CALYPSO

Oceanis 51.1 — Greece A production cruiser that earns its reputation honestly: the Oceanis 51.1 is quicker under sail than the models that came before her, easier to handle, and built around a layout that adapts to whoever steps aboard. That versatility is the whole point — this is a yacht that works as well for a family fortnight in the Cyclades as it does for a group of friends island-hopping the Saronic. Accommodation runs to six cabins for up to twelve guests. Four cabins are fitted with a double bed, one with a single bed, and one with bunk beds — a configuration that lets you place couples, singles and younger crew members where they actually make sense, rather than forcing everyone into the same mould. Greece is her cruising ground, and it suits her. The Aegean rewards a yacht that can make good time between anchorages and still feel civilised at the end of a long passage: short hops in the Cyclades, longer legs when the meltemi cooperates, and evenings spent at anchor off a village quay. With crew aboard, the practical side takes care of itself — navigation, provisioning, the choice of anchorage for the night's forecast. Your part is deciding which island comes next.