What is boatwork-and-chill? I already wrote about it in my sixth newsletter. What it is is basically this:
„Chill-on-Board“ in the weeks I do boatwork. It basically means you can use the boat as a „hostel“ in an environment where others pay good money to have their vacation in, in an environment that is somewhere between exotic, luxurious and rugged, depending on which marina or anchorage I am at. Use it as a base to explore the surroundings. You are still expected to help 3 to 4 hours a day with some boatwork projects. I will set a fairly low price for this non-sailing AirBnB-like experience of 13 to 26 Euros a night for a cabin depending on the season (less than hostel dorm-room prices in central Athens) where you will still get a lot of „boatlife“ and I am glad to hang out after a long day of boatwork when you come home from exploring.
Typical works I do during a boatwork-week where you can help and learn:
- Wood and other painting works
- Oil change and filter change at the engine
- Cleaning of the hull with sponge underwater with goggles
- Greasing winches, rigg inspections, cushion cleaning
- Stitching and patching sails
- Small electronic repair works
- Various other works
This is best for people who are:
- DIY interested-folks and want to learn about the difficulties of keeping a vessel offshore ready and the sometimes complicated logistics of getting boat parts over a beer or drink in the evening and while helping me a bit
- people who think about buying their own boat to get a taste of what boatownership really is – its not the same as the sailing trips on other peoples boats (you maybe rented/chartered) 😉
- For people who want to get into boatlife or get some boatlife on the cheap
Our 2026 boatwork-and-chill locations are:
| Salamina Bay | April 24 – May 3 (90 Euro) May 3 – 9 (120 Euro) October 10-18 (120 Euro) |
- Close to Athens – easy to fly in
- 400 to 800 meters walk into town to the promenade with restaurants, cafes and pita places
- Big large bay with nice nightly glittering lights from houses panorama – swim from the boat or the boatyard-pier
- Privacy onboard as we anchor 100-150 meters from shore
- Small gravel beach in 200 meters away to swim and sun-tan
| Kalamata | July 4 – 11 (150 Euro) |
- Centrally located in regional Southern Greek city, arrive by airplane or bus from Athens
- The region is famous for its olives and food
- Not overrun by international tourists – old town short bus ride away
- We stay at the marina, the city port or at anchor in front of the marina
| Korfu – Lefkada | August 22 – 28 (180 Euro) |
- We sail from Korfu to Lefkada the first 1-2 days
- We stay at the Lefkada swinging bridge pier 900 meters north of Lefkada town
- Two beaches 50 meters from the boat – one for sunset watching
- Old fortress and other ruins nearby make for a nice scenery
- Lefkada town is a little and beautiful 20-minute-walk away, somewhat touristy but also nice
- Lefkada has other nice beaches and bays and you can explore via scooter rental or public bus