Where to go ... for an experienced yachtsman?

All comes with experience

If you decide that you are already experienced enough, then it's time to set new goals and take new heights! Going to a new level of difficulty in yachting is exciting and exciting. We have selected several options for directions that will test you as a captain, and your team - endurance, determination and fortitude.

We immediately warn you that the directions described below are clearly not suitable for exploring yachting. Even if you are a relatively experienced skipper, it is better to go on a cruise to these places in a team with another skipper who is already familiar with these waters. So you will not only be able to learn a lot of useful information, but will not be weighed down by the burden of responsibility that will fall on your shoulders. 

Beauty of Brittany

Brittany is widely known around the world for its mesmerizing scenery, cozy little towns, delicious cider and comparatively mild sailing conditions. Yes, indeed, the north of Brittany is an ideal choice for experienced and not so experienced yachtsmen. 

If you have already traveled far and wide to the north of Brittany, then go to its southern part. There you will definitely find adventure. Rocky coastline, underwater cliffs that are practically not mapped, strong currents, powerful tides - all this you will find in the south of the region.

There will be no easy and pleasant transitions, because southern Brittany is a real test. Sudden high and low tides will surprise lovers of measured Mediterranean cruises, and strong currents combined with winds will not let anyone get bored. 

However, not everything is so scary. In the southern part of Brittany there are sheltered bays that will give you the opportunity to take a breath. Among them are the bays of Quiberon and Morbihan. The nearby islands are a great starting point for adventures in Brittany.

If you somehow characterize the region, then the phrase is perfect moderately difficult. There is no longer the calmness and simplicity of some regions of the Mediterranean, but you will not encounter any incredible difficulties here either. The main thing is not to be condescending to safety precautions and weather forecasts, not to underestimate the power of nature.

Baltic Sea

The Baltic is actually a unique place. Beautiful landscapes are side by side with evil cold winds and big waves. Like Brittany, the Baltic is no match for the Mediterranean. Harsh conditions prevail here, which will test you, the crew and the boat for strength.

However, sailors who have been here once will forever remember the local waters. Someone will definitely fall in love with the Baltic and want to come back again and again, but someone will never come here again in their life. You can find out what type of sailors you belong to only by visiting here.

Despite the complexity of the Baltic Sea, the local maritime infrastructure is designed in such a way as to protect you and your crew as much as possible. A variety of signal buoys will warn you of danger, and the coast is full of quiet and safe marinas. However, do not forget about stranded, which is not uncommon in the Baltic Sea. One of the most interesting routes is Germany-Sweden-Denmark.

Vetra: Meltemi and Tramontana in Greece

Separately, we will go through the winds of the Mediterranean. Despite the large number of really pleasant and quiet places, the Mediterranean Sea can often throw surprises. In fact, the Mediterranean is a rather difficult region for sailing. The main danger is the temperature difference between the mountains in the north of the sea and the African desert in the south. Due to this difference, pressure drops occur with the subsequent appearance of strong winds. These winds can raise a good storm and then bring it down on the nearest port.

However, experienced sailors know how to use some winds correctly - for example, to get to their destination faster. Among such winds are Meltemi and Tramontana in Greece. They are often found in the Aegean. Both Meltemi and Tramontana blow from the north, and are often confused. An experienced skipper uses these winds to get south quickly.

However, Meltemi and Tramontana can easily cause problems. The Aegean Sea is small, and the winds cause waves on the water. You need to pay special attention to gusts of wind and to the difficult coastline. If you haven't found a well-protected anchorage, then after a day of serious sailing, a night of serious pitching awaits you - Meltemi will not give you rest. 

Winds: Mistral in France

If you want to tickle your nerves, then try sending it to Mistral. The mistral is a cold wind that can often be seen in the Bay of Biscay in winter and early spring. It blows across France into the Mediterranean. In some areas, its strength can reach up to 12 points on the Beaufort scale - up to 32 m / s or 120 km / h. It is also well felt in the Gulf of Lion near the Cote d'Azur. However, the farther, the weaker the wind becomes.

However, often the echoes of Mistral can be felt right off the western coast of Italy. Very experienced crews can afford to sail with a Mistral force of 4-6 on the Beaufort scale (20-40 km/h) and, moreover, turn the power of the wind to their advantage. So, from Marseille, the wind can carry you to Saint-Tropez, Corsica and even Sardinia without strong gusts. Some skippers even reach the Balearic Islands with the help of the Mistral. 

Vetra: Sirocco in Croatia

The Croatian Sirocco is a warm and humid wind that appears as far over the Sahara as it blows from south to southeast across the Mediterranean. The wind is best felt in the sea. Thanks to Scirocco, you can sail well near Croatia, but when it gets stronger, it will start to take the yacht ashore.

This can be the biggest problem when anchoring your boat. It is recommended to look for relatively sheltered marinas and anchorages.

Canary Islands

We have already mentioned it more than once in thematic collections. However, the fact remains that this is a great place to try an ocean cruise. The islands are located relatively close to each other, there are many protected bays and anchorages, the waters have been explored by yachtsmen and there are no white spots on the maps.

However, the fact that the area is well studied does not mean at all that walking here is easy and carefree. It is not for nothing that the Canary Islands are called the starting point of ocean adventures. Here you can experience all the joys and hardships of ocean yachting in demo mode.

Cape Verde

If the Canary Islands is a very popular entry point to ocean yachting, then Cape Verde for some reason does not have such popularity. However, this place is no worse, and sometimes better than the well-known Canaries. Many travelers refer to Cape Verde as a “splinter of the Caribbean” or “Caribbean that is untouched by tourism”.

The islands here are smaller than in the Canaries and you can meet tourists and yachtsmen here much less often. The distances between the islands in Cape Verde are longer, which gives a decent amount of room to maneuver while sailing. If you are an experienced yachtsman who is in the first place is the feeling and the desire to finally start conquering the oceans, then Cape Verde is a great choice.

Atlantic

Have you already conquered all the seas, known all the winds and the oceans are left in line? Then it's time to take the Atlantic by storm. This is a test for real experienced sea wolves. Many of them choose a direction from Europe or the Azores to Miami or through the Canaries and Cape Verde to the Caribbean.

It should be borne in mind that both routes involve a process of thorough preparation and a week of life on board. Crossing the ocean is not the easiest thing to do, so you should thoroughly weigh the pros and cons.

If you have already collected everything you need, and the team is mentally prepared, then it's time to choose the start time. Most of the skippers go on an entertaining trip from October to February. This time of year was chosen for a reason - during this period the probability of meeting a hurricane in the Caribbean is lower than usual. 

The transatlantic transition is a complex and multi-stage process that comes with unique challenges and high risks. Not all experienced sailors decide on such a voyage, but despite this, about 2,500 sailing yachts successfully cross the Atlantic every year. 

With the right level of preparation and experience, such a journey is within the power of everyone. By the way, we recently talked about the winds that can be found in the Atlantic. If you are inspired by the idea of crossing the ocean, then check it out - it will not be superfluous.

Caribbean sea

The Caribbean is a real dream for many yachtsmen. In the minds of yachtsmen, these are islands with clear and calm waters, sweet rum and the opportunity to truly relax. Occasionally, pink dreams can be destroyed by the fact of the presence of hurricanes, but what a trifle! 

In fact, the Caribbean is worth a visit for experienced skippers. These are difficult waters - primarily due to the lack of a full-fledged yachting infrastructure. 

Because of this, movement on the water is restricted and only allowed during the daytime. In addition, there are many rocks and coral reefs in the area that are not mapped. The locals mark them with wooden pegs, but it is extremely difficult to navigate them. 

It is in the Caribbean that you will almost always have a tank sailor involved - it is he who will ensure that the boat does not run into reefs or rocks. By the way, even despite these difficulties and the opportunity to walk only during the day, the Caribbean still gives an unforgettable and unique experience.

You get the opportunity to test yourself and the team without giant waves and gusts of wind. In the Caribbean, you will improve your skipping skills and vigilance. In addition, one cannot forget about the original culture of local residents, gastronomic tourism and much more.

What if?..

“What if I can’t or don’t want to send somewhere far away?” - such a question may arise from our readers. Well, the Canary Islands or the Caribbean can hardly be replaced by Turkey or the Ionian Sea, but we have a couple of tips.

If for one reason or another you do not have the opportunity to go to a more difficult region, then no one bothers to raise the level of your skipping skills in familiar places. 

To do this, you need quite a bit, namely, fantasy. So, do you want interesting sensations and some unusual experience? Embark on a crossing from Turkey to Croatia or from Croatia to the Côte d'Azur. Too long transition? Then from Greece to Croatia, but with a minimum number of stops. Or maybe you have enough strength to go this way without stopping at all?

Unlike the ocean, in the Mediterranean you can go ashore at almost any time. If your team is on its last legs in the ocean, you will have to heroically overcome. 

Maybe you want some peace and quiet? Then go for a week on a solo voyage along the coast with stops in remote bays. There are so many options and they are all limited only by your imagination!

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29.04.2023