Many Israelis have found themselves stranded, unable to return to or leave the country due to the war with Iran and are searching for alternative solutions. A social media group titled “Israelis Helping Israelis Stranded to Return Home” has been launched, and several sailing clubs have begun offering what they describe as “rescue sailings” between Israel and Cyprus.
One such initiative is run by the Sailor yacht club and sailing school, which is operating trips from Herzliya Marina to Cyprus and back. The cost is 1,500 euros per person. Despite the high price and the fact that sea conditions are not ideal for a 30-hour voyage at this time of year, demand is very high, according to the club.
“We are flooded with thousands of inquiries,” said Amit, one of the club’s owners. He said the first sailing is scheduled to depart around 3 p.m. Sunday from Herzliya to Cyprus. He described the voyage as challenging, noting that while the yacht has three double cabins for sleeping, conditions on the open sea can be complex. He said he speaks personally with each prospective passenger to explain the conditions, including 30 hours in open water, no cellular reception and potentially rough seas.
In addition to Sailor, other initiatives are underway. The DreamSail sailing school also announced that it is operating rescue sailings from Israel to Cyprus and from Cyprus to Israel. In a statement, the company said the trips are accompanied by experienced skippers, full safety equipment and organized management, and are intended for those in need of safe transport.