August 24 – 31, 2024
You’re cordially invited to sail the Saronic Islands in Greece for my 40th Birthday— my first time to my ancestral home. Picture turquoise waters, breathtaking sunsets, and the warm embrace of Greek hospitality. Together, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture and flavors of Greece, savoring mouthwatering cuisine and dancing the night away under the starlit sky.
Details
We will be departing from The Alimos Marina on Saturday, Aug 24 between 3-4pm and returning to port Saturday Aug 31 in the morning. Food & travel preference sheets will also be completed ahead of our journey.
The total cost per person will range from $2,600 to $2,900 (depending on the total # of guests), covering the boat, seven days at sea, the captain, chef, and meals. Our week-long sea voyage offers a dedicated chef serving six breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners, complemented by light snacks, coffee, and tea. Alcoholic beverages will be ordered separately and we’ll organize a spreadsheet for guests interests.
For those interested, a group of us will be flying to Mykonos for two nights arriving Aug 22 and making it back to Athens on Aug 24th to board the catamaran. We’re staying at the Vencia Boutique Hotel. Feel free to make arrangements directly through their website: https://www.vencia.gr/
Itinerary Ideas
Mykonos
The Greek island where fun never ends! With its iconic Cycladic architecture, including whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, and legendary sunsets over Chora's Little Venice, it's a hotspot for cosmopolitan vibes and vibrant nightlife, earning its nickname "Ibiza of Greece." A beloved LGBTQ+ destination, Chora offers award-winning dining, designer shopping, and legendary clubs. From stunning beaches to water sports and cultural excursions, Mykonos guarantees an unforgettable vacation experience.
Epidavros
Nestled along the northeast shore of the Peloponnesus peninsula is the seaside village and harbor of Epidaurus--not technically a part of the archipelago but inside the Saronic Gulf. The town itself is small and charming but modern and does not have the old world idyllic Greek architecture found on the islands. Epidaurus is notable for its ancient theatre which is on the grounds of a significant archeological site in the mountains above the harbor.
Hydra
The jewel of the Saronics - In the 1950’s and 1960’s Hydra was home to a community of artists, many of whom were expats living in Greece, including the musician Leonard Cohen and author Axel Jensen. The steep climbing village surrounding the harbor has been a treasured getaway since the 19th century when wealthy merchants built “captains mansions” along the harbor in town. Hydra is one of the great secrets of the Greek Islands.
Poros
The main town on Poros is located along the southwest coast, the harbor runs along town and has two separate points of entry depending on which side you approach. Henry Miller famously described the experience of sailing into Poros as living out a dream of “sailing on land” as he entered the harbor glided along past pedestrians on the street beside him. Poros is also home to numerous anchorages well suited for an afternoon or an overnight anchored in sheltered coves along the island’s coast. Neorio, Elies, Russia Bay, and Bistiou cove are inlets home to stunningly clear waters with lush cypress trees for sailors interested in a quiet night away from the port.
Dokos
Continuing past Hydra towards Spetses the barren and dramatic island between them makes for a wonderful respite. Dokos supposedly has 18 residents but you will be hard-pressed to find them. This large Island has steep formidable cliffs on the southern side and a large protected bay that is devoid of infrastructure on the north.
Spetses
Perhaps more metropolitan than other islands on this Itinerary, Spetses has no shortage of gourmet restaurants or fancy boutiques. Sailing into Spetses most yachts will anchor outside the small inner harbor of Baltizas creek.
Aegina
The island of Aegina sits centered in the Saronic Gulf. Home to enjoyable easy-going towns with overnight protected harbors, it is often the first port of call during a Saronic Islands itinerary. The main port has a proper seawall in an unusual arrangement with the large boat harbor in closer to town than the small-boat harbor. Shops ashore feature a plethora of products made with pistachios that grow on the island. Take a walk off your sailboat and wander the streets where you’ll be welcomed by beautiful neoclassical buildings with bright colors, picturesque cafes, and restaurants offering fresh fish caught by the island’s fishermen.
Home Base: Bali 4.8 Catamaran
Step onto this luxurious 48-foot catamaran and enter your very own private island paradise. Boasting expansive decks, cozy cabins, and an array of amenities, you'll indulge in the good life from the instant you embark. Accommodating up to 12 guests, our vessel features four double bedrooms, two bunk rooms, and six heads for your comfort and convenience. Learn more about the Bali 4.8 “About Time” here
Meet Captain Jack
Jack first left Australia to cross the Atlantic aboard the original La Vagabonde monohull along with his cousin Riley and Elayna.
Bitten by the sailing bug, he started out as a charter skipper but soon gravitated towards instructing and found his calling there.
Now with 30,000 nautical miles under his belt, Jack is a sailing instructor with both the American Sailing Association and the Royal Yachting Association. Coaching is his passion and he works hard to ensure that people get as much hands-on experience as possible. You can find him happily manning the tiller while at sea or enthusiastically leading a group snorkel adventure.
Jack loves to sail fast and is always keen to get the best performance from his crew and the yacht.
Learn more about Vagabond Adventures here: