Blog Archives - Trafalgar Sailing

Travel to Gibraltar and ideas what to do in a weekend

Weekend in Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a little gem waiting to be explored. So if you have time before your sailing course, and looking for a weekend getaway with a blend of British charm and Mediterranean flair, here’s how to get around and make the most of your weekend.

Flights and arrival
There are BA flights from Heathrow and Easyjet from Gatwick direct to Gibraltar every day. Also flights form Bristol, Manchester and Luton. Gibraltar airport is next to the Spanish border so if you are travelling from Spain this Gibraltar travel info is the same:

As you will be sailing you will be travelling light, and is just a short walk from the airport to the marina. If going into town there is a bus stop 50m from the border. Or from the airport you can jump on a “Hoppy” E-scooter. You just download the app and then can whiz over the runway. No where else in the world can you talk/cycle or scooter over a runway. Drop the Hoppy off near Casemates Square where there are lots of cafes/shops and restaurants inside the old city walls.

Where to stay and eat
Depending on your budget here are a few ideas of where you could stay in Gibraltar.

1, The Sunborn Yacht Hotel is in the Ocean Village marina. A floating 5 start hotel which looks and feels like a cruise ship but does not move. It has a tiny dip pool on the roof. It is next to the marina where you meet us on Sunday at 6pm. You can practically fall out of bed onto your yacht. In Ocean village there are a variety of friendly buzzing bars and restaurants. My favourite restaurants are The Little Garden (Indian), Gauchos (steak), and Biancas (pizza).

2, If you want somewhere quiet in the old part of Gibraltar, The Elliot hotel is in town set off the Main Street. It has a nice roof pool and is walking distance from the Ocean Village marina, Queensway Quay marina and the Upper Rock Nature reserve. Main Street is busy with shoppers coming for British brands during the day but in the evenings is quiet. The Lounge in Queensway is a good place to have dinner and watch the sun go down.

3, Devils Tower Road as the name suggested is not the most attractive area and can be windy as you are under 400m of limestone cliff. However, it has some good options for studios and E1 has a spa. Best place to eat would be in Ocean Village at Wagamama or Pizza Express.

4, If you are looking for something more economical just over the border in Spain is a 4 star Ohtels which is overlooking the Alcaidesa marina and very well priced. Good place to eat in La Linea Spain is Chacras or go for tapas. Don’t wander around too much in La linea at night as it is easy to get lost down back streets.

Gibraltar Rock Tour.
There are various ways you can see the iconic Rock of Gibraltar.

1, Ebike
Trafalgar sailing guests get a 10% discount at Stuarts Ebike shop in the Ocean Village marina. Book ahead for a guided Gibraltar Rock tour or hire an ebike and go in your own time. Once at the summit, explore the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, home to the famous Barbary apes, the only wild monkeys found in Europe. Don’t miss St. Michael’s Cave, a stunning natural cave. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Great Siege Tunnels, a network of tunnels carved out during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the late 18th century.

2, Cable car
You could ride to the top on the Rock by cable car and stop at the monkeys den (watch your bag and sunglasses here and some are cheeky) and then have a drink at the cafe at the top of the Rock for panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, the African coast, and the Spanish hinterland. Cable car open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM (last ascent around 6:30 PM). Hours can vary based on the season and weather conditions. It’s always a good idea to check in advance.

3, Taxi
If you have limited time as you arrive on the 11am flight from Gatwick and meeting us at 6pm you may just like to get a taxi at the border / airport and go on a private guided tour by taxi. It is more expensive but if you have your bags with you may be more convenient. Ask them to drop you in Marina Bay at the end not in town if you have your bags with you.

4, Walking
For those that are keen to stay fit, why not walk. You go up Main Street, past Trafalgar Cemetery, through the Alamenda gardens, up past the Rock hotel to The Jewish Gate. From here you can already see Mount Jebel in Africa on a clear day. You will have to pay an entry fee to get into the nature reserve and then the Mediterranean steps start on the left side. The trail from there is only about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) long to the summit of the Gibraltar Rock but a challenging hike due to its steep terrain. But rewarding for those who enjoy a safe, vigorous climb with panoramic sea views.

Gibraltar Lower St Michael’s Caves.
If you enjoy the big St. Michael’s Cave you may like to be a step more adventurous and go down into the Lower St. Michael’s Cave. This is a fascinating less visited part of Gibraltar’s renowned cave system with captivating geological formations. You don’t have to be so fit but you cannot be claustrophobic. The cave showcases impressive stalactites, stalagmites that have developed over thousands of years. You need to book a guide in advance. It is an unforgettable experience and lovely and cool inside the Rock on a hot summers day.

For travel/ hotel reservations try www.kayak.co.uk/

September 12, 2024/by Cathy O'Hanlon

Blog

RYA courses with children

Cruising on a yacht with children can be a magical experience that creates lasting memories for the whole family. From exploring new destinations to learning valuable life skills, yacht cruising offers a unique opportunity for children to connect with nature, bond with loved ones, and develop a sense of adventure. With the right preparation, safety measures, and a sprinkle of fun, sailing with children can be an enriching and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

Safety comes with knowledge
Before embarking on a yacht cruise with children, it’s essential to ensure that everyone on board, including the little ones, is well-prepared and knowledgeable about basic sailing techniques and safety procedures. Enrolling in RYA courses tailored for families can be an excellent way to introduce children to the world of sailing and equip them with the skills they need to be safe and confident on the water. These courses cover essential topics such as boat handling, navigation, safety drills, and emergency procedures, providing a solid foundation for a family sailing adventure.

When planning a yacht cruise with children, it’s crucial to consider their comfort, safety, and entertainment throughout the journey. Packing essentials such as sunscreen, hats, life jackets (provided by Trafalgar Sailing) , snacks, and games can help keep children engaged and happy on board. Creating a kid-friendly sailing itinerary with stops at family-friendly destinations, beaches, and attractions can add excitement and variety to the cruise, ensuring that children have a memorable and enjoyable experience on the water.

Yacht cruising with children also offers valuable opportunities for learning and growth. From teaching children about marine life and conservation to instilling a sense of responsibility and teamwork, sailing as a family can provide rich educational experiences that go beyond the classroom. Children can learn valuable life skills such as problem-solving, communication, resilience, and adaptability through hands-on sailing experiences, fostering their personal development and character building.

Disconnect your phone and reconnect with each other.
Moreover, yacht cruising with children allows families to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and phones, and instead reconnect with each other in a natural environment. Spending quality time together on a yacht encourages bonding, communication, and shared experiences that create strong family connections and cherished memories. Whether it’s watching a stunning sunset together, spotting dolphins frolicking in the waves, or simply enjoying each other’s company under the starlit sky, yacht cruising offers moments of joy and togetherness that families can treasure forever.

In conclusion, yacht cruising with children can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience that brings families closer together and creates lifelong bonds. By enrolling in RYA courses, preparing for the journey with safety in mind, and embracing the sense of adventure that sailing offers, families can embark on a sailing adventure that sparks wonder, curiosity, and joy in children of all ages. So set sail with your little ones, explore the beauty of the open sea, and let the magic of yacht cruising with children create special moments that will be cherished for years to come.

Family sailing summer holiday

May 1, 2024/by Cathy O'Hanlon

Blog

Career opportunities with RYA Yachtmaster

Are you looking to turn your passion for sailing into a rewarding career? With an RYA Yachtmaster Sail certification in hand, you open up a world of exciting opportunities in the maritime industry. Whether you dream of working as a professional skipper, sailing instructor, delivery crew member, or charter yacht Skipper, the RYA Yachtmaster Sail qualification is your ticket to a fulfilling career on the water.

Our Yachtmaster Fast trackers just finished their 14 weeks onboard and now been offered sailing jobs in the Med.

As a qualified RYA Yachtmaster Sail, you possess the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to take command of a yacht in various conditions. This prestigious certification is not only a testament to your sailing proficiency but also a mark of your dedication to mastering the art of seamanship. Employers in the yachting industry highly value individuals with an RYA Yachtmaster Sail qualification, making it a sought-after credential for aspiring sailing professionals.

One of the most common sailing jobs for RYA Yachtmaster Sail holders is working as a charter yacht Skipper. In this role, you’ll be responsible for safely navigating and managing a charter yacht, ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of guests on board. From planning and executing itineraries to providing exceptional customer service, being a charter yacht Skipper requires a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills.

If you have a passion for teaching and sharing your love of sailing with others, pursuing a career as a sailing instructor may be the perfect fit for you. As an RYA Yachtmaster Sail instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to train and mentor aspiring sailors, helping them build confidence and competence on the water. Whether you’re leading practical training sessions or conducting theoretical lessons, being a sailing instructor allows you to make a positive impact on the next generation of sailors.

For those seeking adventure and challenges, working as a delivery crew member can be a thrilling opportunity. Delivery crew members are responsible for transporting yachts between different locations, often navigating across oceans and enduring various weather conditions. With an RYA Yachtmaster Sail qualification, you’ll have the skills and experience needed to undertake long-distance deliveries with confidence and competence.

In conclusion, pursuing sailing jobs with an RYA Yachtmaster Sail certification can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic career in the maritime industry. Whether you aspire to be a charter yacht captain, sailing instructor, delivery crew member, or explore other avenues within the yachting world, the RYA Yachtmaster Sail qualification serves as a solid foundation for your professional journey on the high seas. So set sail towards your sailing career goals and let your RYA Yachtmaster Sail certification steer you towards new and exciting opportunities in the sailing industry.

April 23, 2024/by Cathy O'Hanlon

Blog

Orca attacks on yachts in the Straits of Gibraltar.

Naughty White Gladis and her pod of orcas have become quite famous recently in the press after many encounters with yachts. It actually started back in 2020 and has been well tracked since then so we now have a clear picture of where they are and can avoid them. At the end of August they migrate North to Portugal.

We keep updated with the Atlantic Orca Working Group, and other websites which log interactions between whales and boats.

Why are they doing it? Nobody knows why this particular group are doing it but there are many theories:

1, Some believe White Gladis had a bad experience and is out for revenge, fishing boats are risky to attack as they have nets and motorboats are too fast, so sailing boats with a nice rudder to knock are an easy target. They have not shown any aggression towards humans.

2, Orcas are well known for their intelligence. This could be retaliation from tuna fishing, pollution, noise and ship strikes. The Straits of Gibraltar has busy shipping lanes, fishing and fast ferries. There is a conservation area near Barbate where yachts are not allowed to sail, but there is still a lot of fishing in the area. Perhaps they are protesting against us eating all their fish. “The lack of tuna has led these orcas to the very edge” says Pauline Gauffier who has studied them.

3, Another theory is they are just having fun: “I think it’s just as reasonable to suggest that they’re doing this because they can, because it’s fun,” says Hanne Strager, co-founder of the Andenes Whale Center in Norway and author of the recently published book “The Killer whale Journals”. Strager spoke to a biologist who was on board the boat that sunk in November, “and he said, ‘We didn’t feel any aggression.’ And, to me, that’s actually a strong testimony. Because I think when you are interacting regularly with animals, and you’re used to reading them, you can feel an aggressive intent, and they didn’t.”

The National Geographic say: If the orcas are indeed playing, it may suggest that, in time, the boat attacks could end when the whales get bored. Orca populations around the world have been observed engaging in new behaviors for no obvious reason than that they appear to enjoy it and then, just as suddenly, dropping it and moving onto something else.

June 14, 2023/0 Comments/by Cathy O'Hanlon