Med Sailing Adventures

Morning hike to Cleopatras Hammam, believed to have been a Roman Bath, possibly used by Cleopatra and Mac Anthony when they visited the region.
Location: Sarsala Koyu - Gulf of Fethiye

Wednesday morning, after breakfast at Adaia Restaurant, our flotilla set off with decent winds today as we made our way to the beautiful bay of Sarsala Koyu. This secluded gem, with its charming restaurant, welcomed us for dinner. In exchange for enjoying their delicious local food, we were able to use their dock and moorings, even though there’s usually no electricity— but they always help us out with fresh water! Turkish cuisine never disappoints, and the mezes were a highlight of the evening.

Thursday brought a different kind of adventure: no winds, perfect for exploration. After our morning skippers’ meeting, we left Sarsala Koyu and set a course for Tomb Bay. Anchoring with stern lines to the rocks, we planned a hike to the ancient tombs and a refreshing swim afterward. The hike was incredible, with breathtaking views.

Later, with Göcek Marina waiting for us and reservations in hand, we decided to turn the final leg of the day into a race. However, the winds had other plans! After some struggle, hoist the Iron Genny and headed to our final destination of the day.

THE BAHAMAS, THE PERFECT CURE FOR POST ELECTIONS PTSD -
https://mailchi.mp/95d3d4bcebe9/the-bahamas-the-perfect-cure-for-post-elections-ptsd
VOTE, BUT KEEP YOUR SERENITY IN THE BAHAMAS!

What do we love the most about a flotilla? It’s the joy of meeting happy people who share the same passion for sailing and a thirst for adventure. Seeing their smiles is what truly makes it all worthwhile!

🌞 Monday kicked off with beautiful sunshine and no wind! The perfect kind of day to do some swimming and exploring.

We motored sailed to Butterfly Valley, where we hiked to a small waterfall, after lunch time came the highlight of the week: a 7-boat raft-up at Gemiler Island! ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️This spot was incredible, with amazing Byzantine ruins scattered across the island, adding a touch of history to our adventure. 🏛️

The next morning, we woke up to a pleasant surprise—a little boat stopped by offering fresh pancakes! 🥞 Watching the preparation was so fun, and of course, we couldn’t resist indulging in them for breakfast. 😋

Afterward, we spent the morning exploring Gemiler Island and visiting the fascinating Byzantine ruins of St. Nicholas. What a historical gem!

In the afternoon, with nice winds up to 13 knots, we decided to play with the sails as we made our way to Kapi Köyü. The day wrapped up with a delicious meal at Adaia Restaurant, the perfect way to end an adventurous day. ⛵️🍽️

MEET US IN ANNAPOLIS! - https://mailchi.mp/3d4a7c8efeae/meet-us-in-annapolis-14554459

Come visit our booth in the Vacation Basin and learn all about our 2025 sailing flotillas. Special boat show discounts for our 2025 sailing trips!

Our Turkish sailing adventure is underway! 🌊⛵️ We departed Saturday afternoon from Marina ECE in Fethiye with 7 boats and 37 sailors ready to explore the Med. After completing our check-out and provisioning, we set sail toward our first stop: the serene beauty of Kapi Creek.

Our first night on the Med was nothing short of adventurous! 🌊⛵️ Four of our boats found dock space at Kapi Creek, while the rest of us were forced to get creative with mooring. The friendly locals were incredibly helpful in getting us settled. We ended the day with a fantastic meal at the only restaurant in this secluded little bay. A perfect start to our Turkish flotilla!

After a cozy night in Kapi Creek, we held our skippers meeting and set off for Karacaoren Restaurant, tucked away in a charming bay near Karacaoren Island. Some of us enjoyed the gentle winds, while others explored the coastline, discovering hidden beaches and sneaking in a swim.

Back in Fethiye, Turkiye, for our last flotilla of the year in the Med.

Full moon over Fethiye, Türkiye. Waiting for our ASA flotilla to start next Saturday.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that …
Vrboska 🇭🇷

Thank you for joining us this week and letting us share our passion for the sea with you all. Wishing you fair winds and unforgettable adventures ahead! ⛵️🇭🇷

Some pics of stunning Hvar. Between sunbathing, fortress climbing, and chasing down the best frou-frou drink, we’re basically local experts now. Proof we can navigate both the high seas and the cobblestones… with only minimal stumbling involved!

Miss you so much!!! .civito

A little bit of Vis. The weather finally turned around, we are back to clear skies 🥰

Vis. Nothing wrong if we need to stay put due to weather. 🥰

Sometimes, the best discoveries come when the weather forces us to seek refuge and secure mooring, leaving us no choice but to explore the land. It’s during these unexpected stops that we often stumble upon hidden gems—places we might never have visited otherwise, where spontaneous adventures unfold, and the unplanned becomes unforgettable.

It’s always great to see you, friends!! Your hospitality is unmatched! The food was absolutely delicious—thank you for such an unforgettable day at your beautiful vineyard!

Biserka Jerković Konoba Magić @ Denis

Sailing tips 🌊 ⛵️

Ready to explore the world of sailing? Here are some basic techniques to help you get started on your journey as a sailor. ⛵️🌅
1️⃣ Know Your Boat Before setting sail, familiarize yourself with the key parts. Understanding how these work is essential for smooth sailing.
2️⃣ Basic Maneuvers Learn to tack and gybe. These maneuvers are crucial for changing direction, making the most of the wind.
3️⃣ Read the Wind 🌬️ Knowing wind direction is critical. Use telltales or the movement of the waves to determine where it’s coming from and adjust accordingly.
4️⃣ Sail Trimming: Proper sail trimming ensures you catch the maximum wind. Adjust the tension to optimize speed and control of your boat.
5️⃣ Safety First ⛑️ Wear a life jacket and be aware of safety protocols on board. Being prepared is key to having a safe and enjoyable experience.

Time flies when you're having fun. We decided to take our crew pictures before departing Vrboska, capturing a final moment with everyone before setting sail for our last destination—Milna on the island of Brač. The winds were just right for a long broad reach, the sun sparkling on the sea, and everyone enjoying the ride.

But, as with all good adventures, there was a little twist. When we arrived in Milna, we found out the marina had mixed up our reservations—two of our boats didn’t have a spot! No problem, though. We got creative and ended up mooring Mediterranean style with our stern lines tied to the rocks.

That evening, we cooked on board, enjoying our last meal together under the stars. Just as we were settling in, a midnight storm decided to make an appearance. It was a wild night, but the storm passed, and by morning, all was calm again.

The next day, Friday, we made our way back to the marina to return the boats, with tired smiles and endless stories to tell. We’ll miss every single one of our crew members—they’ve made this week unforgettable. What a great week! Croatia never disappoints, and this trip was no exception.

MEET SPYROS, OUR MAN IN GREECE - https://mailchi.mp/a9b208993e6f/meet-spyros-our-man-in-greece

Leaving the ACI Marina Palmizana is always a bit challenging since the boats are packed like sardines. Thankfully, our departure went smoothly. Today’s destination is the charming town of Vrboska, known as 'Little Venice' for its picturesque canal and beautiful stone bridges.

Our students are really progressing in their sailing skills! We had another first successful med docking today, which was a big achievement.

On our way here, we stopped for lunch and a swim at one of the many lovely bays on the island of Hvar—though we unknowingly picked a spot next to a nudist beach, which added an extra twist to the day!

Dinner was an absolute treat. We savored a traditional Croatian peka some of us had octopus, others lamb, some others beef, and even chicken in a wonderfully rustic setting.

To top off the evening, we returned to the marina and indulged in some ice cream together—a sweet ending to a fantastic day on the water.

We left the port of Vis after taking care of a few essentials—topping off water tanks, stocking up on some provisions, some of us even grabbed breakfast at a local café by the shore.

Our first stop was the submarine base, just a short sail from Vis. After a bit more swimming, we set off for Palmizana, where we had a reservation at ACI Marina.

Along the way, the crew of Bellatrix anchored off St. Clement Island and went ashore for a feast at Dionis, a rustic restaurant known for its local, hearty dishes. Meanwhile, the crew of Tokaj opted for a quiet lunch onboard. The school boat took advantage of the calm conditions to practice Mediterranean mooring, tying stern lines to the rocks—a perfect opportunity for some hands-on training.

Once we arrived in Palmizana, we took water taxis over to Hvar. Before dinner, some of us hiked up to the fortress La Sp****la for breathtaking views over the town and islands. Others chose to relax in the main plaza, enjoying drinks and people-watching in the lively atmosphere.

When it came time for dinner, everyone went their own way to explore the countless restaurants Hvar has to offer. With its stunning Venetian architecture and vibrant atmosphere, it was the perfect end to a fun day.