Verified Company
I’d like to leave an honest review of our trip on a Bavaria 40 sailing yacht.
The yacht itself was very well maintained and clean. The sea was crystal clear, and all the places we visited were incredibly beautiful, with turquoise water and small secluded beaches. We even saw a dolphin. In terms of the scenery and the condition of the yacht, everything was wonderful.
However, I was a little disappointed with the service. We were not allowed to raise the sails even for a short time. I understand that there wasn’t quite enough wind, so this can partly explain it.
What disappointed me more was that, despite the perfect weather conditions, the skipper did not allow my boyfriend to steer the yacht, even though he has a sailing license. I had specifically asked about this before booking and was told that it would be possible. In reality, the skipper refused. Throughout the trip, she seemed quite tense, and her friendliness felt somewhat forced.
Before booking, I was also told that we would be able to eat on board and heat up food. However, the skipper did not allow us to do this. We were only allowed to eat sandwiches very carefully. Overall, it felt like every little thing was being closely controlled, which made us feel uncomfortable and reluctant to do anything without asking first.
The beautiful nature, crystal-clear water, and cleanliness of the yacht were definitely the highlights of the trip. Unfortunately, the skipper’s attitude and the overall level of service were the main things that disappointed us.
Reply from Halkidiki Sailing - Babasails Yachting
2026.10.03
Dear Yulia,
Thank you for sailing with us and for taking the time to share your experience. We're really happy you enjoyed the clear water, the quiet beaches and even a dolphin, and that you found the yacht clean and well looked after.
We'd like to explain a few things, as they may help you and future guests understand how our day cruises work.
Sails: The skipper decides when to raise the sails, based on the wind. Raising them without enough wind doesn't move the boat and wears the sails out quickly. The excellent condition you found the yacht in is the result of exactly these rules.
Steering: The skipper is responsible for the yacht and everyone on board. On a skippered day cruise, guests don't sign a bareboat contract or leave a security deposit, so in case of any damage the responsibility falls on the skipper. That's why it is always the skipper's decision whether a guest can take the helm, even with a sailing licence.
Cooking: For safety reasons, using the gas stove is not allowed on our day cruises. Guests are always welcome to bring food that doesn't need heating and enjoy it on board.
We'd also like to clarify that your booking was made through a partner, and no one from our team spoke with you before the trip. After almost 20 years doing this work, we know how important it is to give guests clear and honest information. Not just to sell a trip, but so they truly enjoy it and take home an experience they'll remember. We're sorry for the confusion and will make sure our partners share the same information we do.
We believe this is also why the day felt more restricted than you expected. When guests are told something different before the trip, the skipper's rules can feel strict, even though they are there to keep everyone safe and the yacht in the condition you enjoyed.
Thank you again, and we hope to welcome you back on board.
Kind regards,
babasails team
Thank you for sailing with us and for taking the time to share your experience. We're really happy you enjoyed the clear water, the quiet beaches and even a dolphin, and that you found the yacht clean and well looked after.
We'd like to explain a few things, as they may help you and future guests understand how our day cruises work.
Sails: The skipper decides when to raise the sails, based on the wind. Raising them without enough wind doesn't move the boat and wears the sails out quickly. The excellent condition you found the yacht in is the result of exactly these rules.
Steering: The skipper is responsible for the yacht and everyone on board. On a skippered day cruise, guests don't sign a bareboat contract or leave a security deposit, so in case of any damage the responsibility falls on the skipper. That's why it is always the skipper's decision whether a guest can take the helm, even with a sailing licence.
Cooking: For safety reasons, using the gas stove is not allowed on our day cruises. Guests are always welcome to bring food that doesn't need heating and enjoy it on board.
We'd also like to clarify that your booking was made through a partner, and no one from our team spoke with you before the trip. After almost 20 years doing this work, we know how important it is to give guests clear and honest information. Not just to sell a trip, but so they truly enjoy it and take home an experience they'll remember. We're sorry for the confusion and will make sure our partners share the same information we do.
We believe this is also why the day felt more restricted than you expected. When guests are told something different before the trip, the skipper's rules can feel strict, even though they are there to keep everyone safe and the yacht in the condition you enjoyed.
Thank you again, and we hope to welcome you back on board.
Kind regards,
babasails team
