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Chartering in the Saronic Gulf from Athens: what applies on a first charter?
Short answer
The Saronic Gulf off Athens is a popular first Mediterranean charter: short hops,
plenty of harbours and usually less wind than the open Aegean.
Greek rules still apply, and the real test is mooring in packed island harbours.
Chartering in the Saronic Gulf usually starts from one of the big marinas south of Athens, an easy flight from London, Dublin or Amsterdam. Aegina, Agistri, Methana, Poros, Hydra and Spetses lie a few hours apart, sheltered by the islands and the Peloponnese coast, and the meltemi is usually weaker here than in the Cyclades. That makes it a favourite for a first charter after an RYA or ICC course. What applies is still Greek practice: the base wants a recognised certificate of competence and a correct crew list, and the port police may check both.
The hard part is the harbours, not the passages. Almost everywhere you moor stern-to with the bow anchor down, and in summer the island quays are packed. In Hydra, where there are no cars and the harbour is tiny, anchor chains often cross, and the yacht leaving first lifts its neighbour's anchor with its own. The channel between Poros and the mainland is narrow and busy. Much of the charter damage in this area happens while berthing, and as skipper you are personally liable for damage you cause to other yachts.
Before booking, ask the base in writing which certificate it accepts for Greece, and at handover ask to see the crew list and the yacht's papers. Practise stern-to mooring on day one in a quiet harbour before you try Hydra or Aegina, and arrive in the popular harbours early in the afternoon. Lay out plenty of chain in a straight line so it does not cross other cables. And check that your own skipper liability insurance applies in Greece, on a first charter as on every other.
Worth remembering
Early in, chain laid straight
a berth and no fouled anchors
Late in, chain across others
fouled anchors, damage next door
In the Saronic Gulf the berthing, not the wind, decides how the charter goes.
Questions
What owners ask us about this
Is the Saronic Gulf a good area for a first charter?
Often yes: short passages, sheltered water and usually moderate summer winds. The challenge for newcomers is stern-to mooring with a bow anchor in crowded harbours, so practise it on the first day.
Is my ICC or RYA certificate enough for Greece?
The base decides, following Greek requirements. Ask in writing before you book which certificate it accepts, rather than finding out at handover.
What should I do if anchors foul in Hydra?
Bring your anchor up slowly until the other chain is visible, pass a line under it and make it fast, free your anchor, then slip the line. Do not power out against it; ask the neighbours or the harbour master if in doubt.
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