HUAYRA

HUAYRA is a sailing yacht for guests who like to feel a boat respond to the wind rather than simply carry them from place to place. She has been recently refitted and keeps to Greek waters, which suits her well: the islands lie close enough together for easy passages under sail, with time left over to drop anchor, swim and let the afternoon stretch out. She is sized for a family or a group of friends who would rather share a deck than spread across a ship.

Life aboard centres on the open deck. A bimini and a sun awning give welcome shade in the heat of the day, so lunch can be taken outside without retreating below. There is a barbecue for grilling in the fresh air, and a deck shower to rinse off the salt after a swim. Afternoons tend to settle into an easy pattern of reading, dozing and slipping into clear water from the stern while the crew look after the rest.

She carries a generous choice of toys for the water. The Seabob is a favourite for gliding beneath the surface, while water skis for adults and children, a wakeboard and a tube cover the faster end of the day. For quieter moments there is a paddleboard, snorkelling equipment for exploring rocky shallows, and a fishing rod for anyone hoping to supply supper. The Williams jet tender takes guests ashore to a beach, a harbour taverna or a walk through a village.

When evening comes, the salon offers a comfortable retreat with a TV and stereo, and onboard Wi-Fi keeps guests in touch when they wish to be. Much of the pleasure of a crewed charter in Greece lies in having no fixed plan: the crew can suggest a sheltered anchorage for the night or a short hop to a neighbouring island in the morning, adjusting to the wind and to how the group feels. HUAYRA rewards guests who enjoy sailing as part of the holiday rather than a way of getting through it.