information about the sailing area

Between the Turkish west coast and Crete there is one of the most beautiful sailing areas of the world. Lots of small islands provide with secure harbours and scenic bays to anchor. The area is relatively wind proof and the sea is usually crystal clear. Even in pre or after season the temperatures are quite pleasant.

That also shows this nice video we recorded close to Astipalia.

Start your sailing trip from our base at Rhodes. Every night you can stay in charming harbours or head for lonely bays. You can choose relaxing day trips of about 12 to 30 sea miles from island to island or more challenging sportive routes.

In this sailing area you should be particularly cautious too. The word ‘Meltemi’ derives from the Turkish language and means breeze or soft wind, but sometimes happens that in longer periods the sea between the islands can be fairly rough. Sometimes it may be quite turbulent and definitely you have to expect awkward down gusts. In any case check the weather forecast! Planning your trip you should consider that in summer months the ‘Meltemi’ blows relatively constant from NW/W.

Having about 300 days of sun a year Rhodes in the Greek Aegean belongs to the sunniest islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The weather provides different impressions any season. From April to October the ‘Meltemi’ is the prevailing wind in the Aegean and dominates sailing conditions.

In the summer months it is stronger and more constant and blows at 4 -6 Beaufort. In May and June it just appears occasionally and from Mid-September it slowly decreases. The ‘Meltemi’ can be deflected between the islands. Around Rhodes it mainly blows from west. Between the islands further north it often blows from northwest. In summer down gusts must be expected at the leeside of the islands. Especially between Karpathos and Rhodes a rough sea will develop with a longer lasting ‘Meltemi’.

In spring and autumn the wind often blows at 2 – 4 Beaufort, possibly a bit more, from the southeast. In Winter the prevailing wind direction is southeast. There can be single storms too, which may arise from all directions. Planning your trip you should consider allowing enough extra time for the routes north or northwest.

It is strictly forbidden for the clients of the company Yachtcharter-Rhodes to sail to Turkey.