Boating destinations in spring

All sailors of the Baltic Sea have a deep longing for the so-called Danish South Seas. Year after year countless yachts set sail for this cosy destination. They come from the nearby charter bases and home ports at the German Baltic coast and swarm out into this world of small and very small islands, to Ærø for example or to Bågø. Attracted by many fine sandy beaches, green meadows on shore, water shimmering turquoise-green and this typical Danish way of life.

The Danish South Seas, an ideal area for beginners by the way, consists of a multitude of inhabited and uninhabited islands and islets, and most of them are well worth a trip. Lyø, Avernakø, Bågø or Arø are particularly popular. Here you can moor in small harbours, as almost everywhere in the area. A real insider tip is the idyllic island of Birkholm with its just 22 houses (note the depth of the water in the harbour entrance).

Those who would like to put their theoretical knowledge of navigation into practice while learning for a boating licence are well-advised to travel to the Channel Islands and the coast of neighbouring northern Brittany. Here, in the bay of St. Malo, the highest tidal differences in Europe can be found with up to twelve metres of tidal range. In addition, currents in bottlenecks such as the Race of Alderney can reach double-digit speeds.

Despite their proximity to France, these islands are British in character. The inhabitants speak English, drive on the left and enjoy their beer in pubs. The islands Guernsey and Jersey are waiting with beautiful harbour areas right in the centre of the main towns where life is colourful and varied. On Alderney, on the other hand, moorings are protected by a gigantic pier and the harbour master takes over the shuttle service to the shore if required.

Only on Herm and Sark do you have to anchor freely - as everywhere in the area, almost always in front of a dramatically beautiful landscape of finest sandy beaches, wild rock formations and dense greenery - a backdrop reminiscent of the films by Rosamunde Pilcher. Conclusion: The Channel Islands are a destination for ambitious sailors who want to experience great landscapes as well as British pub and tea house culture in addition to wind and weather.

In the middle of the Atlantic lies the archipelago of the Azores, which is a classic sailing destination of cross Atlantic and blue water sailors. But for some years now, it has also been possible for general holiday cruise sailors to sail the nine islands on their own keel: A small fleet of charter yachts in Horta on the island of Faial makes it possible. But what exactly awaits you in the Azores?

After the hand-over of the yacht, there will definitely be an evening at Café Sport, probably the most famous sailing pub in the world. All famous cross Atlantic sailors have quenched their thirst here under a sea of pennants and flags. But what comes after that when you go out on the water? The good thing is that the central group of the Azores - the five islands Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Terceira and Praia - are all very close together. Destinations can be reached in relaxed daily stages, even if you occasionally have to sail up to 50 nautical miles.

This realm of islands in northern Greece is one of the most pristine regions in the Aegean. On land as well as on the water the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed, even during the main season. There is no mass tourism as you know it from Santorini or Mykonos. The water is of a deep blue and absolutely clear, and several of the large islands have attractive anchor bays as well as city harbours where you can moor surrounded by rustic taverns.

Highlights of the area: The small harbour of Agia Kyriaki (avoid with southern winds) has nice taverns with a view over the Aegean Sea. Especially nice are the bays of Agnontas on Skopelos (dinner can be taken on the beach), Koukounariés on Skiathos (beautiful beach) and Staphylos in the south of Skopelos (great for snorkeling - here you get a Caribbean feeling). A real insider tip is the anchorage in the south of the island of Peristera. The island is uninhabited and you will find peace and quiet here, and, thanks to the lack of light pollution, a great starry sky above the ship awaits you on clear nights.