We’ve answered your most popular questions…

Right now you're probably feeling like we did the first time we set sail. Picturing romantic images of sailing and yachts, relaxing under the gorgeous blue skies, diving into the Mediterranean to cool off, but wondering if a sailing holiday is really for you.

• What experience do I need?
  
• What other costs need to be thought about?
  
• What are the yachts like inside - features and comforts?
  
• Visa and Medical requirements for Greece?

To help you better understand sailing holidays, we have answered the most frequently asked questions!

Do I need experience?

No. All skippered yacht charters for groups of friends, families, singles, couples, learn to sail and special occasions have a dedicated professional captain onboard that does not require any of you to have experience. There is one type of sailing holiday we offer that you do need experience for and that is self-skipper or bareboat charters.

How many people can come?

You can book as an individual or 2-3 people for our share-a-boat trips. The maximum number of passengers we allow on Learn to Sail and Share-a-boat is eight. For whole yacht charter we can accommodate from 2 to 11 on any one yacht.

What day do the sailing holidays start?

All of the holidays run from 5pm Saturday to 9am the following Saturday. Additional days can be discussed on an individual basis.

What other costs do we need to think about?

Yacht running costs in Greece are very cheap.

• Mooring fees (parking) the boat can range from zero to €7 (yes seven Euro) per night. Serviced marinas such as Gouvia Marina in Corfu are more expensive but they usually include power, onshore showers, and useful facilities.
• Water - refilling the water tanks for showers and galley (kitchen) use will range from €2-10 per tank. With 8 people onboard you may need to fill water tanks 3 times throughout the week.

The last running cost to think about is fuel (diesel) so depending on how mediocre the winds are you can expect to pay as little as €20 per week if you're sailing everyday or up to €120 per week with little or no wind.

The only other costs you'll need to think about are food related for yourselves and the skipper and your flights/transport to and from the embarkation and disembarkation ports. We do arrange transfers to/from airports if required at no markup.

How many nights onboard accommodation is included?

It depends on how long your booking is. Most of our sailing holidays are for 7 nights and accommodation is onboard for all nights. Contact us to discuss fewer or more days if that suits your needs.

Who decides the sailing route - the skipper or us?

The enquiry and booking process, the skipper and yourselves. Requesting arrival at specific Islands for Special Occasions is important and must be discussed at the enquiry stage.

If, between booking your sailing holiday and arriving at the yacht you find friends will also be in the Greek Islands, mention this to your skipper and he or she will assess the request based on your start and end ports and the weather forecast. Where this is achievable, we are happy to accommodate the request.

What language will the skipper speak?

All of our skippers are multilingual. Please advise us if there is a preferred language to make you or your group feel completely at home. Other languages spoken by the Get Away Sailing skippers are Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, German, Dutch, French, Spanish and Italian.

Do I need to bring my own bed linen?

No. All linen, blankets, pillows, pillow-cases, face and shower towels are included in the yacht charter fees. You will need to bring a beach towel.

What do we need to bring?

You won’t need to bring much – you’ll be spending most of your time lazing in the sun or swimming in the sea! Shorts, t-shirts and swimming gear will be your staple dress, but throw in a pair of sandals for trips ashore - and if you’re planning on sampling the nightlife, a great dress or a smart shirt will never go amiss.

We provide all your bedding and a face-towel, so you might want to pack a larger towel to dry off after a dip in the sea. And that – other than a good book or two – is about it! 

What if we have a complaint whilst sailing?

Telephone us immediately. As part of the booking and confirmation process, you'll receive a Welcome Pack with all the information and contact numbers for use during your sailing trip.

How often will we go ashore?

Every day. The Get Away Sailing yachts are moored (parked) at a fishing harbour or port from the afternoon to the following morning.  There is time to explore the Island, go to the beach, relax onboard the yacht or shop!

What are the cabins like?

Most cabins are doubles that contain a double bed. These are normally side-by-side doubles, but are occasionally bunks. Some of our yachts offer single or triple cabins. The cabin layout of each yacht will be discussed with you prior to booking.

Are there toilets onboard your yachts?

Yes. All of our yachts have at least one toilet. The majority of yachts have more than one with some models having ensuite toilets for every cabin. The number of toilets is included in the results from our yacht search tool as WC/Toilet.

Do your yachts have hot water showers?

Yes. All of our yachts have fully equipped bathrooms complete with hand basin, hot water and toilet. The majority of our yachts have more than one shower and toilet with many large yachts offering ensuites with every cabin.

Is there a deck shower?

Each boat has a deck shower – perfect for rinsing away the sea water after a swim.

What’s the situation regarding food - can we cook onboard?

All of our yachts are furnished with a modern galley (kitchen), with an assortment of cooking equipment, pots and pans, cutlery, plates, glasses and fridge. It’s easy – and fun – to cook onboard, but dining out offers many exciting possibilities, too. A meal at a local, family-run taverna will cost as little as €12-15 per person (including drinks!), and is really one of the best ways to get the full flavour of the Greek Islands. No need to make any decisions now – just go with the flow!

What other equipment does the boat have?

Your comfort and safety are our highest priorities, and we take great pride in ensuring that all our yachts are maintained to the highest possible standards, inside and out. Every year, each yacht undergoes a rigorous inspection to ensure that it meets the highest standards in the sailing industry. Your instructor or skipper will give everyone a safety briefing before setting sail – and if you have any questions during your trip, just ask.

What if we want to swim for longer and stay in a bay overnight?

Requests such as this can be discussed with your skipper throughout the week. The overriding consideration is the safety of all onboard so the skipper will decide.

Will we have to sail at night?

No. Yacht with skipper and learn to sail courses only involve day sailing. If you charter a yacht and skipper yourself, you can decide when you would like to sail.

Will I be able to access the internet?

Not onboard, but the majority of islands have cafes with internet access.

Can I charge my phone during the week?

Yes. All yachts are fitted with at least a cigarette lighter socket and some have a European powerpoint onboard. As a backup, bring your standard wall charger with a converter for the European two-pin socket also useful in tavernas and coffee shops!

How do we get from the centre of Athens or Pireaus to Alimos Marina?

Alimos Marina is the same distance (10-15 minutes by taxi) from the centre of Athens and Piraeus.

If you’ll already be island hopping or arriving at a different port to Pireaus, contact us and we will advise you on the best transport options throughout the islands.

Where can I find passport information?

For British Citizens, detailed and up-to-date passport information to obtain or renew your passport can be found by visiting the government website www.ukpa.gov.uk. The UK Passport Office suggests passports be valid for at least six months after your return.

How long does it take to get my first UK adult passport?

Please do not make travel arrangements until you have a valid passport. To obtain your passport please visit www.ips.gov.uk You should allow at least six weeks to receive your first UK adult passport.

What are the visa entry requirements to Greece?

Greece is a part of the Schengen area and allows British Citizens and passport holders from the following countries multiple entry: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. British Citizens should visit the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk/travel for further information.

Non-EEA travellers to Greece must hold passports valid for at least three months after the intended departure date and visitors requiring a visa are also required to have medical insurance.

Where can I find online medical advice?

Travellers can seek online travel advice by visiting www.masta.org and www.doh.gov.uk

What do I need to receive healthcare in Greece?

British Citizens require a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive healthcare during your visit to an EEA country or Switzerland. For further information about the EHIC please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth office website.

Are my funds protected?

Yes Get Away Sailing takes financial protection seriously and deposits funds into trust on your behalf.

Can you help me with hotel accommodation before or after the sailing trip?

Everyone has their own budget and preferences when it comes to hotels. Of course, we can recommend our favourites – but with so many to choose from, we suggest you compare prices and available hotels by entering your criteria and preferences and make a booking online. 

Is there anything else we need to know?

Other than the fact that you are going to have the most wonderful, relaxing holiday? We think we have covered everything you need to know – but if you have any questions either before or during your trip, contact us by telephone or email.

I’d like to rent a yacht – what qualifications do I need?

If you’re interested in bareboat sailing, we require two people per group to take responsibility for the yacht. The skipper will need a recognised sailing qualification, and the second-in-command will need to sign a declaration stating that he/she is willing and able to assisting the skipper.

What is a bimini?

A bimini is a big canopy over the yacht's steering wheel and outdoor seated area.