The Austrian charter company Marina & Yachting Development has taken over parts of the Ecker fleet previously based there for the new base, but is supplementing it with a whole range of new yachts. The staff from the old base have also returned. A fleet of three Beneteaus (43 to 50 feet) and three Lagoon cats (38 to 43 feet) are available on site.
Achilleion is a great starting harbour for cruises to the Sporades islands of Skiathos, Skopleos or Alonnisos. They offer a very varied and attractive sailing area that is not yet overcrowded. The distances between the islets are short, and the Meltemi winds are somewhat weaker here in the high season than further south in the Cyclades.
With the opening of the new base, crews can once again take off from the mainland, which has the advantage of good flight connections to Volos. Air Berlin flies to the small airport and offers attractive feeder flights from many German airports. As the Sunsail base on the Gulf of Volos in Milina was closed in 2014, the new base should be the ideal starting point on the mainland. The transfer from the airport takes just under 40 minutes, significantly less than the two hours and more to Milina.
The base also offers yacht services, which should be of interest to owners travelling in the region.
Bookings can be made via Alexandra Hofinger Yachtcharter, whose owner was also involved with Ecker Yachting for many years and has now successfully launched her own company. Here to go to the agency's website.
