Alex sailed with us in May for two weeks. He passed his Competent Crew and Day Skipper, doing a weekend theory course in between.
He sent me loads of photos today, all of which were great. It was hard to choose some to put up on the Blog but I chose these to give a flavour of sailing and life on board during an RYA course.
Click on an image to see it enlarged.
Posted in Crew Club, Sailing | No Comments »
This is a nice photo of Valentine taken last week. She sails beautifully and is very comfortable here in her home waters of Greece.
On board are the Ewing family from Oregan, USA. Sam and Catherine Ewing successfully completed a 9 day combined Day Skipper theory and practical course, while Rees and Spencer obtained their Competent Crew certificates.
On Thursday they were due to do their night sail and had a bit of extra adventure. Instructor Ian found that there was a problem with the gear box. So instead of stopping for lunch they continued sailing. Luckily the winds were good and they had no problem in sailing all the way from Spetses to Ormos Klima on the south of Aegina. They arrived at 11pm to anchor in the bay where I met them with pizzas, a few cold beers and colas.
Valentine is now having a rest while she waits for her new parts but will be back in action soon. Meanwhile we are using ‘SG’, another Atlantic 44.
Posted in Crew Club, Sailing | No Comments »
15 July - 1 place at half price. Just 425euro/290UKP sharing a cabin or 510euro/300UKP for single occupancy.
22 July - 2 places at 550euro/380UKP sharing or 660euro/455UKP for single occupancy.
Price includes all yacht expenses, 5 days tuition, 6 nights on board, RYA course book, linen & towels, food for breakfasts and lunches.
Contact us now to book your place!
Posted in Sailing | No Comments »
We have been recognised to run RYA Powerboat Level I and II courses from Aegina.
The first courses will be run at the end of July - dates and prices coming here soon but meanwhile please contact us for details.
Posted in Powerboating | No Comments »
Phew!
While the UK and other places have had torrential rain, we have had an amazingly hot week. Even on Aegina, which is a few degrees cooler than the mainland, temperatures have reached 42° - 43°. This is unheard of for June and is the hottest weather for 110 years.
At least eight people died of the heat in Athens and our neighbouring island of Poros suffered a bad fire yesterday afternoon. Many tourists were evacuated as smoke filled the air and black ash settled on the town. Luckily, no-one was hurt although several houses were destroyed.
The record-breaking weather made the news in Australia, where there is a large Greek population. One of our former students telephoned from Melbourne to check that we were okay.
The weather has not been too much of a problem for Anna and myself in an air-conditioned office, but we feel for the students (we have three boats out this week) who must have found it very hot and uncomfortable at night. We have a family from Oregan among our students this week - they will have been particularly aware of the heat.
I will report how they all got on when they arrive back in Aegina tomorrow.
Posted in Events and Stories, Life on Aegina | No Comments »
The RYA is providing translations of their practical certificates in a number of languages. This should help acceptance of the qualifications.
German, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian, and Croatian translations are already available on this page of the RYA website and others (including Greek) will be coming soon.
Posted in Powerboating, Sailing | No Comments »
These are our current last minute offers for bargain hunters.
5 days sailing in the sun, 6 nights on board.
1700 Sunday 1 July: 2 places available at half price. 425 euro/290 UK pounds per person sharing a double cabin, or 510euro / 350 UK pounds for single occupancy.
1700 Sunday 15 July: 2 places available at 550 euro / 380 UK pounds sharing a cabin or 660 euro / 455 UK pounds ofr single occupancy.
Courses finish by 1700 on the following Friday and you are welcome to stay on board for the final night.
The price includes all yacht expenses, RYA course book, linen & towels (please bring your own swimming towels), and food for breakfast and lunches.
It does not include flights, transfers, travel insurance, or evening meals.
Contact us now for more details or to book these places!
Posted in Sailing | No Comments »
We will be running RYA powerboat courses on Aegina from this summer. Our recent inspection went well and we have been recommended for recognition by the RYA.
This year we will be using ‘Tutti Bene’ for courses. She is a Lomac 520 with a 75HP Mercury engine. The name means ‘Quality of Life’ - what more is there to add?
Bookmark this blog and check back for progress on our recognition.
Posted in Powerboating | No Comments »
In honour of our visiting instructor I’m going to support Emirates Team New Zealand in the Americas Cup.
Having beaten Luna Rossa 5-0 for the Louis Vuitton Cup they now have to challenge Switzerland, the current holders.
It should be exciting racing.
You’ll find the official Americas Cup site here
Posted in Sailing | No Comments »
Among the recommendations of the MAIB report into the sinking of the yacht Ouzo, with the loss of her three crew, was that every yacht should carry a waterproof handheld VHF radio.
There are many occasions when it’s useful to have a waterproof radio that can be used in the cockpit and, in the event of being run down, as Ouzo was, it could prove a life-saver.
The Mainsail has carried out a review of five handhelds, which I have been reading as we will buy new sets for our yachts this year. You will find the review here and they have also asked for comments from owners of sets.
Posted in Powerboating, Sailing | No Comments »
