In need of several answers re charter in Greek Islands

[bjciiimd]

We are planning a family vacation in the greek islands. We are all adults two couples Mom Dad, daughter and son in law and two singles. We currently have a window in April of 2014 for a week. Several issues. 1) Is april too early ie you will not go swiming 2) If we go in April would we be better to go as far south in the islands as we can. 3) We will need a captain. We all sail and charter in the usa but wouldn't want the hassle of bareboating in foreign country. Question here: 4) would it be better to get a private charter ie the captain owns the boat or are we ok with a charter companies with an assigned captain. Thanks for all input.
BJ

[Capt Phil]

As a former professional delivery skipper in the US (100 ton master with sail and tow endorsement), We chartered an Alba 55 in Greece for 4 weeks quite a number of years ago. We opted to hire a skipper affiliated with the charter company but not the vessel owner because we wanted a relaxing vacation with someone who spoke the language and was familiar with the not so travelled spots among the islands. We went in mid-May, picked the boat up in Rhodes and sailed both the Sporades and the Cyclades island groups. At the time of year you are planning your trip, I would spend it in the Cyclades as the water is a bit warmer as I recall. The Melteme winds that come out of the north can make crossing between the Island chains problematic in May-June I believe but the charter company can advise you on that.
Other than the PNW, the Greek Islands are some of the most beautiful you will find anywhere with the added advantage of the historical interest on many of them.
My father joined us for a short part of the trip and while he could take or leave the sailing, his interest in the history of the islands and the food made it a memorable trip for him. He was in his 70's when we went which made hiking to some of the more interesting spots a little difficult but he said he wouldn't have missed it for the world. Hope this helps with your planning... cheers, Phil

[jckb]

Originally Posted by bjciiimd

We are planning a family vacation in the greek islands. We are all adults two couples Mom Dad, daughter and son in law and two singles. We currently have a window in April of 2014 for a week. Several issues. 1) Is april too early ie you will not go swiming

Temp 14C to 18C, depending where you go. Too chilly for me! But 50% chance of unsettled weather for definition of unsettled weather there and "when to go"

2) If we go in April would we be better to go as far south in the islands as we can.

Reliable decent weather isn't "in" until mid May. And around then, yes, the weather is noticeably better further south; southern Dodecanese most promising (Rhodes, Kos), Corfu and N Ionian least reliable. But rather a lot of travel time wasted going anywhere distant from Athens

3) We will need a captain. We all sail and charter in the usa but wouldn't want the hassle of bareboating in foreign country. Question here: 4) would it be better to get a private charter ie the captain owns the boat or are we ok with a charter companies with an assigned captain. Thanks for all input.

Not many bigger boats (over 45ft) will be in commission until May except around the Athens area. Can't help with the captain question!