ALPHA AGENTS
With over 6,000 islands, an infinite number of possible itineraries and the necessary formalities, it’s imperative to use a specialist local yacht agent Words: Sarah Forge
NAFTILOS MARINE AND I
n March, Greece’s Tourism Minister, Elena Kountoura, predicted 2018 to be a record- breaking year. The previous record, set in
2017, saw 30.5 million international tourist arrivals. But, having already witnessed a 20% increase in early bookings and a 5% increase in flights, Elena has confidence that at least 1.5 million more visitors will reach Greek shores in 2018. No other major European destination has seen a larger increase over the last decade.
We’re barely halfway through 2018 yet A-Listers such as Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Kate Hudson and Lindsay Lohan (plus plenty more Z-Listers) have already posed in their swimwear on Greek soil. One step up from Greek soil is Greek waters and this is where the yacht charter industry comes to the fore.
A land of whitewashed villages, jewel- coloured seas and fragrant pines, Greece has
the longest coastline in the Mediterranean (11th longest in the world) and counts around 6,000 islands and islets of which only 227 are inhabited. This makes for a paradise playground for superyachts offering privacy, seclusion, peace and romance – if you want it – or dancing until dawn if you prefer.
But, before you plot a course for the cradle of western civilization, take some advice from people who know Greece far better than most – the yacht agents.
“Greece is a huge sailing area with endless beauties. You definitely need someone to direct you to all the right places,” says Elena Giourtzidou from Athens-based Yachtways. “There is an amazing variety among our several thousand islands so it’s important to learn about the ones that align best with your taste in order to make the most out of the time that you have available. And, it goes without saying that
YACHTING SERVICES Naftilos Marine and Yachting Services is based at Piraeus, Athens where Elisavet and her team run the show. She has excellent relationships with local authorities to help smooth the brows of anxious captains, and the running of Naftilos operations. Says Eisavet, “This year we look forward to offering our clients our dedicated professional hands-on service, ensuring they feel most at home during their stay within Greek waters as well as arranging various cultural day trips, around Greece to really immerse themselves within the culture”. For more details Tel: +30 210 4292411 or visit
wwwnaftilosmarine.com
Greece has one of the most important histories on the planet - don’t miss the unique archaeological sites and museums.”
Weather can make or break a cruise and, while the summer sun is virtually guaranteed in Greece, the winds can be a little more
78 | SUMMER 2018 | ONBOARD
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168