Skippered Yacht Charter

Skippered Yacht Charter

Ionian Islands Greece

If you are looking to relax and discover the Greek islands with family and friends and for those new to sailing a skippered yacht charter is the perfect choice.

We only offer the latest model and award wininng yachts and catamarans so you can explore the Ionian in style and comfort.

Your skipper will sail the yacht around the stunnning Ionian Island chain and you can choose how much time you spend sailing, swimming and relaxing each day. You can visit a different port, fishing village or pretty town each day and explore the best bays, beaches, restaurants and tavernas.

What to expect on a skippered yacht charter

  • 20 minute transfer from the airport to our marina yacht bases
  • Lots of shops, bakeries and markets to buy food & drink for your yacht at the start & during your charter
  • A 24/7 sea view
  • Swimming off the back of your yacht in warm, clear waters
  • Sail and explore a different Greek island, harbour or bay every day
  • Evenings ashore at the best tavernas, restaurants and cafes
  • Waterfront tables & magnificent views, no tourist crowds or queues
  • Visit beautiful natural bays only accessible on a yacht for lunch, swimming, snorkelling & relaxing
  • No fixed itineraries – you decide the pace, where to go and when with the help of our indepth knowledge and expert guidance
  • A fun, romantic or relaxing escape
  • You choose how much sailing and how much swimming, sunbathing and relaxing you do each day. On average people like to spend around 2-4 hours sailing per day and the rest of the day at anchor or exploring ashore

The Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands are perfect for fun, relaxed and varied Greek island sailing.  The islands offer safe anchorages in picturesque bays with crystal clear water perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Explore pretty ports on Kefalonia, Lefkas, Ithaca, Meganissi, Corfu and Paxos and discover everything from islands steeped in ancient Greek mythology to legendary windsurfing destinations.

The Ionian islands of Greece are the ideal place to sail for the first time with short distances between each of the islands - ideal for island hopping in calm and sheltered waters. Crystal clear, warm waters, tranquil bays and anchorages and stunning scenery make the Ionian Islands a perfect place to enjoy a sailing holiday. The weather, sea and wind conditions mean that you can enjoy a relaxing introduction to sailing. The Ionian is also perfect for children who love spending endless hours in the water, exploring hidden coves and spotting dolphins and turtles but for those looking for some exciting sailing you can also chase the wind and have some fun.

MORE ABOUT THE IONIAN

The Yachts

We have the widest choice of latest model and brand new and award winning yachts and catamarans. The yachts range in size from 31 feet with 2 cabins to 55 feet with 6 cabins to suit couples, families and groups of friends. 

We only offer the latest yachts from the world leaders including Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria, Dufour and Lagoon and Bali catamarans. All the yachts are renouned for excellent build quality, performance and specifications, ideal for Mediterranean sailing.

Monohull yacht or catamaran? 'Normal' monohull yachts are up to half the cost to charter and provide, what to many, is a more classic sailing experience.The advantages of a catamaran are lots of extra space above and below deck and, often a flatter, more sedate sailing experience. Catamarans often have more features like air conditioning, more bathrooms and extra fridges. As there are far less catamarans you need to book them early. 

 

Choosing the best yacht for you. What size yacht? As well as how much you wish to spend, it depends on how many people and how many cabins and bathrooms you need. 

How many cabins? Most cabins have double beds and some 4 and 5 cabin yachts also have a cabin with twin bunks. Some yachts have an extra bed/berth as the saloon seat converts into a bed. On certain yachts over 48 feet and all of the catamarans there is a separate 'skipper's' cabin in the bow of the boat reached via the deck so they can access their cabin at night by a seperate entrance from the guest accommodation inside the yacht. Your skipper will need a cabin. 

How many bathrooms? The yachts have between 1 and 5 bathrooms with a WC, washbasin and shower. Most yachts over 40 feet in length have 2 or more, often at least one of these is en-suite, usually to the biggest cabin. Most of the catamarans have 4 guest bathrooms, all en-suite plus one in the skipper's cabin.

The Skippers

All the skippers are friendly, expert sailors with lots of knowledge about the Greek Ionian islands they will help you plan the perfect route and make sure you get the most out of your holiday. If you would like to learn to sail your skipper can get you involved with sailing the yacht as much or as little as you like. All the skippers are Europeans who speak English as their first or second language who enjoy sharing their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for sailing whilst making sure you have a fun and relaxing holiday.

Your skipper stays on the yacht and will need their own cabin so you’ll need to make sure you choose a yacht with enough sleeping space for everyone. Your skipper will help and advise about provisioning your yacht both at the start and throughout the charter. When hiring a skipper you are responsible for their food. You simply need to include them in your plans for food and drinks onboard.  In the evening you can choose to take them with you or just cover their inexpensive meal. 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 holiday something really extra special as they become welcome additions on the yachts they sail.

Unforgettable Celebrations & Romantic Escapes

A skippered yacht charter makes for an unforgettable celebration or a perfect romantic getaway. With a wide range of yachts to choose from there will be a yacht to suit every requirement and budget.

A yacht charter honeymoon is a magical and romantic experience never to be forgotten. Visit remote beaches, small islands and beautiful secluded anchorages that cruise ships and hotel guests never see. Wake up in a different bay or picturesque town each morning and enjoy great sailing, swimming, snorkelling and diving in crystal clear, calm waters.

Other Greek Island Destinations

 

If you are travelling to Greece via Athens and would like to discover the Saronic and Cyclades islands in the Aegean sailing area, then a yacht charter from the base at Alimos marina, Athens is an ideal choice. 

Sailing from Athens involves longer passages and more open seas than the Ionian to discover the bustling cosmopolitan towns with a more international feel as well as quieter fishing villages and bays.

 

MORE ABOUT THE SARONIC & CYCLADES

Mooring

 

Mooring your yacht around the Greek islands is usually free. Mooring, power and water at the full-service marina yacht bases in Lefkas or Corfu is included in the yacht charter price. During your charter you will generally moor each night in a small harbour or town quay without charge. There are also some bays where you can moor for free and take your dinghy ashore. There are only a handful of places in the sailing area where mooring fees are due and your skipper can advise you of these before you visit them.

As catamarans are over two thirds wider than a monohull yacht it can be trickier to find a mooring spot, especially if you arrive late into the more popular harbours.

Fuel is fairly inexpensive and generally costs between £40-£120 per week, depending on the size of your yacht. Catamarans use around £100 - £160 per week, more if you use your air conditioning a lot.

For more information

 

Call us on 0330 088 4744 or

Email contact@island-sailing.com

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