Rhodes sits at the southeastern corner of the Aegean, close enough to Turkey to make a Dodecanese charter itinerary naturally cross-border for those with the right documentation. The island offers a charter base that combines a UNESCO-listed medieval old town, a reliable northwest summer wind, and easy access to the smaller Dodecanese islands that most fleets never reach. Charter a motor yacht in Rhodes and the first passage decisions present themselves immediately: west along the Turkish coast to Marmaris and Gocek, southeast to the limestone cliffs of Halki and Alimia, or north through the Dodecanese chain to Kos, Nisyros and Symi. Motor yachts from the 45-strong Greek fleet make the Symi crossing from Rhodes harbour in under an hour, anchoring in the deep fjord at Panormitis monastery or at the colourful quayside of Yialos. The fleet ranges from 30 to 80 metres in length. Weekly rates begin around 30,000 euros for a 30 metre motor yacht and rise toward 500,000 euros for the largest vessels in the Greek fleet. The advance provisioning allowance, typically 30 percent of the base charter fee, covers fuel, food, marina dues, berthing charges and all provisions on board. The season in the eastern Aegean runs from May through October, with the Meltemi blowing hardest in July and August, when motor yacht charterers benefit most from the stability of a larger powered vessel against the prevailing swell.
