Pre-charter Information & FAQ's Corfu
Please complete the crew list as soon as possible. If you have booked a skipper please ignore the skipper sections of the form. We hope you have a wonderful time exploring the Ionian Islands - Happy Sailing!
TRAVEL TO GOUVIA MARINA
If you need any help or information when arranging your travel to Corfu we will be glad to help. We can offer all the flight and travel information you will need and can arrange transfers to Gouvia Marina for you.
Please check all current proceedures and official advice for travel before your charter including Government travel advice, airport and border proceedures for all of the countries you plan to travel through.
Request a transfer from/to Corfu airport by completing the section on the Crew List
When you depart the airport terminal there will be a driver waiting holding a card bearing your name who will drive you directly to the marina. Please pay the driver directly in euros (currently €25 per car up to 3 adults & 1 child, €45 for mini bus between 4-8 people, €55 for 8-10 people). We will advise of prices for larger families and groups requiring a mini coach. Prices and capacity per vehicle is subject to change depending on the regulations at the time.
If you require a transfer at the end of your charter please speak to your driver on your arrival journey and provide them with the details of the date and time you require a pick-up and where you want to go (e.g. airport or other accomodation etc.) and your contact telephone number. If you need any further information or assistance please let us know. If you request a transfer from your driver for the end of your charter please make sure you are on time at the pre-agreed pick-up point for your driver. If you wish to make any changes to your plans or to cancel please contact the driver straight away, ideally providing at least 24 hours notice of any changes.
Your transfers will automatically be arranged if you have correctly completed your flight information on the Crew List/Transfer form so there is no need to re-check or re-send flight information to us. The transfer to Gouvia Marina takes 20 minutes from Corfu airport.
ARRIVALS
For bareboat charters make your way to the Dream Yacht Hellas office (please see map below). As all the offices at the marina are very small its a good idea for other crew members to make their way to the middle of the marina and enjoy a cool drink or bite to eat.
For skippered charters your skipper will meet you at the Dream Yacht Hellas office. We will let you know your skipper’s name and telephone number when we finalise our crew and skipper schedules the week prior to your charter.
If you have not requested help with transfers please let us know the approximate time of your arrival to the marina.
If you are going to be significantly earlier or later than expected please call Island Sailing (see contact information below).
Upon arrival please make your way to our Corfu Partner's office at Dream Yacht Hellas located within the Marina Gouvia, close to the North entrance (please see map below).
If you will be arriving at the marina after 20.00 please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements with you for boarding your yacht.
CONTACT INFORMATION - LOCAL BASE
Gouvia Marina
P.O. BOX 60 49083
Tzavros
Corfu
Greece
39º 38' 59" N, 19º 51' 07 E
VHF 69
The local base office is at Dream Yacht Hellas
located close to the North entrance within Gouvia marina
Base Support Team: Angeliki (Angela) Tzouropanou Tel: (0030) 6932 404935
Island Sailing Support Team Tel: (0044) 7535 301444
Island Sailing UK Head Office Tel: (0044) 020 7139 8644
If you need any help, information or advice that cannot be provided by the base team please contact the Island Sailing Support Team
MANDATORY THINGS TO BRING
Unless you have booked a skipper you must bring the original copy(s) of your sailing qualifications/skipper's licence.
A VISA or MASTERCARD Credit Card for your yacht security deposit (Debit Cards and American Express are NOT accepted). Please make sure you have a large enough limit to cover the deposit for the yacht you have booked. If you do not possess a VISA or MASTERCARD credit card you must inform us BEFORE you travel to Greece as your charter can't commence without the completed credit card security deposit.
At least one mobile phone set up for roaming in Greece and charger – it is very important that you can keep in contact.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Travel light is our advice. Dress is casual around the Ionian Islands. Don’t forget your passport(s).
Please bring your luggage in a soft bag that will fold down without wheels or hard edges. Space on a yacht is limited and cases with hard edges and wheels will often damage the woodwork on the boat. There is a limited amount of space available for luggage storage on the check-in and check-out day only.
Bedding and yacht towels are provided on your yacht. If you have a late flight home we recommend bringing another towel if you wish as yacht towels cannot be kept after you disembark on the last day.
All yachts are equipped with sufficient numbers of life jackets, usually of a standard size. If you are not a standard size, or especially for small children it is wise to bring your own life jackets . If you would like to check about this before you come to Greece please get in touch.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Passport (s)
Flight Tickets (Check names shown on the flight ticket match those shown on the individual passports)
Travel insurance documents (make sure you have coverage for sailing)
The skipper must bring original copies of sailing certificates/licences
Credit Cards/Debit Cards and local currency (euros). You must bring a VISA or MASTERCARD credit card with you for the yacht security deposit
Mobile phone set up for roaming in Greece and charger – it is very important that you can keep in contact in case of emergency as VHF signal is only line of sight
Beach towel (yacht towels are provided for use on the yacht). If you have a late flight home we recommend bringing another towel if you wish as yacht towels cannot be kept after you disembark on the last day
Snorkels, mask and flippers if you have them, or you can buy them when you arrive in Greece.
Soft soled shoes, ideally with non-marking soles &/or deck shoes. Waterproof swim shoes can also be useful.
Light jumper or light fleece
Waterproof jacket (especially in early and late summer in case of a shower)
Sea sickness pills if required
Insect Repellent
Anti-histamine ointment and tablets (for insect bites/stings) & any essential medication
Camera, batteries & spare memory cards
Your choice of device for playing music on board + lead with a 3.5mm jack plug at each end and a USB connection lead
Two-pin European travel adapter for charging phones etc. (at marinas or even in restaurants)
12 volt adapter / car charger for charging phones, etc. on-board (onboard with a car type cigarette lighter socket)
HOW MUCH IS THE YACHT SECURITY DEPOSIT?
Before your charter begins a security pre-authorisation 'hold' deposit is taken from the Party Leader which will be processed by the owner/operator at base by VISA or Mastercard credit card (Debit cards and American Express are NOT accepted) . Make sure you have a large enough limit to cover the deposit for the yacht you have booked. If you do not possess a VISA or MASTERCARD credit card you must inform us BEFORE you travel to Greece as your charter can't commence without the completed credit card security deposit. On successful completion of post charter inspection the pre-authorisation 'hold' deposit charge will not be completed and the 'hold' will elapse. The time it takes for the ‘hold’ to elapse depends on your card provider.
You will more than likely already have travel insurance set up but if not y ou can get specialist yacht travel insurance which includes some coverage for yacht security deposits from a number of companies.
Details for the security deposit amounts and non-refundable Yacht Damage Waivers for your yacht charter will be listed on your Booking Statement. Please ask us if you need to check.
Option One - Yacht Damage Waiver (YDW) and Reduced Security Deposit: Mandatory for skippered charters. The YDW is a non-refundable fee, the amount is dependent on length overall of yacht which reduces your liability per incident which will be taken as a pre-authorisation 'hold' deposit (Security Deposit).
Option Two - Security Deposit Only: Available for bareboat sailing only.
CAN YOU ORGANISE OUR TRANSFERS FROM / TO CORFU AIRPORT?
Yes, you will need to complete your flight information on the Crew List form at least 14 days prior to your arrival that we will have emailed to you. When you depart the airport terminal there will be a driver waiting holding a card bearing your name who will drive you directly to the marina.
Please pay the driver directly in euros (currently €25 per car up to 3 adults & 1 child, €45 for mini bus between 4-8 people, €55 for 8-10 people). We will advise of prices for larger families and groups requiring a mini coach. Prices and capacity per vehicle is subject to change depending on the regulations at the time.
If you require a transfer at the end of your charter please speak to your driver on your arrival journey and provide them with the details of the date and time you require a pick-up and where you want to go (e.g. airport or other accomodation etc.) and your contact telephone number. If you need any further information or assistance please let us know. If you have requested a transfer at the end of your charter please make sure you are on time at the pre-agreed pick-up point for your driver. If you wish to make any changes to your plans or to cancel please contact the driver straight away, ideally providing at least 24 hours notice of any changes.
WHEN WILL I BE ABLE BOARD MY YACHT?
Your yacht will be ready to board by 17:00 on the first day of your charter. If your flight gets you to Corfu earlier than this you will be able to enjoy the cafe bars and restaurants in the marina. If the yacht is ready earlier the base team will get you on board sooner.
When you are on board you will be given a full safety brief and a chart brief if required by one of the knowledgable base team.
If you arrive after 20.00 we will let you know where your yacht is berthed and it will be open and ready for you to board. If you have booked a skipper they will be at the marina for your arrival. You will receive your yacht brief and handover the following morning after the base office re-opens at 09.00.
WILL I GET A YACHT HANDOVER BRIEFING?
Yes, you will receive a thorough handover of your yacht upon boarding as well as a chart/sailing area briefing if requested and you can familiarise yourself with the yacht and its equipment before setting sail. The base staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have as well as offering any advice you may need about the sailing area. If you arrive close to or after the base office closes you will receive your yacht handover the following morning.
For those on a Skippered yacht charter you will meet your skipper, they will show you around your yacht and chat about where you would like to sail.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FLIGHTS ARRIVE OR DEPART LATE?
If you arrive after 20.00 we will let you know where your yacht is berthed and it will be open and ready for you to board. If you have booked a skipper they will be at the marina for your arrival. You will receive your yacht brief and handover the following morning after the base office re-opens at 09.00. If you arrive to Corfu early before your yacht is ready there are a choice of places to have a drink or some food whilst you wait.
If you have a late flight home you can relax at the marina, relax by the marina pool or head to Corfu old town which is en-ruote back to the airport. Hire cars, bikes and mopeds are all available in Corfu if you wanted to explore. You are welcome to use all of the facilities at Gouvia marina before or at the end of your yacht charter which include showers, bathroom facilities, a laundry, supermarkets and cafes.
Dassia Ski Club has lots of watersports and activities on the beach and just 11 minutes’ taxi from Gouvia marina and just 25 minutes’ to the airport. Y ou can even book activities in advance online.
WHEN DOES MY CHARTER END & RETURNING TO THE MARINA
You will need to return to Gouvia marina by 17:00 on the penultimate day of your charter. When entering the bay of Gouvia, keep to the north side to avoid the shallows. The shallows are buoyed, stay into the separation system (buoys).
There is a fuel station at the northern side of the marina. When returning to the base, please refuel your boat and fill up your outboard engine can before you go to your berth. Please pay the marina fuel staff directly by cash or card.
Yacht berths are situated on the right of the first floating pier (Pier A) on the left opposite Dream Yacht Hellas office. When returning, go stern to and do not use your anchor, there are mooring lines. The base support staff make every effort to help you moor safely, therefore please call them 1 hour prior your arrival back to Gouvia Marina to receive your berth guidance.
You will be able to stay on the yacht on your final night and enjoy relaxing in the marina or take a taxi ride into Corfu Old Town.
Please disembark by 09:00 on the last morning.
HOW TO GET LOCAL WEATHER FORECASTS?
You may well have your own favourite websites and Apps to check the weather.
We use Poseidon www.poseidon.hcmr.gr
From the home page choose ‘Sailing Forecast’ from the menu on the left hand bar then ‘Ionian’ and remember to add 3 hours to covert from UT!
We also check on Meteo www.meteo.gr and choose Ionian then your closest island.
You can choose ‘English’ for both of these websites
Remember the Ionian sailing area has extremely localised conditions which are affected by numerous factors which cannot be foreseen by the forecasters such as land breeze, sea breeze, sea swell, the local landscape, fetch, ferry wash and so on.
You can also find weather information at marinas and yacht clubs.
IS BED LINEN AND TOWELS PROVIDED?
Yes, bed sheets, linen and pillows are provided on the boat. If you are chartering for two weeks a change of linen for the second week can be provided. Towels are provided for use on the yacht but we recommend bringing your own beach towel. If you have a late flight home we recommend bringing another towel if you wish as yacht towels cannot be kept after you disembark on the last day.
WHAT MUSIC SYSTEM DOES THE BOAT HAVE?
All the boats have car stereo style music systems with speakers below deck and in the cockpit. They will either have a 3.5mm jack or a USB connection. We advise you to bring a jack lead as sometimes there may be compatability issues in connecting your device.
WHAT PLUG SOCKETS DOES THE BOAT HAVE?
All plug sockets on the boats are the European 2 pin type however these are only usable when the yacht is plugged in to mains power (230V) which is mainly at Gouvia marina. If your devices or equipment do not have 2 pin European plugs you'll need to bring a travel adaptor with you. During the week there is a 12v socket, similar to a car cigarette lighter, which can be used to charge phones and other electronic devices if you bring a car charger with you.
ARE THERE MASKS AND SNORKELS ON THE YACHT?
Masks, snorkels or flippers are not provided. You may wish to bring your own or they are readily available and reasonably priced in Gouvia marina and at many places around the islands where you will visit.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO FUEL UP MY YACHT?
Most of our customers spend 50€ - 120€ per week on fuel for the yacht depending on the size of the yacht and the amount of motoring they do and to top up the fuel for the outboard engine if they have one.
If you have chartered one of the larger yachts or catamarans with generators and air-conditioning, you will use more fuel depending on how much you use the air con!
There is a fuel station inside the marina. When returning to the base, please refuel your boat and fill up your outboard engine can before you go to your berth. Please pay the marina fuel staff directly by cash or card.
HOW MUCH ARE THE MOORING FEES?
Mooring fees at Gouvia marina for your first and last day are FREE. Most harbours are run by the local municipalities/Greek coastguard and are free to moor in. There are a small number of harbours and small marinas who will charge you a mooring fee of around 10-70 euros per night depending on yacht size. If there is bad weather forecast it may occasionally be necessary to use a protected harbour with laid moorings which will charge around 30-70 euros per night depending on the size of your boat and more for catamarans.
Some quays where there is water and power available a small fee will be charged if you wish to use it.
Almost all the harbours have shower and toilet facilities, usually attached to a taverna or convenience store. Even when there is a charge it is usually a few euros. Water for the yacht is usually available in most of the popular ports. We advise you to fill your boat with water towards, or at the end of your charter where it is available before arriving back at Gouvia marina as the cost outside of the marina will be cheaper for you.
DO WE NEED AN OUTBOARD ENGINE FOR THE DINGHY/TENDER?
Every yacht has its own dinghy/tender and outboard engine provided. An outboard engine for your dinghy/tender can be very useful, with no mooring fees in most harbours some of them can be busy so it is likely that, particularly in peak season, you will be occasionally anchored away from the quay. They are also great for exploring caves and some of the quieter snorkelling spots. However, some people prefer to row!
is £85 per week plus fuel and we will ask you before your arrival if you wish to have one or not.
WHAT ABOUT SHOPPING & PROVISIONING?
There is a provisioning/shopping service available so you can order your things before you travel to Greece and have them delivered for free directly to your yacht. If you have any special requests you can also ask and they will be happy to help wherever they can. Please ask us for the shooping list and return directly to
info@breezy-provisioning.com They require the list at least 3 days prior to delivery, or preferably earlier. The prices on the attached shopping list are as from April 2021, and are valid throughout the season. All prices include tax and delivery.
Payments up to €200 are payable by cash only (euros) upon delivery of the shopping and your receipt. Card payments can be accepted over this amount at base. Payment for late night arrivals will be collected early the next morning.
There is also a well-stocked supermarket on the marina who will deliver your provisions to your yacht free of charge, let them know your yacht berth letter/number. There are further mini markets offering a wide choice of provisions within 5-10 minutes’ walk from the marina open 7 days a week. There will be many opportunities to shop at many of the ports and harbours you visit around the Ionian islands so you do not have to purchase eveything when you arrive.
WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MY CREDIT CARD?
Most restaurants, café bars and shops around the islands only take cash (euros). There is a cash machine at Gouvia marina. However, over the course of the week, you will probably only visit one or two towns with cash machines so it is advisable to have enough cash before you leave port.
The marina fuel station accepts major credit cards when you re-fuel at the end of the week and you will need to bring a VISA or MASTERCARD with you for your yacht security deposit. Please make sure you have a large enough limit to cover the deposit for the yacht you have booked.
WILL THERE BE CASH MACHINES IN THE IONIAN?
There are a number of cash/ATM machines on the larger Ionian islands but not on the smaller ones. There is a cash machine at Gouvia marina and lots in Corfu Town. We would recommend bringing a reasonable amount of local currency (Euros) with you as quite a few traditional Greek tavernas, cafe and small shops on the islands usually only accept euros.
WHERE CAN I GET INTERNET ACCESS?
The yachts are not equipped with Wi-Fi as standard, however virtually every café, bar and restaurant in the marina, in Corfu town and around the islands has free Wi-Fi for their customers.
WHAT IS THE MOBILE PHONE SIGNAL LIKE?
Mobile phone reception is usually very good throughout the Ionian. You must bring a mobile phone and charger with you for use around the islands and keep your phone available and charged at all times. Whilst VHF is used, you will not always be in range. We also monitor an emergency phone 24 hours a day, should you need to contact us as VHF signal only works in line of sight.
DO SKIPPERED CHARTERS HAVE FIXED ITINERARIES?
For skippered charters we don’t have fixed itineraries, we prefer to make recommendations and suggestions and obviously your skipper will make the final calls depending on weather, distance, mooring viability etc.
We will generally discuss with you what kind of places you would like to visit and tailor things to meet your wishes, you don’t have to set an itinerary before you arrive, although you may have some ideas, usually you can chat with your skipper when you get to the yacht base and take each day at a time.
WILL THE SKIPPER SPEAK ENGLISH?
The skippers are of mixed nationalities, many are Greek, some are half Greek, half English or Italian and there are also skippers from across Europe but all of them speak excellent English.
HOW DO WE FEED OUR SKIPPER?
That’s up to you and your skipper. When you provision for food remember to get enough for your skipper, generally they are happy to have whatever you are having. In the evening you can choose to invite them out with you or cover their evening meal if you prefer to dine alone (30 euro per day is recommended). If you invite your skipper to join you in the evening they may accept or choose to meet up with fellow skippers or stay on the yacht and wait for your return. It often works best to agree and pay an amount at the start for your skipper to cover their food for the duration of the charter. All the skippers are extremely professional and personable and provide discreet and unobtrusive assistance throughout your yacht charter. Our customers find that their skipper makes their charter something really extra special as they become welcome additions on the yachts they sail.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY SKIPPER?
It is customary that you tip your skipper. A guideline amount would be around 5-10% of the base yacht charter price, though as this could encompass quite a range we leave it at your discretion and ask that you offer gratuity you think your skipper deserves. We’re sure they’ll add immense value to your charter experience.
IS FISHING GEAR PROVIDED ON THE YACHT?
We don’t carry fishing gear onboad the yachts but there are places around the islands where you can buy fishing gear.
CAN I STORE LUGGAGE AT THE MARINA?
Limited space is available on your check-in and check-out days to store luggage.
FACILITIES AT GOUVIA MARINA
On the marina there are a few café bars and restaurants, a supermarket, laundry service and various toilet and shower facilities.
There’s also a children’s play area and a great swimming pool, sports facilities as well as a cricket field hosting international games.
You can always contact the marina office or duty officer on VHF channel 69 or during office opening times +30 26610 91900 or +26610 91376.
There is an ATM on the marina and in Corfu town. Please be aware that ATMs are not always available in the sailing area so please make sure you have enough cash to cover your expenses. Please ask us if you would like information about which islands/ports have ATM’s.
IS THERE ANY PARKING AT THE MARINA?
Yes, there is free parking available for customers at the marina which is monitored 24/7. When you arrive at the main gate let the guard know you are sailing and park your vehicle in any free space available. You can leave your car at the car park for the duration of your charter.
HOTEL IDEAS IN CORFU TOWN?
If you decide to stay on land on Corfu for a night or two or a week or more we have lots of information that may help. Most villas are available for a minimum one week stay, sometimes less out of the main summer season. For more information about Ionian Villa companies or information for accommodation options on neighbouring Ionian islands including Lefkas, Paxos, Meganissi, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos please ask.
For a short stay in Corfu we like the Bella Venezia in town. Some of our clients have also stayed at the Siorra Vittoria and liked it. If you do wish to contact Bella Venezia please let Theodore know you are our client and they will look after you. Both hotels are a 10 minute cab ride to Corfu airport and 5 minutes’ drive to the ferry port.
The Cavalieri Hotel in the very heart of the Venetian old part of Corfu town, overlooks the sea, the Old Fortress and the Esplanade. Even if you do not stay there they have a fantastic roof top bar for an aperitif and a fantastic view of the superyachts usually moored in the harbour. Everyone is welcome to take the lift or stairs for drinks throughout the summer.
There are some really great restaurants and café bars in the heart of Corfu old town, La Cucina is really good.
Dassia Ski Club is part of the Ikos Dassia Resort and Hotel has lots of watersports and activities on the beach and just 11 minutes’ taxi from the marina at Gouvia and just 25 minutes’ to the airport https://dassiaskiclub.com/ You can book activities in advance as well online.
Corfu town is so great as it has a real mix of influences from its varied history with all the best of old English, Italian and Mediterranean.