|
 |
Come cruising in Greece this year.
Every year I take a number of groups on trips round the Greek islands for their holidays, lasting a week or two.
A group may consist of a number of people who know each other well enough before they set out or a number of people who come individually and get to know each other during the cruise.
The most obvious group is a family who charter the yacht for their holiday.
Or maybe two or three couples who decide to have a sail together.
Or again a number of friends or co-workers.
But ... anything goes!
The important thing is to have a good time.
We do!
The first thing that happens on a cruise is that you get a sense of freedom from your everyday life. A complete change of outlook. Things that normally restrict you in your daily rounds, just disappear once you set foot on the boat.
Time is no longer a master of your life. You relax and adjust to the daily rhythm of sunrise and sunset whenever that happens. In between you can just breath in the sea air, swim, sunbathe, eat and sleep whenever you need it.
Space is almost unlimited. While driving your car or riding on a train you have to keep to the road or stay along the rails. At sea, you can move in any direction you wish, as long as you don't hit anything hard...
A sailing yacht is unique in that it depends on two different 'elements' for it to move. Air and water. A wheeled vehicle (car, bicycle) needs only a firm ground to make movement possible. A plane only needs air, a submarine only needs water and so does a motor ship.
But a sailing ship could not move, could not sail, if it is not at the interface, the boundary between water and air. This I find fascinating and it awakens a new awareness in everyone.
Where you go, what places you visit, is something that can be freely decided, guided only by considerations of safety and convenience. You may end up in a bustling harbour, a quiet fishing village or a deserted bay.
Your check list
* When can you come?
* Who is coming with you?
* How will you get here?
* What kind of holiday do you like?
* What is your preference of cruising area?
Your itinerary
You have a lot to choose from. For a relatively calm cruise we would probably choose the Saronic and Argolic gulf. The Cyclades is a beautiful group of islands where winds tend to be stronger. A good choice if you want to see the typical Greek islands with whitewashed houses and blue doorways. Also the wise choice if you want more sailing conditions as an experience.
What to bring
Thanks to the complete inventory of the boat, you only need to bring clothes and personal items. Suitable clothes are jeans or cotton trousers, shorts, t-shirts, swimming costume, deck shoes, casual evening wear.
Personal items may include large sea towels, your music, mobile phone, camera and battery chargers. A sun hat, sun glasses and sunscreen are probably needed. Some light waterproof weather gear is also recommended. Storage space in the yacht is rather limited. Better to carry your clothes in soft-sided bags rather than suitcases.
last updated 10/5/06