SAiling In Cyprus

J80 Sailing in Paphos

Yesterday it was time to learn how to use the Gennakar, this optional sail turns this keelboat into a pocket rocket ship, with a bowsprit which is extended some six feet in front of boat allowing a huge sail to be flown for downwind sailing. Great care has to be taken when launching, recovering and gybing as the sail can be easily damage, with wrong handling.

There was quite a big sea running and perhaps a more wind that we would have liked, however we took our time, checking that the various ropes used to control the sail were set up correctly. We turned downwind and hauled one corner of the sail out to the end of the bowsprit before hoisting the head to the top of mast, it went up smoothly sheltered behind the main sail and filled as the jib was rolled and the sheet tighten. The boat accelerating away and we tested a few sailing angles. We had time to put in a test gybe which involved pulling the clew of the sail from one side to the other as the stern of the boat passed through the wind. before doing a spinnaker drop which involved gathering in the foot of the sail and pulling the sail into the cabin as fast as possible, so that we could turn back upwind to return to Paphos.

The outing confirmed that option sail will only be hired put to competent sailors. we also need to make a few adjustment to equipment to improve sail handling.

David Ogden
97727987
davidogdens @ gmail.com
Your Insider in Cyprus
Sail First

Life in Cyprus

Private Swimming Pool

We planned a swimming trip but did not make an allowance for a local developer who has closed of a coastal track leading to a small craft launching point. We spent some time trying to pick up an alternative path to no avail, however much to our surprise we came upon a smallholding where someone was growing Mangoes so we made a note to return later in the season.

Thwarted from reaching our original destination we returned along the coast towards St George Fishing shelter and had lunch looking over an island before descending to the rocks and exploring a small cut the the rock, which I had remembered from some years ago.

Depending on the height of the tide and state of the seas it is possible to swim through, however on our visit I deemed it too dangerous as the wave surges where touching the roof too frequently. We instead swam in the shallows where a rocky barrier had created a natural swimming pool. Jasmin was also able to sit on the rocks in the shade created by one of the mouths of the cave.

Later in the day when we had returned home, I looked on Google and mapped out another possible route to get to our original destination and will also check with a friend who I know used to be a regular visitor.

David Ogden
97727987
davidogdens @ gmail.com
Your Insider in Cyprus
SailFirst

Sailing In Cyprus

Sailing in Paphos

Most visitors to Paphos at some time or other visit Paphos harbour, to see the Castle or sit at a waterside cafe and watch what is happening on the water.

One of the newest attractions is a fleet of ten identical 26ft J80 Yachts, tied to a jetty in the centre of the harbour. These easy to sail yachts are available for hire with or without a skipper, so this means that anyone can get afloat and learn what it is like to get afloat under sail.

Having been a keen sailor all my life I can appreciate the investment that has been made by SailFirst to set up a fleet in Cyprus. The main idea is to provide corporate groups with some friendly competition and team building events for their staff. Cyprus can offer some ideal sailing conditions with steady winds in the afternoon which makes it an ideal place to try out sailing. The small yachts have a fixed keel and a large cockpit with room for up to seven people. Normally for corporate events the yachts are chartered out at over 350 EUR, however appreciating that holiday makers have limited resources special offers are being made available so families with no sailing experience can get afloat for around 150 EUR, which is a bargain which many people are expected to take up.

SailFirst are also are organising a number of open Regattas during the year the next which is a three day event from 25-27th July. I am looking for a crew to enter a yacht so if you are available at this time and fancy some exercise, which also includes VIP entrance to a Rock and Blues festival being held at the harbour at the end of each days racing with free wine please contact me.

David Ogden
97727987
davidogdens @ gmail.com
Your Insider in Cyprus
SailFirst