Yachts & Yachting – April 2018

CLAIRE WOOD IMAGE C/O: SUNSAIL

Holidaymakers wanting a laid back

schedule or those with young families

should consider the short leg, island-

hopping option in areas such as the

Ionian, Saronic Gulf and Peloponnese

peninsula. Islands in these areas are

just far enough apart to enjoy a good

sail in the reliable winds, which are

generally not too much of a challenge.

The coastline is lush and picturesque

with some stunning anchorages and

beaches and plenty of opportunity

to enjoy the local taverna culture.

Serious, experienced sailors who

want more of a challenge including

longer legs and stronger winds would

do better to head to the Aegean,

Dodecanese in the southeast, or even

Crete. The longer passages between

the islands, sometimes 30-40nm, can

take the best part of a day to sail.

QUICK CHOICE

Some holiday companies specialise

in specific areas of Greece such as

Aegean Sailing Holidays, and Sail

Ionian, but most cover a variety of

areas with bases conveniently located

to the nearest airport, which helps

keep transfer times to the minimum.

Once you’ve chosen the most suitable

area for your holiday requirements it

is time to look at what each individual

company has to offer and how that may

fit with your holiday ideals and budget.

Choice of yacht is a consideration too

so it is worth checking availability

early on. For family breaks, it’s a good

idea to consider a catamaran because

they offer oodles of space and tend

to be very user-friendly. Ask about

available add-ons; many charterers will

also provide stand up paddleboards

or snorkel kit. Remember to check

specifics before you book, and take a

look at previous customer feedback.

Best for families

For families, reliable light winds are often

a priority and the Ionian is the number

one destination for just that. As well

as the pretty, lush islands of Kefalonia,

Ithaca, Corfu, Paxos and Lefkas there

are many smaller islands with their

own charm, and plenty of anchorages

in enticing golden beach-lined bays.

These short, island-hopping, easy to

navigate passages are the perfect option

when sailing with youngsters, or those

members of the family less experienced,

who perhaps prefer to intersperse sailing

with regular explorations ashore or

swims in the beautiful blue-green waters.

The wind in the Ionian is generally

predictable, which is ideal for family

sailing. It usually starts off light in the

morning accompanied by flat, mirror-

calm sea then, as the day progresses

(around 1pm) the wind builds to

around Force 4 predominantly from

the northwest, which makes for a good

sailing breeze. By about 6pm the winds

die away to allow for calm conditions

for anchoring in the bay, just in time for

those all-important early evening drinks.

When travelling with family members,

particularly small children, proximity

to an airport is also an important

consideration. To avoid long transfers,

choose a popular package tour

destination such as Corfu, or keep an

eye out for holiday companies that fly

to Preveza-Lefkas Airport – otherwise

known as Aktion Airport – which is

close to the Ionian island of Lefkas.

Families would do well to consider a

flotilla. This can be an excellent option

for families with older children as they

have the bonus of socialising with other

young sailors; ask about specific family

activities and itineraries that are offered

by some companies during peak season.

Whilst some flotillas follow a very

specific itinerary, others are more relaxed

and offer a degree of flexibility, giving

youtheoptiontodetourfromthegroup

should you wish to explore on your

ownforatime,withthereassurance

of a rendezvous a little later on.

Ifyoupreferthegreaterautonomyofa

bareboat charter but would nonetheless

like a little guidance, enlist the help of

the charter company who will advise

on type of yacht, suggest a suitable

itinerary, and can even provide a

skipper,hostessorinstructoronboard.

Those new to sailing should consider

a tailor-made flotilla charter/combined

beach club holiday. These holidays often

The coastline is lush and picturesque with

some stunning anchorages and beaches

Above

Family fun that’s

ideal for children;

diving off the

back of the boat

SPORADES

GREECE

TURKEY

SARONIC GULF &

PELEPONNESE CYCLADES

DODECANESE

IONIAN

ISLANDS

Relaxed sailing - ideal for

familes and beginners

Moderate winds

afloat, plenty of

culture ashore

Reliable winds and

longer passages with

stunning backdrops

Strong breezes appeal

to experienced sailors Great for exploring

off the beaten track

IONIAN SEA

AEGEAN SEA

April 2018 Yachts & Yachting 73