Greece Event Guide
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Vatro Kacic
Martina Cvitkovic
Aime Rose Cazenove
Aisling O Connor
Nenah Sade Tanjeela Hakim-Anderson
Route Managers
Host Managers
Route Medic
W28 to W30 • 04 Jul to 25 Jul
- Crew Yacht
IN AN EMERGENCY
If you have an emergency, your first port of call should be the COAST GUARD. Use channel 16 on your VHF to initiate the call and you will then be directed to another channel. You can also call 112 on any mobile phone, regardless of whether it has an operational service plan.
After the coast guard, notify the Route Manager as soon as possible for any major emergencies. For minor emergencies, contact your lead skipper.
Fill out an accident report ASAP:
EMERGENCY DROP LOCATIONS ON LAND
If anyone on your yacht needs immediate medical assistance, these are the best locations to meet an ambulance while at sea. The RM nominates a designated dinghy each week with the strongest outboard for emergency use.
Agia Marina Port (Aegina), Between Athens & Poros
20-min drive to the hospital on the west side.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergency Numbers (Greece)
Coast Guard
Emergencies at sea
- VHF Channel 16
Yacht Week comms
- VHF Channel 72
Poros
Health Center
Port Authority
Ermioni
Health Center
Port Authority
Hydra
Health Center
Port Authority
Embassies & Consulates
Embassies and consulates are the right point of contact for serious matters affecting a guest or a crew member’s home country. They are not a general help line. Reach out to the relevant embassy or consulate when:
- A passport is lost, stolen, or damaged and a replacement or emergency travel document is needed.
- A guest or crew member is seriously injured, hospitalised, or has died. Embassies can assist with notifying next of kin and coordinating support.
- A guest or crew member is arrested, detained, or otherwise involved in a criminal matter.
- A guest or crew member is the victim of a serious crime.
- There is a wider crisis (natural disaster, civil unrest, large-scale incident) requiring consular assistance.
- A guest or crew member needs welfare support and cannot reach family or friends.
Search online for the embassy or consulate of the relevant home country in Greece. Confirm the latest contact details and opening hours before calling, as these change. Most embassies operate a 24-hour emergency line for citizens in distress.
PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Standard YW pre-departure steps (crew lists, online check-in, lead booker / skipper check-in, deposits) are on the Yacht Week Operations page.
Guest Comms
In the Day 8 app you’ll be introduced to your crew before the week. If any crew members are missing from the introduction, email app@yachtweek.com.
Common reason: guests don’t check in until the last minute. We send multiple reminders to push them through online check-in, and only once they’re checked in do they get app access. The app is critical: it’s how the weekly schedule, last-minute changes, and push notifications about critical situations reach every guest. App usage and functionality is improving every season, and we want to keep all guests connected to each other through it.
Use the app as your number-one comms channel. This applies particularly to cabin and solo booking charters where guests don’t already know each other.
Do
- Encourage your crew to use the app.
- Send all messages in the app.
Do Not
- Start by asking your crew to join a private WhatsApp group.
- Switch to WhatsApp unless guests ask for it.
WhatsApp Groups
Please join the WhatsApp groups for the weeks you are assigned. Don’t join weeks where you aren’t assigned. Join 2 groups per week.
For each week we run 3 groups: one combined “All Skippers & Hosts” group, a Skippers-only group, and a Hosts-only group. As a skipper, join the All Skippers & Hosts group plus the Skippers group. As a host, join the All Skippers & Hosts group plus the Hosts group.
- Week 28 (Greece): All Skippers & Hosts | Skippers | Hosts
- Week 29 (Greece): All Skippers & Hosts | Skippers | Hosts
- Week 30 (Greece): All Skippers & Hosts | Skippers | Hosts
- Week 31 (Greece): All Skippers & Hosts | Skippers | Hosts
- Week 32 (Greece): All Skippers & Hosts | Skippers | Hosts
- Week 33 (Greece): All Skippers & Hosts | Skippers | Hosts
- Week 34 (Greece): All Skippers & Hosts | Skippers | Hosts
You can create groups in the YW App. There will automatically be a Skipper and a Host group in the app for each week. YW is building app functionality to meet operational demands, but it’s not up to speed yet.
Pre-Arrival Online Provisioning
We strongly encourage all hosts and guests to pre-order provisions online. Both shops below deliver directly to your yacht. Shopping in Athens is a hassle (taxis aren’t permitted down the piers), and day-of shopping can cause a 3-hour delay. Even if guests prefer to buy fresh produce in person, advise them to order water, alcohol, and snacks online ahead of time.
Include the yacht name and skipper name when placing the order. Payment is on delivery (cash or card). Multiple orders for one yacht can be made. Guests can place separate snack/drink pre-orders to the same yacht.
If You Or The Guests Cannot Pre-Order
- Balaskas offers free transport to their physical shop on check-in day, with return transport once the yacht is ready. Leave your cart at the exit with the yacht name and skipper's name. Card payment at the yacht. Recommend shopping 2 to 3 hours before the yacht is ready to avoid rush hours.
Provisioning Along The Route
Grocery stores at all destinations sell fresh fruit, veg, meats, water, ice, and drinks. Ask your leads for more information.
INTERNET & E-SIM GUIDELINES
1. Staff Data Is Mandatory
As a skipper or host you must have continuous mobile data. All Yacht Week operational comms run exclusively through the Day 8 app and WhatsApp, and you need reliable access at the dock, on the water, and on land. Public Wi-Fi at marinas and venues is patchy. Do not rely on it for comms.
2. Onboard Wi-Fi Rentals
Guests can rent a portable Wi-Fi dongle directly from their charter company if they want a shared network for the yacht.
3. Advising Guests On Mobile Data
Personal mobile data is technically optional for guests, but they need it to fully experience the Day 8 app. Pay special attention to non-EU guests or those with limited data plans, and advise them as follows.
EU Phone Numbers
Italy is in the EU. EU-issued SIMs operate under the “Roam Like At Home” rules, so a normal home data plan typically applies in Italy at no extra charge. Fair-use limits exist for very large plans, so guests should confirm with their provider before travelling.
Non-EU Phone Numbers (US, UK, AUS, etc.)
Advise these guests to arrange data before they arrive. Roaming fees can be huge.
Travel eSIMs (Highly Recommended)
Apps like Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad sell Italy or Europe-wide data plans that activate instantly:
- 5 GB (~7 days): roughly €10 to €15.
- 10 GB (~14 days): roughly €18 to €25.
- Unlimited Europe: roughly €25 to €40.
Physical Local SIMs
Guests can buy a local SIM (TIM, Vodafone, or WindTre) for around €10. The eSIM route is faster and avoids tracking down a carrier store.
US guests: confirm with the home carrier that the phone is unlocked before leaving home (usually means the phone is fully paid off). If the phone is locked, international eSIMs and local physical SIMs will not work.
Onboard Wi-Fi: WiFi can be purchased from some charter companies. Sunsicily (€50/week) and Spartivento (€50/week). Not available from DYC or North Sardinia Sail. Use it sparingly: the data limit goes fast on streaming. Marinas and most bars/restaurants also offer internet, but coverage is patchy on the islands.
LOCAL INFORMATION
Weather
- Average temperatures: 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F).
- Water temperatures average 24°C (75°F).
- Wear sunscreen. UV exposure is strong.
Local Currency
The currency in Greece is the Euro. Bring enough Euros for the trip. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most hotels, shops, and larger restaurants; American Express is accepted in some establishments. Most places are required by law to accept cards, but you are strongly recommended to carry cash for the week before leaving the marina (fuel, mooring fees, taxis).
Time Zone
Eastern European Summer Time. Sunrise approx 05:30, sunset approx 20:30.
Quiet Hours & Cultural Notes
- Designated quiet hours: 23:00 to 07:00 and 15:00 to 17:30.
- On some islands it's not appropriate to wear swimwear or bikinis when walking through town or on the dock.
- The majority of islanders are religious (Christian Orthodox) and this should be respected.
- No music on yachts after 22:00. This is enforced strictly in many ports.
Grocery Stores
Generally open 08:00 to 21:00.
Recommended Taxi Partner: Nikole's Taxis
Pre-book your taxi for arrival and departure. Airport queues are long, vehicle quality varies, many drivers don’t speak English, and rates fluctuate. Tell Nikole you are YW crew for a discount. All her drivers are fluent in English; a flat competitive rate is guaranteed.
Book: Nikole +30 690 777 7700 (WhatsApp/Viber) or nikole4taxi@gmail.com
Regular Taxi Fares
- Athens Airport to Alimos Marina: €45 (airport tax included).
- Alimos Marina to Athens Airport: €40.
- Alimos Marina to Athens centre: €25.
- Alimos Marina to Piraeus port: €35.
- Airport to Central Athens: €50.
- Central Athens to Airport: €45.
Rates apply for transfers from 06:00 to 00:00 and include marina and luggage taxes. Uber works in Greece, but only calls taxis.
GREECE KITTY & FOOD BUDGETS
The process is the same everywhere. See Yacht Week Operations. The figures below are Greece-specific.
Greece Kitty Amounts
- Classic Mono: €900
- Classic Cat: €1,100
- Premium Mono: €1,150
- Premium Cat: €1,350
Greece Food Budgets (Cabin Bookings With Food Included)
- 7 to 8 guests onboard: €840
- 5 to 6 guests onboard: €785
- 4 or fewer guests onboard: €630
TIPPING
Tipping is one of the most common friction points reported by Yacht Week guests. Different cultures have very different norms around it. Here’s where Yacht Week stands.
Don't Ask For Tips
- Do not send pre-arrival or onboard messages requesting an "industry-standard tip". Yacht Week is not high-end private charter. It's an entry-level product for young people getting into yachting, and it shouldn't be priced or pitched like a luxury crew gratuity model.
- Some guests will tip generously because that's how their culture works. Others won't, because that's how theirs works. Both are fine. The decision about whether and how much to tip belongs to the guest.
Why This Matters
- Yacht Week is built to be accessible: for young people, tight budgets, and first-time charterers. Heavy tipping pressure is one of the barriers that keeps people out of yachting, and that's exactly the audience we exist to bring in.
- Yacht Week created a new niche: youth and group sailing. We're not the wider private yachting industry, and the same compensation expectations don't apply.
- A YW assignment is a summer job, not a primary career. It's about having fun, making friends, and building a network. If our tip policy doesn't fit your personal financial model, the wider private yachting industry is available, but you'll need to talk to management before signing on.
The Reality
You win some, you lose some. The bigger yachts tend to tip more often, so the path to better gratuities is racking up multiple weeks and getting onto the larger yachts. Do the job well, treat your guests as guests, and tips will follow on the weeks that follow.
EVENT INFORMATION
Event Themes (Greece)
- Athens / Summer Chic. Button shirts. No flip flops or baseball hats.
- Poros / Love Bay: Beach party (no theme; dress for the beach).
- Poros / Malibu: No theme.
- Regatta: Dress to Express. Costume inspo
- Ermioni / Cavo Bianco: Riviera Radiance
- Agia /Ocean Beach : Golden Era
Festival Weeks
Discophoria (W33)
The best of original Yacht Week with a disco and house twist. Feel-good disco, techno, and house music in the heart of Greece.
Thursday (W34)
A specially curated festival week. Programming layered on top of the Original route.
Table Bookings
All table bookings via Eventbrite. Links shared on Sunday via the Day 8 app. Links shared in the morning, tables go live at midday. One table booking per yacht. Double bookings risk losing both. Table plans and minimum spends on the Eventbrite link. Bookings at Cavo Bianco (Wednesday) and SEEN beach (Thursday).
ARRIVAL & MARINAS
Skipper & Host Check-In
Done at the Yacht Week information point. For newcomers who need their kits.
Skipper & Host Luggage
Some storage space is provided in the container storage while you check-in or shop. The container is small. Please keep it tidy. We cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items but will do our best to offer a solution.
Marinas
Most yachts are in Alimos Marina, but all Navigare yachts are in Agios Kosmas. If your yacht is in Agios Kosmas, encourage guests to go directly there rather than to Alimos.
Check-In On The Yachts
Skippers and Hosts communicate with guests to meet at the charter company office once the yacht is ready (after the skipper check-in). Marina options are limited. Encourage guests to stay away from the marina until the yacht is ready. Recommendations for places to hang out are in the Day 8 app.
Luggage Storage
Luggage storage at Isobox Charter Village at Alimos Marina is €5 per bag and closes at 6pm. Alternatively, head into the city and leave luggage at Left Luggage Athens in Syntagma.
Marina Taxis
Big shortage of taxis in the Alimos marina area. Use Uber or Free Now (Greek app, taxis only). Pre-book in advance if you know you want one in an hour.
Night Safety In The Marina
Alimos marina is not well lit or guarded at night. Encourage guests to use the buddy system when returning to their yacht. All crew should also follow this.
ROUTE INFORMATION
Distances in NM, times based on 6.5 knots. Always check the most recent route information posted by Event Managers and Route Managers.
SATURDAY: ALIMOS, CHECK-IN
Schedule
- 10:00 to 11:00
Check-in setup (Check-in Manager).
- 12:00 to 13:00
Management meeting (Ops, EM, RM, Leads).
- 13:30
Host meeting at Isobox Charter Village (sharp).
- 14:00
All staff meeting at Isobox Charter Village (sharp).
- 14:15
Skipper meeting at Isobox Charter Village (skippers collect guest wristbands).
- 14:30 to 17:00
Crew/hosts who did not pre-order go shopping.
- 15:00 to 18:00
Coordinate with crew on yacht-ready timing. Keep guests away from the marina until the yacht is ready.
- 16:00 to 18:00
Yacht briefing, check-in, inspection (skipper + charter office, no guests).
- 17:00 to 19:00
Pre-ordered provisions delivered to yachts.
- 17:00 to 18:00
Invite crew onboard, show them around, conduct crew briefing.
- 17:00 to 19:00
Yacht hopping (event team).
- 19:00 to 20:00
Dinner (recommend yacht delivery via Wolt or Efoods).
- 21:00 to 05:00
Opening Party at Bolivar Beach Club .
DETAILS
- Provisioning
- Yes. Balaskas (online & in-store), Yachtness, Metro Cash & Carry.
- Cooler Boxes & Sound bokses
- Check with guests whether they want a cooler box. On smaller weeks they may get up to 2 boxes per yacht. YW offers the YETI Tundra 65 L free of charge.
- Mooring / Anchoring
- Yachts moored stern-to in the marina.
- Mooring Fees
- N/A
- Ice
- Yes. Delivery via Wolt, or collect from the fuel station outside the marina.
- Fuel
- N/A
- Water
- Yes
SUNDAY: TUNNEL RAFT IN SHIPWRECK BAY (POROS)
Schedule
- 07:00
Departure from Alimos.
- 07:00 to 15:00
Free sail until Tunnel Raft.
- 15:00 to 15:15
Route Manager and Lead Skippers begin to build the raft.
- 15:15 to 17:00
Build Tunnel Raft.
- 17:00 to 20:30
Tunnel Raft Party (DJs on the back of the crew yacht).
- 20:30 to 21:30
Dinner onboard yacht.
DETAILS
- Mooring / Anchoring
- Tunnel Raft (yachts in two parallel lines, sterns facing each other).
- Port Fees
- N/A
- Ice
- Drop organised to the raft once built. 2 bags per yacht.
- Fuel
- N/A
- Water
- No
- Groceries
- No
MONDAY: POROS
Schedule
- 08:00
Break tunnel raft.
- 09:00 to 11:00
Guest arrival into Poros.
- 09:30 to 14:00
Explore. Scooters for hire (with International Driver’s Licence) from Moto Stelios.
- 14:00 to 14:30
All Hands on Deck meeting (Skippers, Hosts, Event Team) at Malibu.
- 15:15 to 15:30
Guests get on water taxi.
- 15:30 to 15:45
Water taxis to Love Bay depart.
- 16:00 to 19:00
Love Bay beach day party.
- 19:00 to 19:30
Water taxis return to Poros.
- 20:30
Dinner at Oasis or Apagio.
- 22:30
Malibu Party. Local DJs, no theme.
DETAILS
- Sailing Information
- Sometimes the current in the channel stays on the northern side when approaching (depth).
- Mooring / Anchoring
- Monos take moorings alongside in front of Oasis. Cats go on the north side if there's no space in front of Oasis or Malibu. Standby on Channel 72. The acting dockmaster (Lead Skipper or Route Manager) does traffic control.
- Fees
- Yes. €250 per yacht from the kitty for the week's moorings.
- Ice
- Yes. Local supermarkets.
- Fuel
- Yes. Fuel trucks can be arranged.
- Water
- Yes. Taps must be turned on by lead skippers with keys.
- Groceries
- Yes. Along the riva: supermarket, fish market, butcher, vegetable market, bakeries, small liquor store.
- ATV Hire (Moto Stelios)
Call Moto Stelios in advance, especially in peak season. Venos: +30 22980 23026 / +30 6945 380151.
- Guests: Quad €45 / Scooters €25.
- Skippers/Hosts: Quad €45 / Scooter or motorbike €0.
- Cash or card. Two sessions to manage island traffic.
International Driver’s Licence required. Get one online here. Print a copy and use immediately. Without it you can still hire but will not be insured.
Inform guests to refuel before returning.
TUESDAY: REGATTA, DOKOS BAY & HYDRA
Schedule
- 09:00
HIIT class / Run club.
- 10:00
Leave Poros.
- 11:00
Regatta.
- 12:30
Arrive into Dokos Bay, Hydra.
- 12:30 to 13:00
Lunch onboard. Rockside Runway after lunch (if weather doesn’t permit traditional Regatta).
- 14:00
Ice drop.
- 15:00
World Famous Soundboks × Dinghy meeting (Skippers, Hosts, Event Team).
- 17:00 to 21:00
Eat onboard or transfer to Hydra town by water taxi.
- 22:00
No party tonight. Music down at 22:00. No music after 00:00 on the raft.
DETAILS
- Mooring / Anchoring
- Line raft in Molos Bay.
- Fees
- €20 per person to return a water taxi to Hydra Town with Manos.
- Ice
- Drop to raft. 2 bags per yacht.
- Fuel
- N/A
- Fuel
- N/A
- Water
- No
- Groceries
- Yes. Hydra has a small supermarket with basics and a small bakery along the riva.
- Regatta
All yachts sail together in formation while everyone dances on the bows in costumes. Glory goes to the crew who:
- Dress to Express (originality and coordination are big pluses).
- Vibes & energy onboard.
- Bonus points for costumes that match this year's Riviera Radiance & Moonlight Masquerade themes.
The winning crew was announced at the final party on Thursday at SEEN Beach. Rewarded with a trophy, bottle, and merch.
Rockside Runway (Weather Backup)
If weather doesn’t permit the Regatta, guests do costumes on the line raft in Molos Bay. Event Team cruises around in the crew yacht’s dinghy, playing music, hyping everyone, evaluating crews, and getting content.
WEDNESDAY: CIRCLE RAFT & ERMIONI
Schedule
- 08:00
Leave Dokos Bay.
- 09:00 to 10:30
Build Circle Raft.
- 10:30 to 12:30
Circle Raft.
- 13:00
Arrival in Ermioni. Explore, reprovision, late lunch.
- 14:00 to 15:30
Yoga (1 to 2 classes depending on numbers, max 20 per class).
- 16:45
Group photo.
- 17:00 to 21:00
Riviera Radiance @ Cavo Bianco.
- 21:30
Dinner. Souvlaki, Kavos Taverna, or Casa Dei.
DETAILS
- Mooring / Anchoring
- Ermioni Riva.
- Fees
- No
- Ice
- Yes. Red Kiosk on the riva or Millenium bar.
- Fuel
- Fuel trucks can be arranged.
- Water
- Yes
- Groceries
- Yes. Supermarket, fish market, butcher, vegetable market across from the ferry dock.
- Recommended Restaurants
- Kavos Taverna (traditional Greek)
- Korali Souvlakis (casual takeaway)
- Casa Dei (pizza, sushi, cocktails)
THURSDAY: Agia & Ocean Beach
Schedule
- 09:00 to 14:00
Sail to Agia Port on Aegina.
- 14:00 to 18:00
Explore Agia
- 19:30 to 21:00
Dinner in Ocean Beach.
- 21:00 to 02:00
Closing party in Ocean Beach.
DETAILS
- Mooring / Anchoring
- Agia marina
- Fees
- No
- Ice
- No
- Fuel
- No
- Water
- No
- Groceries
- No
- Theme
- Golden Era
FRIDAY: ATHENS
Schedule
- 08:00
Break raft and guests sail to Athens.
- 12:00
Crew yacht returns to Athens.
- 14:00 to 16:00
Clean and check-out yachts. Rest of the afternoon and evening off.
- 16:00
All guest yachts back at marinas no later than 16:00.
- 20:00
Crews are free to stay overnight on the yacht. Check-out is 08:00 SHARP on Saturday.
Additional Information
Swim stops in Agistri or Aegina. Guests need to be at the marina by 14:00 and complete the feedback survey on the Day 8 app before they leave. Crews are responsible for their own dinner. No closing party. Crew are free to stay, eat, and do as they please.
- Recommended Restaurants
- Ergon
- Nolan
- The Old Tavern of Psara
- Feedέλ Urban Gastronomy
- City Zen (partner restaurant)
- Recommended Bars
- Boo! (cocktails and live DJs)
- Dos Gardenias (Cuban-inspired, close to Boo!)
SATURDAY: CHECK-OUT
All guests must have disembarked the yacht by 08:00 SHARP. Make sure dishes are done, all linens piled in the saloon, and water tanks filled before leaving.
RESPECT
YW etiquette and ethos are detailed on the Yacht Week Operations page. The notes below cover dress, music, and Greece-specific guidance.
- Dress & Music
- Uniform is mandatory when leaving or entering a marina or port.
- Always look good. Represent the brand and look professional.
- Swimwear is fine onboard, on marina docks, and at natural bays and beaches.
- No swimwear in towns and ports. We get complaints from city officials when guests wear too little clothing. We're operating in traditional island communities where their rules apply.
- Music on the yachts: keep volume reasonable, off in marinas and ports after 20:00.
- Greece-Specific Notes
- Quiet hours are enforced: 23:00 to 07:00 and 15:00 to 17:30.
- No music after 22:00 in marinas.
- Many islanders are Christian Orthodox. Respect local customs.
- Recycling: blue bins for recyclables (glass, plastic, cardboard, aluminium, cleaned and free of food waste); green bins for general waste.