What kind of experience is required for long-distance sea voyages?

Preparing a yacht for winter storage includes several key steps: Cleaning and inspection: Thoroughly wash the hull and deck of the yacht, remove algae and dirt. Inspect the housing for damage and cracks. Engine preservation: Replace the oil and filters, rinse the cooling system with fresh water and add anti-corrosion additives. Close the intake and exhaust ports of the engine. Water supply systems: Empty all water tanks, flush the systems with fresh water and add antifreeze to prevent freezing. Electrical systems: Disconnect the batteries, charge them completely and store them in a dry place. Check and protect all electrical connections. Sails and rigging: Remove the sails, rinse them with fresh water and store them in a dry place. Check the rigging for wear and damage. Interior: Clean and ventilate the interior, remove all textiles and food. Use dehumidifiers to prevent mold. Cover: Use a protective cover or awning to protect the yacht from weather conditions. Make sure that the cover is well secured and allows air to circulate.

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is an annual event held in January and February. During the festival, large discounts are offered in shopping malls and shops in Dubai, various promotions, sweepstakes and entertainment events are held.

You can extend your charter if we have free places after your charter.

Dubai aspires to be the most technologically advanced city in the world. Smart Dubai is an initiative aimed at integrating innovations into everyday life. I experienced this firsthand when I used the driverless metro and paid for my journey with a single Nol Card, which also works on buses and trams. The Museum of the Future, which opened in 2022, showcases the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and space technology. The city is also actively implementing blockchain in government services and plans to shift all transactions into a digital format. Walking through the Dubai International Financial Centre, I felt the pulse of innovation and ambition.

The yacht can be stored in several places during the off-season: Marinas: Marinas provide secure places for storing yachts on the water or on land. They often offer maintenance services. Covered parking: Provides protection of the yacht from weather conditions and includes care and maintenance services. Open parking lots on land: A more budget option, in which the yacht is stored on a special site with minimal protection from weather conditions. Private Berths: If you have your own berth or storage space, this can be a convenient and economical option.

Driving in Dubai is organized to a high standard, but there are a few things to note. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road and the roads are generally of a high quality, making driving easy. However, traffic during rush hour can be heavy, especially on major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road. Speed and traffic cameras are in operation throughout the city, and fines can be substantial. I hired a car and found that local drivers can be quite fast and sometimes make unexpected maneuvers, so it’s important to be attentive. Parking can be expensive in the city center, but shopping malls often offer free parking. Public transport, including the metro and tram, is a good alternative for getting around the city.

You rent a yacht for a certain time on a certain day.

There are no specific medical requirements for most tourists entering Dubai. However, it is recommended to have standard vaccinations such as those for hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. At the time of my trip, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to provide a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to departure. I advise checking the current requirements on the official website of the UAE Ministry of Health or with your airline in advance. It is also helpful to have health insurance that covers potential medical expenses abroad.

To cope with emergencies on the yacht, it is necessary to: Action plan: Have an action plan for various emergencies (fire, leak, loss of a person overboard, etc.). Crew training: Train all crew members to act correctly in emergency situations and conduct training. Use of equipment: Be able to properly use life jackets, rafts, fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Communication: Maintain communication with coastal services and other vessels via VHF radio and satellite communications. Navigation: Quickly determine the location and route to the nearest safe place. What medications should be on board the yacht? There must be a first-aid kit on board the yacht containing the following drugs and remedies: Painkillers and antipyretics: Paracetamol, ibuprofen. Antiseptics: Alcohol wipes, hydrogen peroxide, iodine. Dressings: Sterile bandages, plasters, gauze napkins, elastic bandages. Medicines for seasickness: Dimenhydrinate, meclizine. Antihistamines: For the treatment of allergic reactions (diphenhydramine, loratadine). First aid supplies: Scissors, tweezers, thermometer, disposable gloves. Antibiotics: For the treatment of infections (by prescription).

There are many organizations in Dubai that welcome volunteers. I participated in a beach cleaning program organized by a local environmental group. It was a great way to contribute to the community and meet like-minded individuals. "Volunteer UAE" is a platform where you can find various projects, from working with children and the elderly to cultural and sporting events. Volunteering not only allows you to help those in need but also enriches your personal experience, opening up new aspects of city life.