Sailing

Just when you think you've seen it all, Mother Nature surprises you! Now and then, Mother Nature brings me to my knees, and shows me that while I may have seen a lot of her violence and her beauty in my lifetime, I haven’t seen it all! We dropped anchor in the tranquil embrace of Bahia San Lorenzo, a haven that grants access to the awe-inspiring Cave (Cueva de la Linea) nestled within the enchanting Haitises National Park. In the morning the bay unfolded its charm—a fusion reminiscent of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Ko Pi Pi in Thailand. Haitises National Park, a treasure trove of natural wonders, unveils its uniqueness through the symbiotic dance of mangroves, the rugged karst landscape, and the captivating islets. These islets are impressive: rocks 30-40m high, coming out of the sea and covered in lush vegetation and rice fields. Some scenes of Jurassic Park were recorded here in Los Haitises, and we can see why. It really is like a lost world. Navigating through a short dinghy trip beneath the sprawling canopy of big shady mangroves, we discovered that Los Haitises boasts the largest mangrove forests in the Caribbean. As our boat gracefully glided through secluded bays and islands, we were joined by a graceful entourage of frigate birds and pelicans, nature's companions accompanying our maritime odyssey. A brief walk of just 20 minutes led us to the doorstep of a hidden gem: Paraiso Cano Hondo, a sanctuary where the elements harmonize, offers a retreat into a magical world. This amazing eco-lodge is surrounded by many waterfalls, which are flowing right through the property, creating many natural swimming pools. You can cool down in these pools, enjoy the refreshing water, take stunning photos and find your private spot.  A truly magical place. Rice [...]

Last week we set our course across the mystical Mona Passage to SAMANA BAY (DOM REP). With 150 nautical miles ahead, (22 hours of sailing) the Mona Passage demands our full respect and attention. With anticipation, our sails catch the Caribbean breeze, guiding us to the Bay of Samana. The thrill of witnessing humpback whales in their natural habitat becomes the heartbeat of our adventure. Isla Mona, nestled proudly in Puerto Rico's embrace, unveils depths beyond a thousand meters, guarded by the notorious "Hourglass Shoal" near the Dominican Republic, warning of challenges like "Tide rips and heavy swells." Surprisingly, the undersea extension of the Dominican Republic's east coast, shaped like a horizontal hourglass, defies expectations. It reveals depths on both sides, marking the border between the Caribbean Sea and the vast North Atlantic. Night sailing brings a unique charm, but do you ever feel a hint of fear when navigating the open waters in the dark? Share your thoughts below! As sailors, our focus extends beyond navigating treacherous waters; it embraces the vibrant marine life. The Bay of Samana beckons, promising encounters with humpback whales. Every year, up to 2,000 of these gentle giants grace these waters, turning it into a breathtaking spectacle. Entering Samana Bay at sunrise, we were captivated by the beauty of the Dominican Republic and delighted to witness 8 whales dancing in the morning light. An enchanting start to a day filled with ocean wonders. Torsten after 20 hours Arrival Samaná Bay Docked at Puerto Bahia Marina in Samana Bay—where every boater's dream is met. From accommodating vessels up to 150 feet to full-service amenities, 2 Restaurants, wifi, mini-market, gym, and 2 infinity pools. A sailor's haven with the perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Highly recommend making this marina your port of call! From morning [...]

Located just to the west of the USVI and BVI, the islands of Vieques, Culebra, and Culebrita dominate the Spanish Virgin Islands cruising grounds. You’ll find all sorts of habitats including mangroves, rocky coastlines, vibrant coral, and gorgeous caribbean sandy beaches. Top highlights include hiking to the lighthouse on Culebrita, swimming, visiting the notorious target practice tanks on stunning Flamenco Beach (or Playa Flamenco) at Culebra, and witnessing the bioluminescence at Mosquito Bay. Lighthouse As we made our way around the east end of Culebra, the island of Culebrita came into view. We headed over to Culebrita, and we anchored Ambra in turquoise water near the Culebrita Lighthouse. Drone view The lighthouse is the only remaining Spanish-era structure in the Culebra archipelago. Construction of the lighthouse began on September 25, 1882, and was completed on February 25, 1886. The Spanish Crown built the lighthouse to help secure its claim over the main island of Culebra. We set off on a 15-minuted hike that afforded some amazing views. We spent a long while up at the lighthouse, and we got some beautiful photos. Savoring a serene dinner aboard Ambra as the Caribbean sun dips below the horizon. Under the moonlit sky, giant fishes gracefully dance around our boat, adding a touch of enchantment to our nautical journey. Join us, where waves tell tales of the past, and every shore promises tranquility. Back to boat life, where the gentle sway of our Swan 48 becomes the rhythm of our days. Embracing the serenity of living aboard, the sea becomes our home once again.

Enhance your brand's presence in the world of sailing! Today, we're going to set our course towards the fascinating world of influencer marketing and explore how it can benefit the sailing industry. So, hoist the sails and get ready for my deep dive into the advantages of influencer marketing. 1. Mass Reach: One of the most compelling advantages of influencer marketing is the massive audience reach it offers. Influencers typically boast a substantial following, which can be an invaluable channel to promote sailing-related products and services. Whether it's high-performance sailboats, innovative marine equipment, or sailing apparel, influencers can swiftly connect your brand with their extensive and engaged followers. 2. Relevance: The sailing community is all about authenticity, and influencer marketing thrives on just that. Followers genuinely choose to connect with influencers, making their product endorsements feel like a seamless addition to their personal preferences. When an influencer effectively promotes a sailing brand, it becomes an integral part of their followers' sailing world. 3. Trust: Building trust is a cornerstone of any successful brand, and influencers are no exception. These social media stars have invested time, effort, and dedication into crafting their own unique brand. Just like sailing brands strive to establish trust with their customers, influencers have earned the trust and loyalty of their followers. This trust can be seamlessly transferred to your sailing products or services when you partner with influencers. 4. Trendsetting: Influencers are trendsetters in their own right, and their followers look up to them as style and lifestyle icons. They influence not only the products their followers buy but also the experiences they seek. By partnering with influencers in the sailing industry, you can tap into their trendsetting abilities and present your brand as the epitome of what's in vogue on the open waters. 5. Clear [...]

Hallberg Rassy 43 Victoria Amorgos Greece 10 years living part time on board Dear Husband and Captain Torsten, I can hardly believe it's been ten years since that memorable day when you acquired your beloved sailing yacht, a Hallberg Rassy 43 named Victoria. It feels like just yesterday when we embarked on this incredible journey together. The adventures we've shared aboard Victoria are etched in my heart forever. Sailing from the serene Baltic Sea to the vibrant shores of Turkey was a dream come true. The memories of those azure waters, starlit nights, and the joyous laughter we shared on deck are treasures that time can never fade. Victoria, with her graceful lines and steadfast presence, became more than a vessel; she was our sanctuary and companion on the open sea. The countless sunsets we witnessed, the tranquil anchorages we discovered, and the warm hospitality we received in distant ports all became a part of our story. In 2019, we made the bittersweet decision to part with Victoria, selling her in Greece. While it was a difficult farewell to a faithful friend, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in our sailing adventures. Now, we find ourselves sailing our lovely Swan 48 named Ambra in the Caribbean. The turquoise waters and balmy breezes of this tropical paradise have brought a fresh dose of excitement and serenity to our lives. Ambra, like Victoria, has become our trusted companion in exploring the beauty of the world by sea. As I reflect on these past ten years, I am grateful for the journey we've taken, the vessels that have carried us, and the unwavering bond we share. Here's to another decade of thrilling voyages, tranquil moments, and new horizons, all aboard our beloved Ambra. May the wind always fill her sails, and [...]

Road Bay Anchorage and customs Covering 35 square miles, Anguilla may be small, but it certainly packs a beautiful punch. Over 33 flawless beaches stretch across its shores, offering access to some of the most serene beaches visitors are likely to see. Seriously, these beaches are so gorgeous, they may ruin other beaches for you. With so many lovely beaches on offer, it can be tough to choose which to visit first. Our list will help you decide where to start your next holiday! 1. Shoal Bay2. Rendezvous Bay3. Meads Bay4. Savannah Bay5. Sandy Ground Beach6. Barnes Bay7. Little Bay8. Cove Bay9. Captain’s Bay A truly exceptional beach hugs the shore of Anguilla's southwest coast. It, too, boasts the luminous turquoise water made famous in this region, and its soft, sugar-white sand is a welcome treat for toes everywhere. Called Rendezvous Bay Beach, this lovely strand is one you won't want to miss. Cap Juluca, Belmond Hotel Another northwestern gem, Meads Bay Beach is a wonderful spot to relax . This beach offers a wide expanse of sand so soft, it's actually challenging to walk on, but boy is it a comfy place for a nap. Locals always frequent the best places, and they choose this lovely beach time and again. Actually, Meads Bay Beach has a loyal fan base both on the island and across the world. Yes, the vibrant blue water helps entice visitors, but it's the serene locale that keeps them coming back to this beach in Anguilla. Cap Juluca, Belmond Hotel Luxury hotels like the Four Seasons have latched on to this beach's immense beauty, popping up between Barnes Bay Beach and this spectacular spot. The upside of their attention: well-kept shores, fine restaurants, and first-class spas. Four Seasons Anguilla was wonderful except for the fact [...]

Little me swimming 🏊‍♀️ Hello again dear Greta SY ForTuna We checked out of St Barths at Gustavia, but made our way for an overnight stop in a quiet bay on Ile Fourchue, an uninhabited and private island a few miles North West of St Barths. The tiny bay had a few mooring buoys and we were able to pick up a mooring close to the shore. We spent the day swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. Ile Fourchue has four rocky peaks in its “corners” and the views are insane. From each peak you can see St Barths, St Martin, Saba, St Eustatius , St Kitts, and Anguilla. We flew the drone and watched the sunset from the top together with our friends from SY WhenSailing and SY Kon-Tiki. Hike to the top We stopped overnight on the uninhabited island of Tintamarre, a lovely day anchorage but a very rolly mooring spot.... Ile Tintamarre We are sailing to Anguilla today to meet Kim ans Marie from SY North Star. They are currently snorkeling on Sandy Island, so let’s check out! Sandy Island A LITTLE DOSE OF CARIBBEAN HEAVEN: Sandy Island Sandy Island, 6 km away from the Anguilla Beach coast, has a beautiful stretch of beach, perfect for strolling. The island is also surrounded by a number of reefs.Anchoring is quite tricky. Only use the designated mooring area to drop anchor and dinghy to shore. Video Sandy Island Grab a rum punch or your snorkel gear and check out the reefs on the island's north and west sides. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 1

Shell Beach Our mooring, Gustavia St Barths will always be the place to be! For a small island, St. Barth feels like a much bigger place. Above the Caribbean’s turquoise waters, the hills rise asymmetrically and pitch toward one slope, much like an ocean wave. The towering palms, night-blooming cacti and decorative blooms of wild trumpets and frangipanis, make it hard to imagine that all of St. Barth was once an active volcano. 7 min walk from the Marina:Shell Beach Gustavia The population of St. Barth is approximately 9,000 people, most of whom are French expatriates or the descendants of the original French settlers. But St. Barth, which was discovered by Columbus in 1493 and named after his brother Bartolomeo, is more than just a French collective. The best mooring for Ambra After the first French colony failed 1648, the next 200 years saw many inhabitants: from the Knights of Malta to the British military to the Swedes, who stayed on the island for nearly a century. Today, sailors to St. Barth come to the island for three reasons: the beauty and the feel of France in the Caribbean. There are sixteen beaches in St Barths. From Shell beach with its infinite shells to Salines and Governor with its turquoise waters or Colombier only accessible on foot or by boat. Besides the modern shops selling French fashion, most of the architecture in Gustavia dates back to when the Swedes arrived in the late 1700s. Prada, Dolce Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermes—all the luxury brands are present in the small town of Gustavia… The Carnival of Saint Barts offers a costumed parade open to all in the streets of Gustavia. We had a blast yesterday ! St.Barth ~Anchoring and Mooring Balls: It is possible to anchor in the outer harbor, or [...]

Barbuda Princess Diana Beach Barbuda is a private oasis of pink- and white-sand beaches that’s known for being one of Princess Diana’s favorite destinations. But the peaceful Caribbean island was devastated in 2017 when Hurricane Irma hit! Exciting crossing to Barbuda! Crossing Antigua - Barbuda Once we cleared the protection of the reefs north of Antigua a big squall came through and the wind was very gusty. If you are 6nm away from Barbuda, you still can’t see it, it is a very flat island. It’s not easy to navigate through the shallow waters…. but look at the turquoise waters! No boats in sight, but we do see the AIS of 2 boats anchored on the SE tip under Spanish Point. It’s too late in the day for us to navigate across Gravenor Bay, we can only do that safely when the sun is up and we can see the reefs. Paradise So we aim to anchor next to Coco Point Lodge. We anchor close to the shore in 5m of turquoise water. There is a beautiful long white beach in front of us! The beach bar "Shack A Kai" is located on one of the best natural beaches in the world – Princess Diana Beach. Enoch prepares awesome lobster on his Beach-BBQ, with fresh coconut water, finshed with a shot of rum. "Shack A Kai" contact details: Whatsapp / call ahead on +1 (268) 714-6612 or +1 (268) 734-6618 or e mail to info@shack-a-kai.com There are not many weather-protected bays around Barbuda, except two on the south side, but in calm weather and prevailing tradewinds you can anchor safely and comfortably anywhere on the west side between the beach and the reefs, in excellent holding. Only in wintertime when a northerly descends, are you better off some other place. [...]

Sunday Sundowners at Shirley Hights Shirley Hights Party Shirley Heights is a high point that affords a superb view of English and Falmouth Harbours. The view is especially spectacular at sunset when all of English Harbour is all lit up. From 4pm until 10pm every Sunday, party until the sun goes down with drinks, barbecue and local bands playing Caribbean flavored music. This is the perfect crowd to meet all the crews ⛵️⛵️⛵️ Nelson Dockyard Marina Nelson’s Dockyard Marina is the only continuously working Georgian Era dockyard in the world. English Harbour is one of the most beautiful and safe natural anchorages in the Caribbean. Two hundred years of Royal Navy heritage…. Nelson‘s Dockyard is full of stories Nelson Dockyard The Nelson’s Dockyard Marina is probably the prettiest piece of living history in the Caribbean today. Once the base for the Royal Navy in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Dockyard is now a busy destination for Superyachts and Cruisers alike. Freemans Bay Freemans Bay beach at the entrance to English Harbour is definitely a must stop. Here are a couple of turtles local to the water here and a resident stingray. Rowing across the Atlantic! The arrival… This is a popular anchorage and the holding is generally good but can be a bit uncomfortable when the wind shifts to the south. Tuck in behind the reef if there is space. There is good snorkeling off the reef and the beach is great for lunch and sundowners. Be careful not to anchor in the fairway which is marked with channel buoys. The channel leads you into Nelson’s Dockyard Marina or further round into the sheltered Ordinance and Tank Bays. Jolly Harbour Jolly Harbour ⚓️ Jolly Harbour is an idyllic Caribbean racing and cruising destination for all yachtsmen. It features a nice [...]