Sailing can be a great way to explore the world and is not as daunting as it initially seems!
With a mother who is a qualified sailing instructor and an ex-navy father, life at sea should be in my blood. However as I climb onboard Ruby II – a sailing boat where I’ll be spending the next ten days – I feel a tiny flutter of nervousness. Yet as Ruby II begins her journey along the Adriatic coast with the small Croatian town of Cavtat bustling behind us, I can’t help but admire the unrivalled views and sheer feeling of freedom.
On Board the Ruby II
There are four of us on board – my boyfriend his parents, who own Ruby II and myself. At first, I try not to get in the way; I fear pulling the wrong rope, perhaps resulting in a capsizing related catastrophe or as my Dad jokingly suggested, accidently pulling out the bung (!). Soon however, I’m sitting back and enjoying the view of the rugged, pine tree filled Elephanti islands. Suddenly, we spy dolphins. As we speed along, two of them venture to the bow, boldly arching and diving. It is all very ‘movie-moment’ and I am well and truly elated.
We spend a few days meandering up and down the Croatian coast, stopping now and then to swim in idyllic coves. Many of Croatia’s thousands of islands are uninhabited or at the very least car-free and the pace of life feels incredibly relaxed. The week progresses and we head back down towards Dubrovnik, skirting the ancient walls and viewing the city in a way not often seen.
By the time we head into Montenegro, I’ve decided that a life at sea is for me. My dreams of a career as a cabin girl are brought crashing back to reality however, when the toilet’s holding tank explodes in the middle of the night – very glamerous. Yet to make the most of such a fiasco we decide to set up the telescope and manage to see three of Jupiter’s moons.
Kotor
We continue exploring Montenegro’s stunning Bay of Kotor, which is framed by imposing mountains along which spectacular towns such as Perast (somewhat of a mini Venice) are scattered.
For a place that has only recently recovered from war, Montenegro is truly jaw-dropping. It still remains slightly outside the tourist radar, and the landscape remains unspoilt.
View of Kotor
The proximity to such beautiful scenery leads my boyfriend and I to somewhat foolishly decide to climb Kotor’s fortress clad Mount Ivan. In the baking heat I only make it to the top of the 1200m climb with my boyfriend coaxing me along with the promise of a cold beer when we’ve finished.
The sublime views from the top however are breath-taking and make the steep hike well worth doing.
As my adventure on Ruby II draws to a close and I realise that I’m going to miss the freedom, the solitude and idyllic views that a life at sea grants.
As I wobble along onshore, getting my land-lubber legs back, I look back at Ruby II and consider a career in the Navy. Dad will be pleased.
