A Greek Summer for PALOMA and SYNTHESIS 66

Greece is a destination shaped by movement and instinct, where centuries of culture meet bright light, warm seas, and a cruising rhythm that feels deeply connected to the landscape itself. It has been a center of civilization for millennia, with history dating back to 270,000 B.C., and that sense of time and place permeates every anchorage. For PALOMA and SYNTHESIS 66, summer 2026 marks their maiden charter season in Greece, and with it, an opportunity to experience the country in a way that feels immersive and exploratory.

As Zelda Swindell, Senior Charter Manager, explains, “Greece encourages a more hands-on, exploratory style of yachting: reading the meltemi, choosing anchorages carefully, mooring in small harbors, and adapting plans based on local conditions. It brings out the best in the crew, and it reminds everyone why yachting is as much about the journey as the destination.” It is this responsiveness that defines a Greek charter, where guests cruise at their own pace through the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas, surrounded by cerulean skies and white-washed architecture.

PALOMA and SYNTHESIS 66 arrive as two very different expressions of what a Greek charter can be. PALOMA is a 42m (137’9”) motor yacht built in 2020 by Ferretti Yachts, with exterior lines by Zuccon International Project and interiors styled by Samantha Broughton. She accommodates up to 11 guests across five cabins and is supported by a professional crew of eight, delivering a high-end charter experience. From the outset, her presence onboard is defined by calm and intention. Zelda describes PALOMA as “modern,” with a “sleek, light modern design” and a “gorgeous Zen and peaceful feel on board,” and that atmosphere is immediately reinforced through her art-led interiors.

Guests quickly realize that PALOMA is an art lover’s paradise, with one-of-a-kind artwork throughout, including a striking Sophia Vari sculpture on the sundeck bar, a painting once belonging to the Queen of Spain in the skylounge, and the incredible work of Fernando Botero in the owner’s stateroom. The experience unfolds as guests move through spaces filled with fascinating books, captivating sculptures, original sketches, and even a coffee table designed to spark conversation. To either side of the main salon, fold-down balconies open directly onto the water, creating quiet moments to pause and reflect, while transom bar stools on the main deck aft offer unobstructed views of the horizon. As Zelda notes, the artwork onboard PALOMA is often the feature guests “don’t fully appreciate until they’re onboard and then end up loving the most.”

Even her name reflects the experience she offers, as PALOMA means dove in Latin, a symbol of peace, and one that defines her charter style. Zelda positions PALOMA as ideal for “three-generation families, families and friends, or groups of friends,” particularly those drawn to a slower, more considered pace. Her charter experience is defined by peace and sophistication, and she is not designed for high-octane party nights or adrenaline-driven water sports, but rather for guests who appreciate art, fine dining, and refined living, making her an especially natural fit for Greece’s quieter coves and sun-drenched afternoons.

Alongside her, SYNTHESIS 66 brings a very different but equally compelling energy to Greek waters. A classic 1982 build by the renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship, she underwent an extensive refit by Monaco Marine in 2022, emerging in immaculate condition. Measuring 137’2” (41.8m), she accommodates up to 10 guests across five cabins and is run by an experienced crew of eight. Zelda describes SYNTHESIS 66 as a “classic yacht” with an “excellent pedigree,” built “extremely stable and seaworthy,” and a proud “member of the Feadship heritage fleet.”

That pedigree is felt immediately in her interiors, where light tones, neutral carpets, and soft furnishings create a space that feels both elegant and welcoming. Her original woodwork has been preserved, and when paired with her contemporary updated design, the result is a classic, modern feel throughout. Moving midships, a separate bar with seating for five becomes a natural gathering point, while forward, the full-beam master stateroom can be accessed via a walkthrough that may be closed off to create a separate cabin if required, offering exceptional flexibility.

This layout, combined with her generous volume, makes her particularly well-suited to large, multi-generational families, something Zelda highlights when she notes SYNTHESIS 66 is “very suited to large generations of family, as there are a lot of separate areas for guests to use.”

It is outdoors, however, where guests tend to gravitate. Zelda identifies the top deck as the space where guests “spend most of their time,” and it is easy to see why. The standout feature of her two-year refit by Monaco Marine is the impressive aft bridge deck, now home to a Jacuzzi positioned forward and surrounded by sun beds and seating, along with two large lounge areas with sofas and teak occasional chairs. The top deck houses gym equipment and a smaller seating area with leather sofas, offering uninterrupted views while cruising between islands.

Both yachts arrive in Greece driven by the same motivation. As Zelda explains, “the owners are excited to discover a different cruising area,” and that sense of discovery becomes part of the guest experience.

When it comes to selecting a charter destination and planning the holiday of your dreams, Northrop & Johnson’s charter brokers will deliver the best selection of yachts for charter around the world.