There is also the possibility of docking parallel docking if you are going to refuel at a fueling station, or, if there is no traffic, to dock parallel at a pontoon or city quay.

First way to dock: ANCHORING STERN-TO

First, bring the vessel close to the pier and/or dock. Before you can prepare the boat for anchoring stern to dock, you have to consider both the wind speed and direction, and also if there are any potential currents (however, these are less likely in the Med). It is also important to keep up the boat speed so that steerage is maintained, especially once the anchor starts to dig in. There are a few things that you need to prepare before you drop anchor.

• First you need to check the depth to ensure that is not too shallow or too deep to drop your anchor. It would also be good to know what the seabed consists of (sand, rocks, mud or seaweed). The best option is sand or mud because your anchor will hold very well and you will be safe. An issue with rocks is that you may have problems when you have to lift up your anchor if it gets stuck between the rocks. The problem with seaweed is that the anchor will not hold very well, and the anchor might drag. When you are ready you can start to prepare the boat for docking.
• The second thing to do is put fenders on both sides of the boat and a big one on your stern so that you do not hit the pontoon or quay with your stern when backing up towards it.
• Prepare your stern lines from each aft quarter.
• When your boat is four boat lengths away from the quay, drop the anchor and ease out the chain. When you are approximately ONE boat length from the dock, stop dropping the chain so that the anchor digs in. You must be ready to drop out more chain if required.
• When you come close to shore, first connect the windward stern line to shore and then the leeward stern line.
• When you have finished fixing the boat to the dock, take the strain up on the chain to ensure that the stern stays away from the quay/pontoon.

Second way to dock: Using LAZY LINES

• First you need to analyze the situation around you (again checking both speed and wind direction) and what the situation is around your docking spot.
• The second thing to do is put your fenders on both sides and on the stern. Prepare both your stern lines so that you can throw them to the marina staff.
• When you start to move backwards towards the pontoon/quay, first connect the windward side to the pontoon/quay. To do this, throw the windward line to the marina staff so that they can fix the line and help you. They will give you the lazy line, which you need to pick up (use a boat hook if you need to) and take to the bow of the boat. Keep pulling the lazy line that is connected to the concrete dock along the side of the boat and tie off at the bow cleat. After that, connect the leeward stern line and adjust the bow and stern lines so that the boat doesn’t move around.
• The final step is to reverse your engine to tighten the bow lines, and then just snug up your stern lines so that you are safe. Put on your plank, connect your electricity, and enjoy your day.

• First you need to check the depth to make sure the water is neither too shallow nor too deep to drop your anchor. It would be good to know what the seabed consists of (sand, rocks, mud, or seaweed). The best option is a sand or mud bottom, because your anchor will hold very well and you will be safe. An issue with rocks is that you may have problems when you have to lift up your anchor if it gets stuck between the rocks. The problem with seaweed is that the anchor will not hold very well and the anchor might drag.
• The second thing to consider is how much chain or rope you deploy, depending on the depth. You need to understand that it’s not only the anchor that’s holding your boat, the chain is too, so you have to be sure to release enough of it.
• The amount of chain you need to release is determined by “scope.” Scope is the ratio of the length of the chain released to the depth of the water. A good practice is to drop three times more chain than depth (3-to-1) for a lunch stop, and 5-to-1 for an overnight stop. So, as an example, in water that is 5 meters deep, drop 15 meters of chain for a lunch stop, and 25 meters for an overnight stop.
• Face the boat towards the wind and drop your anchor. When you have released enough chain, go in reverse until the rode or chain pulls tight and the boat is not moving backwards. Again, keep in mind your surroundings (other boats will swing if they are on ONE anchor, but boats that are on a mooring ball and have a stern anchor set will not), and ensure you have plenty of distance between you and any fixed obstruction (rocks, beach, shoreline).
• It’s important to note that the anchor windlass system is not working when your engines are turned off.
• The most important thing is to check the weather forecast in your area. The wind can change direction and speed during the night, so always do this in advance and position your boat depending on the latest weather and wind circumstances.
• If you have some neighbours close to you, ask them how much chain they released to avoid contact when you are all going to swing around.
• Turn on your anchor light, check your position every few hours, and enjoy your night.
• If you are ever in a location where tides become a factor, be sure to include that in your scope calculations, because you will have different depths (high and low tide factors) throughout the night.

In addition to those options, you also have a choice of private ports and sailing clubs. Similarly, many restaurants on the islands have their own docks which are usually free when you eat in the restaurant.

Nautical cruising season starts in the middle of April and ends in early October. The high season starts in the middle of June and lasts till the middle of August. During that season, prices at the marinas increase, and they depend on the size of the boat as well as the location.

A sailboat berth costs 5€-14€ per meter per day, depending on the type of docking, location, and period of the year.

One exception you need to bear in mind is that when chartering a catamaran, you are going to pay double. This is because catamarans take up two spots.

All marinas offer water, electricity, and toilets. Nowadays, they offer a wide variety of services and facilities, such as restaurants, supply shops, yachting equipment stores, showers, and laundry services.

Another tip would be to make a reservation in advance or come your desired dock earlier. This applies especially during the high season in summer as well as when the forecast calls for bad weather. There is always the option of taking along a professional skipper who knows the area very well. The skipper will provide you with all necessary information about weather, sailing routes, and interesting places, including many hidden local secrets that you would have no way of knowing about coming from another country.

Let’s start with sailboats. When you think of a boating holiday, the first thing that comes to mind is a sailboat (open sails, the wind, and a nice lagoon).

Here are some of the benefits of chartering a sailboat:

• Generally, sailboats are cheaper to charter
• They have just one hull and are lighter, automatically making them much better for sailing
• It’s easier to find a place to dock because they are not so wide
• They cannot capsize because of the deep heavy keel
• They are better for sailing in difficult weather situations
• Their fuel and docking costs are lower

Some downsides to chartering a sailboat:

• They are less comfortable and there is less space
• You usually get a smaller tender with a smaller outboard engine, making it difficult to operate when there are too many people to safely and comfortably fit in the tender
• Usually there is no generator or AC in smaller sailboats

Here’s a little about catamarans. These days, catamarans are slowly gut surely gaining an edge over sailboats. The boating industry has figured out that lots of people prefer comfort over adrenalin and pure sailing while on a boating holiday—it is a holiday after all, not a race! The industry has learned that if you are going on holiday with your family, you probably prefer a boat that is comfortable, easier to sail, and safer.

Some benefits of chartering a catamaran:

• They have more space and are more comfortable
• You usually get one with a generator and AC
• You can sail, and you get a better and bigger tender
• More space in the salon (living room) and cabins (bedrooms)

Some downsides to chartering a catamaran:

• They are more expensive to charter
• The fuel and docking costs are much higher
• Sometimes it is difficult to find a place to dock for the night (because they are wider)
• They are not so comfortable in bad weather