Rhodes and the Dodecanese offer sailing yacht charterers some of the strongest and most consistent summer wind in the Aegean. The Meltemi, channelled between the Greek islands and the Turkish coast, accelerates through the gaps between islands from July through August and moderates into a reliable northwesterly in June and September that provides excellent sailing in both directions along the chain. Eight sailing yachts are available for charter in Greece for itineraries that include Rhodes, ranging from performance cruisers to larger blue-water yachts capable of the overnight passages to Crete or north through the Dodecanese to Patmos. The 200-mile chain from Rhodes to Kos, Kalymnos, Leros and Patmos gives a sailing charter enough variety for two weeks, with each island offering a distinct character from the volcanic crater of Nisyros to the Byzantine monastery at the top of Patmos. Symi, under an hour to the northwest by sailing yacht in a good breeze, has become one of the most popular stops in the eastern Aegean for its neoclassical architecture and deep fjord anchorages. Weekly rates for crewed sailing yacht charters in the Rhodes area start around 10,000 euros for a smaller performance cruiser and rise to around 30,000 euros per week for a larger blue-water ketch. The advance provisioning allowance of approximately 30 percent covers fuel, food, marina dues and provisions. The Dodecanese circuit suits experienced sailing guests who want passage-making rather than daily motor transfers between anchorages.
