Do you sleep in port or at anchor?

It depends on the type of cruise. With the catamaran the tendency is to spend the nights in the harbor (at anchor). With other boats it can vary between roadstead, tourist port and municipal pier.

Where do you board from?

Departures are from the ports of Santa Maria di Leuca and Otranto for Greece, from Capo d'Orlando for the Aeolian Islands, from Lavagna for Corsica and Sardinia.

Is it necessary to have sailing experience?

To participate in a sailing cruise as a passenger it is not necessary to have sailing experience, but it is essential to follow the instructions of the skipper or captain.

What should I bring?

In a soft bag:

• Slippers or shoes with clean soles for the boat

• Pajamas (for those who use them)

• Costume

• Shorts

• T-shirts

• Tracksuit or sweater for the cold

• Down jacket or k-way

• Cap

• Sunscreen

• Beach towel

How should I dress?

Dress in layers: The weather can change quickly at sea. Bring waterproof clothing, breathable technical clothing, and sun protection.

Suitable shoes: Use non-slip shoes specifically designed for boating.

Can I participate in the navigation?

For sailing cruises only: An inexperienced person can do a lot on a sailing cruise, especially if they are willing to learn and participate in the maneuvers. Here are some activities and roles that can be performed by a beginner:

1. Observe and Learn

• Listen to instructions: The first step to actively participate is to listen carefully to the instructions of the skipper or captain.

• Observing other crew members: Watching how others perform maneuvers will help you better understand what to do.

2. Help with the lines

• Tightening the lines: During maneuvers such as raising or lowering the sails, you may be responsible for tightening the lines. It is a physically simple but important task.

• Arranging the lines: After the maneuvers, you need to arrange the lines in an orderly manner to avoid them becoming tangled. This can be a great task for a beginner.

3. Stay the Course

• Rudder Steering: With a little supervision, you may be asked to hold the rudder and keep the boat on a set course. This is a great way to develop sensitivity to the wind and the boat's reactions.

4. Monitor the Sails

• Check sail tension: You may be tasked with checking that the sails are well trimmed and reporting to the skipper if anything seems wrong.

• Adjusting the sails: Over time, you may learn to adjust the sails according to the direction of the wind, under the guidance of the experienced crew.

5. Assistance during turns and gybes

• Changing Sails: During tacks or gybes, you may help move the sails from side to side. This is a fundamental role in sailing maneuvers.

• Balance: Moving to the opposite side of the boat when maneuvering helps maintain the balance and stability of the boat.

6. Anchoring and Mooring

• Anchor handling: Helping to drop or weigh anchor is another activity that can be done under supervision.

• Mooring assistance: When entering or leaving the port, you may be called upon to manage mooring lines or position fenders.

7. General Support

• Safety check: Make sure everything is properly secured and that there are no objects that could fall or roll while sailing.

• Cleanliness and order: Keeping the boat tidy is a continuous and much appreciated task on board.

8. Participate in sailing maneuvers

• Hoisting and lowering the sails: Even a beginner can help raise or lower the sails by pulling on the lines and following the skipper's instructions.

9. Comunicazione

• Transmission of Commands: A good way to start is to be responsible for transmitting commands from the crew on deck to those at the helm or sails.

10. Learning Knots

• Practicing knots: Learning to tie basic knots, such as the cleat knot or figure eight knot, is a vital sailing skill. You can spend some time practicing with a rope.

• Asking and Showing Initiative: If you want to participate in the maneuvers, don't hesitate to ask what you can do or if there is anything you can learn. Showing initiative is always appreciated and will help you integrate better with the crew.

In summary, even without experience, there are many activities you can get involved in that will allow you to acquire useful skills and contribute to navigation.

What are the basic knots needed on a boat?

Learning basic knots is essential for anyone wanting to sail. On the "Knots" page you will find a list (with a brief description) of the fundamental knots useful on boats.

How to deal with or avoid seasickness?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that can affect anyone while sailing. Here are some tips on how to prepare and try to avoid it:

1. Before Departure

   - Adequate rest: Make sure you are well rested before leaving. Tiredness can increase the susceptibility to seasickness.

   - Light Food: Eat light meals before boarding. Avoid fatty, heavy or very spicy foods. Don't leave on an empty stomach, but also avoid overeating.

   - Hydration: Drink lots of water. Stay hydrated, but limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine, which can make symptoms worse.

2. During Navigation

   - Stay outdoors: Try to stay outside, in a well-ventilated area, and stare at the horizon. The movement of the water is less noticeable if you look at a still point.

   - Avoid Abrupt Movements: Try to avoid areas of the boat where movements are more pronounced, such as the bow or stern. The center of the boat tends to move less.

   - Posture and Position: If you feel seasickness coming on, lie down with your head well supported or sit with your back straight.

   - Breathe Deeply: Breathing slowly and deeply can help reduce symptoms.

3. Medicines and Remedies

   - Anti-nausea drugs: There are over-the-counter drugs, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine), which can prevent or relieve seasickness. They should be taken about an hour before departure.

   - Patches and Wristbands: Scopolamine patches, which are applied behind the ear, are an effective option. There are also bracelets that stimulate pressure points against nausea.

   - Ginger: Ginger is a natural remedy often used to prevent seasickness. It can be taken in the form of capsules, sweets, tea or biscuits.

4. What to Avoid

   - Reading or Watching Screens: Avoid reading books or looking at screens (such as your phone or tablet), as they can make motion sickness worse.

   - Staying Indoors: If possible, avoid staying for long periods in closed or poorly ventilated cabins.

   - Strong Odors: Avoid exposure to strong odors, such as gasoline or heavy food, which can trigger nausea.

5. If Seasickness Comes

   - Stay Calm: Try to stay calm and breathe slowly. Anxiety can make symptoms worse.

   - Stay Cool: If you feel sick, find a cool, outdoor place. Sometimes, a little fresh air can help you feel better.

By preparing in advance and following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of seasickness and enjoy your experience at sea.

How to take a shower?

Showering on a cabin sailboat (this paragraph applies to smaller boats) requires a bit of adjustment compared to showering at home. Here's how to do it:

1. Preparation:

   - Check that there is enough fresh water in the tank. Water on board is limited, so it is important to check tank levels before showering.

   - Turn on the water pump if necessary to ensure water pressure.

2. Shower:

   - Usually, bathrooms on sailboats are equipped with a hand shower with a flexible hose, which can be used inside the bathroom itself.

   - Some boats have a separate shower area; others require you to use the shower inside the toilet. Often the hand shower is integrated into the sink and can be pulled out to use as a shower.

   - It is good practice to use the "quick shower" mode. This means getting wet quickly, turning off the water to lather up, and then rinsing off just as quickly.

3. Water saving:

   - It is essential to use water sparingly. Normally, we use the technique of "turning off" the water during soaping and turning it back on only for the final rinse.

4. Waste management:

   - In boats, waste water (grey water) is generally collected in a bilge or discharged directly overboard (if permitted).

   - Use only natural, non-polluting soaps

   - Make sure the drainage system is active and that the bilge is not full before taking a shower.

5. Cleaning:

   - After a shower, it is a good habit to clean the bathroom to avoid the accumulation of humidity and mold. Many bathrooms have a drainage system for excess water, but it is still helpful to dry the surfaces.

6. External use:

   - If the boat is equipped with an external shower, consider a quick shower on the deck, especially after a swim in the sea. This way, you save water in the main tank.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to shower efficiently even on a cabin sailboat.