Yacht Charter in Greece - A Four Seasons View

If you plan to charter a yacht in Greece, and haveIt is quite common for yachts to be stormbound in
some choice about which time of year you can go, itthe Cyclades for several days in the summer. The
is worth considering your options carefully. Eachmeltemi provides exhilarating sailing for experienced
season has advantages and drawbacks for the sailor.sailors but makes the area unsuitable for novices.
Knowing the likely weather and other relevantCharter companies can advise you if strong meltemi
factors can help you to pick the best time of yearwinds are forecast.
for your yacht charter or flotilla holiday. This is aThe other areas of Greece are less affected by the
guide to the main differences between the seasons.meltemi. It is unusual for storms to prevent sailing in
Spring Sailing in Greecethe Saronic, Ionian, Sporades, or Dodecanese.
Spring is a delightful time of year for yacht charter inAutumn Sailing in Greece
Greece. March usually heralds the start of fine, dryAutumn is my personal favourite time of year. The
weather and brings a breathtaking array of cultivatedsea is pleasantly warm in early autumn and often
and wild flowers. In recent years the weather hasremains so until late October. Those who dislike
been unpredictable in early spring but by Mayextreme heat will enjoy the autumn temperatures
temperatures are warm and settled.which are comfortable during both day and night.
Ports and harbours are quiet and pleasant, with noThe summer crowds of tourists and charterers have
mad jostle for berths at the end of the day. Thedisappeared and there are bargains to be had both in
winds are less fierce than later in the year and it is ayacht charters and the shops. Ports are no longer as
good time to visit the Cyclades before the meltemibusy, allowing you to make a leisurely and late entry
begins to blow. The warm Greek hospitality is evenat the end of the day - more time for sailing!
warmer than normal as taverna and shop ownersAlthough September can sometimes be as warm as
welcome the new season's tourists into their freshlyAugust, it is usually balmy with a little light rain. The
painted premises.main rainy season begins around mid-October bringing
Charter yachts are in prime condition after theircool wet weather, alternating with days of sunshine.
winter maintenance and before the many clientsThe Ionian has more rainfall than the more eastern
have taken their toll. Yacht charter prices are oftenand southerly areas.
at their best during the early months so it is an idealThe meltemi begins to subside but autumnal gales are
time for finding a bargain.a possibility. They do not normally last for more than
The sea will still be a little cool and only those whoa day. With no meltemi it is less risky to plan a yacht
are fairly hardy choose to swim before late spring.charter holiday in the Cyclades. Some people find
Summer Sailing in Greecethese islands too barren after the summer, although
This is the perfect time for sun lovers! Between Juneothers love the brown rock and brilliant white houses.
and August temperatures steadily increase and youThe more northerly sailing areas are greener
are virtually guaranteed sunshine every day. Therethroughout the year.
will be little or no rain, the sea is warm, and the skiesWinter Sailing in Greece
are blue.You can charter a yacht in Greece all year round
Those who enjoy lively places will find more on offeralthough not all companies will have boats available in
during the peak summer months.the winter. Those who sail then are frequently
For many northern Europeans escaping from a colddelighted by the weather they find.
climate, summer sunshine is what yacht charter inYou should not expect continuous sunshine and
Greece is all about. There is certainly nothing toshould ensure you bring foul weather clothing and
match the pleasure of anchoring for lunch in a bayyour yacht charter company provides warm bedding
and swimming from your yacht.on board.
The heat brings its own problems. Temperatures canMost rain falls between November and February but
get as high as 40°C (104°F) making it hotthere are many sunny days in winter. A heavy
and sticky in a yacht cabin at night. Few charterovernight rain is often followed by brilliant sunshine
yachts in Greece have air-conditioning and a/c willnext day. Storms are more frequent than in summer
only work when the yacht is attached toand sailing areas with plenty of sheltered ports are to
shore-power. For many the answer is to sleep onbe preferred.
deck.Many of the islands are very seasonal and you will
July and August bring the crowds. Getting a berth infind the majority of shops, tavernas, and hotels
the more popular harbours can be difficult unless youclosed in some ports. Facilities such as electricity and
cut short your sailing and head in early. Finding a placewater can be hard to locate.
to moor in a congested harbour is one of the moreThose restaurants and bars that stay open year
stressful aspects of sailing in the generally laid-backround often give you special treatment and prices as
atmosphere of Greece.winter visitors.
During the summer the famous meltemi wind blowsSailing a charter yacht in Greece is an enjoyable
down through the Aegean. This strong northerly windholiday for most people and choosing the right
makes for challenging sailing and uncomfortable seasseason can turn a good experience into a great one!
in the Cyclades.