S/Y MELITI

Meliti is a sailing yacht from the Garcia yard, recently refitted and kept entirely to Greek waters. That suits her well. Greece rewards a yacht under sail, with islands close enough together that a morning's passage brings a new harbour, a different coastline and another clear bay to drop anchor in by lunchtime. She is sized for a family or a group of friends who would rather share a deck than spread across one, and who want the rhythm of wind, water and long, unhurried meals.

Below, her cabins give each guest a private retreat after a day in the sun, and the saloon becomes a small home cinema once evening falls, with TV and DVD for a film after dinner. WiFi connection keeps those who need it in touch, while Bluetooth connection lets guests play their own music. On deck, outdoor speakers with WiFi connection carry it into the open air, and an icemaker keeps drinks properly cold through the warmest afternoons at anchor.

When the anchor goes down, the water becomes the main event. A Seabob and a sea scooter draw people beneath the surface, and snorkeling equipment lets everyone explore the rocks and shallows at their own pace. An inflatable SUP and a paddleboard suit quiet early mornings on still water, the inflatable towable tube brings out the competitive streak, and a fishing rod is there for anyone patient enough to try for supper over the side.

A crewed charter in Greece is as much about ease as adventure, and Meliti is set up for both. The Novurania tender takes guests ashore for a walk through a hillside village, a swim from a beach with no road to it, or a table at a waterside taverna. Back aboard, the BBQ comes into its own as the light fades, and the crew look after the details so that the only decision left is where to swim next.