In the 1980s, Croatia - then part of Yugoslavia - built up a sizeable yacht charter industry. It was never then on the scale to rival long time favourite Greece, but it was large enough to get itself noticed as an attractive coming destination. Then came the various Balkan wars - one of them involving Croatia itself - and the disintegration of old Yugoslavia. Croatia is now the ex-Yugoslav republic with almost all the coast line!
Since the wars ended the growth of the industry has been little short of astonishing. In an industry notoriously short of credible statistics, we suspect that Croatia must now be a serious rival to Greece. There are a number of expalanations for this remarkable success:
now include almost everything that customers could conceivably want. There are thousands of in bases from Pula and Cres in Istria, to the massive yachting centres of Zadar, Sukosan, Sibenik, Murter Island, Split, & Dubrovnik. Each one of those can be chartered with a skipper for those without the necessary experience. There are sailing flotillas from Split, and an RYA Authorised Sailing School on Murter Island. The opportunities to spend one week afloat and another ashore are endless.
One of the problems for the British used to be that getting there was expensive and there were not enough seats on such planes flew there. Things started to improve in 2004, with regular charter flights to Split at least. For 2005, there are flights to Opatija in the north, Zadar to get to central Dalmatia, Split, and also Dubrovnik. Getting to Istria is easy. Just fly EasyJet to Venice, or Ryanair to Trieste. The first has hydrofoil links to the excellent sailing of Pula; the second is a transfer bus away from Portoroz (actually in Slovenia), and Pula. Croatia is now the sailing destination for the British - the destination that has it all!
Christopher LONGMORE - Owner of Top Notch, a GibSea402 based in Turkey and of the group.
The Alaska cruise is a major attraction drawing vacationers with its majestic scenery, gleaming glaciers, exotic wildlife, and Native American culture. Ships are normally on a seven-day excursion package to Alaska and they stop at four ports on their passage, visiting Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park. You may like to opt for an extended cruise-tour comprehensive package where you go by train around Alaska and it includes lodging and seeing the sights in Denali National Park.
Due to weather hindrances, cruises to Alaska are strictly restricted during the summer months from early May to Mid Sept. June, July and August are the peak seasons when the average daily temperatures reach up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to sail is May and September as temperatures soar around 50 degrees. Luxury vessels and midsize ships sail from Vancouver, BC and Seattle. At both embarkment and disembarkment points, you are able to visit the ports of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
The wonder world of Alaska is waiting for you. The mountains, waterfalls, the humpback whales and frolicking sea lions, the breathtaking forests, wildlife and the snowcapped mountains-is all there for you. Alaska is fascinating, explorative and full of new discoveries. Each new day ushers in new surprises. Alaska is the most memorable place on the earth. You see the breathtaking view of Mt. McKinley as it rises grandly over Denali National Park. Imagine yourself bird watching, hiking through the glacier waterfalls outside Juneau and sea kayak on the Tongass National Park harbor.
Alaska is a place full of adventures with its one hundred thousand glaciers and 3 million lakes. To enjoy the Alaska experience your first option should be a Gulf of Alaska cruise tour, along with Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with an option of land tours. You won't soon forget the Freestyle Cruising Alaska offers.
Experience the early frontier existence from America's oldest Russian Orthodox Church in the San Diego's Gaslamp District, and the vineries of Santa Barbara. You will enjoy a trolley car ride to Chinatown or Fisherman's Wharf. As your ship sails through Glacier Bay, you experience nature to the fullest.
Looking for information about cruises? Go to: 'What Cruises' is published by Colin Hartness - An excellent resource for Cruises! Check out more cruise articles at:
It is important when cleaning a dock that you use these steps as to not cause wood damage or hardship. If you do not follow these steps, we told you so. So here is how it is done by the professionals who would rather get it right the first time, get it over with and get back out on the water where we belong.
Remove any furniture, grills, etc. Watch for damage to the wood, scout out where you will clean before you start, sometimes once wet you cannot see the flaws in the wood as easy. If you are doing this as a contractor you may wish to point out these areas to the Marina management. You may want to bring this to the attention of the boss as a good P.R. move. Wet the deck, dock or pier with low pressure if you plan on using any chemicals; we do not recommend chemicals if you can help it. You may not be able to use chemicals due to environmental laws but if you can use soap and chemicals try to find ones that do not contain sodium hypochlorite, bleach or acids. After the chemical has had proper dwell time, use a Hydro-twister or a 40-degree nozzle tip. You must use the 40-degree tip with an extension wand for railings and stairs. Either way 1500 PSI is fine for this type of in-close detail work. Remember the sensitivity of the wood fibers while keeping in mind how delicate the wood is.
Cleaning the rails and pickets first is a good idea and is recommended. Always pressure clean with the grain in the wood. If using a wand try to use a 'pendulum' or 'sweeping motion' at the end of your strokes. Follow through with your strokes as you would with a golf club. This technique helps eliminate streaking, damaging wood fibers and cuts down on carpal tunnel repetitive motion. Be careful on dwell time because chemicals will dry faster. Large jobs should be done in 10' by 10' sections or 20' by 20' foot sections. Always clean any patio furniture, umbrellas or grills before you leave.
Follow these procedures to save time and keep the cleaning as efficient as possible. Remember every hour you save can be better spent on the boat.
Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance;