Sailing in the Cyclades has a particular character defined by the meltemi, the steady northerly that sets in across the Aegean from June through August, delivering fifteen to twenty-five knots of consistent wind and some of the best upwind conditions in the Mediterranean. Mykonos is the natural entry and exit point for a sailing circuit of the central Cyclades, and the sailing charter fleet accessible from the island ranges from 20-metre sloops to 55-metre ketch-rigged superyachts, all designed to work the wind rather than fight it. Days on a sailing yacht here begin early to use the morning calm for departures, then catch the meltemi on the beam or quarter for a fast passage south to Paros, Naxos or the smaller uninhabited islands. Expect a week to cover four to six islands with real time at anchor in each. Rates begin at around 50,000 euros per week for a 30-metre monohull rising to over 200,000 euros for a large ketch. The advance provisioning allowance, roughly 30 percent, covers provisioning, marina fees and fuel for the engine during calms. The meltemi typically eases in September, when sailing conditions shift to longer, more manageable swells and broader reach angles. Crew of four to eight include a professional skipper and often a sailing instructor, making it easy for guests to take the helm on open passages.
