Discover how small actions can make a big difference while you’re out at sea. From anchoring safely and reducing pollution to respecting marine life and supporting local communities, these simple guidelines help preserve the beauty of Greece for future sailors, while enhancing your own experience on the water.
Sustainable Sailing
Sail with care and respect for the sea, these simple practices help protect Greece’s unique marine environment while making your journey more sustainable and rewarding.
Sail Responsibly, Protect What You Love
Sail Smart
Simple Steps for Sustainable sailing
Follow these easy guidelines to minimize your impact, protect marine life, and enjoy a more responsible and rewarding sailing experience.
Anchor safely to protect seagrass
- Drop your anchor in sand or mud and not on seagrass – wear polarised glasses so you can see the seagrass patches! Watch video showing how to anchor safely.
- Tie long lines to sturdy rocks, never use trees – it is illegal
Athenian Yachts: we have included “Sand, Not Seagrass” stickers in our pouch to help remind our guests to anchor safely
Prevent pollution
- Ensure holding tanks are CLOSED when at anchor and in port – it is illegal to discharge in harbours and marinas. Only open tanks when in deep sea
- Use ‘marine safe’ or biodegradable suncream and cleaning products. Use shore-based facilities as much as possible
Athenian Yachts: we ensure our cleaning crews use only marine safe cleaning products
Respect wildlife
- Watch wildlife at a distance, do NOT go close, keep noise down
- Report sightings* of dolphins, seas, and turtles to help scientists
Athenian Yachts: we are providing binoculars for you to watch wildlife from a safe distance
Buy local and sustainable
- Choose sustainable fish such as sardines when eating out in tavernas. Avoid overfished species* such as swordfish and mullet
- Support local producers, and shop from farmers markets and small shops. Take your own bags and avoid plastic packaging
Athenian Yachts: our welcome pack is a ‘made in Greece’ pouch and the products in it support small producers
Leave no trace
- Put your rubbish/recycling in designated bins; do not leave any on smaller islands as they cannot deal with the additional volumes
- Pick up litter in the sea and on beaches when safe to do so
Athenian Yachts: our liquid hand soaps are refillable to help reduce plastic waste
Lower your speed
- Sail whenever possible, or keep your speed at optimal revs for your engine (not full throttle) to reduce fuel consumption
- Catamarans should only be using one engine, unless mooring up. Using two engines will only increase speed 1kn but uses x 2 fuel!
Welcome on Board Poster
Kick back and enjoy your well-deserved sailing holiday in Greece. Here are our top tips to make your time on the water as sustainable as possible.
Sustainable Sailing with Athenian Yachts
Our Approach
We actively promote a more sustainable way of sailing
- Encouraging responsible practices on board and at anchor to protect sensitive ecosystems, including Posidonia seagrass meadows
- Equipping our guests with practical tools and guidance to reduce their environmental footprint during their journey
- Raising awareness through clear, accessible information that helps crews make better choices at sea and on shore
- Supporting local economies by promoting authentic, locally sourced products and experiences
- Working alongside partners, crews, and stakeholders to continuously improve sustainability standards across our fleet and operations
Our Principles
Protect the Sea
We are dedicated to safeguarding Greece’s marine environment through simple, effective actions that every sailor can follow.
Sail Responsibly
We promote mindful sailing that balances enjoyment with respect for nature and local communities.
Inform & Empower
We provide our guests with the knowledge they need to make responsible decisions throughout their trip.
Support Local
We encourage choices that benefit local producers, businesses, and coastal communities.
Collaborate for Impact
We believe meaningful change comes through cooperation, with our guests, partners, and the wider sailing community.
Ready to sail with respect?
Experience the beauty of the Greek islands through a journey that honors the sea. Book your sustainable sailing holiday with Athenian Yachts today.
Together for a Better sea
At Athenian Yachts, we proudly partner with Sustainable Sailing Greece to promote more responsible sailing. Together, we combine practical action with expert guidance to help protect Greece’s marine environment and support the communities that rely on it.