Wintering in the Med

[atoll]

Originally Posted by donradcliffe

I wintered in Vibo Marina, and loved the place. There were some cold rainy days, but we went for lots of walks and the high school English teachers remain good friends.

Its too rough to sail around the Med between December and March.

Hurgada would have better weather, but its a bit strange--you are in a gated and guarded compound.

not so much different from cartagena then!

last week when i was in cartagena found the security to be very good in the "Gated" marina compound with regular patrols by armed Guardia Civil along the perimiter every half hour or so

[Arthur Garfield]

I certainly agree with Atoll-hurghada egypt is pretty neat,.I say this considerring
where and when your departure location is.That is is you want warmth/heat.Barring your location constraints I might have gone for the Canaries.
Still not entirely clear of your needs.cost? hurghada egypt.For children this probably acceptable also being that many Egyptians are highly educated,speak english and,could use extra tutorring income.Cyprus would work also though more spendy.Israel-spendy.Ceuta,Melilia,spanish enclaves in Morroco.
Winds in your favor for Port Said now.
Heading west so late could be a PITA.
All the Best with whatever choice you make.Enjoy it all !

[lorenzoSF]

Mmhmh.. The Hurgada idea seems more and more attractive...

What about cruisers/expat/english speaking community out there?

Thanks
Lorenzo

[atoll]

Originally Posted by lorenzoSF

Mmhmh.. The Hurgada idea seems more and more attractive...

What about cruisers/expat/english speaking community out there?

Thanks
Lorenzo

english is egypts official second language,so you will allways find someone who speaks good english,and willing to help if in difficulties.

in hurghada with year round diving there is a large ex-pat community of dive masters , tour company reps and associated people working in tourism.

you might also want to look into the "med red sea rally for cruisers 2014",
with about 20 boats doing the trip
not sure of the link but one was posted on the forum earlier this year.

otherwise an easy downwind sail from the ionian sea to port said,of about 7-10 days.

going west from the ionian can be very hard going against the prevailing NW'lies till past sardinia.

other marinas in the area are abu tig marina, El Guona slighly to the north.
Orascom Marine Management | Abu Tig Marina

[Arthur Garfield]

Hi lorenzoSF, Are you in Venice now? Must be midnight.lol
Yes cruisers come through there.Sharm-el-Sheik may be good winterring also.
Sharm is worldwide vay-k destination with great diving and great community.
Perhaps take close look at Sharm also.

All the Best !

[Arthur Garfield]

Hi Atoll,
I must be mistaken-thought lorenzoSF was/is in Venice It. If so pretty much good winds all the way to Port Said now and for next month or so.

All the Best !

[Arthur Garfield]

Oh Duh-reread your post Atoll-for sure tough sailing west from Ionia sea about now.Lol

All the Best !

[Arthur Garfield]

Also lorenzoSF, Egyptians immigration pretty laid-back cool.I way way overstayed my visa once and they zero problem with tiny fine and renew charge for another 3 months. I imagine now with their tourist industry really really dead.Upon thinking about it I personally would prefer Sharm.Probably supper great deals along with everyone there speaking english.Sharm was first place I dove with whale sharks-it was so so cool.What a memory! Sharm also has easy access to immigration people.Quite welcoming.Egyptians are a wonderful people! Though as anywhere there are those.......but fewer than NYC! lOL