Sailing is an increasingly popular activity thanks to a number of dams and watercourses, as well as dedicated enthusiasts. Here you don't have to worry about waves or even a hurricane, just relax and enjoy. Would you like to try this unique water sport too? Find out where to rent a boat and what you need to do so.
Article content:
- What is sailing
- A brief history of sailing
- Where to sail in the Czech Republic
- What about a skipper's licence?
- What boats are used most often?
- How to prepare for a sailing trip
- Booking a date and taking over the boat
- How sailing by sailboat works
- For whom sailing is (un)suitable
- Customs and trivia from the world of sailing
href="https://www.adrop.cz/enWhat is sailing
Yachting is definitely not just a pastime for the top ten thousand, it is an amazing water sport that can be enjoyed by anyone with a love of nature and boats. Often, the sport becomes a lifestyle, as few people stick to just one sailing trip. Sailing will train your team spirit, improvisation and you will still learn to tame the water and the wind.
The yachtsused for sailing vary in size -classic single-hulled sailboats, double-hulled catamarans and trimarans with three hulls. Each has different characteristics and it is definitely worth starting with a smaller bite and working up to the larger and more complicated boats that you are more likely to find at sea than in our waters.
href="https://www.adrop.cz/enA brief history of sailing
It will probably come as no surprise that sailing is not a modern invention. Hundreds of years ago, sailing ships were already a relatively reliable mode of transport. But it was a long way from commercial travel to leisure and racing. The first sailing races were held in the Netherlands in the late 17th century, from where they gradually spread to the world. The Czech Republic was not far behind, in 1870 we had the first yachting race on the Vltava River, and 1893 brought the establishment of the Czech Yacht Club and the beginning of organized yachting in our country.
As time went by, the popularity of this sport declined, the regime did not favour participation in world competitions, but fortunately there were enough enthusiasts who managed to keep yachting alive and you can still see today that you do not need the sea to have a great sailing on a boat.
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href="https://www.adrop.cz/enWhere in the Czech Republic you can sail a sailboat
The most popular places for sailing in the Czech Republic are our reservoirs, namely Slapy, Orlik and of course our largest dam, Lipno, which is called the Czech Sea. It is about 40 km long and reaches almost 8 km at its widest point. But you can also swim at the Vranov Dam. Everywhere here you will find a stable wind, without which it would be difficult to sail, plenty of space for sailing and many opportunities to anchor.
With Adrop you can sail the waters of Lipno in several experiences
We'll start lightly with a day out on a sailing boat, where you can go alone (or in a group of up to 4 people) or pay for an experienced skipper (skipper) who will explain what the rope is for during the cruise. If you would like a more intensive sailing course, we recommend the skipper on trial experience, where you will learn how to sail, anchor, cruise upwind and many other practical skills in 6 hours.
Still not enough? Then head out for a weekend sailing trip where you'll board an easy to handle boat that you can handle with your left foot after a short briefing. Great as a romantic experience for two, or as an adventure with a group of friends. The cabin can accommodate up to 4 people.
href="https://www.adrop.cz/enHow about a captain's license?
The vast majority of adventure cruises are possible without a skipper's license, and without having an experienced skipper on board with you. You will learn all the details about how to operate the vessel and the basic rules of the water before you rent the boat. If you don't feel up to sailing on your own, just opt for a captain-led experience.
Captain's license
So excited about sailing that you'd like to get your skipper's license? In that case, we recommend the small vessel pilotage course (VMP), after which you will only have to pass the theoretical tests at the State Navigation Administration and your licence will be in your pocket.
href="https://www.adrop.cz/enWhich boats are used most often?
If you are going to sail the waters without a skipper's licence, we most commonly rent a cabin sailboat that can accommodate 4 to 6 passengers. While you can use the deck for steering the boat, sunbathing or jumping into the water, the cabin is where you'll find all the essentials for a comfortable life.
This includes cooking and eating facilities as well as a chemical toilet and beds for sleeping. The boats are around 6 metres long, so you need to allow for more limited spaces. And if you opt for an overnight experience, you'll also need your own sleeping bag.
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href="https://www.adrop.cz/enHow to prepare for a sailing trip
Whether you're embarking on a multi-hour or multi-day cruise, be sure to pack something good to eat and drink. Even if the boat has a water tank, it's best to bring your own drinks and use the water from the tank for washing dishes or cooking. If there is a fridge on the boat, you're good to go for food preservation. If there is only a cooler, you will need to add ice.
What else to take with you
A swimsuit, sunscreen, headgear and sunglasses are also useful. If you'll be staying in a cabin, don't forget a sleeping bag, pajamas and possibly a pillow. Your own toilet paper won't hurt either. Also, wear comfortable shoes without black soles; it's best if you choose quick-drying shoes.
Preparation
As you are not sailing on the open sea, no extra preparation is needed. You should be able to get most of the essentials from the boat hire shop. For example, a water map of the area showing the depth, sand benches, stumps or rocks under the water. But it's definitely a good idea to brush up on your boating knowledge beforehand, so you don't have to worry so much when you take over the boat. Because even if you don't have a license, you still become a member of the boating traffic, which has its own rules.
Last but not least, find out what all is needed to rent a boat. Most often, it's a refundable deposit that is put down when you hand over the boat and then a top-up of fuel at the end of the experience. So ideally take cash so you don't have to search all over the place for an ATM.
TIP: Luck favours the prepared, learn how to tie basic knots at home, which you'll find on the boat. A dragon knot, a boat knot or an ambulance knot will come in handy. For example, you can find tutorials on YouTube.
href="https://www.adrop.cz/enBooking a date and taking over the boat
Your cruise starts by getting a voucher for a cruise through the adventure shop, or you can make arrangements with the rental company directly. The advantage of the experience checker is that it pre-screens the companies and selects the best ones for you. You then arrange the date and the collection of the boat. The season is from May to October, and of course the summer months are the most popular, so don't leave booking a cruise to the last minute and call before the season starts.
Once you have everything arranged, you need to make sure that the weather works out. A bit of rain is fine, but if there are strong winds (over 15 m/s), persistent rain or thunderstorms, the date will be postponed. If the weather is good, the boat changeover occurs. At this time, the boat owner will tell you everything you will need for the cruise. Now is a good time to ask questions about everything you want to know about sailboat management and behaviour on the water.
The owner should also walk through the boat with you and show you where the mandatory equipment is stashed, where the life jackets are, what rope is used for what, how to start the engine and other necessities.
It certainly doesn't hurt to take another good look at the boat, and if you find any damage or scrapes, take pictures of them so you have proof that you didn't cause them. Such a harmless looking scratch on the hull can get pretty expensive.
href="https://www.adrop.cz/enHow sailing a sailboat works
The sailboat is in your hands and the on-water experience begins! Before you set sail, remember where you're sailing from so you can return to the same spot. It's a good idea to check what ropes and knots the boat is tied with so you can return it in one piece.
Then you just apply the skills you've learned (like setting the sails correctly) to get you where you need to go. During the cruise, you can swim, sunbathe, snack on whatever you've brought, and also take in the surroundings. But always remember that you are part of the boat traffic and treat others with respect.
And what if the wind doesn't blow?
Don't worry about being stranded on the water and having to wait for a favourable wind. Sailboats are equipped with a gasoline engine. Sometimes fuel is included, sometimes you have to pay extra according to the actual consumption. Always check what is included in the boat rental.
How to behave on a sailing boat
Swimming is fine, but only if it is planned. Therefore, move around the boat carefully and always keep to the hard parts. When the boat is moving, the crew should ideally be seated. The ship's controls are designed for this.
On a ship, the captain has the final say. He is responsible not only for the smooth running of the voyage, but also for the entire crew.
If you want to look like a pro, never roll loose ropes or untidy fenders around the boat. Not only does it hinder the boat, but it's also an embarrassment to the crew.
href="https://www.adrop.cz/enFor whom sailing is (un)suitable
Almost anyone can enjoy a sailing trip, especially if it's only a few hours' experience. The advantage of our area is that there are no big waves and the associated seasickness. However, if you have a more sensitive stomach when it comes to rocking, it's worth considering whether it's right for you.
If you suffer from claustrophobia, we don't recommend opting for an overnight cruise as the cabins are a bit cramped after all and you wouldn't enjoy the experience enough.
In case you want to enjoy sailing with everything, including steering the boat, you should have at least a basic physical condition and should not have limited mobility.
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href="https://www.adrop.cz/enHabits and trivia from the world of yachting
Do you want to have a happy sailing? Then, according to superstition, you shouldn't set sail on Monday. If you want to ensure your happiness on any other day, remember that it is essential to board with your right foot.
Are you looking forward to toasting yourself with a glass of champagne on board? Well, be careful not to wake dead sailors, they say it's bad luck. Thanks to this legend, you don 't knock when toasting on a ship, you just symbolically touch the glass with your fingers. Also, the toast is taken seated.
And what if you meet other sailors? In that case, we recommend observing yachting etiquette and greeting them with a raised hand and a salute: Ahoy! According to the rules, the skipper (in his absence the helmsman) salutes, but if you all shout, no one will be angry. Did you know that it used to be that ships were saluted with a cannon shot?
When sailing, you don 't change left and right, because if the person at the helm is facing you, he or she might not know if it's his or your right or left. That's why on a sailboat you will encounter the commands drop out (turn the boat downwind) and tack (turn the boat upwind). You can tell where the wind is coming from by the weather vane on the mast.
Packing your swimsuit and snacks yet?
