Have you always wanted to know more about how a yacht works? Together with you, we prepare our GALINI in Almerimar for the winter season in the Caribbean! On this special trip, we combine relaxed coastal sailing along the Andalusian coast with a multi-day shipyard stay in Almerimar. You are not just a guest, but become part of the crew: you can lend a hand yourself, get explanations of all important systems, and are actively involved in maintenance work.
We sail together from Cartagena via the Cabo de Gata Natural Park to Almerimar, spend several days there in the shipyard, and then continue sailing via Motril to Malaga. Along the way, there is time for crew life, the wild coast of Andalusia, and enjoying the golden autumn on the Mediterranean. However, the focus is on the technical daily routine: maintenance, repairs, checks and preparations are the main focus. This gives you a unique insight into life and work on a long-distance cruising yacht.
Of course, you don’t have to tinker all day: those who want can use time for excursions, city strolls or just relaxing. We naturally cover the harbour fees in Almerimar.
We decide our stops in harbours and anchor bays together. We are a crew that plans the route according to preferences, wind and weather.
- • Sailing along the Andalusian coast: CartagenaCabo de Gata – Almería – Almerimar – Motril – Málaga
- • Cabo de Gata Natural ParkEurope’s only coastal desert: volcanic cliffs, secluded coves and crystal-clear water
- • Intensive insights into the technology and maintenance of a modern bluewater yacht
- • Multi-day shipyard stay in Almerimarone of the best-equipped shipyards on Spain’s southern coast with a 60- and 100-ton travel lift
- • Active participation in repairs, checks and winter preparations
- • Exchange and learning in a team, accompanied by experienced skippers and technicians
- • Time for excursions, crew life and enjoying Spanish hospitality
- • Cartagena as start3.000 years of history, Carthaginians, Romans and the Spanish Armada
- • Málaga as destinationLively cultural city with the Picasso Museum and Mediterranean flair
Our adventure begins in Cartagena – one of the oldest port cities in the Mediterranean. After boarding, getting to know each other and a safety briefing, we sail westwards along the coast. The first stage takes us past the impressive Cabo de Gata Natural Park – Europe’s only coastal desert with volcanic cliffs, secluded coves and the striking Sirena Reef. Via Almería we reach Almerimar, where the shipyard awaits us. Here we spend several days together on maintenance and technology: we inspect the rigging, sails, engine, electrics, safety equipment, pumps, navigation systems and much more. You learn how to plan maintenance work, check spare parts and identify or fix technical problems. Anyone who wishes can get involved in all areas – from oil changes to functional tests of all on-board installations. In between, there is time for excursions to the surrounding area, a stroll through the harbour towns or simply relaxation. After finishing the work, we sail further westwards via Motril to Málaga, where our trip ends. On the sailing legs, we test all systems under way and enjoy the Andalusian coast in the golden autumn light.
You can of course also join for part of the time!
The week is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about yacht technology, maintenance and preparation for long-distance voyages. You get practical insights into all systems on board, can get hands-on and ask questions. Our team explains the processes, gives tips and shares experience from many years of bluewater sailing.
Our Galini travels the world – and you can be part of it! With us, you are not an anonymous guest on a standard route, but part of a real crew discovering new horizons together. We are not a classic charter company that runs the same tour every week. Instead, we sail together, experience real boat life and embrace the adventure that the sea has in store for us.
Step aboard a well-equipped, lovingly maintained boat and enjoy the unique: With us, nothing is off the shelf. Every trip is unique – sometimes spontaneous, sometimes planned, always full of surprises. Unplanned experiences are just as much a part of it as relaxed days on deck.
Our trips combine holiday, experience, mindfulness and real boat life. Become part of our crew and experience a special time on Galini – authentic, communal and full of adventurous spirit.
The Andalusian coast between Cartagena and Málaga still offers pleasant conditions in October with air temperatures around 20–26°C and water temperatures around 20–22°C – the last warm days of the year. The coast is varied: from historic Cartagena via the wild Cabo de Gata Natural Park to the lively Costa del Sol. The harbours along the route are close together, offering maximum flexibility in changeable October weather. The Almerimar Marine Services shipyard in Puerto Deportivo Almerimar has a 24,000 m² dry dock, two travel lifts (60 and 100 tons), a covered boat hall and experienced multilingual staff – ideal conditions for all maintenance work. Travel to Cartagena is possible via Murcia-Corvera Airport (RMU, ~38 km) or Alicante (ALC, ~90 km). From the destination harbour of Málaga it is just a few minutes to the large international airport Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) with connections worldwide.
In October, the Andalusian south coast shows its mild side: daytime temperatures around 20–26°C, rarely below 14°C at night. The sun shines an average of 8 hours per day, and longer rainy periods are rare – short showers can occur but usually pass quickly. The winds blow predominantly from westerly to southerly directions at 2–4 Beaufort, providing pleasant conditions for sailing and working on deck. Occasionally, the Gota Fría can bring strong winds and rain for a short time – but the close sequence of harbours along the coast always offers safe alternatives. The water is still 20–22°C – a last dip in the Mediterranean before winter is definitely possible.
Our beautiful GALINI is a very fast, large and comfortable yacht. She spent the winter in the Caribbean and crosses the Atlantic in April/May.
She is a modern Hanse 575 with 4 double cabins and a skipper’s cabin. Each cabin has its own bathroom with electric toilet. Wi-Fi via Starlink (optional), multimedia, generator 220 V / 7 kW, (230 V in all cabins), washing machine, Airfrier and coffee machine. She has large solar panels, radar, AIS, a watermaker, hydraulic bathing platform and a dinghy with outboard motor. An abundance of safety and navigation equipment and much more, in short everything needed to be self-sufficient without having to call at a supply port. A yacht that meets the highest requirements for safety, design and comfort.
The sailing characteristics are also outstanding! The Hanse was designed by Vovo Ocean Racers and is the fastest yacht in its class. Enjoyment of sailing is guaranteed!
✓ Included services
- Shared sailing trip with experienced skipper
- Berth on the yacht
- Sailing instruction
- Mileage confirmation (on request)
+ Additional costs / boat fund
- Crew fund (harbour fees, provisions, diesel, final cleaning etc.): approx. 250 EUR per week/person
- Arrival/Departure
What are the duties of the crew?
Anyone who wants to can help with the sailing, take the helm occasionally, or simply enjoy the beautiful nature and the day. In addition, everyone shares responsibility for the crew’s meals. That means each person takes turns preparing breakfast or looking after dinner. Usually the hobby chefs among the crew quickly emerge, and those less keen on cooking simply step back and do the dishes. When mooring and casting off, everyone usually lends a hand according to their abilities and after instructions from the skipper. The boat must be kept clean by the crew during the trip. However, the final cleaning is handled by the marina staff.
What does the onboard cash fund mean?
All crew members (except the skipper) pay an agreed amount into the onboard cash fund. This fund covers all communal costs incurred during the trip (e.g. diesel, harbour fees, deposit insurance, transit log, visitor’s tax, national and nature park fees, service pack for provided bed linen, final cleaning, gas, marina fee for the first and last night in port, etc.). According to old seafaring tradition, the skipper is fed by the crew during the trip.
What does berth charter mean?
Berth charter is the best option for anyone who wants to experience life under sail. No prior knowledge or sailing experience is necessary. But perhaps you already have sailing experience or have completed sailing training and want to deepen it? – Then the skipper will give you the chance to try things out and help you gain future confidence. The crew can help shape the course of the trip, and your wishes will be taken into account, subject to safety and weather. On such a trip you meet like-minded people, can make new pleasant acquaintances, and have an experienced skipper at your side who takes care of all nautical matters. The cabins on the yacht are usually equipped similarly, though different. The bunks are allocated by the skipper taking crew wishes into account. Entire cabins can be chartered by individuals, couples, or families. You pay per person and don’t have to worry about anything else.
We want to make sailing more sustainable and environmentally friendly. On our GALINI we test innovative products to combine a great sailing experience with the smallest possible ecological footprint. Our small team of experienced skippers looks forward to experiencing real sailing adventures with you. Our base is on Poros, Greece – from there we explore the most beautiful sailing areas in the world.
