Classic yacht charter in the Aegean Islands carries a particular resonance: the Cyclades have been crossed by timber sailing vessels since antiquity, and the handful of classic yachts operating here today maintain that tradition with considerably more comfort. Eight classic yachts are currently available across the Aegean, including traditionally built wooden motor sailers, vintage ketch-rigged sailing yachts and beautifully restored timber vessels from Greek and Italian yards.nnThese yachts typically feature varnished teak decks, mahogany interiors and hardware that would not have looked out of place in the 1960s or 1970s. Below decks, contemporary standards have been applied discreetly: modern navigation systems, air conditioning, reverse osmosis watermakers and updated galley equipment ensure comfort without compromising the character that makes a classic yacht distinctive. Most carry three to five guest cabins and a small, attentive crew.nnWeekly charter rates for classic yachts in the Aegean tend to fall between 10,000 and 80,000 euros depending on length and specification. Add an APA of 30 percent for provisioning and marina costs. High season is July and August, when demand for the small number of available classic yachts rises sharply; booking six to twelve months in advance is advisable for the most sought-after vessels.nnThe Aegean suits classic yachts particularly well: passage distances are short, harbours are sheltered and the pace of island life matches the unhurried rhythm of a vessel that rewards looking at the landscape rather than racing past it.
