Having our stomachs full of what is probably the best pizza we ever had, and our minds assured that for the next 3-4 days the wind would be ideal for sailing northwest, we went to bed hopeful and ready for our next trip to…Menorca! Yes, after hours of discussion, analysis, counter-arguments, and research, we decided…
Tag: yachtlife
Magna Graecia
Methoni is an example of a great anchorage and I was sad to let it go. Alas, the wind changes, and the life of the sailor is bound to its whims. The forecast for the next 3 days looked promising to sail to Sicily, although we would take a rather longer route: we would first…
The land of Ks; Kythira, Kalamata and Koroni
Our first night sailing for the season was upon us. We had already agreed to both stay up the whole night instead of doing night shifts because of the short duration of the trip. I was equally excited and worried about this trip. Would the wind be OK? Would Elena sleep through the night? We…
Less is More
There is a complex of small islands and rocks, south-east of Naxos known as Lesser Cyclades or Small Cyclades. The main Lesser Cyclades are Ano Koufonisi, Kato Koufonisi, Irakleia, Schoinoussa, Donousa, and Keros. If you had ever been there, you would agree with the motto “Less is more”! The date is Saturday, the 10th of…
Home Sweet Home!
On October 19th, 2022, a day after we arrived at Oreoi, we released our lines and set sail to Skiathos. Skiathos belongs to Sporades and it’s a small, green, and vibrant island. First time I visited Skiathos I was 18 years old and I went with all my friends, (like a real adult) so it…
King’s Landing & Pool Bars
On 14th August we left the beautiful Saplunara bay, not unwillingly cause the swell did not guarantee us a good night’s sleep and headed to Dubrovnic, our last stop in Croatia. Dubrovnic is majestic. Yet another UNESCO heritage city, it’s surrounded by medieval walls, steep and narrow streets,, and sparkling waters. We managed to anchor…
Entering the Dalmatian coast
We left my beloved Rovinj on the morning of 9th July and set course to an anchorage known as Portic. We had a beautiful upwind sailing, with smooth seas and fast speed. However, during our sail we saw a forest fire near Pula and we started a discussion about fires in the summer in the…
Christmas Special Edition
Following the Dutch tradition, we had our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, aka 24th December. The plan was simple but ingenious, we would all cook of one or two dishes and we would gather at Ben.nl boat and eat and drink all together. Despite the awful morning, where Jelle and I watched a catamaran sinking…
Portimao: The Lotus-eating City
Portimao is a convenient stop for many yachts, as it is an ideal location to either enter the Med or cross the Atlantic towards Madeira or Canary islands. However, most of the people going there, despite having many grand sailing plans, tend to just stay in the beautiful marina, bedazzled by the good weather, fresh…
Libra: The refurbishing
Although Libra was in a very good state, despite her old age (19 years old!), there were several things which needed adjustment, repair or even change. That was expected. However, the amount of work and skills needed was not expected at all! Nobody could really prepare me or Jelle for the cost or effort which…