Jobs_a_ good_ un
New member
Got a charter booked for 27/5 not long cant wait on a bene 393 in the ionian having never been can any one reccommend an itinerey for a weeks charter
many thanks
many thanks
Ionian sailing tips requested please
- Thread starter Jobs_a_ good_ un
- Start date
Sgeir
Well-known member
Sounds great. Where do you start/finish?
Jobs_a_ good_ un
New member
Its a sunsail flight to preveza and base is in levkas i think
Regards
Regards
FullCircle
Well-known member
Nearly had a tip for you - avoid the Honeymooning FullCircles...... but we start on the 10th June in a Dufour 34 out of Lefkas.
Jobs_a_ good_ un
New member
Base is in voulanaki I correct myself
zefender
Active member
Well, assuming your first morning is spent at the supermarket, I'd head down through the canal to Spartahouri on Meganissi for 1st night. Then through channel for swim/lunch on Atoko island or the one next door (can't remember the name!), then up to Sivota. Next, swim/lunch in bay on North Ithaka and sail down to Port Kioni. Then East to Kastos (find a bay on the way). Next longer sail to Fiskardo on keffalonia (don't get in late as its crowded) and then next day return to base if you must or if you've time overnight in a bay to the south/West/sheltered bay to NE of Meganissi having stopped at the butchers in Fiskardo or Nidri for some BBQ stuff. Enjoy.
I think the Sunsail base is actually South of thr Lefkas canal so you could omit Sparthouri for the first night and make it your last as its only a couple of hours at most to/from the base. Depends on how quickly you can shop/cast off after the paperwork etc.
Unless you're very lucky, be prepared to motor in the am and hopefully get some wind in the afternoon, typically starting about 3pm and rising in strength til about 19:00 - and from the north, usually.
I think the Sunsail base is actually South of thr Lefkas canal so you could omit Sparthouri for the first night and make it your last as its only a couple of hours at most to/from the base. Depends on how quickly you can shop/cast off after the paperwork etc.
Unless you're very lucky, be prepared to motor in the am and hopefully get some wind in the afternoon, typically starting about 3pm and rising in strength til about 19:00 - and from the north, usually.
Pinnacle
Well-known member
Vounaki is the main Sunsail base in the area. It is actually part of the Club resort of the same name. It's a reasonably safe marina - but does have very unforgiving concrete walls ( which some guests have been known to try and demolish with the sterns of the yachts.....)
Weather is ( BIG generalisation coming up ) likely to be mostly light winds - you may need to motor on same days to reach destination. You may also see 40kts as I have done - watching the guests try and bring their yachts into the martina stern first against the wind was great fun!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Flots take well worn paths - hope your SWMBO is not too insistent on five star toilets, cos if thats what she wants to find, she is likely to be disappointed! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Hats, sun cream ( high factor ) and something to cover arms/legs in case you overdo it a bit. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I am very envious - you will have great time.
Weather is ( BIG generalisation coming up ) likely to be mostly light winds - you may need to motor on same days to reach destination. You may also see 40kts as I have done - watching the guests try and bring their yachts into the martina stern first against the wind was great fun!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Flots take well worn paths - hope your SWMBO is not too insistent on five star toilets, cos if thats what she wants to find, she is likely to be disappointed! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Hats, sun cream ( high factor ) and something to cover arms/legs in case you overdo it a bit. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I am very envious - you will have great time.
TigaWave
New member
Take your windsurf kit and stop in Vassaliki for a day...North East corner of Nisis Meganisi great anchorages...Fiskhardo on Keffalinia great little town, ormos ay andreou lovely little cove, southern end of Ithaki.
It's a few years since I've been there but great cruising ground, it can get quite breezy down the steno Ithakis.
It's a few years since I've been there but great cruising ground, it can get quite breezy down the steno Ithakis.
MoodySabre
Well-known member
If there is a flotilla leaving on the same day then find out their itinery. I recall going to Spartahori on the first night so you may wish to rethink that suggestion. It is worth a visit. I think the flotillas end up at Meganisi so starting there might be good.
Big tip is to anchor up in a bay in the morning when there is zero wind and then sail somewhere after lunch when the wind picks up. We left the flotilla (with their knowledge) because they do the opposite and it doesn't work.
Fiskardo is mayhem after 1500 hours as the flotilla leaders get there and try and keep spaces. Bit of must do though.
Double up the cold beer ration.
Marvellous.
Big tip is to anchor up in a bay in the morning when there is zero wind and then sail somewhere after lunch when the wind picks up. We left the flotilla (with their knowledge) because they do the opposite and it doesn't work.
Fiskardo is mayhem after 1500 hours as the flotilla leaders get there and try and keep spaces. Bit of must do though.
Double up the cold beer ration.
Marvellous.
machurley22
New member
Good advice about flotilla itineraries. Kalamos is worth a vist too.
alistairedw
New member
It might be an idea to plan for a long passage on day 1 to get clear of the southbound flotillas. Last summer our flotilla went from Preveza to Sivota on the first day.
If you do not want to do too much on day 1 Vounaki to Kastos or Kalamos would be a good first passage, with a lunch time anchor stop on the NE part of Meganisi.
If you want to get on to the quayside at Fiskardho Sunday is your best bet as it is change over day for lots of flotillas.
When you go to Spartakhori make sure you hike up the hill to the village. Stunning views from a great bar terrace up there.
If you do not want to do too much on day 1 Vounaki to Kastos or Kalamos would be a good first passage, with a lunch time anchor stop on the NE part of Meganisi.
If you want to get on to the quayside at Fiskardho Sunday is your best bet as it is change over day for lots of flotillas.
When you go to Spartakhori make sure you hike up the hill to the village. Stunning views from a great bar terrace up there.
Achillesheel
Well-known member
No-one has suggested going North; Gaios and Parga are worth a visit. Parga is esp pretty.
sailbadthesinner
New member
I'd avoid vathi never found it nice there
meganissi is nice top end for an overnight
fiskardo is a must but get in reasonably early in a big boat
keep an ear out on the flot channells as weather can get nasty. been 4 times and twice had big weather at short notice
Kioni on ithaca was a pleasant surpirise nice little bay
i would avoid the flots manily as it it gets really crowded if 2 turn up at once plus they tend to stop where the crews get fre food at hte bars they bring the flot to so not always most discerning of stops.
I'd buy rod heikells guide now and start passage planning. that way you get to spend hours planning a route and doubles the anticipation
On bare boat i would plan short hopps the first few days as there is ltiile shade and you may want to have an early sdtart day one but be in the shade by midday and then early afternoon alongside so you can relax by bar
sun is hot and v strong
and burn times are minutes not hours so take it very easy first few days and concentrate on short hops to a hook drop then get out of sun with occasional diops
saw a bloke burn his feet real bad on first afternoon was in agony for 5 days as he could nvere really keep them out of sun except in shoes and long trousers which is not the best.
the real joy is the lunch stops plus on BB you donot have to go alongside every night so plan a few nights at anchor in a nice bay which means you will have to find the good provisioning spots
its lovely to see all the flots scarper at lunch and you have the bay to yourself
am mad with envy
meganissi is nice top end for an overnight
fiskardo is a must but get in reasonably early in a big boat
keep an ear out on the flot channells as weather can get nasty. been 4 times and twice had big weather at short notice
Kioni on ithaca was a pleasant surpirise nice little bay
i would avoid the flots manily as it it gets really crowded if 2 turn up at once plus they tend to stop where the crews get fre food at hte bars they bring the flot to so not always most discerning of stops.
I'd buy rod heikells guide now and start passage planning. that way you get to spend hours planning a route and doubles the anticipation
On bare boat i would plan short hopps the first few days as there is ltiile shade and you may want to have an early sdtart day one but be in the shade by midday and then early afternoon alongside so you can relax by bar
sun is hot and v strong
and burn times are minutes not hours so take it very easy first few days and concentrate on short hops to a hook drop then get out of sun with occasional diops
saw a bloke burn his feet real bad on first afternoon was in agony for 5 days as he could nvere really keep them out of sun except in shoes and long trousers which is not the best.
the real joy is the lunch stops plus on BB you donot have to go alongside every night so plan a few nights at anchor in a nice bay which means you will have to find the good provisioning spots
its lovely to see all the flots scarper at lunch and you have the bay to yourself
am mad with envy
Davy_S
Well-known member
You should have no problems getting in anywhere in May/June, it is quite quiet at the moment.
If Fiskardo looks busy, anchor on the North side of the bay, starboard as you enter, most folks like to get right inside to pose a bit /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif the only difference is a 200 yds walk, but far more peacefull.
Kioni is nice (deep) and traffic free.
Go for a longish sail, past Assos,through the striking colours of Myrtos beachTurquoise seas,anchor off Kuriaki beach and dinghy ashore for a superb lunch at one of the two Tavernas. most of all enjoy!
If Fiskardo looks busy, anchor on the North side of the bay, starboard as you enter, most folks like to get right inside to pose a bit /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif the only difference is a 200 yds walk, but far more peacefull.
Kioni is nice (deep) and traffic free.
Go for a longish sail, past Assos,through the striking colours of Myrtos beachTurquoise seas,anchor off Kuriaki beach and dinghy ashore for a superb lunch at one of the two Tavernas. most of all enjoy!
jimi
Well-known member
second the suggestion of getting Rod Heikel's guide and pasage plan/ dream now!
eddieo
New member
You will have a brilliant time - but my advice is to take each day as it comes. I've never managed to stick to a sailing itinerary yet, - although I do enjoy the planning. Spartahori, Fiskcardo, Kioni a re all "must do's" if you have never sailed the area before! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
SteveGorst
Member
Agreed, we went for two weeks so had time to visit both and I liked the North. Gaios, Sivota and Parga. Parga was great with a jazz bar on the front and a water taxi to take you back to the boat, moored away from the noise. The South was good also, we particularly liked Vasiliki, but the North just felt a little more like a proper sea to me with more interesting towns to explore.
You will have a great time wherever you go. Get a copy of Rod Heikells guide before you go, put some greek music on, pour yourself a beer and have a read.
You will have a great time wherever you go. Get a copy of Rod Heikells guide before you go, put some greek music on, pour yourself a beer and have a read.
tom52
Active member
I'm sure you will love it. But look out for the rats, especially on Spartahouri.
Davy_S
Well-known member
If you do decide to venture north to Paxos, I would reccomend Lakka not Gaios, at this time of the year it will be quiet, there is a bus service that goes the length of the island (about 8 miles ish) you can even walk it or hire a scooter for about 15 euros, Longgos (Midway) a pleasant place to eat. The colour of the sea at Lakka is amazing, well worth the trip. food far cheaper for the same quality than Fiskardo.
Agia Efimia on Kefalonia worth a visit, Spiros taverna on a Saturday night, Greek bazouki music, let the Brits leave at 10pm, then arrive, true Greek dancing starts at about 11.30 till about 2pm ish, good food, good night, nuff said!
Agia Efimia on Kefalonia worth a visit, Spiros taverna on a Saturday night, Greek bazouki music, let the Brits leave at 10pm, then arrive, true Greek dancing starts at about 11.30 till about 2pm ish, good food, good night, nuff said!
Jobs_a_ good_ un
New member
Thanks to all for the Ionian tips
Just wanted to say thanks for the tips as always the forum has provided a wealth of info it might have taken years to find out
Regards
Mark
Infact have a pint on me /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Just wanted to say thanks for the tips as always the forum has provided a wealth of info it might have taken years to find out
Regards
Mark
Infact have a pint on me /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif