Frequently asked questions

No you don’t have to have experience to book any of our departures. Our professional skipper onboard will navigate the yacht by himself. Some shared departures include introduction in the basics of sailing for anyone interested. In case you wish to get engaged in the sailing process please let our team know during the booking process.

Private departures and only some of the shared departures are family-friendly activities. On those departures children are welcomed. If you are planning to travel as a family please inform our team during your online inquiry and we will come back with all the available options. Our skippers are used to host families on board and ‘happy children means happy parents’ is our slogan.

Pets are not allowed on board of any of our shared departures. Some of our private departures are pet-friendly and this depends on the charter duration, on the area, the yacht etc. Please inform us during booking of your private departure and our team will examine, approve and provide specific guidelines.

Shared departures are customized by the skipper to maximize the fun & safety factor. Yes, some private departures offer flexibility to plan your route, subject to weather conditions and local regulations. Share your preferences with us, and we’ll help craft the perfect itinerary for your adventure.

At SailwithGeorge, we focus on creating unforgettable, personalized sailing experiences. We are are a very approachable team so the interaction from booking up to the goodbye hug is a pleasant experience, exactly as it should be. Our fleet is impeccably maintained, and we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, offering local expertise and unique itineraries that showcase hidden gems in the Aegean.

George continues to lead some trips personally. This is how the SailwithGeorge concept was created and developed through the years, since 2010. However, as the number of departures and in-house yachts has grown over the last decade, George now leads departures alongside a trusted team of professional skippers. These skippers are carefully trained to uphold his core values, share his extensive knowledge, and match his passion for sailing. Rest assured, every skipper on the team is highly skilled and delivers the same exceptional quality of experience.

A shared charter lets you book a bed or a cabin and meet other travelers, perfect for those who enjoy a social atmosphere. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, small families or small group of friends.

Private charters, on the other hand, are exclusively for you and your group, offering maximum privacy and flexibility in planning your itinerary.

A couple, a small family or 3-4 friends always have the option of booking a private departure too (instead of booking beds or cabins in a schedule shared departure). It will naturally be considerably more expensive (vs a shared departure) in euros per person.

We offer both scheduled departures and custom trips. Most scheduled departures are shared departures (not always). If our published set dates don’t fit your schedule, you can plan a private charter on dates that work best for you, subject to yacht availability.

Our trips primarily explore the beautiful Aegean Sea, including most of Cycladic islands and other picturesque Greek islands of Saronic Gulf. The last few years we run departures in Ionian sea and occasionally in South Peloponnese starting from Poros or Porto Heli. Tailored made trips can be anywhere in Greek territory including Sporades, North Aegean and Dodecanese. Contact us to learn more about our routes and hidden gems!

The sailing season features mostly sunny days, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Winds are typically steady and predictable but vary by location, offering great conditions for sailing enthusiasts of all levels. The season starts mid-March and finishes at the end of November. Peak of the season is mid-July to end of Aug.

From mid June to start of Sep we have north prevailing winds which can be strong for a few days (eg 2-3 days) in a row. These winds are locally known as ‘meltemi’ and are very predictable. We always adjust the itinerary of the trip to maximize the fun and comfort factor for everyone onboard.

Lavrio is easily accessible from Athens, about an hour’s drive from the city or airport. Syros can be reached by ferry or domestic flight. We’re happy to assist with transportation options to simplify your journey.

For booking ferry tickets and checking ferry availability we use the very reliable and updated www.ferryhopper.com

Note that sometimes ferry schedules are published online 3-4 months before departure date and not 8 or 10months before departure date.

For booking flights to/from Athens from/to Greek islands we use www.petas.gr and www.skyexpress.gr

The sailing season typically runs from mid March to late November.

Booking is easy! Explore on our website the different available Ways to Sail in order to outline what is best for your needs. Then submit your Online Inquiry or just get in Contact with our team with any questions that you might have. We will then guide you through the few remaining necessary steps until you receive the Booking Confirmation in your mailbox.

Our published prices typically include the yacht rental, skipper fees, safety equipment, fuel, mooring fees, fresh linen and end cleaning and do not include land transfers or food. Check your quotation for all the inclusions as those are clearly mentioned each time.

Not included in our typical pricing: food & drinks, land transfers, food allowance and gratuities for crew

We strive for transparency. Costs such as skipper fees, fuel, mooring fees, fresh linen and end cleaning are most of the times included in the quoted price. All included costs will be clearly outlined during booking.

Tipping the skipper (and the hostess, if applicable) is customary when you receive excellent service during your holiday. Our crew are dedicated professionals who rely on this work to support their families, and gratuities represent an important part of their income.

The amount is entirely at your discretion. As a guideline:

• Shared departures: €7–10 per day, per booked guest

• Private departures: €300–€1,500, depending on the level of service you have received

Food and beverages for booked passengers (and crew) are typically not included but can be arranged as an add-on service.

The usual setup is that the group (both in private or shared departures) arrange its own provisions on board for breakfast and light lunch. A great teamwork. This process usually takes place on day one, just after the skipper’s briefing. You skipper will provide all needed clarifications

In case you choose for your skipper (or hostess) to arrange his or her own food then a separate food allowance of 40e per day per crew member is to be applied, payable in cash directly to the crew.

All yachts have fully equipped kitchens, so you can prepare your own light meals onboard.

Cancellation policies vary depending on the package and time of cancellation. Typically, refunds or credits are available if you cancel within the specified period. Please refer to our terms and conditions sent with our quotation for detailed information.

For ferries, check schedules online and book in advance, especially during peak season. Domestic flights to Syros are available from Athens, and booking early ensures the best rates and availability.

For booking ferry tickets and checking ferry availability we use the very reliable and updated www.ferryhopper.com

Note that sometimes ferry schedules are published online 3-4 months before departure date and not 8 or 10months before departure date.

For booking flights to/from Athens from/to Greek islands we use www.petas.gr and www.skyexpress.gr

We require an initial deposit to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due closer to your departure date. Full details will be outlined in your booking confirmation.

Yes, we offer secure online payment options, including credit cards and bank transfers, to make the process as convenient as possible. Contact us if you need assistance with payment.

Pack light, as space is limited onboard. Avoid rigid big luggage and prefer soft canvas luggage. Essentials include comfortable clothing, swimwear, non-slip shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a waterproof jacket (especially for months shoulder season). Don’t forget personal medications and chargers for your devices, your travel documents, your book and your favorite music (on your mp3 player or phone).

Our yachts are equipped with life jackets, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, flares, vhf radio for emergency calls and epirb transmitters for identification of boat location in any distress. Quite a few other essential safety equipment. Before departure, you’ll receive a detailed safety briefing from our team.

Safety is our priority. In case of bad weather, we’ll work always in your favor to reschedule or adjust the itinerary. Our team monitors weather conditions closely and provides real-time updates to ensure fun and comfort and your safety on board.

The Greek cell network provides access to high speed internet for your 4G/5G cell phone.

In addition some of our private departures offer Wi-Fi hotspot as an optional service. If you do need this service please specify during your booking process.

Coverage while sailing may vary (depending on your location) so planning important calls while you are on land and downloading necessary content before your trip is always preferable.

Keep in mind that many places on Greek islands offer free wifi.

Our recommendation is to reduce as much as possible online time when onboard so that you take full advantage of the rare-to-find contact with nature and other human being on board.

Yes, all charters include fresh linen and one big towel per person for your convenience. For extended trips, additional sets can be provided upon request or at mid-week stops with a small surcharge. Just let us know.

Your details are required for official crew lists, ensuring compliance with local maritime regulations. Providing this information in advance speeds up the check-in process and helps us prepare for your arrival so that we can assure direct access to fun.