Considering the greek islands next spring/summer, and I'm considering a flotilla type trip vs. doing greece alone. Might be helpful to have a guide hanging around. Does anyone have suggestions, comments, recommendations? thanks. Bob
Greece Bareboat/Flotilla help
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Greece Bareboat/Flotilla
We did a Greek flotilla (on the Ionian side)about 7 years ago thourgh Sunsal. It was a very nice experience. We were the only Americans in the flotilla of 6 boats and one additional boat for the flotilla captain, handyman, and hostess. The group would gather each morning to discuss the day's destination and possible lunch stops or problem areas. The hostess made local dinner arrangments which you may choose to participate in or not. Since, neither my wife or I speak Greek, this was very helpful. It was a great trip. Mat s/v "Just Ducky"
We did a Greek flotilla (on the Ionian side)about 7 years ago thourgh Sunsal. It was a very nice experience. We were the only Americans in the flotilla of 6 boats and one additional boat for the flotilla captain, handyman, and hostess. The group would gather each morning to discuss the day's destination and possible lunch stops or problem areas. The hostess made local dinner arrangments which you may choose to participate in or not. Since, neither my wife or I speak Greek, this was very helpful. It was a great trip. Mat s/v "Just Ducky"
Bob
Together w/ 3 other couples, my girlfriend and I chartered a (4 cabin) 52' monohull out of Athens this past September and cruised the Cyclides... Although we have much sailing experience and have bareboated in the Carribbean and Tahiti, we chose to hire a captain for this trip. First, the language is incomprensible to most Americans. This makes it difficult to get weather reports that you can understand, and to be able to talk to the people that you need to talk to. Many people speak some English, but unless one of your party can speak Greek, it will be a problem. Second, Med-mooring is an unlearned skill for most American sailors, and takes a little time to become comfortable with. If I went back, I would definitely not spend the money paying a captain; but for the first time over, it made this paticular trip alot less stressful.
Together w/ 3 other couples, my girlfriend and I chartered a (4 cabin) 52' monohull out of Athens this past September and cruised the Cyclides... Although we have much sailing experience and have bareboated in the Carribbean and Tahiti, we chose to hire a captain for this trip. First, the language is incomprensible to most Americans. This makes it difficult to get weather reports that you can understand, and to be able to talk to the people that you need to talk to. Many people speak some English, but unless one of your party can speak Greek, it will be a problem. Second, Med-mooring is an unlearned skill for most American sailors, and takes a little time to become comfortable with. If I went back, I would definitely not spend the money paying a captain; but for the first time over, it made this paticular trip alot less stressful.
Flotilla Sailing
I have done two flotilla sails in Greece in the last ten years. Both with Sunsail. It was a wonderful experience each time. They have several options based on boat size and sailing difficulty. The last time, 5 years ago, my wife and I and another couple had a 32ft Beneteau. There were 7 other boats including the company boat. We were the only Yanks. We did the Ionian's. The navigation was all LOS. For me, having a company boat around to handle any problems makes sailing in a foreign country less stressful. One suggestion - do it spring or fall - the summer can get quite warm for sleeping.
I have done two flotilla sails in Greece in the last ten years. Both with Sunsail. It was a wonderful experience each time. They have several options based on boat size and sailing difficulty. The last time, 5 years ago, my wife and I and another couple had a 32ft Beneteau. There were 7 other boats including the company boat. We were the only Yanks. We did the Ionian's. The navigation was all LOS. For me, having a company boat around to handle any problems makes sailing in a foreign country less stressful. One suggestion - do it spring or fall - the summer can get quite warm for sleeping.
The Admiral IS Greek, so...
We plan to sail the Greek isles every time we visit (which will be nearly every year from March thru September). Since we'll be living there (six months a year), we plan to thoroughly search charter companies, their boats, etc. At first we'll charter, but if we find a suitable boat at a reasonable price, we'll buy it and use it whenever the mood strikes us. In the meantime, I enjoy reading the experiences of those of you who have sailed the Greek isles. Keep it coming. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
We plan to sail the Greek isles every time we visit (which will be nearly every year from March thru September). Since we'll be living there (six months a year), we plan to thoroughly search charter companies, their boats, etc. At first we'll charter, but if we find a suitable boat at a reasonable price, we'll buy it and use it whenever the mood strikes us. In the meantime, I enjoy reading the experiences of those of you who have sailed the Greek isles. Keep it coming. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
Going in July
Bob F. My wife and I have been planning a flotilla charter in the Greek Islands for two years. We thoroughly researched our options and booked with Poseidon Charters at the Annapolis Boat show last October. Poseidon has two lead boats that they book cabin passengers on and lead Archaeological Adventure Cruises from Athens through the Saronic Gulf and Cyclades Islands. Poseidon acts as the booking agent for Vernicos Yachts, a Greek Charter company. They have a very large selection of boats at lower prices than Moorings or Sunsail. Poseidon is a Canadian company run by Steve Parry. Steve captains one of the lead boats and is a trained archaeoligist. We met Steve at the boat show two years ago when we started checking out all the charter options. He has been doing sailing charter in the Greek Islands for 8 or 9 years and has a well planned itinerary. Poseidon has a great web site that will give you a lot of information (PoseidonCharters.com). They also have a DVD that they filmed on one of their flotilla charters that will give you a lot of the flavor of the cruise...you can almost smell the food! My wife, oldest son and daughter-in-law have a Beneteau 393 booked a 10 day flotilla July 9 19, 2005. They offer 7, 10 and 14 day versions of the flotilla. Check it out! We would love to have another American group in the flotilla. We were told to expect mostly Euopeans. Bob Rectanus rockyglen@aol.com
Bob F. My wife and I have been planning a flotilla charter in the Greek Islands for two years. We thoroughly researched our options and booked with Poseidon Charters at the Annapolis Boat show last October. Poseidon has two lead boats that they book cabin passengers on and lead Archaeological Adventure Cruises from Athens through the Saronic Gulf and Cyclades Islands. Poseidon acts as the booking agent for Vernicos Yachts, a Greek Charter company. They have a very large selection of boats at lower prices than Moorings or Sunsail. Poseidon is a Canadian company run by Steve Parry. Steve captains one of the lead boats and is a trained archaeoligist. We met Steve at the boat show two years ago when we started checking out all the charter options. He has been doing sailing charter in the Greek Islands for 8 or 9 years and has a well planned itinerary. Poseidon has a great web site that will give you a lot of information (PoseidonCharters.com). They also have a DVD that they filmed on one of their flotilla charters that will give you a lot of the flavor of the cruise...you can almost smell the food! My wife, oldest son and daughter-in-law have a Beneteau 393 booked a 10 day flotilla July 9 19, 2005. They offer 7, 10 and 14 day versions of the flotilla. Check it out! We would love to have another American group in the flotilla. We were told to expect mostly Euopeans. Bob Rectanus rockyglen@aol.com
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