All AFR participants are amateur sailors with varying levels of experience — from complete beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. What unites them is that yachting is their hobby. We don’t allow professionals or competitive athletes to race, so everyone has a fair shot at winning.Our festival team includes mooring and tech support crews who are ready to assist in any situation. That’s why AFR is the perfect place even for a regatta debut — or your very first time as a skipper. You can focus on sailing the boat and not worry about anything else.The same goes for those who have never set foot on a yacht and want to join as a crew member — AFR is a great way to try sailing for the first time.And if you're a professional sailor but still want to take part with your team, we welcome you in the CUSTOM division. Any type of boat — even catamarans — is allowed here. While the others are racing, you'll finally get a chance to just relax and enjoy the sea

For crew members, prices start at €1490 and vary depending on the division and team you choose. For captains, the cost also depends on the division — just send us a message, and we’ll send you all the details

Nope. Over the past few Octobers, daytime temperatures haven’t dropped below 17°C — and most days are a comfortable 22–25°C. The weather is usually sunny, with rain being very rare this time of year, and the sea is still warm. Every year, the conditions are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying both the races and life on land.

Most participants live on their yachts for the entire week — it’s included in the price. And it’s actually quite comfortable: yachts have double cabins, a full kitchen, a toilet, and even a shower. That said, since we dock at town piers almost every night (except for one anchorage night), you’re always free to book a room at one of the charming Greek hotels and enjoy a night on land with a bit more comfort. By the end of October, prices in Greece are quite affordable

We recommend bringing a set of thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, and a windproof jacket and pants. Remember that natural fabrics are not suitable at sea — they absorb moisture and take a long time to dry. Ideally, your synthetic pants and jacket should be made of so-called membrane fabric, which is breathable, waterproof, and windproof. Of course, all of this only matters if the weather turns cool or windy. If it stays warm and calm, shorts and a T-shirt will do just fine. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses — it’s surprisingly easy to overheat or get blinded by the sun reflecting off the water, even in November. Sunscreen with SPF 30+ is also a good idea.And one last important note: the shoes you wear on the yacht should have light-colored or non-marking soles and stay securely on your feet — flip-flops and similar slip-ons are not suitable for sailing.

All yachts are divided into several divisions: the 45-foot and 50-foot divisions, which take part in the races, and the CUSTOM division, which is non-competitive. If you want to participate with your own boat, you're also welcome to join the CUSTOM division

Most captains come with their own crews, but many are open to taking on new members. We put a lot of effort into crew matching — it’s one of our strengths. Write to us, tell us about yourself and what you're looking for this week, and we’ll find you a team you won’t want to leave

The average age of our participants is between 30 and 45, but that doesn’t mean much — there’s room for everyone at AFR. As for kids — of course, you can bring them! Our youngest participant so far was just 9 months old. It’s important to plan activities for little ones in advance, as life on a boat might not be as exciting for them as it is for you. Teenagers, on the other hand, are usually full-fledged crew members and tend to have just as much fun as the adults

We’ve included almost everything in the price so you don’t have to worry. The only additional costs are for visas, flights, and food during the festival. Typically, crews collect around €100–150 per person into a shared boat fund for groceries. They usually cook breakfast (and often lunch) on board, and go out to Greek tavernas for dinner on the islands. One of the joys of Greece is that it’s still the last European country where you can get a great gyros for €3.90 — and feel full from just one