Anyone used Ionian Yacht Charters? & Qs on 423s

[My_Owd_Transom]

1) I'm trying to charter a couple of 40' yachts in the Ionian for June next year and have come across this company. I can't seem to find any reviews about them or their yachts on the internet. Has anyone any experience with them?

Ionian Yacht Charters
http://www.ionianyachtcharters.co.uk

2) I'm looking at chartering a couple of Oceanis 423s and putting between 6 and 8 people on each. They're a 2005 and a 2006 yacht with 3 cabins +2 ppl in the main saloon. Can anyone with experience of these yachts tell me if I'm barking mad for putting so many people on their? Also what's the cockpit going to be like with so many people on board? It's going to be something of a lads holiday.

This is my first chartering experience so any help would be great!

Cheers

Dave

 

[nimbusgb]

8 people on an Oceanis 43 in June in the Ionian. Survivable but perhaps only just! The two in the saloon are likely to sleep in the cockpit anyway It'll probably be far too hot to sleep downstairs. No reason why 8 isn't workable but cockpit will be crowded and getting shade for everyone might be a challenge. Take lots of
*sunscreen
*hats
*mosquito netting and repellant

5 on an Oceanis 390 worked well ( same 3 cabin layout ) mainly because my wife and I had all of downstairs and the 3 teenagers all slept on deck. ( through choice I promise! )

 

[cmogs]

Hi
We met the owners a couple of years ago when they started up and have chartered from them ever since.Very pleasant couple and boats in good condition. prices are competative as well make contact and I will give you further details but certainly I have not hesitation in recomemending them:regards Colin

 

[Tranona]

Don't have direct experience of the company - but clearly small and boats and prices are competitive. There is loads of choice in the size range in the Ionian from both the big boys and small operators - so it is difficult to go wrong!

As to sizes of crew, with your proposed crew numbers you would lose out to the Germans, who would have 10 on a boat like that - plus the huge volumes of beer to support life! My Bavaria 37 was licenced for 8 when we chartered it and sometimes it did take 8. My wife and I find it very comfortable and over 4 starts to get crowded!

However when you are holidaying and partying 6-8 on the Benny will be quite manageable. You live on the whole boat so it is not like you are all going to cram into the saloon for a 4 course meal every night. As you are probably aware the proportion of time spent actually sailing will be small, but the boat makes an excellent platform for drifting from island to island. Enjoy!