1. Where do we start our sailing holidays to the Greek islands? Which marina / port?
We start our trips usually from the center of the Cyclades, either from Paros or from Mykonos. Access to both islands is easy and convenient by flights from Athens or by frequent daily ferries.
Starting from the heart of the archipelago provides the best possible experience. Because of this location, we can usually reach neighboring islands in one leg instead of long zigzags against the wind.
The Cyclades combine cosmopolitan and wild scenery: Santorini and Syros architecture, long sandy beaches in Paros, Mykonos and Naxos, plus remote gems like Schinoussa, Kimolos and Polyegos.
Sailing distances are ideal: long enough to enjoy the sailing itself, but usually short enough to keep crossings around 2-4 hours.
2. What is the embarkation time? Why the one week charter is 7 days and 6 nights?
Weekly trips usually start Monday morning at 8:30 AM and end Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM. Monday starts avoid Saturday harbor congestion and bay crowds.
Our one-week format is 7 days and 6 nights so the inter-charter night is reserved for full cleaning and preparation: interior and exterior cleaning, refueling, water refill, linen/towel turnover, and technical checks. This process often takes 8-10 hours.
Many Saturday-Saturday models lose a big part of the first day to turnover and paperwork. Our approach prioritizes sailing from day one, so guests can leave in daylight and enjoy an island stop immediately.
Contact us with your preferred departure date. Alternative start dates can sometimes be arranged.
3. What are the meal arrangements? What about food and drink?
Food and drink are not included in a skippered charter. This gives you daily freedom to enjoy local waterfront taverns and island specialties.
You can also cook on board. The yacht is equipped with fridge, gas cooker and a fully equipped galley.
Typical rhythm: breakfast on board or ashore, light lunch on board while anchored in a bay, and dinner ashore in traditional taverns. Every island has local dishes worth tasting.
4. Can I customize the itinerary?
Definitely. A private sailing cruise is meant to be tailored to your wishes and interests.
Your skipper still adapts the final route to wind and weather conditions. Some itineraries remain feasible in stronger winds, while others are not recommended because of sea state and shelter limitations.
The key to a perfect sailing holiday is flexibility.
5. Who are private charters for?
Private charters are perfect for couples, families and groups of friends wanting a fully independent holiday style.
No sailing experience is required to join a skippered trip.
6. Who will be our skipper?
You will sail with a professional skipper experienced in the area, focused on safety, route quality and local insight.
See the full captain profiles below.
7. What does the skipper do?
The skipper handles the yacht for you and ensures safety during the whole trip.
He recommends routes, places to visit, swim stops and restaurants, while also managing navigation, weather checks and all maneuvering operations.
His local knowledge helps you discover the islands in a safer and more rewarding way.
8. How do we help the skipper?
No previous sailing experience is needed for a skippered charter.
At times, one or more guests may assist during anchoring or docking: for example operating the windlass, passing stern lines, or helping in tight moorings when requested.
The skipper briefs everyone clearly before each action. Help with hoisting/trimming sails can also be requested and is often one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip.
9. What should I pack?
Recommended packing list:
- Passports for all passengers.
- Shoes with soft non-marking soles for onboard use only.
- Beach towel (bath towels are on board, but a beach towel is useful after swims).
- Windproof jacket for breezy days.
- Toiletries and sunscreen (cream type is usually easier than spray onboard).
- Light summer clothing, plus a jacket/sweater for spring or autumn evenings.
- At least two swimsuits.
- Driving license (plus international permit where required) if you plan to rent a vehicle on islands.
For electronics, bring compatible 12V car chargers and USB cables for your own devices. Test them in your car before travel to confirm compatibility.
Vitamin Sea has two 12V socket plugs and four USB ports. If it works in your car, it will normally work on board as well.
Inverters are not allowed onboard because they can overdraw batteries needed for shower, toilets, lights and fridge.
Pack light and use soft foldable luggage (duffel/backpack). It is much easier to store on a sailboat.
10. Is there music on board Vitamin Sea?
The sailboat is equipped with a HiFi car radio/player. Bring your favorite music on compatible devices and connect through AUX where supported.
For iPhones and some newer devices, bring your adapter/cable setup. Download music offline before arrival, because cloud streaming or Spotify may not always be reliable at sea.
11. Can I charge my phone while on board?
Yes. The boat uses 12V DC systems (similar to a car/camper), including dedicated charging points for guest devices.
Vitamin Sea has two 12V socket plugs and four USB ports, plus USB ports in cabins. Bring proper charging cables and 12V car chargers for your devices.
If your devices need special connectors (for example USB-C variants, camera chargers, or laptop adapters), bring compatible 12V charging solutions before arrival.
Important: inverters are not allowed onboard because they can drain batteries needed for core systems (fridge, lights, toilets, pumps, shower).
If a specific device cannot be charged onboard, a practical fallback is charging ashore during dinner stops.
If any guest uses essential medical equipment that requires power (for example CPAP), arrange suitable car-plug adapters before booking.
If you plan to work during the trip, make sure your laptop can be charged through a correct 12V car adapter before departure.
12. Will I have internet during the trip?
When ashore in the afternoon/evening, many taverns, restaurants and bars provide Wi-Fi.
While onboard, internet depends on mobile data coverage. If your roaming package is limited, common options are:
- Buy a local SIM with data package (providers include Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova in Athens/Paros).
- Use an eSIM package if your phone supports it.
- Top up the local SIM available onboard when needed.
The easiest option for many guests is setting up connectivity right after landing in Athens, including airport tourist-card options.
13. Can we bring suitcases on board?
Soft-sided luggage (duffel bags, backpacks) is strongly recommended. It can be folded and stored after unpacking, which works much better with limited onboard storage.
For small groups, there may be temporary space for empty suitcases if one cabin remains available, but this depends on group size and cabin usage.
Hard reinforced or metal suitcases are not recommended onboard.
If you need to continue traveling with suitcases after the charter, luggage storage options are available near the ferry area in Paros (including Limani Cafe and Hotel Kontes area services).
