Monday 17 July 2017

We're leading a Charter Flotilla in the Greek Isles

16 July 2017

We are very sorry our blog has been a bit quiet lately but we have been very busy since arriving in Poros in Greece in mid-June to spend the northern summer leading a Charter Flotilla.

Our Greek Sails Flotilla all rafted up for a beach party at Dhokos Island.

It all happened in a bit of a blur as we responded to a Facebook post a friend sent us about what turned out to be a great family company called Greek Sails that was looking for a couple to lead one of their flotilla groups. On a whim, we sent of some details about ourselves and our sailing experience and before we knew it we were booking tickets to fly to Athens.

Our job is to lead a flotilla of up to ten charter yachts around the Greek Isles, assist with berthing and deal with all port police details etc and generally make sure the charterers enjoy a safe and very enjoyable sailing holiday.

Karen at the helm of 'Enigma' our 37ft Jeanneau Flotilla lead boat.
We are now on our fifth week and have to say while the seven day and night a week nature of the job is a little full on, we are having an awesome time and meeting a very diverse group of incredible people from all over the world. 

We plan to post a lot more detail about what it's like leading a Charter Flotilla, the awesome places we have been visiting, the amazing food experienced in harbour side tavernas and some of the funny incidents along the way. In the meantime please be assured we have not dropped off the planet and enjoy some photos of our Greek adventure as a taste of what's to come.


One of our Flotilla dinner's at Nea Ephidevros
Sunset on 'Enigma" at Angistri.

This fixer upper may be a job too many.
"Enigma' in the beautiful little harbour at Vathi
The harbour fortress at Nafplion

The unbelievable ancient theatre of Ephidevros



Beach party on the Island of Dhokis.

Our clients quickly become our friends and it's so sad to see them head home.

Another raft up.
Dinghy race organised for the younger ones on the latest flotilla.

Another group of happy Greek Sails clients.
Good night from the Greek Isles.
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If you have only recently discovered our blog and would like to read how it all started, or work through our previous adventures, click the link to go back to our first blog entry. Stuff it. Let's just go sailing anyway.

Wednesday 12 July 2017

What Do We Carry in Our Ditch Bag

You know we often say we have spent a lot of money on items we hope we never use. The Ditch Bag is just one of those items on board Our Dreamtime.

Our Dreamtime's Ditch Bag is set up in case we need to use the tender as our life-raft. We have a fully equipped life-raft (see life raft story) but having a second option and or to take extra supplies with us in the life-raft was the added benefit of us kiting out a Ditch Bag. Our bag is the size of an overnight bag, it is a life proof watertight 50 litre bag in safety YELLOW. Our Ditch a Bag is located on the aft deck in readiness. In addition the tenders full tank is always kept full and there is a spare Jerry can of outboard fuel on deck.

Our tender is another option for an emergency evacuation




We have our Ditch Bag packed and ready to go at all times


A basic emergency Ditch Bag could include the following recommended items:

-  Water two litres of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
-  Food at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. We have protein shakes and dehydrated         protein and vegetable packs. (available from survival stores). Small caned food with ring pulls. If       using dehydrated products add extra water to your rations,
-  Matches in waterproof container.
-  Battery-powered or hand crank radio/torch + extra battery
-  Spot-tracker with emergency alert button and extra battery
-  Life vests
-  PLB. We each have Personal Location Beacons + MOB Beacons attached to our life vests
-  Foot operated Air pump to keep tender inflated
-  Torch and extra batteries
-  First aid kit (see listing)
-  Whistle to signal for help
-  Flares
-  V Sheet
-  Plastic sheeting and duct tape to use as shelter or water collection.
-  Moist towelettes, garbage bags and nappy bags for personal sanitation
-  Leatherman tool, Wrench and pliers 
-  Hand held compass 
-  Hand held VHF radio
-  MOBILE phone with booster battery pack, inverter or solar charger.
-  Pencil and paper.
-  Hand operated desalination kit.
-  Fishing line, hooks a small can of prawns for bait. 
-  Rehydrating powder. We carry sports drink re-hydration packs.
-  Important documents such as copies of boat papers, identification (passports, birth              certificates) next of kin details or emergency contact details for family and or friends and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. 


The boats portable EPIRB would be taken with us.

First Aid
Unfortunately in a situation such as abandoning ship, accidents and injuries are likely to happen. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. You may consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

Our first aid kit in the Ditch Bag contains the following items, of course If time permits we can always grab the main first aid kit. (See Separate Blog on First Aid Kit) 
  • Two pairs of Latex or other sterile gloves if you are allergic to Latex
  • Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
  • Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Burn ointment
  • Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
  • Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
  • Thermometer
  • Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
  • Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure supplies
Non -prescription medications
  • Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
  • Sea sickness tablets
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Antacid
  • Laxative
Other first aid supplies
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:
  • Other Prescription Medications on board that may be useful
  • Prescription glasses
  • Sunglasses
  • Hats
  • Denture needs
  • Cash 
  • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book.
  • Light weight warm blanket for each person. Hyperthermia blanket.
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per 3 litres of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, cups, plates, paper towels and utensils.

Vacuum sealing is a great way to protect important items and documents for your ditch bag.


Remember the unique needs of your family members, including growing children, when making your emergency supply kit.

For Baby:

-  Formula
-  Diapers
-  Bottles
-  Powdered milk
-  Medications
-  Moist towelettes
-  Diaper rash ointment








For pets:


  • Food
  • Water
  • First Aid
  • Leads
  • Medication


If you are sailing in a cooler climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

  • Jacket or coat
  • Long pants
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Socks
  • Thermals


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We love to receive comments on our blog from readers. If you do leave a comment and you also have a blog, please leave a link as well. We'd like to click over for a visit and leave you a comment too.


To stay right up to date with what we’re up to  and see lots more photos check out and 'like' our Dreamtime Sail Facebook page at DreamtimeSail
We love to receive comments on our blog from readers. If you do leave a comment and you also have a blog, please leave a link as well. We'd like to click over for a visit and leave you a comment too.
To stay right up to date with what we’re up to  and see lots more photos check out and 'like' our Dreamtime Sail Facebook page at DreamtimeSail
https://www.facebook.com/DreamtimeSail/
If you have only recently discovered our blog and would like to read how it all started, or work through our previous adventures, click the link to go back to our first blog entry. Stuff it. Let's just go sailing anyway.