Dear friend
The sea air, that sound of the water, the yacht’s gentle plunges as she’s pushed by the wind... There is something euphoric and elemental about being out at sea that makes us feel more alive than almost anything else on earth. Away from land you are reminded that there’s a big wide world out there... And suddenly the clutter of your daily life sweeps away and problems become smaller.
If you could name a better way to relax and recharge your batteries after a stressful year than a sailing holiday, then we’re all ears.
Don’t you believe us?
The freedom of life at sea can have health benefits for both mind and body
Well, think about it this way: with a sailing holiday, you get adventure, relaxation, fresh air and the possibility to visit places that are difficult to access by most humans.
The benefits of being on, near or in the sea have been felt since ancient times. Both the Greeks and Romans used salt to exfoliate the skin and took baths in warm salt water to help them relax – what’s now known as “thalassotherapy”. The healing properties of Mediterranean seawater are so powerful that one London health club has taken to transporting the stuff 1,500 miles across Europe for the benefit of its wealthy clientele.
Whatever the scientific basis, it is the sheer physical sensation of being at sea that creates a special kind of magic. That physical sense of well-being is translated into a psychological contentment that is almost child-like in its simplicity and immediacy. We are being "rocked into happiness".
Let me share with you a few health benefits I believe can be enjoyed from sailing.
1. Sailing makes you physically fit!
Even if you’re not involved in sailing the boat, just moving (or even sitting) around a sailing yacht at sea forces you to use muscles you might not normally use in order to counteract the movement of the waves. Plus while you are on a sailing holiday, you’re likely to partake in other phtysical activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, diving or walking.
If you are involved in sailing the yacht, the task of pulling, hoisting or trimming a sail or holding the helm to keep the boat on track, strengthens and builds muscles as well as your physical endurance, coordination and agility.
2. Sailing is really good for your heart
As sailing involves a lot of physical activity, it can decrease the risk of heart disease and hypertension, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk for obesity.
3. Sailing promotes better mental health
Why are people always in a happy and positive mood while on the water or by the sea? It is the calming sounds of the waves and wind, the saltiness of the air which is comprised of charged ions which promote oxygen absorption and produce more balanced serotonin levels… all trigger feelings of happiness. The happier you are, the better your mental health!
Being at sea also provides an opportunity to take a break from the everyday demands of your life. You are not in a hurry and you measure your daily routine by the sunset, sunrise, and phases of the moon.
So turn your smartphone off and get into a natural rhythm of the sun, the stars and the sea.
4. Sailing lowers your stress levels
The rocking movement of the sailing yacht, the sound of the wind and waves, splashing water, the feeling of the breeze on your face induce a meditative state that influences brainwave patterns and eventually relax and soothe your mind, combating any accumulated stress. As you become more relaxed you can enjoy the fun and exciting activities of your holiday.
5. Sailing boosts your concentration
Sailing improves your concentration skills as you need to stay focused and mentally alert on the job at hand. While at sea you tend to forget about all the problems of the “land” and focus on what you are doing at that particularly moment. Sailing also requires a lot of multitasking as while you sail the boat, you have to be checking the weather, observing sea conditions, reconfirming course and speed, attending to the needs of those on board and so on.
6. Sailing makes you a team player and better communicator
something about a sailing holiday that brings people together. First of all you need to be prepared to share with other like minded guests. Space in sailing yachts is comfortable but also confined so life on a yacht requires a team effort and everyone has to contribute their fair share of work.
The sailing activity itself involves a lot of team work and communication both verbal and non-verbal. Whether you are the skipper or a crew member, with time you realize that you become a better communicator.
At the end of the day, you’ll find that people are eager to get involved, talk, share experiences and spend their time on the deck, surrounded by the deep blue sea and the clear blue sky.
7. Sailing makes you better organized and economical
Sailing requires a lot of precision and attention to detail in order for a sailing trip to be successful. If you are involved in sailing, you have to ensure that you maintain the proper bearing, the proper depth, the proper speed and so on… if you are a guest, you have to ensure that everything is secure and organised in your cabin and common areas.
While on a boat you also realise that you have to be economical with water and electricity consumption, that you take for granted while at home. You’ll soon realise that even when not sailing, you will apply these organisational and economical skills in other aspects of your professional and personal life.
8. Sailing can improve your diet
You will be surprised by how much healthy food there is within reach during your sailing holiday. While on a sailing holiday, you have the opportunity to reach smaller, more remote islands or areas. Food tends to be fresher and of better quality as people in remote areas tend to produce their own vegetables, have their own animals or make their own wine. Your sailing journey will also take you to many coastal areas where seafood is often served. You shouldn’t underestimate how beneficial the omega-3 and fatty acids in fish can be for the brain and body.
Sailing makes you feel free
Finally, the sea is probably the biggest and most fascinating playground. You can head in almost any direction as there’s no one to tell you where to go or what to do… apart from the weather of course! You are as free as a bird!
Ready to tailor-make your perfect sailing adventure!
Whether you are looking for a relaxed holiday where you can sunbath and lie on deck with a cold drink… whether you are seeking a more active sailing holiday or you wish to learn how to sail… sailing holidays are all about going with the flow. You can visit various islands such as the Cyclades, Ionian or Dodecaneses islands… you will go island hopping, enoy swimming, snorkelling, dolphin watching, scuba diving, hiking… or just plain sailing.
Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for ideas & inspiration from our experts...
Sailing the unspoilt Cyclades islands
Isolated beaches, an ancient civilization, uninhabited islands, unrivalled nightlife… there is an island for everyone… Let us tailor the ideal sailing trip for you!
Here is an example of what you will experience while sailing with us around the Cyclades islands:
1: Meeting at Paros
Our sailing holiday starts on the stunning island of Paros, where we have a brief introduction and get to know our fellow sailors for the week. Dinner at one of Paros’ top tavernas, specialising in fine local ingredients, will help toast the start to a very exciting week ahead.
DAY 2: Set sails towards the Small Cyclades & Iraklia island
Our first day of sailing in the Aegean is to one of the gems of the Small Cyclades known as Iraklia. With only two tiny towns, the island has a wild, remote feel to it. The fishing port where we anchor, Ag. Georgios, is delightfully traditional, and we will discover some ancient architecture scattered around the island on a brief hike, for those who want to find their land legs. It is worth the walk to see the splendid Ai Giannis cave, however, the biggest Cycladic cavern of its kind. One of the highlights of this day is also snorkelling in Alimia Bay, where a Second World War German hydroplane wreck lies close enough to the surface to be seen without diving equipment.
DAY 3: Sail to deserted island of Antikeri and Koufonisi
Today’s sailing brings us to a delightful combination of uninhabited paradise islands, Antikeri & Dryma, where swimming, snorkelling and soaking up the sun in time for a beach BBQ are all order of the day. Sunset tonight will be celebrated on the island of Koufonisi, where a beach bar is within a stone’s throw of some of the clearest waters you will see in the Aegean.
DAY 4 & 5: Sail to the pirate island of Amorgos
Next, we’ll sail to the tiny deserted island of Keros, known since ancient times when it was inhabited. Here we will stop for a swim, a chance to snorkel and a barbecue. In the evening we’ll sail to the pirate island of Amorgos, the famous setting for legendary film director Luc Besson’s "Big Blue".
The following morning you can try the steep climb up to the monastery of Hozoviotissa. This fantastic ancient building occupies a spectacular site on a cliff, suspended between the sky and the sea below. Then why not plunge into the turquoise, crystal-clear waters of Ag. Anna, below the monastery, and explore the Chora, one of the most picturesque villages in the Aegean. In the evening we'll visit the quaint village of Tholaria. When you’re there, your reward will be Mrs Maria’s home-made cooking while you listen to the local elders playing the violin and the lauto.
DAY 6: Spend the night on the anchor at Manganari beach, Ios island
Now it’s time to sail to Manganari beach in the remote south side of Ios island. You’ll have the opportunity to night dive through the phosphorescent plankton of the bay. Relax and enjoy the local fresh fish.
DAY 7: Last sail to volcanic caldera of Santorini
And lastly, we’ll sail and finish the trip under the cliffs of Oia in Santorini – famous for being one of the most amazing spots in the world to watch the sunset! Donkeys will be used to climb up the hill in case you don’t feel up to the never-ending steps to the village!Don't forget to become a friend so you follow our sailing yacht Tahita's daily adventures and wildlife encounters while sailing, diving, hiking around the islands of the Aegean Sea… Keep in touch!
Great memories of sailing, walking, diving and observing wildlife... check our latest photos!!
From everyone at Mystic Blue, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope you greatly enjoyed last year and look forward to helping you unwrap even more wonderful moments in 2020.
Here are our best sailing moments of 2019….
Don't forget to become a friend so you follow our sailing yacht Tahita's daily adventures and wildlife encounters while sailing, diving, hiking around the islands of the Aegean Sea… Keep in touch!
If you wish to discuss the above or any other matter please don't hesitate to contact us either by phone at +30 6976 761492 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Mystic Blue team
