In May of 2023, I chartered a Beneteau 46.1 for two weeks named “Eaux De Vie” from Navigare Yachting, out of Athens, Greece. The charter company accepted my credentials as a Captain, so I did not have to worry about getting an International Yachting Certificate. Overall, Navigare did a great job. The boat was clean and ready to go with new house batteries.
My wife Kay was supposed to join us, but she came down with Vertigo three weeks before departure. So, it was me and my friends Jack, Amy, and Buck on a beautiful boat that had 4 cabins and 4 heads.
Given that this was a two-week charter, it enabled us to sail further south and explore the Cyclades Islands. This time of year is great because there were fewer crowds, the med moorings, bars, and restaurants were less busy, and best of all – no Meltimi Winds! Below is a screen shot of our routing for the entire charter using my Garmin InReach:
Before the charter began, I was able to explore Athens for several days while staying in a great area of the city called Plaka at a very comfortable boutique hotel with a balcony overlooking a square full of restaurants very close to the Acropolis.
Our plan was to cruise south to the Cyclades Islands with the goal of spending a few days in Milos before heading north again. The destination for the first night was Sounion, home of The Temple of Poseidon.
Later in 2023, I made up for Kay missing the Greece Charter by taking her on a 10 day Mediterranean cruise to celebrate her birthday on Celebrity Beyond (one of their newest ships). Yes, it was a bit more comfy and luxurious than a Beneteau 46.1 !
