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Satisfied with the ruins of the Acropolis
As it is widely acknowledged, Greece is a treasure trove of wonders, making a return to its captivating shores almost obligatory. However, during this particular…
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What does it mean to prepare a boat for a trip
In the enchanting realm of Greece, a fascinating initiative beckons yacht aficionados—an ingenious program wherein the state generously underwrites 70% of a new yacht’s cost…
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Greece has it all
Indeed, quite remarkably! Mandarins and oranges, adorned in nature’s bounty, grace the roadside with their presence. The temptation to pluck them from their verdant abode…
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Aegean Sea
The first leg of the route is from Athens to the island of Kefalonia. We start our journey in the calm waters of the Saronic…
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Corinth Canal
Behold the marvel deemed the lengthiest ongoing construction odyssey across the globe, an endeavor commencing in the annals of the 7th century BC and reaching…
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Port Poros
Our maiden divergence from the meticulously crafted itinerary has presented itself today. Originally, our destination on the enchanting island of Kefalonia was to be the…
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Island of Kefalonia
In the evening, I hatched a plan to unravel the mysteries of the island’s wonders, pitched it to the crew, but alas, my grand design…
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From Kefalonia to Sicily – crossing the Ionian Sea.
Sunsets and sunrises in the Ionian Sea. In the Ionian Sea, where celestial theatrics unfold twice a day, orchestrating the ballet of sunsets and sunrises,…
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Taormina (Sicily, Italy)
The imminent presence of terra firma becomes apparent to seasoned sailors through the burgeoning congregation of clouds adorning the horizon. At this very juncture, verily,…
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The Messina Strait, Milazzo
Homer’s sagacious Odysseus, prior to embarking upon the treacherous passage through the Messina Strait, heeds the counsel of the artful enchantress Circe. Venturing into the…
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Commune of Cefalù a.k.a Cephaloedium
In the grand tapestry of Italian municipalities, each bearing the mantle of a commune, Cefalù emerges as a gem – not the grandest nor the…
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Palermo
Fortune favored us as we secured mooring at the most centrally located marina in this vibrant town. Perseverance led us to scrutinize several marinas in…
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The transition from Sicily to Sardinia
In the ethereal quiet preceding the dawn of September 17, I find myself penning heartfelt birthday wishes to my youngest daughter, Veronichka. Simultaneously, we embark…
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Cagliari
This venerable city, with its roots reaching into the tapestry of time to the 8th century BC, was chosen by the Phoenicians for their colony.…
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About sunken ships
In the hallowed halls of academia, I found myself under the tutelage of the formidable Alla Nikolaevna Arbuzova, our indomitable geography maven. Even the most…
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What does the crew do during a storm
We discovered a fitting haven for anchorage, the encroaching dusk casting its early shadows. Although a tempest looms on the distant horizon, its arrival remains…
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Porto Pino Beach
I’ve just indulged in a refreshing swim at the urban haven of Porto Pino Beach (Spiaggia di Porto Pino). Anchored about 400 meters from the…
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Carloforte
Our upcoming sojourn unfolds in the quaint island town of Carloforte, nestled along the southwest coast of Sardinia. The nautical traverse from this charming enclave…
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Balearic Islands
Departing from Carloforte well before the break of dawn, the orchestrated preparations unfolded in the hushed hours of midnight. As the celestial canvas began to…
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Porto Petro, Mallorca
Yesterday marked our arrival in Porto Petro, yet the day unfolded without the leisure for strolls and photo expeditions. As we navigated towards the port,…
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Two Lives
Today, I came across this interesting poem by Brazilian writer Mario de Andrade translated to English by famous Anthony Hopkins: “I know that I have…
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Ibiza Island
We find ourselves in the allure of Ibiza. Our anchor has settled near a diminutive beach for the moment, but post-lunch, perhaps even earlier, we…
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Cartagena, Spain
Our voyage from Ibiza to Cartagena, spanning approximately 200 nautical miles, unfolded over a day’s course. The celestial elements continued to shower us with benevolence.…
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Almeria, Spain
Fortune favored me during my watch as the wind gained strength, affording me the opportunity to single-handedly set the sails while the captain peacefully slumbered.…
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Malaga, Spain
We arrived at the Costa del Sol, nestled in the historic city of Malaga, a cradle of civilization that has gracefully aged for 2800 years,…
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Gibraltar
Departing from Malaga, our vessel, the splendid Legato, gracefully navigates toward Gibraltar—the ultimate destination on my Mediterranean odyssey. The time has come to disembark this…
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Island Saint Martin
Saint Martin Island is nestled in the Lesser Antilles, part of a region that also includes the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas—the area historically known…
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British Virgin Islands (BVI)
Early morning, February 18th. On the starboard side, the land ahead is the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a cluster of about sixty small volcanic islands…
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Culebra Island
Today, we found ourselves in a place called Cayo Pirata—Pirate Cay. According to legend, back in the 17th and 18th centuries, this is where the…
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Charming Vieques: Wonders of Nature and Culinary Delights
On our way to the grand Puerto Rico, we dropped anchor near the picturesque village of Esperanza. Nestled on the southern coast of the island…
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Puerto Rico and the Island of St. John the Baptist
The day at sea went wonderfully. We received a warm welcome at the marina in Salinas, on the southern coast of the island, where the…
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The City of Ponce and the Life-Giving Fountain of Youth
The second-largest city in Puerto Rico, with a population of just under 130,000 (compared to San Juan’s over 300,000), is a city built in 1692…
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Caja de Muertos – Coffin Island
With the first light of dawn, we set sail from Marina Salinas, leaving behind the dense mangrove forests, where we never did manage to spot…
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Isla de Mona – The Galápagos of the Caribbean
We set sail from Boquerón, bound for the port of Samaná in the Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola. The captain had already reserved…
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A Brief History of the Island of Hispaniola, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic
Before I begin sharing stories about the cities of the Dominican Republic, I must first offer a brief overview of the island’s history. Without this…
