Month: January 2018

Depending on where you live you may currently be watching the snow outside your window, or be spending your days lounging in the heat. One thing is for sure, you’d probably rather be out on the sea. If you don’t have the time to take off for a few months but you’re dying to get away, here are some truly lustful destinations that make the most amazing sailing for weeklong trips. Even though you may prefer to get out onto your own boat, the weather may not always allow it, but how about flying to a new destination instead and renting a boat for the week? The Mediterranean is perfect for this! You’ll be able to take in completely different sights and have the fun challenge of getting to know a new sailboat. Week trips are perfect for when you just need a little getaway but don’t have time to pack for months at sea. You can take it pretty easy and focus on just enjoying being out in the water, and by sticking close to land you’ll be able to do day trips ashore and packing food and supplies won’t be such a big deal! Here are some of the most beautiful places you can sail all year round that are perfect for those week or two little getaways. Take in magic scenery; enjoy the sun, food, and wine, on deck and on shore.

Croatia

Croatia usually the first place you think of when you think about sailing in the Mediterranean, partly this could be because of their famed ‘Yacht Week’ Which happens once a year in summer, and partly because it is just so beautiful and the conditions are magic for cruising. Croatia sits in Eastern Europe along the Adriatic Sea. The Sea in Croatia’s territory is littered with over a thousand islands and only forty-eight of them are occupied, so you can see why it can make such fascinating sailing. It’s turquoise waters and still, seas make for wonderfully lazy days on deck.

Many tours and routes start at the harbor in Split, on the Dalmatian Coast. Split is a busy hub boasting a fun nightlife, bars and cafes and an interesting historic center as well as beautiful beaches. Often people can spend a week island hopping just on the small islands of Split. If it is nightlife you’re into then make sure you stay a night on or moored by, Hvar. There are some amazing walks that lead to even more spectacular views. This is often the first port of call when leaving Split. Sailing Croatia, as well as marveling in beauty and enjoying the nightlife is also a lesson in History, there are many ancient ruins to explore and cities rich in history and sailing the area you get much closer to the real natural wonders. Find secluded Anchorages and have bays all to yourself. The Adriatic coastline is perfect for family sailing and with only short distances between island it is definitely more of a holiday for those who wish to explore the land as well as the sea.

Italy

Across the Adriatic Sea lays the Eastern Coast of Italy. Trieste is another city, just above the Croatian boarder, known for its yachting. It holds one of the largest regattas in the world each year. This town is usually the starting point for sailors that want to take on the Slovenian Coast, and it’s a beautiful place to head to if a week in Croatia just wasn’t enough.

Still in the Adriatic Sea, you’ll find the Tremiti Isles. Crystal clear waters and white cliffs make up the unique landscape that you’ll want to explore. There are five Islands that make up the Tremiti Isles; San Dominio, which boast the only sandy beach in the group, and as a result is the most touristic. The advantages of being out on a sailboat is that you don’t need to be on a beach to enjoy a dip in the sea, just drop anchor and dive in! Then there is San Nicola, the most largely populated island. The other three, Capraia, Cretaccio and Pianosa are uninhabited mostly because of their hard vegetation and closeness to sea level; Pianosa can sometimes get completely covered by water. These islands however host bays that are perfect for quiet moorings and the alien landscapes will keep you transfixed.

Heading now to the Amalfi Coast within the Tyrrhenian Sea. Famous for its pastel colour fishing villages it sits at the base of some very dramatic cliffs on the Southwest Coast.You can start this voyage from the ports of Naples or Salerno and watch the line of houses and lemon trees and you sail past. Stop in at one of the many small towns and get yourself a seafood dinner, you won’t regret it.

While you are in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to sail from Naples over to Sardinia and Corsica. The Maddalena archipelago between Sardinia and Corsica is like another world entirely. Powerful winds will excite the sailor in you that has maybe not been quite so content in such peaceful waters. And the mysterious coves the dot the islands will make you feel like you’re one of the first explores here! With scores of islands in the archipelago, all with white sandy beaches, you’ll feel like you are in more of a tropical paradise rather than the Mediterranean. Head to Sardinia its self if you want to do a bit of mountainous hiking and enjoy the rich culture that is out on offer.

Right up to the top of Italy on its Western side lays the Italian Rivera and the ever-famous Cinque Terra. Another breathtaking stretch of coast, starting off in Genoa is perfect if you want to cruise around Cinque Terra or head over to the French Riviera. Genoa is Italy’s biggest seaport and an ancient maritime hub. If you stay within Italian waters, the Cinque Terra Coastline is a must. Sailing past colorful terraced houses perched on cliff tops is divine and there are plenty of places to anchor and head to shore to enjoy a day on the beach or a stroll up into the townships for a drink or gelato. You’ll find plenty of quaint restaurants where the pasta is fresh and plentiful.

Greece

Heading east again, it would be remiss of us not to put in a little plug for Greece. With thousands of islands that dot the Aegean and Ionian seas, you could spend years exploring just in the one area. Santorini, of course, is one of the highlights, we’ve all seen the postcards of the white and blue city emerging from the water, donkeys roaming like taxis and fishermen repairing their nets, and while of course this draws a huge number of tourists to it, they come for a reason, the place is breathtaking and so different to anything else you’ve seen. The city looks even more amazing from the water, so enjoy anchoring there for a while and watching life go by at a distance.

Mykonos is a party paradise for if you’re feeling youthful and want to stretch your legs by dancing. Long beaches and great food bring thousands here. If you’re wanting more of a quiet journey you can still enjoy sailing past, but you’ll probably hear music pumping from the shore!

Corfu is a must see, it’s mix of Venetian, British and French heritage give it an interesting style of architecture which is fun to explore. With a backdrop of cypress trees and olive groves, the rugged landscape is softened. A diverse place to sail around, Corfu offers plenty of beaches rich history and great fresh seafood for the foodies among you and it’s mostly peaceful waters are great for trips with the family or if you are new to sailing. If it’s a bit more wind you are after however, head north where things start to pick up and you’ll find yourself gliding.

Turkey

Not the first or even fifth place people think about when sailing in the Mediterranean is Turkey. Turkey is somewhat of a hidden gem and a great place to go if you’re looking for something a little further from the tourist crowds. In Turkey, you can get a mix of the lux westernized resort life and the truly simple Turkish living. Mediterranean Fjords can be found with transparent water, and why not rent a traditional Turkish style Gulet boat for your journey. A Gulet is a wooden vessel, generally with two masts that vary between 14 – 35 Meters. A sleek and beautiful old design, and a wonderful way to really get the feel of Turkey.

Fethiye, a small port city on the Southwestern coast, often referred to as the Turquoise Coast, is a popular starting place for sea voyages. A place truly full of ancient mystery and turquoise seas, it’s worth staying on last a few days there and exploring before heading out to sea.

The Lycian Cost in the Southwest makes up a large part of the Turkish Riviera. Sailing down it you will watch ancient maritime cities float past, call in at hidden pebbled coves and if there’s one thing you have to go ashore for it’s the Lycian Way hiking trail. The trail in full is twenty-nine days but you can hop on and off it at various places along the coast.

Bodrum is another gateway coastal town, originally a fishing village it has gained popularity and become somewhat of a seaside Gem tourists flock to. Come to shore here and experience the winding lanes and alleys that make this city so unique.

Sailing in Turkey is such a different experience and you’ll often come across a lot of sailors that are there for the adventure of it all. There are times cruising past the coastline where you’ll feel like an ancient explorer or pirate! Definitely a place to sail if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Head to the Mediterranean now!

So what are you waiting for, book a flight and head to the Mediterranean now! It’s maybe not the most challenging sailing but it’s perfect to take a relaxing trip with your partner and or kids. With so many places to stop in and day trips to do, you’ll have the best of both worlds and not have to spend months preparing. Do yourself and favor and get and out explore now!

It may not be every seafarer’s dream to set sail on a 64ft yacht, some prefer the simplicity and feel of a smaller vessel that gets them just that little bit more connected to the ocean around them. But the one thing most people do want is enough cabin storage space! If you have a smaller sailing boat you may get a little jealous when you see the spacious galleys of larger vessels and kitchens set up almost like that of a house. It can be a mission to constantly try and fit in all of the things you need for just a few days, let alone a few months on board. It’s a good feeling to have things easily accessible so you are not constantly trying to rummage around underneath beds and seats just to get that bag of rice for dinner. Stress no longer small boat owners! Here are a few ideas that will help you get creative when it comes to your cabin storage. Simple little tips and tricks that will have you wondering why you hadn’t already thought of that. Take a read below and see what you can implement into your cabin to make life on the seas just that little bit smoother.

Wall and Ceiling Space

There are only so many cupboards and spaces under seats and beds that you can stow your things, that’s why if you’re in a small vessel it’s a good idea to take advantage of your wall space to hold various thinner items that don’t protrude too much. And don’t forget your ceiling space. There are still things you can manage to fit that either sit flush along the ceiling or dangle down from the spaces where you don’t generally stand.

Elastic Webbing

This netting it amazing and has so many uses. Easy to install, it’s as simple as putting in four screws, and reasonably cheap, it’s the perfect storage solution for tight spaces and a great way to make sure your things are secured if you hit high seas. Here are a few examples of it’s uses.

Shoe Storage

When you want to head into shore or you’ve come down to sleep after a long day on the deck you’ll need somewhere easy to stow your shoes, on a ship it’s not as simple as just leaving them by the front door. You need somewhere out of the way but still accessible. That’s why using these elastic nets are perfect. You can screw them just inside your cabin entrance and they will be out of the way but so easy to find. Say goodbye to missing sandals. Using this netting will make sure you’ll never have to misplace a shoe again.  If you have reef or weatherproof shoes that may be damp you can consider putting on of these netting up on the outside of your cabin too so you don’t have to get the smell of damp through your cabin.

Elastic Cord

Another version of the webbing is the elastic cord. This is great because you can use it to fit the spaces you already have. By adding some easily screwable hoops you can look the webbing to side panels or even better, the ceiling, and make the most of every bit of space. Great for storing your charts and maps so they are out of the way but easy to grab. This elastic chord will keep things in place in the roughest seas.

Canvas Bags

Canvas bags are great because they are flexible and can be easily flattened out when you don’t need them or squeezed into tight spaces to create an extra bit of room.  Here are a few clever ways to use them.

Roof Space

Again we are making the most of our roof space. Hanging canvas bags from the ceiling can be a great place to store clothing and make it easily accessible. Because you can use hooks to dangle it down it means you can easily take it off and stow it away if you hit rougher seas. It’s a really nice and convenient way of being able to reach your clothes for those more cruisy journeys.

In the Cupboard

Cupboard space is always tight in a small vessel, but instead of trying to pile everything on top of each other so you end up with a landslide each time you open the door, try storing things in individual canvas bags. They will allow a little more space that draws as they are malleable and you can organize your things into groups and label them easily so you’ll know which bag you need to pull out to access what you’re looking for. They also have the extra feature of keeping things just a little more damp proof and protected if by any chance the cupboard door is flung open.

Fabric and Plastic storage racks

That nifty plastic shoe rack that entered our lives in the nineties has become somewhat of a legend for people who own small homes, campers or boats. So versatile, and easy to hang you can use them to store so many different things. There are a few variations of the old trusty plastic shoe rack now that back organization just that much easier.

Hanging bookshelf

Onboard you’ll have map books and manuals and hopefully some good works of fiction to help you relax on smooth sailing days. Storing them in draws can get messy and not to mention bulky. These fabulous hanging shelves are perfect to store your books in. Streamline to the wall they take up hardly any space and you won’t have to dig through mountains of books just to find the one you are looking for. Easy to attach they hold a fair amount while still looking neat and tidy.

 

Electronics Holder

With so many different devices we now have both for entertainment and navigation and safety there needs to be a simple solution to storing all those annoying chords that come with it and our smaller devices in a way that is orderly. Well, we’ve found the perfect solution. This hanging rack features pockets of different sizes that are made of clear plastic so you’ll know exactly what to grab, no labels or boxes within boxes needed. All laid out in front of you and so easy to stow your cords away without having to tie them all.

Kitchen Storage

Kitchen storage can be especially tricky on a small vessel. If you are out for months on end chances are you will be preparing more basic food, but it’s still nice to have a clear area with more space to jazz things up a little. From dish racks to food storage, bellow is where you’ll find the best tiny kitchen hacks going around.

Chopping board/drainer

We are in love with this nifty invention. Such a great way to save on space for both storage and while you are preparing your meals. The chopping board sits over the sink to provide you with some extra bench space (because we know there’s never enough of that on a boat!) While the strainer can be pushed flat or down as an easy way to drain veggies or pasta after cooking, or even for washing your salad in. The beauty of it is it drains straight into the sink and you don’t have to worry able storing a strainer separately. When you’re done just rine it off and push the strainer back in line with the board and you can stow it easily anywhere.

Foldable Dishrack

It’s not always easy to dry the dishes as you go, especially if you’re cooking on your own, and most dishracks take up a lot of space and are not that sturdy, things can often slip out with the motion of the sea underneath you. Introducing this amazing creation. Another foldable kitchen wonder. Because of its high sides, there is no worry about plates sliding out onto the floor if you hit a wave and it folds down to a small size that is easy to stow as soon as you’ve finished using it. A must for every vessel, big or small.

Plate Storage

On a ship you cant have plates stacked on top of each other that easily without them moving around constantly. An even hanging your cups from hooks will get annoying with them constantly banging together with rolling of the ocean. This rack can be mounted fairly easily on your sidewall and it a great way to store your cups, plates and even condiments in an accessible way. Simple to get out but tightly packed so they won’t rattle around, it’s also a pretty good looking little unit.

Cutlery Holders

This Idea blew our minds. So simple and an easy do it yourself project if you have a spare half hour. Sitting ticked away on the inside of a cupboard door you’re maximising space that’s for sure. Each utensil has its own pocket and again, won’t rattle around so much in open seas. Attachable by screws the same way the elastic netting is. it’s super easy to install and will keep everything nice and orderly.

Food Storage

On a smaller boat, you are not going to have a lot of bench space for fruit bowls or cupboard space to store all your food boxes. We’ve put together a few of the cleverest ways to stow food in a handy way that will minimise any chance of spillages and make the most of your small amount of space.

 

Hanging Cloth Baskets

These hanging baskets are the cheap and easy solution to fruit and veggie storage. The can fold away to practically nothing and can be stowed in a draw and then taken out when you call into port next and filled with all your fresh fruits and roots vegetables that don’t need to be refrigerated. Depp enough so that your food is not going to tumble out even if they start to swing, they loop onto a wooden rail so if you don’t already have one you may want to install one. ith a bit of doweling from your local hardware store and some hooks you can put on up in no time and then you’ll always have the great option to put up these bags. and the rail can also double for a tea towel airer!

Foldback Clip Hanger

This is a genius idea of ways to store those small packets of things. Seasonings, herbs or soup mixes. Just make a small rail inside your cupboard and attach some S hooks to it, then use foldback clips to seal packets once opened and hang them easily from the hooks. This saves on space and also makes it so much easier to find what you’re looking for.

 

Jars and containers

It does not pay to keep all of your dry foods in their original packaging. Often the carboard boxes are far bigger than the actual product amount. This is where getting clear glass jars or plastic containers really makes a difference. Not only does it seal for freshness but it will save on space and make it much easier to find what you’re looking for.

 

Basket Hanging Shelves

Sometimes in cabins, you have those awkward cupboard space that’s you don’t quite know what to do with. If you have a long cupboard without shelves it can often be a bit of a space waster as it’s impossible to neatly stow everything on top of each other. That’s why this having basket system is such a good idea. You can knock it up within an hour using some rope and baskets from a dollar store. This will provide you with some extra space to store fruits and veggies and is perfect for things like onions, garlic, and potatoes, keeping them out of the light and away from your other foods. And the best part is it’s easy to take down if you ever do need the long hanging space!

Bathroom Storage

Sailboats so-called bathroom is one of the smallest places on the ship. With no big mirrored medicine cabinets to store first aid or lotions and potions and no bench space for your daily moisturizer, cleanser, or sunscreen, how do you store everything, not in a bottomless toiletries bag? We have a few ideas for you.

Hanging Toiletries rack

Another take on the plastic shoe rack, this netted toiletries rack can hang off your shower curtain. Because it made with a fabric mesh the water won’t collect at the bottom of compartments and create slime. Easy to put all your soaps, shampoos and conditioners and even toothbrushes in. Again, because it has a seethrough design you won’t have to scavenge and search for what you are after.

 

Metal Clips

Another very clever design we have come across is this hook system. Metal hoops with clips attached that slide easily along a hand towel rack or shower curtail rail are handy for your lotions and sunscreens. And easy to unhook when a tube is empty. We love this idea because you don’t have to unhook anything just open the lid and squeeze out and everything stays right in its place with no mess!

Above Deck Storage

Now we know this post is mainly about getting things in order bellow deck, but we couldn’t resist slipping in this one last above deck storage hack. It’s the easy solution we’ve all been waiting for!

Tool Box Hack

A toolbox on a boat is essential, but finding a good place to store one where you can access the right tools quickly is another story. This is by far one of the best storage solutions we’ve seen. Creating a toolbox on the underneath of you hatch door!! You can firstly create this at home in the shed, just get a string piece of marine ply and measure it up to fit the inside of your chosen hatch. Then layout on the wood the essential tools you may need at quick notice.It can help to trace around them or stick them down with tape while you measure out how much elastic you will need and tack it into place. This can easily be done by yourself in less than a day and the finished product is a tidy toolbox that takes up next to no space and will save you still rooting around in your old chunky box trying to find what you need.

Think Creatively and get the most from your cabin space

With small sailing boat storage, it’s important to get as creative as you can. without creating clutter tries to think of every available space as a possible place for storage. Most of the solutions and ideas we have given you are cheap and easy to install. You don’t need to have fancy new appliances to create the space you need. With some creative thinking and a trip or two to your local hardware store, you’ll be able to create a cabin that is tidy, organized and accessible.