BOATLIFE GREECE - 5 years of FAILS & LESSONS LEARNT (our advice - don't make the these mistakes!)

Holly Blue shared several anchoring scenarios faced during their journey. They explained the pros and cons of different techniques, including swinging anchor, free-anchoring, and stern-to anchoring. According to them, swinging anchor is often preferable when you have ample space; however, many locations in the Ionian do not allow for such luxury. In these situations, going stern-to might be a safer bet, even though it comes with its own risks like being broadsided by strong winds. Maintaining Safety While Liveaboard The key takeaway from Holly Blue’s experiences is that proper preparation prevents poor performance. Their emphasis on maintaining safety through appropriate equipment upgrades, like their upgraded anchors and windlass, demonstrates the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations. Moreover, they stress the need to check other essential items such as life rafts, fire extinguishers, and personal floatation devices at regular intervals. They emphasize that while living on a boat can be an idyllic dream come true, safety should never be compromised. Don’t Get Comfortable at Anchor Finally, Holly Blue’s most vital lesson – ‘never get too comfortable.’ They had anchored in what they believed was a secure spot, only to face a terrifying situation when caught off-guard by sudden heavy weather. This taught them the importance of constantly monitoring their surroundings and staying alert. Conclusion Holly Blue’s five-year journey in the Ionian Sea has provided them with valuable anchoring lessons that every sailor can benefit from. From upgrading ground tackle equipment to understanding different anchoring techniques, these experiences highlight the importance of preparation and vigilance. Do not forget to like, subscribe, and comment below with your thoughts on this anchoring scenario. Share your favorite anchoring spots or any unique techniques you use while sailing in the Ionian Sea. Realizing they had problems with their windlass, Holly Blue embarked on thorough research. They finally decided on a Cayman Windlass from SVB, known for its vast selection and exceptional service in boat fittings and parts. Adding to their safety measures, they also installed a Lofrans chain counter to help manage the anchor chain more efficiently while at sea. The Do’s and Don’ts of Anchoring in the Ionian Holly Blue shared several anchoring scenarios faced during their journey. They explained the pros and cons of different techniques, including swinging anchor, free-anchoring, and stern-to anchoring. According to them, swinging anchor is often preferable when you have ample space; however, many locations in the Ionian do not allow for such luxury. In these situations, going stern-to might be a safer bet, even though it comes with its own risks like being broadsided by strong winds. Maintaining Safety While Liveaboard The key takeaway from Holly Blue’s experiences is that proper preparation prevents poor performance. Their emphasis on maintaining safety through appropriate equipment upgrades, like their upgraded anchors and windlass, demonstrates the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations. Moreover, they stress the need to check other essential items such as life rafts, fire extinguishers, and personal floatation devices at regular intervals. They emphasize that while living on a boat can be an idyllic dream come true, safety should never be compromised. Don’t Get Comfortable at Anchor Finally, Holly Blue’s most vital lesson – ‘never get too comfortable.’ They had anchored in what they believed was a secure spot, only to face a terrifying situation when caught off-guard by sudden heavy weather. This taught them the importance of constantly monitoring their surroundings and staying alert. Conclusion Holly Blue’s five-year journey in the Ionian Sea has provided them with valuable anchoring lessons that every sailor can benefit from. From upgrading ground tackle equipment to understanding different anchoring techniques, these experiences highlight the importance of preparation and vigilance. Do not forget to like, subscribe, and comment below with your thoughts on this anchoring scenario. Share your favorite anchoring spots or any unique techniques you use while sailing in the Ionian Sea.

5 Years of Anchoring Fails & Lessons Learnt: Holly Blue Shares Their Advice

If you’re planning a sailing trip to the Ionian Sea in Greece, or if you’re an experienced liveaboard family looking for valuable anchoring tips, look no further. Holly Blue, a professional marine documentalist, has been navigating and anchoring in these beautiful waters for five years. They have had their fair share of mishaps but have also gained priceless knowledge that can help any sailor stay safe while enjoying the sea. The Closest Call at Tranquil Bay In what was their closest call to date, Holly Blue found themselves stern-to the rocks in Nydri’s Tranquil Bay. Despite having three anchors out and four lines to shore, they still managed to drag all three anchors, prompting them to move as quickly as possible. The lesson here is not to become complacent, even if you feel secure in your anchoring spot. The Importance of Proper Ground Tackle The experience at Tranquil Bay prompted Holly Blue to review all their safety equipment. They realized that having a sufficient anchor and secondary backup were crucial for any anchoring situation, especially in the challenging environments of the Greek Islands. Upping Their Anchor Game To improve their anchor reliability and security, Holly Blue decided to upgrade their Rocna anchor to the newer MKII version. This upgrade featured significant improvements such as rolling like a wheel without stopping or catching. The decision was made after receiving an opportune email from Rocna, which proved that timing plays a vital role in acquiring necessary upgrades. Choosing the Perfect Windlass Realizing they had problems with their windlass, Holly Blue embarked on thorough research. They finally decided on a Cayman Windlass from SVB, known for its vast selection and exceptional service in boat fittings and parts. Adding to their safety measures, they also installed a Lofrans chain counter to help manage the anchor chain more efficiently while at sea. The Do’s and Don’ts of Anchoring in the Ionian Holly Blue shared several anchoring scenarios faced during their journey. They explained the pros and cons of different techniques, including swinging anchor, free-anchoring, and stern-to anchoring. According to them, swinging anchor is often preferable when you have ample space; however, many locations in the Ionian do not allow for such luxury. In these situations, going stern-to might be a safer bet, even though it comes with its own risks like being broadsided by strong winds. Maintaining Safety While Liveaboard The key takeaway from Holly Blue’s experiences is that proper preparation prevents poor performance. Their emphasis on maintaining safety through appropriate equipment upgrades, like their upgraded anchors and windlass, demonstrates the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations. Moreover, they stress the need to check other essential items such as life rafts, fire extinguishers, and personal floatation devices at regular intervals. They emphasize that while living on a boat can be an idyllic dream come true, safety should never be compromised. Don’t Get Comfortable at Anchor Finally, Holly Blue’s most vital lesson – ‘never get too comfortable.’ They had anchored in what they believed was a secure spot, only to face a terrifying situation when caught off-guard by sudden heavy weather. This taught them the importance of constantly monitoring their surroundings and staying alert. Conclusion Holly Blue’s five-year journey in the Ionian Sea has provided them with valuable anchoring lessons that every sailor can benefit from. From upgrading ground tackle equipment to understanding different anchoring techniques, these experiences highlight the importance of preparation and vigilance. Do not forget to like, subscribe, and comment below with your thoughts on this anchoring scenario. Share your favorite anchoring spots or any unique techniques you use while sailing in the Ionian Sea.