Chartering advice needed- Cyclades Greece

[Guest]

We are chartering a 37 ft. Bavaria through Cosmos Yachting out of Kalamaki marina Athens for two weeks from the 25/9/01 to cruise the Cyclades. I would appreciate any advice regarding places to visit/avoid, things to take, pilot books, charts etc. In fact anything which will improve the holiday. Thanks in advance

 

[Twister_Ken]

Rod Heikell is THE pilot book for Greece.

In that area I quite liked Hermione and Astros (check spellings!) on the mainland.
The islands were generally very crowded, expecially Hydra, but I guess late September would be less of a problem than early August. Not quite sure my pottering covered the actual Cyclades, which can be quite windy, esp later in the year

 

[HenryB]

I agree with Ken about the pilot book. The winds should be lighter in September as the meltemi peaks in July and August, but you can expect northerlies of around F8 at some time and they kick up very steep waves which make going to windward almost impossible. Plan your route so that you have plenty of time to get back to Athens - maybe via the Saronic area (Poros, Hydra, Aegina) where the winds are normally much lighter.

We have visited and enjoyed -

Serifos - Port of Livadhi - large sheltered sandy bay with safe harbour if that's what you prefer. Charming Chora above the port.
IOS - Port is safe, several anchorages around the island. Another interesting Chora up the hill. Can be very busy in the season but we were there last November and were the only yacht.
Folegandros - in settled weather - very laid back.
Amorgos - good shelter and charming.
Asti Palaia - probably part of the Dodeconese but well worth a visit. Several anchorages.
Tinos - good safe harbour - spent 4 days waiting for a northery gale to blow itself out. Very busy ferry port but still an interesting island.
Rhinia - almost deserted, no facilities - good safe anchorage in bay at the south - spent another two days while the northerlies blew hard.
Thirassia - that's the NW island opposite Thira (Santorini). Not a good anchorage but we prefer it to the very touristy Thira.

Enjoy your visit.

 

[steve_cronin]

If you are using Coismos yachting out of Kalamaki the boat will be managed, like mine (look out for Mary Flavin a Bav 42), by Kiriacoulis. All their boats are equipped with the Rod Heikel Pilot book as well as all the local charts so you won't need your own. Unless of course you want to get someadvance knowledge. Don't rent an outboard they cost silly money and are un-reliable. Besides at most places you are going to berth stern-to and where you might anchor you can get close to the shore.

The whole area is full of ideal anchorages to get you out of the Meltemi which will be subsiding by then - we hope to be out there the week before you. Ket out of Kalamaki as soon as you can it is an awful place!.

Have a good trip - I am sure that you will enjoy it!!

Steve Cronin