Beneteau Oceanis 60 under sail in Greece

When to book your yacht charter with Skipper or Crew

Booking Your Yacht Charter with a Skipper or Crew through Greek Island Yacht Holiday Should Be Done as Early as Possible

Greece is home to some of the world’s most captivating coastlines, tranquil blue waters, and stunning islands. It’s no wonder that yacht charters in Greece are a popular way to experience the country’s natural beauty and rich history. If you’re considering booking a yacht for your Greek Island adventure, one of the best decisions you can make is to book your yacht charter with a skipper or crew through Greek Island Yacht Holiday as early as possible. In this blog post, we’ll explore why booking a skipper or crew ahead of time is not only a smart choice but can enhance your overall experience while cruising the Greek Islands.

1. Ensure Availability During Peak Season

Greece’s high season for yacht charters runs from May to October, with July and August being particularly busy. During this time, demand for experienced skippers and crew members skyrockets as tourists flock to the Mediterranean for a summer getaway. Skippers and crew are often booked months, sometimes even a year, in advance. The best skippers and crew may be unavailable if you leave your booking until the last minute.

By booking your yacht charter with a skipper or crew early, you guarantee that you’ll have the most qualified professionals at your service. A well-experienced skipper who knows the best anchorages, restaurants, and hidden gems of the Greek Islands can make your trip unforgettable. Waiting until the last minute could result in a lack of choice, or worse, no available skippers or crew at all, leaving you with fewer options and potentially less quality.

Image. You should book your Beneteau 60 available for charter under sail early.
Skippered Beneteau Oceanis 60 – sail with max 4 guests and skipper – hostess/cook, or sail with max 6 guests and skipper

2. Benefit from Personalized Itineraries and Expert Recommendations

A knowledgeable skipper or crew member is an invaluable resource when exploring the Greek Islands. They are not only skilled in navigating the waters but also experts in local culture, history, and geography. Booking a yacht charter with a profesional skipper and cook / crew through Greek Island Yacht Holiday allows you to receive expert advice. Greek Island Yacht Holiday together with the crew will help you by crafting a personalized itinerary that considers your preferences, the weather, and the best places to visit.

Skippers can recommend secluded bays for swimming, local tavernas offering the finest Greek cuisine, and ancient ruins that are off the beaten path. Their intimate knowledge of the islands and the culture allows you to experience Greece in a deeper, more meaningful way. By booking early, you ensure that you secure a experienced skipper or crew with local knowledge who can offer you unique insights that you won’t find in tourist brochures.

3. Ideal Yacht for Your Needs

By booking early, you have more time to carefully select a yacht that fits your group size, preferences, and itinerary. Whether you’re looking for a spacious yacht with multiple cabins for family or friends or a smaller, more intimate vessel. Early booking allows us to tailor the yacht to your specific needs. You’ll have a broader selection and can choose a yacht that provides all the amenities you’re seeking—whether it’s water sports equipment, luxury interiors, or modern navigation systems.

Remeber, some sailing areas have less yachts available than others. It’s even more important to book your yacht with skipper/ crew for these areas as early as possible.

Book Greek yacht charter with skipper or crew early, When to book your yacht charter with Skipper or Crew
Sailing Areas in Greece, Cyclades, Argo-Saronicos, Peleponese, Sporades, North Aegean, and the Dodecanese

4. Stress-Free Sailing with a well-maintained and updated yacht.

Sailing in Greece can be a magical experience, but it can also come with its challenges, especially for those new to yachting or unfamiliar with the waters of the Aegean or Ionian Seas. Not all yachts are managed, maintained, and equipped to the same level, and the best yachts are booked early. By booking a yacht way in advance, you have a better selection of yachts to choose from.

5. Avoid Stress and Last-Minute Decisions

Last-minute bookings often result in stress and hasty decisions, particularly when it comes to securing the right yacht and crew. Booking your yacht charter with a skipper or crew in advance allows you ample time to discuss your needs, preferences, and expectations with Greek Island Yacht Holiday. Whether you want a relaxing holiday where you simply unwind on deck or an adventurous voyage exploring lesser-known islands, early booking provides you with the flexibility to tailor your trip to your desires.

You can ask questions, make special requests (like dietary needs), and discuss the best travel routes, ensuring everything is perfectly arranged before you set sail.

Image: Front deck layout of the Fountaine Pajot Saba 50.
Crewed Catamaran – Fountaine Pajot 50 – sail with max 10 guests with Skipper or max 8 guests with skipper and hostess/cook

6. Cost Efficiency and Better Deals

Booking early not only secures your ideal skipper and yacht but can also save you money. Many yacht charter companies, including Greek Island Yacht Holiday, offer early bird discounts and special deals for those who book their charters well in advance. These discounts can help reduce the overall cost of your holiday, allowing you to put your savings toward additional experiences, excursions, or luxurious upgrades during your trip.

Waiting until the last minute may result in higher prices, limited availability, and the inability to secure a specific yacht or crew member. By planning ahead, you’ll also have more time to compare options and make more informed decisions about what best suits your budget and preferences.

7. Avoid the Risks of Unqualified Skippers or Crew

When you book a yacht charter with a skipper or crew through a reputable company like Greek Island Yacht Holiday, you’re not just booking a person to steer the boat—you’re hiring an experienced, highly trained professional host. The crew members and skippers with Greek Island Yacht Holiday are vetted for their qualifications, experience, and knowledge of the region, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of service.

Image: Motor Yacht Azimut 68 under power
Crewed Motor Yachts – Azimut 68 – sail with Max 8 guests with 3 Crew

Conclusion

Booking your yacht charter in Greece with a skipper or crew through Greek Island Yacht Holiday as early as possible is a wise decision. Booking early can greatly enhance your overall experience. By ensuring availability, gaining expert recommendations, and enjoying a stress-free, safe, and personalized sailing adventure, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible holiday. Early booking also allows you to take advantage of discounts, avoid last-minute stress, and secure the most qualified crew members to make your Greek yacht charter unforgettable.

image: Alexandra and Walter, the profesionals that operate Greek Island Yacht Holiday

Alexandra and Walter

So, don’t wait—plan your dream Greek Island yacht holiday today and experience the magic of Greece like never before!