Island Sailing

Island Sailing the Ionian yacht charter specialists

Ionian Yacht Charter
Island Sailing specialises in sailing holidays around the Greek islands including Lefkas, Kefalonia, Corfu, Ithaca and Paxos.

We are a British company offering some of the best yacht charter holidays in the Mediterranean from marina bases on Lefkas and Corfu.

• Bareboat Charter
• Flotilla Sailing
• Skippered Yacht Charter
• Sailing Courses

About Us

Island Sailing is a British company with a love of sailing and a passion for the Ionian islands of Greece. We offer a wide choice of beautiful and modern sailing yachts available for bareboat, flotilla and skippered charters from Lefkas marina and Gouvia marina, Corfu.

Our standards and expectations are extremely high and we are committed to offering the best modern yachts in the Greek islands and the highest levels of personal service. The people who you speak to and email who help you plan your sailing holiday are the same people who are out in Greece throughout the season.

All the yachts available with Island Sailing are exceptionally well maintained, presented and equipped by both Island Sailing and our fellow British and Dutch family run teams who we act as yacht charter agents for who have been operating charter yachts in Greece for over 25 years. Living, working and sailing in the Ionian for many years means that we are best placed to help and advise you both before and during your holiday.

After sailing in the Ionian for many years, Island Sailing founders, Jonny and Ruth Hope understand what is needed to plan and enjoy a great sailing holiday on an excellent yacht. As yacht owners they know what it takes to operate, present and maintain yachts to the very highest standards and with a corporate and marketing background Jonny and Ruth’s skills are put to good use as they continue to develop the Island Sailing brand.

Lots of hard work, determination and passion for sailing in Greece means that today, Island Sailing offer a wide range of sailing holidays and a choice of 52 yachts from 27 to 54 feet all permanently based in Lefkas marina or Gouvia marina, Corfu. Giving that extra help and advice to our customers proves invaluable and our first hand experiences and knowledge of the Ionian really makes a difference.

We are proud to be British but are equally honoured to be able to offer fantastic sailing charters in the beautiful Ionian islands of Greece. We look forward to seeing you in the Ionian soon!

Bareboat Yacht Charter
With bareboat yacht charter you charter and sail the boat yourself with family or friends. Sail your own route around the Ionian Islands with the freedom to explore and discover something new each day.

What Support do you get?
A bareboat yacht charter with Island Sailing doesn’t mean you are sent off without support, it just means you are free to do what you like, when you like.

• You have 24/7 communication with us via radio or mobile phone and in the unlikely event of you needing support, backup is provided by a large rib and we are always available should you need us.
• You get a weather update each day.
• You can plan your own routes or ask us for suggestions and advice on the sailing area from the best anchorages and beaches to great restaurants and tavernas.
• You can have free stern to mooring assistance at the start of your sailing holiday – popular with sailors who want a refresher or those new to Mediterranean mooring.
• You will receive a comprehensive handover of your yacht including its operation and all of the equipment aboard. On board you will have a comprehensive sailing guide to the area, as well as the Heikell Guide and all necessary charts and navigation aids, including Raymarine chartplotters.
• Bareboat Sailing Yachts from 27 to 46 feet

Yacht are fully equipped with everything you need including:

• Teak cockpit with table and cushions
• Large teak bathing platform with swim ladder and warm water deck shower
• Bimini sunshade and sprayhood
• Wheel steering & cockpit mounted colour chartplotter
• Electric anchor windlass
• Roller reefing headsail & fully battened mainsail with Packamain system or inmast furling
• Stereo radio & CD player (i-pod ready) + external cockpit speakers
• Spacious heads with wall mounted shower & WC, pump toilet & holding tank
• Fully equipped galley with electric fridge, hob and oven
• Full set of charts, pilot book, guide to the Ionian, binoculars, plotters, dividers & hand bearing compass

Flotilla Sailing Holidays
A flotilla gives the perfect balance of independence and social sailing with the reassurance of support. An Ionian flotilla consists of a small group of yachts exploring the Greek islands with a lead boat and crew. Flotilla sailing is a great way to enjoy a fun and relaxing holiday around the Greek islands.

Flotilla Sailing
Flotilla sailing is a great way to sail in the sunshine on your own yacht with family or friends in the beautiful Greek islands with the reassurance of being part of a group with the back-up of an experienced and knowledgeable lead crew.

Cruise at your own pace, drop anchor for a swim or snorkel in the clear warm waters of the Ionian. Explore coves, beaches and secluded bays and discover pretty villages and breathtaking scenery. The specially chosen itineraries let you visit the best bays, the most beautiful villages and the nicest tavernas sailing to a different Greek Ionian island destination each day.

Greek Island Flotilla Routes
Sail from either Lefkas or Corfu around the Ionian islands of Greece for one week or two. You can also join a flotilla for one week and then go ‘bareboat sailing’ the next. One week flotillas explore either the Southern Ionian islands including Kefalonia, Meganissi and Ithaca or the Northern Ionian islands of Corfu, Paxos, anti-Paxos. You can also visit the western shores of mainland Greece and the Amvrakikos Gulf. Two week flotillas give extra time to explore the South and the North Ionian.

• Southern Ionian Flotilla Lefkas route
• Southern Ionian Flotilla Ithaca route
• Northern Ionian Flotilla Paxos route
• Northern Ionian Flotilla Parga route

How flotilla sailing works
Experienced and knowledgeable flotilla crew will give a briefing each morning and chat about the cruising plans for the day, giving you lots of local information, cruising tips and advice.

Spend each day sailing independently or as a group and refer back to the lead boat on the radio or mobile phone whenever you want to. Set sail at your leisure and explore at your own pace and stay in a different port each evening, stopping en route in a small bay or pretty village for lunch and a swim. At the end of each week you can choose your own destinations on ‘free sailing’ days.

The lead flotilla boat is at the chosen destination each afternoon to make sure that you are moored up safely for the night. Once in port, the evenings are your own to relax and enjoy the company of others in your flotilla or spend time with your family or friends – the choice is always yours. Meeting up with others in your flotilla in the evening is a great way to share your experiences of the Ionian islands with like-minded sailors.

Flotilla Sailing Yachts
Sail in the beautiful Ionian sunshine on flotilla on a brand new model yacht like the Bavaria 32 Cruiser below. Be one of the very first to sail one of these newly launched yachts in Greece. Ideal for flotilla sailing holidays the yachts have the highest specifications and are easy to handle and fun to sail. The yachts range in size from 27 feet to 46 feet and are suitable for couples, families and groups.