SonneWindundMeer

(10)

I had a very pleasant trip with Frank. As the other participants cancelled at short notice, there were just the two of us. Nevertheless, I felt comfortable the whole time. Frank was able to tell me lots of interesting things about the history and culture of Croatia. As a sailing instructor he is very patient and you don't need to be afraid of making mistakes. When we ended up in a thunderstorm despite all precautions, it quickly became clear what an experienced skipper Frank is and that he knows exactly what to do even in such situations. But above all he is very cautious and forward-thinking, to avoid all difficult situations as much as possible in advance.

I've been sailing with Frank since 2011 now, it's quite amazing how time flies. Back then he infected me with the sailing bug in the Canary Islands. Since then quite a lot of sea stories have accumulated from many trips, also in Greece, the Adriatic and the Canaries/Madeira. With us the passion for sailing has already reached the next generation and the children know Frank by his alias 'the man in the red trousers'

Frank implements the description of his leadership style quite consistently, manoeuvres are discussed, the crew can have a go and Frank is there if things don't go smoothly. With doing it yourself the know-how and confidence come along naturally. But never be too confident: 'what would you do if xy happens, do you have a plan B?' Even experienced sailors can expand their skills on board: can the manoeuvre be done more easily/safely/better? Weather change? Will the anchor hold? What about the spinnaker?... Or you look for a beautiful anchorage on a holiday trip and enjoy a sundowner with a pleasant conversation.

This year the FB2 was completed, we use Frank's contacts as a yacht broker and charter ourselves. Dear Frank, thank you for the many inputs, best wishes and always a hand's breadth of water under the keel Benjamin

We were able (once again) to spend an absolutely wonderful time with Skipper Frank in Croatia.
At no time was there any unrest on board, Frank is a very prudent skipper who always keeps an eye on the weather and the surroundings.
Daily legs are always discussed together with the crew's wishes and possible destinations are targeted, alternatives are also prepared in case things turn out differently than planned along the way or there is unfortunately no suitable place left in the anchorage/mooring field. It's great to be able to rely on the local knowledge of an experienced skipper on holiday who always suggests great destinations or sheltered spots for the night and also protects you from being ripped off.

It never gets boring chatting with Frank about the broad spectrum of sailing, the yacht or good seamanship; after several trips together in different sailing areas I was able to absorb so much knowledge that I could now successfully complete the FB2 without great difficulty.

Thank you for the lovely time at sea!
Mathias

...the name says it all. We've been sailing with Frank since 2010 and have been to Greece, the Canary Islands and many times to Croatia.
In August 2023 we were able to spend another relaxed family trip with Frank. He always stays calm, even when 2 children are constantly bustling around him. He also responds to our wishes - we prefer secluded sailing bays for anchoring rather than packed marinas ;-). Of course always with consideration for wind, weather and waves. He knows many good spots and konobas.
He also taught us a great deal of sailing knowledge, so that we have since obtained our sailing licences ourselves without major difficulties. So highly recommended for training too!
We're already looking forward to more sailing adventures with Frank!

Sailing trip through the Croatian Adriatic from/to Biograd from 3rd to 10th June 2023

Frank is a relaxed, competent and very attentive skipper, with whom it's fun to sail and learn. He explains patiently and clearly and with a great deal of background knowledge. He also has a good line to the gods of weather and the sea, whom he knows how to win over in the best way for boat and crew. In complicated situations he keeps his calm and overview and is always there. He is humorous and, if necessary, also patient 😉.

At the crew's request, he turned what he had originally offered as a holiday trip into a training trip.

Criticism? Yes! This week went by far too quickly!

Thank you Skipper Frank, 5 stars for you and for our great crew!
Stefan & Lydia

Great practice trip from Athens with Frank as skipper. We had a very smart yacht in very good condition. Frank was able to respond brilliantly to the needs of all crew members and skilfully moderated the group, some of whom didn't know each other beforehand. From shopping to cooking and when sailing and doing manoeuvres, he always kept an eye on making sure everyone could join in and all were involved. He included everyone in decisions about the route and how to spend the day. As skipper, Frank always kept his calm. Unexpected situations, e.g. complicated anchorages, he solved with his experience. I always felt safe. At the same time I learned a lot. Frank is happy to share his knowledge. It was an incredibly great sailing experience and a really lovely week. Thank you for that and hopefully see you next time. I would put to sea with Frank again any time!

As Frank himself was unable to make it, he sent us to sea with Skipper Kurt. Kurt is a very friendly and considerate skipper. At first he cautiously tested where the mixed crew stood in terms of abilities and then gave us increasingly free rein. During the week absolutely everything was practised, from standard manoeuvres to anchoring and man overboard whilst sailing and in proper wind. Even when others stayed in harbour because of too much wind, Kurt ventured out in consultation with us.

I've sailed quite a few times, but people like Kurt as skipper don't come along very often. Very assured, but at the same time he gives everyone as much freedom as possible.

It was an altogether brilliant week!! Thanks to Kurt & Elke!

I was on the above-mentioned trip from Trogir. Activities described beforehand were carried out, every crew member could if they wanted get actively involved in sailing and other manoeuvres. Skipper Kurt gave professional pointers and also trustingly let us sail ourselves. We were out in proper wind, direction and duration were determined by the crew (regardless of whether woman or man). We were eight people on the trip, everyone contributed, nobody grumbled or spread bad vibes (which with eight different and unfamiliar people is not always the norm).

I would sail on such a trip again.

An overwhelmingly beautiful experience, to be allowed to experience the wonderful region of Croatia with strangers under a 'sailing family'. To get to know sailing and experience the adventure 'sea by sailing boat' together hand in hand. The Bora forced us to spend a day in harbour, which was promptly crowned with a wonderful visit to the waterfalls.
I was particularly pleased that there was sailing and afterwards also playing and laughing together; A GREAT HOLIDAY WITH GUARANTEED REPEAT ❤️

The skipper Kurt, assigned by the organiser, was an utter imposition. On the very first evening he ranted that women could not be skippers (in my view a rather unsuccessful opening for a trip booked half by women). Furthermore, the skipper was characterised by his almost consistently harsh, surly tone and manner, which he preferred to direct at the sailing beginners on board. Procedures on board were hardly explained to them; rather, they were expected to know them already. Mistakes inevitably caused by this were sharply reprimanded by the skipper with irritation and without any didactic skill whatsoever. The willingness and interest in active sailing among the beginners was thereby immensely diminished. Nobody wants to be constantly snapped at. Nor is there really any compelling reason for it in sailing. Moreover, the skipper has little sensitivity and diplomatic skill in dealing with people/groups. Not to be left unmentioned is the skipper's considerable alcohol consumption, which in my view is questionable and greatly diminishes both his trustworthiness and his competence.
The trip was advertised as a practice trip also for beginners. This was by no means fulfilled under the described conditions. A waste of time and money.