The Adventure Sailing Experience
For those of you who are not familiar with sailing, these FAQs should help give you a picture of what life on a sailboat is like. Our experienced sailors will know much of this already—but there's still plenty of other useful details for you too!
We can't count the number of times people have told us that this was their "best vacation ever", a "dream come true", it "totally surpassed expectations", and other such comments. BUT—sailing isn't for everyone—and maybe the reason why we get so many comments like this is that we are very down-to-earth in setting expectations. A sailing yacht is not a cruise ship; and if this type of vacation isn't going to suit you, it's better realised now—not in the middle of the Aegean with not a hairdryer nor ice cube in sight for miles! :) We hope these notes will help. . .
A: A good point! But—the fact is that 95% of the time, everyone on board gets on just great, and ends up really good friends. How come??
1) A very effective self-selection process! By definition, anyone who would choose an adventure vacation like this generally is an independent, flexible type, with a sociable spirit. In our experience, anyone who reads these notes and thinks "Wow, that sounds like a lot of fun!" usually turns out to be a pretty fun person themselves…
2) Just to be QUITE sure - not only do we have these very in-depth notes, but we also chat to all our potential sailors on email and/or on the phone before they book. We DO tell anyone who we don't think is really suited that they should reconsider. We're not doing anyone any favours by not being totally candid about this.
3) Then finally, we do our very best at playing "crew matchmaker"! We don't just pack you off and wave goodbye from the dock, crossing fingers that everyone gets on. We're out there on board with you! We know from many years experience exactly how important group dynamics are, so we don't put a group of young 20yr old partiers on board with, say, a 50yr old couple doing a romantic anniversary trip. Obviously, we can't make any guarantees you'll love all your crewmates, but our success rate is pretty amazingly high (ask our previous sailors !).
Q: So who does come on SeaScape
Sailing trips?
A: A huge variety of people! A wide age-range, from 18-73; though many tend to fall into the 30-to-late 40s bracket. Some very experienced sailors, some who'd literally never set foot on a sailboat before. Some folks come with a friend/partner; some travel solo. Some people have travelled/worked all over the world; some had to get their very first passport issued to join us! The common denominator is most definitely attitude—folks open to new experiences, able to wash their own underwear in buckets when no laundry facilities are available. . .people whose worlds do not stop revolving when no ice is within miles of their gin n' tonic (Promise we won't run out of the G&T's though).
A: On a sailboat, the most important age is that between-the-ears! One recent 73yr-old newbie sailor was helming in 25knots within a couple of days and having an absolute blast!
However— one important point that we DO need to make ( and of course, this doesn't apply just to age) —is that a good level of physical agility is essential. You need to be comfortable climbing over one boat to another to get to dock at times; in and out of inflatable dinghies; across a narrow gangplank from boat to shore, and so forth.
A: One of our former clients came up with a perfect description for sailing a few years ago; he said it's "Like camping on the water". OK, so a 50' yacht is very luxurious camping —but if this is the sort of outdoors experience that you enjoy—you'll love sailing. If your ideal vacation is being being served cocktails by the pool and being pampered in some floating Hilton— we're the wrong company for you.
A: If you've gotten seasick being eg, out on a boat for an afternoon—don't worry that this means you'll never make it as a sailor! It sometimes takes a day for the inner ear to adapt. For those who are still a tad susceptible, we have some great "magic pills" (they're legal, it's OK!)
If you are the type who gets motion sickness on everything: cars, planes, boats. . . bathtub. . . this is the time to wonder if a sailing vacation is for you. If you still really want to give it a go—consider coming early or late season, or to Turkey, where the winds/seas are lower.
Q: So how much sailing experience DO
I need?
A: None at all!! Lots of people turn up on our boats never having sailed in their lives before. If you want to learn about sailing, we are delighted to teach you! However—there's no obligation to pull on ropes if you don't want to; if you'd rather just hang out on deck and soak up the sun— that's fine too!
As for you experienced ol' salts out there —hey, pls don't think that because that our "shareboat" groups have a professional skipper on board means that you won't get to do much of the sailing. You are more than welcome to come and take as active a part as you like… our skippers will be quite happy to sit back and take a break for a change!
Q:Who are the skippers? Where do they come from and what are their qualifications?A: Our team is quite the international pot pourri - variously English, American, Australian & Dutch. A basic requirement for our skippers are formal yachtmaster qualifications (RYA, AYF, ASA); but more importantly, the prime requisite for all our team members is a gregarious, out-going nature... a love of sharing their passion for sailing with others... and a robust sense of humour!
Q: What is the usual group composition?
How many people are in each group? On each boat?
A: We offer three distinct options:
a) Join a shareboat group, in which we'll match you up with other singles/couples
Our shareboat groups vary a lot in their composition. Some will be primarily couples;
some will be more orientated to single travellers. Some will be high energy, very
active groups; some are more laid-back, relaxing, just plain hangin'
out and recovering from a hi-stress lifestyle back home. This is why we ask you to give
us some personal info on yourself; to help us make suggestions on which groups are
likely to work best for you.
b)
Skippered charter -
Bring your own group of friends.
The same inclusive, easy-going formula as our
shareboat trips - set your own itinerary, schedule (within logistical reason!).
The group rates do offer a significant saving on the individual rate.
c) Own group with full crew. For those who would prefer to have another crew member on board to help with the sailing , and do all the cooking/cleaning, etc - check out our "don't lift a finger" option.
Q. How many people in a group?
A: The maximum number of people per boat is 8. Often, (especially with our shareboat and singles groups) we'll have a couple of the boats sailing together - which is always a lot of social fun !
Q: You mention 'singles' groups: Do you run trips that are
specifically designed for 'singles'?
A:Yes - but let's make it clear that our singles groups are emphatically not a "dating scene"! (Though of course, we are always very happy to put another notch on the mast for successful onboard romances; to date, we have 4 marriages and multiple longterm relationships chalked up :>)
However - this is not the main aim. We just know that being a single around a bunch of couples can be "socially challenging". It's nice to know that you're not going to be a third wheel on your vacation - you'll have other single travellers with whom to share the adventure.
In general, our 'singles' groups tend to be fairly high energy, get-up-and-go sort of trips; the group dynamics are usually strong (and very fun!); people get to know each other real well, real fast. However—you don't have to be a 'single' to join one of these trips—if description fits your idea of a fun group but you're with a partner—c'mon along!!
A: We currently have 3 yachts in our "Adventure Sailing" program. They range from 49-55'. (More details)
They are all designed specifically with Mediterranean sailing conditions in mind; they're airy, spacious, built-for-comfort yachts. OK, so we're not going to win any America's Cups—as with all beamy cruising yachts, their windward performance is not the best in the world. But hey, do we care about an extra half a knot in the Greek isles??
They each have 4 double cabins, plus crew cabin(s); the f'ard ones covert to either bunk beds or double beds. Each cabin has an en suite head (bathroom). There's yet another shower on the aft swimming platform of each, so having to wait for a bathroom is hardly a problem!
Q: What are the sleeping arrangements?
A:Each yacht sleeps up to eight guests in four double cabins. The two aft cabins are double beds, the two f'ard cabins can be either single bunk beds or convert to double beds also.
In mid season, lots of people opt to sleep on deck too—a great feeling; completely clear and star-studded skies - no threat at all of being rained on halfway through the night!
Q:Is there a single supplement?
A: In general, we don't have a single supplement - most people are quite happy to share a cabin. However, for those who would really prefer a double cabin to themselves, we can sometimes offer this at 1.5 times the regular price.
A: But of course!! We might be out to downplay the facilities and tell you it's like "camping on the water"—but in fact, it's really quite civilised! In fact, many of our guests who are experienced sailors tell us they were surprised at how luxurious the boats are, compared to what they are used to sailing! So, yes there is indeed plenty of hot water, in each of the 4 showers/toilets. We also have two fridges on each boat, a stove w/oven, a great CD collection, novel library, snorkelling gear and all sorts of other toys.
A:As far as we're aware, we're still the only sailing company in this part of the world who offer a completely inclusive, everything-on-the-boat deal. We want everyone to feel totally at home on board; not have to worry about how much a beer costs, or whether it's kosher to have a gin n' tonic before lunch!
So, our skippers keep the boats well-stocked with supplies for breakfasts, lunches, drinks, fresh fruit, etc; and the bar is always open. However - as it would be at home - there's no white-shirted cocktail service! It's up to you on a help-yourself basis.
Q: So who does the cooking and keeps the boat in order??
A: There's not usually a great deal of cooking on board— dinners are ashore (see below), and an array of salads / cold plates are usually the preferred option during the day. Breakfasts are help-yourself-whenever-you-get-up; Greek yoghurt, honey n' fruit is one very popular choice! Lunches—everyone is expected to help out sometimes—chopping tomatoes for a salad, arranging a cheese platter, clearing up afterwards, etc.
Q: Dinners ashore— what should I budget for this?
A: Most nights we eat out—in Greece and Turkey, the taverna is an essential part of the whole experience. They are so much more than just a place to eat; they are the social hub of the community , rendezvous central for all gossip and socialising! Unlike the more usual western experience of the "move 'em in, move 'em out" mentality, once you occupy a table, it's yours for the evening, and into the wee small hours too, if you so desire! In fact, the problem is not having the check slapped on the table before you've even put down your fork; it's getting the waiter to come over and take your money. It's a totally laid-back atmosphere; bills are often tallied up on (paper) tablecloths, the drinks bill is figured out according to how many bottles are on the table!
Budget: The average cost for dinner is around 18-23 euros.That's a real feast of appetisers we often share around; main courses, local beer & wine. Go for the more expensive imported wines, and your bill will take a corresponding hike; light eaters and/or non-drinkers will be considerably less.
Q: What other costs should I expect?
A: Very few! That's our whole philosophy of "once you're on board, it's all covered!" The only other spending money you'll need is for land activities; eg if you decide to go rent scooters, jeeps, do some of the guided historic tours, etc. These costs are still all very reasonable, however.
Of course, if you decide to go hit the town and get into expensive cocktails, this will clock up a few extra $$s. Though all things are relative: you probably couldn't spend as much on a night on the town in Greece/Turkey as you could at home, no matter how hard you tried—so may as well make the most of it!
The other warning to issue is about those Turkish bazaars—highly dangerous to Those Born To Shop! In fact, even those who have professed a profound dislike for such activities have been caught creeping back to the boat with armfuls of goodies. Beware!! :)
A: Most nationalities do not require a visa for Greece. There is a visa needed for Turkey—which is mostly just a revenue collecting exercise! For most nationalities, these are issued on entry— no need to worry about applying beforehand. The amount they'll charge you varies according to what passport you hold; eg, US passports are $20 USD; Australian $20 AUD; UK is 10 pounds. Canadian passport holders used to pay nothing at all, but this past year (2005), were asked for $45 CAN. Ask us not why—we have no clue what the logic is!! (and it will all change again next year no doubt).
If you have a passport from other countries not mentioned above please check with your local embassy on the most recent visa requirements.
Q: Anything else I need to know?
A: That covers most of the initial questions that people ask—if you have others, please do give us a call or send email! We're always happy to chat . . .
