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Greek Islands Flotilla


POSEIDON CHARTERS is the only Company offering regular scheduled Greek Islands flotillas through the Aegean sea all season!

What is a Greek Islands Flotilla? Our flotillas in Greece are scheduled departures of several yachts sailing together all following one ‘lead’ yacht. Aboard the lead yacht there are Skippers & Program Directors(guides to the destination), who double as technical specialists and as your social hosts -as the flotillas offer a fair amount of camaraderie! Our Greek islands flotillas are the ideal balance between safety and adventure, between autonomous sailing and group or family vacations. A flotilla in Greece can be the next step for intermediate sailors to get more experience, yet is also perfect for experienced sailors who wish to visit a foreign destinations in security. We offer a multitude of fun Greek islands flotilla departure dates, with several itinerary options throughout the season. The Greek flotillas offer something for groups all ages all skill levels. If you do not have your own group, you can join a Greek flotilla by booking a cabin on the renowned Aegean Adventure Cruises Program!

The Greek islands are not an easy place to sail. As a result of the strong winds, long passages and small tricky harbors (with stern to 'Med. Mooring'), we do not recommend casual sailors do a 'bareboat' charter as a first time experience sailing Greece. Hours of navigational work, island/site planning and docking tension each day takes away from quality holiday time. There is very little Caribbean style mooring (at anchor or on moorings in bays) in Greece, as it is in general very deep off Greek islands.Most nights on the Greek islands flotilla, expect to be beam to beam with a gangplank ashore or rafted up several boats deep inside a harbor. Harbors are small, rudimentary and offer very little services or assistance for yachtsmen. The weather is also something that charterers must really consider; Strong winds 4 - 8 Beaufort (20-40 mile per hour) are not uncommon throughout the season with 'Meltemi' north, 'Ostria' (southwest) and 'Sirocco'(southeast) winds. There are also local wind phenomena (venturi & funnels) and a lack of both navigational aids (*International system Red-Right¨CLeaving!) and mooring buoys. There are some very long crossings as well as a whole different set of customs and protocols at each port. For these and many other reasons, our Greek islands flotillas have become the most popular way to sail autonomously through the Aegean with the security of having local knowledge of the region - as well as a little race each day! Flotilla guests benefit from our Skipper and Program Director's local knowledge of the harbors, weather forecasts, historic sites and excellent restaurants, yet they are not having to pay a skipper's wage! Our fun and experienced team are the best trained in Greece and we are proud to be in our 16th season operating the 'only' regular scheduled flotillas in Aegean Sea. See the Detailed 14-Day Greek Islands Itinerary page link for precise itinerary information. Greece Flotilla guests are offered the following services:

1. Assistance with provisioning throughout the tour
2. Daily course, swim stop and harbor briefings
3. VHF radio and visual contact
4. Med. Mooring docking assistance
5. Flotilla guests are welcome to join on the archaeological itinerary excursions on shore
6.
Guests benefit from the best local attractions, shopping and the 'gastronomic' selection of restaurants
7.
Guests are welcome to join in on the Pirate night and beach BBQ

ITINERARY : The two–week program covers the most complete itinerary in the Greek sailing industry! It is roughly 330 miles round-trip and takes in the most important archaeological, mythological and historical islands in the Saronic Gulf and central Aegean Sea.

Greek Islands Flotilla Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive at Marina 17:00. Dinner briefing & sleep over Day 9 Second day in Santorini.
Day 2 Athens to Aegina, (Temple of Aphaia) then to Poros Day 10 Ios to Tagania for lunch & swim then Paros
Day 3 Poros to Spathi for lunch then on to famous Hydra Day 11 Paros to Mykonos
Day 4 Second night in Hydra - possibility of ‘Pirate Night’ or BBQ at a beach (seasonal). Day 12 Mykonos to Delos by yacht or ferry to see ruins
Day 5 Hydra to Adamas Port Milos Day 13 Mykonos to Kea and hike to 600 BC Lion
Day 6 Explore the island by rental car in AM, weather permitting sail to Kleftiko, swim in caves & dine under stars Day 14 Kea to Cape Sounion lunch and a swim under the Temple of Poseidon
Day 7 Milos to Ios passage Day 15 Farewell at Athens at 09:00
Day 8 Ios to Santorini by ferry. Stay in apart. & visit Sites    

Detailed 14-Night Greek Islands Itinerary

7 and 10 night Greek Flotilla Options


View our Slideshow Presentation

Greek Flotilla yachts can be any size, 31-60 feet for the 7-night flotilla. It is recommended however, to charter at least a 37-foot for the longer crossings and bigger seas of the '2-week' Aegean Adventure Cruise Greek islands Flotilla circuit.

There must be two certified sailors on every flotilla yacht and it must be chartered as a bareboat from our fleet of new Beneteau, Jeanneau, Catamarans and Greek designed yachts with the standard contract and insurance requirements. See Bareboat page for details and to choose your yacht!There can be as many 5-10 yachts on a flotilla.


Greek Flotilla Charter Duration: 7-10 or 14 nights!

In order to enjoy the most from your Greek islands flotilla we strongly recommend the full 2-week Odyssey circuit in which you will see a full range of islands. You can also join for 7-Nights and be in sync with a 2-week circuit for the first 5 days then have two 'solo' sailing days round trip back to Athens. The returning boat crew is briefed on the 2-day itinerary stops returning to Athens. The other option is doing a one-way drop off disembarking out at the Aegean island of Paros after Night 7 (subject to yacht availability and one-way fees apply).

On a 10-Night flotilla in Greece): Sail with the flotilla for 7 nights then deviate back to Athens through Serifos, Kithnos, Kea and Cape Sounion (subject to yacht availability and one-way fees apply). Please contact our office for more details on all our Greek flotilla options.

DEPARTURE SCHEDULE
We are proud to offer the most regularly scheduled cabin charters & flotillas in the Greek charter industry. Our two–week 'Odyssey' departs from Athens every second Saturday from May to October -except August which is too hot and too crowded.

2009 Flotilla Schedule in the Greek Islands

2 WEEK ODYSSEY
Athens to Athens
*1 WEEK
Athens to Athens or Athens - Paros
*1 WEEK
Paros to Athens

May 2 – May 16**
May 16 – May 30
May 30 – June 13
June 13 – June 27
June 27 – July 11**
July 11– July 25**
AUGUST**
Sept 5 – Sept 19
Sept 19 – Oct 3
Oct 3 – Oct 17**

May 2 – May 9**
May 16 – May 23
May 30 – June 6
June 13 – June 20
June 27 – July 4**
July 11 – 18**
AUGUST**
Sept 5 – Sept 12
Sept 19 – Sept 26
Oct 3 – Oct 10**

May 9 – May 16**
May 23 – May 30
June 6 – June 13
June 20 – June 27
July 4 – July 11**
July 18 – July 25**
AUGUST**
Sept 12 – Sept 19
Sept 26 – Oct 3
Oct 10 – Oct 17**

*One week tours are Athens-Athens round trips, and do not sail one-way to Ios Island (unless by special arrangement).

**Departures in early May, mid July, August and early October will be confirmed based on the number of bookings


Greek Flotilla Pricing:

Flotilla fee-1 week: USD $500 per yacht , Flotilla fee-2 weeks: USD $800 per yacht

Flotilla yacht charterers must also consider: the yacht rental fee, provisions for meals, fuel refill, water refills, port/mooring fees, end cleaning, one-way fees (if applicable), yacht insurance and refundable security deposit. Please contact our office for a full price quote and we will locate the right sized yacht for your group or sailing preference. Excursions ashore are not included in Flotilla fee. Prices subject to change. The flotilla fee is a minimum fee and does not change if yachts do not stay together for the full 7, 10 or 14 days. Note: We do not recommend yachts less than 37ft for the 2 week circuit as they do not make good time on the longer passages or rough seas. We advise that novice sailors and couples who want to book smaller boats consider booking a cabin aboard the larger more comfortable 60ft flotilla lead yacht. All pricing is subject to change without prior notice.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS & EXTRA COSTS IN EUROS

Base on a Euro Exchange rate of: USD$1.42 = EUR 1.00

Taxis to/from Airport, Hotel, Marina in Athens
OR Bus to marina
90.00
3.50
Meals, approx Euro 20 per person per day x 13 260
Buses and taxis within islands per person 20
Sites (2 Temples, Delos, Akrotiri) per person 30
Ferries (Santorini & Delos) per person 40 return
Hotel, Villas or Apartments in Santorini (Day 8&9) 54 per double room hotel , 140 per dbl or 320 quad apartment
Rental car (Day 8&9) Economy 55, or minivan for 8 pax Euro 105 per day insured

An estimated budget to do all excursions is Euro 470, USD $650 per person which would include 13 evening meals, a small economy car rental for 2 days in Santorini and a double apartment (for two nights in Santorini E160/nt), buses, ferries, taxis, historic site entrance fees. All excursions are optional. Extra spending money should also be budgeted for 'Happy Hour' and shopping.

RESERVATION & PAYMENT POLICY
Bookings are accepted on a first come first serve basis. Flotilla yachts must be rented though our office and are subject to availability when booking. Reservations can be secured at boat & travel shows, by telephone or by e–mail. A non–refundable deposit of 50% of the cruise/yacht & flotilla price is due within ten days of confirmation. The balance of payment is due 3 months prior to the departure of the cruise. Payments can be made by check to: Poseidon International. Credit cards may be accepted for the Flotilla boats by special arrangement.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES
A flotilla boat skipper is required to have a sailing license or a certificate from a recognized sailing school indicating 'keelboat', 'coastal skipper' or 'bareboat experience' level. Flotillas guests must be intermediate to experienced level sailors.

LIABILITY WAIVER & INSURANCE
As a result of the adventurous nature of this type of holiday, all guests aboard Poseidon Charters / International 'cabin and flotilla' departures will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to sailing. Guests are advised to get medical, cancellation and property insurance for peace of mind while cruising. The yachts can be fully insured for damage but guests must have their own personal injury insurance. Cancellation insurance is recommended and offered at any time after booking.

FLIGHTS & HOTELS
We suggest that you book your own flights direct to Athens. We can arrange 3–5 Star hotels in Athens, land tours, Apartment/Villa/hotels in the islands, weddings packages, car rentals, domestic flights and travel insurance. Please contact us for any of these services.

DISCLAIMER
As in all sailing holidays, adverse weather conditions may alter the proposed itinerary and delay flotillas. Captains and Program Directors reserve the right to have the flotillas remain in harbor for weather, technical and safety reasons and shall not be held responsible for any loss of funds. Poseidon International reserves the right to have a professional captain placed aboard a flotilla yacht, at the charterer's expense, if our staff feels that the charterer is not experienced enough to travel safely with the rest of the flotilla. We also reserve the right to ask guests who demonstrate inappropriate behavior to leave the flotilla without any applicable refund or recourse. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to, disrupting the peaceable enjoyment of the tour, undermining the Captain or Program Director, excessive drinking, or creating "mutinous conditions". We shall not be liable for any additional costs that guests may incur subsequent to such an event.