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Gemini's first owner

23 Jan 2021 Last update: 4 Feb 2021

Gemini was built in 1947 for a decorated Motor Torpedo Boat commander, Donald Henry Ewan (Richie) McCowen DSO, DSC, RNVR (1908-1998).

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Dave's guide to Barceloneta

12 Nov 2020 Last update: 4 Feb 2021

The old fishing district of Barcelona retains much of its charm

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The 10 Best Boat Trips and Sailing Tours in Barcelona

28 Aug 2019 Last update: 27 Jul 2021

With 11 years experience in the Barcelona boating scene, Skipper Dave has worked with, sailed with, and shot the breeze with just about every skipper in town. This is my selection of the best sailing tours in Barcelona.

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Special event - Perseids meteor shower

6 Jul 2019 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Come and watch the best meteor shower of the year, far out to sea and away from the city light pollution.

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A sunset hen party on Gemini

2 Jul 2019 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

A perfect sunset for an intimate hen party on the classic sail boat Gemini

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Escape the heat in Barcelona

25 Jun 2019 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Cool off on the high seas during the Barcelona high summer

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Real sailing in Barcelona

16 Jun 2019 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

For those who go down to the sea in boats.

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Characteristics of a classic

23 May 2019 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

39 Gauntlets were built between 1934 and 1951. They were designed to be seaworthy and fast.

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Characteristics - comfort

22 May 2019 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

What makes Gemini a comfortable, easily-handled boat at sea?

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Characteristics - seaworthiness

22 May 2019 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Gauntlets are famously seaworthy yachts. What are the key features?

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Characteristics - speed

22 May 2019 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Gemini is not only pretty, she has an impressive turn of speed when the conditions are right.

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Bling

21 May 2019 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

You can never have too much bling on an old boat.

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Bill in Barcelona

20 May 2019 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

My good friend Bill is a true Barcelona aficionada. Hidden gems, historical curiosities, restaurants the locals love, tips and tricks to getting the most out of your visit without breaking the bank.

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Mast maintenance

2 Apr 2019 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

The Herculean task of looking after a wooden mast.

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Skipper Dave is obsessed by the sea

21 Nov 2018 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

In the summer, I'm Skipper Dave, captain of Gemini. The rest of the year, I'm Dr. Baird, lecturer in Oceanography and Climate Change.

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Getting around

17 Oct 2018 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Barcelona is blessed with a truly excellent public transport system. Here's how to make the most of it.

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Menú del día

17 Oct 2018 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Not many of us can afford to splash out on something special every day, even when we're on holiday. That's when the menú del día comes to the rescue of the cash-strapped tourist.

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Dave's fave restaurants

17 Oct 2018 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

A few of my own regular go-to places and one or two treats.

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Weather resources

24 Jul 2017 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Weather resources | Useful sources of weather information

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Weather bulletins

23 Jul 2017 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

NAVTEX forecasts for METAREA III

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Current astronomical data

2 Jan 2017 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Sunrise/sunset, moonrise/moonset, planets etc.

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Useful links

2 Jan 2017 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Useful links for sailing in Barcelona

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Gemini and Barcelona videos

19 Jun 2016 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Sailing from Scotland to Barcelona.

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The Sailing Club at Classic Sail Barcelona

12 Apr 2016 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

If you would like to come sailing regularly on Gemini at a reduced cost, join the club!

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Eating out - tapes!

12 Apr 2016 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Tapes is Catalan for tapas. You pronounce tapes as... tapas! Easy.

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About Gemini, 1947 Berthon Gauntlet

14 Oct 2015 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Gemini is a 14 ton Berthon Gauntlet built in 1947 by the Berthon Boat Company of Lymington, on the south coast of England. I became her owner in June 2008.

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Skipper Dave

1 Aug 2015 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

In 2008 I sold my house, found the boat of my dreams, and embarked on an adventure voyage around the UK and then across the Bay of Biscay to Spain.

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Products and suppliers

2 Jan 2014 Last update: 23 Dec 2020

Products and suppliers I use.

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What our customers say

Over 250 ★★★★★ reviews

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence & Hall of Fame 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

EXCEEDED our Expectations!

My friends and I reserved a sail with Classic Sailing for the afternoon after our flight landed in BCN. The gentle ride, fresh sea air, sunshine and cool water was just the ticket for our jet-lagged group. We would go again in a heartbeat! Everything was perfect and Captain David was a fabulous host and skipper!
Pamela L | Nashville, Tennessee

Great sail!

This sail around Barcelona was the highlight of our trip! Captain Dave is fantastic; he made us feel welcome and at home on his wonderful boat. We loved that the sail was just our family and was so reasonably priced. We highly recommend this trip and will absolutely do it again when we return to Spain!
Elise M | Seattle, United States

Sail Gemini!

The environment was more like a friend taking you out on a boat, rather than a cookie-cutter tour boat. Dave the skipper was an excellent guide, pointing out sights on the water and across the Barcelona cityscape, and even let a couple of us take a turn at the tiller (no scrapes, thankfully!) I recommend this to anyone who wants a REAL experience out in the waters off Barcelona.
Andrew M | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

A Barcelona must!!!

Not only is Dave a personable, accommodating captain, but sailing on the Gemini is a unique experience with breathtaking views of the city. The old boat is comfortable and gorgeous with an interesting background. The experience was a 10/10, and I would highly recommend to anyone I know who's traveling to Barcelona. Very well worth it. Thank you, Dave!
drogers9 | Boston, Massachusetts

Sailing Bracelona

Excellent value for money sail on board a classic sail boat which is easy to access. We had a three hour sail and swim in the deep ocean on a beautiful autumn day. I would highly recommend this trip, Dave is a very laid back friendly individual overall great day out.
smackmac420 | Glasgow, United Kingdom

Relaxing 3 hours away from the buzz

A very lovely afternoon with skipper Stefan and a welcome getaway from the hot city.
Alar I | Tartu, Estonia

Read all our reviews here

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