Spring sailing in the Mediterranean
Sarah Cotgreave, UK Marketing Manager Sunsail, looks at what the Mediterranean offers sailors in the spring.
Spring has officially sprung in the Mediterranean. And, as we see temperatures starting to rise from the bougainvillea-blushed streets in the Cyclades to the golden-hued Moorish coastlines across Mallorca, you will soon find that the Mediterranean in springtime holds a certain allure for every kind of sailor.
The Mediterranean is a melting pot of culture, history and tantalising cuisine, coupled with excellent sailing conditions that are perfect for advanced sailors and beginners alike. Whether you are looking to enjoy the ultimate freedom to roam on a bareboat yacht charter, discover together with family and friends on flotilla or simply wish to kick back whilst an expert skipper guides you towards the best hidden gems, you are bound to encounter adventure at every turn.
But, before you hit the high seas, you could hone your skills around the iconic British shores of The Solent with, for example, Sunsail’s RYA-accredited instructors, offering a range of popular courses from Competent Crew to Yachtmaster. If Portsmouth’s convenience and tidal sailing do not tempt you, head to sunny Agana, Lefkas or Whitsunday, and rest assured you will come away with the nautical skills you need to flourish.
Greece
Whether it is the towering ancient ruins, warm afternoon winds or powdery white sand beaches that draw you in, island-hopping adventures in Greece are sure to leave a lasting impression. With temperatures hovering comfortably around 20 °C in the daytime, spring is the perfect time to sail, particularly if you would like to beat the summer crowds. And with more than 8,000 miles of Heptanese, Saronic and Cycladic coastlines to explore, no two sailing adventures are the same.
Undock from the Emerald Isle of Corfu and enjoy a leisurely cruise, ideal for beginners, towards the sleepy islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. Or, venture off from Sunsail’s sheltered base in Lefkas to marvel at the magnificent ruined Nikopolis. Experienced sailors are recommend to head to the Bay of Zea, in Athens. Once you have had your fill of souvlaki joints and cliff-side art galleries, get ready for wind-in-your-hair exhilaration as you ride meltemi winds across the Saronic gulf towards the scenic shores of Hydra.
If you are looking for sheltered harbours, with an irresistible mix of towering ancient ruins and some of the world’s most crystalline waters, then Greece is the destination for you.
Croatia
With more than 1,000 islands dotted across Croatia’s glittering archipelago, the Adriatic offers ideal sailing conditions for beginners and families. In springtime, why not take the opportunity to enjoy gentle coastal cruising and easy, line-of-sight island hops, from the mysterious blue grotto in Vis to the spectacular waterfall of Krka National Park.
Studded with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, choose to cast off from Sunsail’s Marina Agana base, or set sail from the Pearl of the Adriatic in Dubrovnik, and you will soon uncover a myriad of unspoilt coves, lush green pine forests and fortified walls steep in history.
The adventure starts here. Come and see for yourself!
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