What now, beloved Greece?

Sure, the question pops up from time to time. With all these dire news coming out of Greece, dare you sail there next summer?


Mainly, three issues are being raised. First are the demonstations. This is a problem for Athens only. Stay away from the area around Syntagma Square (where government is located) while demonstrations are ongoing, and you will never notice anything going on. Athens is a very large city, and for most Athenians, nothing will be - but daily life.

Except for one nuisance: taxi strikes have been frequent in Athens. Bus strikes much less so, and there is one leaving approximately every 20 minutes, passing straight by the marina. Of course, we can also prebook a transfer service for you.

In both cases, these issues have only to do with the capital. Out on the islands, life goes on as usual, almost unperturbed by "the troubles in Athens". You may choose from any of these bases: Skiathos, Mikonos, Paros, Kos, Rhodes, Corfu and Lefkas.

Finally, what about the Greek sovereign debt and the future of the euro? This is part of an ongoing global financial crisis that may go on for years. However, it is important to be aware that the central issue is that governments have put on too much debt. The companies we work with have been leaders of the charter business for decades, and are rock solid. We know the Greek market well, and sort out all the minor players that you (and we!) do not want to trust with your holiday experience. We book at reasonable rates, but not at the lowest available - because we book safely!

There will probably be rough seas in the European and global financial markets for a long time. Years, likely. But the Greek islands will be there, under blue skies and the warming sun, offering what is probably the world's best sailing grounds. Visitors will find themselves more welcome than ever.


We offer numerous alternatives: Croatia, Turkey, Italy, France - or faraway destinations such as the Caribbean, the Seychelles, Thailand, Bora Bora in the Society islands. You need only ask, and we will find the right yacht for you. But if you would like to know where we ourselves are going next summer, the answer is Greece - for the 20th time, at least. Two weeks, sailing out of Corfu - and with all of this long, Northern winter to look forward to it!

Croatia: Now is the time...

...to book. In November, December. Not that you are any less welcome after the turn of the year, but at this time it is still possible to find the yacht you want, where you want it, at the right time - and with an early booking discount. Well, mostly: Quite a few have already booked, but there are still availabilities.


We say this every year, because many clients do not know that Croatia is the country where, more than any other place, demand outweighs supply. There are - for the market as a whole - not nearly as many yachts there as, for instance, in Greece.

For whom is Croatia suitable? Not for the most adventurous of sailors, probably. You will sail in a well protected area, with short distances between beautiful and lush islands, numerous safe anchorages, full service marinas - and with gentle winds. Of course there winds may kick up occassionaly - usually for a short time - but on the whole, Croatia is one of the easiest places to sail, bar none. It is perfect for those with limited experience, the experienced who prefer relaxation to challenges, families with children, husbands who do not want to scare their wives away from later sailing adventures, wives with men who are prone to sea sickness...


But do book early, if you can. Long before summer, it is always more solidly booked than anywhere else. And for good reasons.