CHAPTER. CYCLADES

CHAPTER. CYCLADES

Sometimes a journey doesn't begin with a plan,
but with a moment.

A morning in the Cyclades.
The Meltemi wind sweeps across the white houses, while life slowly awakens in the harbor.
The sails are set, and after just a few miles the islands disappear behind us in the bright light of the Aegean Sea.

The Cyclades are not a place for haste.
The islands are separated by short stretches, allowing enough time for wind in the sail and salt on the skin.
In between are anchorages whose water appears clearer than anywhere else in the Mediterranean.

Sometimes we dock in small ports,
Sometimes we just stay out off the coast.
A swim from the stern, lunch on deck, a village of white stones on the horizon.

In the evening, the sea turns a deep blue.
The islands become silhouettes, and above us is a sky full of stars.

A week later, perhaps only one thought remains:
That freedom sometimes only comes from wind, water
and consists of a boat.

A chapter at sea.

Wind over white stone

8 days between Meltemi winds, small harbors and open bays
The Cyclades appear to be made of light.
White Houses.
Blue sky.

And in between, a sea that is sometimes calm and sometimes brought to life by the Meltemi wind.
Sailing here feels different than in the Mediterranean.
The islands are further apart.
The wind is becoming clearer.
And every sail stroke has something archaic about it.

Day 1 — Lavrion (Port of Departure)
Welcome on board at the Olympic Marina in Lavrion, south of Athens.
The crew meets in the cockpit.
The nautical chart already shows the first islands of the Cyclades.
In the evening, dinner together at the harbor.

Day 2 — Kea Island
First sailing out into the Aegean Sea.
The island of Kea lies like a gateway to the Cyclades.
The coast is rugged, the bays deeply indented.
Anchor in a quiet bay or harbor in Korissia.

Day 3 — Syros Island
Today the journey continues to Syros.
Even from afar you can see the white houses of Ermoupoli stretching across the hillside.
One of the most elegant cities in the Aegean.
Dinner on a terrace overlooking the harbor.

Day 4 — Island of Paros
The wind usually increases.
Perfect sailing day to Paros.
Entering the port of Naoussa is one of the most beautiful moments in the Cyclades.
Fishing boats, small taverns and warm evening light.

Day 5 — Antiparos
Short strike after Antiparos.
A relaxed island with open bays and crystal-clear water.
Anchor for lunch and go swimming.
Dinner in the small village.

Day 6 — Island of Sifnos
A bit more sailing again today.
The island of Sifnos is known for its white monasteries and good tavernas.
The port of Kamares lies sheltered in a wide bay.
Perfect for a quiet evening.

Day 7 — Kythnos
Sailing back west.
Kythnos offers some of the most beautiful bays in the region.
Perhaps we will anchor in the famous Kolona Bay, where a sandbank separates two seas.
An ideal last evening on board.

Day 8 — Return to Lavrion
Final sail back to the mainland.
The islands slowly disappear behind the boat.
The Aegean Sea remains.
The logbook contains only one short sentence:
North wind.
A good week at sea.