Catch the right wind
Easy to say, harder to do. Sailing a sail boat takes a little practice. You have to feel the good wind and set your sail right. But if you manage to do it you can sail through the entire Orlík reservoir under natural forces. And if it’s not blowing, just start the boat’s engine.
If you want to argue that you don’t steal and somehow don’t have a sail boat in your arsenal, keep calm. We’ve got one for you hidden in a cove on the left bank of the reservoir. Just drive to the Lavičky camp site. For those sail boat rookies, the rental company has one of these tiny ones. An experienced sailor will teach you how to tame it before you set sail. For seasoned skippers with papers, a bigger and faster hull is available.
DAY 1: Training makes perfect
The destination is Orlík. Not the reservoir you are sailing on, which we know, but Orlík, the Schwarzenberg Castle, which stands on a rock just above the Orlík reservoir. Before you head south, repeat to yourself that Colombo went north and follow his trail . As soon as you catch a good wind and set the sails, come check out the reservoir. There is a wide enough area of water to circle aimlessly until you have the boat’s reins firmly in your hand.
Then it’s time to enter the waters of South Bohemia. The shores are only lined with tree-covered rocks, a few forgotten cabins and, here and there, a camp site. When your navigator announces “Castle on the Horizon”, you’re just a few river miles from Marina Orlík, where you’ll moor for the night. I’ve had enough of those experiences today. The plan is to relax and have a good meal at a local restaurant. If your stomach isn’t too watery yet, sleep in the cabin of a sail boat. But if you’re worried about your dinner going overboard, lay your head in a sturdy bungalow or apartment.
DAY 2: Time of return to Central Bohemia
You don’t have to swim to the castle, just use your ship to the fullest. Cross over to the other shore and anchor at the Barrandov Yacht Club. From the Club it is about 3 kilometres on foot to the castle. Thinking about the future is a must, so be inspired by the Schwarzenberg Tomb along the way. Before you reach the castle itself, enjoy several views of the Orlík reservoir and the castle.
After visiting the castle, sail back to your home marina. But have some more time on the water. Explore the bays, drop anchor and bronze yourself by rolling on the deck. But watch out for the shallows and remember that tanning is twice as fast on the water. From above and below.
