Event Dates

From 15 May 2010 until 19 May 2010

The Aegean Yacht Rally invites you to explore both Greece and Turkey from the 15th - 29th May 2010 on one of the most unique rally experiences you\'re ever likely to come across. Sail and explore two countries straddling the invisible border between Europe and Asia guided by experienced sailors with a wealth of local knowledge. Late spring along this coast is quite special with the greenery and wild flowers still vibrant. You can expect daily maximum temperatures in the high 20s with gentle north westerly winds pushing you along the track.

A YACHT RALLY THROUGH THE GREEK DODECANESE ISLANDS
AND ALONG THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST OF TURKEY

A yacht rally through the Greek Dodecanese Islands and along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, the Aegean Yacht Rally affords each guest a unique insight into the stark cultural differences in each country, yet along the coast a Mediterranean lifestyle is common to both countries.

As with all the rallies, there will be a little spirited competition in a series of short races, each one followed by a social occasion that will feature the local cuisine and wines.

The Itinerary

Saturday May 15 - Kusadai
Group tour of the ancient city of Ephesus and yacht embarkation in the afternoon. Welcome cocktails and dinner in the evening.

Sunday May 16 - Cruise from Kusadasi to Pythagorion-Samos
Today`s cruise will take us to the Greek Island of Samos and the port of Pythagorion, birthplace of Pythagoras.

Monday May 17 - Lay Day
Samos is a mountainous and wooded island well worth exploring by car. Visit Vathi, Kokari and the mountain village of Manolatis before returning to Pythagorion via Karlovassi, famous for its wooden boat building.

Tuesday May 18 - Race 1 - Samos to Arki
Sail across the breeze to the tiny island of Arki with its population of 60 people and 200 goats. Dinner in the evening is at the world famous Tripas taverna, where Manolis will introduce you to his extensive music collection from \"around of the world\".

Wednesday May 19 - Lay Day Cruise
Cruise the 10 miles across to the amazing island of Patmos, spiritual headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church and site of the imposing hill-top monastery, built In the 11th century. Patmos is also home to some excellent tavernas and when the sun goes down there is plenty of action in the waterfront bars.

Thursday May 20 - Race - Pandeli to Vathi
After a morning cruise and lunch stop at Pandeli on Leros race down the east coast of Leros and Kalimnos to Vathi, which lies at the head of a spectacular steep-sided fjord. Dinner is at Poppy\'s Taverna.

Friday May 21 - Lay Day
If you manage to extricate yourself from Poppy`s taverna you might visit the main port of Kalimnos, not picture perfect but commercially alive and still the home port of one of the few sponge fishing fleets in the world.

Saturday May 22 - Race 3 - Pserimos to Bodrum
After a morning cruise to Pserimos for lunch and a swim race 10 miles to Bodrum and re-enter Turkey.

Sunday May 23 - Lay Day
In Bodrum - There are more than 200 boom-boom bars, for those who want action, but there is also an intact Crusader castle standing sentinel over the harbour, an excellent bazaar and some great restaurants.

Monday May 24 - Race 4 - Knidos to Palamut
Morning cruise to Knidos on the tip of the Dorian Peninsular, site of the ancient Greek city of the same name, where there is just one restaurant at the head of a very rickety jetty. The infamous statue of Diana, thought to be the first nude statue of a woman, was found here. Afternoon race to Palamut followed by dinner in the evening.

Tuesday May 25 - Lay Day
Cruise nine miles into the Hisaronou Gulf to Datca, which has plenty of action, restaurants and shops full of anything and everything Turkish. There will also be a special cultural exchange with the local school kids on the quay in the afternoon.

Wednesday May 26 - Race 5 - Atabol to Sogut
Cruise during the morning to the spectacular Atabol Bay for a lunch and swim stop before setting off in race 5 to Sogut on the Marmaris Peninsula.

Thursday May 27 - Lay Day
Cruise to Bozuk Buku, site of the ancient city of Loryma. The surroundings are grand with the ruins of ancient Loryma scattered around the bay and the ancient citadel of Hellenistic origin preserved nearly intact.

Friday May 28 - Race 6 - Harbor Race in Marmaris
After a morning cruise to Tekirdag Bay for the last swim and lunch stop complete the final race around Marmaris Harbour before berthing at the offshore marina just south of the town. The final night celebration dinner and presentation is followed by entertainment, including belly dancer, after which you might still have the energy to explore Marmaris by night. It is surely a final night to remember!

Saturday May 29 - Return to Istanbul or extend your stay on one of our suggested post rally tours so you can truly absorb this most fascinating of cultures.

Want to know more? Enquire now for prices and more information on this rally and we\'ll make sure we get you on the right boat for your perfect holiday.

Our charter yachts in Greece and Turkey? Don\'t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore this ancient and stunning area!

See our yacht raly charter guide

We look forward to working with you on your next charter, and welcome all enquiries. Click here for more information about boatbookings.com or here to learn how to use this site.