Danube & Black Sea

[johnneale]

Does anyone have any pilots and/or river guides for the above from Austria to Istanbul. This year I have taken my 40year old 24' motorsailor from the Solent to Vienna with no major problems, but have been unable to get any current detailed info for whats further on....

Thanks in anticipation

 

[tekron]

Danube & Black Sea

Hola John
I have been planning a Danube trip to the Black Sea for a few years now and have collected quite a lot of info. Pity Rod Heikels excellent book is so out of date. I Have just returned from a research hol. in my motorhome following the Danube from its source through to the Black Sea and then driving alongside the Black Sea to Istanbul. The Danube is a marvellous river and I'm really looking forward to the journey next year. My boat (Anderson 22) is not ideal for the trip but I've had it for ten years and sailed single handed extensively offshore. My main concern on sailing the Danube is the current in the upper reaches which can run at plus 7 knots. Top wack for my inboard Yanmar is 5 knots and there is a strong propwarp when I go astern - this means if I try to stop she will tend to broach and I could be going sideways towards the locks. I noticed the current is weaker close to the banks in shallow water but in places I saw a lot of underwater hazards close to the shore. I've rigged the kedge for quick release in case of a crisis but will have to see how things work out.
I'm still gathering information on the Danube and would be pleased to share it with you.
best wishes, Paul N.