Chartering in Greece

[sailalways]

I couldn''t agree more: GPSC gives charter companies a bad name!
We have our own 37'' sailboat and we''ve chartered all over the world (including Tonga, St. Martin, Turkey and Greece) and our WORST (and only horrific) experience was with GPSC! We had previous charter experience in Greece and we thought we could save money with GPSC. Instead, when GPSC refused to deliver the boat that we had contracted, ten days before the charter, no less, amidst many defensive phone calls and emails from GPSC/Philly, we realized that we were dealing with a disreputable company and walked away from our deposit. (GPSC including George, refused to return our deposit, even though they didn''t deliver the boat they promised and only gave us major headaches and disappointment.) Our adive: spread the word. You are better of not sailing than sailing with GPSC. Moorings in Greece was wonderful. Sunsail in Turkey, fantastic. Sunsail and Moorings in St. Martin and Tonga, also outstanding. Stick with the professionals.

[sailalways]

Did you ever get your money back from GPSC? They kept several thousand dollars in us (a deposit) and refused to give it back even though they breached the contract by refusing to deliver the boat they had promised us. (We contracted for a specific boat and when they wanted final payment, we asked for verification that they had the boad and it was where it was supposed to be and they didn''t have the boat, afterall...and things only got worse.) We are curious if there are enough disgruntled customers to pursue a class-action lawsuit. I suspect the lone satisfied customer is a relative!

[robert789]

I was just reading your posting and how you are trying to get people riled up about a charter company. If any charter company breached the contract and you have proof and a leg to stand on, then you should have not walked on your deposit but instead you should have done something about it yourself. I am always suspicious of people who hide behind their computer screens on these message boards and do nothing but air their sour grapes. If you did not do something about it yourself, then I am now suspicious about your side of the story. Please do not waste time answering this since I surf these message boards looking for valuable sailing information. Instead these message boards have become nothing but venting forums for people complainig about company after company.

[sailalways]

robert789,
We did, in fact, have a lawyer address our concerns with GSPC. It should come as no surprise that thanks to our legal system, it is still a work in progress. We were, in fact, ripped off. GSPC was not, in fact, honest with us (and obviously many others) in the way they conduct business. I do believe what goes around comes around. Take what you like from these message boards, and leave the rest. My experience was meant to warn and inform. GSPC deserves the reputation it has....

[sailalways]

Oops. Meant to say GPSC. If you''ve ever been ripped off and have pursued it legally, as we have, you know that it''s a real pain. If you don''t want to know which companies to steer clear of, then don''t read these message boards. They''re not meant to hide behind, but to help fellow sailors. The Greek islands are fabulous. Just be careful in your chartering choice. That''s all.

[charterer]

robert789: You appear very niave. GPSC also ripped me off - intentionally lying to me about available boats. Have you ever wondered why they don''t accept credit cards (obviously so that charges can''t be cancelled). I complained to the BBB in Philadelphia, but I don''t live in PA, so suing was more trouble than it was worth. Most people read message boards for advice and hopefully will avoid GPSC (choosing a more reliable charter company), and will not be faced with the decision of whether or not they need to pursue legal action to recover their vacation money!

[hawthorn]

Looking to charter from Athens early June 07. Please provide any relevant info.

Thanks, John Hawthorn. (hawthornwilliam@hotmail.com)

Originally Posted by seawindgr

Would like to get in contact with people interested in Greece. Available for cruising: a Catamaran 10" (sleeps six comfortably) and a Sun Odyssey 40".
seawindgr@yahoo.com

[Chuteman]

John:
I've done 3 weeks there..........2 in '03 - two separate charter cos kinda in two separate ports incl Athens/Kalamaki...........handled by a Greek broker.
Then 1 week in '04 with Moorings (I was crewing for friends) again out of Athens/Kalamaki.

Give me an idea of your preferences ie; boat type/age, sailing area, voyage length, price sensitivity, etc, etc

[sailingdog]

Of course, if you had paid GPSC with a credit card, all you have to do is talk to your credit card company. If GPSC failed to deliver services contracted, the credit card company will generally favor your side in the dispute and refund the charges.

[jmdelbello]

For a list of companies for Greece go to:
http://www.sailing-advisor.com/greec...t-charter.html