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Sailing yacht in Mykonos

Sailing Yacht Charter Mykonos

The Mykonos charter for sailors. Meltemi-tested boats, captain who reads the wind, and the slower way to see the Cyclades.

Why Mykonos works for sailing-yacht charters (with the right captain)

Most Mykonos charterers want motor yachts. The 10-15% who want sailing yachts want them for the right reasons: the Meltemi, which kills motor-yacht weeks, is the sailing yacht's best friend. A 15-25 knot reliable north-westerly from June to early September is what sailors design holidays around. The boat heels, the wind is free, the noise is wind and water rather than engines. Mykonos is the wrong departure for a relaxed sailing week, the Meltemi blows from the north so anything north of Mykonos (Tinos, Andros) becomes a beat upwind. But southward routing turns the wind into a fast downwind reach: Mykonos to Paros (4 hours), Paros to Ios (6 hours), Ios to Santorini (4 hours), Santorini back to Folegandros (3 hours). One of the great Aegean sails. The yacht selection matters more here than anywhere else in the Cyclades. Modern performance cruisers (Beneteau Oceanis 50+, Jeanneau 51, Hanse 588) with experienced captains handle the Meltemi day after day. Older or lighter boats overheel and exhaust guests. We filter for the right vessel.

Best suited for

  • Sailing-experienced couples who want the wind, not the engine
  • Families with teenagers who can handle 20° of heel for 4-hour passages
  • Southward Cycladic loops (Mykonos to Santorini with the Meltemi astern)
  • Charterers who want to participate (helming, hoisting) rather than be served
  • Photographers chasing the white-sail-against-blue-water Aegean shot

Sailing yachts based in Mykonos

Meltemi-rated sailing yachts for 2026

S/Y Kos 52 Sail

15.98 m · 10 guests

Per Person · Per WeekFrom €6,170

S/Y Kos 38

11.50 m · 6 guests

Per Person · Per WeekFrom €3,300

S/CAT Errant Vagabond

15.35 m · 10 guests

Per Yacht · Per WeekFrom €11,500/week

See the full fleet

When to book

June and September are the sailor's Mykonos months — Meltemi steady at 15-20 knots, water warm, anchorages quieter. July and August the wind builds to 20-30 knots most days; great for experienced crews, exhausting for novices. May and October are possible but the wind is less reliable and sailing-charter season is winding down. Avoid late October for Mykonos sailing — Meltemi gone, replaced by southerly fronts.

George's insider notes

  • Brief the captain on your sailing experience honestly. He'll set the reefing decisions and route accordingly.
  • Naxos to Mykonos against Meltemi is a 6-hour beat. Don't put it in the itinerary as a last-day repositioning leg.
  • Anchor at Schoinoussa or Koufonisia on the Mykonos-to-south route. Small Cyclades, empty in late June, full in August.
  • Dress code on sailing yachts is functional: bare feet, soft clothing, no luggage with hard shells (scuffs the teak).
  • The Greek courtesy flag and Q flag go up at the boarding port. Your captain handles this; you'll see it on the spreader.

Frequently asked

About sailing yacht charter mykonos

How much does a Mykonos sailing yacht charter cost?

Weekly rates €25-€45K for 14-18m sailing yachts (sleeps 6-8), €50-€90K for 19-25m, €100-180K for 28-35m. Cheaper than equivalent motor yachts by 40-50% because of lower fuel and engine maintenance.

Can we charter a sailing yacht for Mykonos August?

Yes, sailing yachts are easier to secure for August than motor yachts because motor demand dominates. Booking 4-6 months ahead is usually sufficient. The reverse of the motor-yacht market.

Will we sail every day or motor most of the week?

On a Meltemi week you sail real distances — 4 of 7 days with proper passage-making, wind in the sails. On a low-wind week (less common July to early September) the engine carries more of the route. Captain calls daily.

Is a sailing yacht too active for an inexperienced family?

Not necessarily. Modern crewed sailing yachts with stabilisers, autopilot, and experienced crew are comfortable for inexperienced families. The key is honest captain briefing about expectations and route.

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