The Great Greek Fleet

The first large Sailingmint flotilla was a truly special event for us. Four yachts and forty-two participants set out together for a week-long sailing adventure in the Saronic Gulf. Two monohulls, a Jeanneau 54 and a Bavaria C50, and two catamarans, a Bali Catspace and a Bali 4.6. For me, as the skipper of the largest catamaran, it was a particularly meaningful moment, because the other three yachts were entrusted to skippers I had once trained during courses and cruises in Croatia, the Gulf of Gdańsk, Scotland, and Mallorca. Now they were commanding their own crews and leading large yachts on their own – a sight that filled me with pride.

We began on Saturday from Alimos marina, arriving together on a chartered bus (organised by Sailingmint). A smooth check-in, provisioning, a joint pre-departure briefing, and hoisting of the Sailingmint flags alongside Polish ensigns, and just like that, the flotilla was ready to leave that same day. Our first destination was Aegina, more precisely Agia Marina. Reserved berths awaited us in the harbor, as well as a group dinner at a friendly local restaurant. That evening, forty-two of us sat down together for the first time. Conversations mixed with Greek flavors, and the atmosphere immediately took on a convivial tone.

The next morning, crews climbed the hill to visit the ruins of the Temple of Aphaia. Ancient columns and a wide panorama of the sea left their mark, and on the way back to town, everyone sampled Aegina’s pistachio specialties – from creams and cookies to the famous pistachio ice creams in nine different variations.

The next stop was the island of Moni. This is where our first flotilla maneuver took place – rafting the yachts together. Each crew dropped anchor, and we led stern lines ashore. Within moments, all four yachts were secured side by side, creating a floating base. The turquoise water was irresistible for swimming. That image – four yachts joined together in the middle of the bay – became the symbol of the entire voyage.

From Moni we continued south. The forecast showed little wind for the whole week, but still we raised sails and made slow but steady progress toward a deep bay on Poros. It was here that I first dared to launch a drone from a sailing yacht underway – landing it back on deck was nothing short of exciting. Once anchored, we again formed a six-hull raft. At sunrise, we were awakened by a herd of goats clambering noisily over the steep cliffs ashore.

After breakfast, we sailed toward Ermioni with a stop at anchor in yet another turquoise bay. In Ermioni, we moored in the northern part of town. Despite the swell entering the harbor, everyone berthed safely. The biggest challenge was dinner – seating forty-two people at one long table. Greek dishes and local hospitality quickly made us forget the logistics behind it all.

The highlight of the voyage was Hydra. The port is famous for its unusual “grape cluster” mooring, where anchors are dropped in the middle of the basin and stern lines tied not to the quay, but to the bows of other yachts. We managed to line up all four of our boats together, which made a striking impression. Hydra itself is unique: stone houses, narrow lanes, no cars, and a distinctive artistic atmosphere. Walking through town, it was hard to believe this was just a short stop on our journey.

Of course, no trip is without its adventures. On departure from Hydra, one yacht’s anchor caught on a submerged chain, and later the rudder blade clipped another chain. A minor repair was required, and part of the deposit was withheld. Thanks to deposit insurance with Pantaenius, however, the situation was resolved quickly and without stress. It was an important lesson: even with the best preparation, the sea can surprise you, and proper insurance allows the voyage to continue smoothly. One must always remember to collect the necessary documents from the charter base, as required by the insurer.

After Hydra, we set course back to Poros. A bit of shopping, ice cream, and a stroll through town served as a short break, and the evening was spent at anchor in a quiet bay. Once again, we rafted the yachts together, shared dinner on deck, and swam until nightfall. The final night was at Agistri, in a small northwestern bay. Space was tight, but we managed to fit the whole flotilla. It was a beautiful setting to end the journey – calm waters, quiet surroundings, and our entire group moored side by side.

On Friday morning, each yacht left at its own pace, with crews choosing one last favorite bay for a swim or short stop. By the afternoon, all the yachts regrouped in Alimos. After returning the boats, we gathered for one last dinner together.

The first Sailingmint flotilla was more than just a week of sailing. It was proof that the training we provide truly prepares people to command yachts independently. For me, the most important moment was seeing all four yachts lined up together in Hydra, each skippered by sailors I had once taught. It was a symbol of the sailing community we are building – one that grows and develops with us. And I know this was only the first of many flotilla adventures still to come. □