Monemvasia (Μονεμβάσια) is one of the most romantic places in Greece. It's a walled Medieval castle town built on the slopes of a rock. The rock was separated from the mainland by an earthquake in 375 AD. The name Monemvasia is derived from two Greek words, mone and emvasia, meaning "single entrance" and refers to the narrow causeway [...]
Worried about the Refugee Crisis?
A couple of people have expressed worries about how the refugee crisis might impact on their sailing holiday. It is a serious concern which I completely understand. I hope this post will give you some facts on which to base your decision about sailing here this year. As you're probably aware, refugees who arrive from Turkey [...]
Epidavros – Not to Be Missed!
© Ivan Varyukhin | Dreamstime.com Many people like to combine their sailing holiday with sight-seeing. It's easy to spend a day or two in Athens visiting the famous historical sites. But there are other notable places that you shouldn't overlook. One of the most spectacular is at Epidavros, in the hills above the Saronic Gulf. Epidavros (also spelt [...]
In Memory of George Burton
George Burton, the founder and Principal of Aegean Sailing School, sadly passed away in York at the end of February after a short illness. George was a man with a big heart and big personality. He first learned to sail in the Sea Cadets and qualified to skipper open boats by the time he was 12 [...]
Important Change to Day Skipper Certificate
One of the key announcements at the recent RYA Yachtmaster Instructors' Conference was that, from 2017, there will be a single RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate. The distinction between Tidal and Non-Tidal Practical courses will end. This brings the RYA in line with other international sailing schemes who do not differentiate between the certificates obtained [...]
Nektarios of Aegina & the Ship’s Engine
On Monday 9 November the island of Aegina, where we are based, was buzzing. Thousands of people visited for one of the last great holidays of the year - the Feast Day of St Nektarios of Aegina. The day always seems to be sunny for the procession and this year was no exception. So what's [...]
Greek Food : More than just Moussaka
Greek food is known for the freshness of its ingredients. That hasn't changed but the variety and quality of dishes has improved recently. When we first arrived here in 2000 we were impressed by the taste of the food but disappointed by the lack of variety. Greeks are traditional and it seemed to us that [...]
‘Ithaka’ with Sir Sean Connery
My thanks to George Giaglisis for sending me this lovely recital of the poem Ithaka. I thought it was well worth sharing with you. Ithaca was written by Constantine P. Cavafis, an ethnic Greek poet who was born in Alexandria (although his father acquired British nationality and the family lived in Liverpool for a while). [...]
Worried About Coming to Greece?
We've had a few phone calls and emails from people who are worried about coming sailing in Greece this year. Maybe you've seen scenes of demonstrations in Athens, or long queues at the ATMs? It's natural to be concerned when there are negative images on the news. But what's it really like? See what these [...]
Dolphin Spotting in Greece
Dolphins are fascinating sea creatures and have a special place in human hearts. You'll love to see these glimmering mammals if you come across them when you're sailing with us. “...To the Dolphin alone, beyond all other, nature has granted what the best philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage” - Plutarch Dolphins appear frequently in Greek mythology. In [...]