Athens & The Saronic Gulf
Sat 11th - Sat 18th September 2027
Overview
To conclude this year’s activities we’re heading to Athens for a cruise of the unspoilt islands of the Saronic Gulf and the Peleponese.
We’ll be setting sail from Kalamaki Marina which is located about 6km south of the city itself.
Athens
The city is dominated by the Acropolis with the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike. At the foot of the Acropolis is Plaka, probably the most atmospheric part of central Athens. Its narrow, winding streets contain neoclassical houses, Byzantine churches, ancient monuments, cafés, tavernas and small shops.
Hydra
Our first port of call will be Hydra which is arguably the most picturesque of all the Greek Island ports. There are no cars there and donkeys are the only form of transport, weaving their way through the myriad of back streets and alleyways. In the 50’s and 60’s Hydra became a fashionable artists’ colony attracting, amongst others, Leonard Cohen. His relatives still retain his house there.
Spetsai
We will also visit the island of Spetses is where superyachts bob up and down next to traditional wooden fishing boats and where the super-rich rub shoulders with the locals in quayside tavernas. The shipbuilders of Spetses still do things the traditional way and the shore is dotted with the hulls of emerging caiques and other sailing vessels. All are drawn to this pine-covered island for its secluded coves and clear waters and the glories of Spetses Town, the island hub, untainted by package tourism.
Epidaurus
A short taxi ride from the port of Epidaurus is it’s magnificent amphitheatre. Offering a capacity of 14,000 spectators, this ancient monument is regarded as the best preserved Greek amphitheatre in the world.
Nafplion
Napflion was the capital of Greece before Athens took on the role in 1834. The Old Town sits around a sheltered harbour and is largely pedestrianised. Its narrow streets are lined with neoclassical buildings, small squares, cafés, tavernas, boutiques and ice-cream shops. The waterfront promenade is particularly pleasant in the evening, with views across the Gulf of Argolis.
The city has a distinctly Venetian feel with it’s architecture reflecting the centuries when the area was controlled by Venice.
The Palamidi Fortress is spectacularly positioned on the 216-metre-high hill above the town. There are around 900 steps to climb from the town, with spectacular views over Nafplio and the sea.
Monemvasia
A possible destination is the medieval castle town of Monemvasia in the Peleponese. It’s nickname is the Gibraltar of the East or The Rock. The old or lower town of Kástro lies within stone ramparts on the Rock of Monemvasia’s lower slopes. A short walk across the causeway from the mainland takes you to the entrance portal in the walls. A few steps through the tunnel and you emerge into a sunny town of tiled-roof houses, attractive shops and cafés, pleasant squares, and tiny churches.
The Route
Day 1 Saturday – Gothenburg
Day 2 Sunday – Vinga
Day 3 Monday – Marstrand
Day 4 Tuesday – Rönnäng
Day 5 Wednesday – Mollösund
Day 6 Thursday – Tjörn
Day 7 Friday – Åstols
Sailing Conditions
This is a sheltered area so challenging sailing conditions are not expected.
The weather is usually pleasant for sailing at this time of year with daytime temperatures reaching 27 degrees. Winds are generally light but may reach F5.
| August Weather | |
|---|---|
|
Average Temperatures |
20C |
|
High Temperature |
22C |
|
Low Temperature |
16C |
|
Rainfall |
62mm in month |
|
Rainfall Days |
10 Days |
Important Trip Information
Embarkation: 1700 onwards on Sat 9 August 2025
Set sail: 1000 on Sun 10 August 2025
Arrival Back in Gothenburg: 1600 on Fri 15 August 2025
Disembark: 0900 on Sat 16 August 2025
The Sundowners member price of the trip for the yacht charter is:
Standard Berth £700
Single Occupancy Preferred £1000 Click for details
Basic Yacht Charter
Not included in the sailing event price are: flights, transfers, outboards, personal insurance, victualling, meals ashore, diesel, bed linen, end cleaning, water, mooring fees and any personal expenditure.
Yacht Deposit Indemnity Insurance should we take it.
The Club’s standard terms and conditions apply. In summary:
- Paying your deposit commits you to the trip and to paying all payments as and when required.
- If you withdraw from an event you are still liable for the full cost unless a replacement participant is found.
- If a replacement is found there will be an admin charge made for the change of participant.
- You agree to bear the shared cost of any security deposit loss levied by the charter company for loss or damages.
The full cost of the deposit is £2500 per boat.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are several airlines flying direct to Gothenburg from the UK including British Airways and Ryanair. There are also cheaper indirect flights available from the UK with SAS and KLM.
Do not book flights until advised to do so by the event organisers.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Shared Cabin | Single Cabin |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deposit |
Immediately |
£250 |
£250 |
|
Mid Payment |
1 Feb 2025 |
£250 |
£250 |
|
Final Payment |
11 Jun 2025 |
£200 |
£500 |
|
|
Total Cost |
£700 |
£1000 |