In October, many of our Peninsula Sailors went for a charter adventure to Greece to visit some of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. We chartered three catamarans and a 51-foot monohull from Lavrion, about an hour southeast of Athens. Some arrived a few days early to explore Athens and others stayed a few days to explore the wonders of Greece. For most of us it was our first opportunity to visit.
Fun and certification during a club charter in Greece
We chartered for seven days. The weather was wonderful with average temperatures in the 70s each day and great winds most of the week. Of course, there wasn’t a bad meal to be had anywhere throughout the islands, and the sidewalk cafes were so pleasant to hang out at.
It was nice being right at the town quay and walking to shops and restaurants nearby on the various islands.
We visited Kea, Kithnos, and Siros during our week in the Aegean Sea. Each island offered a variety of environments and experiences.
Learning the art of Mediterranean mooring was challenging but rewarding at the same time, especially in the monohull! But after the first time it became easier with each attempt, and our crews got their roles down pretty well. I have to say having bow thrusters on the monohull was a real help!
One of our favorite spots was Kolona beach on Kithnos, a beautiful strip of land that connects the main island to the islet of Agios Loukas. The sea laps on both sides of this “column,” creating two distinct beaches with the same sand and calm, clear, azure waters. The water was slightly chilly but worth a swim, and there is a nice beach bar restaurant up the hill overlooking the anchorage.
Several Peninsula Sailors who went to Greece gained their ability to charter catamarans through our Nautic Ed training program, receiving their SLC international sailing license, and many continue regular skills training on an ongoing basis.
Come to the Baltimore Peninsula and visit us at Port Covington Marina or contact us at [email protected]. Our motto is “Sailing and Learning Together.”
By Richard Lee
