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Sailing Tips: Boats Explained

Types of boat

There are several types of boats: sailing boats, motor boats, catamarans, gulets and luxury yachts. They can be chartered bareboat, skippered or fully crewed. The choice of boats depends upon several factors: the sailor's experience and competence in navigation - whether one possesses the skipper's licence or not, the number of passengers, and the budget that one disposes of. The equipment on the boat is also one of the deciding factors when chartering a boat.
Structure of the boat

The main structure of most boats is made up by the following components:

  • hull- main structural component of the boat providing buoyancy for the boat.
  • gunnel- the sides of the boat offering protection from the water and making the boat harder to sink
  • deck- roughly horizontal, but chambered structures spanning the hull of the boat
  • cabin -enclosed space on a boat where the passengers and the crew abide
  • keel - lengthwise structural member to which the frames are fixed (backbone of the boat).
  • bow - front (or forward end) of the boat
  • stern - therear (or aft end) of the boat
  • starboard - the right side (facing forward) of the boat
  • port - the left side oft he boat.
  • rudder and propeller - the rudder steers the boat, driven by one or more screw propellers.
    Boats are made of different materials, some modern ones used more often nowadays, while the traditional shipbuilding has regained its popularity over the past years. Most common materials used in shipbuilding have been: wood, iron, steel (frames, planked in wood), ferro-cement (Ferciment), aluminium, glass-reinforced plastic (fibreglass), advanced composites (carbon fibre, kevlar or other similar materials), even foam or plastic.

... let us tell you the story of a sailing boat

The elegance and sophistication will satisfy even the most demanding. (Bavaria 49)

The tame wanderer and lover of the winds lets its sails flutter towards the clouds. (Bavaria 38)

The pleasure of swinging on the waves and watching the true beauty unfold as the wind hits the sails. (Bavaria 44)

The wind is captured, the speed and adrenalin increase and the adventure begins. (Elan 333)

The seas of the world, pleasant to the eye, flaring up passion (Elan 40)

The helm needs spinning and the ropes tightening (Elan 333)

On board equipment is subordinate to an efficient sailing trip. (Elan 45)

Two helms – a sailboat for longer distances (Elan 45)

Deck & cabins - tehnical drawings (Elan 333)

Deck & cabins - tehnical drawings (Bavaria 44)

You think good food only comes from modern, spacious kitchens? You were wrong... (Bavaria 44)

The interior reflects the family spirit, with long sofas which can accommodate a family of six. (Elan 333)

The attractive interior. All that lacks is fish and seafood and all our senses will be satisfied. (Elan 40)

Everything necessary for a holiday and a long rest on the sea is located on the boat. Have a good sail! (Elan 45)

The navigation table – directing the sailboat towards inexperienced beauties of nature. (Bavaria 44)

A full equipment of the latest navigation instruments guarantees safety (Bavaria 32)

To the fruit and vegetables we need only add fish. The wine is already here! (Bavaria 49)

Romantic evening? No problem! The modern kitchens on our boats would satisfy professional cooks. (Bavaria 38)

In a gently swinging sailboat, the sophisticated design of the boat will assure you with the sweetest dreams. (Bavaria 49)

A number of openings onto the cabin and the light wood furniture; the sailboat becomes like a new home. (Elan 45)

You will fall asleep like a baby. Abandon yourself to the movement of the waves. (Bavaria 32)

The summer evenings will be more pleasant if you spend them in the open sea. (Bavaria 44)

The bathroom is equipped with a shower, washbasin and WC. (Elan 45)

The bathroom is modern and economical. (Bavaria 38)

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