Chartering a catamaran in Greece, and who it actually suits

People assume a catamaran charter is for experienced sailors. In practice most of the ones we book are for families and groups of friends who have never sailed, going out with a skipper who handles the boat while everybody else swims. It is closer to a floating villa that changes view every morning.

Why a catamaran rather than a yacht

Space and stability. Two hulls means two or three double cabins each with its own bathroom, a proper saloon and a large flat deck. It also means far less heel under sail, which matters enormously if anyone aboard is nervous about boats. A monohull is better upwind and cheaper. A catamaran is better for sleeping, eating and swimming, which is what the week actually consists of.

Which sea

The Saronic and the Argolic, just south of Athens, are the gentle option. Short hops, protected water, Hydra and Spetses and Poros, and a route that works for first timers and children. The Cyclades are more dramatic and more demanding, because the meltemi blows hard from the north through July and August and it decides where you go. A good skipper will change the plan around the wind. Trust that when it happens.

What a week costs

It depends on the boat, the week and whether you take a hostess as well as a skipper. Divided by six or eight people it competes with a decent hotel, and it includes the transport, the swimming and most of the sightseeing.

We charter day boats and full weeks across the Greek seas, with the skipper included. Tell us how many of you there are and how much sailing you actually want.