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How it works

Crewed trips - skipper & cook

Everything you might wonder about a fully crewed week - answered plainly, so you can just enjoy the sailing.

A crewed charter means a captain and a cook take care of the sailing, the route and the meals - you focus on the islands, the swims and the dinners. Below, 12 of the questions guests ask us most, grouped by topic. Not seeing yours? Your advisor is one message away.

The Crew
Who is actually on board?

A professional skipper and a private cook/hostess join every crewed charter - both live aboard for the week and are there from the moment you step on to the moment you leave.

The skipper handles navigation, mooring, weather calls and the day-to-day route; the cook plans and prepares meals around your preferences and handles provisioning, so you are never doing either job yourself.

Can I still sail the boat myself if I want to?

Yes. Guests who want to help out, take the helm on an open stretch of water, or learn a few basics are welcome to - the skipper is happy to involve you as much or as little as you like. Nobody is required to do anything; most weeks are spent simply relaxing while the crew runs the boat.

What language does the crew speak?

All of our skippers and cooks speak fluent English. Many also speak additional languages - let us know your group's preference when you enquire and we will match a crew accordingly wherever possible.

Food & Dining
Who decides the menu?

You do, together with your cook. Before departure we send a simple preference form covering dietary needs, allergies and general taste - the cook builds the week's menu around that, then adjusts day to day based on what looks best at each island's market.

Is dinner always on board?

Most breakfasts and lunches are on board, prepared fresh and often served while at anchor in a quiet bay. Dinners are flexible - some evenings on board, others ashore at a taverna the skipper recommends, depending on where you are and what the group prefers.

Can dietary restrictions really be accommodated?

Yes - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies and general preferences are all handled as standard, not as a special request. The more detail you give us in advance, the better the cook can plan provisioning before the trip starts.

Costs & Booking
What is actually included in the charter price?

The yacht, skipper and cook, fuel for a standard cruising itinerary, and all meals as described above. Not included: your flights to Athens, marina/mooring fees at some ports, drinks beyond a starter selection, and the crew gratuity at the end of the week - all of this is confirmed clearly before you book, never as a surprise afterward.

How does the deposit and payment work?

A deposit secures your dates, with the balance due before departure - exact terms are confirmed in your booking documents once dates and boat are set. Full details are always sent in writing before any payment is requested.

How far in advance should I book?

Peak season (July-August) books out early, often 3-6 months ahead for the most popular boats and dates. Shoulder season (May-June, September) has more flexibility. If your dates are fixed, earlier is always safer.

Life Onboard
What's a typical day like?

Mornings are unhurried - breakfast on board, then a short sail to the next spot. Afternoons are for swimming, paddleboarding or exploring an island on foot, with the boat usually anchored in a calm bay by early afternoon. Evenings are open: a taverna ashore, or a quiet dinner on deck watching the sunset.

How much sailing is actually involved each day?

Typically 2-4 hours of sailing between anchorages, planned by the skipper around weather and your group's preferences. Some days are shorter island-to-island hops; others allow more time on the water if your group enjoys it.

What should I pack?

Light, casual clothing, swimwear, a light jacket for evenings, and soft-soled shoes (no dark-soled shoes, which can mark the deck). A full packing guide is sent ahead of your trip once dates are confirmed.

Still have a question?

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