Spring Mile Builder Across the Aegean

Every spring, when the weather begins to warm and the Aegean comes back to life after winter, our sailing school launches one of our most exciting adventures of the year — the Spring Mile Builder.

This year’s voyage promises to be a memorable one. The crew will set sail aboard a 55-foot offshore yacht, one of the largest vessels many sailors will have the opportunity to experience. For students looking to gain sea miles, expand their skills, and experience true offshore passages, this kind of trip offers something that classroom sailing simply cannot.

Our journey begins at the school’s base on Poros, a beautiful island just a short ferry ride from Athens and the perfect gateway to the Greek islands.

Crossing the Aegean

On May 2, the yacht will depart Poros and make its way toward Kea, the first stepping stone of the voyage. From there, the crew will prepare for one of the most exciting legs of the trip — the passage through the famous Cavo Doro Passage.

Located between Euboea and Andros, Cavo Doro is well known among sailors for its strong winds and lively seas. It is a stretch of water that commands respect and provides a true offshore sailing experience.

In early May the winds are often light and southerly, which can make for an enjoyable passage. But like all great sailing waters, the conditions can change quickly, and the crew must be ready for anything.

A Stop at Psara

After crossing the open Aegean, the yacht’s first island stop will be Psara.

Psara is a small and remote island with fewer than 500 year-round residents. Life here still revolves around the sea. The fishermen of Psara are famous for supplying Athens with some of the finest lobsters in Greece, caught in the rocky seabeds surrounding the island.

For visiting sailors, the island offers a rare glimpse into a quieter and more traditional Greece, far from the crowds and resorts found in more tourist-heavy destinations.

The Maritime Heritage of Chios

From Psara the voyage continues east to Chios and its historic harbor, Chios Town.

Chios has a long and proud maritime tradition. For centuries the island has produced shipowners, captains, and shipbuilders who played a major role in the development of the Greek shipping industry. Many of these families built elegant summer residences on the island, some dating back to the early 1800s.

Walking through the town offers a fascinating connection to Greece’s deep relationship with the sea.

Tinos – Faith and Tradition

From Chios the yacht will sail south to Tinos, one of the most important religious centers in Greece.

Pilgrims travel from across the country to visit the island’s famous churches and venerated icons. Even for visitors who are not religious, the architecture, history, and atmosphere of devotion are remarkable to experience.

The Return to Poros

After exploring Tinos, the crew will begin the journey back across the Aegean, eventually returning to our home base on Poros.

For those on board, the trip will be more than just a sailing holiday. Mile builders offer a rare chance to experience offshore sailing, stand night watches, navigate real passages, and develop the kind of seamanship that only comes from time at sea.

Along the way there will be quiet anchorages, remote islands, challenging passages, and the unforgettable beauty of the Greek Aegean.

For sailors looking to build experience and explore beyond the usual cruising routes, adventures like this are what sailing is all about.