These general tips on Itinerary Planning by Greece Sailing Charters charter manager, Lynda Childress, were published in Cruising World Magazine, (“Planning a Charter Itinerary,” The Charter Issue, 2017 ). Here are some quoted excerpts:

“1. Don’t over-plan! An itinerary is the proposed outline of a journey — so don’t cast it in stone. All itineraries subject to wind and weather conditions. Start by making a wish list, and then, keep it flexible. After you arrive at your vacation destination, Mother Nature may have other plans, so be willing to adjust yours accordingly.”

“2. Research your destination(s) in advance… Pay particular attention to the area’s prevailing winds, seasonal and local weather patterns (including anomalies), navigational hazards and — very important! — the distances between ports or anchorages. Always keep in mind the actual distances between ports and islands, not only in terms of nautical miles, but in terms of the time it will take to sail from point A to point B at your boat’s average cruising speed — under sail and power.”

“3. In the planning stages, almost everyone in the crew has a bucket list. Whittle yours down — most are overly ambitious. Instead of making a wish list of ports and islands in an entire region, focus on one smaller coastal area or island group.”

“4. Rely on the expertise of your charter company representatives in helping plan your trip and your proposed itinerary. The charter company knows what’s realistic to plan in any given time frame; it knows the capabilities of its yachts, and it also knows which areas should be avoided due to navigational or other hazards. Heed the company’s advice on what to do — and more important, what not to do.”

“5. Once you arrive in paradise, remember this: You are on vacation; you are not coordinating a work-related team event. Ditch the daily planner. Let the good times roll as they may. Above all else, remember: Vacation itineraries shouldn’t be a rush to beat the clock, you’re off it!”