Eastern Med: Charter Recommendations?

[Goldie]

After yet another wet and windy summer cruise in Northern Europe, SWMBO and I are looking at a charter holiday, probably Eastern Med', for a couple of weeks in early September. I seek recommendations for companies operating in the area with whom forumites have a had good experiences. We don't need a big boat (just 2 of us) and would prefer locations away from the busiest areas. The booking is likely to be fairly late notice so any companies known to offer good 'late deals' would be of particular interest.
I look forward to the usual torrent of sage counsel... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Thanks in advance.

 

[russab]

I can highly recommend the Kas to Gocek region of Turkey. SWMBO and I went with Sunsail in 2001 and had a superb time - and could not fault Sunsail either !.

There are lots of charter companies in the area especially operating out of Gocek. Try:
Top Yachts - http://www.top-yacht.com/boats/list_by_charter_type/1-bareboat

Portway - http://www.portwayturkey.com/

and Sunsail who we used:
http://www.sunsail.co.uk/yachts/destinations/mediterranean/turkey/gocek

 

[tudorsailor]

Why not try Mallorca? Cheap flights that are shorter than Turkey. Good weather in September. I can recommend http://palmamaritime.com/gb/index_gb.htm

TudorDoc

 

[LymingtonPugwash]

Highly recommend you phone Trevor (Brit chap) in Greece on 0030-694-505-9166 about late charter deal. He will have some of the best prices around.

 

[Goldie]

Thanks guys, I shall follow up your suggestions and see what I come up with.

Tudordoc: Your point is well taken, but I spent 3 years sailing the western Med' so I'd quite like to explore somewhere new to me. Thanks for the thought though.

 

[Oliveoyl]

If you decide on Turkey, big change from W med, oriental culture + all that, great cruising area is Skopea Limani, v close to Gocek, but do-able from Marmaris, if you have 2 weeks.Camper + Nicholson marina in Gocek is OTT - never seen so much marble in sanitary facilities in my life. If you choose Greece, less culture shock, less marina luxury also,but great sailing / anchorages in the Ionian

 

[Norman_E]

In Gocek Camper & Nicholson Marina Prices are also OTT, Skopea & Club Marinas are about half the price per night. Excellent area with sheltered sailing in Skopea Limani with its many bays and restaurants with free moorings. It is quite possible to sail there in one day from Marmaris (about 55 miles) or stopover in Ekincik, though I prefer not to. Also excellent sailing from Marmaris round the Bozburun peninsula stopping in Ciftlic or Bozukale Bay, and going to Sogut, Bozburun & Datca. Sailing to Rhodes is only OK out of season as Mandraki harbour is a nightmare in Summer.

 

[jimbaerselman]

First, choose your area. My web site will help you with that, though I'm afraid Turkey isn't in there yet - next winter!

Meanwhile, you've a wide choice of cruising areas in Greece, out of which only the Ionian and Saronic will be fairly crowded - not nearly as bad as the West Med though!