Our Skippers favorite trip
Our skipper introduces himself:
My name is Angelos and I am 35 years old. I was born and raised in Corfu Island, in the North Ionian Sea. My surroundings were full of seascapes and experiences and from a very young age, I used to spend most of my summer days on my father’s boat. As a result, I always thought it would be a good idea to continue this tradition and maybe improve it a bit. Therefore in 2004, I decided to acquire my first motor yacht license and after 6 years to move on to the sailing license. Sailing turned out to be way more adventurous and appealing to my liking so I started participating in several Sailing Races across the Ionian Sea. In 2013 I met Mr. Kanis, the CEO of Ionian Catamarans by Patras Yachts, a most promising charter company in the yachting industry in the Ionian Sea. I started with deliveries of the yachts from – to Lefkas / Corfu, where the two bases of the companies are. In the next years and after having gained a lot of experience with several yachts, I became a skipper in charters. Seven years full of great experiences with people from all over the world on every trip and different types of yachts (monohulls, catamarans, power catamarans, motor yachts), I would say that my favorite type of yacht is the sailing catamaran, mostly because of the space and comfort they provide.
What is your favorite trip for 7 days (or 3 days for shorter trips)? Which Islands, what bays at what times of the year.
Though it would be difficult to choose, I would say that my favorite itinerary for 1 week, would be the following:
South East Corfu (petriti)
Sivota Thesprotias (blue lagoon, bela vraka)
Paxos island (west side of the island, caves, erimitis, gaios, lakka, logos, mogonisi)
Antipaxos (voutoumi, south west side of antipaxos) – Beautiful Bays
Westside of Lefkas island (porto katsiki, egremnoi)
Fiskardo- Kephalonia
Ithaka (sarakiniko, pera pigadi, gidaki, vathi, kioni)
Atokos island (Cliff bay, one house bay)
Kastos island
Kalamos island (aspro giali, episkopi kalamou)
Elia bay (meganisi)
Vathi meganisiou
Onasis island-skorpios
All the above make the ideal charter week, including beautiful locations and a real Ionian Sea sailing experience. June and September would definitely my favorite months since the weather is very good, the waters still warm, it is not very crowded and the clients can enjoy the fullest all the destinations.
Is it a one-way trip or a round trip?
Given my late reply, it would definitely be a one-way trip, as you can visit more places in one week.
What is a must-do on this trip?
The traditional Greek cuisine is really a must! Starting in Corfu, Petritis, you can really need to try the fresh fish and enjoy the view. In Sivota, the spaghetti with lobster is the best dish to try. In Paxos, you have a variety of choices, you can either try Greek or Corfiot traditional dishes, or Gourmet plates according to each taste. In Kefalonia, of course, you can find all the above, but my recommendation would be to try local Greek sweets and desserts.
For swimming, the bay Blue Lagoon would be my first choice, with crystal emerald waters. But of course, there are many beautiful spots for a swim in all the above-mentioned locations.
For those who are looking for some more adventurous and alternative activities in combination with their sailing holidays, the above route provides it. They can go hiking in Fiscardo, in the lighthouse. They can enjoy snorkeling in the caves in Paxos. Lastly, the can enjoy rafting, canoe, and other activities in the Acheron river, near Preveza, where we can have easy access to the Dinghy.
What do you really need to experience? Diving, food, locations like cliffs, lighthouses, harbors, etc. Do you need certain equipment like dinghy, SUPs, diving gear, snorkeling gear, etc.?
The equipment that is definitely needed for the above activities, is the outboard engine, to have easy and quick access. Then I could think of the SUP paddleboard, that many clients find fun and snorkeling equipment, like masks and flippers.
Are there optional routes that also can be interesting?
There are many routes that someone can make in a charter week, it all depends on what the clients ask for. We can have easy-going, quiet and relaxing routes, adventurous and full of action or the ones for exploring the unknown spots. I could suggest the following as well:
North East Corfu (Kassiopi, Nissaki, Kalami, Agni, Agios Stefanos, Kerassia, Kouloura)
Diapontius island (Erikousa, Mathraki, Othonoi)
West Side of Corfu
Do you need a skipper to experience this?
A skipper is always optional for those who know how to sail and have the necessary experience, but with a local skipper, the clients can have the ultimate and most relaxing experience. The local skipper, knows the perfect spots on the busy months, so that the clients can still see all the places, knows when to visit each place, what activities to do, a good place to eat and can provide the best local experience.
Are there extra costs tied to this trip? Harbor costs, Entrance fees, etc.?
In some harbors, there are some extra costs, like the water or the electricity, but the amounts are small.
