Who has never dreamed of going on an excursion, in the footsteps of the heroes of ancient mythology while exploring the Aegean Sea and the Cretan region using their sailing boat? It is indeed possible thanks to our team of professional navigators. But before that, we will explain everything to you about this eco-responsible means of travel, a wonderful sport that is sailing.
What is sailing?
The sail is above all a piece of fabric designed with the idea of being able to move a vehicle, generally a boat thanks to the force of the wind. This piece can measure several meters. Some vintage ships had multiple sails (three-masted).
Nowadays, sailboats are generally smaller boats like sloops. Operation has been optimized so that one to two sails is enough to move around.
Sailing boats can have several functions. They are very well used as a means of transport (going on an exploration or excursion), sports equipment (racing boats) or work tool (transport of goods, fishing).
You can find our fleet of boats here
Why go sailing?
Whether it is for an expedition, for sporting competition or for boating and the love of the sea. There can be different reasons for sailing. This will allow you to reconnect with nature other than on dry land:
Feel like an adventurer
Whether it’s Mike Horn, Christopher Columbus or other explorers of all time. Sailing will allow you to go on an adventure, cross lakes, seas and why not the oceans. Get out of your comfort zone in town and conquer the great nautical spaces.
Become a master of the elements
Above all, sailing means being in communion with the elements. You sail on the water, and you move thanks to the wind. No fuel, no engine. You have no choice but to anticipate the tide, wind, weather and adjust accordingly. You can never decide for nature, you play with or against it. You will learn to develop your 5 senses and your instinct. Navigation is not an exact science. Have you ever tried to navigate following the stars like the world’s greatest explorers did?
A different and ecological means of transport
Sure, it will change you from your car, motorcycle or motor boat that you are used to riding. It’s not the same feeling, it’s not the same state of mind and it doesn’t throw fuel into the sea either. No risk of a breakdown, you’re sailing in the wind.
You rediscover nature
As explained above, sailing is to be in communion with nature because you move thanks to it, you respect it by avoiding polluting it. In addition to that, you will have the opportunity to explore beautiful places with your boat like coves and like the seabed. You share the same environment as dolphins, fish and aquatic flora.
Yachting
No need to necessarily do extreme activities. Sailing is also and above all a pleasure, why not invite your friends and family on your boat to enjoy a good meal or an aperitif. You can also join the Yacht Club or Marina Club of your port, get to know other enthusiasts and discuss the subject.
To travel
If you have the opportunity to have a large enough boat capable of covering great distances. Why not prepare a little adventure and go on a trip with your sail next summer?
You don’t have to book airline tickets and a hotel months in advance to find yourself queuing with thousands of other people at an airport in high season. Go where you want and when you want, you are the captain.
Why not go around the world if you feel like it. Provided you prepare with a qualified team like Sailing Crete.
Burn calories
If practiced diligently, sailing can be a physical and intense sport that requires a lot of energy. This allows you to clear your mind by playing a sport in an unusual setting far from the hubbub of the city. Sailing will also allow you to develop your initiative and your ability to make decisions quickly. It is therefore a physical and cerebral sport in which you must be ready to take up and overcome challenges. One day it can be sunny and sunny and the next day will be rainy, windy, forcing you to push your limits.
Sailing tips and tricks
Sailing is good, but if you want to optimize your navigation and have fun, have the right tools and sail like a pro, that’s better. Below is a compilation of our best tips we can give you if you want to set sail.
Practice in a quiet place to start
Sailing requires a minimum of knowledge and skills especially if you embark on windy places with difficult conditions. To avoid any accidents or problems en route. It is better to start your sailing practice in a place where the waters are calm, with little wind. A lake for example would be the perfect place.
Start with a small boat
This will allow you to learn the basics of handling but also to feel the sensations more easily since everything is more sensitive on a small boat at the slightest gale, at the slightest wave. You will not have to clutter up with as many cables and sails (One sail is enough to start) as on a large model. The smaller models are also easier to steer.
Always apply and respect the basic safety instructions
The faster you assimilate and respect the safety instructions, the faster you will be able to do the funniest things in this sport. For example, it is important to always inform the people around you that you are going out to sea, make sure to check before and after your trip at sea of all the equipment, the condition of the hull and safety equipment. Being able to swim is also a basic requirement, you should be able to swim in all weathers and have some stamina in case you have to swim away and stay in the water for an extended period of time.
Navigate prepared
Sailing requires a minimum of discipline, you should always be prepared for any eventuality. Here are some actions you can take. Before going to sea, check the weather forecast, will it be windy? How does the sea behave? Prepare some life jackets, a first aid package, food and clothing specific to any eventuality (warm clothing but also suitable for the weather, against rain, against the sun etc …), a flashlight and if you can a satellite phone.
Pay attention to the pole
The pole is the number one cause of injury in the practice of sailing. People on board the yacht should constantly keep an eye on it and be aware of where it is. Indeed, it may hit you and hit you on the head or even make you go overboard.
Do you know the vocabulary of sailing?
It is important to know the vocabulary of boating, it can save your life in extreme situations, on the high seas or if you are sailing on larger boats with other people. Already to be directly aware of what to do but also to avoid misunderstandings.
Practice Brings Confidence
Train as much as you can, that’s how you will have more confidence in your movements, your boat and your abilities. You will become an outstanding practitioner if you sail frequently. Train with licensed professionals and learn as much as possible from books and from other experienced practitioners.
Inspect your sails
To avoid any problems once you have left with your boat, inspect your sails regularly, before leaving and after returning home. If you see an anomaly, it’s best not to leave and do something directly to fix the equipment. This will prevent it from becoming unusable in a really important moment. You can ensure the longevity of your sail if you take care of it daily.
Maintain and trim your sails
The sails are put to the test by dint of practicing. As a result, they do not end up deforming which is likely to disturb you in order to stay the course, adjust your sails and manage power. We therefore recommend that when you happen to have them cross-checked. As soon as the fabric is still of good quality you can “refurbish” it in this way. It will also save you money instead of buying a new sail. Indeed, you will have the opportunity to make at least two cuts on the sail.
Be careful, whether it is to cut your sail or any repair on your boat, be sure to do the maintenance with a professional repairer. Sometimes we repair ourselves quickly while we are still at sea, but this must be temporary. Indeed, sailing with defective equipment can be dangerous.
Sailing in Crete and the Aegean Sea
The Aegean Sea is full of multitude of the most exotic islands. One of the largest, Crete is ideal for a sailing or catamaran excursion. There you will find wonderful fishing and diving spots, caves and underwater caves teeming with different species such as shrimp, moray eels, dolphins.
You can for example go to the Gulf of Chania. Take a cruise and visit the surrounding islands such as the neighboring island of Dia.
Going on an excursion with the crew of Sailing Crete will allow you to experience the pleasure of a nautical sport in an atypical and exotic setting.
In addition, Crete has many remote and wild corners where it is not possible to access by car. It’s the perfect opportunity to sail around the island.
There are also other wonderful places to visit such as Balos Lagoon, a small peninsula in the north of the island right next to Gramvousa Island also called Pirate Island.
What we offer you at Sailing Crete
First of all, allow us to introduce ourselves, we are a small event team offering excursions and marine activities on the island of Crete such as scuba diving but also excursions by boat, paddle, jet ski And much more. Since 1999 we have been collaborating with Eurodiving.
You can find our boats moored in the port of Heraklion. We are active all year round and primarily from April to November.
With a mild and pleasant Cretan climate all year round, we have a multitude of activities to offer you such as:
Sailing trips on the neighboring island of Dia (we have a fleet of 4 sailboats)
Motorboat and Bareboat rental
Fishing excursion
Navigation lessons
Diving course and certification
Bubble maker (diving for children)
And much more
Thank you for reading this article and visiting our website. We hope this article has given you maximum value that you can apply directly on your next sailing excursion. If you have any queries, comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly on our website or by email. It is with great pleasure that we will reply to you within 24 hours.
Thanks again and see you very soon
The Sailing Crete team