Gouvia Marina, Corfu, Ionian Islands
The maximum number of people permitted on this yacht is 10. Bear in mind that this may include space in the saloon (lounge) and in any crew cabins this boat may have. Therefore, it’s best to calculate the maximum capacity based on two people per double cabin. If on a skippered charter, you need to assign a cabin to the skipper.
Located off the western coast of Greece, the Ionian is a wonderfully calm sailing region that British sailors have made their second home for decades now. Stretching from Corfu to Zakynthos, the Ionian is characterised by light winds, a green coastline, short sailing legs, small villages, authentic quayside tavernas and a generally relaxed disposition. The Ionian islands consist of six primary islands: Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Zakynthos. The group also includes many smaller islands, most of which offer secluded bays, a traditional taverna or two, clear waters and a true Greek experience.
Kassiopi is a lively resort at the North East corner of Corfu. A charming little fishing village, with a traditional port. Tourism has of course had its influence, but you can still find local fishermen bringing home the morning catch down at the harbour. The harbour is constructed in a natural cove protected on its W side from the prevailing winds by the peninsula of Ak Kassiopi, on which there sits an imposing Byzantine/Venetian castle.
A small and very ‘Greek’ harbour, Sayiadha is located on the mainland near the Albanian border, in fact it was once closed to the public for this very reason! Today it is a lovely relaxed place to visit and top up on water and sample the prawns on offer from Alekos Taverna, reported to be the best in the Ionian!
Petriti is a small and somewhat sleepy fishing harbour on the south east coast of Corfu, 10 miles south of Corfu Town. Nestling in a small bay protected from the prevailing north westerly winds, the harbour consists of a 100 metre long breakwater extending south from the north side of the bay. A rocky shoal to the S of the harbour affords some protection from southerly winds and swell. Visiting yachts berth on the outer 50 metres or so of the breakwater, using their anchors to go bows or stern-to.
Gaios, the island’s main town, hardly needs to try for the ‘picturesque’ label. Pink, cream and whitewashed buildings line the edge of an emerald bay on either side of the Venetian square. The village is protected by the wooded islet of Agios Nikolaos, named after its monastery. Gaios has the liveliest nightlife on the island, and cafes and tavernas line the waterfront. The town’s picturesque setting and unique geography have made it deservedly popular and during the season it is full of day trippers from Corfu and the mainland and busy with yachtsmen of all nationalities, especially Italians.
“The turquoise bay was so clear that boats appeared to be suspended in air!” the words of one visitor help to give you an idea of why Emerald bay is such a special destination. Located on the north east shores of the tiny island of Antipaxos, Emerald bay really is a joy to behold. In the early 19th century, the island was inhabited by Souliotes, who fought the Ottoman Empire until they were defeated in 1803. If you’ve got time you might want to explore some of the short walks around the island among the orchards, vineyards and carpets of wild flowers.
Parga is a very popular and busy tourist resort lying 15 miles south east of Igoumenitsa and 25 miles north west of Preveza. The town is dominated by an imposing Venetian castle crowning the peninsula around which it sits, which is a useful landmark on arrival. For the visiting yachtsman, the only realistic berthing option is to anchor on the north west side of the long beach to the west of the town, Ormos Valtou, where shelter is reasonably good from the prevailing north westerly winds.
Mourtos is a small village and fishing harbour located on the mainland of Greece opposite the southern part of Corfu, six miles south of Igoumenitsa and three miles south of Plataria. In recent years it has become a bustling tourist town with the small harbour now used as much by yachts as fishing boats, while the quay has a mass of tourist restaurants and bars.
Just as it was a great place to start, Corfu is also a great place to finish. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in Gouvia Town we recommend you check out. Our information packs have lots of recommendations about the best places to eat, drink and explore.
If you are sailing yourself, Seamaster recommends that you have the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). You automatically qualify for this qualification if you have a RYA Day Skipper or higher qualification. In Italy, Turkey and Croatia you can charter with a RYA Day Skipper (practical) but this is not accepted in Greece or Spain, so you should have the ICC or at least a RYA Coastal Skipper certificate. In Croatia, you are required to have a Radio (Short Range VHF) Certificate.
The skipper’s role is primarily to sail the boat but they also route-plan, guide and advise on your holiday itinerary. They can recommend and book restaurants, take you to hidden locals-only’ destinations and generally provide you with an incredible sailing holiday experience. They can also provide some sailing tuition though this is not official instruction. Finally, the skipper is tasked with keeping the exterior of the boat clean and tidy.
A host’s responsibilities are to prepare breakfast and light lunch and generally host and care for the guests on board. They are also responsible for cleaning up after the meals and keeping the communal areas inside the boat clean and tidy. Finally, their responsibilities also extend to helping the skipper sail the boat.
The contracted time for a yacht charter is typically 17:00 on the first day (Saturday) to 09:00 on the following Saturday. You are required to be back in the home port the evening before you disembark, typically around 17:30. On Friday night you are officially ‘checked out’ and you may then leave anytime up until 09:00 the next morning. We recommend using Friday night to explore the area local to the marina.
In terms of inventory, each yacht has a minimum expected level of safety and navigation equipment on board. This includes life jackets, navigational charts, and pilot book. In addition to the basic inventory, individual yachts come with very different specifications and items on board, so it is vitally important that you view the specific inventory items listed above.
In addition to the cost of the boat (and crew if you have them) there is typically a base charge that is paid for the preparation of the boat on location. This is listed in the extras above. On a yacht charter you are responsible for whatever fuel you use, where you get a full tank at the start and return it with a full tank at the end. Sailing yachts don’t consume a lot of fuel so expect this to be €100 to €400pw depending on the size of the yacht. Another other cost you should look out for is mooring fees, which are basically overnight parking fees. These vary greatly from free (for anchoring) to several hundred euros (for locations such as Capri on the Amalfi Coast). Please read the FAQs on each destination page for further details on mooring fees. Also, if you are sailing with a skipper and crew, please note that you are responsible for their provisioning.
In the very rare case of there being a problem with your boat there is a robust response and assistance program in place. Firstly, you have the direct phone number of the base manager on location that you can call anytime. In the first instance, they will guide you over the phone to resolve any simple problems. Then there are service networks available across the mainland and islands of the Mediterranean that can be called on to come a intervene with any problems that need more attention. Finally, the charter company come out directly on a speedboat to fix an issue. Each and every client of Seamaster has the contact details of Seamaster in London as well and we are always ready and willing to help guide the process.
Our charter yachts have boat insurance including third party insurance; however, all yachts have a security deposit that represents the insurance excess that you are responsible for. For example, if there is a €3000 security deposit you must leave this at the base as a credit card pre-authorisation and if there is loss or damage to the boat the cost will come out of this deposit. Seamaster has a security deposit indemnity that protects you against losing your security deposit. If there is damage, you must pay for it and we will refund it to you, less a small excess.
Food and drink on board are approached one of two ways. If you do not have a host or cook on board, then this is a self-catered yacht charter. You are responsible for purchasing and preparing your own food. We will provide you with a provisioning service to purchase food before you arrive, or you can visit a local supermarket on arrival to do a ‘big’ shop. You then top up at local bakeries, delis, and markets as you go along on holiday. There is a kitchen (galley) on all our yachts that has cupboard space and usually two fridges.
If you have a host on board, they are responsible for purchasing your food and drink prior to the holiday and as you go along. We will provide you with a meal guide and a provisioning list and you can pick and choose from this and provide your own preferences.
This is a bespoke sailing holiday that is tailored to your personal preferences and requirements, which includes the itinerary. Seamaster provides you with suggested itineraries and a guide book for the sailing area that you are travelling. If you have a skipper on board, you’ll sit down with them on your first night to go over your itinerary based on your preferences and the wind and weather at the time.
Honestly, don’t over think it. You don’t need anything more than you would take on a standard villa holiday in the sun. We will guide you before you go and offer suggestions but there’s certainly nothing special required.
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