Saronic Islands Greece Sailing Flotilla
“The Harbors and History Tour” – September, 2026
Island-hop the Athens Riviera, where waterfront villages, ancient ruins, and tavernas by the sea meet easy, line-of-sight sailing.
Sailing the Saronic Islands feels like classic Greece. Quaint harbors with church bells ringing, cats sunning themselves on the quay, and taverna owners who greet you like old friends. Neoclassical Poros awaits, along with the donkey isle of Hydra. Don’t miss the ancient theater of Epidavros or the pistachio groves of Aegina.
Short sails, easy island hops. Plenty of time for swimming stops in beautiful coves—history and tavernas by afternoon, and cobblestone streets and stunning sunset views for the evening.
It’s Greece: harbors, history, and simple pleasures woven into one relaxing week under sail.
🌞 Trip Highlights
- Spetses: Discover aristocratic charm and a vibrant seafront adorned with historic mansions.
- Epidavros: Visit the renowned ancient amphitheater, famous for its impeccable acoustics and stunning coastal setting.
- Poros: Relax in this serene island embraced by pine forests, dotted with waterfront cafes offering picturesque views of the bay.
- Hydra: (pronounced “eedra”) Wander through car-free streets lined with well-preserved 18th-century architecture, visit ancient fortresses, and explore artistic enclaves.
- Aegina: Explore the bustling main town with its neoclassical buildings and traditional Greek tavernas.
| DATES | September 5th-12th, 2026 |
| LOCATION | Athens, Greece |
AVAILABILITY |
2 cabins on the lead boat,
4 chartered boats |
PRICE |
€4900 per cabin (+€300 pp provisions)
Private Chartered Yacht €6,000 – €12,000 depending on boat type selected |
Boat & Cabin Options
By the Cabin
(Lead Flotilla Yacht – Beneteau 43)
• Double Cabin: €4900 per cabin (2 people) plus €300 pp for food etc
• Includes professional skipper and hostess, shared provisioning, mooring fees, fuel, WIFI, 2 ashore dinner events, and water toys
What’s Included?
- 7 nights aboard a sailing yacht (by-the-cabin or private)
- Flotilla planning + route support
- Experienced Greek flotilla leader on lead boat
- Daily sailing briefings + mooring assistance
- Welcome gathering + optional excursions and socials
- Mooring fees and water toys (on the cabin boat)
🚫 Not included: Flights, airport transfers, tip, or personal travel insurance
Meet Your Flotilla Leader
Kristel Zweers – Perfect English – American National Standards Sailing Instructor
In 2011, I returned to sailing as an adult, eventually buying a yacht that we based in Phuket, Thailand, while living in Singapore. With a long-term goal of circling the globe, I began formal training and completed the RYA Coastal Yachtmaster program. When life took an unexpected turn, and I moved back to the Netherlands, I realized I missed sailing too much to leave it as “just a dream,” so I turned it into my profession and became a charter captain.
Today, sailing is very much my full-time life. I captain charter boats, deliver yachts, and in April 2025 completed my first Atlantic crossing—an important step toward that original dream of sailing around the world, a voyage I now know I can undertake on my own. Alongside a career as a stand-up comedian (which, incidentally, is great training for staying calm and keeping people smiling under pressure), skippering has become the core of who I am and what I do.
Leading flotillas is my favorite way to share that passion. I love bringing like-minded sailors together, keeping everyone safe and confident, and showing them the anchorages, harbors, and hidden spots I’ve discovered over the years. Until it’s time to point my bow around the world, I’ll be happily at the helm—making sure your sailing holiday is as unforgettable as those childhood trips that started it all.
⚓ Why Sail with Kristel?
Calm, Natural Leadership
Former flotilla guests often compliment me on my “natural leadership.” Honestly, I’m never quite sure what that’s supposed to look like—I’m just being myself. I’ll guide you with a calm, confident presence, explain what’s happening and why, and make sure you always feel looked after on and off the boat.
Adventurous but Easygoing Itineraries
Nothing on my trips is carved in stone—except the rocks we might tie up to. 😉 I like to “go with the flow,” or with the wind, as you prefer. With the Saronic getting busier every year, we adapt to conditions and opportunities in real time. One night you might be on a lively quay, the next in a quiet anchorage or tucked up under dramatic cliffs. The constant: you’ll see the best the area has to offer.
Insider Access to the Best Spots (and Food!)
I don’t just know the sailing routes—I know where to find the good stuff. I love taking guests to my favorite anchorages, villages, and especially the local tavernas that serve the best food Greece has to offer. You’ll get the kind of recommendations you only hear from someone who’s spent a lot of time exploring these waters.
Safety and Comfort First, Always
Yes, I’m adventurous—but never reckless. Safety and comfort sit at the top of every decision I make: where we go, when we move, how we dock or anchor, and what conditions we accept. You can relax knowing there’s always a plan, and a backup plan, behind the scenes.
Your Holiday, Your Wishes
This is your holiday, not my training exercise. If there’s a particular island, village, or bay you’re dreaming of, I’ll do my best to make it part of the route—as long as it’s safe and realistic. You don’t have to do anything other than enjoy yourself. I might be working, but you’re on vacation!
🎒 What Kristel Handles
As flotilla leader, Kristel will be on the lead boat, serving as your guide and support throughout the week. She’ll:
- Lead daily briefings and route planning
- Coordinate moorings, weather routing, and logistics
- Offer local insight and activity recommendations
- Organize optional group outings (hikes, dinners, wine tastings, cooking classes)
Whether you’re skippering your own boat or joining a by-the-cabin trip, Kristel ensures you’re always in good hands.
Fun Fact
Some groups have been able to get me to do some stand-up comedy. For others, I have hosted a pub-style quiz.
Favorite Spot
I’m not telling you, hahaha just join and see!!! That’s my comedian side coming out. ;-)
Itinerary
This interactive map is a typical sample itinerary we have put together. The route taken during the week will depend on prevailing and current weather.
FAQs
✈️ Getting There: Travel Info
Fly into Athens International Airport (ATH). From there, it’s typically a 30–45 minute taxi or transfer to the departure marina (such as Alimos or another nearby Athens marina used for Saronic charters). Exact base details, check-in times, and transfer tips will be included in your booking information.
Who’s Going?
You + Couples, solo travelers, friend groups, seasoned sailors wanting extra tips from a pro, and first-timers. If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing Greece—but with a dash more adventure (and organization)—this flotilla is for you.
What’s a Flotilla?
A flotilla is a group of yachts sailing the same route—independently skippered or captained by you—but with shared support, camaraderie, and guidance from a lead boat and local flotilla leader. Think: freedom with a safety net and a built-in crew of travel buddies.
Every day is a mix of sailing, exploring, and relaxing. A typical day might include:
What Do We Do Each Day?
- Morning coffee on deck, then a flotilla briefing
- A short sail to a swim stop or lunch hook in a quiet bay
- Afternoon sail to the next harbor—maybe Poros, Hydra, Aegina,
- Methana, or a Peloponnese village
- Time ashore for walks, shopping, or a quick visit to a historical site
How to Join?
Spots are limited, and the Ionians is a popular destination. We’ve been doing this location for 5 years now and it is always a sell out. Questions? We’re happy to help you plan the perfect Greece sailing escape.
Ready for the kind of trip people talk about for years?
Let’s sail the Ionians together. 🌊🇬🇷
Author
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Last updated on November 25th, 2025
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