Black Sea Sailing

[Stevnyk]

Hi,

We are planning to take the yacht to Istanbul and through to the Black Sea.

There to cruise along the Turkish coast to Georgia (Colchis), then up to Sevastopol, across to Varna and back to Istanbul.

I have been told the best way to cruise the Black Sea is to join a regatta, and avoid lots of customs/police paperwork.

Does anybody know of such a regatta?

I would be interested in any thoughts or ideas.

Cheers

Steve

[MMNETSEA]

Steve,

Welcome to Cruiser Log.

The Countries bordering the Black Sea are all emerging from some form of stifling control (some are joining the EU). Almost every month there are changes that will benefit cruising (of our type). The regattas you mention all seem to start at the beginning of Summer around May. So from all accounts, start planning around March/April 2010, by then it may be practical and less expensive to cruise solo or with a couple of boats rather than joining a regatta which will require fixed schedules.

[Lighthouse]

Also see the Black Sea on the Cruising Wiki - HERE

[GoneTroppo]

Hi,

The KAYRA or Black Sea Rally used to be run out of Atakoy Marina, Istanbul. I believe it has stopped being run, but you could check with Atakoy or the people who organise the EMYR(Eastern Med Yacht Rally), as they would most likely know the facts.

Cruisers that I know who sail the Black Sea now do it on their own or in company with a few other yachts,and they mainly just do the Western side.

Hope you have a good time if you go, lots of great places to see.

Regards, Stephen