Cyclades Two Week Flotilla

• Address & Map
• Arrrival & Departure
• Sailing Information
• Banks & Money Exchange
• General Information
• Electrical, Phones & Music
• Activities
• Provisioning
• Health & Safety

Address & Map

Address

Sunsail
Olympic Marine
Athens-Sounio Ave. 77th kn
Sounio-Attica
Lavriou PC 19500, Lavrio, Attica
Greece
Tel: +30 22920 63700 +30 22920 63700

SUNSAIL LAVRION BASE:
Base Manager: Yiannis Polikratis
Mobile no: +30 693 7262 730
E-mail: lavrion@sunsail.gr

Base Open Hours

Monday to Thursday: 9am-6pm / Friday and Saturday: 9am-8:30pm
Base opens 1st April to 17th November. (closed 18th November to 31st March)

Location

Sunsail’s Lavrion base is conveniently situated 38 kilometres (approximately twenty minutes) from Athens International - Elefterios Venizelos Airport.  Lavrion port lies on the southern tip of mainland Greece on the eastern coast, about 10NM from Sounion.  The Marina is 7 kilometres, approximately ten minute’s walk from Lavrion town.

Base/Shore Facilities

Olympic Marina facilities include: free car parking, chandlery, refueling station, mini-market, restaurant, café, bar, toilets and showers open 24 hours, laundry and dryers open 24 hours, luggage trolleys, first aid facilities and health centre, ATM & Wi-Fi Internet.  Olympic Marina also holds the prestigious environmental Blue Flag and ISO 9001:2000 certification

Back to Top

Arrival & Departure

Airport Parking

Save up to 30% when you book your airport parking through Sunsail.  Please call the team for more details.

Airport Hotels

We have preferential rates at many hotels at the UK’s major airports.  Please call the team for more details.

Time Difference

GMT + 2 hrs (GMT + 3 hrs from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)

Flights

• Gatwick Information 0844 335 1802
• Heathrow Information 0870 000 0123
• Manchester Information 0871 271 0711
• Luton Information 0158 240 5100
• Glasgow Information 0870 040 0008

Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend travelling light and using folding luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage whilst flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance. Thomson Airways carries no liability for loss or damage to valuable or fragile items packed in hold baggage however caused. You must not include in checked baggage money, jewellery, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.

If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials and ensure Property Irregularity Reports (PIR) are completed. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport

If you are taking our Thomson Airways flights and wish to enquire about pre booking seats please call the airline direct on 0844 871 1603. Group seats are available for pre booking through Sunsail. Call the team for more details.  Please note: Thomson Airways are unable to provide a priority check-in service for your inbound flight.  This service operates at London Gatwick outbound only.

Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.

Airport

Athens - Elefterios Venizelos Airport, opened in 2001, is approximately 30 kilometres east of Athens. The journey time from Athens International Airport to Syntagma, the centre of Athens, is approximately 25 minutes and to Pireaus ferry port approximately 60 minutes.

Transfers

For flight inclusive holidays transfers are included.  Transfers from Athens Airport to the Sunsail Base are approximately 30 minutes.

Upon your arrival at Athens, El. Venizelos there are several ways to get to Lavrion.   One option is to take the train from the airport (it's called "Proastiakos") and get off at the first stop called "Koropi". From there, you can get the intercity bus (KTEL) which runs every 30 minutes to Lavrion and takes about 40 minutes to get to the port.

There are also regional buses to Lavrion.  Buses depart from the Arrivals Level (close to Door 3) of the Airport. Ticket prices for one-way trip to the port of Lavrion, approx (€4).

The easiest way to reach Lavrion is to take a taxi from the airport (plenty of taxis waiting just outside) and reach Lavrion in only 15-20 minutes (depending on the traffic) and pay 20 - 25 Euros.

Luggage

We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

Passport and Visas

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return.  Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

If your child is not already included on a valid British Passport they are required to hold their own passport.

EU Passport holders do not require a visa.

Non-British passport holders should check with their local Consulate direct.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

Customs and Immigration

All visitors must have a valid passport or an IC for European citizens and onward ticket.
Travel formalities for Non EU Citizens: For the citizens of the EU, no passports are required. An ID is enough. There are no currency limit, customs formalities and vaccines required.

Travel formalities for Non EU Citizens: For the citizens from countries other than the EU, a valid passport is required. Visitors of some countries a visa is obligatory. There are currency limits and customs formalities. For more information, contact your embassy.
There is no departure tax for Athens.

On Arrival

Your yacht will be ready at 1800 hrs for boarding. Chart and Boat briefings will be scheduled. The chart briefing describes the cruising area and any potential hazards.

The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.

Out of Hour’s Arrival Procedure

The base personnel will wait for you until 9.00 pm. After 9.00 pm, you will find an information sign at our reception office with a message for you indicating your yacht's berth. Your boat will be open and indicated by a sign with your name. The boat's equipment will be ready for the night. The base personnel will be available the next day at 9.00 am.

On Departure

At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 0900 hrs so we recommend that you return to the base the day before.

Before departing your boat you will need to collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip.  This enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state.  We reserve the right to charge you for boats left less than shipshape.

Back to Top

Sailing Information

Cyclades Sailing Experience Level 2
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

Sailing Licences

Why do I need a Day Skipper or ICC with Sunsail when other companies don't ask for it?
By Greek Law, Port Police officials require a ‘Solemn Declaration’ to be signed and presented on request alongside the official boat papers, stating that you hold the relevant qualifications to sail in their waters. With 40 years’ at the forefront of the sailing holidays industry, we pride ourselves on being the best. Our valued reputation is second to none and we conduct all operations with great diligence, and according to the current laws and regulations of each destination. This is why we ensure that you have the necessary qualifications and paperwork to fully enjoy every sailing destination, and that you are made aware of any clauses or terms and conditions that may affect your holiday.

To charter a yacht in Greece, there must be at least one certified skipper and one experienced crew member, both over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know your position at any time.  The Skipper should be accompanied by at least one crew member (First Mate) of “Competent Crew” level (ASA 103 or RYA Competent Crew Course) or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association.*  As a yacht skipper, you are required to have a sailing license or a certificate from a recognized sailing association AND/OR an ICC or IPC as detailed below:

Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following:
• US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
• ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
• RYA “Day Skipper Course” or above
• Or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association

AND/OR

Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following:
• ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International – Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence from previous experience.
• IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America – Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”

It is suggested that skippers take their original copies of certificates with them, in case they are requested to present them in person.  If you do not have a recognized certificate, you should obtain one before your departure.
*If the First Mate does NOT have a sailing license, they must fill out a Sunsail sailing resume to confirm that they have the necessary skills to sail in Greece aboard a Sunsail vessel.  They must also fill out a Declaration of Honor to provide a legal declaration to the Greek Port Authorities that said crew member is competent to crew aboard a chartered yacht. 

Cruising Permits & Taxes

In Greece it is essential that we have all of the following details in advance: Full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality and passport no. /ID card no for every member of your crew so that your boat papers can be prepared. You will not be able to sail without these papers, and failure to supply information in advance could delay your departure from the base.

Please bring any RYA certificates or other sailing qualifications with you.

Night Time Sailing  

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

Cruising Area Limits

This information is covered in the chart briefing.

Mooring Fees and Taxes

Greece does levy mooring fees in some harbours, and these are not included in the price of the charter.

Most overnight stops in this area will be ‘bow to’ Mediterranean mooring on town quays. This will cost approximately 10 Euro per night to be paid at each town locally. Marina prices are considerably higher, depending on the size of your yacht.

If you stop free of charge at a private jetty it is expected that you will eat at that taverna.
Shower facilities are available at most restaurants for a small charge.

Area & Sailing

More information on the sailing in this area.

Charts & Pilot Book

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht
Charts and pilot books can be purchased from the UK chandler Kelvin Hughes by contacting them direct on 02380 634911 or www.kelvinhughes.com.

Skippered Charter Information

The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6:00pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and is your responsibility. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore.

The skipper must have his own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared head and size of the cabin. If you expect him to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.

For one-day check out skipper’s it is your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.

The average tip for a skipper is 15-20% of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.
More information on Skippered Charter options.

Cool Boxes

Cool Boxes are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign for these and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.

Back to Top

Banks & Money Exchange

Currency

The currency in Greece is Euros.
Money changing facilities are present in the majority of towns, although, they are not that readily available off the beaten track. Money changing should be done either with cash or by travellers’ cheques, Euro cheques and credit cards are rarely accepted, with most local tavernas accepting only cash.

Banks

Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8.00 - 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm- 8.00 pm.
There is often small exchange offices in town offering a better exchange rate than the bank. They are open from 8.00 am - 8.00 pm.
Banks are available in Lavrion town, Epidavros, Ermioni and also on the larger islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Spetsai.

Credit Card Information

Travellers Cheques and credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops in the major towns.
Please Note: Bases are unable to accept personal cheques and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.  

Currency can be exchanged commission free at any high street TUI TRAVEL retail travel agent on production of your Sunsail invoice. You can pre-order your currency from a TUI travel agent by telephoning them in advance on 0870 9005154 to find your nearest branch.

Back to Top

General Information

Language

The Language of Greece is Greek and English.

Cost of living in Greece

The cost of living in Greece is approximately 10% less than the UK.
 Prices in Greece usually include service charges although it is normal to leave loose change as well.

Restaurants

Maria Terlaki (kafenio) – Lavrion
Based in the central fish market – specialises in fish and seafood meze. Limited menu but good local ouzeria

Trehandiri Restaurant - Palio Limani – (old harbour), Spetses.
Tel:  +302298029413
A short walk along the sea-front road to the old harbour. The building retains its traditional architecture style, and the large veranda offers a panoramic view of the old harbour, the dominating light-house, the traditional boat-yards, the beautiful caiques and yachts.

There is an excellent choice of tavernas and restaurants throughout these islands.   Local Sunsail base staff will advise you of their whereabouts.

Tipping

Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.
Tip according to quality of service.

Shopping

Shops in Greece tend to be open from 9am-1pm and then in the evening, after siesta, from 5pm-8pm.
Special purchases include lace, jewellery, metalwork, pottery, garments and knitwear, flokati rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits.  Athens is the centre for luxury and designer goods and local handicrafts.

Hydra and Spetses offer a wide variety of jewellery, art, and boutique shops catering for sophisticated tastes. Regional specialties can include silver from Ioannina, ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos, embroidery and lace from Crete, the Ionian Islands, Rhodes and Skiros, alabaster from Crete and flokati rugs from the Epirus region.

Visitors should be aware that many ‘antiques’ sold to tourists are fake; it is illegal to export any item of real antiquity without a special permit from the Export Department of the Ministry of Culture.

Lavrion Town

Home to the oldest silver mines in the world.  There are several places to eat all around the main square (Plateia Heroon).  This includes lovely bakeries selling pastries and a number of harbour side tavernas.  There are also supermarkets and the National Bank of Greece in the town.  The weekly Thursday market has plenty to buy including wonderful fresh fish.

Hotels

Sofitel
Address: Athens International Airport 19019 SPATA GREECE
Tel : (+30) 210/3544000 Fax : (+30) 210/3544444
Includes fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, restaurants and bars
The hotel is 50 m from the arrival and departure terminals of Athens International Airport. The new Attiki Odos highway provides direct access to the hotel. 28 km or 15 min from the centre of Athens, the Maroussi shopping centre and exhibition centre.  

Hotel Saron
Sounio Road
19500 Sounio
Attika, Greece
Tel:   0030 22920 39144
Fax:  0030 22920 39045
www.saronhotel.com/home_eng.htm
Simple hotel close to Sounion and Lavrion

Back to Top

Electrical, Phones & Music

Electricity

The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Greece is 220 Volts and uses the standard European 2 pin plug. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220v you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.

Mobile Phones

GSM 900 and 1800 networks exist. Coverage is good around the major towns on the mainland and on many islands. Main operators include Cosmote, Q-Telecom. Stet Hellas, and Vodafone.  Please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You may need to activate international roaming on your contract.  

Music/Ipods

All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD whilst sailing you will need to bring along an I-trip or FM radio transmitter.

Internet

You will require a 3G key to get internet onboard which can be purchased from the airport ; Germanos shop, situated right in the arrival hall.

Back to Top

Activities

Car and Jeep Hire

Car hire is available at Athens Airport and throughout Greece – all international rental companies are available.

Watersports

Diving

Scuba diving in the Greek Islands with its crystal clear waters gives excellent opportunity for both beginners and experienced divers. There are a number of diving centres  throughout Greece.  

Watertoys available

Kayaks

Back to Top

Provisioning

Sunsail offers a wide range of Food and Drinks packages to suit your party’s needs.
Find out more about Provisioning options

There are also supermarkets in the town of Lavrion, a short 5 min taxi ride which costs approximately €5.

Back to Top

Health & Safety

Illness or Injury

If you are taken ill and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either your lead boat or at the Sunsail base. If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.
Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.
We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck.
Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

Back to Top