- WHAT IS THE AFR?
It is the largest Russian-speaking amateur regatta. It takes place annually in the middle of autumn. - WHERE AND WHEN WILL THE NEXT ONE BE HELD?
In Greece, 26 October - 2 November, 2024. - WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE AFR?
Beginners and amateur sailors only. Those who have only recently graduated from sailing schools or have only been on a few solo charter races in the cruising divisions. More experienced sailors are in the racing divisions. - HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS?
In 2023, we had 60 teams in 3 divisions and around 500 participants with us. - HOW MANY AFR REGATTAS HAVE THERE BEEN?
October 2024 will be the eleventh event. - I'VE ONLY BEEN ON A BOAT ONCE IN MY LIFE, AND I DID VERY LITTLE. OR I DID MORE, BUT I'VE FORGOTTEN, OR I DIDN'T REALIZE WHAT I WAS DOING. WOULD I BE INTERESTED IN THE AFR?
Yes. In fact, ABSOLUTELY! The AFR regatta is designed to allow you to go to sea on your own for the first time comfortably and safely. Many of the skippers participating in the AFR are beginners. Yes, and so are their crews. - I HAVE A LITTLE YACHTING EXPERIENCE, BUT I PREFER TO LIE ON DECK AND ENJOY THE VIEWS, THE AIR, AND THE WORK OF THE REST OF THE CREW. AND YOU HAVE A REGATTA THERE...I PROBABLY SHOULDN'T GO
Yes, you should! There are enough people on each boat with enough enthusiasm and energy to spin the winches and manage the sails. They'll be grateful if you don't claim their places of honor. - I'M A FAIRLY EXPERIENCED SAILOR; I'VE COMPETED MANY TIMES. WOULD I BE INTERESTED?
Not really. If you are a sportsman with a capital letter and treat yachting only from this point of view, then the AFR is a different event and will not suit you. However, if you are no stranger to sailing cruises and socializing with many sailing newbies, welcome - you'll love it! Plus, we have a Racing division that will be fun even for experienced captains. - WHICH YACHTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE AFR?
All yachts are divided into several divisions: cruising divisions (Bavaria 46, Bavaria 51, Oceanis 46.1, Oceanis 51.1), racing division (boats to be announced later), and custom non-racing division (any yacht that can join the festival). - WHAT ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATION?
As usual, we are accommodated in double cabins. - WHAT IS THE PRICE?
The cost of participation depends on the team and division; on average, it is 1200-1500 euros per person. - WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS PRICE?
Captains usually include everything in this price except food. Products are purchased separately, and their cost does not exceed 100 euros per person for the entire week. - I CAN'T SWIM AT ALL; YACHTING IS NOT FOR ME.
If yachting is not for you, then that’s certainly not why :) You definitely won’t need the ability to swim; the yacht moves through the water entirely without your help, and falling overboard (without your desire) is practically impossible. So yachting really isn’t for you if, for example, you hate the sea, then you don’t even have to be a swimmer. - WHAT IF I GET MOCKED?
It’s better to start getting acquainted with the sea (or not to start) by remembering all the times in your life when you got seasick. If riding in the back seat of a car, on a bus, or on an airplane has given you unpleasant consequences, then most likely, you may not really like being at sea. If your vestibular apparatus has not caused surprises in ordinary life, then the sea will not cause big problems - there is nothing to worry about. - WILL THERE BE LIFEJACKETS ON BOARD?
Of course. All yachts are fully equipped with all safety equipment, so you don't have to worry. - WHO WILL BE MY CAPTAIN?
It depends on your wishes. After your request, we will ask the captains about the available places on their teams and tell you everything. Then you can chat with each of them and decide who suits you best. In any case, the choice will be yours. - CAN I TAKE A CHILD WITH ME ON THE AFR?
The daughter of the head of Seanation has been participating in the AFR since she was 6 years old and considers our event to be one of the funnest events on earth. There are usually no problems with children at the AFR if the children:
a) are capable of compromise
b) are communicative and sociable
c) are not picky in terms of living conditions
But in any case, you need to immediately tell us that you are planning a trip with your son or daughter so that we can discuss this possibility with the captains who still have vacancies. - WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AFR?
Write or call us. We will discuss which team will be the best choice for you, after which we will connect you with its captain - you will take all further steps to book a place with him. - I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO THE AFR. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THIS?
Yes, we will provide you with all the necessary documents for obtaining a visa no later than 60 days before the start of the regatta. - OCTOBER, GREECE… NOT COLD?
No. Over the past few Octobers, the daytime temperature has never dropped below 17 degrees Celsius; most days, it is 22-25 degrees Celsius. Most days are sunny, and precipitation is rare. Wind strength is not more than 20-22 knots, on average 12-14 knots. The temperature of the sea is 20-22 degrees. - WHAT IS THE ROUTE OF THE REGATTA?
We depend on the weather, and the scale of the regatta is such that not every port can accommodate us. The day-by-day plan becomes more or less clear not earlier than a week before the start. - WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR THE REGATTA? WHAT’S THE DAILY SCHEDULE?
On Saturday morning, we meet with all the skippers at the marina, fill out all the documents for the charter, assign everyone to the yachts, and acceptance begins, which continues until the evening. The visiting teams buy groceries, meet colleagues, and adapt to yacht life. On Saturday evening, there is a global regatta opening party; for most teams, it ends in the middle of the night.
On Sunday morning and each morning that follows, there is a skipper's briefing, at which the organizers explain the plan for the day. Sunday is not a racing day; it is dedicated to training. The skippers train themselves and their teams so that, starting on Monday, everyone can fully participate in the process. But training does not cancel the transition to the next stop - every day, the AFR regatta spends the night in a new place.
To summarize the regatta plan, it looks like this:
Saturday: meeting, acquaintance, acceptance of yachts, food purchase, opening party.
Sunday: briefing, training, transition to a new place, rest and entertainment.
Monday - Thursday: briefing, race, transition to a new place, rest and entertainment.
Friday: briefing, race, return to the base marina, refueling, checkout, closing party of the regatta and presentation of prizes to the winners.
9:00 Saturday: all AFR participants leave the yachts. - WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENING AFTER THE RACE?
Explore a new place, have dinner in one of the great restaurants, go to a concert or party, take part in a music jam right on the dock, watch fireworks or the stars, listen to music or the splash of the waves. Trust me, no one has ever been bored during an AFR. - WHAT SHOULD I (SKIPPER) AND MY CREW BRING?
We recommend bringing a set of thermal underwear WITHOUT wool, a fleece sweatshirt, and a set of windproof trousers and jacket. Remember that natural material clothing is not to be worn at sea as it absorbs moisture and does not dry. It is best if your synthetic trousers and jacket are from a so-called membrane fabric, which breathes and wicks away your sweat but, at the same time, does not get wet and does not blow away. However, all these recommendations are only relevant if the weather is cool or windy. If the weather is warm and calm, shorts and a T-shirt will suffice.
Don't forget a hat and sunglasses: it's not that hard to overheat your head and go blind from the constant glare, even in November. Sunscreen with a protection factor of 30+ will not hurt either. And the last important point: your deck shoes should have light or non-staining soles and fit securely on your feet - flip-flops and similar to flip-flops are not suitable for yachting. - I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS, WHERE SHOULD I GO?
In Telegram or Whatsapp +447418355835 -
