Blog

It is known as the most epic journey ever taken, and immense voyages ever since have been called Odysseys in homage to the thrilling original. Homer’s Odyssey follows the trials and tribulations of the hero Odysseus as he travels back from the war in Troy to his home on the island of Ithaca in order to be reunited with his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus. Beset by angry gods, monsters, dark storms and seductive sirens, the journey would eventually take Odysseus a decade. Yet trips around the modern-day, real-life locations of Homer’s greatest work of literature need not take so long, and many can be reached on the same trip, making it a superb themed holiday for sailors. Here is a look at a modern day voyage around some of the locations depicted in the Odyssey.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnuckx/5085959576/

Photo by gnuckx on Flickr.com. Used under Creative Commons Licence.

The Land of the Cyclops

These fierce, one-eyed giants almost spelled the end for Odysseus and his men, until the group managed to blind their tormentor and escape. And though you will not find any giants there today, it is the Italian island of Sicily where Odysseus was thought to have encountered these gargantuan monsters. With smouldering volcanoes, sparkling Renaissance towns, Norman castles and cathedrals, and a mix of Greek, Arabic and Italian cultures pervading the air, Sicily is rightfully one of the Mediterranean’s most popular destinations. Enjoy bareboat charters across the Strait of Messina to experience this granite land mass at its best.

Scheria

Known as the Land of the Phaeacians in Homer’s day, our hero Odysseus ends up on this island after his raft is wrecked in a storm. Gaining help from the Goddess Athena, and using his charm to win over the locals, Odysseus soon manages to set sail again with the help of the Phaeacian’s supreme naval skills. And you may be surprised to discover that Scheria is none other than gorgeous Corfu, just a few miles off the west coast of Greece and Albania. The island can be easily reached by boat, and there are plenty of natural harbours here in which to set anchor and enjoy evenings on land.

Ogygia

One of the most alluring and sensual of the locations in the Odyssey has to be Ogygia, the island that was home to the nymph Calypso. Calypso kept Odysseus detained on the island for up to seven years, before finally taking pity on her captive and setting him free. Geographers down the ages have placed Ogygia as far west as the Gulf of Mexico and as far north as Britain, but most modern day classicists agree that Ogygia is likely to be present day Gozo, in Malta. This sun-burnt land of arid sandstone and sheer cliffs is known for its stunning megalithic temples and beautiful coast-line. An ideal location for sailors, the island is just an hour or so from the Maltese capital Valletta by boat, and can be reached easily from Sicily and the Italian mainland.

Ithaca

There is much doubt and confusion surrounding the modern day location of Ithaca, the home town of Odysseus and his final destination. Archaeologists, classical scholars and amateur treasure hunters have long tried to pin down one spot or the other, yet no one has conclusively found the location as of writing. The leading contender is, of course, the Ionian island named Ithaca, lying not far from the Greek mainland. This island is full of abundant olive groves, rocky outcrops, sheltered harbours perfect for finding boat charters, and a vibrant yet traditional air. Despite the name, however, the geography of contemporary Ithaca just doesn’t fit with Homeric descriptions of the island. So perhaps your best bet is just to sail around the Greek seas in the hope that you find your own little piece of paradise to name Ithaca.

John has written on sea-faring topics as diverse as how to find the cheapest boat charters in New Zealand and how to choose the right yacht for your budget.

Greece is rightly known for its fantastic sailing with over 2000 islands ranging from internationally known party spots to secluded coves and deserted beaches. Throw in a heap of culture (at the very least some great food and drink) and ancient archeological sites for good measure and the Greek islands really do have something for any taste.

Sailing charters in Greece are usually either bareboat charters where the charter party must have at least one certified captain and preferably one certified crew member, or skippered charters where the captain comes with the boat. Flotilla charters are also available which allow inexperienced sailors to sail their own boat accompanied by a flotilla of similarly experienced crews along with a lead boat with an experienced captain to help out in any tricky spots.

Where you choose to sail in Greece depends on a number of factors. First and foremost, the islands you wish to visit will play a deciding role in where you sail. Secondly, some areas are better for sailors with less experience since they traditionally have lighter winds and shorter distances between islands. Lastly, how easy it is to get to a charter base in your chosen area might also influence where you choose to sail, with Athens being a popular departure point due to easy accessibility by air.

Below is a roundup of the most popular charter areas in Greece along with their pros and cons in regards sailing conditions and ease of accessibility, so get inspired and start planning your Greek sailing vacation!

The Saronic Gulf

The Saronic Gulf is in between Athens and the Peloponnese Peninsula and as such is very popular with trips starting and ending from marinas in Athens. Popular Saronic gulf islands include Aigina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses, all of which have rich histories regarding their roles in the formation of modern Greece. A sailing trip in the Saronic gulf can also fit in a day trip to the ancient theatre of Epidavros, a beautiful place and not to be missed if at all possible!

Sailing in the Saronic Gulf is traditionally considered relatively easy going, the gulf being somewhat sheltered from the strong northerly ‘Meltemi’ winds that blow during the summer months. The area is also popular with flotilla groups leaving from Athens, and as such can get pretty busy at times.

Besides Athens, the island of Poros is another popular spot for charters with a number of firms operating there, but getting to Poro will usually involve going through Athens so often times it makes more sense to start in Athens anyway.

The Cycladic Islands

The Cyclades are the quintessential Greek Islands with amazing beaches, clear blue waters and pretty white villages. The island group includes over 200 islands, many of which are uninhabited. Popular spots include the famous islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Milos, the more laid back islands of Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Kythnos and Amorgos and of course the larger islands of Naxos and Paros.

Sailing the Cyclades is commonly done from charter bases in Athens with a one week charter allowing you time to see a range of the Northern islands. Two (or even three) week charters allow you to really get off the beaten track and visit many more islands in a leisurely circle from and back to Athens. The Meltemi winds can be strong in the Cyclades, especially in July/August, so it helps to have an experienced crew for the times when the winds are blowing and the waves are up.

The Ionian Islands

The Ionian islands are another popular choice for sailing holidays. Much greener than the above mentioned islands groups due to more rainfall in the winter, the Ionian islands are absolutely stunning, especially in the spring time!

Popular charter bases in the Ionian islands are Corfu and Lefkas (Leukada), both of which have direct international charter flights from many European destinations during the summer months. Other islands in the group include Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaka and Paxos, all of which are in easy reach during a one week charter.

Sailing conditions in the Ionian islands are also usually more easy going than in the Cyclades, meaning lighter winds and easier sailing. This makes them a popular choice for less experienced sailors and flotilla charters.

The Dodecanese

The Dodecanese are located off the Western coast of Turkey and include the islands of Rhodes, Kos, Leros, Kalymnos and Patmos among others.

Main charter bases are on Rhodes and Kos, with both islands having direct charters from Europe in the summer season. The sailing conditions in the Dodecanese can be challenging when the Meltemi winds are blowing, so an experienced crew is recommended. One way charters from Kos in the north to Rhodes in the south are also popular, avoiding the need to sail north into the winds.

So there you have it, a quick roundup of the most popular sailing areas in Greece.
For more information on suggested routes, feel free to visit Sail Greece Yachts and particularly our page on suggested sailing routes. Happy Sailing!

Sick of hearing about the economic crisis? It is inescapable, even on holiday. You don’t have to speak French or German or Spanish to understand the visibly-greying faces of politicians on the front pages, nor the shrieking headlines about the latest numerical disaster. Numbers don’t lie.

Neither, it seems, do letters. One of the most bafflingly opaque facets of the crisis is the ability of the unholy trio of S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, to send the world’s markets into spasms of fear by adjusting a country’s credit rating. Shave off an A here, add another B there and sit back to watch the ensuing chaos. Even the most knowledgeable financial wizards have their doubts about these controversial credit ratings agencies. They didn’t predict the crisis, for example, and they had Lehman Brothers pegged as a safe bet.

We’re sure a fearsome number of calculations are poured into the ratings, but to the untrained eye, it looks like they pick at old grudges and arbitrarily assign grades, in a peculiar mix of school yard-bully/teacher.

If they can do it, so can we. The only way to escape the unrelenting doom and misery is to batten down the hatches and take to the sea. Whatever your choice, whether its bareboat charters in Australia or powerboats in Greece, there is no newspaper delivery. Here’s our guide to the best sailing vacations of 2012. Hopefully you won’t need a bailout.

Italy

Agencies BBB-

Sailing Rating AAA

Poor Italy is having a very tough time of late, with the agency fillings its report card with red x’s and plenty of ‘must do better’s. Not so with sailing. Italy is lapped at by some of the best sailing waters in the world, largely thanks to the Mediterranean climate. Sailors are spoiled for choice for stop off points along its scribbled coastline, but marinas do get extremely busy in the summer. Summer also brings a raft of festivals to Italy, including the Festa Della Republica on June 2, Siena’s Palio horserace in July, and Florence’s opera festival, Maggio Musicale, while gourmands will relish the chance to sample the famous food at the proliferation of local festivals in August.

Greece

Agencies CC

Sailing Rating AA

Unless you’ve been hiding under a particularly large, sound-proofed rock, you’ll know that Greece has rather unflatteringly been given junk status by the agencies. Sailing around the seven Ionian Islands gives a much needed reminder that this is a cradle of Western civilization, with its noble history shown off by Corfu’s profusion of castles and the unparalleled Italienate style of architecture. Corfu also boasts an archaeological museum which is home to the famous Gorgon pediment of the Artemis temple. Greece also offers something to suit every sailor, with the more adventurous and stiff open waters tempered by the gentle eddying waters surrounding the islands.

Thailand

Agencies BBB+

Sailing Rating AAA-

Thailand has been designated a steady but underwhelming BBB+ by the agencies, but deserves a whole lot better in the sailing ratings. Regularly voted among the best sailing grounds in the world, it boasts good weather conditions, jaw-dropping scenery and a veritable smorgasbord of things to do. Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is the go-to island for those who wish to rest their sea legs. The shopping and nightlife of Patong Beach, the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife and Conservation centre with its mouse deer, monkey, macaques and bears and the mix of mountains and beaches means there’s something to appeal to everyone. And Bond fans can make like The Man with the Golden Gun on Ko Khao Phung Khan, commonly known as James Bond Island.

Australia

Agencies AAA

Sailing Rating AAA

Australia is one of the few countries remaining with a roundly positive rating, and it matches this for sailing holidays too. The 74 Whitsunday Islands are made for dinging around, with easy sailing conditions and a wealth of water sports and cultural attractions to keep everyone entertained. There are also a number of high end resorts on the eight inhabited islands. It is the furthest away of our destinations, and June, July and August are the wettest and coldest months. Of course, our idea of wet and cold is very different to Australia’s and if your own personal credit rating allows it, sailing in Australia is the trip of a lifetime.

Mexico

Agencies BBB+

Sailing Rating AAA+

Mexico is often overshadowed by her showier sister, Brazil and economic analysts believe that the ratings agency’s lukewarm BBB is an overly pessimistic rating. But negotiating the 800 mile Baja Peninsula makes for one of the world’s best sailing vacations, with improbably beautiful landscapes, an abundance of rare wildlife, and all the isolation you could wish for. What’s more, sailing conditions in summer are smashing, with clear waters, short passages, hot temperatures, cool breezes and almost guaranteed sunshine. It is also swimming and snorkeling heaven and when you have had your fill of peace and quiet, a hyper and margarita-soaked mainland awaits.

Biog: Laura dreams of getting away from it all on bareboat charters in the remotest locations.

If you can picture yourself lazing on warm decking as fluffy white clouds float overhead and colorful fish swim underneath, then you’ve either got a very good imagination or you’re one of the lucky ones who’s experienced life afloat.

Of course, these days, you don’t have to own a yacht to appreciate the pleasure of sailing; in fact, you don’t even have to know how to sail to be able to make the most of life on the ocean wave. From bareboat charters to renting a boat complete with crew, there’s never been a better time to explore the world from this extremely unique and rewarding perspective.

But what happens once you’re on-board? What is there to do as you glide effortlessly across calm waters? Surely there’s more to life than sumptuous sundowners and catching a tan?

In the words of Brian Cohen: ‘There’s no pleasing some people.’

For everyone who’s thinking about heading out on a sailing vacation, below are five alternative reasons why a life on the ocean wave offers a lot more than good old-fashioned rest and recuperation.

Get creative

There’s just no way that you won’t be inspired by all those wonderful shades of blue and green, so remember to pack your camera, sketch pad and even your paint brush because once your creative juices start flowing there’ll be no turning back. Top tip: keep a note pad and pen with you at all times and jot down those little snippets of inspiration as the moment strikes.

Get active

From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean there’s always an excuse to jump off and dive into the surrounding warm waters. Swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving are all fabulous ways to keep fit while you’re on vacation and if you’re looking to shed a few pounds while on-board then hoisting the main sail and scrubbing the deck will get you working landlubber muscles that you never knew existed.

Life’s a beach

As you’ll be in the enviable position of discovering the hidden coves and sparkling shallows that normal castaways fail to reach, there’s every chance that you’re going to set foot on your very own desert island paradise. If you’ve ever wanted to play at Robinson Crusoe or just fancied a fish grill on a soft white sand beach, then now’s your chance.

Wildlife watching

Any sailing vacation is bound to encounter more than its fair share of wildlife and the moment you see that pod of dolphins are hear the splash of a whale’s tail, then you’ll know that your wildest sailing dreams have come true. From glass-bottomed boats to snorkeling or diving, chances to experience marine life in its natural habitat are as plentiful as technicolor sunsets. Top tip: do a little bit of research before you go to find out more about your chosen destination’s marine parks and seasonal migrations.

Land ahoy!

Yacht rental vacations aren’t just about time spent away from land and you’ll quickly discover that sailing gives you the freedom to pick and choose your destinations as effortlessly as putting a pin in a map. Sleepy fishing villages, sexy modern marinas and scenic anchorages all present the chance to down the gang plank and explore new shores before retiring to your berth ready to do it all again in the morning.

If you’re still looking for excuses to go on a bareboat charter or fully-crewed yacht vacation then just imagine yourself wearing one of those funky little captains’ hats set at a jaunty angle and I can guarantee that everything else will slide right into place.

Chris is longing to go on a yacht rental vacation and often claims to hear the call of the manatee whilst lying awake at night.