'Sail Boats'

Poros May 2026

 East Med Multihull and Yacht Charter Show

'The show is for crewed charter yachts and provides an opportunity for industry professionals to view the yachts and take part in seminars, culinary competitions (?), networking events and evening celebrations'

The line of floating gin palaces tied up to the wharf went on for more than a kilometre. 

If you're a member of the unwashed masses you can wander down the red carpet and goggle

The ostentatious Catamarans have important looking crews, dressed in crisp blues and beiges with identity tags hanging their necks. All with fresh young faces, white toothy smiles and clipboards ready for earnest business discussions with genuine business men, and women. 

 However the Gin they drink with clients, on the discreetly covered decks with swanky bamboo chairs and fat plush cushions, is not bought locally 

I've heard a lot of complaints from locals.  A taverna owner who was in line behind me at the Supermarket remarked bitterly that it's all just for show and there's no benefit to local businesses

She wasn't the only one to complain.  The yachts were all fully stocked back at Piraeus.

Entertaining  clients takes place in comfort, on board, not at a little rustic island taverna with its hard rush-covered chairs. 

However... 

It does present Poros as a desirable destination for yachts.  Poros is plugged as a friendly Greek island, within easy reach of Athens and with all  amenities needed by visiting pleasure craft.

Poros is growing as a haven for yachting flotillas which come in for a few days to enjoy the  tavernas, exuberant nightlife, shop at the local supermarket and clog up the roads with quad bikes and buggies.

The boat show is an annual event and attracts more luxury companies every year.  

Many years ago, when it was a more intimate and friendly affair, we asked for, and got, a few yards of that red carpet at the end of the show. K, of course, knew all the council workers that were cleaning up afterwards. We were expecting family from downunder and literally laid down the red carpet to welcome them 'home' .