Delivering a yacht across the Mediterranean in autumn is as much about strategy and resilience as it is about embracing the beauty of the journey. On our recent delivery of a truly classic 65 (lengthened to 68) foot sailing yacht from Palma, Mallorca, to Athens, Greece, one of the most memorable moments was a nighttime transit through the Corinth Canal—an experience that never fails to inspire awe.
The Yacht: Classic Elegance Meets Capability
This stunning 68-foot sailing yacht, with her varnished cap rails and timeless lines, was a joy to helm. Designed to handle long passages with grace, she proved her strength time and again on this journey through autumn’s unpredictable Mediterranean weather. She was both comfortable and manageable for her experienced but short handed crew. Although being designed like a classic she had some really nice modern touches, electric winches, ample fridge space and Aircon (although not required on this trip!)
Navigating the Route: Stops and Challenges
Our voyage was strategically planned to manage the season’s challenges. After leaving Palma, we stopped in Carlo Forte, Sardinia, to avoid a looming storm and refuel. This allowed us to safely continue toward Milazzo, Sicily, a town steeped in history and beauty that offered a welcome respite.
After refueling in Reggio di Calabria, we caught favorable winds and enjoyed a perfect beam reach eastward. Passing north of Zakynthos and south of Cephalonia, the classic yacht excelled, cutting through the water with effortless speed and stability.
We transitted the Antirrion Bridge and were then given the opportunity for a short stop in Itea, a small Greek coastal village 12 hours short of Corinth, and near the historic site of the temple of Apollo, In Dephi. This allowed us to time our run through Corinth, ensuring we reached Athens in what we call ‘ACCEPTABLE’ conditions.
A Nighttime Transit Through Corinth
Reaching the Corinth Canal was a key milestone, and our approach was timed for the best conditions. At approximately two in the morning, under the cover of darkness, we made our way through this narrow and dramatic passage.
Even for seasoned sailors, the Corinth Canal is a breathtaking experience. Carving through steep limestone rock walls under the night sky, the canal takes on an otherworldly beauty. The yacht’s deck lights illuminated the sheer cliffs towering on either side, while the calm waters reflected the stars above. The stillness of the night amplified the sense of awe, turning a logistical necessity into a truly magical moment.
For anyone who loves the sea, a nighttime transit of the Corinth Canal is an experience that lingers in memory. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, it never loses its sense of wonder.
Arrival in Athens: A Triumphant Finish
Following the canal transit, we encountered strong winds exceeding forty knots as we neared Athens. Despite the gusty conditions, the classic yacht handled superbly, carrying us safely to Lavrios. Tying up at the dock, we handed her over to her owners in excellent condition. Their pride in the yacht’s resilience matched our own satisfaction in completing such a challenging passage.
See some more footage:
