Do you enjoy visiting Greece and specifically Greek Islands? If so, you are absolutely not alone. Each year, millions of people take a trip to Greek Islands to fancy the Aegean Water and everything that it has to provide. Although it is excellent to like Greek Islands from the coast, you may want to think about taking it a step further. You may like to to think about actually love the water, from a vessel. There are two options. Either cruising or one of the best vessels to do this is a privately chartered yacht.
Visiting by sea the Greek Islands conjures visions of deep blue skies, clear azure sea, breathtaking scene, white villages, fabulous nightlife, dining in seaside taverns and nothing compares to the freedom and stimulation one feels.
Going by water there are numerous options, first of all there is self-sail, bare boating or bareboat shipping, which means that you will have to skipper the yacht yourself and no hired skipper, cook or hostess will be onboard. Chartering gives you a convenience, which no other holiday and can give.
Greece has many sailing areas to select from depending on your decision for wind conditions, scenery, cultural historic interest, and nightlife. The Aegean Sea Winds usually blow during the summer season, from May to September, but they are particularly known for the months of July and August.
Greece offers more than 2.000 islands and islets of which only the 169 are inhabited, each and every one of them offering original beauty, fascinate and many bays only accessible by boat. The most beautiful itineraries are the Ionian Water, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Sporades or the Northern Greece area.
In Greece sail vacations are considered the most fulfilling way to reveal the beauty and splendor of her coastlines and islands. Sailing holidays are often organized by companies who are based in other countries and have few or no Greek personnel or representatives. Whatever your penchant for yacht charters, Greece will meet or beat your expectations giving you a vacation like none other.
When it comes to chartering a private yacht, there are many individuals who automatically get yachts confused with boats. While they do have a few small similarities, there are quite a few differences. Before you go about charting a private yacht, you are urged to know the difference between a private yacht and a private boat. For the most part, yachts are equipped with cabins under the deck. These cabins not only contain sleeping quarters, but bathrooms, kitchens, and small dining rooms. This is what makes a yacht larger than most traditional boats, because boats do not have all of the previously mentioned amenities.
Due to the fact that yachts are often compared to small apartments or hotel rooms, they are perfect for those looking to take a long, extended trip, as they can provide guest exactly what they need. Due the size of most yachts, you will also find that they accommodate more individuals. That is why the charting of a private yacht is ideal for those who are looking for a unthinkable family vacation, because most have enough room to accommodate even a large sized family.
If you are interested in charting a private yacht for your next romantic getaway, family vacation, or business travel, you will need to find a private yacht chartering company. For the best chance of success, you are urged to use the internet. However, it is not uncommon for your local travel agent to also have information on private yacht companies, primarily those that come highly rated and recommended.
After after all Yachting in Greece is consider the most unforgettable vacation experience, and the cost for such an experience is also affordable. Following are some prices for different rentals for your consideration. Generally Price varies as same is calculated according to distance and fuel consumption of engine (s).
Prices are per 2-days (minimum hire) and an on-site cash payment of Euros 45 per booking to be made to cover Yacht Damage Waiver, Cleaning and Fuel. Price is: US $1510 or 1680 euro per person sharing double cabin Singles Supplement: US $1890 or 2100 euro, if single occupancy cabin on boat is required Included in the price are the following: Price is: US $990 or 1100 euro per person sharing double cabin Singles Supplement: US $1240 or 1375 euro, if single occupancy cabin on boat is required Included in the price are the following.
Prices for super luxury yachts are in the region of eight to ten thousand Euros a day-but yachts this size are fully staffed with crew and sleep between four and six couples, so the price of shipping is comparable to the price of a suite at a super luxury resort.
Not such an impossible idea as one would think, anymore hiring a yacht for a sail round the Greek islands is available from yacht charter companies situated in the capita, or local Islands. Anything from a day to a week or month, yacht hire is one of the fastest growing aspects of the leisure industry and while you’re here, why not like a sail? Bare boats or crewed vessels, engine or mast, a variety to suit the variation of the many Islands in Greek sea.

Vacationing in Greece is a pleasure in any season. Most folks opt to visit Greece during the summer months, when the sun is high and the surf is warm. But little do people know that a visit to Greece during the winter months can be equally as exciting and fulfilling, and even more steeped in pure Greek culture.
The benefits of visiting Greece in the winter months (considered December through March) are that while most of the other tourists are off vacationing elsewhere, those who call Greece their home embrace the off-season tourists with a first-hand look at what it means to be Greek.
For those of us who enjoy a little less of the tourism factor in our vacations, Greece in the winter is the ideal get-away. Hiking, biking, any exploration of nature is easier now, with the slightly cooler weather, and the number of other tourists at a minimum. Winter is the time to delight in the food the locals savor, to enjoy the nightlife known only to the locals and to participate in some activities and celebrations the locals relish only with their own.
Skiing in Greece is an after thought, or nonexistent one for most looking to vacation, while in fact, Greece provides some of the best skiing mountains in the world. Macedonia, Pelion, the Peloponnesus, Pelion and other cities to the north have ski centers and chalet type buildings in the mountains that provide ski lifts for downhill as well as cross-country runs.
Because Greece is blessed with such a temperate climate and beautiful natural environment, sailing in the winter is also a preferred sport by some. The cooler weather and less hustle and bustle from tourist crowds make it easier and even more enjoyable to sail and enjoy the natural surroundings. Whether it is bird watching, or ruins exploration.
Island culture abounds in the winter months, when tourists do not outnumber the locals. The usual tourist spots that are open in the summer months tend to close come wintertime. This means that the establishments that are open, are regular spots the locals visit. In turn, this generally means better Greek food to enjoy, and better yet, deeper, richer Greek culture including dog slide races, river wild rafting, and Alpine skiing.
Another great positive for enjoying Greece in the off-season, is of course, the lower rates. Traveling over seas is already costly enough, but if Greece is calling you, add lower rates on everything from airfare to hotel rates to the list of positives.
Apokreas, or carnival season, takes place in Greece around the end of February. The island of Skyros, Athens and Patras hold huge celebrations at this time of year. Apokreas refers to the time right before the 40 days of fasting before Easter begins. This involves feasting, celebrating, drinking and dancing - every night. What better way to see Greece than during this time, when many locals are celebrating more than they do the rest of the year?
More reasons to enjoy Greece in the wintertime is that ferries are always running to and from the mainland to the islands. If the weather becomes questionable or nasty, travel may become difficult, but for the most part, winter weather still tends to be quite exceptional.
The ruins are much more enjoyable to visit during the winter. The crowds are not in place, and neither is the heat. So it is easy to linger among the ruins, such as the Acropolis, the monasteries on top of the rock towers in Meteora or the Oracle of Delphi. One of the most amazing views of Athens can be seen from the Acropolis at sunset. Part of the reasoning behind visiting Greece is, no doubt, to explore the history of the native land, and the ancient ruins, so why would not someone want to take as much time as possible?
The picking of olives and production of olive oil is an important aspect of living in Greece. Homer referred to it as a “liquid gold” which is more a true statement today then he could have ever believed. A full 60% of Greece’s cultivated land is devoted to growing olives. The fruit is hand picked by families and even relatives and neighbors join in on the fun. Since this process generally starts toward the end of the year, those visiting Greece during the winter can help pick olives themselves, and really be a part of Greek family traditions.
With so many reasons to visit Greece during the winter months, how could anyone who is thinking of planning a trip not be seduced by the history and natural beauty that are in abundance in this amazing Mediterranean country.

First of all, I want to say a massive thank you to all those who responded to the request for horror stories and tips on buying a boat. Special thanks to the guys at Scuttlebutt for the plug. The response was so overwhelming that there will be a three part response.One thing that didn’t surprise me is me so how passionate sailors are about boats and how to buy them. On balance most people seem to have had good experiences but there was impassioned please to avoid buying a boat at all cost. More on that later.

Today I share some of the best tips. Again, thanks to everyone who contributed.

I’ve always had very modest boats and the trick there is to be patient. I knew I couldn’t take on a project but could fix the cosmetics so I found boats that needed some “updating” but not full restoring.

Edward

I like to inspect a boat out of the water and then put it back in and take her through her paces with a couple of test sails.
If you get a larger boat you might want to hire a surveyor.
Here is a link to a survey check list that I have used in the past.

Joe Rouse

As a yacht broker, the best advice I can give to you is get a very good surveyor! Don’t hire the cheapest one, get the one with good references and credentials. Be there at the survey and do not be afraid to ask questions. The surveyor works for you and you should take full advantage of this. This is also the best time to learn about the systems in your soon to be new boat before they break on you, and they will.

Chris Dowling

DO buy the boat you can afford now, and sail now.

Don’t believe everything you hear or read is true … or at least, will be true for you and your needs and comfort level.

Pat

1.buying a boat will be one of the most enjoyable things to do - if and only if you use it
2.Buy a boat with the ability to be able to sell it in 5 years time - always look at the next owner
3.Make sure the lady/bride is onboard with your crazy adventure
4.then here is the risky (or less risky) approach.

Enjoy the water and be kind to those closest to you.

Corinthian

My comment is to NOT buy a wood boat. Buy a boat that is in great condition so all you have to do is maintain it, which is enough work all by itself. Projects on a boat have a way of distracting one from actually sailing. Just say NO to a Project Boat.

IF your wife has horses, just plan on sailing solo.

Count Enrico Ferrari

I say buy a dinghy that fits in your backyard.  One with roller furling jib, spinnaker, easy trailer or hoist launching.

The relatively unknown Buccaneer 18 (Buccaneer18.org) provides sailing experience with much of the same equipment you’ll find on most any large boat….and then CHARTER the large boat when you need a “big water” fix.

Emory Heisler

… my comment to first time boat owners is to buy an older, well maintained Catalina 30. They are commodious down below–very nicely done indeed. They sail well, and they are very competitive if you are willing to buy some quality sails, keep the bottom clean and the other things one does. There are lot of used boats around that have been owned for years by original owners who maintain them very well. They are easy to sell with a large market so if you chose to bail after a year or two your loss will be minimal. There is no way to go wring if you buy a well maintained boat.

Doug Mills

Rent