The Cyclades Islands – Greece
Sat 18th Sep – Sat 25th Sep 2021

About the Cyclades

Our trip the the Greek Cyclades islands has been postponed from May to September this year.  These islands lie in the Aegean Sea between Athens and Rhodes.  The name “Cyclades” refers to the islands forming a circle (“circular islands”) around the tiny island of Delos, once the trading centre for the whole of Greece.  There are some 250 islands and islets, among which only 24 are inhabited, with their blue and white villages, tiny churches, many windmills and steep and narrow alleys taking you down to the sea.

Itinerary

Rather than chartering from Athens this time we’ll be boarding the yachts on the island of Paros which is in the centre of the Cyclades.  It is possible to reach Paros in one day by flying to Athens and then getting a ferry from Piraeus on to Paros.  We’ll set off on Sunday morning and then have a week to explore some of the most attractive islands Greece has to offer. 

 Sailing Area

Starting from Paros gives us the advantage of being able to sail a circular route around islands at the centre of the Aegean archipelago.  These include the “back islands” of Iraklia and Schinoussa to the south of Paros as well as the tiny bewitching islands of Folegandros and Sikinos.  The smallest islands are usually the most special and these are no exception with harbours only able to accommodate 2 or 3 yachts. The Central Aegean islands are often inaccessible during the height of summer due to high winds (The Meltemi) but our trip later in the season should enable us to visit these gems.

Weather

By the middle of Sepember the scorching summer heat is over but it is still pleasantly warm with daytime temperatures of  21-28 degrees and an average of 7 hours sunshine a day.  Winds at this time of year are around F4 but can be stronger so expect some good sailing.  Many people consider September to be the best month to visit Greece with pleasant temperatures and warm seas.

 Travel Options

If you don’t wish to travel to Paros in a single day you can fly to Mykonos and then take a ferry to Paros the following day. Full details of travel options can be found here.  As the trip ends on a Bank Holiday weekend, you may wish to stay on for a day or two and take a ferry to Santorini or Mykonos for the night before heading home.

Click Here for Full Travel Options

Important Trip Information
The Cyclades

Embarkation: 1700 onwards on Sat 18 Sep 2021

Set sail: 1100 on Sun 19 Sep 2021

Arrival Back in Paros: 1700 on Fri 24 Sep 2021

Disembark: 0900 on Sat 25 Sep 2021

The Sundowners member price of the trip for the yacht charter is £450

Not included in the sailing event price are: flights, transfers to and from Paros, personal insurance, victualling, meals ashore, diesel, water, mooring fees, end cleaning, starter pack and any personal expenditure.

The Club’s standard terms and conditions apply. Full details can be found here but 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 damages.

The full cost of the deposit is 3000 Euros per boat.

FLIGHTS
Return flights are available from London to Athens for approx £199 (including 23kg bagagge) with British Airways.

Do not book flights until advised to do so by the event organiser.

Payment Schedule

Payment	Due Date	Amount
Deposit	Immediately	£100
Mid Payment	11 January 2021	£200
Final Payment	1 March 2021	£150
	Total Cost	£450

Bookings