FAQ

Do I need to be an experienced sailor? 
No, we take care of all the sailing and mooring. However, although Sybaris is a very spacious sailing boat you need to know what it is like to stay on a boat, and be ready for some adventure. You can be exposed to the winds and weather and might need to share moorings with other boats in marinas and harbours, but this is the beauty of sailing, and is so much more exciting then staying in a hotel.

My English is not so good, is that a problem?
It shouldn't be, between us we speak English, Swedish, Dutch, French, and a little bit of German.

What is the weather like?
The summer months in the Aegean are generally hot with daytime temperatures up to 35C, and nice warm evenings. Rain is very rare, but with the Meltemi it can be windy. The water temperature in July to September is in the high 20's and very comfortable.

What is the the Meltemi and is it as strong as some say?
The Meltemi is a wind that generally starts in June, reaches full strength in July/August and eases off in September, it blows from the NE throughout the Aegean, but is at it's strongest in the central Aegean. It can be very strong (Force 4-6) and last for several days on end. Our routes all go from the North to the South, i.e. with the prevailing winds, and we have chosen our routes in areas with less wind. The further SE you get along the Turkish Carian and Lycian coast, the less strong the winds are. If you like good sailing the Meltemi is not a problem at all.

What do I need to bring?
Try to pack in a soft bag. That way it can be easily folded and stored away on the boat leaving more space in your cabin. Daytime you wear shorts and T-shirts or equivalent, and in the evening perhaps a shirt and on rare occasions long trousers and a sweater. You don't need to bring any rain gear, but a windbreaker could be useful as a backup. Swim clothes and snorkeling gear is highly recommended. Don't forget to bring sun tan lotion. A good camera is highly recommended as the scenery is stunning and the photo opportunities plenty. In general we advise you to pack lightly, you are on a boat and don't need much, and there are plenty of local shops in case you forgot something.

What happens if I get seasick?
If you know you are prone to seasickness you should take medicine before leaving port. You can also use the "sea-band" acupressure bands with great effect. We can to a very large extent plan the sailing to your comfort level because distances are typically short and we know the area well.

Is the area crowded with other boats?
Yes and No, the Northern Dodecanese are much less crowded than the Turkish Marmaris and Fethiye areas, but this is where local knowledge comes in handy. We know the area and are usually good at finding the right spot at the right time.

Do you know the area well?
Yes, we have been sailing in the area extensively since 2006, and being inquisitive by nature we have found many nice and exclusive spots. Being a very large area we can however not claim to know everything so we are also up for finding new exciting places to give extra spice if you want.

I am a Vegetarian, do you cater for special diets?
No problem, if you let us know well in advance we can cater for any special diet. The local cuisine in both Greece and Turkey are in fact very good for vegetarians with lots of excellent vegetable dishes cooked with totally fresh and natural produce.

Does the boat have all the safety gear?
Yes, the boat has all the required safety gear, and it is checked and maintained on an ongoing basis. Have a look at the page describing the boat for more information.

Can I get money along the way?
Yes, ATM machines can be found on most of the Greek islands we frequent, and in the main towns in Turkey. Banking is in fact very advanced in Turkey with ATM machines giving money in three currencies and if you want to open a bank account abroad this is the place.

How can I access the internet?
The marinas generally have WiFi as do some of the local jetties in Turkey. In most towns you are able to find internet cafes. While on anchor you might be able to access the internet via a mobile phone, but this is not a facility that is supplied on board.

What happens if we are delayed getting to the exit point?
Our routes are made in such a way that we always have a contingency plan. On the Greek islands it is always possible to take a local ferry, and on the Turkish mainland most places are only a taxi ride away.

What are the yacht facilities like?
We generally moor in a marina for the boarding and exit points, but then moor in local fishing harbours, restaurant jetties or in secluded bays. In the marinas you will find all facilities and we use them to fill up water and fuel as needed. The boat it equipped with tanks to last a few weeks of cruising.

Do I need a visa?
Greece: any EU citizen may enter Greece freely without any visa but must carry a passport, and non-EU citizens are generally allowed to stay three months without a visa (two for USA and a few other countries).
Turkey: most foreign nationals need to obtain a visa (exceptions include Sweden and France). Tourist visas (90 days) are issued at the airport and may cost around £10.