For once, instead of talking about yachts, we’d rather promote another marine issue; one which concerns us all

Isn’t it nice when someone agrees with your opinion?

It’s even better when that opinion is completely independent, like this from Channel 5 TV’s presenter Toby Amies, who had a tough job, as you can see in this report when he sailed aboard the catamaran Ombre Blu in the Aeolian islands off the north coast of Sicily.

Click here for more information, specifications and pictures of Ombre Blu

I’ve never understood how this works or why, but there’s another motor yacht in charter in Greece called IRIS. How can you register two of the same name in the professional registry in Piraeas? It’s like having two cars with the same plates. Beats me.

This one is smaller by 7m/25ft, has a white hull, is an Azimut (not Ferretti), carries 8 in comfort, not 12, is half the price and served by 4 crew, not 6. Phew! And what a crew. All enthusiastic, all talking at once (in extremely good English), bursting to tell me everything about their yacht which they’re obviously in love with. With good reason.

She’s in lovely condition; 10 years old but you’d never know it. Refitted 18 months ago with everything you can see and a few things you can’t replaced, she’s in fine shape with very comfortable cabins - I think I might need some instruction for the showers; water comes from everywhere to massage while you wash.

I managed to get the four crew, who are obvious friends, to stand still long enough for a picture on the stern swim platform. I like nice people on a well-found motor yacht; a happy crew makes for a great charter. Check out the pictures and details here.

Speaking of MY PROTEUS, Iris’s larger 35m/113ft stablemate, these two seem to vie for newest innovation. In addition to boasting the same Allergy-Friendly Cabins with an air conditioning system that removes 99% of pollutants, all mattresses and pillows in her six staterooms are made from natural, breathable fibres. No plastics, nothing man-made.

Whenever I meet Proteus’s charming skipper, Panayiotis (“Panos”), whom I’ve known for some years, I’m always interested to hear his newest thoughts on improving his clients’ experience. This year he’s introduced a system to download and print the morning newspaper of your choice on a broadsheet printer, to be presented with your breakfast. Even your breakfast can follow a pre-ordained theme (discuss with the chef).

Oh, they distill their own fresh water, too, so no bottled (glass, plastic or otherwise) water required. They’ll also give you your very own water bottle. Do your own little bit to save the planet.

No doubt Panos’s years as head of the Greek Professional Crews Association, of which he remains President, keeps him ahead of the game. He needs to inspire his members, after all.

As you’d expect, no crew is more shipshape; you’ll be in safe, attentive, hands. Proteus still has a few openings this summer, so take a look at her pictures and enquire for your dates.

Visiting the elegant blue-hulled Ferretti MY IRIS is always as much a pleasure as surprise at her wonderful appearance; now eight years old she still looks like new. Much of her interior IS new, from carpets to paintwork and many unseen touches to enhance living aboard.

Like her stablemate, Proteus, chief among these is her air conditioned interior, with Advanced High Ozone shock Treatment which eliminates mould and bacteria, leaving the cabins smelling fresh and clean, without using any chemical cleaning products.

On deck her innovation continues and includes a recreational tank-free diving system for underwater exploration without using scuba tanks, air being controlled aboard.

At 30m/100ft her accommodation for 12 is complemented by her all-Greek, all English-speaking crew, including two stewardesses whose friendly, discrete attention ensures a steady flow of repeat clients. I can see why. Explore here for more information.

SY NOVA is a superb example of the larger Lagoon CATAMARANS gradually appearing in the Greek crewed charter market which, at 19m/62ft overall offers as much sheer elbow room as a 30m/100ft monohull.

On-deck space is a particular attraction; our lunch aboard for 7 brokers around a spacious dining table took less than half the available aft deck space - just as well when I clumsily knocked a tray from the stewardess’s hand. I didn’t need to move away as the crew sprang to action clearing up my mess; their quiet professional highlighting my embarrassment. It wasn’t a test, honest!

The salmon, the giant prawns and light Corinthian wine were perfect lunchtime fare and the ever-jovial skipper, Costas, kept us entertained while chef, Nasos, beavered away unseen.

Nova’s spacious, air conditioned cabins and saloon are complemented by enough lounging, sunbathing and snoozing space for everyone as you can see here. Need an iPad version? Here you go.

SY SHOOTING STAR is a relatively rare, 20m Italian built Gianetti of distinct design, with flexible accommodation, as I found in the two forward double cabins, which can be combined to form a generous master cabin with ensuite his & hers bathrooms. A further three twin cabins make for an ideal charter yacht for friends or family. On deck her cockpit is truly enormous for a yacht of her size, offering ample space for the 10 she can carry.

To call her friendly crew “physically fit” is an understatement; they take my breath away. When her skipper, Aristotelis, isn’t sailing he teaches physical education at the Greek Military Academy in Athens and his hostess/cook wife, Liza, can keep up with him - she is also a PE graduate who, like her husband, has raced and won many sailing regattas over the years - when she wasn’t busy playing professional basketball…

If you’re interested in healthy eating there’s no surprise that Liza can deliver! Their happy, can-do approach make sailing this fast performance yacht look so easy, guests can just relax and enjoy the ride to places no cruise ship could reach. See the full details of Shooting Star here or contact me today to plan your getaway.

Polynesia is the place I’d most like to visit, because it’s one of the few sailing grounds I send my clients to, all of whom rave about it, where I haven’t yet sailed myself. Crazy!

One look at the picture should tell you why and there are a few itinerary suggestions here

Are you searching for a romantic get away? Whether for your honeymoon, anniversary, or just to spend time together, a yacht charter provides the perfect back-drop for your romantic trip.

When you charter a yacht (either crewed or bareboat) you have the opportunity to create your own personalized adventure. Choose where you want to go, when to go, how long to stay and what activities to do.

Yachts for charter come in many different sizes, styles, and price. You can truly find the perfect fit for your romantic get away. If you would like to learn more about yacht charters, please contact me here.

SY CALLISTO is in fine condition after 17 years in the charter fleet in Greece. The fact that she’s a traditional Swan helps, of course, but her prodigious maintenance programme cuts no corners; kept as she is virtually without regard to cost.

She also has the distinction of her clients still being served by her original stewardess. Dina is certainly the longest serving crew I know on a charter yacht, who continues to smile gracefully, cheerfully dispensing everything from advice on the best places to snorkel (she knows them all!) to the wonderful food emanating from the chef’s galley.

You’ll be in good hands aboard Callisto, whose worldwide reputation is well deserved. See her beautiful lines here and lean more about her crew here.