TOP TIPS FOR SAILING IN GREECE

If you’re looking to rent a yacht in Greece with the crew, or maybe just a skipper—or even head out bareboat—you are in for the adventure of a lifetime.  Greece is a land of myth and legend, a place where you can explore ancient ruins, relax on sandy beaches, or party all night long in charming seaside towns.  Best of all, if you charter a boat for a sailing holiday in Greece, you have the opportunity to explore any of the thousands of islands surrounding the mainland.

But are you really ready for your Greece sailing holiday?  Many visitors who embark on a Greek charter vacation have never even been on a yacht, and aren’t sure what to expect. 

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your charter holiday in Greece!

1.  Don’t be surprised if you need time to adjust to sailing.

Some people take to sailing right away.  They gain their sea legs immediately, never experience a single bout of seasickness, and immediately are able to relax and enjoy every second of their Greek sailing experience. 

But that is not the case for everyone, and there really is nothing you can do about that.  Plenty of people have a hard time adjusting to life on a boat.  You might get a little queasy if you hit choppy water—or even if you don’t.  You might stumble around a lot on deck the first day.  Needless to say, your first day may be quite exhausting.

Try not to get let this discourage you—and do plan to get plenty of rest on that first day so that you can adjust more quickly!  If seasickness gets to you, focus your eyes on the horizon and consider chewing some ginger.  Your discomfort should soon pass, and you should find yourself enjoying your vacation to the fullest. 

Again, this doesn’t happen to everyone, so you may luck out and not have a single problem, especially since the waters around Greece are generally smooth sailing.  But it is best to be prepared.

2.  Hire a crew if you need one.

You may be tempted to go bareboat on your Greece charter vacation, but if this is your first time out on a yacht or you are not an experienced sailor, it is not necessarily the best idea.

That does not mean it is necessarily a bad idea.  Some people actually do learn to sail this way, but it is risky, and it may be overwhelming.  You will be so focused on learning the ins and outs of sailing and navigation that you will not have the time and focus you need to appreciate all that Greece has to offer.

So if need be, consider hiring a skipper or even a full crew.  They can take a lot of the daily work of sailing off your hands, help you to plan your itinerary, give you local advice, and make your entire vacation effortless and carefree.  That leaves you free to enjoy the sights and relax!

3.  Watch out for strong winds in August.

If you decide to visit Greece during August, be aware that in the north, you may encounter some strong winds known as “meltemia.”  These winds may pose a challenge to an inexperienced mariner. 

Also consider that August is right in the middle of tourist season, and can be quite crowded (the season spans the months of April through October).  June, July, and September are all better months to show up if you want to stay away from the crowds.  You can also consider an off-season trip if you want to save money.

4.  Layer up.

For the most part, you’ll want to dress for warm (sometimes hot) weather.  That means a swimsuit or swim trunks, T-shirt, shorts, short skirt, sandals, and so on.  You also will want to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s intense rays.  Plenty of sunscreens is a necessity too.

One thing which surprises a lot of tourists who charter a boat in Greece is the cool air over the water.  It tends to be colder at sea than it is on land, and with the breezes and the movement of the boat, it can become quite chilly.  This can be true even during the daytime and especially at night.  So bring at least one warm sweatshirt or jacket.

5.  Skip wheels on your luggage.

Rolling luggage may be convenient at the airport or going to and from your hotel, but on a boat, it is just plain problematic.  Every time the waves cause the deck to list even a little, your luggage can roll around.  Even if it is stowed, this can be an annoyance.  So stick with luggage without wheels.  A duffle bag is best.  Pack light since there is not going to be a lot of room on the boat.

6.  Budget your luxury yacht charter Greece vacation with care.

How much does it cost to charter a boat in Greece?  Cost can vary based on a number of different factors—everything from the exact type of vessel you charter to the time of year you visit and whether or not you decide to hire a crew or skipper or do a bareboat charter in Greece. 

Needless to say, you will need to come up with a budget in advance of your vacation, accounting not just for the charter cost, but also the cost for mooring the boat, eating and drinking, any additional accommodations, activities, shopping and more.  It can be useful to separate your budget into different sections (i.e. shopping, alcohol, dining out, etc.) so that you can distribute the money in a balanced way.

Now you have a better idea of what you can expect when you charter a yacht to the Greek islands.  There are a lot of special considerations to account for when you are planning your trip, but it is guaranteed to be an extraordinary journey you won’t ever forget.