Charting the Course Behind the Scenes
This page hasn’t quite made it out of the harbour yet. We’re still charting the final details, but your next great adventure is just over the horizon.
Go BackGreece is one of those destinations that sounds like a cliché until you're actually there anchored in a turquoise cove with a cold Mythos, watching the sun drop behind a whitewashed village. The Greek islands deliver in person. The question isn't whether to go, it's how to do it properly.
Chartering a Lagoon 51 is one of the most practical answers to that question. At 51'2" with a 26'7" beam, she gives a group of 8 to 10 genuine space to coexist comfortably across a week's sailing, separate social zones on the flybridge, foredeck, and aft cockpit, proper queen-bed cabins with en-suite heads, and a galley that can actually provision a full week without daily stops at a supermarket. She also happens to suit Greece's sailing grounds particularly well: a shallow 1.40m draft opens up anchorages that larger boats simply can't reach, and her sail plan, with the mast positioned forward for drive in choppy water, handles the Aegean's notorious Meltemi conditions better than older models in the same size class.
But Greece isn't one sailing destination. It's three or four very different ones depending on which region you choose, and the Lagoon 51 suits some better than others. Here's how to match the boat to the waters.
How much does a Lagoon 51 charter in Greece cost?
Crewed Lagoon 51 charter rates in Greece typically run between €11,500 and €22,000 per week depending on the yacht, season, and home port. Low season (May–June and September–October) rates sit at the lower end; July and August peak season pushes rates to the top of the range. On top of the headline charter fee, budget for an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) of around 25–30% — this covers fuel, mooring fees, food, and drinks, managed by the captain throughout the week. Greece also applies 13% VAT to yacht charters, which is included in most quoted rates but worth confirming at enquiry. A customary crew gratuity of 15–20% of the charter fee is separate and paid at the end of the trip for good service. For a crewed Lagoon 51 at €18,000/week with 25% APA and 15% gratuity, the all-in cost for a group of 10 works out to approximately €2,745 per person — making it genuinely competitive per-head against a comparable land-based villa holiday in Greece.
What is the best time of year to charter a Lagoon 51 in Greece?
May to mid-June and September to mid-October are the strongest windows for a Lagoon 51 charter in Greece. Winds are lighter and more predictable, anchorages are quieter, and charter rates run 30–40% lower than peak August. The sea is still warm enough for swimming from late May, and October water temperatures typically sit around 22–23°C — comfortable for daily swimming well into autumn. July and August offer the longest days and most reliable sunshine but bring the strongest Meltemi winds in the Cyclades (regularly Force 5–7) and the busiest anchorages and marinas across all regions. For families or first-time charterers, September is consistently the most recommended month — the balance of warm water, settled weather, light crowds, and lower prices is hard to beat.
Is the Lagoon 51 a good boat for a Greece charter?
Yes — the Lagoon 51 is one of the most practical choices available in the Greek charter market at this size. Her 1.40m shallow draft allows access to coves and anchorages that deeper-draft boats can't reach, which matters throughout both the Ionian and the Cyclades. The forward-positioned mast generates more drive from the genoa, helping the boat perform in the choppier conditions common in the Aegean without feeling underpowered. Her flexible 4-to-6 cabin layouts scale from a couple's owner charter up to 12 guests, and the three-zone deck layout — foredeck lounge, aft cockpit, flybridge — gives groups genuine separation rather than one shared space. For crewed charter specifically, the electric furlers and self-tending systems keep sail handling manageable for a two-person crew even in stronger conditions, which means the crew can focus on the guest experience rather than constantly managing the ri
What are the Three regions in Greece?
The Ionian Islands — Best for First-Timers, Families & Relaxed Groups
The Ionian sits on Greece's western coast and is the country's most forgiving sailing ground. The primary summer wind is the Maistros — a north-westerly sea breeze that rarely tops 15 knots in the Ionian, follows a reliable daily rhythm, and generally dies down by evening. September and October are frequently considered the best time to sail the Ionian: the sea remains warm, weather is usually settled, and the crowds have thinned.
In practical terms: passages are short (most inter-island crossings run 2–4 hours), anchorages are plentiful and sheltered, and the infrastructure — marinas, provisioning stops, tavernas within walking distance of a mooring — is genuinely well set up for charter groups. The Meltemi is far more relevant for an Aegean charter than for an Ionian one — the Ionian is generally the better choice for clients who want a more relaxed sailing holiday, easier passages, gentler sea conditions, and a more forgiving environment.
The Lagoon 51's shallow draft proves its worth here. The islands of Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Paxos, and Anti-Paxos all have shallow-water bays and coves that reward boats that can get in close — and keep out deeper-drafted monohulls.
Charter a Lagoon 51 in the Ionian Islands, Greece
High Tide Yacht Charters offers a hand-picked selection of Lagoon 51s in the Ionian Islands, Greece to explore the likes of Fiskardo, Ithaca, Meganisi, Lefkada and Corfu. Every yacht below is crewed, based in the Ionian, and available May to October.
▼ Ionian Islands
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Best for: Families, first-time charterers, mixed experience groups, those prioritising swimming, snorkelling, and island exploration over sailing performance.
Best season: Late May to mid-June or September offer lighter winds, fewer crowds, and 30–40% lower charter prices than peak August.
The Cyclades & Saronic Gulf - Best for Experienced Sailors & Groups Who Want Drama
The Cyclades consisting of the likes of Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Milos is where Greece's postcard imagery comes from. It's also where the Meltemi wind makes its presence very clearly known.
The Meltemi occurs mainly during the summer season from June to September, peaking in July and August, and is not uncommonly reaching Force 5–7 (17–33 knots) during the day, persevering during the night, and sometimes lasting for up to ten days at a stretch. This isn't something to be caught out by and it's a feature of Aegean sailing that shapes every decision about routing, timing, and anchorage choice.
For a crewed Lagoon 51 charter, this is where having a professional skipper stops being a luxury and starts being essential. The Meltemi is manageable and exhilarating in the right hands and the Lagoon 51's forward mast position and high-roach mainsail handle it well, and a competent crew will time passages for the early morning before the wind builds in the afternoon. For bareboat charterers, the Cyclades is better suited to crews with stronger sailing experience or guests who prefer the support of a skippered yacht charter.
The payoff is significant: the Cyclades deliver dramatic scenery, world-class beaches, volcanic caldera sunsets in Santorini, and the kind of island-hopping itinerary that's genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
Charter a Lagoon 51 from Athens, Greece
High Tide Yacht Charters offers a hand-picked selection of Lagoon 51s from Athens Greece to explore from the sheltered Saronic Gulf to the wind-driven Cyclades. Every yacht below is crewed, based in Athens (Alimos Marina), and available May to October.
▼ Cyclades
Not sure which yacht or region suits your group? Talk to James Teague at High Tide →
Best for: Experienced sailors, crewed charter guests confident with stronger winds, groups who specifically want to visit the iconic Cyclades islands.
Best season: Mid-June for the best overall balance of conditions, or the first half of September if warm water matters more than long daylight hours. Avoid late July and August if wind strength is a concern.
The Model Family: Lagoon 51 vs Lagoon 50 vs Lagoon 52F
If you're searching for a Greece charter and find Lagoon 51s listed alongside Lagoon 50s and older Lagoon 52Fs, here's what the differences actually mean for your trip:
Lagoon 51 (2021–present) — The current flagship
The 51 is the newest and most refined of the three. The forward mast position generates more drive from the genoa, which pays real dividends in choppier Aegean conditions. Electric furlers on the genoa and Code 0, a solar-equipped flybridge, and the flexible 4-to-6 cabin configuration make this the most capable charter platform of the three and the easiest to manage short-handed or with a small crew. If it's available, it's the one to book.
The Lagoon 51 is a 15.35-meter (50 ft 4 in) luxury cruising catamaran built by Lagoon Catamarans designed for extended off-grid living and comfortable passage-making.
Key Specifications
- Length Overall: 15.35m / 50' 4"
- Beam: 8.10m / 26' 7"
- Draft: 1.40m / 4' 7"
- Standard Engines: Twin 80 HP Yanmar diesel engines
- Fuel Capacity: 1,040 Litres
- Water Capacity: 480 to 830 Litres (depending on configuration)
- Cabins: Available in 4-cabin or 6-cabin layouts (sleeping 8 to 14 people)
Read High Tide Yacht Charters' full review of the Lagoon 51 HERE
Lagoon 50 (2015–2020) — The predecessor worth considering
The master suite in the starboard hull of the Lagoon 50 is almost ridiculously large, with the entire length of the hull dedicated to the owner with a walk-in closet, a large desk, a settee, and a skylight to the saloon. The key layout difference from the 51: on the Lagoon 50, the master cabin sits further aft in the starboard hull, giving it more separation from the saloon and a stronger sense of privacy. On the Lagoon 51, the saloon extends further aft, which creates a better-connected indoor-outdoor flow but gives the master slightly less seclusion. For owner-led charters where one couple's privacy matters most, some prefer the 50's layout. For group charters where saloon social space is the priority, the 51 wins.
Lagoon 52F (2014–2019) — The older generation
The Lagoon 52F came with a flybridge and oodles of space experiencing luxury at anchor at its best, with a mast positioned aft for performance benefits and a shorter boom that's easier to control short-handed. At 52 feet with up to 6 cabins and 169m² of sail area, she's a capable, spacious boat — but she's now 7–12 years old depending on the hull, and charter condition varies significantly. At her best, she's a strong option; at her worst, the age shows in systems and finish. Always ask for refit history. The 51 and 50 are generally in better charter condition and benefit from more recent construction standards.
What is the difference between the Lagoon 51, Lagoon 50, and Lagoon 52F for a Greece charter?
All three appear regularly in the Greek charter market and are worth understanding before you book. The Lagoon 51 (2021–present) is the current model — newer construction, forward mast for better upwind drive, electric furlers, and the most flexible cabin configurations. If it's available, it's the one to book. The Lagoon 50 (2015–2020) is the direct predecessor and still an excellent charter boat. Its key difference is the master cabin layout: the owner's suite sits further aft in the starboard hull on the 50, giving it stronger privacy separation from the saloon — some owners prefer this for couples chartering alongside another couple. The Lagoon 52F (2014–2019) is the older generation and was the first Lagoon to feature a full flybridge. At 52 feet she's slightly larger, carries more sail area (169m²), and can sleep up to 12 guests in a 6-cabin configuration. The trade-off is age: at 7–12 years old depending on the hull, charter condition varies significantly and a thorough refit history check is essential. At their best all three are strong charter platforms; the 51 simply offers the most modern package.
Who Should Book a Lagoon 51 Charter in Greece?
The Ionian is your answer if:
- You have a mixed group; some sailing experience, some none
- There are children in the group
- You want short, easy passages with maximum time at anchor
- This is your first sailing holiday in Greece
- You're travelling May–June or September–October
The Cyclades/Aegean is your answer if:
- Your group has genuine sailing experience, or you're booking a crewed charter
- Visiting Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, or Naxos is a non-negotiable
- You're happy adapting your itinerary to wind conditions day by day
- You're travelling in June or early September
The Lagoon 51 specifically suits your group if:
- You're 6 to 10 people wanting genuine private cabin space
- You want a boat that's capable across both calmer Ionian and more demanding Aegean waters
- You want a modern, well-equipped boat rather than an older hull at a lower rate
Ready to book a Lagoon 51 charter in Greece?
Whether you're looking at the Ionian with ERRANT VAGABOND, CELINA, DOLCIA or NORTH STAR, or the Cyclades/Saronics with EFFIE STAR, JEWEL, EFKRATI or SPRING, James Teague at High Tide Yacht Charters can confirm current availability, advise on the right region for your group, and put together an itinerary that makes the most of whichever waters you choose. Enquire now →
Expert Broker Insight
Talk to James
"The Lagoon 51 is one of the best platforms to explore Greece on. With versitile cabin configurations for large groups along with lots of deck and lounge space, the Lagoon 51 is a no brainer!"
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