We received an email response this morning from Captain Dimitris Demetis of the motor yacht FELIGO V.
SAMPLE 7-NIGHT ITINERARY
In his preparations for the upcoming Greek yacht charter season, Dimitris put together a beautiful sample itinerary for a 7-night odyssey exploring the Ionian Islands.
THE CAPTAIN COMMENTS
The itinerary offers a suggested route, but as Captain Demetis proudly proclaims in his email,
“The possibilities are endless!”
SPECIFICATIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
At 34 meters in length, motor yacht FELIGO V was built in 2008 by Italian master builders, Cantieri di Pisa. She accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 tasteful staterooms. This lovely boat boasts exclusive features for a yacht of her size. For instance,
A full beam Owner’s en suite with walk-in wardrobe, and his and her bathroom
A large VIP stateroom
A private studio/play room on the main deck that can be converted into a double cabin with en suite bathroom
Spacious bridge deck
State-of-the-art audio/visual system with independent SAT- TV in all cabins
RATES
FELIGO V is fully-licensed to legally embark and disembark in the Hellenic islands. She is available this summer at a weekly rate of €65,000 EUROS in July and August. The yacht is also available for €50,000 EUROS in June and September (Greek VAT and running expenses are extra).
On the heels of the $161/pp Virgin Islands yacht charter special offered by Nautitech 47 catamaran NEMO comes this new offer for NEMO charters in Greece:
Take 10% off any week-long (7 night) Greece yacht charters booked before April 30, 2011.
Reserve a 2-week (14 night) or longer charter and take an additional 5% discount.
The discounts apply to charters taken June, July, August, or September, 2011. Reservations must be completed prior to April 30, in order to secure the discounts.
The regular charter rates, for 2 to 8 passengers are €13,500 per week, plus expenses in June and September (low season), and €14,500 per week, plus expenses in July and August (high season).
Thus, early reservations prior to April 30 will result in savings of €1,350 per week in low season and €1,450 per week in high season!
The crew’s favorite area in Greece to explore by yacht is the Ionian archipelago. Reachable through international flights to Preveza, good weather and sea conditions are a constant in the summer. There always seems to be a breeze for sailing, and there are plenty of secluded bays in which to anchor and swim in clear, green waters. Small villages with traditional tavernas dot the coastline.
Andrea and Valentina, the Italian crew on NEMO, recommend an Ionian cruise for novices and seasoned sailors, alike. Says, Andrea, “(the Ionian appeals to) Every kind of guests – for those who are at their first experience on a boat, for those who loves the sea all day long, for those who like to print in their memories windmills, sunsets, colorful villages and unspoiled anchorages, for those who like to discover new dishes and new drinks, for those who like shopping.”
Rates include:
Accommodations onboard the Nautitech 47 catamaran NEMO
Skipper (captain)
Hostess/Cook
All meals and beverages (ship’s bar)
Towels
Linens
Biodegradable soaps
Daily cleaning
Access to the yacht’s watertoys – for example, snorkel gear, kayak, fishing rods, boogie board
Our summer charter season is over. The result? Greece is still a top 5 luxury yacht charter destination. In fact, visiting superyacht arrivals are up 10.75% compared to 2018!
There was worry a new Greek cruising tax would scare away business. Nope! Charter yachts poured into Corfu, Athens, and Mykonos in record numbers.
One issue does threaten hassle-free Greek yacht vacations. It is Greek charter license regulations.
Let’s take a quick look at the regulations – and how we’ll help you enjoy a stress-free charter.
NO CHARTER LICENSE? – COULD BE A PROBLEM
Charter regulations introduced in 2018 are an inconvenience. Both charter yachts and clients suffer. Without a Greek charter license, commercial yachts must begin and end charters outside of the country. Charter clients can’t board or disembark in any Greek port. There are no exceptions other than safety or medical emergencies. This makes it hard to enjoy a cruising itinerary in Greece.
Popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos are far from ports outside of Greece. For example, the distance between Bodrum, Turkey and Santorini is 189.45 kilometers. That’s about 102 nautical miles. Yachts are not very fast. It can take a day to get from Bodrum to Santorini.
If forced to begin and end outside of the country, you cannot enjoy the full beauty of Greece. It’s simply too far to go in a 3-5 night short term charter.
One of our repeat clients asked to start his cruise in Montenegro and end in Mykonos. His desired yacht has Turkish registration. It did not have a separate Greek charter license. The charter could not legally end in Mykonos. It had to end in Turkey. Instead of a 7 night charter, it would be a 9 night charter. The client could not get away for 9 nights.
The inquiry was canceled. Our client’s dream itinerary of cruising from Montenegro to Mykonos was put on hold.
THE SOLUTION
Now for the good news. Most of the yachts we offer have a Greek charter license for the upcoming 2020 season. With this license in place, clients can begin and end their vacations in Greek waters. Per Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters,
“We now maintain a database of 112 superyachts (40 meters and longer) that possess the desirable Greek charter license.”
Yes, we now maintain a database of 112 superyachts (40 meters and longer) with Greek charter licenses. The largest Greek yacht rental in 2020 we offer is the Lurssen yacht FLYING FOX. She was launched in 2019. She stretches the tape at a whopping 136 meters (446 feet) in overall length! Yacht Flying Fox can accommodate up to 25 guests. Her price is €4,000,000 per week in high season (July/August).
There are more superyachts with Greek licenses. For example,
Planning a yachting holiday this year? If you haven’t selected your specific dates yet, here’s a great idea. Add a little extra “pizzazz” to The Superyacht Experience™. Select your charter dates to coincide with the cycle of the full moon!
FULL MOON CHARTERING
There’s just something extra special about being anchored in a protected cove with a sea of stars above. Suddenly, a rust-colored orb begins to appear on the distant horizon. It pushes slowly into the air. As it rises, the color changes from rust to white. It glows brighter and brighter by the minute. Finally, the bright full moon ascends to its lofty place among the stars above. It casts lunar light across your superyacht’s deck. You sit with your family and friends. All mesmerized by the natural beauty of the night. Expressing gratitude to be at sea enjoying this special experience together.
To help you plan a moonlit yacht charter holiday, here is the full moon calendar for 2106. Keep in mind that you’ll have nights both before and after the full moon that will add plenty of moonlight to your adventure.
24 January
22 February
23 March
22 April
21 May (Blue Moon)
20 June
20 July
18 August
16 September
16 October
14 November
MATCH THE MOON AND DESTINATION
To maximize the opportunity for clear skies and great weather, match your full moon dates with a seasonal destination. For example, if you are considering a Florida yacht charter vacation, March and April offer warm (but not hot) weather, and minimal chances for rain. The same idea holds true for a Greek yacht charter in summertime, as August and September usually offer clear skies, fewer winds, and smooth sailing.
WHICH LUNAR DATE TO CHOOSE?
Which full moon date from our calendar would you most like to experience this year? Please leave a comment below!
HOW TO PLAN THE SUPERYACHT EXPERIENCE™
Let a yacht charter specialist help you organize a true superyacht experience. First, from choosing the right destination, and last, to selecting the right wine for dinner! Contact the team at 1-800 Yacht Charters today. Call 305-253-7245 (Florida and international) or 1-800 922-4824 (toll free North America).
Presenting superyacht Allure. She is a 67 meter (220 foot) luxury motor yacht available for those thinking of taking a Greece Yacht Charter vacation this year. You may choose to rent this private yacht and charter it to provide you with a mother ship with additional specialized water toys, as well as a helicopter deck.
ACCOMMODATIONS
She accommodates up to twelve guests comfortably in six (6) luxury cabins. What makes them luxurious? For instance, these guest staterooms have ample space, and each comes with its own private balcony.
SPECIAL FEATURE
The yacht interior offers large large oval windows on the main and sky lounge decks through which to enjoy amazing ocean views.
Considering an Eastern Mediterranean yacht charter vacation for the family this summer? If you are, the owner of motor yacht PARIS A will offer you a 25% discount to select his vessel for your trip.
WHO IS PARIS A
Sleek, sporty, and oh-so-fast, the 35 meter Maiora can hit speeds in excess of 25 knots – perfect for exploring the dozens of small islands in Greece or Turkey.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations for 10 to 12 guests are offered in 5 roomy cabins. Within sight are a full-width Master suite, 2 VIP cabins, and 2 twin cabins. The yacht features a beautiful, stylish interior design and combines quality, comfort, and exquisite taste.
Onboard entertainment is provided via a state-of-the-art audio/visual system with BOSE surround-sound throughout the yacht, nearby are satellite TV, and iPod docking stations.
Active guests will appreciate the extensive watertoy inventory, specifically, 2 high-speed tenders, a 3-seat Yamaha wave runner, water skis, snorkeling and fishing equipment, and towable toys like a banana and tubes.
The charter-friendly crew is led by Captain Nikolas Exarchos. Captain “Nik” has more than 24 years’ experience. He cruises Greece and throughout the Mediterranean. Five additional crew members are onboard to serve the charter guests.
Before applying the 25% discount, the rental rate in high-season (July and August) is €91,000 per week, and €70,000 per week in low-season (June and September). All expenses are extra.
The discount will save customers €17500 in low season and a whopping €22,750 in high season!
Come take advantage of this spectacular discount and spend a week exploring the magnificent ancient wonders of Greece. Contact our destination specialists at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
Here’s the deal: Pay just €6,000 per week for crewed catamaran charters in Greece on the 47 foot sail catamaran NEMO for select dates in September.
Here’s the story: The owner of Nautitech 47 catamaran NEMO is anxious to fill the remaining available charter dates on his booking calendar, to close out the summer Mediterranean yacht charter season. As an incentive to potential customers, he is offering his yacht at a discounted rate of €6,000 per week — a 54% savings off the regular, published rate, which is €13,000
Launched in 2009, this twin-hulled yacht is designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. Four queen-berth cabins offer roomy, private accommodations for 8 passengers. Each cabin has its own ensuite bathroom, for total privacy from the crew and other guests. For active travelers, the yacht carries watertoys such as snorkel gear and two sea kayaks.
Available dates are:
17 to 24 September
and
24 September to 1 October.
There are two itineraries available for Greece yacht charters onboard Nemo:
– The Cyclades islands (starting and ending in Athens),
or
– The Ionian islands (starting and ending in Lefkas).
The offer includes the yacht with skipper and hostess, all bed linens and towels, and use of the onboard watertoys.
Items not included are food and beverage provisioning, fuel, port fees, and any special requests.
Superyacht YOGI saga continues. Last February, we reported on the sinking of motor yacht YOGI, a 62 meter Mediterranean yacht charter vessel, that sank off the coast of Greece.
Built in Turkey by Proteksan Turquoise, motor yacht YOGIsank between the islands of Skyros and Psara, 19 nautical miles off the Greek coast. All on board were safely evacuated from the yacht by helicopters.
A year later, the French Bureau d’enquetes sur les événements de Mer announcement comes. In specific, they confirmed that the report on the sinking of superyacht Yogi will be published by the end of this week or next.
WHAT CAUSED THE SINKING?
The cause of the sinking is still unknown. Hellenic Coast Guard criminal investigation launching into the incident comes soon. Specifically, after the issuance of the accident report.
“Hi 1-800 Yacht Charters! My family and I would like to plan a luxury sailing charter in the Greek islands. Can you tell us the best time of year for this trip, and where we should go? Thank you, Joannie S.”
ANSWER
Ahoy, Joannie! Thank you for question about the best time to enjoy a sailing vacation in Greece.
For an accurate answer, let’s turn to someone who really knows Greece like the back of his hand!
CAPTAIN COMMENTS
We presented your question to Capt. Alexandre J. MATSAKIS. Captain Alex was born and raised in Greece and has been sailing along the Hellenic coast for more than 3 decades.
As you read his response, keep in mind English is not his native language, so please forgive an occasional grammatical slip on his part.
CAPTAIN LETTER
“Greetings from land of the Gods, Joannie!
Most requests for yacht cruises in the Greek islands are for Mykonos and Santorini… I sail in Greece since 30 years and I live in the center of Cyclades – on Syros island, in front of Mykonos.
My advice is to sail the Cyclades in May, June or October, and to avoid them in July and August because of the frequent strong wind “Meltemi” – able to spoil the best vacation.
Motorsailor IRINA
I charter my 75 gross tonnage yacht IRINA for sailing in the Ionian islands in July and August (Ithaca, island of Odysseus, Kephalonia, Skorpios, island of Onassis) with one very nice sea in this period.
My other beautiful yacht ANATOLIE is sailing in the Sporades in July and August (the green islands of the movie “Mamma Mia” with Meryl Streep).
I do believe that giving the right advises is the best way to avoid problems and keep clients long time (some of them come 3 times on 3 different areas). We need to ensure the happiness of our customers (and that’s a great job :-).
HIS LETTER CONTINUES
Example. Why to send people on one crewed catamaran charters leaving from Athens in July and August? They will have 2 choices. The Cyclades with big problems in case of Meltemi. Or the Saronic islands with no chance to find place with a catamaran in their small harbors (except in Poros if lucky). Greece is not Seychelles or Caribbean!
So – we offer Cyclades cruises in May, June, September and October. Believe me, living in Cyclades, if we send our yachts to other very nice areas in July and August, is because there is serious reasons.
Valentine’s Day. Specifically, the yearly opportunity to profess our love to that special someone in our lives. For many of us, we turn to traditional gifts like chocolate, flowers, or a romantic dinner to express our affection.
UPSCALE GIFT GIVERS
Ah, but the uber-wealthy are different. Even gifts of jewelry pale in comparison to the grandiose gestures some HNWI’s (high net-worth individuals) bestow on their significant others and loved ones.
Yep, when it comes to over-the-top, what says “je t’aime mon tresor” more than a gift of a private superyacht???
THE ULTIMATE GIFT
Of course, the ultimate enhancement to the ultimate gift – naming your yacht to honor the one you love…
TOP 5 LOVING NAMES OF YACHTS
In celebration of Valentine’s Day 2016, we share our favorite 5 private yacht charter vessels with names inspired by love. Some names are whimsical and cute, others haughty. Our favorite name, # 1, is simple and oh-so-perfect — boasting the two most famous words uttered by almost every man who understands (and appreciates) who’s really the boss!
5. 4YOU – Imagine the surprise when this owner turned to his wife and handed her the keys to a 180 foot megayacht, aptly named, 4YOU. Launched in 2012, this spectacular yacht from the Amels Limited Edition 180 series was designed by Tim Heywood, and features a stunning modern-chic interior by Laura Sessa Romboli. Up to 12 guests can enjoy a Greek yacht charter vacation, from €280,000 per week
4. DREAM PRINCESS – Sure, lots of guys call their lady a, “Princess.” But a DREAM PRINCESS? That’s ramping it up another notch. A popular yacht for special events (e.g. Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter, MIPIM yacht charter, etc.), this Princess 64 motor yacht is a vessel with a real sense of occasion. She offers exceptional performance and boasts a sleek, sporty profile hiding a spacious three-cabin charter layout. Her interior is light, with elegant details. Rates from €18,000 per week
ADDITIONAL YACHTS
3. HONEY BEAR – Every once in a while, we find a yacht named by a woman for the man in her life. The 28 meter Sunseeker 90 yacht HONEY BEAR is a fast, fun yacht for sophisticated yet informal Monaco yacht charter holidays. Her modern yet warm interior offers plenty of space for relaxation, and her open deck areas are perfect for enjoying the sunshine. She provides accommodations for 8 guests in 4 staterooms and is priced from €45,000 per week
2. LADY BRIT – there are lots of “Ladies” in the charter fleet, Lady Sheila, Lady Victoria, and more. Still, one stands out for her simple, elegant name – the epitome of European class: LADY BRIT. Surprisingly, the yacht was not named for the owner’s wife, but rather, in honor of his mother. The 207 foot Feadship yacht LADY BRIT offers the ideal platform for a resort-style St Barts Yacht Charter in the Caribbean, as she features a wellness spa, gymnasium with panoramic views, outdoor cinema, and an authentic Finnish sauna with private access to the water. Weekly rates start at $445,000 per week
FINAL YACHT
1. YES DEAR – what man hasn’t uttered those two words to his special someone??? She is a Voyage 580 Virgin Islands catamaran charter vessel. Sail yacht YES DEAR is 58 feet long and 31 feet wide. This is the perfect design for maximum comfort and stability. She features 5 cabins for up to 10 guests. Her weekly rates start at $24,000. Funny side note. Her dinghy is named, “No Dear.”
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