Estonia - Profile
Facts
- Lying on the southern shores of the Baltic Sea between Latvia and Russia, Estonia is a country of low lands and many lakes as well as numerous offshore islands, the largest being Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. Both the Estonian islands in the Gulf of Riga and the offshore islands provide excellent daysailing opportunities.
- Estonia became a member of the European Union on 1 May 2004.
- Although Estonia and the other two Baltic republics, Latvia and Lithuania, have only recently opened their doors to cruising boats, they are rapidly gaining in popularity. With Poland and Russia now also added to the cruising circuit, one can expect the number of visiting boats to increase significantly in coming years, as well as an improvement in facilities.
- Best facilities are at the Olympic Yacht Marina in Pirita near Tallinn. Adequate facilities are also available at Pärnu, which has a yacht club with pontoon spaces for visitors. Provisioning is cheaper than in Finland.
Warning As in the case of the other Baltic republics, existing British and US charts have many inaccuracies and local charts should be used if at all possible. Attention is drawn to an uncharted rock south of Kihnu, which has already caused the loss of a yacht, in the reported position 58°04.4'N, 24°03.8'E. This danger has been reported to be wrongly depicted also on the latest Russian charts.
Weather
The climate is moderate, with cool summers and mild winters.
Call coastal radio station 'Tallinn Radio' or phone +372 699 1170 or email tallinnradio@riks.ee
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page
Main Ports
Hiiumaa Island: Lehtma *
North Coast: Lohusalu , Narva * , Pirita * , Tallin * , Vergi *
Saaremaa Island: Kuressaare * , Nasva , Orissaare , Saaremaa Harbour * , Veere *
West Coast: Haapsalu * , Kihnu * , Parnu * , Ruhnu (Ringsu) *
* indicates port of entry
