1. Home
  2. Skyfall's Blog
  3. Water and Sailing

Water and Sailing

water

Factors to Consider:

  1. Number of People on Board:

    • This will be the primary factor in determining how much water you need. Typically, charter boats in Greece accommodate between 4 and 12 people.

  2. Duration of the Charter:

    • A week-long sailing trip generally lasts 7 days, so you'll need to account for enough water to cover the entire trip.

  3. Access to Refill Stations:

    • Many marinas or ports in Greece have water stations where you can refill your tanks. However, this is not always guaranteed, especially if you’re sailing to more remote islands or lesser-known ports. Therefore, it’s best to plan for a self-sufficient water supply, just in case.

  4. Weather Conditions:

    • In summer months (June to September), the weather in Greece can be very hot and dry. This means you may require more water than usual for hydration and personal use, especially if you’re in the sun for long hours.

Water Consumption Estimation:

A rough estimate of water consumption per person per day is as follows:

  • Drinking Water:

    • A typical person drinks between 2 to 3 liters of water per day, especially if it's hot outside. This amount can be more depending on activity levels (sailing, swimming, etc.).

  • Personal Hygiene:

    • Showering: Depending on your boat’s water system, you may have access to a freshwater tank. On average, you might need about 30 to 40 liters per person for showers, dishes, and other hygiene needs over the course of the week.

  • Cooking & Other Uses:

    • Cooking generally uses around 5 to 10 liters per day for a group, depending on what meals you prepare.

Water Calculation Example:

Let’s say you’re planning a sailing week with 6 people on a 7-day charter. Here’s an estimated breakdown:

  1. Drinking Water:

    • 3 liters per person per day x 6 people = 18 liters per day

    • Over 7 days: 18 liters x 7 days = 126 liters for the entire group.

  2. Personal Hygiene (showers, washing dishes):

    • Let’s assume 30 liters per person for the week x 6 people = 180 liters for the entire group.

  3. Cooking & Other Uses:

    • Let’s allocate about 5 liters per day for the group x 7 days = 35 liters.

Total Estimated Water Requirement:

  • Drinking Water: 126 liters

  • Personal Hygiene: 180 liters

  • Cooking & Other Uses: 35 liters

So, for 6 people over 7 days, you’d need approximately 341 liters of water for the entire trip.

How to Store Water on Board:

  • Water Tanks on the Boat: Many charter boats come equipped with built-in water tanks. Check with your charter company about the capacity of the tanks and whether the boat has a watermaker (a desalinator) that can convert seawater to freshwater.

  • Portable Water Bottles: You may also want to bring along several large bottled water containers (5-liter bottles or similar). This can be a good backup if you're unsure about your boat's water supply or if you’re sailing to more remote islands without easy access to refill stations.

  • Water Jugs: Many sailors also carry water jugs (like 10- or 20-liter containers) as a backup, especially for longer passages or islands with limited facilities.

Tips for Conserving Water:

  • Take Shorter Showers: Try to limit showers to 3-5 minutes to reduce water use.

  • Use Wet Wipes: Instead of using the boat’s freshwater system, you can use wet wipes or baby wipes to clean your face and body in between showers.

  • Efficient Cooking: Be mindful of water usage in the galley. Using minimal water for cooking and cleaning can help stretch your supply.

  • Stay Hydrated: Make sure everyone drinks enough water, especially during hot days, to avoid dehydration. Keeping a water bottle handy is a good habit while sailing.

Summary:

For a 7-day sailing trip in Greece, a rough guideline is that you'll need about 20 to 25 liters per person per day for both drinking and personal hygiene. So, for 6 people on a one-week charter, you would need roughly 340 to 400 liters of water in total, depending on your specific needs and whether you have access to a watermaker or refill stations during the trip.

It’s always a good idea to check with your charter company about the water capacity on the boat and confirm whether they offer water refills at marinas along your route. And, of course, always err on the side of caution by bringing extra water.

 

08/11/2024