A classic yacht anchored off Delos at dawn is one of the defining images of Aegean charter, vessel and site sharing the same unhurried sense of accumulated time. The tiny island of Delos served as the sacred centre of the ancient Greek world for nearly a thousand years. Its ruins are among the best preserved in the Mediterranean, and arriving by private classic yacht rather than by tourist ferry is the only way to experience them in anything like their intended silence. Classic charter yachts in the Greek islands move at a pace that suits a Delos itinerary naturally. They tend to anchor rather than taking marina berths, which places them ideally for an early departure toward the western landing stage. A skilled crew can hold position in the bay through the afternoon breeze and depart after the day-trip boats have all returned to Mykonos, leaving guests to photograph the lion terrace in the golden evening light before the island closes. The classic fleet operating in Greece numbers around eight vessels, ranging from 30-metre timber motor-sailers to 50-metre steel-hulled sailing ketches, all maintained to a high standard of sea-keeping and comfort. Weekly charter rates start from around 50,000 euros and can exceed 200,000 euros for the most distinguished examples, plus the customary 30 percent advance provisioning allowance. The Mediterranean sailing season runs from May to October, with the Cyclades at their finest in June and early September.
