The Big Deal

★★★★★

Such A Fun Week

"We had two families with 9 people total - 4 adults and 5 teens on the Big Deal for a week. We had such a FUN week! Every day and every port was unique. George our captain was great at recommending and tailoring our trip to our wants and needs and Iro, our cook made the most delicious meals. It was an unforgettable trip and we left with amazing memories we will have forever!"

★★★★★

"Experience of a lifetime! We sailed with Theodoris as our captain on The Big Deal for a 7 day trip celebrating a friends 40th birthday. Yacht Sailing as amazing for on every step of the process... from booking to provisioning and boarding... from Eugene and Joanna everything was great...all of our questions were answered quickly and clearly! The boat was incredible... clean and roomy... the lap of luxury! The best part was our captain! Theodoris was amazing ... very accommodating and competent making us feel safe while ensuring we had the trip of a lifetime! Highly recommend."

★★★★★

"Amazing tour of the Cyclades on the Big Deal One week with friends on the Big Deal with Theodore as our skipper, and it as a great experience. Theodore consulted with us on the type of trip we were looking for and helped plan our itinerary to accommodate while suggesting edits to accommodate for anticipated winds on part of the trip. His expertise really added to our experience. We also spent two nights in the port at Paros which allowed us a chance to really explore one of the islands (my favorite of the trip). The professionalism of the whole yachtsailing.gr team was great and made for an unforgettable experience."

★★★★★

"Highlight of our trip in Greece ! - The Big Deal From day one our captain Theodore set the tone with his wit & humour! Travelling the Saronic Golf we as a family were excited to set sail and get a taste of Greece from the ocean. We were impressed by the level of flexibility the company offered with visiting our relatives throughout the trip. We made unique stop overs to swim, visits to secluded beaches and bars, and even had a choppy day on the water which was both scary and hilarious ! Our skilled captain Theodore made all this possible and by the end of the trip he truly became a friend to us all ! Would like to thank Yacht sailing Greece for this amazing time, and also Theodore for being fun and adaptable to all our needs throughout the week ! 10/10"

★★★★★

"Great Experience on the Big Deal This company is exceptional! We traveled with three other couples the last week in September on the Big Deal Lagoon 500 with Captain Thodoris (Theo) and First Mate Evi. Plenty of room for the group and big enough to have your own space when needed. We visited Poros and Ydra in the Saronic Gulf and then Serifos, Paros and Kythna in the Cyclades. Evi was a great hostess and cook and always had food prepared. Theo found some great coves for swimming and was a skilled captain in the small marinas (we experienced some unskilled ones along the way). I recommend staying overnight in one or two ports to have a better experience of an island. We stayed overnight in Paros, rented scooters the next day and explored the island including the beautiful mountain top village of Lefkes and the Santa Maria Beach. Eugene and Joanna made the booking process easy and gave me confidence early that this was the right company to choose."

★★★★★

"Proposal in Mykonos We had 3 generations of family sailing the Cyclades for one week on the Big Deal, with Captain Theodore! We maxed out the limit of 12 total passengers so we did not have room for a hostess unfortunately, but our captain was an awesome guide and we enjoyed every minute. The age range for our group was from 21 to 75. The younger adults in our group had their hearts set on visiting the Island of Mykonos, so Theodore planned our trip with this in mind to ensure we could spend some time there. There was a little something different about each island that we visited and we loved them all. Our captain made recommendations for things to do and restaurants to try and explained history and facts about Greece. This was the first trip to Europe for a few of us and the first time to Greece for all of us. The highlight was that my future son-in-law proposed to my daughter at the windmills on Mykonos! Such a beautiful place for a proposal! As previous reviews have stated, Eugene and Joanna were a pleasure to work with in the planning phase and were very easy to communicate with. We chose to have provisions already aboard the boat when we arrived and I'm very pleased that we chose to do so. As families get older, it becomes more and more difficult to get everyone's schedules together to do a multi-generation vacation so I will have to say that this was probably a "once in a lifetime" trip and one that we will all remember for the rest of our lives! Would recommend this company to everyone!"

★★★★★

"“The Big Deal” really was a Big Deal We cruised on the “Big Deal” with Captain George and the best 10 friends in the world. What an amazing relaxing vacation. My husband and I ended up in the bunk beds, but we didn’t care. The trip was so relaxing and enjoyable that it didn’t matter. We loved the relaxed, easy time. Captain George recommenced the ports based on the weather and distance. We went with his recommendations and enjoyed music, fun, and sailing every morning. We chose to not have a hostess accompany us, but it was still VERY easy. Every morning whoever was up would go and get fresh pastries for breakfast and usually fresh bread for lunch. We eat our yummy fresh pastries and coffee every morning, then make simple sandwiches and Fruit for lunch. For dinner captain George would arrange a restaurant and make reservations for us. It was easy to get off of the boat, find the restaurant with our table waiting and eat delicious food that was slightly different at every port. By the third day my husband and George were sharing salads and other parts of dinner. Everything about the trip was easy and relaxing. You don’t have to worry about a thing. One of my favorite pictures from the trip was taken by Captain George with his drone. He flew it over and got wonderful shots of us floating or sitting on the back of the boat along with the beautiful water. Loved every minute! It was a once in a lifetime trip for us, but if I ever get the opportunity to do it again I definitely would and would come back to Yachtsailing.gr as well as request Captain George!"

★★★★★

"The best cruise we ever had I chose yacht sailing because of the many good reviews they had from previous customers and it was proven to be a wise choice. We sailed the Argosaronic islands with the boat "Big Deal". The boat was in a very good condition and in case there was an issue (one of the fridges was not operating the first day) the team did their best to fix it. Our captain (George Maleas) is the best we ever had and made sure our wishes were satisfied, always taking under consideration safety, of course. This team really makes a huge effort to make sure the customers have a good time. I would definitely go back again."

★★★★★

A week of heaven!

"The lagoon 500 catamaran that we spend a week on was simply amazing. George knew all the great spots and is an expert sailor and generally a great and interesting fellow. All villages or cities that we visited George knew restaurant owners and harbour masters personally and seemed very well liked. A true local in the best form. Anna was outside being a gracious host as well as an extraordinary cook. We had all kinds of different Greek dishes and other delicious recipes along the way. I could be considered a picky eater, but everything Anna decided to make for us I very much enjoyed. The lagoon 500 is super comfortable. It’s quite a large vessel yet the different seating area’s being at the bow, flybridge, stern and cabin are all very cozy and keep the atmosphere intimate. Cabins all have a fan and airconditioning and are of a very comfortable size. Bathrooms and showers where also perfectly usable, and very well maintained in cleanliness by Anna whenever we departed the boat for dinner. I’m quite a large guy with 195cm / 6ft4 and I didn’t bump my head into any objects which is quite unusual for me on boats! If you are thinking about booking with this company, I would highly recommend. Ask for George and Anna, but I feel confident that the other staff is just as competent! Thanks again George and Anna for the unforgettable holiday!"

★★★★★

The best cruise we ever had

"I chose yacht sailing because of the many good reviews they had from previous customers and it was proven to be a wise choice. We sailed the Argosaronic islands with the boat "Big Deal". The boat was in a very good condition and in case there was an issue (one of the fridges was not operating the first day) the team did their best to fix it. Our captain (George Maleas) is the best we ever had and made sure our wishes were satisfied, always taking under consideration safety, of course. This team really makes a huge effort to make sure the customers have a good time. I would definitely go back again."

★★★★★

Great holiday on the sea

"Great experience with yachtsailing ! Especially with Cpt Platsakis who was an amazing skipper. Our holidays with him was extraordinary ! Thank you captain ! And the boat was perfect as the team in the marina."

★★★★★

Our Greek Odyssey

"A big thankyou and job well done to the team at YachtSailing.gr!!! This was our second trip with YachtSailing.gr and they did not disappoint. Our group of 4 just completed a 2 week adventure with Captain George Platsakis. First, the hard working men and women of YachtSailing.gr are great. Pre-trip communications with Eugene, Joanna and Maria answered all our questions. From items we asked for on the boat, transportation needs and grocery shopping link (big time saver to order on line in advance and deliver to the boat). Thanks for being so patient with us. We met Captain Platsakis on board readying Vegas for our Greek Odyssey. After discussing safety protocols (by the way, George’s English is great), possible itineraries, weather forecasts and our expectations of George and his of us, the crew, we pushed off. We asked for sailing, we got it. We asked for anchoring and awesome moorage locations, we got it. We asked for great food experiences, cultural and historical sites like the Temple of Aphaia, Temple of Apollo, hiking opportunities, snorkeling sites, fun and humor and we got it! We met George as a stranger but left with a new friend. George anticipated our needs keeping safety in mind always looking forward to achieve our aggressive itinerary and boundless enthusiasm to take it to the limit…and…that’s what she said…"

★★★★★

Magical Trip

"Our (8 friends) first boat trip was crazy. From the beginning to the end, everything’s was so easy, you have juste to relax and enjoy. People of yacht sailing and marina are really kind. Captain platsakis is awesome, he makes us have an one of a kind trip by organising everything, from the direction to take depending to the weather, to the choice of restaurants and even foods. It was our first time in Greece and we will be back for sure soon to an other boat trip with Yacht Sailing. Thanks for every people crossed on the road at every marina and places we visited"

★★★★★

sailing in the Saronic Gulf

"We sailed on the Big Deal in April 2023. This company was the best I’ve ever worked with. The behind-the-scenes folks were superb: attentive to every question, clear and thorough. So a giant thanks to Eugene, Maria, and Alex and to everyone else who keeps the boats in tip-top shape. And then there’s Cpt. Platsakis. He might introduce himself to you as your captain, but he’s really a magician. He made our one-week adventure on the Big Deal in April 2023 one of the very best I’ve ever had. We were a total of five women of three generations who wanted to do something vague like “Have fun on the Aegean.” He won us over within 5 minutes of stepping aboard when he led the singing of “Happy Birthday” to my youngest granddaughter. Seeing immediately that our group had a variety of interests, abilities, and attention spans, he mapped out a possible itinerary around the Saronic Gulf. We had the time of our lives. George helped us plan on-shore excursions, joined us for dinners, interpreted menus, taught us how to toss dock lines, cleat sheets, and watched with amusement as the teenagers performed dance routines up on the bow. He fixed minor mechanical glitches, called ahead for dinner reservations, and taught a pre-teen that she could indeed be responsible for hosing off the anchor line. I can’t say enough about Captain Platsakis. He’s utterly competent--as I suppose most captains are—but he’s also funny and quietly observant with highly developed interpersonal skills. He made our trip the dream we’d hoped it would be."

★★★★★

Vacation of a lifetime

"Couldn't have had a better time. George is the man: he took us to some spectacular spots, and took great care of us."

★★★★★

Big Deal with Cpt Platsakis

"Capt. Platsakis and the catamaran "the big deal" (as well as the back office heroes), made our trip a pure joy. It was the trip of a lifetime! Thank you Captain "George!""

★★★★★

An unforgettable sailing adventure on the Big Deal with Captain Platsakis and Yachtsailing.gr

"Imagine vibrant blue waters, warm sea breezes and soft sunsets. If there was only 1 trip you could take sailing through the Greek islands with Yacht Sailing,Gr and Captain Platsakis on The Big Deal. We had 9 people on our boat and Captain George graciously accommodated our wish list. His great knowledge of sailing and warm personality put us at ease. We would all come back fir more!"

★★★★★

On the Big Deal with Cpt Platsakis (George)

"Capt. Platsakis was extremely competent, adaptable to weather and sailing desires and a pleasure to be around. He speaks English well and is knowledgeable about the Islands geography and history. He also has a great sense of humor. We had the trip of a lifetime. There was plenty of true sailing, paddle boarding, and beautiful swimming. Be flexible with island choices and trust Capt. Platsakis’ wisdom, sailing experience and understanding of the best fit for the Island sailing time you have. He is the King of Captains."

★★★★★

Say yes, then sit back & enjoy the experience!

"This will go down as one of our very favorite trips ever. We travelled from United States to Greece with another couple. (Have travelled together before successfully which is important Bc we were living in close quarters.) Having never chartered a boat before, none of us knew the treat we were in for. Captain Platsakis & Hostess Anastasiya on The Big Deal were spectacular skipper and hostess. (HIGHLY recommend getting a hostess…she was a game changer) Recommend coming to Greece a few days before departure Bc we ran into flight issues that delayed us several hours, and could have missed departure time which you would not want to delay. In addition, we were able to recover from any jet lag prior to getting on the boat which also made it more enjoyable. From the moment we got on the boat, we knew we had the best crew. The best advice I can give is to trust them and take their advice on where to travel and how to eat. They are both excellent at what they do and continued to surprise us throughout the journey. We came into the process thinking we wanted to travel to certain islands, but we were very flexible and wound up putting our full itinerary in their hands. So so happy we did that. Each island was more spectacular than the next. Cpt Platsakis was so awesome and very engaging. His ultimate goal was to make sure our trip was perfect…and it was. Words can’t express how much we enjoyed this trip and how much we are going to miss Anastasiya & Cpt Platsakis. We will miss waking up every morning to the most beautiful views, eating the most delicious breakfast and yummy beautiful lunches & swimming in the bluest water we’ve ever seen. Wouldn’t change a thing."

★★★★★

Spectacular!

"The trip of a lifetime! We sailed on The Big Deal with Captain George and our wonderful hostess Anastasia. From the moment we got on the boat, they treated us like their most important guests- like their family! We were two couples traveling together for our first time in Greece. The trip exceeded all of our expectations. George brought us to the most beautiful islands, including Folegandros and Antiparos. There was time for swimming and exploring the beautiful towns each day. Anastasia is an incredible cook- every meal was delicious and perfectly suited to our tastes. They both took care of every detail and did everything possible to make sure our trip was perfect. I recommend this company and this trip wholeheartedly. It truly was the trip of a lifetime!"

★★★★★

The Big Deal - Capt Platsakis

"The holiday of a lifetime !! Capt Platsakis on The Big Deal knew the most amazing coves, beaches, swimming spots and restaurants. An amazing experience for all the adults and teenagers on board. Gina our hostess took great care of us with traditional Greek meals, and the well maintained boat was easily big enough for 2 families. The holiday exceeded our expectations in every way. Would give six stars if possible."

★★★★★

Perfect from start to finish - Captain Platsakis and Big Deal

"We had high expectations of our sailing trip but they were surpassed at day one. Captain Platsakis (George) and Gina became our friends instantly. BIG DEAL was spacious, comfortable, clean and cool (it was particularly hot that week!!). It was equipped with everything we needed and more. And very obviously a well cared for boat. Eugene had already answered our many questions and taken note of all our provision requests. Really impressive. We left everything to them, not needing to know where we were going, what we were eating, we knew we would love it all. And we DID. Every bay, every port was stunning. George worked out by the end of our first day what we enjoyed and planned our week accordingly. He ensured there was always something for everyone. We were in safe hands at all times which meant we could totally relax. It’s been the best holiday we have been on and we have been lucky enough to have travelled a lot! We will be back and we will 100% be asking for Captain George and Gina on the BIG DEAL. THOROUGHLY recommended."

★★★★★

Captain Platsakis and The Big Deal

"We went earlier in the season and it was amazing. There was a fraction of the amount of people that go during peak season and we felt like we had it all to ourselves. Captain Platsakis, George, was the best skipper we could've hoped for. He really knows the area and goes above and beyond for you. We love traveling and this was one of our favorite trips ever. A must do."

★★★★★

Paradisiac Islands

"A week sailing around the Greek Islands with Cpt Platsakis was fantastic! He took us to the mostparadisiac islands away from the big congregation of tourists. We could enjoy the pristine blue waters, swim, sun bath and taste the amazing Greek cosine in every island. Thanks “George” for the wonderful memories that we will never forget. We will be back!"

★★★★★

Captain Platsakis from “The Big Deal” is a must!!!

"Captain Platsakis from the Big Deal gave us an amazing experience sailing around the Greek islands. I live and boat in Miami, FL and it was such a different experience and full of fun adventures! Captain Platsakis took us to the best destinations with the highest recommendations on sights and food. We sailed for 7 days and other than getting used to the tight quarters with 9 of us, it was a trip of a lifetime and I would go again in a heartbeat!!! I highly recommend Captain Platsakis and “The Big Deal”!"

★★★★★

To Greek God & Goddess: aka Captain George and Chef Anastasia,

"To Greek God & Goddess: aka Captain George and Chef Anastasia, We came from Texas with expectations and our reality was way over the top. Every bay and town felt so new, but also just like home! The suggestions and relationships (coolest tour guide George) you arranged were the best and in between every awesome experience was elevated with food from the iron goddess chef Anastasia nectar from the gods. From one meal to the next she outdid herself and your heart was an every meal! I just don’t understand how to strangers in Greece can in one day feel like part of the family! We will forever be grateful for your guidance and companionship. Your impact on our lives will never be forgotten. All our BIG TEXAS love, The Baums"

★★★★★

Amazing Week Aim The Big Deal With Captain Platsakis And Maria Manoleli, Best Vacation Ever!!!

"If you are looking for crowds and cruise ships, this experience is NOT for you. If you prefer a relaxing personalized sailing vacation (sometimes motor sailing) to beautiful less crowded Greek islands on a spacious 50+ foot catamaran with your family/friends…book this trip! We flew to Athens direct from Boston and spent two nights adjusting to the time difference. After a walking tour of the acropolis and some shopping in Plaka, we were ready to begin our Yacht Sailing adventure. We met our captain, George Platsakis, and our hostess, Maria Manoleli, at Alimos marina and they immediately made us feel like family. George suggested that he take us to the same places that he would take his friends and family and we agreed to trust his suggestions. We are SO glad that we did! The boat, BIG DEAL, is huge and amazing and 8 of us had plenty of room to relax. Our routine each day was to leave port early and sail for a few hours toward our next destination. We would stop at a beautiful swimming spot to swim and eat a delicious lunch prepared by Maria. We requested provisioning and Greek food and Maria delivered. She made stuffed peppers, souvlaki, bolognese, seafood, omelettes, meatballs, salads and served cheeses and pastries from every small island that we visited. After the swim stop (about two hours), we would sail to our next beautiful port. Our captain somehow managed to get us a perfect spot at each island and a great dinner reservation. Our group consisted of myself, my husband, my sister, my 80 year old father and four “children” ages 15-27. We ALL agree that this vacation was the best one ever. We cannot thank George enough for his positive and fun attitude, helpful advice, drone footage of our group and very capable boating and sailing skills. He made docking a 50 foot catamaran look easy. We are also so grateful to Maria for her kindness, sense of humor and excellent cooking. She took amazing care of our family. While we explored each island, she purchased local…"

★★★★★

Best vacations ever, Strongly suggest to do it.

"I had the best vacations in my life. We had one week with a catamaran in several greek islands and it was amazing. We had the best crew with Gina and Captain George Platsakis. Best captain and an amazing person who made our vacation a dream come true. I would strongly suggest to try sailing greek islands as an experience and ask for Captain Platsakis if you need added value to your vacations. For sure will repeat these vacations again."

★★★★★

Captain Platsakis dream sail!

"Our trip with Captain Platsakis was nothing short of a dream! He was professional, responsible and fun, and tailored the trip to what he thought we'd all love the most. It could not have been a more easygoing and beautiful week."

★★★★★

So Professional and Knowledgable

"Captain Platsakis and crew Anastasiya made our week long trip (September 28-Oct 5, 2024) fabulous! Captain Platsakis was exceptional skipper who had deft hand on the wheel. He got us in and out of tight anchorages with skill and confidence. Anastasiya created healthy meals featuring local cuisine. We could not have asked for more. They arranged for interesting excursions and exceptional restaurants some very traditional and others quite trendy. We relied 100 % on the Captain’s knowledge of winds and locales in selecting our itinerary and you should as well. The crew worked very well together and are a very experienced and professional team that the guests came to rely on. I would without hesitation always ask for them and the “Big Deal.”"

★★★★★

Is this the best sailing vacation or what?

"We knew we had great friends on this sail trip but what we did not expect was to get the best skipper ever Capt George Platsakis and the wonder hostess Master Chef Anastasiya. They kept the boat, the “Big Deal” clean at all times. The Big Deal is a well-maintained boat. The decor made it feel like home away from home. Very comfy boat. Capt Platsakis is not only a professional ; he is definitely a very experienced sailor who cared for his vessel and crew and guests! He went above and beyond and got us freshly caught fish and cooked them! None of the fish in the restaurants we went was able to match his fish! He is also a great cook! He and Hostess Anastasiya are a fabulous team. Hostess Anastasiya prepared healthy meals - and they were deliz! Just fabulous. The itinerary, the restaurant recommendations were on point. It is evident how much Capt Platsakis loves to sail - we loved that he put up the sails every chance he got. And so did we! The charter company manager welcomed us back at the Marina and you can tell that they care about their guests having the best experience. We had so much fun on this trip. Capt Platsakis has full command of the Big Deal. As for Hostess Anastasiya - if she is home with us we will never eat poorly."

★★★★★

I've been charter sailing for a while...and this was the best yet.

"It all starts with a great skipper at the helm and Captn. Platsakis was it. Always jovial and easy going. He never steered us wrong, was gracious enough to build a fantastic sailing route for us. He made reservations for us at some great places and he loves sailing..... so we got to sail every time we could. This is an A++++ in my book Now...the best kept secret for me, and the reason we all walked away several kilos heavier, was our hostess Anastasiya. Talk about a wonderful human being with magic touch in the galley. I mean wow..Anastasiya is litterally a master chef in Greece so the food was just "stupid good" as one of my mates said. We are big foodies so every meal was better than the last. The Big Deal was our sailing vessel for the week and she was the great. A 50 footer with all the pleasant accomodations you could imagine. We had roomy berths, plenty of lounge space and extra water toys to boot. Although she's a few years old, she hauled butt under sail. Lastly, the Greek islands and the wonderful people. Each island had it's unique beauty, delicious food, and the people were friendly and hospitable."

★★★★★

Amazing Vacation!

"We just came back from a great trip on the Big Deal with Captain Platsakis and Hostess Anastasiya. We were two families, with 4 adults and 5 kids ages five to twelve. This was our first time on a chartered catamaran, so we knew it looked like fun but weren't really sure what to fully expect. However, it truly was a trip of a lifetime. As Eugene will tell you, your Captain is more than a navigator. He was more like an uncle we hadn't seen in a while and invited us on his boat for the week. Captain Platsakis was friendly, funny, and handled the 50 foot catamaran with ease in all anchorages and ports. Ask him about docking in Hydra if you really want to see his skills put to the test! He also arranged a variety of excursions for us. For example we had read that Aegina has pistachios and wanted to do some sort of tour that involved these. George called his friends, and when we docked a tour was waiting for us. He also recommended that we get some ATVs/eGolfcarts in Spetses, at first we weren't sure - but we were so glad we did it as it was something different and fun, and gave us some wheels to try a restaurant a bit further from the docks. We knew there would be a hostess on our boat and we felt so lucky to have Anastasiya on the Big Deal. She overdelivered in every way. She was incredibly skilled in the kitchen (she was on Master Chef Greece!), kind to the kids, and made outstanding meals every single time. She even took time to make a cheese cake with the kids while we were underway - and everyone thought that was a special treat! Overall you can sometimes go on vacation and feel tired afterwards; but not this trip. All adults felt RELAXED after a week at sea. The Big Deal was a great selection for us, and an impressive boat! Each day involved a mix of one or two swimming spots in beautiful waters, and then docking at a special island."

★★★★★

Wonderful sailing vacation in Greece

"We had an amazing experience sailing through the Cyclades with Captain Platsakis and Hostess Anastasia on The Big Deal. The boat was in excellent condition, the rooms were spacious and comfortably accommodated our group of six. Captain Platsakis did an excellent job navigating destinations based on the weather. Captain and hostess arranged amazing authentic local excursions on each of the islands we visited. We were able to explore areas off the beaten path which added to the overall experience. Hostess Anastasia prepared fresh, healthy and delicious meals, locally sourced. 5 star quality! We can’t say enough good things about the crew and what they did throughout the week to make us feel at home. We will miss Captain Platsakis and Hostess Anastasia and hope to be back soon."

★★★★★

Authentic Greece Experience

"We recently sailed the Cyclades on the 50’ BIG DEAL with Captain George and Chef Anastasia and it was unbelievable! We left the itinerary up to them, we didn’t want tourist traps and crowds and they gave us a true Greece experience. The balance between sailing and water sports and port was perfect. It really helped to have pre-trip zoom calls to ask questions, set expectations and plan the perfect trip! In addition to the sailing, The sea and islands were so beautiful. Chef Anastasia’s food was amazing - do not forgo having a chef onboard, it completes the whole experience! We will definitely be back, specifically with Captain George and Anastasia on The Big Deal - ask for them!"

★★★★★

Simply Beyond Amazing!

"SIMPLY BEYOND AMAZING! As I try to accurately reflect our week on THE BIG DEAL, I boiled it down to three word, SIMPLY BEYOND AMAZING. From the professionalism and attentiveness of Eugene and his staff answering our litany of questions and coordination prior to our trip, everything they did was FLAWLESS! Airport transfers, hotel/Air BNBs, restaurant suggestions etc etc. went exactly as planned. They are super knowledgeable and go the extra mile to ensure all the process leading up to your week at sea was flawless. Now to the trip itself…..I would like to consider group very seasoned worldly travelers. We have been blessed to have traveled to many, many wonderful, exotic locations. We have stayed at the finest hotels and some of the most rustic, off-the-grid places as well, and everything in between. Each has had their greatness in their own ways. However, a week one THE BIG DEAL is off the charts. The Greek Isles are awesome to begin with, BUT, the boat, and the islands’ beauty are pale in comparison to Captain Platsakis and Chef Anastasia. THEY ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST IN THE BUSINESS and they made the entire week incredibly amazing and very unique and special. Mere words cannot do them justice. They are a team that makes the whole week crazy fun, exotic, and entertaining etc. People who clearly love their work, and have a passion for exceeding anyone’s expectations and it shows. What’s most noteable, is that most people who have to deal with a wide array of personalities, they do it with a constant smile as if nothing is impossible. The meals and hospitality was amazing thanks to Anastasia’s culinary experience (she was on Master Chef Greece), and you can’t find a better cook in Greece, let alone the Islands. Captain George is the most knowledgeable and great guide and master captain. He actually loves to sail, so when there is wind, we were under sail, unlike a lot of other boats who are under motor most of the time. Kind of defeats the purpose of a catamaran?!…"

★★★★★

Fantastic week with Captain Platsakis and Chef Anastasia Dmytruk

"Our recent one-week sailing trip on the Big Deal with Captain George Platsakis and Chef Anastasia Dmytruk was a fantastic experience. As a group of three couples with previous chartering experience in the BVIs, we were thrilled with the exceptional services provided by Yacht Sailing GR. Sailing Greece with them was a step above our expectations, leaving us in awe. Our journey with Yacht Sailing GR was marked by their professionalism and attention to detail. From the initial booking to the provisioning process, everything was a breeze. Eugene and Maria, the team members we interacted with, were prompt in answering our queries and were transparent about the pricing and onboard expectations. The provisioning process was efficient, and they accommodated all our food and beverage requests. The check-in process was smooth, with no surprises, further enhancing our trust in the company. Once we were on board, Captain Platsakis and Chef Anastasia warmly greeted us. We instantly knew we were in good hands and we were going to have FUN! Captain Platsakis is all about safety. We had a detailed safety session and an overview of where we would sail. When it comes to the sailing itinerary, please trust his judgment. We went in with an idea of where we wanted to sail, but after discussing it with him, we devised a different plan. BEST decision ever! We discovered untouched beaches, bays, and villages. The best part was that there were no crowds, and it was an authentic Greek experience. Each morning, Captain George would send us a group text with the plan for the day. We awoke to coffee and a fantastic breakfast; next, we’d sail to a secluded bay for a swim, then sail to our lunch spot and another swim, and finish the day exploring a hidden village. Once we arrived at our resting spot for the night, Captain George arranged for dinner and transportation. We didn’t have to plan anything!! The best dinners were the ones spent with George and Anastasia. They helped us navigate the…"

★★★★★

**"The Big Deal: A Yacht Adventure Like No Other!"**

"Ahoy, fellow seafarers! Let me regale you with the tale of our escapade aboard "The Big Deal," the most extraordinary yacht to grace the cerulean waves. Buckle up, because this review is about to set sail! 🛥️ **The Big Deal**: Picture opulence, elegance, and a dash of audacity. This yacht is like James Bond's secret lair, but with better views. The amenities? Oh, darling, they're the stuff of dreams. From the heated infinity pool (yes, you read that right) to the underwater disco (because why not?), every inch of this vessel screams, "We're not just sailing; we're conquering the seas!" 🔧 **Stellar Maintenance**: The crew polishes "The Big Deal" with unicorn tears, I'm convinced. It gleams like a freshly minted doubloon. And let's talk about the engine room—immaculate! I half-expected to find a team of elves down there, humming sea shanties while fine-tuning the warp drive. 👨‍✈️ **Captain Platsakis**: Move over, Poseidon; Captain Platsakis is in town! His mastery of sailing is akin to a symphony—each maneuver a note, each gust of wind a crescendo. But wait, there's more! His storytelling? Riveting! We learned about ancient shipwrecks, mermaid love affairs, and the secret recipe for Poseidon's favorite cocktail. (Hint: It involves starfish and moonlight.) 🌴 **Local Knowledge**: Captain Platsakis isn't just a sailor; he's a mystical compass. He guided us to hidden coves where dolphins serenaded us, and tavernas so local that even the locals were like, "Wait, where's that?" Need a car rental? Done. Want a 4x4 adventure? Voilà! Restaurant reservations? He waved his trident (figuratively) and made it happen. 👩‍🍳 **Chef Anastasiya**: Brace yourselves, foodies. Anastasiya, the culinary sorceress, whipped up feasts fit for gods. In her tiny yacht kitchen, she concocted miracles: lobster bisque kissed by Aphrodite, tzatziki fresher than a sea breeze, and desserts that made Zeus weep with envy. Her bubbly personality? A delightful riptide—don't underestimate her; she's…"

★★★★★

A trip of dreams come true!

"I want to start by saying if we could, we’d give this experience 10 stars. We booked Yacht Sailing in an effort to have a truly unique experience in Greece that would allow us to see more islands, have quiet and serenity away from tourists and crowds. We took our trip on the boat titled The Big Deal. We were fortunate to have the captain George Platsakis and host, Anastasia Dymtruck. These two were incredible and truly made our vacation the perfect experience. George has a welcoming demeanor, is incredibly skilled in boating and sailing, and seems to have a sole focus of making our week aboard his boat the perfect and memorable vacation we wanted. Anastasia is delightfully friendly, and insightful into our interests and tastes. She is also a master chef and her cooking is the best food we’ve had in Greece Together they work seamlessly to anticipate our needs, set up lovely expedited, quickly learned our preferences and pace. They are so delightful to talk to and we have learned so much from them. It feels like we are on vacation with dear friends Here’s somethings I would have liked to have know prior to this experience: Don’t go with any agenda!!! Let them guide YOU. They will quickly learn what you want and follow their lead on restaurants and experiences When you arrive at the port there were issues with credit cards getting rejected leaving many on the phone with credit card companies Jump in the water, try the new foods, do it all. They know how to make your week perfect. Don’t micromanage the food! Let Anastasia cook her magic! Don’t overcrowd your boat. It’s spacious and lovely but remember you’re living on a boat for a week Tip generously. Emily K 1 contribution 1 A trip of dreams come true! Jun 2024 • Couples I want to start by saying if we could, we’d give this experience 10 stars. We booked Yacht Sailing in an effort to have a truly unique experience in Greece that would allow us to see more islands, have quiet and serenity away from tourists and crowds.…"

★★★★★

The Big Deal in Cyclades

"The Big Deal is a spacious yacht with a big gathering table outside on the back, and another inside by the kitchen and yet another nice lounging area on the front of the boat. Plenty of room for us to gather in those three locations and also on the big bench with the Captain. Each of our queen suites complete with private baths gave everyone ample privacy along with sharing time together. Our captain is from Crete, a place I love very much, and he embodies the generous nature of his home island. A very experienced Captain, his skill in navigating everything from narrow docking to 9 foot swells gave us all full confidence in his abilities and our safety. His warmth and openness brought him right into our group and we all became a close knit traveling team in no time. He possesses a positive nature, is really good at noticing what individuals and the group enjoy, and has every referral and made countless arrangements for us on the dozen or so islands we visited. Accomplished and humble, he's funny and a wonderful conversationalist. He and his wife are expecting a baby this year, and he found out on our trip they will have a daughter—special for us to share this news. You hear the phrase 'trip of a lifetime' and this journey through the northern and south Cyclades stands tall in such a category. . . and also is really beyond labels. Sailed straight into my heart! Thank you captain! Take good care til next time. I hope to return for a family trip 🤍"

★★★★★

Sailing on the Big Deal

"This was the trip of a lifetime! Captain tailored the sailing so we could see as much of everything as possible in our short time, while giving out pearls of knowledge about each place we visited. Our hostess was the heart of the boat, making sure we were all happy, comfortable and well-fed, and always with a smile. They were a great team and helped create a beautiful, relaxing and worry-free vacation for me and my family. 100% would do this again!"

★★★★★

A Big Deal on the Big Deal!!

"To say our stay on the Big Deal was divine is an understatement. The Captain and hostess Anastasia spoiled us, accommodating our every whim and individual preferences. Our skipper plotted a course through the islands specific to our wants and weather dependent. He kept us apprised of what was possible and how the ride would be. Each island a unique experience. Our chef fed us like we were royalty. Every dish specific to our liking, right down to our individual preferences and dietary needs. Authentic Greek cuisine, with the freshest of ingredients. Our party of eight slept comfortably in the five guest rooms. And we hung out on deck, below deck or in the dining area. The Captain and hostess/chef did not just cater to us on the ship. On land, they gave recommendations for local things to do and restaurants, arranged for transportation, made reservations, acted as concierge, tour guide, and Party planner! Within a few hours, they were more than staff. They were family! We can’t wait to comeback to the Big Deal. Thank you for your hospitality! Ta léme sýntoma"

★★★★★

A week on the Big Deal

"Our experience on Big Deal was nothing short of exceptional! Our captain and hostess were so welcoming to our family, making us feel completely comfortable and at home. Every meal prepared on board by our chef was fresh and delicious, and catered to several different food restrictions our group had. It surpassed anything we would expect from a gourmet restaurant - Salads, omelettes, Pastitsio (Greek lasagna), fish, gyros, lamb, you name it... bravo! Captain took us on an ideal tour of the Greek isles, changing and tweaking the course to be exactly what we wanted - showing us a mixture of small local villages and bigger towns that gave us a little bit of everything. Exhilarating sailing through turbulent swells combined with lazy days in relaxing swimming coves made for diverse transits that were never dull. He even dazzled us with his drone flying and photography skills, sharing several incredible compilation videos of our adventure. Our crew arranged for transportation when needed, made dinner recommendations and reservations at every island, and tailored the trip exactly how we wanted. We were honored to have them join us for dinner on two nights, helping us to order local delicacies we might never have tried otherwise. If you're considering a trip to Greece and want to see it's beautiful islands from the sea with fantastic food and great company, I can't recommend the Big Deal more! My only complaint is that it couldn't last longer! Yamas!"

★★★★★

Best week ever

"Our crew was absolutely amazing. I can’t even fully express how great the trip was! We felt safe, informed and had a ton of fun! Captain always gave us a run down of what each day would hold and made sure we knew some things to do and where to eat at each stop. Our hostess was attentive, sweet and an amazing cook. We would love to travel with them again in the future."

★★★★★

”The BigDeal”

"Truly one of the best vacations we have experienced. Our crew were the most amazing team. They both were very welcoming and fun. The catamaran was named “The Big Deal” and that is the perfect name as it was a big deal for us. Plenty of activities with snorkeling, Paddleboarding and kayaking while we were in the bay areas.. In addition, all our crew's reccomendations for shopping and dining were spot on. We definitely will be coming back Thanks again for truly memorable experience."

★★★★★

Our Epic Adventure on The Big Deal

"When making the decision to take a catamaran around the Greek Islands, I took my research seriously. I found Yacht Sailing and just knew they were the one! Upon further digging, it was clear that The Big Deal would be a perfect fit. We reached out to Eugene, who made things so easy for us from start to finish, communicating every detail perfectly before the trip. Our group, three couples and three teenagers, arrived feeling hot, with too many suitcases (take note—bring less!), and anxious to head out. From the moment we met our crew, we no longer had to think for ourselves. It felt amazing to put our trust into someone else’s hands, feeling confident we were about to have the trip of a lifetime. We made the decision with the captain to let him make our itinerary—with no regrets! (As a side note—we, last minute, had friends book King of Diamonds, and both captains made arrangements to meet up so we could travel together. AMAZING!) Connecting with both our captain and hostess was easy from the start. Living on a boat for a week means tight living, but The Big Deal offered plenty of space for all of us to be comfortable at all times. We blended in as one family in no time. Our hostess has a kind spirit, ready to serve others. She’s thoughtful not only of everyone’s dietary needs but really knows how to read people and made sure we were all comfortable at all times. Every dish she made was not only beautiful but healthy and full of flavor. It’s not easy to impress 3 teen boys, but she always managed—while simultaneously being aware of what the captain needed on deck. The queen of multitasking, a smart and beautiful spirit—she’s a pleasure to chat with and will forever be a part of our family. Similarly, our captain made us feel like family from the start, making us comfortable but, most importantly, safe. He is the true definition of a captain—always aware of everything surrounding his boat and guests, whether at sea, in a bay, or at port. I never worried about the…"

★★★★★

Another fantastic holiday aboard the Big Deal

"It felt like coming home as we boarded the Big Deal for our second sailing holiday. There was a warm welcome back and hugs all around from our crew. We unpacked and were quickly heading out to the Cyclades. Our captain knew what type of holiday we wanted and he delivered everyday. We stopped at stunning bays to swim in crystal clear water and overnighted on unspoilt islands such as Kythnos, Kimolos, Folegandros and Paros. He made sure once we were on land that we knew where to go and how to get there to ensure we made the most of our island stops. As for our hostess, she quickly understood what we loved to eat. Serving up tasty breakfasts, snacks and lunches, Greek in style always with a twist and no wonder she has been a Masterchef contestant! Delicious! She made sure our whole party was catered for, checking individual likes and dislikes and was the best hostess you could ask for. Always smiling, positive and was a joy to be with. Time to save up for a third visit!"

★★★★★

Another amazing week on the Big Deal

"Our second time on the Big Deal, but this time we ventured further to the Cyclades islands. Stunning hidden beaches, great sailing and swimming thanks to our captain. Restaurant quality food served by our hostess who we learned was a star of Greek Masterchef !"

★★★★★

Riding the waves to treasure islands!

"Our crew curated a most excellent adventure for us that saw us riding the waves to treasure islands on The Big Deal. Based on our captain's suggestions, were able to largely avoid the summer crowds and over-touristy islands in favor of more secluded and picturesque seaside villages. Our hostess catered well to our dietary needs and introduced many interesting and flavorful Greek dishes from salads to desert. We sailed with dolphins, explored hidden coves, stunning beaches, ancient pirate hideaways and swam with the fishes. The Big Deal and its fantastic crew is the Real Deal!!!"

★★★★★

Sailing the Cyclades on the Big Deal

"Our week long sailing adventure on the Big Deal was incredible….the trip of a lifetime! Our Captain and Chef were so warm and welcoming from the moment we stepped on board the boat. Our Captain’s exceptional knowledge of the islands (and everyone on them) led us to hidden swimming coves, guided tours and reservations at amazing restaurants. Our Chef was the most generous hostess, truly a kind soul. She prepared the most delicious authentic Greek meals and engaged our children in helping her prepare the meals as well. Both families on our trip commented numerous times that this was the best vacation we had ever had and it was all thanks to our crew!"

★★★★★

Amazing Time on the Big Deal

"We thoroughly enjoyed our charter on the Big Deal in the Greek Ciclades. Our Captain and Chef were amazing. Each island offered unique experiences and, outstanding views, as we visited the ports and hidden beaches."

★★★★★

Riding the waves to treasure islands!

"Our crew curated a most excellent adventure for us that saw us riding the waves to treasure islands on The Big Deal. Based on our Captain's suggestions, were able to largely avoid the summer crowds and over-touristy islands in favor of more secluded and picturesque seaside villages.Our chef catered well to our dietary needs and introduced many interesting and flavorful Greek dishes from salads to desert. We sailed with dolphins, explored hidden coves, stunning beaches, ancient pirate hideaways and swam with the fishes."

★★★★★

Amazing trip!

"We were in Big Deal for a week and had a great time. We had a mix of the calmest seas and a day of some rougher waters but the captain made it all smooth sailing."

★★★★★

Great sailing on the Big Deal!

"After doing extensive research on the available options to sail in the Ionian and Aegean Seas, I settled for Yacht Sailing chartering catamarans from Alimos Marina in Athens. This allowed my family and me to spend an amazing week sailing on the Big Deal. The hospitality of our crew was exceptional, and the two of them went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience. We were fortunate enough to visit the Cyclades in August, and we thoroughly enjoyed every single day. With our captain's sailing skills and extensive knowledge of the area, we visited six islands and numerous remote bays, allowing us to experience the local villages and swim in some of the most amazing turquoise waters. Those experiences, combined with our chef's excellent culinary skills, made our week unforgettable. She went above and beyond to make sure all meals accommodated a few dietary restrictions, and she rose to the occasion. She even managed to make our two birthdays in that week very special. Well done! All my interactions with Yacht Sailing were very good, and everybody I encountered proved that Greek hospitality is genuine. We are already planning a second trip in the next few years."