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Aegean Odyssey Cruises: Argosaronic Gulf Cyclades Islands
Island Hopping Yacht Cruises: Island Hopping

Sailing with Ulysses The sound of happy voices from tourists outside the yacht awakened me. Bob was still asleep, I wanted to snuggle a little more, but the aroma of freshly brewed coffee didn't let me do it for long. I pulled open the shade of the porthole and looked outside. There's a lot of activity at the pier, a small cruise ship had just docked. Many tourists disembarked the ship to explore the island. I quickly got up, prepared myself, and walked to the salon. Maria (our cook) greeted me with a wide, warm smile. The table was ready for breakfast with everything your heart could desire. Before I could ask, a cup of coffee was in my hand. "Joanne is outside" says Maria kindly. I climbed up the stairs and went to the cockpit. Christos (our skipper) had taken care of everything. The cockpit was sparkling clean, the table was ready. and the sun tent was open. The very bright sun was climbing and lighting beautiful Poros. The bright white houses were slowly changing color under the light of the sun, turning from light orange to bright sugar white. Looking a little further along, sunburned fishermen were cleaning their nets to dry. They were watching us, but pretended not to notice. On the yacht one after the other awoke and joined us in the cockpit. After we all had breakfast and our usual morning chat, some of us decided to have a walk in the village. "Rendezvous at 10 o'clock" announced Christos while he was preparing sails and ropes. We started our exploration, climbing a winding narrow road which took us higher and higher up the hill, until our yacht looked like a small dot in the harbour. The smell of the air was a mixture of lavender and lemon, and the bright sun kept on rising. Down below we could see the water passage of Poros with a view of the lush green landscape right across. The view was breathtaking, where beaches, coves, and boats were having a romantic dance on the beautiful blue sea. Suddenly, from far out, just like a dream, Ulysses' boat appeared with all her sails raised. Like in a fantasy, Ulysses was sitting at the helm, gazing at the horizon, always searching for his Ithaca to be together with his beloved Penenlope, not hesitating to fight with the monsters of nature, the sirens, and the cyclops. Just like a vision, he passed in front of us and continued his long endless journey. "It's about time to get back" said John from Connecticut, a guy who loved yachts and sailing, and so I turned back to reality. Going downhill was easy. The shopkeepers were bringing their merchandise outside in front of their shops for the tourists. The taverna owners were setting up their tents and tables, all preparing for a busy day. Christos was almost ready. The boat lines were loose, the engine was running, the sun tent was put away and everyone was prepared to leave. With one skillful maneuver the yacht left the pier and started to slide into the blue water of the channel. In a short while we were out in the open sea and Christos, with the help of John and Maria, hoisted the sails. The light fresh breeze filled the sails and our beautiful yacht gently heeled and started our journey towards Hydra, sliding with ease in the water, like a dolphin. Christos started his usual instruction in sailing for those interested. The rest of us relaxed in the cockpit, enjoying the sailing, the sun, and the sea, some of us either reading a book or chatting. It was a very relaxing moment being away from the harbour and its noise, with only the sounds of the air filling our sails and the water splashing on the boat's bow. Suddenly, just like a dream, or like in a fantasy Ulysses' boat appeared again. Ulysses was sitting on the helm, gazing at the horizon, smiling with confidence that he would reach his Ithaca. He sailed by our side for a while and only the noise of our sails being lowered brought me back to reality. He vanished before I could wave to him to wish him good sailing and to affirm that his wife Penelope is waiting loyal to him although there were many men who desired her. Our anchor dropped in a small beautiful cove that is formed between the small rocky island of Soupia and the coast of Peloponnesse right across from Hydra. Crystal clear water, a calm sea, and a strong sun that has reached its zenith makes me decide to dip in for a refreshing swim that I enjoyed very much. John and Joanne took the small dinghy to explore the nearby coast. Others snorkel or windsurf. Dave was fishing. All of a sudden he caught a small octopus and everyone was gathering around with curiosity. It was a very hot noon and the wind coming from the shore smelled wonderful. Close by two fishermen were pulling their nets and our yacht looked like a beautiful swan moving gracefully in the calm waters of the bay. After the swim, and a little sunbathing on the deck, my appetite started growing. Meanwhile, Maria had prepared our rich and appetizing lunch table. I had a Greek salad and mousaka (a greek delicacy) accompanied by a cold Greek white wine. Everything has been magical, like living in another world. After lunch I ended up in my cabin for a small siesta, as the Greek's call an afternoon nap. I awoke from the sound of the anchor being raised and went up on deck while the yacht was sailing towards Hydra. As the sun was setting, the rocky coast of Hydra and the surrounding houses took on a warm orange glow. Hydra from afar seemed impressive and rocky, and I never thought it could hide so much life unless I saw it myself. The unique and impressive architecture of the buildings that surround the harbour, the narrow winding streets, the numerous churches with their blue and white domes, the cosmopolitan shops, the famous restaurants, the impeccible cleanliness, and the total absence of automobiles makes Hydra the island I like most on my trip. We moored into a full harbour and after a hot shower we all got ready for our night excursion. Instead of on the yacht, Christos suggested to have our evening sunset drink in Lagoudera (a restaurant by the sea) and enjoy the sunset. It was magical. Sitting in Lagoudera's veranda, which overhangs the water, we all watched the sun setting slowly, giving a rich variety of colors to the water and surrounding land. The night was approaching, the air smelled fragrant. Watching the sunset, I was thinking how lucky we are to live in such a paradise. And again, looking at the distant horizon all of a sudden, Ulysses with his boat appeared in front of me. His boat with all his sails up was sailing towards the sun which slowly vanished behind Hermioni giving its golden colors. Without realizing, I stood up and waved to Ulysses. "Good trip Ulysses" "Have a good trip" I spelled out conquered totally with emotions. I continued to wave until his boat vanished into the horizon and the night was unfolding. Now I understand why they call Greece the "land of Gods." After all "Gods" would not settle for something less. The night went on with dinner in Lagoudera under the stars with the lovely sounds of bouzouki music. Fullfilled with the excitement of the day I retired to our yacht for a good nights rest. —Christine Summers Create your own story in the Argosaronic Gulf or Cyclades Islands!   Greece, with its 2,000 islands and over 250,000 kilometers of coastline provides excellent grounds for sailing. There is room to create many yacht cruise itineraries of high interest. We offer two cruises, and we will try to help you to choose from: Argosaronic Gulf: The Saronic Islands and surrounding coast of Peloponnese. This area is well sheltered and suitable for the first time sailors. There are no surprises with the weather and the islands to visit: Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses are close enough to one another so the itinerary is more comfortable. Cyclades: With Delos Islands in the center, Cyclades form a cycle in the middle of the Aegean Sea. Beautiful islands to visit but in much more open sea environment. July and August, the local "meltemi" north winds make it sometimes uncomfortable for the sailors. We decided to do this cruise one-way trip starting from Lavrion (close to Cape Sounion) and we included the cosmopolitan and beautiful Myconos, ending to romantic Santorini. If you have some sailing experience, this is a more exciting cruise with a lot of interest.