In the previous article, we talked about how first-time skippers can get their first full experience and what should be considered in voyage planning. This article is about the routes in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Spain and Greece, which are suitable for beginners.
Turkey for inexperienced skippers
Yachtsmen love this country for its beautiful sea and nature, calm atmosphere and friendly locals. Here you can always get help if necessary, that is why Turkey has become a true alma mater for many inexperienced skippers.
Turkey is very good for yachting because the sea here is remarkably clear and wind conditions are nice and predictable. You can monitor the wind in real time on live wind map. Here you have a chance to spend active and safe seaside holidays with your children. While sailing you can enjoy beautiful nature views, breathe wonderful piney air and explore the genuine history of the place by visiting the ruins of ancient cities.
How to get there
The Dalaman International Airport is the closest to the yacht resorts. It receives both regular and charter flights from a great number of countries.
Infrastructure
Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines are nicely developed for yachting holidays. Mugla is the most popular place for vacation. This province includes such famous yachting resorts as Fethiye, Gocek, Marmaris and Bodrum. Regattas are held here on a regular basis, there are several sailing schools, and here you can easily charter a yacht.
Besides fully-equipped modern marinas, Turkey offers a great range of wild coves and anchorages with restaurants, where any yachtsman is welcome and food is so toothsome so that you can barely leave a table afterward. It is enough to come for dinner with the whole crew to stay overnight in a nice sheltered place with all necessary conveniences. The passages along the coastline may be planned short, thus you will always have a place to shelter or spend the night.
Weather
May and October are the best months to have a yacht holiday in Turkey. The charter prices get lower, and the number of tourists considerably falls. September is an off-peak season; the sea is still warm, but the sweltering summer heat is already gone.
Routes
The routes may be different — a week and longer. For example, if you charter a yacht in Fethiye, Gecek or Marmaris, you can go for a trip to a welcoming town of Kas and visit the island of St. Nicholas (Gemiler) on the way, or you can choose the opposite direction and travel to the popular Marmaris resort, getting acquainted with a town of Bozukkale and its ancient fortress. And if you have enough time and desire, you can easily get to the Greek islands, for instance, Rhodes, Tilos or Symi.
Read next about four other countries in the guide to sailing routes in the Mediterranean Sea for inexperienced skippers in the Windy.app blog — leading pro weather forecast app for wind sports and outdoors.
Text: Alyona Shkarupeta, professional sailing writer from Turkey
Editor: Ivan Kuznetsov
Cover photo: Yusuf Evli / Unsplash
