An Early Season Charter with Sunsail from Athens: Discovering Authentic Greece

A Magical Awakening

As the subtle lull of waves against our charter yacht rocked us to sleep, I was nudged awake by a resounding echo—it was the Paschal Troparion, a vibrant choral piece floating across the water from nearby towns celebrating Greek Orthodox Holy Saturday. Curiosity pulled me onto the deck, where I marveled at the sight—a stunning tapestry of red and gold fireworks illuminating the night sky, perfectly paired with the silhouette of countless churches along the shoreline. Our yacht was nestled among a few scattered anchor lights off Parikia, a peaceful haven before the summer tourist waves hit.

Why Choose an Early Season Charter?

When our family spotted an opportunity for an early season Sunsail charter out of Athens, we seized it. Our lives were typically consumed by weekend youth racing and looming summer exams, making this a perfect chance for a slower-paced sailing experience. April in the Cyclades promised mild Mediterranean weather—ideal for our teenagers eager for new adventures.

Flying into Athens provided us with ample options, especially since the transfer from the airport to the Sunsail base at Zea Marina took only 30-40 minutes.

First Impressions: Sunsail 46

Stepping aboard the brand-new Sunsail 46, we were immediately struck by its spaciousness. The vessel could easily rival some multi-hulls in the living area. With four double cabins and en-suite showers, it was perfectly suited for our family, which included teenagers. The yacht was equipped with a plethora of features—electric winches, a pre-inflated paddleboard, and a top-notch galley that made meal preparation a delight. Sunsail’s thorough briefings and helpful staff set a positive tone as we prepared to sail.

Embracing the Aegean Breeze

Our adventure began under a gentle 15-18 knot westerly breeze as we navigated out of Piraeus Bay. Instead of sailing directly towards the bustling Saronic Islands, which can be a commercial highway of ferries, we opted for a quieter route along the mainland.

Sailing past the impressive Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion not only offered a scenic backdrop but also provided a taste of ancient Greece. We anchored off the north shore and hiked up to catch breathtaking views as the sun set, framing the temple in dramatic light—a feast for the eyes.

Cruising the Western Cyclades

Moving on, we encountered our first challenge: finding lunch in the sleepy village of Kounduros on Kea, which hadn’t yet opened for the season. Pressing onward to Kythnos, we picnicked in the cockpit as conditions shifted dramatically, winds rising to over 22 knots.

As the competitive spirit ignited among my family, we marveled at the yacht’s performance, clocking in at over 9 knots with nimble handling. After safely reaching Merichas, we enjoyed a relaxed evening watching the fishing boats come ashore and sinking our teeth into fresh local seafood.

Sifnos: The ‘Mini Mykonos’

Our next destination was Sifnos, often dubbed ‘mini Mykonos’. A stark contrast to its summer clamor, the island was peaceful in its pre-season ambiance. After anchoring at Platis Gialos, we enjoyed a laid-back meal at a local beach bar, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

A brief stop in Parikia on Paros was filled with charm as we explored quaint streets, indulged in gelato, and experienced the local culture gearing up for Easter celebrations, from floral arrangements to sweet incense wafting from churches.

Experiencing Greek Easter

As our week progressed, we faced the reality of calm winds on our return to Athens. The journey became an opportunity for leisurely sailing and quiet moments on deck as we revelled in the calm sea conditions.

Upon arriving at Vourkari on Kea, we happily discovered our favorite spot of the journey. Amidst the local Easter celebrations, we tasted mouthwatering lamb at a harborside restaurant, feeling distinctly welcomed into the village.

Insights on Chartering in Greece

Essential Tips

• Sunsail categorizes their Athens sailing area as ‘Level 3’, requiring considerable experience to navigate the potentially volatile Meltemi winds. Familiarity with the boat’s reefing system is crucial.

• An ICC or equivalent certification is necessary for chartering in Greece. It’s advisable to have your paperwork in order well before your trip.

• The Greek Waters Pilot book provided by Sunsail was invaluable, but supplementary online searches added clarity to ongoing conditions.

• Excellent mobile reception was enjoyed throughout the islands, making connectivity easy.

Preparing for Your Adventure

Modern charter yachts offer remarkable amenities, including electric gear making the sailing experience smooth and enjoyable. The spacious Sunsail 46 handled the Mediterranean conditions with grace, making our family experience both fun and educational.

How to Get There

We chartered through Sunsail. For more details regarding chartering options in Greece and worldwide, visit sunsail.com/uk or contact them directly at +44 (0)330 029 4267.