We bareboat chartered a Jeaneau 43 through Moorings and picked it up at
Kalamaki Marina in June '97. We decided to go early to find the locals in a
good mood for dealing with us tourists, and we weren't disappointed. We did
find the water to be too cool for swimming in most locations in the
Cyclades, which was a disappointment.
Going early in the summer to avoid Meltemi wind was not successful.
www.sailingissues.com/meltemi.html
On the day we visited Delos (which cannot be missed) so we took the ferry
over from Mykonos (or Mikinos depending upon who you listen to). And had a
pleasant ride downwind to Paros (and took the hydrofoil from there to
Santorini) the next day in another blow, so our strategy of sailing early in
the summer to avoid Meltemi wind did not work out; however we defeated the
wind by touring the Cyclades in a clockwise direction, so we never had to
beat into that fierce breeze.

It's a great trip, and we had a lot of fun (2 other couples went with us,
and although it's sometime a trial trying to decide where to go and what to
do, it's recommended to take a few extra hands - did I mention that the wind
does blow, sometimes!).

Oh, by the way, the Greeks don't sleep at night, they have their evening
meal at 10 PM local time, and play most of the night (well the young ones
do) and sleep during the heat of the day (yes, it can get hot).

Phil


"Captain-T" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi. My wife and I are thinking about a 4-week cruise from Kos to Athens
in June. We have sailed throughout BVI and in the New York area, but
this would be our longest bareboat to-date. Does anyone have experience
and/or information about the best charter companies, times of the year,
and level of difficulty we are likely to experience in Greece?
Appreciate any tips/advice!
Thilo