There are probably few places in the world which offer a better sailing
environment than Greece. The Aegean sea is literally dotted
with hundreds of islands and islets, all within easy reach of one
another, which makes it possible to island hop from one side of Greece
to the other. If you also consider the glorious summer sunshine, the
crystal-clear, turquoise seas, golden beaches and a constant summer
wind, you will have the ideal sailing holiday.
The Greek islands are divided into the following well-known and easily
identifiable island groups and sailing areas: the North Ionian, the
South Ionian, the North Aegean, the South Aegean, the Saronikos, the
Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete, Evia, Halkidiki, the gulf of Patras
and the Peloponese. Each island group is unique and individual, making
it possible to come to Greece year after year and still feel like
you are in a completely different place.
General information
Berthing
Greek yachts normally berth stern-to, although bows-to is also quite
common. There are various advantages in this. For example, your yacht
is more protected from the sudden swell often brought in by fast ferries
and hydrofoils docking sometimes merely metres away. Also, you have
more privacy, and people are less likely to step over your boat to
reach theirs. When berthing stern-to, make sure you have all your
fenders down and leave enough anchor chain to hold you against ferry
swell. Few places in Greece currently have organised marinas with
laid moorings but more are beginning to appear. Make sure you have
at least two stout mooring lines for the stern, perhaps with a loop
of chain to easily drop over a bollard. In some places (such as the
Cyclades) where winds can be very strong, you need quite heavy ropes
to hold your craft.
If ballasting extends a short distance underwater go bow-to. Watch
out for areas where there are local fishing boats, as it is easy for
a rudder or propeller to get caught around the floating mooring lines
they tend to use. Berthing alongside is preferable in some more exposed
areas of Greece. Your Greek Waters Pilot will point this out
in each case.
Harbour Dues
Harbour dues are levied in Greek harbours where there are port police
or someone else who has been appointed to collect the dues. These
are not usually as costly as marina fees, which provide you with a
secure berth, mooring line to shore and buoy, plus metered water and
fuel machines. As stated above, marinas are still relatively few in
Greece, though of course if you fly into Athens, you will probably
be picking your yacht up from the well-known marina of Kalamaki. Harbour
dues in smaller harbours vary in price but we will update this when
we know more. The majority of the time it is unlikely that anyone
will even bother to charge you.
Fuel, gas, water & ice
Unless you are berthed at a marina it is unlikely that fuel
will be readily available on the quay. At most small island harbours
there is a mini-tanker which delivers fuel (diesel) to your yacht.
This will pass by at peak hours, but if you do not see one, the phone
number is usually located somewhere on the quay, or at the port police
offices. Otherwise enquire locally and someone will help you out.
Charter yachts should always provide at least one spare bottle of
gas for cooking and heating purposes. Check that this is so,
and that the bottle is full at check-in. However, if you should run
out of gas you should be able to get a refill in most of the main
island towns. Just exchange the empty gas bottle for a full one. You
will only be charged for the gas.
Water is very important in Greece, especially in summer months
when there is likely to be a shortage on many islands. For that reason
respect its use. You won't get into anyone's good books by hosing
your yacht down with fresh water. In most harbours a local is appointed
as 'water man' or perhaps there will be a mini-tanker for water too.
The charges are usually set by the local council, but ask in advance,
as some water-men may try to get what they think they can. On the
whole, tap-water in Greece is safe to drink, unless a sign states
otherwise. If you are not sure, add some water purifying tabs. Bottled
water is ubiquitous in Greece but has resulted in an enormous increase
in the amount of plastic water bottles polluting the beaches and seas.
Drink it only if you really need to and dispose of your rubbish with
extreme care.
In order not to drain your batteries by running the refridgerator
excessively (a must-have in the Greek summer), buy blocks of ice
or bags of ice-cubes from most island towns. These can be allowed
to drain off through the refrigerator, keeping your food and drinks
cool for several days. Ask other yachtsmen or locals for further information.
Provisions
It is possible to pick up provisions in almost every Greek town or
small village. There is usually a small supermarket close to the quay,
as well as green-grocers and bakers. You can usually find a wind range
of local and imported foodstuffs. Shops are usually open from 8am
through to 1pm and open again at 4.30 until 9pm at night, or longer
in some places. Half-days in some areas are Mondays and Wednesdays
when shops remain closed in the afternoon.
Garbage
There are laws protecting the seas. Unfortunately a number of people,
both locals and tourists, continue to ignore them. Do not dispose
of any unbio-degradable rubbish in the sea. All quays and harbours
have rubbish disposal units. If you are aware of anyone dumping or
disposing of rubbish illegally in the sea, report them to the nearest
port police.
