Pre-charter Information & FAQ's Lavrion Port
Please complete the crew list below as soon as possible as this will avoid delays in processing your yacht papers which could in turn delay you setting sail.
If you have booked a skipper please ignore the skipper sections of the form but allocate one of your party who is over 18 as ‘First Mate’.
We hope you have a wonderful time exploring the Greek Islands - Happy Sailing!
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE YOUR CREW LIST
TRANSFERS TO LAVRION PORT
El. Venizelos International Airport is 40km from the base and approximately 40 minutes in a taxi. There are always taxis waiting at arrivals at the airport but there are also many private transfer companies operating independantly from Athens airport.
ARRIVALS
For bareboat charters make your way to the Dream Yacht Hellas office (please see map below). As base offices are usually small its a good idea for other crew members to make their way to a nearby cafe and enjoy a cool drink or bite to eat.
For skippered charters your skipper will meet you at the Dream Yacht Hellas office. We will let you know your skipper’s name and telephone number when crew and skipper schedules are finalised the week prior to your charter.
Please let us know the approximate time of your arrival to the port.
If you are going to be significantly earlier or later than expected please call Island Sailing (see contact information below).
Upon arrival please make your way to our Lavrion Partner's office at Dream Yacht Hellas at the north side of Lavrion port (please see map below).
If you will be arriving at the marina after 20.00 please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements with you for boarding your yacht.
CONTACT INFORMATION - LOCAL BASE
Lavrion Port
19500
Lavrion
Greece
37°42'52.02" N 24°03'23.29" E
The local base is at Dream Yacht Hellas located on the L shaped pier at the north side of Lavrion Port in front of where the yachts are moored.
Base Support Team: Nikos Barbaressos Tel: (0030) 6980 906956
Island Sailing Support Team Tel: (0044) 7535 301444
Island Sailing UK Head Office Tel: (0044) 0330 088 4744
If you need any help, information or advice that cannot be provided by the base team please contact the Island Sailing Support Team
MANDATORY THINGS TO BRING
Unless you have booked a skipper you must bring the original copy(s) of your sailing qualifications/skipper's licence.
A VISA or MASTERCARD Credit Card for your yacht security deposit (Debit Cards and American Express are NOT accepted). Please make sure you have a large enough limit to cover the deposit for the yacht you have booked. If you do not possess a VISA or MASTERCARD credit card you must inform us BEFORE you travel to Greece as your charter can't commence without the completed credit card security deposit.
At least one mobile phone set up for roaming in Greece and charger – it is very important that you can keep in contact.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Travel light is our advice. Dress is usually casual around the Greek Islands. Don’t forget your passport(s).
Please bring your luggage in a soft bag that will fold down without wheels or hard edges. Space on a yacht is limited and cases with hard edges and wheels will often damage the woodwork on the boat. There is a limited amount of space available for luggage storage on the check-in and check-out day only.
Bedding and yacht towels are provided on your yacht. If you have a late flight home we recommend bringing another towel if you wish as yacht towels cannot be kept after you disembark on the last day.
All yachts are equipped with sufficient numbers of life jackets, usually of a standard size. If you are not a standard size, or especially for small children it is wise to bring your own life jackets . If you would like to check about this before you come to Greece please get in touch.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING? - CHECK LIST
Passport (s)
Flight Tickets (Check names shown on the flight ticket match those shown on the individual passports)
Travel insurance documents (make sure you have coverage for sailing)
The skipper must bring original copies of sailing certificates/licences
Credit Cards/Debit Cards and local currency (euros). You must bring a VISA or MASTERCARD credit card with you for the yacht security deposit
Mobile phone set up for roaming in Greece and charger – it is very important that you can keep in contact in case of emergency as VHF signal is only line of sight
Beach towel (yacht towels are provided for use on the yacht). If you have a late flight home we recommend bringing another towel if you wish as yacht towels cannot be kept after you disembark on the last day
Snorkels, mask and flippers if you have them, or you can buy them when you arrive in Greece.
Soft soled shoes &/or deck shoes
Swimwear
Light jumper or light fleece
Waterproof jacket (especially in early and late summer in case of a shower)
Hat & sunglasses (with cord)
T-shirt/tops and long sleeve casual shirts/tops
Shorts and casual long trousers
Toilet bag with toiletries
Suntan cream (protection)
Sea sickness pills if required
Insect Repellent
Anti-histamine ointment and tablets (for insect bites/stings) & any essential medication
Camera, batteries & spare memory cards
Your choice of device for playing music on board + lead with a 3.5mm jack plug at each end and a USB connection lead
Books/magazines/Kindle
Two-pin European travel adapter for charging phones etc. (at marinas or even in restaurants)
12 volt adapter / car charger for charging phones, etc. on-board (onboard with a car type cigarette lighter socket)
HOW MUCH IS THE YACHT SECURITY DEPOSIT?
Before your charter begins a security pre-authorisation 'hold' deposit is taken from the Party Leader which will be processed by the owner/operator at base (please see amounts below) by VISA or Mastercard credit card (Debit cards and American Express are NOT accepted) . Make sure you have a large enough limit to cover the deposit for the yacht you have booked. If you do not possess a VISA or MASTERCARD credit card you must inform us BEFORE you travel to Greece as your charter can't commence without the completed credit card security deposit. On successful completion of post charter inspection the pre-authorisation 'hold' deposit charge will not be completed and the 'hold' will elapse. The time it takes for the ‘hold’ to elapse depends on your card provider.
You will more than likely already have travel insurance set up but if not y ou can get specialist yacht travel insurance which includes some coverage for yacht security deposits from a number of companies including Topsail. As a customer of Island Sailing if you use discount code ISLAND you will receive a 10% discount. For more details visit http://www.topsailinsurance.com/island-sailing
Option One - Yacht Damage Waiver (YDW) and Reduced Security Deposit: Mandatory for skippered charters
The YDW is a non-refundable fee, the amount is dependent on length overall of yacht which reduces your liability per incident to the amounts below which will be taken as a pre-authorisation 'hold' deposit (Security Deposit) as follows:
Yacht Size
Reduced Security Deposit
YDW
Monohulls from 48 feet+
€600
€ 40 per night. Min €280 per charter
Monohulls from 42-47 feet
€500
€ 35 per night. Min € 245 per charter
Monohulls 31-34 feet
€500
€3 0 per night. Min €210 per charter
Catamarans 50 feet +
€900
€6 0 per night. Min €420 per charter
Catamarans 43 - 49 feet
€750
€ 50 per night. Min € 350 per charter
Catamarans up to 42 feet
€600
€ 40 per night. Min € 280 per charter
Option Two - Security Deposit Only: Available for bareboat sailing only
Yacht Size
Security Deposit
Monohulls from 48 feet +
€5000
Monohulls from 42-48 feet
€4000
Monohulls from 37-41 feet
€3000
Monohulls up to 36 feet
€2500
Catam arans 48 feet +
€9 000
Catam arans 45 - 48 feet
€8000
Catamarans 42 - 45 feet
€6000
Catamarans up to 42 feet
€5000
WHEN WILL I BE ABLE BOARD MY YACHT?
Your yacht will be ready to board by 17:00 on the first day of your charter. If your flight gets you to the yacht base earlier than this you will be able to enjoy the cafe bars and restaurants at the port. If the yacht is ready earlier the base team will get you on board sooner.
When you are on board you will be given a full safety brief and a chart brief if required by one of the knowledgeable base team.
If you arrive after 20.00 we will let you know where your yacht is berthed and it will be open and ready for you to board. If you have booked a skipper they will be at the marina for your arrival. You will receive your yacht brief and handover the following morning after the base office re-opens at 09.00.
WILL I GET A YACHT HANDOVER BRIEFING?
Yes, you will receive a thorough handover of your yacht upon boarding as well as a chart/sailing area briefing if requested and you can familiarise yourself with the yacht and its equipment before setting sail. The base staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have as well as offering any advice you may need about the sailing area. If you arrive close to or after the base office closes you will receive your yacht handover the following morning.
For those on a Skippered yacht charter you will meet your skipper, they will show you around your yacht and chat about where you would like to sail.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FLIGHTS ARRIVE OR DEPART LATE?
If you arrive after 20.00 we will let you know where your yacht is berthed and it will be open and ready for you to board. If you have booked a skipper they will be at the marina for your arrival. You will receive your yacht brief and handover the following morning after the base office re-opens at 09.00. If you arrive early before your yacht is ready there are a choice of places to have a drink or some food whilst you wait. If you have a late flight home you can relax at the port or head to Athens. The temple of Poseidon at cape Sounio is one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring sights in Athens. The temple is majestic standing at the tip of the cape; it is one of the most loved sights in Greece. It is a short drive of about 20 minutes from Lavrio to the temple of Poseidon.
WHEN DOES MY CHARTER END & RETURNING TO THE PORT
You will need to return to Lavrion port by 18:00 on the penultimate day of your charter. Please note that in the area there is heavy traffic of steamers, fishing and sailing yachts.
Yacht berths are situated at the entrance to the L shaped mole. When returning, go stern to and do not use your anchor, there are mooring lines. The base support staff make every effort to help you moor safely, therefore please call them 1 hour prior your arrival back to port to receive your berth guidance.
You will be able to stay on the yacht on your final night and enjoy relaxing at Lavrion. Please disembark by 09:00 on the last morning.
HOW TO GET LOCAL WEATHER FORECASTS?
You may well have your own favourite websites and Apps to check the weather.
We use Poseidon www.poseidon.hcmr.gr
From the home page choose ‘Sailing Forecast’ from the menu on the left hand bar then ‘Cyclades’ and remember to add 3 hours to covert from UT!
We also check on Meteo www.meteo.gr and choose Cyclades then your closest island.
You can choose ‘English’ for both of these websites
Remember the area has extremely localised conditions which are affected by numerous factors which cannot be foreseen by the forecasters such as land breeze, sea breeze, sea swell, the local landscape, fetch, ferry wash and so on.
You can also find weather information at marinas and yacht clubs.
DO YOU PROVIDE LINEN AND TOWELS?
Yes, bed sheets, linen and pillows are provided on the boat. If you are chartering for two weeks a change of linen for the second week can be provided. Towels are provided for use on the yacht but we recommend bringing your own beach towel. If you have a late flight home we recommend bringing another towel if you wish as yacht towels cannot be kept after you disembark on the last day.
WHAT MUSIC SYSTEM DOES THE BOAT HAVE?
All the boats have car stereo style music systems with speakers below deck and in the cockpit. They will either have a 3.5mm jack or a USB connection. We advise you to bring a jack lead as sometimes there may be compatability issues in connecting your device.
WHAT PLUG SOCKETS DOES THE BOAT HAVE?
All plug sockets on the boats are the European 2 pin type however these are only usable when the yacht is plugged in to mains power (230V) which is mainly at base. If your devices or equipment do not have 2 pin European plugs you'll need to bring a travel adaptor with you. During the week there is a 12v socket, similar to a car cigarette lighter, which can be used to charge phones and other electronic devices if you bring a car charger with you.
ARE THERE MASKS AND SNORKELS ON THE YACHT?
We don’t provide masks, snorkels or flippers. You may wish to bring your own or they are readily available and reasonably priced near the port and at many places around the islands where you will visit.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO FUEL UP MY YACHT?
Most of our customers spend € 80 - €20 0 per week on fuel for the yacht depending on the size of the yacht and the amount of motoring they do and to top up the fuel for the outboard engine if they have one.
If you have chartered one of the larger yachts or catamarans with generators and air-conditioning, you will use more fuel depending on how much you use the air con!
Mini tankers deliver fuel directly to the yachts. When returning to the base, please refuel your boat and fill up your outboard engine can. The base team will advise you on the procedure for re-fueling.
HOW MUCH ARE THE MOORING FEES?
Mooring fees at Lavrion port for your first and last day are FREE, this includes power and water. Most harbours are run by the local municipalities/Greek coastguard and are free to moor in. There are a small number of harbours and small marinas who will charge you a mooring fee per night depending on yacht size. If there is bad weather forecast it may occasionally be necessary to use a protected harbour with laid moorings and the fees will depend depending on the size of your boat and more for catamarans.
Some quays where there is water and power available a small fee will be charged if you wish to use it.
Almost all the harbours have shower and toilet facilities, usually attached to a taverna or convenience store. Even when there is a charge it is usually a few euros. Water for the yacht is usually available in most of the popular ports.
DO WE NEED AN OUTBOARD ENGINE FOR THE DINGHY/TENDER?
An outboard engine for your dinghy/tender can be very useful, with no mooring fees in most harbours some of them can be busy so it is likely that, particularly in peak season, you will be occasionally anchored away from the quay. They are also great for exploring caves and some of the quieter snorkelling spots. However, some people prefer to row!
Every yacht has its own dinghy/tender and the optional outboard engine. We will ask you before your arrival if you wish to have one or not.
WHAT ABOUT SHOPPING & PROVISIONING?
There iare two well-stocked supermarkets close to Lavrion port. 'My Market' is 650 metres from the base and open Monday-Friday 08.00 - 21.00 and on Saturdays 08.00 - 18.00. 'PapMarket' is 450 metres from the base and open 7 days a week, Monday-Saturday 09.00 - 21.00 and Sundays 09.00 - 20.30 . We will also inform you if a provisioning service is available for your charter in advance. There will be many opportunities to provision and shop at many of the ports and harbours you visit around the islands so you do not have to purchase too much when you arrive.
WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MY CREDIT CARD?
Many restaurants, café bars and shops around the islands still mainly or only take cash (euros). There is a cash machine by the port. However, over the course of the week, you will probably only visit one or two towns with cash machines so it is advisable to have enough cash before you leave port.
You will need to bring a VISA or MASTERCARD with you for your yacht security deposit. Please make sure you have a large enough limit to cover the deposit for the yacht you have booked.
WILL THERE BE CASH MACHINES?
There are a number of cash/ATM machines on the larger islands but not on the smaller ones. There is a cash machine at the port. We would recommend bringing a reasonable amount of local currency (Euros) with you as quite a few traditional Greek tavernas, cafe and small shops on the islands usually only accept euros.
DO I NEED TO WEAR SPECIAL SHOES OR CLOTHES?
It would be advisable to bring a pair of lightweight shoes with non-marking soles for wearing on the boat. You can wear whatever clothes you feel comfortable in but it is a good idea to bring a lightweight waterproof jacket. We do get the odd day of rain, especially at the start and end of the season.
WHERE CAN I GET INTERNET ACCESS?
The yachts are not equipped with Wi-Fi as standard, however virtually every café, bar and restaurant in the marina and around the islands has free Wi-Fi for their customers.
WHAT IS THE MOBILE PHONE SIGNAL LIKE?
Mobile phone reception is usually very good. You must bring a mobile phone and charger with you for use around the islands and keep your phone available and charged at all times. Whilst VHF is used, you will not always be in range. We also monitor an emergency phone 24 hours a day, should you need to contact us as VHF signal only works in line of sight.
DO SKIPPERED CHARTERS HAVE FIXED ITINERARIES?
For skippered charters we don’t have fixed itineraries, we prefer to make recommendations and suggestions and obviously your skipper will make the final calls depending on weather, distance, mooring viability etc.
We will generally discuss with you what kind of places you would like to visit and tailor things to meet your wishes, you don’t have to set an itinerary before you arrive, although you may have some ideas, usually you can chat with your skipper when you get to the yacht base and take each day at a time.
WILL THE SKIPPER SPEAK ENGLISH?
The skippers are of mixed nationalities, most are Greek, some are half Greek, half English and there are also skippers from across Europe but all of them speak excellent English.
WHAT / HOW DO WE FEED OUR SKIPPER?
That’s up to you. When you provision for food remember to get enough for your skipper. We can let you know if there is anything particular that they can or can’t eat, but, generally they are happy to have whatever you are having. In the evening you can choose to invite them out with you or cover their inexpensive meal if you prefer to dine alone. All the skippers are extremely professional and personable and provide discreet and unobtrusive assistance throughout your yacht charter. Our customers find that their skipper makes their holiday something really extra special as they become welcome additions on the yachts they sail.
WHAT DOES THE SKIPPER DO IN THE EVENING?
Again, that’s entirely up to you as every group is different and interacts with people in different ways. The skippers are extremely professional and personable and provide discreet and unobtrusive assistance throughout your yacht charter and always become welcome additions on the yachts they sail. If you invite your skipper to join you in the evening they may accept or choose to meet up with fellow skippers or stay on the yacht and wait for your return.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY SKIPPER?
It is customary that you tip your skipper. A guideline amount would be around 5-7% of your yacht price, though as this could encompass quite a range we leave it at your discretion and ask that you offer gratuity you think your skipper deserves. We’re sure they’ll add immense value to your charter experience.
IS FISHING GEAR PROVIDED ON THE YACHT?
There aren't any fishing gear onboard but there are places around the islands where you can buy fishing gear.
CAN I STORE LUGGAGE AT THE PORT?
Limited space is available on your check-in and check-out days to store luggage.
FACILITIES AT LAVRION PORT
There are a number of café bars, tavernas, restaurants, shops, banks, pharmacies and supermarkets all close by plus a laundry and various toilet and shower facilities at the port. There is an ATM at the port. Please be aware that ATMs are not always available in the sailing area so please make sure you have enough cash to cover your expenses. Please ask the base team if you would like information about which islands/ports have ATM’s.
IS THERE ANY PARKING AT THE PORT?
Yes, there is free street parking available on site. You can leave your car for the duration of your charter.