World Expedition's sailing holidays in Greece

Yachting in Greece. Advertising 2008

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:43:48 +0000

Visit Greece in real and see it!

Visit Greece! Advertising 2008

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:42:34 +0000

Greece is beautiful…

Share boating. Life onboard

admin — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 23:28:50 +0000

You decide to be as active or passive as you like. Whatever you desire from sun bathing or reading to setting the sails – the choice is yours.
Decision making on board is as democratic as possible. Greece, after all, is the cradle of democracy. If we are having a particularly good time on an island, we try to extend our stay.

Frequently Asked Questions for crewed vessels

admin — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:48:59 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions for crewed vessels

What makes a crewed vessel different from a cruise ship or seaside resort?

Chartering a private yacht offers you the ultimate in comfort, privacy and flexibility. The boat and crew are dedicated only to you and your guests from the moment you board. With a private yacht you can simply anchor at more secluded spots and sail into serene, pine-clad bays and immaculate, find sand beaches that are accessible only by boat. But it is also possible to visit the more populous islands. With a private yacht, you can see at least one different island every day. Cruising allows you the luxury of only unpacking your bags once while touring many different areas.

Can I bring children?

Of course as all yachts are child-friendly, although the crew are always quite busy with their assigned duties and are not at liberty to offer childcare services. So if your charter party consists also children, you will be fully responsible for their safety, conduct and entertainment and no member of the crew shall be held responsible for their safety or entertainment.

Can I bring my pet?

Yachts do not permit guests to bring pets on board for several reasons. Crew is required to maintain rigid cleanliness standards for all their guests and there is a potential of allergens from animals remaining on board. Animals are typically not accustomed to the strict confinement of a ship and an active cruising itinerary can be quite uncomfortable for pets. Just like humans, animals can also be sensitive to the effects of motion and may become disoriented or lethargic.

Do I need to carry my passport?

Yes, all guests must carry valid passports even in the case the charter will take place entirely within the jurisdiction of the country where you embark. Visas, if applicable, are the responsibility of the charterer and must be secured in advance of the charter.

Who plans the menus?

Your personal chef will prepare the menu to meet your requests. We will be sending you a food preference sheet to fill in, so you let us know your favorite foods and beverages. Your chef will usually provide a sample menu of the yacht’s cuisine. Chefs take great pride in their dishes and use the freshest ingredients available.

What if I’m on a special diet?

It is critical that you take time to have each member of your party complete the preference form that you will be provided to you in advance. It is critical to know of any allergies or serious aversions in advance.

Will I experience seasickness?

This situation is hard to predict. In fact you may be the best judge based on previous experience. If you are worried about seasickness check with your local pharmacist for special medication before you leave home. If you are new to yacht chartering, let the crew know; they will make your trip as comfortable as possible by recommending routes in protected waters and keeping tabs on changing weather conditions.

Can we smoke on board?

For safety reasons, notably the prevention of fire, smoking is not permitted in the staterooms or cabins. Many yachts allow smoking in the salons and day areas, but an increasing number only allow smoking out on deck. If there are smokers in your party please tell your charter broker and be honest about your needs – we will do our best to ensure that you and the crew are well informed in advance. Substances that are illegal on land are also illegal on the yacht.

Does the yacht have laundry facilities?

Almost all large yachts have full-equipped laundry facilities on board for the stewards to handle a large amount of linen and crew uniforms. Few yachts carry the guest’s laundry, however many crew are willing to take your laundry to the professionals ashore.

How do my friends, family and business colleagues reach me during the cruise?

Many vessels are equipped with the very latest communications equipment including cellular service, global satellite telecommunications, personal computers and fax machines. If that is not the case, we can set you up with a mobile phone account for the duration of the charter at extra charge.

Will my privacy be respected while on board?

Professional crews are experienced with entertaining the yacht’s owner and guest, celebrities and prominent statesmen. They are trained to be discreet and to give you as much privacy as you desire.

I understand that a tip is expected? Can you clue me in on how and how much?

The crew’s gratuity is entirely a matter for your personal discretion, should you feel satisfied with the level of service received on board, a usual gratuity amount is of 10% of the charter fee. We recommend that any gratuity should be handed to the captain to distribute fairly amongst all members of the crew.

Do I need to buy insurance during the charter?

Your charter agreement will detail insurance provisions: the yacht remains insured by the owner during your charter, however we recommend in some cases that you purchase liability coverage to protect you and your guests as well as personal effects from any unforeseen mishap.

How does a charter cost?

The daily rates are quoted in our yacht listings – the size and amenities on board usually dictate pricing. Charter rates are specified in U.S. dollars. The charter agreement is standard for all yacht chartering companies in Greece. Terms of refund in case of cancellation are specified in the charter agreement.

The charter fee also includes all operational expenses, such us crew’s wages and their food, insurance on yacht and crew and harbour charges including water and/or electricity taken from the shore. Crewed yachts are also outfitted, at no extra charge, with leisure equipment such as dinghy with outboard motor, water-skis, windsurfer, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, television, video, stereo and often many more items, depending on the boat.

The charterer will be charged extra, at cost to the yacht, for all other operating expenses while on board such us; V.A.T., fuel, passenger’s food, wine and bonded goods (liquors) and personal laundry, Corinth Canal dues, private marina fees and an approximately 10 per cent surcharge for sailing in waters that are not Greek (covers port dues, agency rights, sanitary dues and legally required surcharge on crew’s wages).

We are at your disposal to analyze your trips parameters and consult with the captain to provide an estimate of these charges in advance. A good rule of thumb is to allow 25% of the charter fee towards expenses. This does not include gratuity to the crew, which is discretionary.

Which type of yacht is best for me?

The choice of yacht for your cruise is very important to the success of your holiday.

World Expeditions listens to your requests and helps you select the yacht best suited to your needs. We will also advise on the right crew to complement the style of charter you may prefer. It is the combination of the right yacht and the right crew that will guarantee a charter to remember.
You may find it helpful to have a few guidelines on the different types of yachts available:

POWER BOATS
Motor yachts combine style, comfort and luxury. Outdoor areas are usually large while their indoor areas comfortably cater to guests’ requirements. Motor yachts might be either heavy displacement, that generally gives a cruising speed of between 10 and 14 knots, or fast planning motor yachts capable of continuous speeds in excess of 20 knots.
MOTOR SAILERS
Gaff schooners combining wind, sail and the power of a motor blending tradition with comfort and the relaxed experience of sailing. Motor sailers have a more spacious interior than the performance sailing yacht, and a larger, robust machinery for cruising under power alone. Other advantages can be the additional deck space for sunbathing and dining areas plus increased storage for water sports equipment.
SAILING YACHTS
They rely on wind and sails aided by an auxiliary engine. Large sailing yachts combines exhilarating performance under sail with the ability to motor at speeds of up to 10 knots and luxurious facilities. A wonderful advantage is the total peace and quiet when the engine is turned off and you sail off into the sunset.

Can I map out our own itinerary?

Of course you can map out your preferences. The most important advise is not to plan an itinerary that is too ambitious. What might seem fantastic on paper may in practice restrict your enjoyment. Trying to fit too much into each day will result in missing many delights en route. Approximately 4 hours cruising a day is a about the maximum, and you may find this far too much. Just present your preferences to your captain and he will do his best to make it happen. Winds, weather and mood may alter plans, so plan to be flexible. Your captain will also suggest an itinerary, but you’re not locked into a program and free to waiver from this route. In any case, the captain, as master of the boat, has the last word.

What should I pack?

Yacht charter is generally an informal and relaxed kind of holiday and dressing in Greece is casual. For clothing bring bathing suits, cotton shorts, T-shirts, an extra sweater and long cotton pants for cool nights and a light foul-weather gear for the occasional rainy days. Of course, you might also like to have the option for more formal attire for elegant dining and eveningwear. Rubber-sole shoes for a firm grip on slippery decks, to prevent foot injury and to protect the boat’s surface is always recommended. The crew appreciates soft luggage instead of bulky space-consuming suitcases since on board storage may be limited. For sun protection, do bring your favorite sun block or sunscreen, sunglasses with an anti-ultraviolet coating and a hat, turban or headscarf. Last you may bring with you a small telescope for stargazing and a camera for daydreaming.

Frequently Asked Questions for bare boating

admin — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:28:06 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions for bare boating

What qualifications do I need to charter a bareboat sailing yacht?

To charter a sailing yacht in Greece it is necessary for two crewmembers (skipper and co-skipper) to have sailing certificates proving their competence. If no such certificates are issued in your home country, you will be required to present a reference from your yacht club verifying your ability to sail. Also the skipper and co-skipper will be asked to complete and sign an official self-declaration form, stating their sailing competence. World Expeditions will assist you with all the necessary formalities. You may also be required to submit a sailing resume that will enable us to assess your ability to sail in safety. World Expeditions reserves the right to insist that charterers hire a professional skipper if their sailing skills are not judged sufficient by World Expeditions’ staff.

What qualifications do I need to charter a bareboat motor yacht?

For bareboat motor boats, both qualified crewmembers (skipper and co-skipper) must present a license for motor boats. In this case self-declaration forms are not acceptable. World Expeditions reserves the right to insist that charterers hire a professional skipper if their cruising skills are not judged sufficient by World Expeditions’ staff.

If I need to hire a professional skipper?

World Expeditions is in the position to select, recommend and hire on your behalf a professional skipper for as many days as you wish. Even if you have experienced sailing, you may still require the services of a professional skipper to make your cruise more relaxing and benefit from the skippers’ local knowledge. There is a set daily fee (€ 120 per day) for the professional skipper regardless of the number of people on board. Please remember that the professional skipper needs to be provided with his own cabin, as he is obliged to sleep on board.

I have chartered a vessel with skipper. Do I still need to leave a deposit?

Yes. World Expeditions is only suggesting skippers and makes no commission on their payment, which you do. Your charter is still a bare boat charter -in distinction with a crewed vessel charter- and therefore you are in full responsible towards us for the vessel you are hiring.

Which days of the week can I begin and end my charter?

Sailing yacht charters begin and end on Saturdays for multiples of seven days. In the low season period depending on yacht availability this may be flexible. In this case World Expeditions will try to accommodate your wishes for different days of the week and uneven periods of time, such as a ten or twelve-day charter.

What is the charters’ schedule?

All charters begin at 17:00 on the day of departure (normally Saturdays) and typically end at 09:00 on the day of arrival (normally Saturdays). However you will be kindly asked to return to World Expeditions base on the last evening of your charter (normally Friday evening). World Expeditions requires this valuable time between charters to ensure that yachts are always delivered to the next charter in perfect working order. If we can deliver your charter yacht earlier on the day of embarkation, without compromising our standards, we will, but this cannot be guaranteed.

What does the charter fee include?

Yacht prices are per yacht, per week, depending on time of the year, regardless of the number of people aboard (subject to the maximum number of berths). Charter fees include the cost of yacht insurance, end cleaning and VAT.

Are there any additional charges?

The following additional charges may apply:
• Deposit - The security deposit you need to leave with us.
• Fuel - The yacht should be delivered topped up with fuel, which is available in all World Expeditions bases.
• Port or Marina fees - This is a daily-base fee, which applies to almost all ports in Greece with varied costs. This fee also applies to yachts that do not leave World Expeditions base, or remain in base for more than one day.
• Optionals - Any optional extras that you might have specifically requested. (See price list)

Should I have a travel insurance?

In your own interest, you are strongly advised to buy suitable travel insurance before leaving home, including cancellation insurance to protect your booking deposit.

What types of security deposits are available?

Each World Expeditions vessel is comprehensively insured, including third Party cover, beyond a deductible excess figure. This amount is published in the price list for every yacht in the fleet, under Security Deposit. You must indemnify the company against such possible loss.

a. The Refundable Security Deposit is held against the yachts insurance excess and, if there is no damage or loss to the yacht or her equipment, this figure is returned to you.

Normally, World Expeditions will refund the Security Deposit immediately at the end of the charter. However, if any damage and/or loss is extensive, the deposit or appropriate proportion will be returned, if applicable, as soon as possible after full assessment of rectifying such damage or loss has been made.

The Refundable Security Deposit covers:
• Loss of or damage to the vessel or its tender or to third parties.
• Loss of or damage to the equipment listed in the inventory and given to the charterer at check-in.
• Costs incurred if the vessel is returned in an extremely dirty condition.
• Cost of returning the boat to her prearranged harbour if the charterer fails to do so by the scheduled date and time.
• Cost of refueling if the boat is returned without refilled tanks.

The payment of the Refundable Security Deposit, is designed to cover only one incident of a substantial nature at any one time, viz: in case of loss or damage to equipment of significant value such as outboard engine or dinghy, the charterer will have the right to an immediate replacement whilst on charter, provided that the charterer pays a new Refundable Security Deposit immediately upon receipt of replacement or repair.

What should I bring with me?

Every vessel of the World Expeditions fleet is fully equipped for charter. Apart from provisioning, stowing your personal possessions, you could step aboard any of our vessels and leave the dock without a further thought. The Inventory List indicates how fully you can expect your yacht to be equipped. The equipment varies depending on the size and the type of the yacht but you need to take very little with you. You should bring your own beach towels, sun tan lotion, sun hat and so on, but that’s about it!

Do you provide boat briefings?

The charterer and his or her party will be given general briefing covering the local cruising grounds. Questions about navigation, anchorages, prevailing conditions, or any part of the desired itinerary can be answered. A more specific boat briefing aboard the yacht will then be given, covering all the operating systems, including rigging, electrical system, water system, windlass, stove, dinghy, outboard and emergency systems.

In case I want to cancel my charter?

World Expeditions will apply cancellation policy to bareboat yachts as follows depending on the time-interval between the booking confirmation and the cancellation date.

a. In case of cancellation 2 months and over prior to embarkation, a cancellation fee of 20% of the total charter cost will apply.

b. In case of cancellation between 30 and 60 days prior to embarkation, a cancellation fee of 35% of the total charter cost will apply.

c. In case of cancellation between 30 days and embarkation, a cancellation fee of 50% of the total charter cost will apply.

World Expeditions will return the cancellation fee, less an administration fee of € 150, if the cancelled yacht is re-chartered for the same period, under the same conditions.

Where can I get more information?

For specific sailing information, you will find the appropriate copy of the “Greek Waters Pilot”, written by Rod Heikell, onboard all World Expeditions vessels. For research before leaving home, the “Greek Waters Pilot” is an excellent reading choice. It is published in the UK by Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson Ltd.
Tel: +44(0) 1480 462114. Fax: +44(0) 1480 496109 site: sales@imray.com

General Frequently Asked Questions

admin — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:22:22 +0000

General Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay with a credit card

Does my mobile phone work in Greece?

What is the difference between a bareboat skippered charter and a crewed vessel of the same size?

What if I want to make additional travel arrangements?

What if I have a special occasion?

Can I pay with credit card?

Although World Expeditions can accept credit cards, our experience from online services is that there is no secure line. Even if you don’t mind exposing your credit card number, we don’t feel comfortable presenting our bank acc. details in public. Therefore we accept credit card payments only with your presence, wherever this is possible i.e. the balance payment or the refundable deposit of a bareboat charter upon embarkation. All other payments to us should be through normal banking transfers to our account, which we will present to you upon a booking. This way is safe, provides full legal coverage and saves you the 3,8% which an on line payment would up mark your charter cost. We understand that this can be an inconvenience for you, but to our opinion it may protect us both from further complications.

Does my mobile phone work in Greece?

Greece operates on a GSM system most European mobile phones operate here. North American mobile phones do not operate here. Should you require a mobile phone we can arrange one for you.

What is the difference between a bareboat skippered charter and a crewed vessel of the same size?

The Greek law. A crewed vessel employees it’s crew (or at least a number of them) on an annual base, when on a bareboat charter the skipper is your employee. Both categories have their advantages and disadvantages. They also use different type of charter contract.

Crewed vessels are more expensive. On the other hand you may book a crewed vessel for any number of days, when on bareboat a weekly turn round -especially for the peak season- is required.
On crewed boats the crew is fully responsible for vessel’s condition and therefore there is no refundable deposit required from you. On bareboat the skipper is your employee (World Expeditions only suggests skippers) and therefore you are responsible for vessel’s condition, even for skipper’s actions. The need to leave a refundable deposit is always required.
Crewed vessels in general offer more facilities and equipment. The nature of bareboat charters requires from yachts to be as simple as possible, for an easy demonstration to you and minimizing the chances for a problem occurred during your holidays.

To finalize our answer to this question, we must say that the above distinction is rather academic, since -according the Greek law again- the size of vessels in bareboat is limited up to 55 feet for yachts and 36 feet for power boats. The service of permanent crew at such a size vessel will deduct an unreasonable charter price. In general, crewed vessel’s size starts were the bareboat ends (55 feet for yachts and 36 feet for power boats), and the only range were both categories meet is yachts from 50 to 60 feet.

What if I want to make additional travel arrangements?

Any additional travel arrangements required within Greece can be made through us. Whether this is hotels, car rentals or tours we can arrange them for you.

What if I have a special occasion?

If you have a special occasion such as a birthday, honeymoon etc. we may organize any special arrangements that you require.

Ionian Sea. Cephalonia

admin — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:59:50 +0000

Cephalonia Is the largest island in the Ionian Sea. Fiscardo, the northernmost harbor on Cephalonia, lying opposite and very close to Ithaca and surrounded by a thick cypress glade, has kept its traditional color.

Ioanian Sea. Ithaca

admin — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:58:59 +0000

Ithaca is an island known throughout the ages as the home o Ulysses. For years Homer’s hero wandered before he finally returned to his homeland and to his throne. KIONI and FRIKIES are tiny harbors on the northeast coast of the island. Enjoy the traditional taverns in these unspoilt typical Ionian villages where noisy nightlife is unheard of.

Ioanian Sea. Spartohori

admin — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:56:52 +0000

SPARTOHORI is the high town on the island of Meganissi and it can be easily seen from the north and the west. Once you are in the bay, the small harbor will be seen. Good shelter though you will have to anchor in considerable depths (15-25m). With NE winds (night!) the anchorage near the tavern is the best location in the bay. The village of Spartohori - enjoy the beautiful winding road to reach it – is enchanting and definitely worth to climb to. is the high town on the island of Meganissi and it can be easily seen from the north and the west. Once you are in the bay, the small harbor will be seen. Good shelter though you will have to anchor in considerable depths (15-25m). With NE winds (night!) the anchorage near the tavern is the best location in the bay. The village of Spartohori - enjoy the beautiful winding road to reach it – is enchanting and definitely worth to climb to. is the high town on the island of Meganissi and it can be easily seen from the north and the west. Once you are in the bay, the small harbor will be seen. Good shelter though you will have to anchor in considerable depths (15-25m). With NE winds (night!) the anchorage near the tavern is the best location in the bay. The village of Spartohori - enjoy the beautiful winding road to reach it – is enchanting and definitely worth to climb to.

Ioanian Sea. Meganissi

admin — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:55:22 +0000

MEGANISSI is a beautiful non-spoilt island 12 nautical miles off the south-east coast of Lefkas. There are three small villages on the island: Spartohori, Katomeri and Vathy. According to historians, Meganissi has been settled since Homer’s times. Here one should visit the caves of Papanikolis and the Demon and make a point of swimming from its fabulous beaches.