When the wind blows and the sun shines, the Baltic islands and numerous ports along the coast of this beautiful maritime region are an inviting setting for any sailing trip. Be it in the west of the Baltic towards Scandinavia, or along the coast in an easterly direction past the old ports, Hanseatic cities, and Germany’s biggest islands, Fehmarn, Rügen and Usedom, all the way to Poland, there’s so much to discover – including Peenemünde, the birthplace of space travel - that you’ll want to explore this great sailing area more than just the once. The whole of the Baltic is very shallow. At its deepest point it’s only 160m deep. As it is fed by a lot of rivers, the Baltic also has a very low salt content of around one percent. The Baltic is underestimated by many sailors. Although it’s semi-enclosed by land, huge waves can nevertheless build up. Listening to the weather forecast is therefore a daily duty for every responsible sailor. Anyone who doesn’t know the Baltic and charters a yacht, should not overstretch themselves or take any risks. The fjord, which is 34 kilometres long, rates as one of the most beautiful areas for sailing in the Baltic. The sheltered inner fjord, with its various harbours and marinas provides a special flair on both the German and Danish sides. The fjord is not subject to any tide. However, in strong easterly or westerly winds, the surface of the water in the middle can rise and fall by up to a metre. Beaches with fine, white sand and clean sea-water are good for swimming, and when the weather’s fine this great variety that the place has reminds you a bit of the Mediterranean.