Sailing the Greek Islands

June 21 - 28, 2025
$6,400 Per Cabin (1-2 persons)
Early Bird $5,900 till February 28, 2025
Book Your Cabin Now

September 6- 13, 2025
$6,400 Per Cabin (1-2 persons)
Early Bird $5,900 till March 30, 2025
Book Your Cabin Now

Price Includes: Pick-up / Drop-off from Airport, Double Occupancy Cabin, Breakfast, Snacks on board
Price does not include: Airfare, lunch, dinner, alcoholic beverages, hotels, ground transportation,

Sail with Ray and Nina

Sailing the Greek islands and exploring the cuisine is a truly enchanting experience. As you navigate the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian you'll discover that Greek cuisine is a culinary marvel that stands out for its unique flavours, vibrant colours, and wholesome ingredients. Together we will explore the islands of Spetses, Poros, Aigeana, Hydra, and the bay of Epidavros.

The Blue Zone Cuisine, History, Music, & Culture

If you're considering joining our upcoming sailing retreat, close your eyes and envision the blissful days awaiting you in the Greek Islands with Nina and Ray. Imagine awakening to the gentle sway of the sailing boat anchored in a serene cove with turquoise waters, the sun gracefully ascending from the sea's horizon.

Mornings start with coffee or tea, followed by a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. As we sail to the next island, immerse yourself in the joy of learning to sail with Ray—raise the sails, take the helm, and embrace the art of navigation—or simply relax, basking in the sun and the soothing Mediterranean breeze.

Delight in a gourmet Greek brunch onboard, featuring local treasures like creamy yogurt, golden honey, fresh walnuts, olives, artisan cheeses, and rich olive oils unique to each island. Arrive at ancient harbors lined with whitewashed houses tumbling down to the sea, where timeless charm meets the vibrant hum of life in these historic ports.

Evenings are a sensory celebration, with fresh, vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean feasts paired with the music, stories, and history of the region. Each destination offers a glimpse into a world where culture, cuisine, and tradition have thrived for over 2,500 years.

Imagine sailing through the same waters once navigated by Odysseus, surrounded by breathtaking sunsets, azure seas, and the magic of the Greek Islands. This is more than a retreat—it’s an odyssey of connection, discovery, and pure bliss.

The Islands and bays we will be visiting...

Epidavros

Old Epidavros is an ancient port active since 5th century BC
Epidaurus was independent of Argos and not included in Argolis until the time of the Romans. With its supporting territory, it formed the small territory called Epidauria. It was reputed to be founded by or named for the hero Epidaurus, and to be the birthplace of Apollo's son Asclepius the healer.

Perdika

Perdika is small fishing village in the SE point on the island of Aegina. It is a perfect example of a quintessential Greek small harbor forgotten by time and tourism. It has a population of approximately 900 people and is known for its welcoming culture.

Ermioni

Hermes's port has been continuously inhabited, at least since the times of Homer. Long before classical times ancient Hermione was settled by Dryopians. During the classic era it was well known for its shipbuilders and also for the production of porphyra, a very important red dye. This dye was used for the colouring of the uniforms of many armies including that of Alexander the Great. It controlled a wider region named Hermionis.

Hydra

A rich naval tradition and a cosmopolitan island ambiance are the defining characteristics of Hydra - a popular island in the Argosaronic Gulf - which attracts every year many personalities and jet-setters from Greece and abroad. This was the favorite destination and place of residence of painter Nikos Hatzikyriakos-Ghika, Leonard Cohen, and Henry Miller. The island’s great beauty was appreciated also by celebrities such as Maria Callas, Pablo Picasso, and Sophia Loren, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and so many more!

Poros

Its beauty has been praised by popular poets and prose writers, such as Georgios Seferis, Ioulia Dragoumi and the American writer Henry Miller. Pinewoods cover the island’s hills, and go all the way to the sandy beaches. The Poros Strait, and the seaside area of Galata with its pine, olive, and lemon groves surround the picturesque Poros town, where beautiful neoclassical buildings grace the seafront; it’s a place of great beauty!

Nina Crist, is a master Tai Chi teacher with over 20 years of experience in teaching martial arts, outdoor adventures, and wilderness survival. Nina is an avid sailor and has explored the Greek Islands and the Virgin Islands.
Nina and Ray have been leading sailing retreats in the Mediterranean, the Ionian and the Aegean Seas, as well as the Caribbean and Virgin Islands! They share from their heart, and their passion for sailing and life.

Ray Crist, is a licensed captain since 1992 and has since sailed theGreek islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean Sea as well as the Caribbean and the Virgin Islands. As a native Greek he knows all the Greek island ports, secluded coves, swimming sports as well as restaurants and the great places to shop on all the islands. You are in for treat as Ray is a connoisseur of gourmet food, healthy living and will guide you into a deep relaxing experience!

FAQS

To ensure your comfort, safety, and to fully enjoy your trip it is essential to have with you a few things you may need and know more about your trip:

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Arrival/Departure

We have a taxi service from the airport to the marina at 11:00 am on the day of arrival and from the marina to the airport at 7:00 am for your departure
(We do not provide shuttles for any other day/time/location)
If you have arrived a day or two earlier please arrange for a cab (NOT INCLUDED) to bring you to MARINA ALIMOS - KALAMAKI - PIER 8
Please verify arrival/departure times.
You should be arriving at the marina between 12:00- 1:00 pm on the Saturday of our sailing trip. We arrive back at the marina at 5:00pm Friday. Check out time is Saturday at 9:00am
(You can stay on the boat Friday night or book a hotel room (suggested) for that night (not included)
You can find many lodging options in Athens at Hotels.com and AirB&B
We are offering a week-long land tour of the ancient sites in the Peloponnese! Please make sure to ask about prices and book in time.

Luggage

How much room is there for luggage in each cabin on the boat? What do you recommend we limit ourselves to?
Space is limited on the boat! Please use a duffel bag so it is easy to store.
Is there off-boat luggage storage options for those who are planning to extend their vacation beyond the week?
There is a luggage storage room and we can also leave a couple of suitcases in my car that is in the marina

Bathrooms/Showers

Please explain the setup - when we will have access and what to expect.
4 cabins - 3 bathrooms. Two cabins have their own bathrooms and the 2 cabins share a bathroom.
Are towels provided? Soap and/or Shampoo, etc.?
Towels and hand soap are provided. Bring your shampoo or any other cosmetics you like to have.
What is the typical flow of the day - will we generally return to the boat to clean up/change for dinner? Or is it more casual than that?
Wake up swim, sail, arrive at a new island swim, go out to explore, at night go out to a restaurant.

Boat Security / General Internet Questions

What - if any - are the internet capabilities
We provide hi speed internet on the boat
General boat security - is it wise/safe to have computers/passports/phones or other valuables left on the boat during the day?
Your valuables are your responsibility. We ask you to be mindful of how you store/hide any valuables when we are all off the boat. Generally, boats are safe. In my 40 years of sailing, I have never had someone come on board to steal.

Money

Is there much need for cash?
Exchange 500+ Euros at the airport. Most places accept Visa and Master card (no one accepts American Express)
Is the currency Euros?
Yes
What is the price of a typical dinner?
Most dinners cost $10-$20 without wine. With wine and drinks that can go up to $40 / per person
What customary tipping practices should we be aware of?
15%-20% is considered a good tip

General Preparation

Seasickness - how often does this affect your guests and what do you recommend we bring to prevent/treat it?
We rarely get people who get seasick Usually, the weather is nice and we do not get waves. We have Peppermint drops and ginger that help.
What is the typical flow of the day regarding structured vs. free time? Are we all together all day or do we get to an island and explore on our own?
Think of your time here as a time to relax and enjoy. Most of the time is free time. We offer a 20-minute Tai Chi practice for anyone interested. Most of the time the team is together and there are also opportunities for you to explore on your own, or even choose to have dinner alone...
How long do we typically sail each day?
3-4 hours with maybe one day of 6 hours (Weather depending)
Do we need to prepare for rain?
Have a light rain jacket more for sea spray than for rain.
How should we plan to dress?
Mostly casual. Have one dress-up option for a night out to town.
Is there access to laundry?
Some islands have laundry. But you will probably not need it.
Any recommended must haves? i.e. particular shoes, sunscreen, waterproof bags, backpacks, etc?
Shoes with white soles, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" Hippocrates

Taste the pure ingredients born of a rich in mineral land, showered by the mediterranean sun and salty breeze.