Enthusiasts making their first steps as skilled sailors might find it challenging to prepare for the journey and get the most out of it. In this guide, we will take a deeper insight into one of the most crucial factors to guarantee your comfort and safety along the way — the choice of water area. Stay tuned for must-have decision-making criteria!
Security Matters
Let’s check the key takeaways of water area analysis to avoid any challenges and even life-threatening situations:
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Consider tourist-friendly regions. Not only will they help you navigate through the area, but they back up your relaxing cruise plan with low crime rates and the absence of piracy. According to statistics, the Peruvian waters and the Singapore Straits are among the top regions with the highest number of pirate attacks.
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Be ready for unforeseen circumstances and ensure help can be on the way — prefer routes without long transfers and staying close to the shore. That’s how you can cooperate with fellow yachtsmen and official services in the region.
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Analyze the target water area from different perspectives. It will be advantageous to combine online and offline sources of data. You can find additional details about the yacht charter services at Boatscribe and familiarize yourself with the region’s map with apps like Navionics Boating.
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Make sure you have your anchoring spot reserved. Don’t forget about backup planning to guarantee you have an alternative location for mooring during a high-season or emergency scenario.
Infrastructure for Yachting
Consider regions with exclusive yachting conditions for sailors. On the one hand, it is a crucial aspect of your safety and the ability to get assistance in solving issues during the trip. On the other hand, such sailing areas will promote your comfort — from cozy restaurants and supermarkets to pharmacies and showers at state-of-the-art yacht marinas.
At Boatscribe, the top countries and yachting locations with nice boat rental conditions for beginners and experienced sailors include:
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Turkey — Gocek, Fethiye, and Bodrum;
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Spain — Ibiza, Barcelona, and Mallorca;
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France — Saint Tropez and Monaco;
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Caribbean Islands — Cuba, St. Lucia, and Bahamas;
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Italy — Naples, Salerno, and Liguria and Toscana;
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Croatia — Zadar and Split;
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Greece — Corfu, Lavrion, and Athens.
Weather Conditions Consistency
Without a doubt, rapid and unexpected weather fluctuations, occurring multiple times a day, are a huge challenge even for seasoned yachtsmen. For a smooth sailing experience, consider regions with favorable seasonal patterns and without complex terrains or distinctive water features. For instance, the Mediterranean Sea is known for its unpredictable winds in southern France and Croatia — Mistral and Bora, correspondingly.
Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and avoid unnecessary risks. It is better to spend a day in a sheltered marina than to risk it all in a raging sea — not the best source of adrenaline to ever experience in real life.
In addition, it is a must to consider other water area challenges and stay on the safe side — don’t double the risks of unfavorable weather conditions if your path is a rugged and harsh coastline, as well as lengthy open sea passages between ports A and B in your route.
Clear Navigation
Don’t make things more challenging than they already are. Opt for water areas with simple and well-navigated routes on maps, where there are details signs to depict their stable depths, underwater rocky zones, and so on. One of the brightest samples is Fethiye in Turkey. Not only will such sailing destinations result in more relaxing experiences, but they are perfect for testing your skills and building your confidence as a yachtsman.
Please note that the maritime traffic, winds, and sea “behavior” vary a lot, depending on the target season. For example, June to September will be a great period for adventures in the Mediterranean waters.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your preparations define the quality of your experience in the sea. Follow this guide’s tips and avoid the scenario of being lost in the middle of nowhere without a backup plan.
