Yachting in the Baltic Sea

Why Balt?

I may surprise you, but sailing on the Baltic is actually a pretty cool thing (and not just because of the water temperature). Unlike the Mediterranean, you don't find crowded marinas where one boat sits on top of another and you feel like you've arrived at a supermarket car park before Christmas instead of a holiday. In the Baltic, you have space, peace and freedom - just the right kind of adventure!

And the nature too! Imagine long sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and pine forests reaching down to the water. You may feel like a character from a Scandinavian crime show at times (just waiting to stumble upon a dead body), but otherwise it's romantic as hell.

Wind in my hair (and everywhere else)

One thing is for sure - sailing in the Baltic means wind. And I mean a lot of wind. If you want a relaxing sail with a drink in your hand and an umbrella over your head, you'd better stay at home in the bath. But if you love the feeling of freedom as the wind drives you forward and the water splashes into your face (or, at best, your waterproof jacket), you'll be thrilled.

I remember my first sail around the Danish coast. The wind was blowing so hard that I felt like I was being blow-dried with a giant industrial hair dryer set on the "hurricane" setting. My captain then dryly remarked: "At least we won't be bothered by bathing tourists." Yeah, yeah, that sarcasm is just part of sailing up north.

History at every turn

Yachting in the Baltic is not just about adrenaline and gastronomy. It's also the ultimate journey through European history. Each island or harbour has its own story - from Viking raiders to Hanseatic traders to Soviet submarine bases. By the way, did you know that near Karlskrona in Sweden you can still see the remains of old ships sunk during the wars? You're almost waiting for Captain Jack Sparrow (or rather Captain Haddock from the famous Tintin) to show up.

Local specialities or fish or fish?

When you dock in one of the ports (for example, Warnemünde, Germany, or Hel, Poland), you'll be treated to another treat - the local cuisine. Forget pizza or gyros; fish rules here. Salmon, herring, cod... and then herring again, because it wouldn't be the same without it. And what does freshly caught herring taste like straight from the smokehouse? Let me put it this way: once you've tasted freshly smoked Baltic herring, you'll never want to eat canned food from the supermarket again.

So what to bring?

If you are convinced by my article (or you are just an adventurer), here are some tips:

• Waterproof jacket and pants - no waterproofs!
• Thermos of hot tea or grog (trust me).
• A good mood and a sense of humour - because when all your clothes get wet for the third time in a day and you find that your rum supplies are running out faster than the crew's strength, there's no other way to deal with it than laughter.

So next time you're choosing a holiday and it comes to boats and the sea - give the Baltic a try. Because as one skipper I know says: "Those who can handle sailing up here can handle anything."

Plus you'll have great stories for your friends - because who else can say, "I survived sailing in the Baltic!"?