Articles by ken jones on ArticleSnatch.com

Yacht Charter in Greece

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:47:21 -0400

An Aegean yacht charter presents slightly more challenging conditions weather wise on your sailing holiday with the infamous Meltemi blowing through the summer season but most navigation is by line of sight and in the main provides for a perfectly relaxing yacht charter. The Ionian Sea lies to the west of the mainland of Greece, it combines both good sailing weather, sunny and warm with predictable winds with a fascinating group of islands. Navigation is generally by line of sight and a passage between islands is generally only a few hours in duration The islands are attractive and steeped in Greek mythology. This is a great place for people learning to sail or building experience and so it is no surprise that it is home to several companies running flotilla sailing holidays. Islands that can be visited include; Corfu, Paxos, Levkas, Meganisi, Ithaca, Cephalonia and Zakinthos. More information about yacht charter in the Ionian Sea can be found here. The Aegean Sea lies to the south and east of mainland Greece and can be divided into the following areas; **End Summary** Topics: greece]]> ionian]]> corfu]]> aegean]]> sporades]]> cyclade]]> dodecanese]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide . Follow this link for more info on Greece Yacht Charters . See our Cruising Guide for Greece Marinas

Canary Islands Yacht Charter

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:41:59 -0400

The Canary Islands' name is probably came from the Latin term Insula Canaria, meaning Island of the Dogs. It is thought that a dense population of fierce dogs, like the Presa Canario, inhabited the island of Gran Canaria during Roman times. Prior to European colonisation peoples similar to the Berbers of North Africa populated the islands. They came to be known collectively as the Guanches, although Guanches was originally the name for the indigenous inhabitants of Tenerife. In 1402, the Spanish conquest of the islands began with an expedition to the island of Lanzarote. From there, they conquered Fuerteventura and Hierro and established a base on the island of La Gomera, but it would be many years before the island was truly conquered. The natives of La Gomera, and of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and La Palma, resisted the Spanish invaders for almost a century. The Canary Islands were then a source of dispute between Spain and other European powers. The most severe attack took place in 1599 when a Dutch fleet of 74 ships and 12,000 men, attacked the capital, Las Palmas. **End Summary** Topics: canary islands]]> yacht charter]]> bareboat charter]]> diving]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Yacht Charter Guide . Follow this link for more info on Croatia Yacht Charters . See our Cruising Guide for Canary Islands Marinas

Yacht Charter in the Whitsunday Islands

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The Whitsunday Islands lie off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north eastern corner of the mainland continent. It is neighboured by the Northern Territory to the west, South Australia to the south west and New South Wales to the south. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean. The area was first colonised by Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders, who arrived between 40 000 and 65 000 years ago. Later, Queensland was made a British Crown Colony that was separated from New South Wales in 1859. Queensland is often nicknamed the Sunshine State, since it enjoys warm weather and a sizable portion of the state is in the tropics. Their geographic co-ordinates are 20°18xS, 148°56xE. The Whitsunday Islands are situated between Townsville in the north and Mackayin the south. They are 500 miles north of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. The Whitsunday Islands can be divided into four groups; The Whitsunday Group, the Lindeman Group, The Molle's and the Northern Group The Whitsunday Group includes; **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat]]> crewed]]> cabin]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> whitsunday islands]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Yacht Charters Guide . Click here for info about Whitsundays Yacht Charter And here for reports on Whitsundays Marinas .

Mediterranean Yacht Charters

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The Mediterranean offers a great range of yacht charter and this includes; bareboat yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter. Both Croatia and Turkey offer crewed Gulet charters The Balearic Islands or Islas Baleares are to be found western Mediterranean several hundred kilometres of the eastern coast of Spain. This island group comprises Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Cabrera and Formentera. There are three airports in the islands making access extremely easy. At Palma de Mallorca on Mallorca, Ibiza on Ibiza and Mahon on Minorca. Access is also possible from the Spanish mainland via ferry from Barcelona, Denia and Valencia. The Balearic Islands yacht charter season generally runs from April to the end of October. July and August are the hottest and tends to have lighter winds; it is also the most expensive time to charter a yacht. April-May and September-October have a lot of plus points, the temperatures are more comfortable, those sailing are likely to getter better winds, it is not as expensive and while ashore you will avoid crowds of July and August. Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat]]> crewed]]> cabin]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> mediterranean]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Sailboat Charters Guide . Click here for more info about Yacht Charter in the Med And here for reports on Marinas in Greece .

Yacht Charter in Corfu

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

No look at the Ionian would be complete withouth mention of Homer and the Odyssey. The Odyssey tells the storey of Odysseus and his travels and adventures throughout the Mediterranean in around 800BC. The Trojan War concluded when the Greeks sucseeded into bringing a wooden horse into the city of Troy. Greek soldiers were hidden inside and opened the city gates to the Greek army who sacked the city. Odysseus and the other Greeks could know return to their kingdoms across the sea. To say Odysseus's journey was eventful is rather understating the matter. On departing Troy in what is now north west Turkey he sails south through the Aegean Sea. On reaching the southern tip of Greece he is blown off course to the lotus eaters in what is thought to be Libya. The it's on to Sicily where he runs into Cyclops. This one eyed giant eats two of the crew before they escape. More trouble in the Laestrygonians - Corsica or Sardinia. Here the fleet is attacked by giants hurling boulders and more of the crews are devoured. Theh survivors head east to Italy and the enchantress Circe. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat]]> crewed]]> cabin]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> greece]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Flotilla Charters Guide . Click here for info about Corfu Yacht Charter And here for reports on Marinas in Greece .

Yacht Charter in the Caribbean

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The Caribbean is a region of the Americas consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands and the surrounding coasts. It is located southeast of Northern America, east of Central America and to the north and west of South America. The Caribbean comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays. The name "Caribbean" is named after the Caribs, one of the one of the dominant Amerindian groups in the region at the time of European contact during the late 15th century. There are plentiful flights to various island throughout the Caribbean. But some of the islands have several connections in order to get there. Consider a private plane charters to cut out some of the many connections and they are not very expensive. Many private air charters will pick up in San Juan Puerto Rico or St. Thomas and fly to places like Martinique or St. Vincent. Many parts of the Caribbean have mooring systems in place and anchoring a yacht is prohibited. This measure prevents anchors damaging the coral reefs. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat]]> crewed]]> cabin]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> caribbean]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Yacht Charters Guide .

Bahamas Yacht Charters

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The Bahamas offer a wide range of yacht charter including bareboat yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter. Yacht charter in the Bahamas offers turquoise waters and sparkling white sandy beaches. There are many attractive, interesting yacht anchorages. The climate of the Bahamas is subtropical to tropical. The Gulf Stream significantly moderates the climate particularly in the winter. Summer temperatures in the Bahamas average 30 degrees Celsius and are just 5 degrees Celsius cooler in the winter. Summer and autumn can bring very severe weather in the form of hurricanes. History: The seafaring Taino people moved into the southern Bahamas around the seventh century from Cuba and Hispaniola. They came to be known as the Lucayans and there were an estimated forty thousand Lucayans on the Bahamas at the time of Christopher Columbus' arrival. His first landfall here was on San Salvador Island, also known as Watling's Island, in the southern part of Bahamas. Later Bahamian Lucayans were taken to Hispaniola as slaves. In two short decades many Lucayan societies ceased to exist due to forced labour, warfare, disease, emigration and out marriage. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat]]> crewed]]> cabin]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> bahamas]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Yacht Charters Guide . Click here for info about Bahamas Yacht Charter And here for reports on Bahamas Marinas .

Yacht Charter in Thailand

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The choice of yacht charter in Thailand is wide and includes; bareboat yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter. Many of beautiful islands of Thailand are only accessible by sea and a yacht charter is a great way to explore this area. The main yacht charter area is amongst the islands of the Andaman Sea. Different indigenous cultures have existed in Thailand since the time of the Baan Chiang culture. Due to its geographical location, Thai culture has always been greatly influenced by India and China as well as the neighbouring cultures of south east Asia. The first Thai state is traditionally considered to be the Buddhist kingdom of Sukhothai founded in 1238. A century later, the larger Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya overshadowed Sukhothai’s power. Ayuthaya fell in 1767 to Burmese forces. The current era of Thai history began in 1782 following the establishment of Bangkok as capital of the Chakri dynasty under King Rama I the Great. European powers began travelling to Thailand in the 16th century. Despite European pressure, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been colonized by a European power. **End Summary** Topics: thailand]]> yacht charter]]> bareboat charter]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> indian ocean]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charters Guide . Follow this link for more info on Thailand Yacht Charters . See our Cruising Guide for Thailand Marinas

Yacht Charter in Croatia

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Croatia is situated on the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy, in the Northern Mediterranean. With a history going back over a thousand years, it first appeared on the political map of Europe in 1992, following the break up of Yugoslavia after a bloody civil war. Weather - The climate is typical of the Mediterranean and provides for pleasant holidays throughout the year. The best season for sailing in Croatia is early summer with good winds in May and June mainly from the S/SE. Mornings tend to be calm with the wind increasing later in the afternoon to around 15 - 20 knots. The months of July and August see calmer conditions which is OK for those who don't mind motoring. Summer temperatures average between 26 to 30°C and the sea temperature in summer is about 25ºC. Sailing Area - Starting in the north The Brioni Islands - Formally the summer residence of President Tito, these islands were closed to the general public. Today they are open but the facilities are a bit rundown, as little money was spent on their upkeep following the death of the President. The group of islands consists of 2 larger ones and 12 smaller ones. **End Summary** Topics: croatia]]> yacht charter]]> bareboat charter]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> adriatic]]> split]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide . Follow this link for more info on Croatia Yacht Charters . See our Cruising Guide for Croatia Marinas

Yacht Charter in Athens

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

As far as history goes the Saronic Gulf and surrounding areas were always under the influence and domination of Athens. During the time of Alexander the Great, the Hellenistic period and the Roman occupation the whole area prospered. During the Byzantine period the area declined and the Turkish occupation from 1453 to 1821 saw the situation worsen. Athens became a small town of no more than 30,000 citizens. Only the island Hydra Island prospered as it enjoyed semi independence within the Ottoman Empire. Greece gained its independent status from Turkey in the 19th century and Athens became the capital of the newborn country. This bought about a change of fortune for the city but the rest of the area remained depressed until with the recent development of tourism some prosperity is now enjoyed. It is difficult to generalise about weather patterns within the area. In the summer months the north usually sees the Meltemi from the NNE - NE. But unlike the rest of the Aegean it is by no means guaranteed and if it does not blow winds are usually light and from the south. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat charter]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> peloponnisos]]> greece]]> ionian]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs an Yacht Charters Guide . Follow this link for more info on Yacht Charter in Athens . Follow this link for more info on Marinas in Greece

Gulet Charter in Turkey

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Mid July through to mid September are the busiest and most expensive months to cruise the Turkish coast. Temperature can exceed 40 deg C. May and late September are a little cooler and cheaper. April and October see some rain but it is still pleasantly warm. From May to October this area experiences the Meltemi wind. It blows from the N and NW and can make sailing in that direction hard work. Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye are the chief yacht charter ports. The following destinations are ordered from north to south. Iskele is a lovely little village on the northern Aegean coast opposite the Greek island of Lesvos. A lot of the village’s old stone houses now serve as inns, pensions and restaurants. A short distance away is Behramkale, although most people still call the town by its ancient name of Assos. It was founded around 700 BC by colonists from the island of Lesvos. On a hill nearby are the ruins of the Doric-style Temple of Athena (530 BC) surrounded by crumbling city walls and an ancient cemetery. Close to is the 14th-century Ottoman Murad Hüdavendigar Mosque. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat charter]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> gulet]]> turkey]]> aegean]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide . Follow this link for info on Gulet Charter in Turkey . And this link for info on Mediterranean Yacht Charter .

Yacht Charter in Sardinia

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Campidano is a fertile plain in the southwestern part of the island. Livestock raising and the cultivation of grains, olives, grapes, and tobacco are significant. In addition fishing, the mining of lead, zinc, and copper, and processing industries are also important economic activities. More recently a significant tourist trade has been developed. The capital of Sardinia is Cagliari. Sardinia was conquered by Rome in 238 BC, after the fall of the Roman Empire Sardinia was overrun by first the Vandals and then the Byzantines. From the 11th to the 14th century, the Genoese and Pisans battled each other for control of the island. The Spanish ruled Sardinia until the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which ceded the island to Austria. In 1720 it became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and came under the rule of the house of Savoy. When the Kingdom of Italy was created in 1861 the Kingdom of Sardinia came to an end. There are airports at Alghero, Olbia and Cagliari making for easy access to your chartered yacht. Alghero is used by the budget airline Ryanair so low cost flights are available to and from the UK. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat charter]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> sardinia]]> italy]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide . Follow this link for info on Yacht Charter in Sardinia . And this link for info on Mediterranean Yacht Charter .

Mallorca Yacht Charter

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, around 5000 BC, and there are many Cyclopean remains. These show the communities constructed dwellings of stone. There is evidence of primitive agriculture including the keeping of domesticated animals. Jewellery, pottery and tools appear to have been manufactured. Later Phoenician traders frequently visited them. In 654 BC the Carthaginians founded what is today Ibiza city. Roman occupation followed and the Visigoths in turn evicted them. The Moors invaded the islands during the 8th century and there is still evidence of their 300 year occupation to be found in the islands architecture and the customs of the islanders themselves. Christians reconquered the islands during the 13th century. Mallorca falling first in 1229, followed by Ibiza six years later. Minorca was the last to fall in 1287. Initially the islands flourished as Catalan colonies but famines and raids by pirates encouraged by isolation from the mainland saw the Balearic Islands decline. The Bourbons following the conclusion of the Spanish War of Succession in 1715 occupied Mallorca and Ibiza. Minorca however was ceded to the British under the treaty of Utrecht along with Gibraltar on the Spanish mainland. British rule over Minorca continued until 1802. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat charter]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> mallorca]]> menorca]]> ibiza]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide . Go here for info on Mallorca Yacht Charter . And this link for info on Mediterranean Yacht Charter .

Yacht Charter in Guadeloupe

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Guadeloupe is an overseas department of France and one of the twenty-six regions of France, an integral part of the Republic. Being part of France, Guadeloupe is also part of the European Union and its currency is the Euro. Christopher Columbus became the first European to land on Guadeloupe in November 1493, seeking fresh water, while making his second voyage to the Americas. He named it Santa María de Guadalupe de Extremadura, after the image of the Virgin Mary at the Spanish monastery of Villuercas, in Guadalupe, in the Spanish autonomous province of Extremadura. The French took possession of the island in 1635 and wiped out many of the Carib Amerindians. Over the next century the British seized the island on several occasions. One indication of Guadeloupe's prosperity at this time is that in the Treaty of Paris (1763), France, having been defeated in war by the British, accepted to abandon its territorial claims in Canada in return for British recognition of French control of Guadeloupe. 1790 saw a dispute between French monarchists and those loyal to the French revolution. Victory went to the monarchists and they declared independence in 1791. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat charter]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> guadeloupe]]> caribbean]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide . Follow this link for more info on Yacht Charter in Guadeloupe . See our marine directory for Yacht Surveyors

Yacht Charter in the British Virgin Islands

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British overseas territory, located in the north of the Caribbean Sea to the east of both Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. They are part of the Leeward Island chain. The approximate co-ordinates are 18° 20' N 64° 40' W. The archipelago of the Virgin Islands archipelago is made up of the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands enjoy a sub-tropical climate, moderated by the trade winds. Temperatures remain fairly steady year round with a daily maximum of around 29°C in the summer and 25°C in the winter. The BVI averages about 115 cm of rain per year, although this is higher in the hills and coast is drier. The wettest months are September through to December. The British Virgin Islands are in an area that can see hurricanes from June to October and this effectively limits the sailing season to November - May. Amongst the many attractions on the British Virgin Islands are the; numerous white sandy beaches; the baths on Virgin Gorda, snorkelling on the coral reefs near Anegada; the well-known bars of Jost Van Dyke Island. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat charter]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> british virgin islands]]> bvi]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide . Follow this link for more info on Yacht Charter the BVI . See our marine directory for Yacht Surveyors

Yacht Charter in Antigua and Barbuda

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Christopher Columbus landed on Antigua in 1493 and named the island Santa Maria de la. Early Spanish settlement was replaced by English rule from 1632, with a French interlude in 1666. The islands were granted independence from British rule on the 1st November 1981. They remain members of the British. Commonwealth. Reliable trade winds throughout the season, which runs from December to May, make Antigua and Barbuda a great yacht charter destination. Coral reefs and abundant marine life make for great snorkelling and scuba diving. Antigua offers all the types of yacht charter; bareboat charter, skippered and crewed yachts, catamaran, sail and motor and super yacht charter. Antigua has an international airport, with daily flights from many cities throughout the world. The East Caribbean dollar is the official currency but both US Dollars and Euros are used and major credit cards may be accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops. Creole cusine predominates on the islands. The national dish of Antigua is fungie and pepper pot. Fungie is a dish almost entirely made from cornmeal and very similar to the Italian polenta. Other local dishes include ducana, seasoned rice, saltfish and lobster from Barbuda. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> bareboat charter]]> diving]]> sailing]]> boating]]> marine]]> antigua]]> barbuda]]> caribbean]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide . Follow this link for more info on Yacht Charter Antigua . See our marine directory for Yacht Surveyors

Sailing on the Costa del Sol

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Spain is part of the European Union and all EU and American nationals can visit the country for a period of no longer than 90 days solely with a passport. EU national can apply for a residency permit if they wish to extend their stay. Non EU nationals can apply for a further 90 day extension. These regulations do not appear to be enforced as far as the yachtsman living aboard is concerned. It is advisable to clear customs if entering Spain for the first time. The vessel's registration papers and the passports of crew members will be required. A certificate of competence, evidence of the boat's VAT status, a crew list with passport details, the radio license and a certificate of insurance may also be required. A VAT (Value Added Tax) paid or exempt yacht can apply for a "permiso aduanero" . This allows for an indefinite stay in the country and can be helpful when importing yacht spares from other EU countries. Boats registered outside the EU on which VAT has not been paid may be imported into the EU for a period not exceeding six months in any twelve, after that VAT becomes due. **End Summary** Topics: Cruising Guide]]> Harbours]]> Harbors]]> Marinas]]> Moorings]]> Anchorages]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Sailing Site . More information about Cruising can be found here To find other Marine Services on the Costa del Sol visit the Marine Directory .

Learning to sail the USA way

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0500

The syllabus can be readily divided into two parts. The Keelboat Sailing Certification Program is made up of seven stages while Small Boat Sailing Program contains a further two stages. The Basic Small Boat Sailing Standard requires no previous experience or qualifications. It is the first course in the Small Boat Sailing Program. Students must demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of the names and functions of various parts of a boat together with common sailing terms, the sail and its ancillary components, the International Rules for Collision Prevention both at sea and on inland waters and hey should demonstrate a basic knowledge of safety procedures. On the practical side they must show they can tread water for 5 minutes and swim 100 metres, rig, launch and retrieve the boat, set and trim the sails, sail both upwind and downwind, tack and gybe, correctly apply the rules of the road, recover a man overboard, recover from a capsize, accept and pass a towline, tie four specified Knots within a given time. Upon completion he or she will be able to sail a centerboard or multihull sailboat in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters. **End Summary** Topics: ASA Sailing Schools]]> ASA Sailing Courses]]> ASA Boating Courses]]> ASA Training Courses]]> Keelboat Sailing Certification Program]]> Basic Keelboat]]> Basic Coast]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Sailing Site . More information about ASA Sailing Courses can be found here To find an ASA Sailing Course in your area visit the Marine Directory .

Marine Electronics

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Autopilots The first self-steering gear was introduced in the 1920's to control model yachts but it was not until 1948 that the principle was applied to full scale yachts. Standing at the helm for lengthy periods, monitoring instruments and keeping a good look out can be very tiring. An autopilot relieves the helmsman from steering the correct course leaving him free to maintain a proper watch. The autopilot can be set to either steer a compass course or a course relative to the wind. A fluxgate compass or electronic wind indicator feeds information to a microprocessor which then makes the necessary rudder movements to return the vessel to it's required course. The mechanical power is applied to the rudder by either electric linear activators, hydraulic pumps or rotary drives. GPS/Chart plotters can be used to input navigational instructions to the autopilot. Battery Chargers will keep batteries fully charged thereby extending their working life. Chart Plotters Typically a chart plotter consists of an antenna, mounted high on the boat, to track GPS signals and a display unit sited either at the at the navigation station or the helm of the vessel. **End Summary** Topics: Autopilots]]> Battery Chargers]]> Chart Plotters]]> Compass]]> Echo Souders]]> EPIRB]]> Fish Finders]]> GPS Recievers]]> Instruments]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Sailing Site . More information about marine electronics can be found here Find suppliers of marine electronics in the Marine Directory .

The Balearic Islands

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0500

The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, around 5000 BC, and there are many Cyclopean remains. These show the communities constructed dwellings of stone. There is evidence of primitive agriculture including the keeping of domesticated animals. Jewellery, pottery and tools appear to have been manufactured. Later they were frequently visited by Phoenician traders. In 654 BC the Carthaginians founded what is today Ibiza city. Roman occupation followed and they were in turn evicted by the Visigoths. The Moors invaded the islands during the 8th century and there is still evidence of their 300 year occupation to be found in the islands architecture and the customs of the islanders themselves. Christians reconquered the islands during the 13th century. Mallorca falling first in 1229, followed by Ibiza six years later. Menorca was the last to fall in 1287. Initially the islands flourished as Catalan colonies but famines and raids by pirates encouraged by isolation from the mainland saw the Balearic Islands decline. Mallorca and Ibiza were occupied by the Bourbons following the conclusion of the Spanish War of Succession in 1715. Menorca however was ceded to the British under the treaty of Utrecht along with Gibraltar on the Spanish mainland. **End Summary** Topics: Islas Baleares]]> Balearic Islands]]> Formentara]]> Ibiza]]> Mallorca]]> Menorca]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Spanish Guide . More info on the region can be found here .

The Spanish region of Catalonia

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Catalonia shares it's northern border with the countries of Andorra and France in the mountainous Pyrenees. The Mediterranean Sea forms it eastern border with the coast running south west down as far as the region of Valencia. The eastern border is shared with the region of Aragon. Throughout history Catalonia has struggled for greater autonomy in it's relationship with Spain. In attempts to gain full independent it has on more than occasion revolted. Few Catalonians today aspire to have any real expectations of independence but the struggle for greater autonomy within Spain continues. History - Greeks and Romans established trade along this part of the Mediterranean coast. In the middle ages Catalan art and literature flourished and the now established coastal trade saw merchants become very powerful rivalling those of Venice and Genoa. In 1461 Catalonia rose up in protest at it's alliance with Aragon but the rebellion was crushed. The subsequent union of Aragon with Castile side lined Catalonia. Trade routes were moved, commercial income fell, famines and plagues all contributed to it's decline. But the Catalonian desire for independence continued. **End Summary** Topics: spain]]> property]]> hotels]]> spanish]]> catalunya]]> catalonia]]> barcelona]]> sitges]]> tarragona]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Spanish Guide . More info on Catalonia here . Find hotels in our Spanish Directory .

Buying Property in Spain

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Every year many thousands of properties in Spain are sold to foreign investors. What is the attraction? Firstly the country has a great climate and that is particularly appealing to those people living under the grey skies of northern Europe. Getting there is both quick and relatively cheap. A flight from London in the United Kingdom to Malaga on the south coast of Spain takes only a little over two hours. It is possible to get some very cheap flights with either one of the well known budget airlines or by picking up a spare seat on one of the hundreds of charters that fly to Spain every day. There is a wide selection of property to choose from both in type and numbers. Consideration of the following points will help to narrow the search. Size of the property, the garden and the number of rooms required. People planning to emigrate with children should check out what schooling is available locally. Consider the local health & social services. Choose between a built up area or open countryside. **End Summary** Topics: Spanish property]]> Buying Spanish Property]]> Off Plan]]> Property in Spain]]> Property Management]]> Property for Rent]]> Property for Sale]]> Real Estate]]> Self C]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs a Spanish Guide . More info about buying property can be found here .

Andalucia - The Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and the Costa de la Luz

Tue, 07 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0500

For many people Andalucia is all that they imagine Spain to be. Great climate, sun, sea and beaches, bullfighting, sherry and flamenco. Covering over 33,000 square miles and running the length of mainland Spain's southern coast it is the largest and most populous of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain. Andalusia is crossed by the Sierra Morena mountain range in the north and in the south by the snowcapped Sierra Nevada. The fertile basin of the Guadalquivir River lies between these mountain ranges. Huelva, Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Malaga, Jean, Granada and Almeria, all named for their principal cities, are the eight provinces that make up the region History - Phoenicians first settled here in the 11th century BC founding several coastal colonies among them Gadir which is now Cadiz. Greeks and Carthaginians came in the 6th century BC. The Romans expelled the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC and they in turn had their rule ended by the Visigoths in the 5th century AD. 711 saw the Moors cross the Strait of Gibraltar and establish the centre of their western emirate here in Cordoba. The Moorish period was the golden age of Andalusia. **End Summary** Topics: spain]]> property]]> hotels]]> spanish]]> malaga]]> seville]]> granada]]> jean]]> huelva]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs two websites. A Spanish Travel Guide which includes a commercial directory with extensive listings for hotels, hostals and pensions, property for rent and sale. And a Sailing Site which features a global marine directory with listings for yacht charter, sailing schools and marine surveyors

Learning to Sail

Tue, 07 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Many people learn to sail by going sailing with their friends or parents. But how do you get started if you do not know anybody with a boat? Or perhaps you want to undertake formal training to acquire a recognised qualification. Many yacht charter companies will require potential customers to hold a recognised qualification prior to them chartering a yacht. Sailing in many countries is looked after by national associations or federations. The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) in the United Kingdom and in the United States the ASA (American Sailing Association) to name but two. These governing bodies have designed a series of courses that enable people to obtain internationally recognised qualifications. The courses are rarely run by the national body itself. Private companies can apply to run the courses to national associations/federations and if approved they can then offer recognised courses to people wanting to learn to sail. Courses are available both on the water (practical) and shore based (theory) for sailboats, power and motor boats, dinghies as well as supplementary courses such as sea survival and diesel engine maintenance. This article will look only at courses for sailing boats and the structure of courses within the United Kingdom. **End Summary** Topics: sailing schools]]> rya sailing courses]]> asa sailing courses]]> yachtmaster courses]]> day skipper courses]]> coastal skipper courses]]> asa sailing courses]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs two websites. A Spanish Travel Guide which includes a commercial directory with extensive listings for hotels, hostals and pensions, property for rent and sale. And a Sailing Site which features a global marine directory with listings for yacht charter, sailing schools and marine surveyors.

Yacht Charter - Which type suits you?

Tue, 07 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Chartering a boat is a good way to sail without the expense of owning your own boat. If you can't spend more than a few weeks a year sailing and few people can the the option of chartering is definitely worth serious consideration. It also provides the opportunity to sail different boats in varied and far off locations. Choose between sail and power. Get the right boat in terms of size dependent on the number of people chartering and the depth of your pocket. Apart from the choice of the type of boat, size and cost there are various types of charter packages available and this article takes a closer look at what is on offer. Flotilla Sailing - A great way to get started for those with an bit of an independent streak. And the social scene is can be something else. The flotilla usually comprises of 8/10 boats, one of which, referred to as the lead boat, carries a skipper, hostess and an engineer. The skipper will be responsible for ensuring that the guests on the other boats in the flotilla have the navigational skills and boat handling/seamanship skills required providing help and advice where required. **End Summary** Topics: yacht charter]]> flotilla sailing]]> skippered yacht charter]]> crewed yacht charter]]> bareboat yacht charter]]> corporate yacht charter]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ken Jones runs two websites. A Spanish Travel Guide which includes a commercial directory with extensive listings for hotels, hostals and pensions, property for rent and sale. And a Sailing Site which features a global marine directory with listings for yacht charter, sailing schools and marine surveyors.