apartment anywhere, and always have our stuff, our books, our cookware, our stove.

While living on the boat is often great, it also doesn’t come without struggle. A lot of things break on a boat, so somebody on board better be handy. Repairs can be costly, and you always have to keep a very close eye on the weather! Sailing can be cold and miserable, so if you don’t like wind and spray in your face, dress warmly! But those things seem small compared with the beauty and joy of being on a boat.

Where to sail in Italy

Italy offers some of the best sailing grounds in the Mediterranean. The lack of natural harbours and the limited numbers of places in the man-made marinas can make it challenging to find a berth during the summer months.

The food is absolutely superb! However, with careful preparation, a few key words in Italian and a little patience and understanding, the rewards will be well worth it. The strength of the wind varies greatly depending on the location and time of year.

The islands of Sardinia and Sicily tend to enjoy more wind than the Bay of Naples and the Riviera!

***Where to Sail in Italy:

Sicily 

Sicily is an attractive cruising ground, particularly along the northern and eastern coasts. It has a number of well-established marinas although they can be very expensive in the summer months. There are anchorages at Cefalu  and either side of Palermo. At the western end, San Vito lo Capo also has a comfortable marina and anchorage, which can be very useful in a Maestrale. Off the western end of Sicily lie the Egadi Islands, which provide some spectacularly clear water and secure anchorages. The cities of Trapani and Marsala are attractive destinations, but further round to the south the facilities diminish somewhat. The eastern side of Sicily has some beautiful cities and interesting sailing destinations, in particular: Siracusa, Catania and Taormina are well worth a visit. The marina at Riposto provides ring-side seats for any firework shows that Mount Etna chooses to put on! A trip through the Straits of Messina is made more interesting by the presence of whirlpools at certain states of the tide!

The Tuscan Islands & Argentario. 

The islands of Capraia, Elba, Giglio  and Giannutri are all accessible to yachts and provide a number of attractive harbours and plenty of anchorages, some even secluded in bad weather. On the mainland south of Livorno, the harbours of Cala di Medici, Punta Ala, and on the Argentario promontory: Porto Santo Stefano, Porto Ercole and Cala Galera, are all relatively large and comfortable, and any one of them would provide a fabulous base for exploring the area.

The Bay of Naples. 

It is not hard to see the appeal of the Bay of Naples for sailors. On the northern end, the islands of Ischia and Procida are both very accommodating to yachtsmen with several well-equipped marinas and a number of beautiful anchorages suitable in settled weather. In the centre, the famous outline of mount Vesuvius dominates the skyline with a number of marinas lining the coastline around Naples, some more attractive than others! On the southern end, the Island of Capri lies serenely off the Sorrento peninsular. Its harbour is famously expensive, but there is an anchorage to the side of it and a number of spectacular bays suitable for anchoring in settled weather. To the north of the bay, yachts can visit the beautiful Pontine Islands and to the south, the Amalfi coast beckons.

Sardinia. 

The island of Sardinia offers some of the best sailing in the world and has safe harbours more or less evenly spaced around the whole coast. The east side is more protected, and offers some spectacular beaches with white sand and clear water. It is a very popular holiday destination and the ‘Costa Smerelda’, in the north-east of the island, is very much a playground for the rich and famous. Harbours like Porto Cervo will let you stay for next to nothing out of season, but come the summer, they would be charging you hundreds, if not thousands of euros per night – if they would let you in at all! The western side of Sardinia is more rugged and more open to the Maestrale (Mistral). When it blows, great care must be taken by small yachts as the seas build alarmingly and there are few safe harbours to run to. The Strait of  Bonifacio, between Sardinia and Corsica, is a scary place to be in a full Maestrale. Further down the western side, there are some delightful sailing areas between the Island of San Pietro and Capo Teulada, the southernmost point of Sardinia.

The Aeolian Islands. 

Named after the God of Wind, Aeolus, the Aeolian Islands have a reputation for enjoying a little too much of it! However, most of the time they are delightful and they provide some of the most secure anchorages available in the Tyrrhenian. There are eight in all, the last being little more than a rock, jutting out of the sea. Visitors can anchor off the island of Stromboli, who’s active volcano occasionally provides a spectacular light show. The neighbouring island of Vulcano also has an active volcano, and here visitors can enjoy hot springs in the bay and volcanic mud baths ashore. The islands of Lipari and Salina are larger and have attractive towns with well established marinas. On the mainland, the attractive harbour of Tropea makes a good stopping off point when on passage to or from the Aeolian Islands.

Check out for more information! 

www.worldcruisingonline.de

Could there really be a "wanderlust gene?"

Are some people genetically predisposed to travel? Science says maybe....However: My wanderlust gene is so powerful!!!

The word wanderlust is a borrowing from the German wanderlust, meaning "passion to wander," and first appeared in English early last century.

Kisses from Salò!

Italy’s largest body of water is the jewel of the Italian Lakes. Lake Garda’s shoreline is more than twice the length of the Amalfi Coast, and it’s still possible to find untouched towns and villages among the glossy resorts. 

Don't miss the beautiful Salò!

Salò islocated on the foot of the San Bartolomeo mountain, is the largest city on the western part of the lake. And its lakeside promenade is the lake’s longest. Don’t miss the Palazzo of the Magnifica Patria, built in 1524 and  rebuilt after the 1901 earthquake, and the Cathedral, which was commissioned in the 15th century.

Check out Bar Italia for drinks & La Darsena for Dinner & more..

www.ladarsena.biz

Riva Boats on Lake Garda

If you’ve ever been to Lake Garda you would almost certainly have seen and heard of the magnificent Riva boat. The first time you witness the spectacular sight of the beautifully crafted wooden boats,  your jaw will hit the floor; if at first you don’t see it, then the distinct thrum of the engine as it glides across the lake, is enough to turn any head. With their sensuous curves carved in mahogany, and sparkling chrome fittings you will fall almost immediately in love, whenever a Riva boat pulls in to shore the cameras come out.

Book Your Riva Boat Ride on Lake Garda!

Info@worldcruisingonline.de

Getting ready for Corsica & Sardegna...

What Should I Pack?

Minimising what you bring is essential when sailing. You know what they say: “Pack half the amount of clothes and double the amount of money.” While the latter half of this may not be possible, the former most certainly is. And you will seriously thank yourself for it. Not sure what to pack? Check out: The Ultimate Packing Checklist.

Keep in mind that you’ll probably be wearing the same outfit every day, which will essentially consist of shorts, a t-shirt, a swimsuit and flip-flops. But be sure to also bring the following items:

• Enclosed shoes – You’ll need something non-slip for walking around the boat and also a decent pair for exploring local towns, National Parks and enjoying outdoor activities.
• A hat – One that actually fits.
• A jumper – While days on the water will be beautifully warm, it can get quite cold during the evenings, so bring something to stay cosy in.
• One evening-wear outfit – It’s likely that you’ll be heading into at least one coastal town during your sailing trip, so bring something nice to get dressed up in.
• A towel – One for the beach and one for the showers!
• Toiletries.
• Your camera – But keep in mind that salt water will get everywhere. So make sure you bring a decent case or, even better, an underwater one!
• Chargers and adapters.
• Prescription medicine – Ensure your medicine is in its clearly marked original container to avoid any confusion when passing through customs, and always have enough on hand for a few extra days in case of travel delays or lost luggage.
• A small flashlight – You’ll thank us when it’s 12am and you’re crawling through a dark, crowded cabin trying to find your pyjamas.
• Some first aid items – Although most sailing vessels have a fully equipped first aid kit on board, make sure to bring a small pouch full of all the necessities, such as band aids, antibacterial cream, aspirin, seasickness remedies and a small can of bug spray
• Sunscreen and don’t forget to bring sunglasses and a tight-fitting hat!!!
• 
  
  

Sail....70% of the World is Water!

Today we find more women who sail either to cruise or race; sailing was mainly a male domain until this last decade.  Our motivations are varied, and we fall into many different categories.

Cruising woman with partners, coastal or blue water adventuring for different lengths of time; a lot of them living aboard and when not at sea most can be found at marinas working to fill up the kitty so they can head out again. 

There are times when the female party is a reluctant sailor doing it more so he can fulfill his dream.

What about You?

If you are thinking of taking up this life of adventure, .......... maybe you’ve met one of the thousands of single male yacht owners and would like to learn more about the cruising life style!

Learn from the experiences of women who sail!

We all have different stories. We come from every corner of the world. 

Be inspired by women who sail ....... the cruisers and the racers!  And if you’re inspired like I was, then the next step is you have to explore how you can learn to sail!  

We love "Slow cruising "! Den kleinen, wunderbaren Ableger der "slowfood" Bewegung...

Dem Alltag zu entkommen, das erhoffen sich viele vom Reisen. Sie steigen in ein Flugzeug, um so schnell wie möglich irgendwo anzukommen. Dort legen sie sich neben andere Touristen an den Strand oder haken ihre Listen von Sehenswürdigkeiten ab und wundern sich am Ende, wenn sie seltsam unbefriedigt zurückkehren.

Wir möchten unsere Zeit jenseits von Massentourismus und Top-Ten-Attraktionen verbringen. Langsam entlang der Küsten dieser Welt segeln.

Kleine verlassene Inseln anfahren und erkunden, an Deck unterm Sternenhimmel schlafen, schnorcheln, angeln, Delphine neben dem Boot beobachten, einsame Buchten mit kristallklarem Wasser für uns alleine genießen und einfach nur im Hier und Jetzt sein. Fernab der Touristenmassen!

Wir liefern uns dem Chaos der Natur aus und haben dabei die Erkenntnis gewonnen, dass die langsame Art des Reisens den ganzen Blick auf die Welt ändert. Vor allem geht es um die innere Haltung. Der Slow Traveller befolgt die Maximen: Keine "to do" list, lass die Top 10 Sehenswürdigkeiten weg, vermeide gute Hotels, heiße Spontanität und Improvisation willkommen. Das Abenteuer kommt dann ganz von allein. 

Wärest du nicht lieber auf einem lokalem Markt, auf dem du frisches regionales Obst kaufst, fast nur Einheimische triffst mit denen du dich austauschst und dann ganz in Ruhe, den kleinen Ort erkundest? Willkommen beim Slow Travel!

Anstatt soviel wie möglich zu sehen und zu unternehmen, geht es dem Slow Traveler darum, sich Zeit zu nehmen um Ort, Menschen, Essen und Kultur in Ruhe zu entdecken und fernab der zahlreichen Touristen Attraktionen die wirklich interessanten Geschichten zu erleben. 

Wer diese Art des Reisens interessant findet oder nun inspiriert wurde, kann es bei seiner nächsten Reise ja mal für sich ausprobieren. Coming soon: Slow cruising Tipps für Sardinien, Elba und Capri....

When you are sailing, there’s nothing more fun than connectingwithother travelers and sharing experiences.

Ab April 2017 segeln wir wieder neuen Zielen entgegen. Wir haben einen Lebensstil gefunden, der uns fasziniert und inspiriert und freuen uns diese Momente mit Euch zu teilen. Die Magie des Moments einzufangen ist nicht immer leicht..... aber es macht soviel Spaß!  Besondere Momente zu fotografieren braucht Geduld und Einfühlungsvermögen.

Wie kann ich es schaffen, mit meinen Bildern Geschichten zu erzählen und die Menschen zu inspirieren? 

Wir freuen uns schon jetzt auf das Frühjahr, wenn wir endlich von Barcelona über Südfrankreich nach Korsika und Sardinien segeln. Danach dann immer weiter über Capri und die Vulkaninseln eventuell sogar bis nach Sizilien ...

Wir lesen schon die ersten Küstenhandbücher und suchen nach schönen Ankerbuchten. Reisen ist eine Leidenschaft ohne Grenzen! 

 “The use of traveling is to regulate imagination with reality, and instead of thinking of how things may be, see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson

4500 nautical miles later....You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go, and see what happens!

Unser aufregendes Leben in 2 Welten. 

Von der Ostsee nach Barcelona!

Wir wussten es damals: Wenn wir uns  für dieses Schiff entscheiden, wird sich unser ganzes Leben ändern. Und zwar sofort!

Wir hatten schnell kapiert, dass es ab dem Schiffskauf vor allem darauf ankam, so schnell wie möglich loszukommen. Und jeder, den wir darauf ansprachen, versicherte uns, dass eine Yacht vor einer so großen Fahrt sowieso nie 100% fertig sei!

Also, einfach Leinen los. Erstes großes Ziel: Die Überführung unserer Victoria ins Mittelmeer.

Wer sich mit dem Gedanken trägt, seine Yacht für länger aus nördlichen Revieren ins Mittelmeer zu verlegen, der muss sich seine Version des Schiffstransportes aussuchen – zur Verfügung stehen ja mehrere Möglichkeiten. Für meinen Mann, dem Kapitän, gab es nur eine Variante: Außenrum!

Wer sich die Zeit nimmt und sich die Tour durch die anspruchsvollen Reviere Ostsee, Nordsee, Englischer Kanal, Biskaya, Atlantik und schließlich durch die Meerenge von Gibraltar bis nach Ibiza zutraut, erlebt sicherlich einen ganz außergewöhnlichen Törn und wird fürstlich belohnt mit Erlebnissen, die man sicherlich nie vergessen wird.

Wir verstehen unsere Reisen nicht als Aussteigen auf Zeit, wir haben einen Lebensstil gefunden, der uns fasziniert und inspiriert und werden, solange wir dazu Lust haben, auch weiter versuchen, unserer Liebe zur See und dem Reisen treu zu bleiben. Sicherlich nicht immer easy, mit Vollzeitjob und Familie, aber auf jeden Fall machbar!

Unsere Etappen von April bis September:

Portimao 

Lagos

Isla Culatra bei Faro

Barbate bei Cadiz 

Gibraltar 

Malaga 

San Josè/ Capo de Gata

Carthagena

Alicante 

Ibiza

Formentera 

Mallorca 

Cabrera

Barcelona 

Es war unbeschreiblich schön und wir können alle Segler nur ermutigen, einfach los zu segeln...

Wir kennen Typen, die seit 10 Jahren planen und wohl nie loskommen werden, weil sie alles bis ins kleinste Detail berechenbar machen wollen. 

Wir haben die Victoria unterwegs in Portugal, obwohl wir nicht vor Ort waren, mit Solarpanels, einem Bimini, einem Generator und diversen anderen Dingen ausrüsten lassen und haben ausschließlich sehr gute Erfahrungen gemacht. Es geht eben doch alles irgendwie...

Seit wir unterwegs sind, haben wir nur zwei Arten von Seglern kennen gelernt: Solche die ihren Traum leben und solche, die vom Leben träumen! Zu welcher Kategorie wollt Ihr gehören?“

The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.