The Dodecanese, the Twelve
Islands, lie in a crescent chain down the Asiatic Turkish
coast curving west towards Crete. The name "Dodecanese"
is of comparatively recent origin.
It came into use in 1908 when twelve islands
of this group excluding Lipsi, Kos and Rhodes but including
an outsider, Ikaria, protested about their deprivation of
the special privileges and tax exemptions they had been granted
in the 16th century by the Turks. Like most of the Greek Islands,
the Dodecanese are the tops of mountains that stood on the
plain of the Aegean long since flooded.
The islands are for the most part bare
of vegetation although not to such an extent as the Cyclades.
Several of the islands with abundant natural springs, notably
Kos and Rhodes, are relatively green and wooded.
In the summer the prevailing wind is the meltemi blowing from
the NW-W. It starts fitfully in June, blows strongly in July
through to September and again fitfully in October. In the
summer months it regularly blows Force 4-6 and may on occasion
reach Force 7.
It does not blow every day, but may blow
without break for 5-10 days. When the meltemi is blowing at
full strength in July and August the gusts off the lee side
of an island can be considerably stronger than the wind strength
in the open sea. Gusts are particularly strong off Patmos,
Kalymnos, Kos, Nissyros, Tilos, Karpathos and Astypalea.
In the comparatively open stretch
of sea between Astypalea and Karpathos a large and distributed
sea is set up when the meltemi blows for days on end. Although
it is possible to go N when the meltemi is blowing, it makes
better sense to plan to be heading S in July and August. The
typical short seas it sets up make sailing or motoring to
windward arduous and tiring.
Marinas & starting points
Rhodes
The marina is located at 30 minutes from the Rhodes Airport. The harbour is below the ancient castle and opposite the Market square of Rhodes.
Many facilities within harbour : supermarkets, telecommunications, exchange office, car rental office, restaurants.
Starting point to : Simi, Nissiros, Kos, Tilos, Chalki
Itinerary : One week cruise from Rhodes
Kos
The most modern Marina in Greece. Kos Marina is really a wonderful Yacht Resort, where a wide array of services make a sailor's stay unforgettable. The marina is located 25 km from the Kos International Airport. Kos international Airport "Hippocrates" offers easy access by direct charter flights from major European cities, or by domestic flights from Athens. Additionally Ferries and High Speed Ferries connect daily Kos with Piraeus (Athens), Samos and Rhodos
Starting point to : Leros, Patmos, Lipsi, Arki, Kalimnos
Itinerary : One week cruise from Kos
Samos
The marina is located on the east coast of Samos island into the Samos strait. The ride from the airport to the port is 10 minutes. Water and fuel are delivered on the quay. You will find also a supermarket, bars and restaurants located nearby the port.
Starting point to : Furni, Ikaria, Patmos, Lipsi, Agathonissi
Itinerary : One week cruise from Samos
One way possible from Dodecanese to Athens and inside the Dodecanese islands.
Distance : Kos / Athens : 190 NM
Airport
Rhodes, Kos, Samos airport, daily flights from Athens
Dodecanese: Kos, Samos, Rhodes
Crewed Charter Cruises
Dodecanese: Kos, Samos, Rhodes
Monohull Bareboat Fleet
(crew available on request)
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Dodecanese: Kos, Samos, Rhodes
Catamaran Bareboat Fleet
(crew available on request)
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