FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We’ve answered some of the questions we get asked most often below, so you can browse for quick answers and helpful information.
Not found what you’re looking for? Then send us a message and we’ll get back to you.
Planning your charter
Greece is one of Europe’s classic sailing destinations because it combines reliable sunshine, crystal-clear water, welcoming harbours, excellent food, and a huge choice of islands and anchorages within relatively short sailing distances.
In the Ionian, you also get greener scenery, calmer seas than the Aegean, and plenty of sheltered bays, which makes it ideal for relaxed family cruising as well as first-time bareboat charters.
The Ionian is generally one of the gentlest cruising grounds in Greece.
During the main season you can expect warm weather, good visibility, and mostly moderate winds, with stronger afternoon breezes on some days.
July and August are usually the liveliest months, while May, June, September, and early October are often slightly quieter and more relaxed.
As always, conditions vary with the forecast, so daily passage planning remains important.
For many guests, the sweet spot in the Ionian is May, June, September, and early October, when the weather is warm, the sea is pleasant, and harbours are often a little quieter.
July and August bring hotter temperatures, busier quays, and a livelier atmosphere, which some crews love.
The best month really depends on whether you prioritise heat, nightlife, family travel, or quieter cruising.
Start with your crew size, sailing experience, budget, and the style of holiday you want. We are happy to recommend specific yachts once we know how many guests are travelling, how many cabins you need, and whether comfort or performance is your priorityStart with your crew size, sailing experience, budget, and the style of holiday you want. We are happy to recommend specific yachts once we know how many guests are travelling, how many cabins you need, and whether comfort or performance is your priority.
As a guide, choose a yacht with enough cabins for your group plus a little extra comfort if your budget allows.
Couples or small families are often very comfortable on 34–40 ft yachts, while larger groups may prefer 50 ft and above for the extra space.
Think not only about berths, but also cockpit size, storage, heads, and how much privacy your crew will want for a week on board.
Our bareboat charters normally include the yacht fully equipped for cruising, standard safety gear, galley equipment, navigation equipment, and the yacht’s basic inventory. Exact inclusions can vary by yacht, so your quotation and booking confirmation will show precisely what is included for your charter, along with any mandatory or optional extraOur bareboat charters normally include the yacht fully equipped for cruising, standard safety gear, galley equipment, navigation equipment, and the yacht’s basic inventory.
Exact inclusions can vary by yacht, so your quotation and booking confirmation will show precisely what is included for your charter, along with any mandatory or optional extras.
In addition to the charter fee, most guests should budget for end cleaning, fuel, water, mooring or marina fees, provisioning, airport transfers, and any optional extras such as paddle boards.
The security deposit is held as a safeguard against accidental loss or damage to the yacht or its equipment during your charter. If the yacht is returned without damage, the deposit is returned.
A damage waiver, where offered, is usually a non-refundable fee that reduces your financial exposure by lowering the refundable security deposit.
Pets may be possible on selected yachts by prior agreement only, and an additional cleaning fee or pet terms may apply.
Please ask before booking rather than turning up with a pet on the day of embarkation.
Life on board
Pack light and practical: soft luggage, swimwear, light layers, non-marking deck shoes, sun cream, hats, sunglasses, jacket, reusable water bottles, personal medication, and any chargers you need.
We also recommend a light waterproof, insect repellent, and a dry bag for shore trips. Original sailing qualifications should be carried by the skipper if required for your charter.
Yes, bed linen is provided for all booked berths. Bath towels are also supplied, although beach towels are not.
Storage space on a yacht is of course more limited than in a hotel room, so we strongly recommend soft bags or foldable luggage rather than hard suitcases.
Soft bags are much easier to stow in cabin lockers or under berths and make life on board much more comfortable for everyone.
Yes. All yachts carry a standard first aid kit as part of their safety inventory.
We still recommend bringing your own personal medication, seasickness remedies, and any specialist items you may need, as the onboard kit is intended for basic first aid rather than ongoing medical treatment.
Most guests are absolutely fine in the Ionian, especially because the sea state is often gentler than in windier parts of Greece.
If you know you are prone to motion sickness, bring your preferred remedy and take it early rather than waiting for symptoms to start.
Staying hydrated, avoiding heavy meals before departure, and keeping your eyes on the horizon can also help.
Yes, but it is important to understand how onboard power works. While sailing or at anchor, most yachts run on 12V battery systems for lights, instruments, pumps, and USB charging. 220V sockets are normally available when the yacht is connected to shore power in the marina, and some yachts may also have an inverter or generator.
If you plan to use any specific electrical item, please ask us before travel.
Mobile signal is generally good around much of the Ionian, so many guests use local SIM data or phone hotspots.
Yes. Your yacht will have a galley with cooking equipment, refrigeration, and the essentials needed for simple onboard meals. Most guests enjoy mixing breakfasts and lunches on board with evenings ashore in tavernas.
High-power appliances usually require 220V shore power and are generally not suitable to run from the yacht’s batteries unless the yacht has a suitable inverter or generator and we have confirmed that use is allowed.
To avoid draining batteries or tripping systems, please check with us before relying on any high-wattage item.
Yes, your yacht will have onboard showers, but fresh water is limited, so we encourage short and efficient use.
Hot water is usually available after the engine has been running or when the yacht is connected to shore power.
Most guests combine onboard showers with marina facilities during the week to conserve tank capacity.
Yes, this is often possible by prior arrangement, subject to availability and an additional charge. If you would like a SUP for your charter, let us know as early as possible so we can reserve one for your yacht if available.
Booking, payments & qualification requirements
Once you have chosen your yacht and dates, we can reserve the boat for you and send a quotation with the booking details.
Your reservation is confirmed once we receive the required deposit and the signed booking paperwork, subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
The usual process is a booking deposit to confirm the yacht, followed by the balance payment before departure in line with your booking terms.
Any mandatory extras, refundable deposit, and optional add-ons are either invoiced in advance or settled at the base, depending on the package.
We will always set out the payment schedule clearly before you commit.
Accepted payment methods are shown on your quotation or invoice and may include bank transfer and major payment cards, depending on the payment stage and supplier arrangements.
If you need a specific payment method, please ask before booking and we will confirm what is available.
Yes, bookings can be cancelled, but cancellation charges usually apply because yachts are reserved specifically for your dates.
The amount depends on how much notice is given and the terms agreed at the time of booking.
For that reason, we strongly recommend taking out suitable travel insurance as soon as your charter is confirmed.
For a bareboat charter in Greece, the lead skipper needs to have an ICC or Day Skipper Practical or equivalent, as well as sufficient practical experience for the yacht and cruising area.
You also need to have a First Mate on board over the age of 18 – they do not need an official sailing certificate but experience is preferable.
If you are unsure whether your qualification is suitable, send it to us before booking and we will check it for you.
This depends on the exact certificate and the current requirements applied to the charter. In practice, an ICC for the relevant vessel type is usually the simplest document for UK sailors chartering in Greece.
The booking holder and skipper must be adults (over 18). Children are very welcome on board when supervised by their parents or guardians, but the minimum age for the charter contract itself is 18.
Check-in, equipment & practical details
Check-in is usually in the afternoon on embarkation day, after the yacht has been prepared and inspected, while check-out is normally in the morning on disembarkation day. We also require the yacht to return to the base area the evening before departure.
Your confirmation will always show the exact times for your booking.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you are delayed. We will do our best to help, but late arrival can affect your check-in time, especially if paperwork, briefing, or technical handover cannot be completed safely after hours. In some cases, you may need to board later or start sailing the following morning.
Yes. Your yacht will be supplied with the standard navigation tools required for the cruising area, which may include paper charts, pilot books, harbour guides, and electronic navigation equipment. Inventory can vary by yacht, so please ask in advance if you require any specific publication or planning aid.
Cruising the Ionian
That depends on your base, the length of your charter, your experience, and the weather.
In the Ionian, popular routes can include islands such as Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos, Lefkada, Meganisi, Ithaca and Kefalonia, but the best itinerary is always the one that matches the conditions and your crew.
We are happy to suggest realistic one-week or two-week routes before you depart.
We recommend using bottled or filtered water for drinking. Water from the yacht tanks is generally suitable for washing up and showering, but taste and quality can vary depending on where the tanks were filled and how long the water has been stored.
Bottled water is very cheap to buy and you can often buy frozen bottles which keeps your fridge cool when the engine is not running.
No. You should only moor where it is permitted, safe, and suitable for your yacht, and you must follow any directions from the harbourmaster, marina staff, or local authorities.
Reserved berths, charter zones, laid moorings, and commercial areas must be respected at all times.
Yes, you should expect some mooring or harbour fees during a bareboat charter unless you spend every night at anchor. These charges are not included in the charter price – they are paid locally during your trip.
Mooring costs vary depending on the harbour, marina, time of year, and the size of your yacht. In the Ionian, town quays are often modestly priced compared with full-service marinas, but they can add up so we recommend budgeting a daily allowance for overnight stops.
Fuel is charged separately from the charter fee.
You will collect the yacht with the fuel tanks full and return it refuelled, or pay for the fuel used according to the base procedure.
Consumption depends on engine hours, battery charging, and your itinerary, but sailing yachts in the Ionian are generally economical when conditions allow more time under sail.
Water and fuel are usually available at marinas, service quays, fuel docks, or by fuel truck in selected bases and ports.
Availability varies from place to place, so it is best to top up whenever it is practical rather than waiting until tanks are nearly empty.
Your base briefing will highlight the best refuelling points for your itinerary. For refuelling, we suggest marina fuel docks.
Holding tanks should be emptied responsibly and in accordance with local rules.
Never discharge waste in marinas, harbours, swimming areas, or close to shore as emptying the tanks in inland waters is prohibited!
Safety, rules & support
For safety and housekeeping reasons, items such as candles, fireworks, illegal substances, and any equipment that could damage the yacht or disturb other guests are not permitted. Smoking is also prohibited.
Children should always be actively supervised on deck, in dinghies, on pontoons, and during swimming stops.
We strongly recommend properly fitted lifejackets for children at all times on deck, and we can often arrange safety netting on request for added reassurance.
If you need medical help during your charter, call the local emergency services if the situation is urgent, then contact our base team so we can assist with directions, marina arrangements, or practical support.
Most larger islands and main towns have pharmacies, clinics, or medical centres, while more remote areas may require travel to the nearest major port.
You will receive a support contact number before departure. If you need help, contact us as soon as possible and explain your position, the nature of the problem, and whether anyone is at risk.
Please do not attempt major repairs yourself unless we have asked you to do so. In most cases we can troubleshoot by phone, arrange a technician, or advise the safest next step so your holiday can continue with minimal disruption.
For urgent safety situations, contact the local coastguard or emergency services first, then update us so we can support you from shore.
