WELCOME ABOARD THE SOLEA

From and around Kalymnos, Kos, we will sail, weather permitting, according to our desires and the weather, peaceful anchorages in small picturesque harbors, in the marvelous landscapes of the Southeast Aegean islands. .
We will decide together the route, after having read the weather forecast.
If the weather does not allow navigation, I will gladly guide you in your discovery of the different landscapes, places and possible activities on the island.

THE BOAT
A robust aluminum cutter, weighted dinghy, built in 1976 in Ranville, near Caen. Fast and very marine, it measures 11.70 meters and is equipped with a recent 55 HP engine and in excellent condition.
All around the bridge, a safety net for children.
In the cockpit, a barbecue and a dining table. Aft, a double cabin on one side, an individual berth on the other, near the navigation and maps corner.
In the middle, on one side the kitchen, with sink, worktop, and two fires; on the other, the saloon (or lounge) whose table is convertible into a large berth for 2 or 3 people (2m x 1.35m), which can accommodate travelers at an additional cost, ie 2 adults or 3 children maximum.
A bathroom.
The front cabin is reserved for the captain (see map in the photos).
I draw the attention of team members, especially if they have no experience of life on board a sailboat, to the fact that space on board is limited.
Particularly for cabins and berths and for the bathroom. As much as possible, guests are therefore requested to limit their luggage volume, favoring bags rather than suitcases.

THE CAPTAIN
 Long guitar teacher (private) before entering National Education, where I taught for 15 years, during which I led for 7 consecutive years a cruise-school association based in Marseille, "Les Routes Du Vent ”, and carried out sailing trips between Mediterranean ports. Graduated in sociology, I speak Spanish, Greek, and English in addition to my mother tongue, French.
Currently retired, I live on my sailboat in the Aegean Sea with my daughter, who attends college in Kalymnos.
I have more than 30 years of sailing experience, and for 25 years I have lived aboard the SOLEA. My daughter has lived there since she was born 13 years ago.
She will probably accompany us if you come with one or two children.
She will be happy to introduce you to traditional Greek dances, if your children or you wish, which, with a little luck, you will probably have the opportunity to practice during stopovers, at local festivals. My goal is to share with you the joy of sailing aboard a sailboat among the Greek islands of the Aegean Sea, as well as to share with you my love for this people and their culture. It is also the conviviality, the meeting, that in exchange for a participation of the guests in the maintenance costs of the sailboat.

LIFE ON BOARD - THE REGULATIONS
We don’t smoke on board, except outside.
Order and cleanliness are everyone's business.
Navigation experience is not necessary, but I expect guest-crew members to respect the safety rules and the captain's instructions, and their participation in the necessary maneuvers, according to their possibilities of course, in navigation as well as at the start, and especially at arrivals.
Guests are responsible, at their expense, for everything related to their food: purchase and preparation of meals on board, cleaning and dishes, or restaurant of your choice - which will often be the best solution, given the quality and low prices. practiced in restaurants and taverns.
Likewise, all cruise costs are payable by them:
Stay in ports or marinas, water, electricity, fuel.
Fuel details:
The SOLEA engine consumes, under normal navigation conditions, 2.5 liters of diesel per hour, and at an average speed of 5 knots (or 5 miles / hour). Thus, for a navigation with the engine of 4 hours, that is to say twenty miles, it will be necessary to count 10 liters of fuel.
It goes without saying that we hoist the sails when the wind and sea conditions lend themselves to this type of navigation.

However, the weather may not be favorable for quiet sailing and a comfortable minimum, especially for children. This can sometimes last for several days.
I will be happy to guide you in your discovery of this magnificent island that is Kalymnos.
At the same time very animated and of a wild and steep nature, it seems directly resulting from prehistory. Thus the islet of Telendos, emerging like a gigantic octopus facing the beaches of Massouri and Myrties. Guests can enjoy the beautiful beaches and coves near the port, well oriented to the prevailing wind in summer, or rent a car or scooter to tour the island and its many sites, or visit the archaeological museum, or that of sponge fishing, or the "Kalymniote house", to learn about the traditions and customs of yesterday's islets ...

KALYMNOS
Kalymnos is known as the island of sponge fishermen, and one of the three most important climbing points in the world.
It is also the largest artisanal fishing port in the Aegean Sea. The island remains very authentic and has its own life, without being distorted by excessive tourism. Unlike the other surrounding islands, there is always fresh and cheap fish there.

HOW TO GET THERE ?
There are several ways to get to the Dodecanese Islands: to Kalymnos, Kos, or Lèros by plane. By ferry from Athens, to Kalymnos or Kos (Cie Blue Star Ferries).