Getting our Beneteau Oceanis 41.1, All Winds, ready for her first season here in Croatia was destined to involve a few unexpected delays. While we have been busy trying to get off the dock and get our own “Sailbatical” started, the universe decided to balance out our stress by giving us a wonderfully surprising chance encounter.

It all started when the downwind sail, which was discussed as part of our purchase contract, fell through. In despair, we put out a call on social media to see if anyone in the sailing community had a suitable sail they were willing to sell.

Within a few minutes, we had a reply from someone in the exact same marina offering what seemed like a great solution. Philipp and Beate had just purchased their Hallberg-Rassy 42, Albatros, and were preparing for their circumnavigation. Their blister was not the ideal downwind sail for their needs, but it seemed like it would suit “All Winds” perfectly.

A Pink Sail and a New Friendship

We arranged a meeting on the dock. As we pulled the sail out of its bag, we realised it was almost brand new and in Karin’s favourite colour for a downwind sail: pink! The deal was quickly done, and a lovely friendship developed.

What started as a quick transaction turned into hours of shared stories and inspiring conversations about the realities of life on the water. Philipp and Beate are incredibly passionate sailors. They are documenting their circumnavigation on their website, Blauwassergeschichten, through fantastic VLOGs and an interactive tracking map.

At the same time, they are writing a series of children’s books about their adventures. The books tell the story of a curious little seahorse discovering the world, beautifully depicting the journey through the eyes of their nieces and nephews back home in Germany: Eva, Elise, and Eliot. It is a creative and heartwarming way to share the magic of the ocean with the next generation. You can find more about the book series (available in English and German) on their website.

A few days after our meeting, we had the profound honour of standing on the dock to wave them off as they officially started their circumnavigation.

We won’t lie—watching their bow point towards the horizon while we are still wading through paperwork and waiting to start our own trip was a bittersweet moment. But honestly, keeping up with them has been a highlight of our days. Right now, we are happily sailing vicariously through their social media channels and the regular WhatsApp updates they send us of their progress. It is a beautiful reminder of why we love this community and exactly what is waiting for us out there once we finally cast off our own lines and hoist that pink sail.

We highly encourage you to give them a follow on Instagram or Facebook so you can follow along with their incredible journey. You can also explore their interactive map, watch their latest VLOG videos, and pick up those beautiful children’s books over at Blauwassergeschichten.de.

Philipp, Beate (and the little seahorse), we wish you fair winds, following seas, and an unforgettable circumnavigation. We hope our wakes cross again somewhere out there in the blue water.

The post Serendipity on the Docks: Pink Sails, Shared Stories, and Vicarious Sailing appeared first on All Winds Adventures.

Finding the perfect boat for a sailing holiday is a balance of stability, space, and ‘power-to-weight’ performance. As a Switzerland-based boutique charter agency serving all of Europe, we draw on extensive time at the helm of popular charter models. This allows us to provide practical, first-hand advice based on real-world experience

We draw on over 35 years of wind-sports experience. This spans from family cruisers to high-performance yachts like the RM 1350. We created this guide to explain how different designs handle. Crucially, we show how those traits scale as boats get bigger.

How to “Scale” Your Expectations

How do you know if a 46-foot boat feels like the 38-foot version you read about? Larger boats are naturally more stable due to their weight. However, a boat’s “soul” depends on technical ratios.

The SA/D Index: Your Performance Compass

For those who prioritise sailing, look for the Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio in the specs:

• Under 15: Often under-sailed. Expect to motor in light winds.
• 16–18: The “sweet spot” for modern cruising.
• 20+: High-performance (like an RM or Pogo). Expect higher loads and active sailing.

As you scale up—for example, from a Sun Odyssey 410 to a 440—waterline length adds speed. However, check that the sail area increases with the weight. If it doesn’t, the larger boat may feel “slower” in light air than its smaller sibling.

Size Matters: Crew Comfort vs. Handling

Size influences two major factors: Space and Load.

• Small Crews (Couples): A boat in the 34 to 41-foot range is often perfect. It offers luxury without becoming a chore to manage in a marina.
• Two Couples or 4–6 Friends: Aim for 38 to 43 feet. This ensures everyone has “breathing room” and storage.
• Large Families: Boats over 45 feet or Catamarans are best for larger parties.

Pro Tip: Never fill a boat to its absolute maximum capacity. A 41-foot boat may sleep eight, but we recommend a limit of 4 to 5 people. This ensures everyone has a cabin and enough storage for a comfortable holiday.

Technical Specs: Handling the Rig

Pay close attention to the sail plan. It dramatically affects your daily experience:

• Fully Battened with Slab Reefing: Best for performance. It offers more sail area and better tuning.
• Roller Furling Mainsail: Offers easy reefing from the cockpit. It is great for small or less experienced crews.
• Self-Tacking Jibs: These make tacking effortless. They are ideal if your group isn’t active in sailing. However, you do sacrifice some sail area.
• Autonomy: If you love secluded bays, prioritise solar panels and large water tanks (500L+).

Real-World Case Studies: Our Honest Reviews

We have personally tested these models in various conditions. Here is our take:

Bavaria Cruiser Series (34, 41 & C38)

Cruiser 34 & 41: These are exceptionally stable with a comfortable motion. They have a “classic” hull shape that handles choppy seas smoothly.

Bavaria C38: A modern style with hull “chines.” While it has good form stability, the self-tacking jib version can feel under-sailed.

Beneteau Oceanis Series (35.1 & 41.1)

Oceanis 35.1: Very easy to handle in marinas. It is perfect for a couple’s getaway but can feel “light” under sail.

Oceanis 41.1: A significant step up. We’ve seen speeds over 10 knots on this boat.

Expert Choice: We chose an Oceanis 41.1 with a fully battened mainsail for our own personal boat and for coaching. The battened main provides the power and precision needed for high-level coaching.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey (410)

A personal favourite. The walk-around side decks provide incredible security at night. It feels reactive, almost like a large dinghy. The twin rudders provide excellent grip during marina manoeuvres.

Dufour Grand Large (412)

This boat offers a massive interior and a fun transom gas grill. While it is a great “floating holiday home,” its sailing performance was the lowest among the group we tested.

Alternative Options: Performance & Space

• Performance Cruisers (Pogo, RM): These are for experienced sailors wanting a sporty ride. Expect higher loads and technical systems like running backstays.
• Catamarans (Bali, Lagoon): The ultimate for space. They don’t heel (tilt), making them great for nervous sailors. Twin engines make them manoeuvrable, but their width requires good communication when docking.

Summary Comparison Table

Ready to find your perfect boat? Contact us to discuss your needs. We are happy to help you find your dream charter boat. Why not read our Step-by-Step Guide to booking your first charter?

The post Choosing Your Perfect Charter Yacht: Expert Reviews and Performance Scaling appeared first on All Winds Adventures.

Our own first charter experiences were filled with ‘what ifs’: Would the boat be in good condition? Will our licenses be accepted? How do we choose the right operator?

We personally were not worried about the sailing—we are both keen lifelong sailors—but everything surrounding the booking process seemed like a minefield at first glance. Now, after many years as charter customers and having experienced many different bases and companies, we are here to guide you through your first charter experience.

Whether your sights are set on the stunning islands of Croatia, the historic coastlines of Tuscany, the volcanic shores of the Aegean, or beyond, All Winds Adventures simplifies the journey.

We offer a global charter brokerage service, utilising our extensive network and deep personal sailing experience across Europe to source the perfect yacht for you—no matter the destination, size, or specific requirement.

Here is how we turn your sailing dream into a reality, leveraging our European network and hands-on expertise:

Step 1: Define Your Vision: Destination, Requirements, and Scope

Your adventure begins with a vision. Tell us what you are looking for.

• Destination: Where do you want to sail? (e.g., Croatia, Italy (Tuscany/Sardinia), Greece, the Balearic Islands, or a distant location like the Caribbean).
• Vessel Type: Do you require a catamaran, a monohull, a smaller cruiser, or a larger luxury yacht?
• Crew Requirements: Do you want a bareboat charter, or a fully crewed, all-inclusive experience?
• Group & Dates: How many people are travelling, and when do you plan to set sail?

The Essential First Step: To get started, simply complete our detailed charter inquiry form on our dedicated Charter page. This form allows us to gather the criteria we need to begin our targeted search for the ideal boat.

Step 2: Personalised Yacht Selection & Consultation

Once we have your requirements, we move quickly to present options that meet the All Winds standard of quality.

• Tailored Recommendations: We use your criteria from the form to search our trusted network of global operators. We will send you a curated shortlist of 3-5 (or more if you want) yachts, detailing their specs and amenities. This shortlist will feature highly desirable yachts, such as our own comfortable Beneteau Oceanis 41.1 (All Winds) in Croatia, alongside other excellent vessels perfectly located in your chosen region.
• In-Depth Discussion & Holding: Once you review the shortlist, we highly encourage a personal consultation. We offer a free, no-obligation telephone or video consultation to discuss the options. When we have narrowed the selection down to one or two boats, we will place a complimentary hold on the vessel(s), while we confirm availability and answer any final questions you or the base might have.

The All Winds Adventures Advantage (Expert Filtering): Dave and Karin don’t just book you a boat; we book you a boat we would sail ourselves. Our personal experience in various cruising grounds ensures we select reputable base operators and guarantee a quality charter experience across the globe.

Step 3: Finalising the Reservation & Billing

When you are ready to proceed with your choice, we finalise the booking details.

• Reservation and Contracting: We will then formally reserve the boat for you and arrange the billing directly.
• Price Guarantee: It is important to know that you do not pay any more to charter a boat through All Winds Adventures than you would by booking directly with the base or through other charter companies. We all work within the same industry tools and pricing structure. Our service provides expert consultation and advocacy at no extra cost to you.

Step 4: Preparing for Departure (Qualifications & Logistics)

This phase focuses on ensuring you are legally and logistically prepared for your trip, regardless of the country.

• Skipper Qualification Check: We ensure you meet the specific regulatory requirements for your chosen country. This is vital, as license requirements vary significantly across European nations (e.g., Greece versus Italy). We guide you through the required documentation for local compliance. We recommend at a minimum an ICC and a VHF/SRC certification for bareboat charters in the Mediterranean.
• Itinerary & Provisioning: We coordinate all logistics with the local base operator—including airport transfers, crew lists, security deposit details, and pre-ordered provisioning (groceries).

Step 5: Your Sailing Adventure & Ongoing Support

With the formalities complete, you set sail!

Sailing Day: Handover and Setting Sail: You have the freedom to explore your chosen destination at your own pace.

24/7 Support and Smooth Check-In During your trip, the local charter base remains your primary, first-response contact for any immediate technical or mechanical issues with the boat, as they are onsite at the marina and responsible for the vessel.

However, All Winds Adventures remains fully available to you. Should you encounter any issues or require assistance that the base is not adequately addressing, we are just a phone call away to provide advice, support, and necessary liaison. We ensure you are never without a friendly expert to rely on.

Step 6: Return, Check-out, and Planning the Next Voyage

Your charter concludes back at the base marina on the scheduled date. We ensure a smooth check-out process and look forward to receiving your feedback to help plan your next perfect adventure!

Ready to Start Your All Winds Charter Search?

Chartering a sailboat is an experience that promises adventure, relaxation, and memories to last a lifetime. With All Winds Adventures, you gain not just a yacht, but a dedicated team of experienced sailors committed to finding your perfect vessel.

Click the button below to complete our Charter Inquiry Form and let us search for the best boats for you:

Or, if you prefer to speak with us immediately, please contact us to schedule your free consultation!

Want some advice for planning your first charter? Read our First Time Chartering Article.

The post Chartering a Sailboat with All Winds Adventures: Your Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on All Winds Adventures.

Adventure has always been at the heart of what we do.

When I started Swiss Alpine Adventure, my mission was simple: to share my love of nature, freedom, and exploration with others. From mountain trails to alpine lakes, from snow-covered peaks to sunlit valleys — we wanted to help people experience that feeling of being alive outdoors.

But long before Swiss Alpine Adventure was born, my story began somewhere else entirely… on the water.

Back to Where It All Began

Before trading wetsuits for ski boots, I (Dave) was a full-time watersports instructor — teaching windsurfing, sailing, and introducing people to the excitement of being powered by the wind.

It was there, on beaches and bays across Europe and as far as Hawaii, that my passion for outdoor adventure truly took shape.

That feeling — the lift of the sail, the rush of the wind, the quiet connection with nature — never left me. It’s what inspired me to create Swiss Alpine Adventure in the first place: to bring people together through active experiences in the great outdoors.

When I met Karin and she mentioned that she sailed, my first question was simple: “Can we go sailing together?”

Karin, too, has always felt at home on the water. A lifelong sailor and all-round outdoor enthusiast, she shares that same connection to the elements that drive every one of our adventures.

Together, we’ve always believed that adventure is less about the location and more about the feeling — the wind in your hair, the water beneath your feet, and the freedom to explore.

The Bridge: Wannabe Watersports

If you’ve followed us for a while, you might already know Wannabe Watersports — our small but passionate side project that offered windsurfing and wing foil lessons, equipment rentals, and sailing experiences.

Wannabe Watersports allowed us to stay connected to the water while still running Swiss Alpine Adventure. It was where we experimented, refined our ideas, and started helping others rediscover the joy of wind-powered adventure.

Now, that energy, experience, and community are all part of our next big step.

Introducing All Winds Adventures

All Winds Adventures is the natural evolution of our journey — combining everything we’ve learned from the mountains, the lakes, and the sea.

Born from Swiss Alpine Adventure GmbH, and built on the spirit of Wannabe Watersports, All Winds Adventures is where our love for the outdoors meets our lifelong passion for wind and water.

We’re here to help you discover your own wind-powered freedom — whether that’s through:

• Windsurfing and Wing Foiling Coaching — learn or progress with expert instruction in Switzerland
• Taster Sessions and Private Lessons (Sailing, Windsurf, Wingfoil) — perfect for beginners who want to feel the wind for the first time
• Equipment Rentals — high-quality Windsurf, Wingfoil and SUP gear for your holidays or weekends away
• Yacht Charters or Coaching Weeks — Coaching in Croatia and Charters worldwide, for anyone who wants to combine sailing, learning, and exploring

All Winds Adventures isn’t a replacement for what came before — it’s the next chapter in our story. A full-circle return to the element that started it all.

A Shared Adventure

At the core of everything we do — mountains or waves, snow or sea — is the belief that adventure should be accessible, shared, and real.

We don’t just teach sports; we help people find connection — to nature, to each other, and to themselves.

Whether you’ve joined us on a bike ride or ski tour in the Alps, a sailing week in Croatia, or your first windsurfing session on a Swiss lake, you’re part of this story.

Now, as we set sail with All Winds Adventures, we invite you to join us once again — to chase the wind, explore new horizons, and rediscover the joy of being powered by nature.

All Winds Adventures

Powered by the Wind. Driven by Passion.

The post From The Alps to the Sea: Coming Full Circle with All Winds Adventures appeared first on All Winds Adventures.

Tips for a Stress-Free and Enjoyable Adventure

When we learn to sail, many of us dream of the day we’ll cast off the lines, feel the wind fill the sails, and head off into the sunset — leaving our daily worries behind. Sailing simplifies life; it brings everything back to the here and now.

But when it comes to your first yacht charter, that dream can feel a little daunting. How do you prepare? What can you expect? And how do you make sure it’s an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons?

At All Winds Adventures, we’ve been where you are — from first-time charter nerves to full-circle sailing adventures in Croatia and Majorca. This guide brings together practical advice, personal experience, and the calm confidence that turns your first bareboat charter into a truly enjoyable adventure.

Do your research in advance

As with most things in sailing, preparation is key. Before my first charter, I spent evenings poring over charts and cruising guides for the region. I used Google Maps to get familiar with the coastline, downloaded electronic charts for my tablet, and refreshed some old-school chartwork skills.

I even followed the local weather forecasts for weeks in advance — planning imaginary routes as if I were already there.

That research meant that when the week came, I already knew the lie of the land (and sea), where to find shelter if the weather changed, and what kind of distances made sense for a day’s sail.

Tip: Start familiarising yourself with the area you plan to sail weeks in advance. Learn local weather patterns, entry points, and possible anchorages.

Choose the Right Time to Charter

If you’re planning your first yacht charter, timing can make or break your experience.

Avoid July and August if possible — that’s high season in the Mediterranean. Marinas are crowded, anchorages packed, and you’ll often need to reserve berths in advance. It can quickly turn a relaxing sailing holiday into a stressful race for space.

Instead, plan your first sailing week in spring or autumn. The weather is often just as good, the marinas are quieter, and you’ll have the freedom to adapt your plan day by day — which is what true adventure is all about.

Get time on the water beforehand

Confidence comes from experience — and experience starts small.

Before heading off on a larger yacht, spend time sailing smaller boats where you live. Practice reefing, mooring, and coming alongside under different wind conditions.

If you’re based in Switzerland, join a coaching session. We’ll help you refine your skills and build the confidence you need to take the helm on your first charter. Check out our coaching or contact page and get in touch with us for more information.

Get there early

Your holiday starts long before you cast off the lines.

Arriving early at the charter base lets you familiarise yourself with the marina, check out the local facilities, and — most importantly — relax before your check-in.

A calm skipper makes a good impression with the base staff, and that helps everything go smoother.

One option, ff available, book an early check-in. You’ll be ahead of the queue for the technical walkthrough and can possibly even take the boat out for a short sail that first afternoon. Coming back into a familiar berth builds confidence for the days ahead.

What to expect at check-in

You will get a time in advance to check in at the base. But you might be able to take care of the paperwork at the office before your official check-in time. Once the paperwork is done, the base staff will usually do the technical check-in as soon as your boat is ready.

You will have decided what extras you are taking in advance and you will have to pay for these at the beginning of the charter. Extras might include the following:

• Charter Pack (also known as Final Cleaning or Starter Pack and is usually compulsory.)
• Outboard Motor for dinghy
• Insurance
• Car parking in the Marina
• Bedding
• Cockpit cushions
• SUP

Sometimes the Charter Pack/Starter Pack includes some of the other options, but others don’t. Read carefully in advance what is included and what is extra.

I personally believe it’s worth paying for the extra insurance/damage waiver if the charter company will give it to you. In some cases, they will only allow you to have the damage waiver (which in most cases only reduces your deposit) if they deem you to have had enough previous experience. Some companies sell a complete damage waiver (zero deposit) covering any damage to the boat, but usually, the waiver just reduces your damage deposit (and thus damage liability).

All your extras are charged to your credit card at check-in. Following this, they will put a hold on your card for the amount of the damage deposit. The safe return of the boat with no damage will result in this hold being removed from your card.

Technical Check-in

When your boat is ready, one of the base staff will do a complete walk-through of the boat with you. Usually, it’s just the skipper and maybe one other person who are on the boat for this. This part of the check-in is very important. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Start/Stop Engine
• Engine Battery/House Battery Master Switches
• Sea Cocks
• Gas shut off
• Life Jackets
• Life Raft
• Emergency Rudder
• Electrical Panel
• Toilet/Black Water Tank
• Water
• Diesel
• Engine oil check, spares
• Reefing Systems

There might be a full inventory taken of the boat at this point, which you will be expected to sign. In light winds, some companies will pull out the sails to check those. If you spot any damage or notice anything missing, this is the time to point this out. Any damage not mentioned in the protocol could be attributed to you when you bring the boat back.

Get Ready to Go

After the administrative and technical check-in, you can start to put your luggage on board and the holiday can begin. Many stay the first night in the home port and leave the following morning, but if you have done an early check-in it might be nice to go for a short sail and return to your dock. It is possible to leave and sail to another location after the check-in, but you will be arriving quite late and end up having to do your first mooring in a potentially crowded marina quite late in the day.

Leaving the dock

In the Mediterranean, most of the charter boats moor stern-to on the dock. If possible try to leave the dock for the first time when the wind is light. I suggest going to a quiet corner of the Marina to familiarise yourself with how the boat handles in close quarters at this point before doing anything else. Familiarising yourself with the boat at this stage will make your manoeuvres much less stressful later.

Practising close quarters, coming alongside and coming to a dock stern-to at the start of the Charter will give you an idea of any idiosyncrasies your boat may have. It also gives you a chance to explain to the new crew what their roles will be when doing the manoeuvres for real later on.

Bear in mind that wind can make getting in and out of your spot on the dock very difficult. Take time to think of your plan in advance and also think of what your options are if something goes wrong. It only takes a split second for the bow to be blown off the wind when you cast off the windward stern line. This situation can be compounded if you were to suddenly back up while the stern line is still in the water or use the bow thruster while someone is still holding onto one of the bowlines.

The first sail

Try to plan your first sail as quite a short one. On our first charter, we were lucky our boat was kept on a finger-berth rather than squeezed between other charter boats. This allowed us to leave, go for a short sail and return again after we finished the check-in without too much stress. The Marinas in Italy almost all have staff on hand who you can radio as you enter the harbour to come and help you with your lines as you arrive back in.

If sailing to a new harbour for your first sail, make it a short one and arrive there early. The earlier you get in, the fewer other boats you will have to deal with and the less chance that the first time you dock will be in a tight space. An early arrival allows you and your crew the chance to have a more relaxed first experience with docking in a new marina.

If you have done your research, it should be easy to pick out a location for the first sail. In high season, you will almost certainly have to try and reserve a berth at the marina you are heading to in advance.

Follow the forecast

It’s good to keep a careful eye on the forecast for later in the week already at the very beginning. Most week-long charters really only involve 6 days of actual sailing. Unless you leave for your first sail directly after the check-in. It’s easy to sail a long way from the charter base in the first 4 days of the charter to suddenly realise that you now need to make up all that ground back upwind in 2 days on the way back. Keep an eye on the weather and plan to get back to your starting point comfortably on the last day.

Returning the boat

Most charters run Saturday to Saturday, but boats usually need to be back at the base by Friday at 5 p.m. You’ll spend the final night on board before disembarking the next morning.

Before returning, fill your fuel tank and empty the black water tanks. Take note of the fuel dock layout when you leave on day one — it’ll make the return far easier.

Once refuelled, radio the marina or phone the base manager and ask for help with lines when docking. The staff are always happy to assist, and it ensures a smooth finish to your week.

Reap the Rewards

our first charter is more than just a holiday — it’s a step into a new way of experiencing the world. The feeling of freedom, the teamwork on board, and the rhythm of wind and water stay with you long after you’ve returned to shore.

With a little preparation and guidance, that first charter will feel less like a leap into the unknown and more like the start of a lifelong adventure.

Charter with All Winds Adventures

If you’re ready to start your own sailing story, All Winds Adventures can help every step of the way:

• Yacht Charter in Croatia and Majorca — Bareboat or with coaching support
• Sailing Coaching and Taster Sessions in Switzerland — Build confidence before your trip
• Skippered Coaching Weeks — Learn while exploring the best of the Mediterranean

Get in touch to plan your first sailing charter adventure or join one of our charter coaching weeks. We’ll help you feel confident, prepared, and free to enjoy what sailing is all about — being powered by nature, guided by the wind, and open to wherever adventure takes you.

https://allwindsadventures.com

The post The first time… Chartering appeared first on All Winds Adventures.

Everyone likes to get great holiday snaps, but sometimes it’s nice to get something a bit different. Technology advancements now mean that the kind of photographs previously only possible by professional photographers are now achievable by the average person.

The GoPole Dome is a simple product that can provide stunning photos if you are willing to take a little time and effort to figure it out. I recently purchased one before going on holiday in the hope of taking some memorable holiday snaps. The dome is a Plexiglas half sphere which mounts a GoPro camera at a distance from the Plexiglas screen. This allows you to capture over/under photographs while taking part in watersports.

Before using the dome, I did online research to try and figure out how best to utilise it. In the end, I discovered a lot of the techniques I tried based on online advice did not provide the desired results. However, with a bit of trial and error, I did get some shots I was happy with, but ultimately, there is still a lot of luck involved.

Mounting the camera, the camera clamps securely into a Frame at the back of the dome. The clamping force pushes the camera into the dome, providing a seal to ensure that no water gets into the device. I also used a GoPole Bobber floating mount to attach to the dome and make it easy to point and shoot when out in the water.

When everything is assembled, the system feels quite firm. First impressions in the water were positive, except that with lots of sunlight, it is not easy to see the screen. This is not a huge problem, as the screen is obscured by water when taking over/under pictures anyway.

A few of the tips I read online suggested trying to shoot at an angle, either up or down, to do 70/30 style images, but when we tried doing this it was almost impossible to frame the pictures in the desired way. We found it easier to do 50/50 images for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s easier to frame something either over or underwater (while still having scenery above the surface in the frame. Secondly, due to water usually not being glassy flat it was easier to salvage something out of pictures when a piece of chop washed across the dome.

Drops on the globe can be quite unwanted when shooting in rougher water or once the dome has been fully submerged at any point. We found that briefly spitting on the globe and rubbing it in and then dunking the dome in the water immediately before taking a photo created the best pictures.

Once you take pictures, you need to be quite careful not to let water into the dome, as usually there will be some dripping once the seal between the camera and the dome is broken.

We also noticed that the dome itself is quite easy to scratch. I inadvertently touched the dome with a SUP paddle so gently that I didn’t even notice doing it, and there was a quite noticeable scratch on the lens right in the frame. It’s quite important to protect the Dome. It might not be a bad idea to maybe make a water case for the dome out of an old wetsuit.

One other issue we noticed when experimenting with the dome is that when shooting side on to the sun the image can be backlit, causing a reflection of the back of the dome in the picture you take. It’s best to position yourself to shoot down the sun if at all possible when using the dome.

Summary

A great piece of equipment which compliments a GoPro, allowing you to take pictures that only a few years ago would have required some very expensive equipment to shoot. Somewhat delicate but well worth the money.

Feel free to contact us or leave a comment for further information.

The post GoPole Dome – Review appeared first on All Winds Adventures.

With a window for a holiday coming up, I tend to spend a lot of time looking at Windguru or Windy to try and figure out where the best place to go will be. In this situation, the North West of Spain (Galicia) was looking quite promising.

With that decided, it was time to get some flights and looking online, we managed to book a couple of tickets from Zurich to Santiago de Compostela at a reasonable price, flying with Vueling. It took some further phone calls to arrange our excess baggage through Vueling customer service.

Booking last-minute to follow the wind does not usually leave much time to pack. This means getting Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and SUP gear all ready to fly last minute is a bit of a challenge. How much goes in what bag, are the bags underweight? What problems will we have at check-in? All these issues lead to some stress until that moment you drop everything off at the oversized baggage counter, and the holiday can finally begin. Luckily on this trip, everything went smoothly, and before we knew it, we were picking up our rental car in Santiago de Compostela and finding our way to our first overnight stay in A Coruna.

It felt really great to walk on the beach in A Coruna and breathe in the salty air. The first evening in A Coruna was spent checking weather forecasts and deciding where to go the next day.

Galicia

To cut a long story short, we were not lucky with the conditions in Galicia. We discovered an amazing coastline with beautiful villages and a huge potential for windsurfing, but unfortunately for us, the forecasted wind never materialised. We will definitely go back again, but on this trip, we made a tactical decision after a couple of days to head south to Portugal. The Portuguese coastline benefits from the Nortada effect, which thermally accelerates any northerly airflow in the region.

Having been there once before, I knew that Viana do Castelo was not far away and benefited from the Nortada. Recently, a PWA Slalom and Freestyle event had absolutely ballistic conditions here, so it felt like a safe bet to cut our losses and head there.

Viana do Castelo

Arriving in Viana to find many kites in the sky, we immediately felt we had made the right choice. We rented a kitesurf and windsurf locker on the beach from the Viana Beach Centre and then went to get something to eat and get a good nights sleep for a promising forecast the next day.

The Town

Viana is a bustling harbour town on the north of Portugal. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the town, and finding something to eat for pretty much every taste is easily possible. The town is on the north side of the Limia estuary, and the beach Windsurfing/Kitesurfing area is on the southern side of the Estuary. There is one bridge to get across, but you will need a car to get around unless you leave your gear (or rent) at one of the beach centres. There is also a water taxi from the town across the estuary to the beach areas.

Conditions

As already mentioned, Viana benefits from the Nortada. If the weather is sunny, any northerly airflow will be strengthened, providing perfect cross to cross off-shore wind at the northern end of the Praia de Cabedelo. The further south on the beach you go, the more side-shore the wind gets. The wind can be a little gusty on the first day of a Nortada, but as the days go on it tends to get stronger and more consistent. In the time we were there, I was sailing 4.7 and 5.3 on my 85-litre wave board, and my Partner used everything from a 6m to a 10m kite.

As the wind gets stronger (or there is a swell running), the waves get larger the further down the beach you go. Right up by the Harbour wall, the waves are usually (depending on swell direction) somewhat smaller, and they increase in size as you travel south along the beach. This provides a great possibility for people to start out sailing wave,s and as they feel more confident, they can move further down the beach.

The shelter of the harbour wall provides really flat water (but somewhat gusty winds if you are a windsurfer) if you stay right at the north end of the beach. As you venture out past the shelter of the wall you start to get more of a rolling swell which is good for practising small jumps.

The Viana Beach Centre provides tuition in Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Surfing, and we were pretty impressed with the set-up that they had there. There is also another water sports centre attached to the Feel Viana Hotel, a little further south on the beach. At the time of writing, we have not yet gotten to stay there (although we do plan to go back)

The Viana Beach Centre has equipment from Duotone (Kites and Windsurf Sails) and Fanatic (Windsurf Boards and SUPS). The Feel Viana centre has mainly JP and Neil Pryde equipment with Cabrinha Kites. Both locations also have surf shops where you can pick up anything you may have forgotten or broken.

Summary

Viana is great, it offers windsurfers and kitesurfers who travel together the opportunity to share time on the water. (not always easy) We really enjoyed the atmosphere (and the food) around the Beach Centre in Viana. The storage facilities were great and saved the long walk over the boardwalks with our equipment each day. It is definitely a place we plan on going back to.

Nearest Airport: Porto, Portugal, although Santiago de Compostela is also possible.

Accommodation: If you can get a room there, it’s hard to beat the location of the Feel Viana hotel. (but will be staying there in 2020) We were too last-minute to stay there and stayed instead in the Absolute Design Hotel and Hotel do Parque. (booking over booking.com last minute) Both hotels were of acceptable quality, but the Hotel do Parque was starting to look a little tired. Absolute Design Hotel is in the middle of the Town and Parking may sometimes be a problem.

Kitesurf or Windsurf: Both.

Wind/Kite Surf Schools: Viana Beach Centre or Feel Viana

Car Rental: We rented from the airport in Santiago de Compostela, and although it was further away than Porto, car rental at the time of visiting and writing did seem to be cheaper from the Spanish Airport.

Wind: Prevailing wind in Summer is the Nortada can blow 20 to 40 knots side shore from the right. With more days of strong wind or with any swell from a westerly direction, it can get quite decent waves.

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Living in Switzerland, I have long been looking for a “go-to” spot for windsurfing. I’d been to Corsica and had a few sessions there, but for some reason, it just didn’t quite gel with me (yet). Then, a few years ago I saw a photograph on social media of ex wave world champion – Kauli Seadi boosting an aerial over a huge section of a perfect starboard tack down the line reef break. Thinking this must be somewhere like the Mentawais I was surprised to find out that it was in fact Sardinia!

After a little research, I discovered the spot smack bang in the middle of Sardinia’s west coast. With a bit more time online I discovered that getting to Sardinia from Switzerland was surprisingly easy… I decided it was time to pack my car and take a road trip to find out what Sardinia is all about. I’ve now been back many times. Sardinia offers a wide variety of conditions in beautiful surroundings, with a reasonable infrastructure in a location that is surprisingly easy to get to from Central Europe

Getting There

I generally opt to drive to Sardinia for a number of reasons. It’s only a 5-hour drive (from Zurich) to Genoa, where there is an overnight ferry directly to Sardinia. If you take the ferry at 8 pm you arrive well rested in Sardinia at 8 am the next morning. After boarding the ferry, there is time to eat something, get a good night’s sleep and wake up the next morning ready to go. For me, that counts as only 5 hours of effective travel time to get there. There is no time lost picking up a rental car, no airport security and no long check-in lines. In general a much more relaxed travel experience. I can get off the ferry, having had a good night’s sleep and go straight to my spot of choice.

The ferries have also (so far) proved to be very uncomplicated to book. I usually book my ferry last minute to the port which is closest to where I want to sail on the first day. Porto Torres for anywhere North, West or South or Olbia for the North East.

The Island

Sardinia is an island of about 210km long and 110km wide with a coastline of 1849km and many beautiful beaches. The climate is Mediterranean, so even in winter it is reasonably mild and sitting in the middle of the Med it tends to experience most of the usual winds of the region from Mistral to Scirocco to Tramontana.

Many people think immediately of Porto Pollo when they think about wind or kitesurfing in Sardinia. While this location does benefit from strong winds funnelling through the Straits of Bonifacio, I find Porto Pollo to be overcrowded and quite clichéd. Add that to parking difficulties, attitude, crowds and the last time I was there, theft from parked cars, it is definitely a spot I tend to avoid when visiting Sardinia.

Windsurf/Kitesurf Spots

Below, I will attempt to list just a few of the potential wind and kitesurfing spots on the island. This list barely touches the surface of the spots which can be sailed on Sardinia. There are many more spots in between these locations, which, in certain conditions, would deserve a mention. The Kite and Windsurfing Guide of Europe can be a great starting point for discovering the island. But, we’ve also sailed a number of places not listed in the book and had some fun sessions.

Porto Liscia: This spot is windsurfing only but offers similar conditions to Porto Pollo, although sometimes can be less crowded. Works in Easterly and Westerly winds and in my experience, had pretty flat water.

La Maddalena: This is an island (along with Caprera) which can be reached by ferry from Palau. There are a few places on the island that can provide the possibility to launch, depending on wind direction. During high season be aware that many beaches have buoyed off swimming areas which should be respected. Having said that if you look around you may get a chance to get on the water without any crowds.

Rena Majore: Rena Majore works best in a Northerly wind after a few days of Mistral have sent waves into the bay. I’ve tried to sail here in Northwesterly winds, hoping to get enough angle to get out, but found it too onshore. It’s a beautiful beach with stunning surroundings, but difficult to get good wave conditions. In my experience, a more bump and jump location than a wave spot.

La Ciacca: This spot works best in a Westerly wind, which brings port tack side shore conditions. There are reefs on both sides of the beach which can pick up quite small waves even with just windswell. If there are any waves running, there is quite a strong current here so you should be quite sure in your launching and coming back to the same spot. Launching a kite here is difficult but not impossible. On a good day, expect to see a large number of windsurfers on the water.

Platamona: Platamona is a long beach to the east of Porto Torres. It should work quite well in easterly or westerly winds, but as soon as there is any swell running, the currents are quite strong and the wave period is very small. Getting out requires a reasonable amount of power and some good timing.

Stintino: La Pelosa beach sticks far out to the north and gets strong easterlies that do may not make it the whole way into Platamona. The wind is almost directly onshore at the launch. But, once you get into the lee of Isola Piana the water is a little flatter. If you get upwind from the beach at La Pelosa (or from the windsurf centre) you will find nice bump and jump conditions. Further out, just to the south-west of the Island, there is a small breaking wave, but the wind is directly onshore with respect to the wave.

Alghero: In a southerly wind, Alghero can become a great wave spot. The lighthouse directly out from the main beach has a reef extending off the north end. With a decent swell and a strong southerly wind, this can offer some really nice down-the-line wave riding. It works best if there is some time for the swell to become organised; otherwise, the sections are scrappy and do not link together well. But, with the right conditions, it can be a perfect down the line port tack reef break. With northwesterly winds, Alghero can also be quite a good freeride spot.

Funtana Meiga: With northerly winds, Funtana Meiga can provide really nice starboard tack side-shore conditions with some great wave riding. There is a current running which can make it difficult to get going on the way out unless you rig big. The launch is relatively small, and the coast to either side is rocky with many sea urchins so getting back to the same spot is a skill that is quite important. The wave is not super hardcore, though, so definitely a fun place to go for a wave session.

Porto Botte: Porto Botte is a nice freeride spot in Northerly or North Westerly winds. The water here is relatively sheltered from the island at St. Atioco, which keeps the waves from breaking here. When it is lighter, it is possible to go out to the northern end of the bay, where it is a little less sheltered. But, be careful if the wind is fickle! We’ve had a long swim from here when the wind suddenly dropped and veered more offshore.

Chia: Chia can be an amazing wave spot in Northerly or Southerly/Southwesterly winds. Its exposed location can make it quite dodgy though (especially in northerly winds). When it’s side offshore with a swell running it can provide super clean waves for down the line wave riding.

This is by no means meant to be an exhaustive list, but it is hopefully enough to whet your appetite and make you think about exploring the island if you do decide to head to Sardinia. In all the trips we’ve had there, we’ve truly started to fall in love with the Island. The scenery is stunning, the climate is mild, there are reasonably consistent winds and loads of beaches to work in any wind direction. Furthermore, it is possible to travel there easily on the weather forecast from Central Europe. My advice is to get your kit together and go explore.

Other Sports

The scenic bays in Sardinia are perfect to explore with a SUP board, and sometimes you will even find good waves for surfing. We’ve also experienced some nice mountain biking on the island so definitely a place to bring more than just your wind/kitesurfing gear if you plan on making the trip.

When to Go

The best time to go to Sardinia, in my opinion, is out of the main season. During the summer months, the beaches tend to be incredibly crowded, and traffic on the island can be quite heavy. The volume of people and traffic will make getting to spots with your gear quite difficult. In Spring and Autumn, there are a lot fewer people, and it’s possible to find really nice spots all for yourself.

Summary

Sardinia is a beautiful island exposed to most of the winds that are prevalent in the Mediterranean. Off-season hotels can be quite cheap, and the island is largely uncrowded, which makes it a really nice place for an off-season wind or kitesurf trip. All Winds Adventures visits Sardinia regularly, feel free to contact us for more information

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