Sailing Halkidiki

Halkidiki is a paradise for yacht charters. Land and sea. Tranquility and eternity. Beaches and unique coves. Golden sand. Picturesque villages. Bays, beaches, many villages with rich night life, blue, transparent and above all clear sea, makes Halkidiki the unique charter destination.

The great debate over which is better – one or two hulls – is one that many sailors enjoy having on deck while sipping something cold. While there are advantages and disadvantages to both, it usually just comes down to personal taste, intended use of the sailing boat and your sailing destination. If you are thinking of chartering a sailing boat this summer, then here is the lowdown in terms of space, performance, maneuverability and price.

First up is aesthetics. Monohulls are more beautiful and elegant than Catamarans, it’s just a fact. So if that is a deciding factor for you, go for the monohull every time.

Space and Layout
One of the first things that catamaran fans will talk about is the extra space that they afford. Usually there is more interior space, with the typical charter having four cabins and a large common area. The layout of a catamaran allows more privacy and if you have children aboard, there is greater separation from the main living space and the cabins, making it easier for smaller children to nap and go to bed at a decent hour. Outdoor space is enough to entertain a large gathering which makes a catamaran a great choice for family groups. It may also be the boat of choice for scuba divers as it affords more storage space for equipment and easier entry and exit from the water.

Another distinct advantage of a multihull boat is that since the majority of the living area is above the waterline, you get better airing keeping it cooler and more pleasant in the daylight hours. So it would seem that in terms of livability and comfort, the catamaran is the right choice.

Monohull sailing boats, in terms of space, tend to be smaller simply due to the shape of the boat and the usable space its design allows. Living areas, except for the cockpit, are below the waterline which, after a while aboard, can bring you down with a touch of cabin fever. Most sailors are used to this and not so bothered by it. For non-sailors, or those who suffer from claustrophobia, it can be very uncomfortable.

Ventilation on a monohull can be less than adequate in hot climes if you don't have air conditioning. Breeze boosters can help, but you need a breeze!

Maneuverability and Performance
Because of their size, catamarans are usually more stable. Their stability is possibly the greatest advantage over the monohull, in particular for children, seniors and the cook! Catamarans don't rock and roll the way monohulls do, making them easier to sail, more difficult to sink and faster especially on downwind runs, reaches and broad reaches. Also, it is difficult to get seasick on a catamaran.
This stability is a distinct benefit until the sailing conditions get rougher. A catamaran will lose stability once it starts to heel until it is upside down and does not ride well in squally conditions. Because of the wide bridge, there can be some rough and uncomfortable riding with slapping or pounding in heavier seas and winds. If you will be heading to the easy sailing destinations in Greece, where conditions are excellent the catamaran would be a comfortable and safe choice.

When it comes to maneuverability the twin engines of the catamaran make it relatively easy and having two engines about 20 feet apart eliminates the need for a bow thruster. They also have shallow drafts, so you can anchor closer to shore and navigate into places you can’t get to with a monohull. Two hulls also ensure no keeling, although some would argue that that is the most exhilarating part of sailing!

The design and layout of the catamaran do contribute, however, to some performance and maneuverability issues. They are not able to sail as close to the wind as a monohull, they are inefficient upwind and tacking a catamaran is just not the same.You have to have sufficient speed to carry you through the tack without losing forward momentum. A catamaran is much lighter than a monohull of the same area and for that reason, they slow down quicker. A sharp directional turn, like you would make in a monohull, is not possible. If concerned about tacking, fire up the motor to help you get through the tack. Alternatively, douse the sails altogether.

Monohull converts, on the other hand, will argue that maneuverability is better on a single hull because you’re not dealing with two hulls and they are quicker to respond to the helm than a catamaran. They can make sharper turns and navigate much more easily through tight spaces and narrow channels. Plus, their higher hull displacements reduce the adverse effects of cross winds. Monohull enthusiasts claim the design works harmoniously with the elements instead of trying to fight them.

Docking for the night
While it’s relatively easy to dock a catamaran with two motors and two rudders, as there is no need for a bow thruster; its size means that it can often take up more space which can drive up the docking costs. Also the catamaran may not always fit into smaller out-of- the-way harbours. It is possible to anchor or moor the boat and use the dinghy get ashore. A monohull is much easier to dock, takes up less space, and is cheaper to dock, haul and slip.
Catamarans have little to no heeling and they don’t roll at anchor whereas monohull do and can be uncomfortable and cause seasickness.

Costs
Catamarans with similar sleeping capacity and equipment are usually more expensive to charter than monohulls as their maintenance costs are much higher.

Since catamarans have reduced wetted surface area on their hulls, they are much more fuel-efficient. In light winds, they can use just one engine to propel the boat. But, not so much in heavier weather, where the higher efficiency of a monohull design presents less resistance.

Weighing up the pros and cons
All things considered, it seems that at the end of the day personal preference is the deciding factor. Although the great debate is sure to continue, your needs according to personal preference, your group’s requirements and budget should all be in alignment with your final choice.

Sailing can be a great activity for your health and fitness. Not only are you controlling a large vessel, but you’re also adjusting constantly to Mother Nature’s elements, which can be a strong force that challenges your mental and physical fitness.

Here are the top 10 health benefits of sailing:

Muscle strength and endurance: The many activities involved in sailing, like pulling and hoisting of sails to maneuver a boat or a yacht, adds to your muscle strength for your shoulders and back.

Cardiovascular fitness: Sailing can also improve your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of hypertension, obesity and other heart illness. This is because of the large amount of oxygen uptake that happens when you engage in intense activities.

Mental wellness: Being out on the water puts you in a good mood not just because of the calmness of the water but because of the salty air. The saltiness of the sea air is composed of charged ions that aid in the body’s oxygen absorption, which in turn balances serotonin levels. The more balanced your body’s serotonin levels are, the happier you’re going to be.

Lowers stress levels: The swooshing and splashing of water, the rhythmic movement of the yacht and the sound of the wind in the sails can all affect brainwave patterns. This relaxes and soothes a busy and highly stressed-out mind.

Increases agility: The various tasks associated with sailing also help improve your flexibility and agility. Activities like pulling lines or hoisting sails can significantly improve your hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

Improves concentration: Because many people today are chronic multi-taskers, they should develop a deep sense of concentration. With the ultimate goal of staying safe while on board, sailing enhances a person’s ability to focus even with multiple tasks at hand.

Improves communication skills: To effectively control a boat, the captain and his crew must act as a unified unit. To do this they need to learn how to communicate effectively, especially through non-verbal means. Everyone on board has a crucial role to play in order to keep the ship afloat.

Spatial awareness: Sailing requires the participant to be aware of the dimension of the boat along with the space required for the maneuvering of the boat. By sailing, you can have an increased understanding of how much space something requires; this skill translates to skills required on land as well such as driving.

Organizational skills: Being on a yacht requires that everything be kept in “shipshape.” After being exposed to this mentality, other aspects of your life begin to reflect this standard. You will become more organized in your personal life, which will boost motivation to eat healthier, exercise more and increase your quality of life.

So with all the above in mind you should consider chartering your own sailing yacht in the beautiful Greek islands.

Send in your request today by clicking here.

Sailing Corfu

Corfu is in the Ionian sea, which is known for being peaceful and serene with warm waters and mild winds on the whole. So Corfu is the perfect destination for family yacht charters and beginner sailing holidays. Moreover a Corfu sailing itinerary lets you explore some of the most scenic bays and islands in Greece.

Corfu Marina Gouvia

Corfu Marina Gouvia is one of the biggest marinas in the Ionian. It offers all the usual facilities you would expect. Also the marina’s location is perfect for accessing the north of the island and it’s also only an hour’s sail to Corfu Town itself.

Yacht Charter Corfu

Renting a yacht in Corfu could be a lifetime experience for enjoying the charming blue of the waters and this extraordinary remarkable coastline and small islands. Through amazing itineraries for monohull, catamaran bareboat, skippered and crewed yacht charters, you will explore hidden coves, remote islands, untouched beaches and a rich diversity of marine life. Corfu offers wonderful sailing zones for all level of sailing skills.

A bareboat, skippered yacht or a motor yacht will give you access to remote islands and rocks all over its waters or other coastal places that are not accessible by land. Sailing in Corfu is not only travelling to destination, enjoyment in voyage itself. This island is defined by rugged mountains and a resort-studded shoreline. Its rich multi-cultural heritage, its historic monuments, its stunning natural landscape, its crystal clear seas, and its excellent weather all year round explain why Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations weaving a powerful spell on its visitors.

Just send us your request and we will offer you a range of charter yachts, including sailing yachts, catamarans, motor yachts and motor sailers.

Discover beautiful Greek islands

Greece has 6.000 islands in total, scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Sea, of which only 227 are inhabited. They take up 7,500 km of the country’s total 16,000 km coastline. Spreading in two main seas, the Aegean and the Ionian Sea, the Greek islands are divided into smaller groups. 

The most popular island group in Greece is certainly the Cyclades islands: Mykonos island, Paros, Santorini island, Naxos and Ios are famous islands all over the world, while the rest of Cyclades keep lower profile in tourism development. The Cycladic architecture is world famous and the culture of the population is very rich.

The islands of Dodecanese and Ionian are also very popular. Travel to Corfu island, Rhodes island, Zakynthos, Kos and Kefalonia also get very popular, while Karpathos, Lefkas, Thassos and Skiathos are islands that are becoming more and more famous every year.

The good thing is that despite tourist development, the Greek islands do not lose their original character and provide wonderful atmosphere for true relaxation. Have in mind that many times, an island and its main village has the same name. Also in Cyclades islands, most capital towns are called Chora.

Booking a Skippered Yacht

Skippered yacht charters are designed to assist those with little or no sailing experience to sail without the responsibility of being in charge. We will provide a skipper to sail and be responsible for your yacht, with you assisting and learning from them.

Our skippers & crew are experienced sailors who are familiar with the area, knowing the safest harbours, the prettiest bays, the most inviting tavernas and the liveliest bars and will readily adapt the route to suit the style of holiday you would like and the places you might wish to visit.

The option of a Skippered Charter is also often used by experienced yachtsmen wishing to explore a new sailing groundsailing ground by taking full advantage of the skipper’s local knowledge, both maritime or historical and his familiarity with local tavernas and bars will certainly be to your advantage!

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Sailing Cyclades

There are around 220 islands in the Cyclades, including the well-known islands of Santorini with its famous blue domed churches and Mykonos for its party lifestyle.

There are two points in which to explore the Cyclades Islands from, Mykonos and Paros. We recommend starting in Paros as it's in the middle of the islands; an ideal starting point for a week or longer.

We would recommend this area of Greece, is a destination, for a keener sailor; with the meltimi blowing heavily during the summer season it's an exciting sailing ground for an experienced crew.

Without a doubt this is the windiest area in Greece to sail during the height of summer, July/August and also the beginning of September. This area is very open to the meltimi, which can blow a force 6 and above during the summer.

This area of Greece is fairly far south, so enjoys a really warm summer with temperatures reaching up to 33 degrees in July and August. At the beginning and end of the season, May and October, you will find yourself bathing in temperatures in the early 20's.

Suggested Sailing routes in the Cyclades for one or two week charter.

Sailing Dodecanese

 The Dodecanese are a diverse and rewarding group of 12 main islands and numerous small islets, nestled along the Turkish coast in the south-eastern Aegean Sea. You’ll find an exciting mix between ancient historical sites, deserted islands and busy towns offering some fantastic nightlife.

Our base islands of Kos and Rhodes are broadly popular, welcoming a large number of tourists each year.  Sailing here offers sailors the opportunity to enjoy the liveliness of these two bases and then the greater thrill of sailing away to enjoy the peaceful, unspoilt and diverse outer islands.  It is with these smaller islands that you'll fall in love, enjoy their sandy beaches, warm waters, rich history, enchanting character, Venetian architecture, Byzantine churches and medieval castles. 

Highlighting once more the wonderful freedom that sailing holidays offer, the Dodecanese actually has far more islands accessible by yacht than the 12 that are widely quoted. Sail away from the ferry routes to smaller, unspoilt islands, with their sandy beaches, beautifully clear waters and welcoming traditional Greek tavernas. 

The choices for a one week yacht charter in the Dodecanese is generally split into two - the islands above Kos and those below, which include Rhodes. Above Kos, the islands which notably include Kalymnos, Lipsi and Patmos are generally laid out north to south, the same as the prevailing wind. This should be noted, particularly if the winds are blowing strongly as they tend to do so during mid and peak season. 

The islands between Kos and Rhodes, which include Nisyros, Tilos, Chalki and the wonderful Symi are more lateral to the wind, which makes for easier sailing. 

Suggested Sailing routes in the Dodecanese for one or two week charter.