Bareboat and Skippered Charter F.A.Q.s

What should I pack? Will I need to bring bedding?

Storage space is limited on yachts so only bring essentials. For example, casual comfortable clothing, swimwear, non-marking rubber soled shoes, insect repellent, high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and warm clothes for the evenings. You only need to pack your personal towels as we provide all bed linen, pillows, blankets and hand towels. Finally, soft travel bags are easier to store than hard cases.

What information is included in the yacht handover briefing?

First you will receive a general brief covering the local cruising area. We can then discuss and organise a suitable sailing itinerary. Any questions or concerns you have can also be answered. You will then be given specific information about the yacht. This will include demonstrations of all systems, including rigging, water, fuel and electrical systems, gas cooker, windlass, dinghy, outboard and emergency systems.

Where and when will we board our yacht?

We operate from Agia Efimia on Kefalonia. On arrival at Kefalonia airport, if you’ve requested, you’ll be met and driven to your yacht by taxi, which will be ready for boarding around 3pm.

What qualifications do we need for bareboat charter?

The skipper must have at least a RYA Day Skipper or International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.) or national equivalent. The port police also recognise any official paper from a sailing school or other relevant organisation that has tested and can verify your sailing ability. Also, one crew member must have some previous sailing experience. More details on bareboat sailing can be found here.

What is the weather like in the Ionian?

June to September, temperatures are between 28C to 34C during the day and between 22C and 26C at night, so pack lightly. Wind generally NW, F4-6. May and October are less predictable. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, but you will need a jumper and long trousers for evenings and light waterproof clothing for the odd shower. Winds are less predictable, mostly southerly, F2-7.

What is the refundable security deposit?

The compulsory £1000 (or euro equivalent) security deposit covers the excess that our insurers charge us for any claims over £1000 made for damage or loss during your sailing holiday charter. It is paid to us upon your arrival in cash, credit card or travellers cheques and refunded upon successful completion of the charter.

Do we need to arrange holiday insurance?

The yacht and all third parties are covered by our comprehensive marine insurance. However, we insist that all members of the yacht party organise personal insurance as soon as the holiday is booked. Remember that this is a sporting activity holiday so you should purchase a policy that offers the appropriate level of cover. Holiday cancellation cover and full medical cover starts from around £15 per person.

Where exactly is the Ionian?

West of mainland Greece, the Ionian sailing area includes the islands of Corfu, Anti-Paxos, Paxos, Lefkas, Meganisi, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zante (Zakynthos). In stark comparison with the islands of the Aegean, the Ionian islands are lush with vegetation, enjoying a milder climate and heavier winter rainfall. The winds are less severe in this region and so provide a magnificent environment for yacht sailing.

Do we have to organise our own flights?

Yes. We prefer to focus on offering great yacht charters and allow you to shop around for the best flight deals. The flight finder site,, is a user friendly system that shows you exactly what flights are available for your planned departure date.

How much are harbour fees?

It varies from port to port. In most locations you won’t be charged at all. In others you may pay between 3 and 20 euros per night but there will usually be shore power and water provided.

Will children enjoy a sailing holiday?

Yachts are a great environment where youngsters get to work side by side with adults and share the enjoyment and satisfaction of sailing to new destinations. The friendly wind conditions of the Ionian are perfectly suited to families looking for a relaxed yet rewarding sailing experience.

Latest News

Ionian Yacht Charter Easter Offer

UK flight prices are currently as low as £49 return (London Gatwick to Kefalonia) during April 2020 and we'd like to make yacht chartering in the Ionian even more affordable by offering our fabulous 3 double cabin Bavaria 39 for just £1495 throughout this month. With...

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Free Day Refresher Offer

Save £150 with our fabulous free Day Refresher on all bareboat sailing holidays in May and October. Bareboat charter in the Ionian has long been envied as the perfect way to log your first sea miles skippering or crewing your own yacht and we realise this can be a...

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Now taking bookings for 2020

After a fabulous and busy summer 2019, it's time for the boats to rest up for winter. However, we'll be eager and ready to get going in April 2020 so grab your flights now. London to Kefalonia less than £150 return in May! Late spring is a great time to see the...

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The search for Homer’s Ithaka

Some great reading here if you’re interested in the search for the true location of Odysseus’ homeland. The theory is that the peninsula on the west coast of Kefalonia was a separate island at the time of Odysseus. This would make it a perfect candidate for Odysseus’...

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