West Nautical are pleased to introduce our Retail Charter Manager, JJ Carey in her brand new series of spotlight features.

She will be highlighting some fabulous yachting destinations and recommending a range of charter yachts across the globe. 

This month's spotlight is on Greece.

To truly appreciate the beauty of the Greek islands, nothing compares to exploring them by yacht. Each island has its unique charm, and we'll lead you to the finest spots for water sports, picturesque towns, and delightful local cuisine and drinks. Your experience will be one to cherish!

My personal preference is to sail the Saronic Gulf. It's a naturally protected haven of tranquillity compared to the bustling Cyclades and Ionian. Chartering a yacht here is a delight, and my absolute favourite spot is Hydra. This unique island, free of cars and filled with donkeys and mopeds, offers an authentic Greek experience that's simply unmissable.

Peloponnese/Saronic: 

The Peloponnese/Saronic gulf is naturally protected by the Athens peninsula, so the anchorages are much more sheltered than the Cyclades. The islands are much closer together, so your greatest sailing distances would most likely be around 1-2 hours, compared to 2-4 hours in the Cyclades.

Key destinations include Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Porto Cheli and Nafplio, which are all located relatively close to each other. The islands are not as frequented as often the Cyclades and remain a much more natural environment, so if you’re looking for stunning anchorages, clear waters, fantastic tavernas and some interesting islands to explore, the Peloponnese area is the place for you.

Cyclades:

The Cyclades islands are southeast of Athens and the most popular during the summer months, but they are more affected by the Meltemi winds. Key places include Kithnos, Mykonos, Siros, Paros and Milos – they get a bit livelier with more visitors every year. The weather does affect the planning more than in any of the other islands but it’s a yachting hotspot all summer.

Ionian:

The Ionian Islands are the best Greek islands to cruise in the high season summer months (May-August). The islands are close together and have everything from quaint fishing towns to secluded anchorages, as well as some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean for swimming and water sports. You will also not have to worry about the summer Meltemi high winds found in the Cyclades, and therefore have much gentler and calmer waters for your family to unwind in peace and tranquillity.

The Dodecanese Islands:

The Dodecanese Islands offer a chance to explore authentic and unspoiled Greece. Located in the southeast Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish coast, the Dodecanese comprise of twelve large and numerous smaller islands, all steeped in history and bearing the traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. If history and culture are a big factor when you choose a holiday destination, these islands are the ones for you.

Yachts available for charter holidays in Greece
 

Sailing Yacht – Baracuda Valletta

Price: start at €185,000 per week

JJ's thoughts: 

- This is one of the most incredible sailing yachts within the industry!

 - Baracuda Valletta was built in 2009 but looks brand new inside. The condition of the boat is sublime, there is not a single bit of wear and tear!

- Each cabin is incredibly spacious, especially the master cabin. The colours are light to help lighten up the whole boat. If you are looking for a sleek, modern monohull, this is the perfect yacht for you. With a huge amount of space inside to relax or head out on to the bow or aft deck to soak in the sunshine whilst enjoying a glass of champagne.

- The crew consist of both Greek and New Zealander members. The captain has been onboard for nearly 10 years, with the Chief Engineer being on the boat for 11 years! The chef has a superb reputation in delivering exceptional food, specialising in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.

- The highest quality of boat you could get, Baracuda Valletta is one to not look past!

 

Catamaran – Moonlight

Price – start at €35,900 per week

JJ's thoughts: 

- Moonlight is an incredible catamaran. I have recently visited her and experienced her chef’s food.

 - The boat itself is very similar in standard and look to a Sunreef. However, you are not having to pay the price of chartering a Sunreef!

- The main salon is spacious and modern. With a large sofa that is one of the most comfortable sofas I have ever sat on!

- The flybridge is huge with a large amount of seating and sunbathing areas. It’s the perfect place to relax during your travel or have a sunset cocktail with your friends/family.

- There are three crew members onboard, two from Ukraine and one from Greece. The chef’s best cuisine is Greek but he has the skill to cater for all cuisines.

- She is definitely a boat to not look past!

Motor Yacht – O’Eva

Price: start at €280,000 per week

JJ's thoughts: 

- O’eva has just had a refit (2023), so she feels brand new.

- I recently visited her in Greece (May 2023) and was blown away with the quality of the yacht and friendliness of the crew onboard.

- She can accommodate up to 12 guests in 8 cabins.

- The master cabin is one of the best parts of the yacht. With a huge amount of space and a separate area which can be converted into a double bed.

- There is a private gym on board with a bathroom just to the side. Perfect for quick shower after a workout!

- The sun deck is one of my personal favourite areas on the yacht. There is a hot tub as well as a large seating area to sit back and enjoy a cocktail or two!

- O’eva has a huge amount of water toys onboard including a jet ski.

 

Motor Yacht – Seahorse

Price – start at €190,000 per week

JJ's thoughts: 

- I recently went onboard Seahorse (May 2023) where I met the crew and experienced some of the chef’s food. I was blown away with the quality of the yacht and the friendliness of the crew.

- There is a huge amount of space on board and the furnishings have all be designed to be light in colour to make the whole yacht seem lighter.

- The crew try to promote Greek cuisines and hospitality. As the yacht's home port is in Greece, the crew would like the guests to be able to experience the true Greek experience.

- The master cabin is incredibly large with a private dressing room and bathroom.

- There is a separate cabin away from the other cabins. The perfect location for a nanny or any staff members.

- The two VIP cabins are separated by a large door, which gives the ability to combine them into one extra large VIP cabin if preferred.

- There is a large marble dining table which is beautiful!

- The chef’s best cuisine is Japanese and Peruvian, however he is also excellent in Mediterranean!

- Seahorse is a seriously impressive yacht and one to consider for your next charter!

For more information about Greece and the range of yachts available, please reach out via info@westnautical.com, or fill out our short quiz for personalised yacht holiday recommendations.