Following the hugely enjoyable Greek flotilla cruises in May 2024, the Howth Yacht Club Cruising Group once again coordinated flotilla sailing for members. With varying availability and areas of interest, most opted to cruise the Ionian Sea, northwest of mainland Greece, while two HYC-skippered yachts ventured to the livelier Saronic Gulf, south of Athens.
On Saturday 17th May, three skippers and their crews travelled to their Ionian Cruise with two more heading for the Saronic Gulf the following day.
Earlier in May, Mags Ward and Neal Roche of HYC had each independently cruised the Ionian, while later, in early June, David Hopkins also joined a Whole Ionian flotilla.
By all accounts, great cruising was enjoyed by everyone — with notably livelier sailing conditions!
The yachts were well maintained and easy to handle, featuring self-furling sails, high booms, biminis to shield us from the Greek sun, comfortable three-cabin accommodation, and diving platforms for easy water access.
After a thorough initial briefing, we quickly fell into a relaxed daily rhythm — usually beginning with a morning briefing in a local taverna, followed by breakfast onboard in the glorious sunshine. Cruising distances varied each day, with the lead crew suggesting numerous anchoring spots ideal for midday swims.
If a trip like this sounds of interest to you and your friends you can contact HYC's cruising group to share their top tips with you or contact us at Irish Sailing if your looking to stay closer to home.
This first appeared on HYC's cruising homepage
A story written by Orla Clancy