For our Garcia Exploration 45 we decided to stick with the standard gas cooker, to maximise our autonomy in places where solar performance is suboptimal. When we do have plentiful electricity we’ll use induction and microwave cooking. Did I say we’re in a rolly anchorage? It is rolly, but it’s a well protected marina. A ripper English Channel winter storm started on cue in the middle of the night and hasn’t let up all day. Carolyn and I were up at 2.30am to check what was banging (the anchor in the bowsprit) and to stop our tender from becoming an aeroplane. Carolyn’s mooring line cleat hitches were all holding well - the day dawned and we were still in the same slip, which is the plan.

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in barca a vela nella stupenda Grecia estate 2010 con www.snowandsea.net

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I ritmi si fanno via via più sciolti mentre l’equipaggio si amalgama. I pasti, i turni di notte, le manovre. Poi che albe. E che tramonti. Per esempio quello di stasera è stato speciale. Immaginate la situazione: Tramonto, Blu dell’oceano che sfuma sul rosa del cielo. Onda lenta, immensa, costante. Sto leggendo sotto il boma un libro che mi assorbe completamente quando Andre porta su il pianoforte e inizia a suonare. Lentamente la mia attenzione viene attratta dalla musica che vola a un centimetro da queste onde lunghe e alte. Così alzo gli occhi e lascio che il mio sguardo mi conduca verso approdi inesplorati. Mentre guardo il movimento dell’oceano (solo di questo si potrebbe scrivere un libro), dal pozzetto la musica si interrompe e un vociare si solleva. Qualcuno ha detto balene? Delfini? Orche? Ci voltiamo tutti verso una macchia a un centinaio di metri da noi e vediamo una famiglia di orche nuotare placidamente verso nord. Che creature meravigliose. Perfino da qui lo sento. Tutti noi siamo freschi di “terrorismo orchesco” a Gibilterra quindi non sappiamo bene se goderci il momento o allarmarci. Per fortuna la natura prosegue il suo corso e la famiglia di orche sparisce presto dalla nostra vista, protetta da questa immensa distesa blu notte. Come tutto ciò che ci circonda, d’altronde. C.

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Hanse 495, designed by Judel/Vrolijk & Co and built in 2011, is a highly capable and well-equipped cruising yacht combining modern performance, spacious accommodation and excellent levels of self-sufficiency. Currently lying at Cleopatra Marina, Greece, she has been extensively cruised in the Mediterranean since 2022. Measuring 15.4m (50’5”) overall with a 4.75m beam and 2.38m draft, features a dark blue gelcoat hull, fin keel with bulb, twin wheel steering and a spacious aft cockpit. Accommodation is arranged over three cabins with six berths, including a generous master cabin with walk-around bed, separate shower and heads. Power comes from a 75hp Volvo Penta D2-75F diesel with saildrive and upgraded three-blade folding propeller. The engine was serviced in March 2025 and the saildrive seal was replaced in May 2023. Cruising independence is enhanced by a Schenker 30-litre/hour watermaker, Watt & Sea hydro-generator, 770W solar array and upgraded battery and charging systems. The sloop rig carries a 2020 Hyde heavy-duty cruising mainsail and 105% genoa, an original Hanse self-tacking jib and a 2018 Code 0. The yacht is equipped with B&G navigation equipment including a Zeus 3 12” plotter, 4G radar, RS100 VHF, AIS B, autopilot and forward-looking sonar. The interior features high-quality mahogany-style joinery, leather upholstery, Eberspächer heating and a well-equipped galley with three-burner cooker, oven, microwave and Vitifrigo refrigeration. Recent upgrades include a new Bimini (2024), sprayhood (2025), permanent folding stainless-steel swim ladder (2024), cockpit cushions (2024) and new domestic batteries (2025). A well-presented and comprehensively equipped Hanse 495, she is ready for extended cruising and new adventures in the Mediterranean. https://www.williamsandsmithells.com/boats/hanse-495/

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Give it a thumbs up if you liked this episode! Get your Sailing Into Freedom Crew T-shirt: https://teespring.com/stores/sailing-into-freedom Want more? Became our patron and get access to exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/sailingintofreedom If you would like to support with single donations click here - https://www.paypal.me/Plukky Check out some gear we have on the boat: Inverter https://www.amazon.com/Xantrex-PROWatt-Inverter-Model-806-1220/dp/B002LGEMOQ/ref=sr_1_5_mod_primary_new?dchild=1&keywords=marine+inverter&qid=1616102481&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=8-5 handheld radio https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Horizon-HX210-6W-Compact/dp/B07KN6LKVG/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=marine+radio&qid=1616102542&sr=8-6 (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and I greatly appreciate your support!) Also follow us on - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailingintofreedom Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sailingintofreedom Our website: https://www.sailingintofreedom.comGive it a thumbs up if you liked this episode! Get your Sailing Into Freedom Crew T-shirt: https://teespring.com/stores/sailing-into-freedom Want more? Became our patron and get access to exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/sailingintofreedom If you would like to support with single donations click here - https://www.paypal.me/Plukky

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