Good and bad places to over winter

[chinita]

Although it is ten years since I wintered there I look back fondly at Malta (in fact, it was Gozo where we based ourselves).

Did not think much of it at the time but can now see the benefits. Natives are friendly (although when you hear two of them talking you would think WWIII is about to break out). Lots to do, places to see and a decent climate up to January. Plenty of thing to keep kids and teenagers happy. Even a big multiplex cinema. Transport (including car hire) dirt cheap. Loads of anchorages - you can always find the Lee of the weather and, IMO, there is no real need to move to a marina before Christmas. Christmas, BTW, is celebrated in a purely religious sense. No hype or pressure. A refreshing change.

The Malta Maritime Authority were a little difficult at times (not willing to allocate a berth until after the Middle Sea Race in mid-October as an example) but there was a great international community of cruisers there. The only downside, as I recall, were roaches. The first time we had come across them in such numbers. We just about kept them at bay but it was not much fun.

It was cheap then, probably less so now but there are other advantages since my time - far more flights out of the place if it begins to get to you!

 

[NornaBiron]

Looks amazing on google earth.

Are you talking about the lagoon between the Island of Spinalonga and Elounda?

Yes, it's a lovely place. We picked it out as one of our 'must visit' places before we left the UK in 2008. We have solar, wind and diesel generators and heating on board so for us it's a viable wintering spot.

 

[jimbaerselman]

Hi Jim
Did my mate Wim van pelt ever send you the info on Aigina?
.

Hi Bob,

Yes, he did a brilliant job.

See http://jimbsail.info/mediterranean/greece/athens/aegina

His words after the introduction para. He catches the "Greek" relationships neatly!

 

[lurob]

Our first winter was spent tied up in Preveza (yes, that dreary, miserable place ;-)), on the town side in the unfinished marina. We were with three other liveaboard boats and had a great time. The Port Police wouldn't take any money from us, despite us trying to pay several times, and we had water and electricity for the duration. The town is lively throughout the year and access to the UK is via a bus to Athens (about 5 hours away). We loved it and would recommend it for overwintering, but don't leave your boat unattended there.

The unfinished marina at Preveza has now been taken over by Cleopatra Marine so is no longer available as a free spot, winter or summer.

 

[1bobt]

Unable to log on, that Cap thingy prevents me i have tried numerous times using upper and lower case mostly upper.

 

[TQA]

Err what is this 'winter' ?

Just keep on sailing, me.

 

[dougg]

We wintered in Aghios Nikolaos, Crete this year, great livaboard community, plenty to see and do.
Loads of events organised, bridge club, jam session, three walking groups, stich and bitch, boules on the beach, cruising presentations, computer workshops, Sunday BBQ etc etc, with no pressure to attend if you don't want to.
The town is half a minutes walk away and most of the shops, bars and cafes stay open all year.
The weather was better than we expected with only mimiml heating required.
Lift out available and you can do your own work and stay on board if you wish.
The CA HLR is resident in the marina who is a mind of information and extremely helpfull.
The only down side we found was the amount of stray dogs and their mess.
Would we winter there again?
Definitely

 

[Nostrodamus]

Best saying I have heard all year "Stich and bitch"
Got a very loud gufore for that one.

 

[sailaboutvic]

Our best was marina De Regusa great live aboard From all over the world , the town was open and you could get almost every thing if you knew where to look , the staff in the marina couldn't do enough for us all , only down side was we had plenty of blows but then again where didn't the weather blow that winter ,

Worst has been no doubt "dare I say it " Messilonghi the management (Yannis ) and the yard staff made life hell for us and many others , would we go there again NO , not unless the three day yard men wasn't there and Yannis was well out of the place .

 

[dougg]

Best saying I have heard all year "Stich and bitch"
Got a very loud gufore for that one.

Just to clarify, the " stitch and bitch" was females only.
They turned down the offer of my genoa to stitch!!