By Ronen Bazak – Owner and CEO of Sailing Around Yacht Rental Agency
Embarking on a spontaneous week-long sailing trip in the Saronic Gulf, Greece, our family—myself, my wife Noa, and our children Saar (11), Ayala (14), and Amber (26)—set out to explore the serene beauty of the Aegean Sea. We chartered a Lagoon 42 catamaran from Marina Alimos, Athens, a comfortable vessel equipped with four double cabins and a fully stocked kitchen. Conveniently, we ordered our groceries online, which were delivered directly to the yacht.
Sailing with Air Conditioning: Is It Worth It?
Our catamaran featured air conditioning and a generator, allowing us to use the AC even when not connected to shore power. Considering the July and August heat, with temperatures exceeding 30°C, we anticipated needing the AC. However, our experience led us to some insights:
Unreliable Shore Power: In marinas like Alimos, shore power often fluctuated, rendering the AC ineffective unless used sparingly.
Noisy Operation: Even with stable power, the AC was too loud for comfortable sleep, leading us to turn it off at night.
Generator Concerns: Using the generator in secluded bays disrupted the tranquility and introduced a diesel smell onboard.
Ultimately, we chose to sleep with open windows and nets, finding it comfortable even in late August. While some may prefer the convenience of AC, it’s worth reconsidering the necessity and cost.
Arrival in Athens and Marina Alimos
We landed in Athens on a Saturday afternoon and reached Marina Alimos by 7 PM. Alcmini, Sailing Around’s partner in Greece, warmly welcomed us with traditional Greek treats, including homemade Koulouri, olives, and dried sage from her garden.
Arriving later in the day had its perks: the marina was less crowded, and our yacht was ready without delay. However, the staff, having worked all day, were understandably eager to finish. Sailing that evening wasn’t feasible, so we planned to depart Sunday morning.
For dinner, we visited the nearby Alimanaki Music Tavern in Alimos, enjoying delicious food and live Greek music—a delightful start to our journey.
Day 1: Alimos to Poros
Setting sail on Sunday morning, we headed to the picturesque island of Poros. Skipping Russian Bay and Paralia Limanaki, we stopped for a swim at Neorion Bay. Finding a spot at Poros South Quay was easy, and we spent the evening climbing the white stairs to the iconic clock tower, enjoying breathtaking views at sunset.
Day 2: Poros to Dokos and Ermioni
Departing Poros, we navigated through the canal and along the Peloponnese coast to the uninhabited island of Dokos. Anchoring at Agios Ioannis, we relished turquoise waters, snorkeling, and lunch onboard. Later, we aimed for Ermioni, but the marina was full. Attempting to dock between two yachts led to a dramatic anchor entanglement, drawing a crowd. With teamwork and classic anchor rescue techniques, we resolved the situation and anchored nearby, enjoying dinner in Ermioni.
Day 3: Ermioni to Anavyssos
To accommodate Amber’s early Wednesday flight, we sailed northeast to Anavyssos, anchoring at Agios Nikolaos Beach Bay. Alcmini arranged a trusted taxi driver, Thomas, to pick up Amber at dawn. The next morning, we safely transferred her to shore via dinghy, ensuring a smooth departure.
Day 4: Anavyssos to Kea (Tzia)
With favorable weather, we ventured into the Cyclades, setting course for Kea (Tzia). Passing Cape Sounion and Makronisos, we reached Ormos Livadhi. Despite challenges docking due to wind and a persistent dock attendant, we secured our spot. That evening, we dined at Nisos, a charming restaurant in Kea.
Day 5: Kea to Perdika
After a morning swim at Ormos Oryias, we returned to the Saronic Gulf, aiming for Perdika. Unable to find marina space, we anchored offshore, executing a Mediterranean mooring against the pier rocks. With assistance from my wife and a professional skipper named Phoebe, we secured our yacht. That night, we enjoyed dinner at Giovita’s, gifting her a Sailing Around polo shirt as promised.
Day 6: Moni Island
A short sail brought us to Moni Island, known for its clear waters, beach bar, and resident deer and peacocks. We spent the day swimming and relaxing before returning to Alimos Marina in the afternoon. Despite reports of rain in Athens, we arrived to calm conditions and successfully moored.
Day 7: Departure
On Saturday morning, we left the yacht at 9 AM. With our flight in the evening, we faced the common dilemma of luggage storage. Alcmini suggested a private car with a driver for a tour of Athens, keeping our luggage secure until our airport drop-off—a convenient solution detailed on the Sailing Around website under additional services.
Reflecting on our journey, this sailing adventure enriched our family bond, offering unforgettable experiences and anticipation for future voyages.
