The Saronic Islands are similar to the Ionian in that the coastline is lush and verdant, and the harbours are small and friendly. For those of you used to cruising with us on our regular Ionian flotillas you’ll be pleased to note that the overnight stops will not incorporate many marinas, and the daily distance sailed will also be a familiar 7 – 15 miles.

The winds in this area are generally from the southeast and can be a little fresher than found in the Ionian, so some experience is necessary. Cruising the Saronic Islands will be a fleet of Beneteau 331s and 361s alongside our brand new Beneteau 323s, and one "big boat" on each flotilla, our Bavaria 44.

You can see from the pictures the general idea of the cruise, which has been designed to keep us out of the way of the well-known Meltemi north wind that blows down the Central Aegean.

The first year of running our one way two week flotilla around the Saronic islands and the Argolic Gulf was a real revelation. The wind can be a bit stronger at times, but it remains steady, meaning quite exhilarating sailing. We enjoy the Greekness of the area and the access to even more ancient ruins than we are used to.

For 2010, we will retain our two flotilla presence in this area as we continue to evolve the route, which everyone seems to be raving about. Switching to the ‘one way’ configuration meant that we could visit many more spots. Those of you who have sailed on our yachts before will feel instantly at home. Two week flotillas are ideal for a good look around and the new ‘one way route’ leaves time for some independent sailing too.

When we sailed in this area, we could have used another week as there are so many places to explore! The first and last flotillas of the summer will be two or three week cruises through the Corinth Canal, taking the boats from our winter base in Corfu to their summer operational area and vice versa (the May 2010 one is fully booked already!) The taverna atmosphere remains familiar with the addition of a few dishes. Local wine is certainly very pleasant and the ambience is addictive. The winds in the Saronic Islands are generally from the southeast. It can be stronger than some are used to, so previous flotilla or other experience is necessary. It is great sailing.

The sail furling systems on our yachts mean that we can sail very easily on half sails without losing any speed if necessary.

There are many Greek island villages with traditional tavernas. These are one of the main reasons why we enjoy sailing the sunny Greek islands so much.

Dining out is more than a meal - it is a life experience if you allow yourself to go with the flow. Certainly, it will be pointless bringing a laptop with you for example because your brain will be preoccupied. Even the ring of a mobile phone will simply break the spell, so bring it along as a safety device, but try not to phone home.

We were amazed to find the area quite uncrowded even in August. There was no rush to get into harbours and the welcome in each place was really friendly. Almost every evening we moored stern to a quay somewhere. One of our favourites is Plaka-Leonidhion where there is a lovely beach on the outside of the harbour wall and even the water in the harbour is crystal clear.

Our ‘other end’ turnaround base of Navplion will really appeal to the history buffs among you. Its history goes back fifteen thousand years or so and many Greek myths and the stories emanated from this town and surrounding area.

It is named after Nauplios, father of one of the heroes of the Trojan War, Palamedes.

We made the effort to climb up to the amazing well preserved castle called Palamidi which towers above the town. It is a working port, but the old town has a really nice atmosphere in the evenings with all sorts of shops and tavernas and even a museum.

Most stops we make are villages with a few tavernas. One of the striking features of the area is the sheer number of beautiful anchorages. Beautiful new stops include Monemvasia, Kiparissi and the stunning naturally sheltered harbour of Ieraka.

The air is seldom still, as there is always a breeze from one direction or another, so anchoring out overnight is a really nice option. It is certainly a fabulous “next step” flotilla area after a holiday or two in the Ionian Islands.