The Ionian Sea is one of Europe’s premier sailing grounds, offering reliable north-westerly winds, relatively flat seas and an archipelago of islands spaced perfectly for day sails. Sailing yachts suited to charter range from 18-metre classic ketches to 26-metre modern performance sloops, each offering a distinctly different experience of the islands. The Ionian season runs from late April through October, with the best breeze in June, July and August. Eight sailing yachts currently charter in Greek waters, spanning designs from traditional timber vessels to modern carbon rigs. Most carry four to six guests across three or four cabins, with professional crews of two or three. Many have been purpose-built or refit for charter, with comfortable cockpits, air conditioning below decks and a full water toy kit for days when anchoring takes priority over sailing. Sailing charter rates in Greece start from around 49,000 euros per week for a 20-metre yacht, rising to 245,000 euros for a blue-water performance yacht in high season. The advance provisioning allowance adds approximately 30 percent to cover fuel for the auxiliary engine, food, anchorage fees and drinks throughout the week. A typical Ionian sailing itinerary begins in Lefkada marina, heading south through the Meganisi channel to Ithaca’s deep harbours, across to Fiscardo for its picture-postcard quayside, then down to the cliffs of Kefalonia’s west coast before anchoring in the sheltered inlets of Zakynthos.
