FAQ

Our detailed answers to your most frequent questions 

Learn about sailing in Greece and booking a bareboat or crewed yacht charter through Nausail. Contact us to find out more and begin your sailing journey.

Athens, Greece +30 6971 924649
NAUSAIL YACHT CHARTERS

FAQ

LOCATIONS: WHERE ARE YOUR YACHTS BASED?

Our yachts are conveniently located all around Greece! Athens (Alimos and Lavrio marinas), Paros, Corfu, Lefkas, Kos, Rhodes and Skiathos are our main hubs. All marinas can be easily reached within 20-45 mins from the closest international airport. It is also possible to arrange your own transportation (ferry, car, bus etc).

We are able to arrange boat pick-ups or drop-offs at any location in Greece for an extra cost.  In all cases, we will be happy to assist with taxis or other transportation arrangements and provide further guidance according your travel plans.

BOOKING PROCESS: WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Our booking process is quick and simple! Once you select your desired boat, we will hold it for you for 7 days during which we will complete 3 easy steps:

  1. You will send us the passport number, nationality and address of the main charterer(s) to prepare the charter contract.
  2. We will send the charter contract for you to review.
  3. You will pay 50% of the boat cost as down payment to secure your booking.

Once the reservation is complete, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with a charter code. This is your reference for all communications regarding your booking. At this point there are 3 more steps to follow:

Prior to check-in – up to 30 days before departure:

  • We need the ID/passport details (nationality, number, date of birth, address) of all the people on board. These are required by law for search and rescue purposes.
  • We need the final payment (the remaining 50%) for the boat.

At check-in:

  • You need to sign the charter contract and pay for any extra costs, whether mandatory or optional (end cleaning, skipper/crew, additional equipment, insurance).

BOOKING POLICY: PAYMENTS, RESCHEDULING, CANCELLATIONS

We normally require an advance payment (deposit) of 50% of the boat charter fee (=boat cost only, excluding cleaning, skipper/crew or other extras) within 7 days upon booking. However, due to COVID-19, we are currently offering a more flexible booking, rescheduling & cancellation policy for 2021 reservations.

A. For any booking confirmed until 28.02.2021:

  • A deposit of 30% is required upon booking within 7 days.
  • The balance payment of 70% is due up to 30 days before embarkation.
  • The charter can be cancelled free of charge, 90 days before embarkation and the deposit will be refunded immediately.

Rescheduling: In case you are unable to travel due to COVID-19 related restrictions (lockdown in Greece or country of origin, border closure, flight restrictions etc), we will accept a reschedule/change no earlier than 1 month before the charter start date in case of last minute travel restrictions

In that case we will offer a voucher that you can use later in the season or the following year. When rescheduling the charter, the client may choose to:

  • Change to a bigger or smaller yacht, subject to payment of any price difference.
  • Reschedule to a higher/lower pricelist period subject to payment of any price difference.

The rescheduling of your booking is always subject to availability of the desired yachts for the new charter dates. 

B. Reservation Policy for bookings confirmed after 01.02.2021:

  • A deposit of 50% is required upon booking within 7 days.
  • The balance payment of 50% is due 30 days before embarkation.
  • The charter can be rescheduled no earlier than 1 month before embarkation in case of last minute travel restrictions as described in Section A above.

Cancellations: The charter can be cancelled with the following conditions:

  • Booking cancelled >75 days before embarkation: 30% of the total charter fee.
  • Booking cancelled 74-31 days before embarkation: 50% of the total charter fee.
  • Booking cancelled <30 days before embarkation, 100% of the total charter fee.
  • If the boat is re-booked by another customer for the same period, the cancellation fees will be refunded and only € 150 dossier expenses will be charged.

INSURANCE PLANS: WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

There are usually 3 options offered for boat insurance:

  1. A refundable security deposit of €1,500-4,000
  2. A non-refundable damage waiver of €150-400 plus a refundable deposit of €500-1,000 (reduced liability)
  3. A non-refundable damage waiver of €250-500 (zero liability)

The exact amount depends on three factors:

  • Boat size
  • Extra equipment: SUPs, Kayaks, Gennakers etc. require increased deposits
  • Skippered, or bareboat charter (see below)

On skippered/crewed charters, guests are not liable for navigation related damages to the boat. However, they are liable for damages caused to the interior of the boat (sush as wood damage, upholstery burns) or misused/lost equipment (such as a lost winch etc.). Therefore a reduced security deposit is still required.

SAILING LICENSES: DO WE NEED A SKIPPER?

If you are looking for a bareboat yacht charter in Greece, you are required to have at least one sailing license available. An RYA Day Skipper license or other equivalent (national or international) certificate will be accepted, provided that it is also written in English. Any certificate not written in English will need to be officially translated.

Additionally, for safety reasons, it is highly recommended that at least one other group member knows the basics of navigation and sailing, and can provide assistance to the captain in case it’s needed.

SKIPPERS: WILL THEY FIT WELL WITH OUR GROUP?

Beyond being well-qualified sailors, all our skippers are experienced hospitality professionals with excellent knowledge of all sailing areas in Greece. They are also amazing individuals to spend your days on board with, and a lot of fun! Finally, they are very considerate with your privacy, and in case you are concerned about that, you may openly discuss with them (and us) any specific expectations prior to your journey. 

Your skipper will warmly guide you through the highlights of the Greek islands in absolute safety. You can plan your itinerary together based on your expectations and he/she will happily propose ideas for things to do and places to visit. All our skippers speak English (and often more languages) and are excellent with kids! They have handled children of all ages, including several with special needs, and we have always had excellent feedback.

CREWED CHARTERS: WHAT ABOUT A CHEF OR HOST(ESS)?

Yes, we do offer fully crewed charters! Additionally to the Skipper, a Chef or Host(ess) can join your trip if you are looking to feel thoroughly pampered throughout your sailing holiday. All our crew members are experienced professionals and amazing individuals to spend your days on board with. Our crew will go above and beyond for you to truly experience the genuine Greek hospitality. They will warmly guide you through the highlights of the Greek islands, prepare mouth-watering delicacies, serve your favourite cocktails, suggest or book restaurants and activities in the islands, and create the ideal setting for a dream sailing vacation. 

The daily rate for our crew is €150-190 for a Chef, and €130-150 for a Host(ess).

SAILING WITH CHILDREN: IS THAT POSSIBLE?

Sure! Sailing is a great experience for children of all ages. We will always ask whether you have children on board so we can provide appropriate life jackets.

Older children (6+ years old) will quickly adapt to the yacht premises and love being close to the water thoughout your holiday! For the younger ones (2-5 years old), for your peace of mind we recommend paying the extra fee of 120 for a safety net around the rails.

GROCERIES: WHERE CAN WE SHOP FOR OUR TRIP?

Groceries, food, drinks, medicines and a wide variety of items (clothing, sunscreen etc) are conveniently available in the supermarkets and stores located near the marinas. Some of the stores provide delivery services, whereby you can visit the store or order online and have the goods delivered on board at a specified date/time before your departure. We will also assist by providing a full list of groceries that we recommend having on board for your sailing vacation.

PAYMENT METHODS: BANK CARD OR CASH?

There are 3 elements to your booking:

  1. Sailing yacht: we accept payments by wire transfer or credit card. In case of card payment, we will need to apply a 2.5% surcharge due to the high bank fees.
  2. Skipper/Crew: You will usually need to pay for the skipper in cash, on arrival. However, we can also take the payment by wire transfer or bank card (+2.5%), especially if you require a crew of 2 or more.
  3. Other cash payments: End-cleaning, watersports equipment (SUPs, Kayaks, Sea Scooters) and other extras must be paid in cash, at check-in.

In the islands, you will easily find ATMs to withdraw cash should you need it for taxis, buses or tipping. All other transactions can be easily performed by bank card as the vast majority of cafes, tavernas, restaurants, grocery stores, shops, whether small or large, are POS equipped.

ACCOMMODATION: WHAT EQUIPMENT IS INCLUDED?

All our boats are fully equipped wih everything you need for comfortable living. Think of a hotel room or a small house: bed linen, pillows, pillow cases, towels (2 per person) and blankets are provided (1 set /person /week for each of these). All yachts are rented with fully equipped kitchens with gas stoves, pots, small/big pans, a french press (and often a coffee machine), various sizes of dishes, bowls, platters, glasses and all kinds of utensils and cuttlery. A freezer is often available additionally to the standard refrigerator.

Hot water is also available with engine use or by using the generator (where available). A/C is available on most higher-end yachts. Finally, all boats provide a Radio CD/USB system (with Bluetooth, for newer yachts) and several in/outdoor speakers so you can enjoy your playlists while sailing or relaxing on board.

COOKING: CAN WE PREPARE FOOD ON BOARD?

Absolutely! All boats have a refrigerator and often a freezer, where you can store food supplies. The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas stove and oven and all the essentials for cooking, serving and eating.

In case you have a chef on board, you are lucky! He/she will be able to cook and serve delicious Greek recipes or other dishes of your choice while you enjoy the sea, the sun, or just relax on deck!

PACKING: WHAT SHOULD WE PACK FOR OUR SAILING TRIP?

Sailing, swimming, sun bathing, walking around and exploring old towns and ancient sites are the main activities during your sailing trip.

For easier storage in the yacht premises, it is advisable to pack everything in foldable soft cover luggage. Do not forget your beach essentials such as swim wear, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, beach towels and flip flops.

For sailing & exploring: T-shirts, shorts, light clothes, sneakers/rubber shoes, a light sweater and jacket (preferably water/wind resistant) for dining outside and your night walks. If you are sailing in April/May or after mid September, warmer clothes (hoodie or warm jacket) will be needed as nights can get chilly.

There is no real dresscode for bars and nightclubs, so just dress comfortably and enjoy the exciting nightlife of Athens and the islands!

SNORKELLING EQUIPMENT: IS THAT INCLUDED?

Of course! All our yachts include at least 4 sets of snorkelling equipment, depending on the boat size. Special sizes (masks, fins) for children are often available.

However, if your shoe size is extra large (44+ EU / 12+ US) we may be unable to provide fins that suit you. No worries though – we will always let you know in advance and you will have the chance to bring your own or buy these upon arrival.

ELECTRONICS & CHARGING: ANY RESTRICTIONS?

Newer boats have plenty of USB plugs available in each cabin and in the common spaces. This means you can easily charge phones and tablets at any time. For laptops, hairdryers, coffee machines, TV or other such devices, 220V AC plugs (standard EU plugs) are also available. However these will only work when you are plugged on the shore power in the harbour, or when using the generator, which is only available on bigger boats (>48 ft monohulls, >41ft catamarans).

Older boats (built before 2015) will not always provide USB plugs, so you will need to rely mostly on the shore power or the generator for charging or operating these devices.

All boats have at least one 12V car plug available (the car lighter plug), so if you have a 12V to USB adaptor you will always be able to charge a phone or tablet using that plug.

WEATHER: WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO SAIL IN GREECE?

The sailing season in Greece starts around early/mid April and ends in late October/early November. From June to September (inclusive) the entire country offers warm weather, incredible sunshine and outstanding sailing conditions overall. The sea is at its warmest in early/mid September, with temperatures between 23°C (73°F) in the north and >26°C (79°F) in the south. In early May you can expect the coolest water temperatures at around 17-18°C (62-64°F) on average.

More specifically by region:

The Ionian islands are ideal for novice sailors as they are usually calm throughout the summer and autumn season. Occasionally there is a windy day, but that doesn’t last long. Even when it’s windy, the small distance between the islands means there is not enough space for the waves to build up. In May, September and October, you can expect a rainy or stormy day, but it’s mostly sunny with day time temperatures between 26-30°C (79-86°F) and 19-23°C (66-73°F) in the night (expect 3-4°C more on both ends in the core summer months of July & August)

The Cyclades are affected by strong winds during July and August because of the seasonal north meltemi wind, which starts blowing moderately around mid June. September is the best time to visit for the less experienced sailors as the winds calm down, the sea is warm and the weather is fantastic. Rain is extremely rare in the summer months (June-September). Temperature range is similar to that of the Ionian islands (see above), perhaps slightly cooler and much less humid in the summer months due to the breeze. The distances between the islands are bigger than in the Ionian, so you will spend a bit more time sailing every day.

The Dodecanese is located in the South East Aegean sea and is also affected by the strong meltemi winds in July and August. However the seas are not as rough because the islands are closer to each other. It is the sunniest area in Greece with over 300 hours of sunshine yearly and day temperatures remain in the high 20s and early 30s (83-89°F) until October.

The Sporades area is very similar with the Ionian islands across all points.

The Argosaronic area (close to Athens) is perhaps the easiest of all for the less experienced sailors. Aigina, Agkistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses and the areas of Epidavros and Nafplio in the Peloponese are very beautiful and well protected from all weather conditions, with sunny conditions and calm seas for the biggest part of the sailing season.

SCUBA DIVING & ACTIVITIES: WHAT ELSE CAN WE TRY?

Aside sailing, there is an incredible number of ways to experience the stunning beauty of the Greek islands and have fun near the water! Plenty of watersports activities such as water skiing, wake boarding, sea rings, parasailing, flyboarding, jet skiing etc. are widely available in the Greek islands, especially in the popular islands of Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Kos, Rhodes, Patmos, Corfu, Lefkas, Zakynthos (Zante) and Skiathos. 

If you are into Scuba Diving, impressive ship wrecks, gorgeous reefs, volcanic canyons and caves filled with beautiful marine life are waiting for you! The most popular spots are located in Amorgos, Santorini, Crete, Corfu, Mykonos, Kefalonia, Zakynthos (Zante), Lesvos, Chios and Kea (Tzia). Freediving experiences (and lessons) are also available at Aegiali, Amorgos.

Aside water sports, there is no shortage of land activities available in the Greek islands. You can try paragliding around the beautiful Myrtos bay of Kefalonia, base jumping at the impressive Navagio beach of Zante, rock climbing the thrilling limestone cliffs of Kalymnos, or explore the impressive topography of the islands by trekking their numerous mountains and gorges.

GENNAKERS, SUPS, KAYAKS: CAN WE RENT THESE?

Absolutely! We have a wide range of watersports equipment available for rental. More specifically:

  • Stand Up Paddle (SUP): € 120
  • Canoe-Kayak: € 120
  • Wind Surf: € 150
  • Seabob: from € 1450
  • Fishing Gear: € 100
  • Gennaker/Blister/Code 0 sails: € 175-200 plus € 300-500 extra security deposit

All prices are weekly. Any other equipment may be available upon request, just ask!