Terms & Conditions:

General:
Every contract for yacht charter made between the Owners and those persons listed on the booking form (hereinafter called the Charter Party) shall be subject to these booking conditions.

Insurance:
The yacht is covered with fully comprehensive insurance. This covers the yacht and 3rd party liability.

Personal travel and medical insurance:
In your own interest we strongly recommend that you are adequately insured before travelling. Before taking out a travel insurance policy check that it covers you whilst being on a yacht charter.You can purchase travel insurance through your travel agent. The Owners / Skipper bear no responsibility for medical and associated charges incurred by the charterers.

Cancellation:
Should you be unfortunate enough to have to cancel your charter, we will endeavour to re sell your charter on for you and, if successful, a full refund will be made less administration charges or discounts offered. We will also accept substitution/s of members of the party.  Cancellations, to be effective, must be made in writing and charges will be calculated from the date notification is received by us.  We reserve the right to claim cancellation charges calculated on the following scale:- 15 weeks prior to the first day of charter 50% of full charter fee. 10 - 6 weeks prior to the first day of charter 80% of full charter fee 6 weeks or less prior to the first day of charter 100% of full charter fee.

Security deposit:
Security deposit payments may be requested, and must be paid in cash or traveler's cheques on site. The security deposit will be refunded to you at the end of your charter. Deductions will be made any breakage's, damages or losses incurred as a result from negligence or failing to carry out instructions from the Skipper or Hostess.

Skipper and hostess:
The Skipper and Hostess are responsible for the safe conduct of the charter party and yacht, and reserve the right to vary the itinerary if in their opinion weather or conditions demand it. They alone shall decided whether or not a passage shall be made and have the right to withdraw any member/members of the charter party who refuses to comply with their instructions or orders which in their opinion hazards the safety of any member of the crew or yacht. In this most unlikely event the Owners/Skipper/Hostess shall have no further liability to the persons concerned.

Yacht availability:
Should your yacht not be available when you arrive through no fault of the owners, the owners reserve the right to substitute an alternative yacht, if necessary a different type but of similar dimensions and facilities. If an alternative yacht is not available A FULL REFUND of the payments made will be forwarded to you.

Delays:
In the interest of safety, delays either way caused by bad weather will be forfeited by the charterer. It will be at the discretion of the Skipper to bring forward or to delay any departure time or date to avoid bad weather or adverse conditions that he feels may jeopardize the safety of the yacht or its crew.

Breakdowns:
The owners will endeavor to ensure that the yacht and its equipment are always in good condition, however we cannot guarantee that failures and breakdowns will not occur. We will always do as much as possible to carry out repairs quickly and efficiently. In any event the owners shall not be liable for any loss, delay, inconvenience caused to the charter party, due to any reason beyond our control.

Takeover and departing:
Takeover of the yacht is at 17.00 hours. You will be required to depart the yacht at 09.00 hrs on the last day of your charter.

Fuel and water:
The costs of any fuel and water lost due to negligence of the charter party will be the charterers responsibility.

Cleaning the yacht:
The charterers are required to leave their cabin and washroom in a clean and tidy state at the end of the charter. If this is not the case, a cleaning fee of 20 euro will be charged.

Bedding and laundry:
Blankets, pillows, linen and hand towels are supplied, however beach towels are not. Clients are required to bring their own beach towels.

Food and drink:
Continental breakfast and light lunch are provided as part of the charter price. Other food and drinks consumed on board are normally purchased by the charterers.

Gratuity:
This is left to the discretion of the charterers.

In 2004 Destiny will be available for cruising in various parts of the Aegean. During the spring we will be sailing south-west along the Peleponese, visiting the Islands of Aegina, Porus, Hydra, and Spetes on the way.

During the peak holiday months, we sail mainly in the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs, where the weather is good, the wind moderate, and there is easy access to the islands. There are a lot of interesting places to visit, as well as unspoiled bays should you wish.

Most guests fly to Athens, and we can arrange to meet you at one of the islands which are accessible by ferry or Flying Dolphin (hydrofoil) from Piraeus (the ferry port of Athens). A popular option is to spend one or two nights in Athens, seeing the sites, and then joining the yacht for 7 or more days of cruising.

Itinerary

A Typical Day on Board

We start off with around 9:00 with a buffet breakfast in the saloon where you can help yourself to- fruit juice, cereals, Greek yogurt, honey, lots of fresh fruit, bread and jam, with your choice of coffee or tea.

After breakfast there is time for a walk around the shops, and another coffee, or perhaps a frappe? (Greek iced coffee) Then it is back to the boat ready for the day's sailing. There are many tasks to prepare the boat for departure.  You may help with the anchor or bringing in the fenders or releasing the ropes. However, if you prefer you can leave it all to us, and simply sit on deck with your camera and suntan cream at the ready.

Once we leave port there will hopefully be enough wind to put up the sails and turn off the engine. One of the delights of a sailing yacht is to be able to go where the wind takes you, without a noisy engine. The breeze over the deck keeps it cool even on a hot summer's day, and most guests enjoy spending at least some time sunbathing or reading on deck. Other keen sailors may prefer to stay in the cockpit and take the helm, or handle the sheets (ropes) to keep the sails well trimmed. Depending on the wind and our chosen destination the sail may be gentle or more exciting, but we generally avoid long hard sailing unless that is what all those on board want.

After a few hours or so sailing, lunch will be served, if there is a bay in the vicinity the sails are put away and we drop the anchor and enjoy the tranquility.  Most people go for a swim or a snorkel, especially if there is an interesting cliff nearby with plenty of underwater life. By the time you finish your swim, lunch will be ready. Take your choice from cold meats and various interesting salads, all washed down with a glass of wine. Time for another sunbathe while your food digests, followed by a second quick dip in the sea, before we up anchor to continue the sailing.

Keen crew will learn a little of how to navigate, and how to plot the boat's position on the chart of the area, as well as practising their helming and sail-trimming. In good conditions we will sail all the way to our destination, but in light winds we may use the engine to assist us so that we arrive before it gets too late and the berths become very crowded. Again, everyone usually lends a hand preparing the boat for coming alongside at the end of the day. In Greece it is normal practice to use a technique called 'Med mooring', where the yacht is reversed in to the quay.

Most guests like to relax with a drink once the boat has been tied up. In Greece everything is open in the evening and it is common to eat late, so there is plenty of time for sight-seeing and shopping before the evening meal. Perhaps you will take a bus or taxi to the ancient site near the town, or walk to the top of a nearby hill for the view. Maybe your interests will lead you to simply wander the narrow streets browsing in shop windows.

After a refreshing shower, you are ready for your food. You may have seen a taverna or restaurant that you would like to try, or you can ask for a recommendation. Greek meals are informal, and it is common for the party to order a number of starters (mezes) and main courses to share between them. You will find plenty of fish restaurants if you like seafood, and should try octopus and calamari at least once. You may be content with the house wine or retsina, a resinated wine that is a bit of an acquired taste, or you may prefer to order something better from a bottle.

You can sit at your table for as long as you like, watching the people pass by. If you prefer, you will often find a club, music bar, or disco in which to while away the evening - into the small hours in some cases. Be warned though - you may find that the sea air and exercise combine to make you sleepy and you may decide not to dance the night away after all, but to head back to your cabin or a deep sleep, rocked by gentle waves.

Suggestions

Clothes - Sailing holidays are very informal. You will need to pack swimwear, shorts and T-shirts, or sundresses. You will want light casual clothes for evening, possibly a light jacket. Do not bring too much as you won't need it and storage space is limited on a sailing boat.

Footwear - Although most guests spend a lot of the time barefoot, a pair of shoes with non slip soles are useful for sailing. You can buy special ''boat shoes'' but ordinary gym shoes are also suitable. Do not wear high heels or shoes with large grips on the sole while on board. Plastic shoes provide protection for swimming off rocks.  If you intend to do a lot of sightseeing you will need suitable footwear for walking.

Other - If you are fair skinned you should bring something to cover and protect your arms and legs during the first days in the sun. Be sure to remember your sunglasses, a beach towel, and sunscreen lotion. If you want to snorkel and already have equipment, by all means bring it. If you do not have your own equipment, we suggest that you wait to buy it here where it will be cheaper.

Electric Items - if you intend to bring a hairdryer, shaver, electric toothbrush etc. you should be aware that the boat doesn't have  240volt power.  You should bring a 12volt car adapter to charge your mobile phone.

Entertainment - We have playing cards and games on board, but bring books to read. 

Luggage - Pack your belongings in a soft bag for easy storage on the yacht. Please do not bring a suitcase, as there is not enough room to put it in the locker.