IONIO SAILING

• Fuel

The Ionian and the west coast of Greece are popular destinations for yacht charter and sailing holidays. The Ionian Islands of Corfu and Lefkas are the main starting points as they both have good marinas and are served by regular charter flights. You can start your sailing holiday from Gouvia Marina, Corfu or Lefkas Town Marina, both of which are used as yacht charter bases for our skippered and bareboat charter yachts.

The Ionian Islands have been inhabited since Paleolithic times, have been through many invasions, and have received the influence of a variety of cultures.

Preveza
At Preveza is the ruined city of Nikopolis built to commemorate Octavian’s sea victory against Antony and Cleopatra. At its height, Nikopolis had a population of 300,000 people and covered a large area. It’s surprising how much is still there today – not bad for 2,000 years.

Corfu

As you approach Corfu Island (Kerkyra), you will set eyes on some of the best-known beaches attracting many visitors every year.  The multitude of sandy shores, the amazing Pontikonisi islet, and the surrounding isles of Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi will make you catch your breath. Corfu Town was the capital of the Ionian Islands and still retains much of its Venetian architecture. You will find the biggest marina in the area at Gouvia.

Paxos and Antipaxos

Next on your route are the shores of two lovely islands: Paxi and Antipaxi. Situated south of Corfu, they are renowned for their green landscape and secluded sea-caves which can be approached only from the sea.

Lefkada
Heading southeast, you will reach Lefkada, an island accessible by car as well. The east shoreline is green with smooth, flat beaches, whereas on the west coast the scenery is varied with some lovely beaches along the way. Sailing around the nearby islands of Scorpios and Meganisi is a must. There is a very well equipped marina in Lefkada town. Another option for you is to dock at the marinas in Aktio and Vounaki, on the west coast of Central Greece, which you can use as your base for nearby sea explorations.

Kefalonia

Your next stop is Kefalonia Island – the biggest one in the Ionian Sea. As you sail around it, you will find unspoiled beaches and others with many facilities by the shore. The capital town, Argostoli, and Lixouri are two beautiful towns. The biggest

marina on the island is located at Fiskardo, a place famous for its beauty and delicious seafood.

Ithaca, the birthplace of Odysseus, is the next island you will visit, located east of Kefalonia. Monuments all over the island are proof of Ithaca’s long history. Small secluded beaches make Ithaca the ideal place for relaxation amidst lovely natural surroundings.

Zante
The last island to the south is “Il Fior di Levante” – the Flower of the East – the island of Zante (Zakynthos), the habitat of Caretta caretta, the sea turtle. High mountains, deep blue waters, seacaves and picturesque little harbours make up the picture here. Locals will make you feel at home with their singing and warm hospitality.

Sailing through the Ionian Islands you can still find small fishing villages where everyday life has hardly changed over the years. Where by day you are dazzled by the beauty of your surroundings and at night enjoy the warmth and friendliness of the people, leaving you wanting nothing more than to come back and sail the Ionian again next year.

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What qualification/licence do I need to charter Gandela with BUKA BUKA?
If you are booking a bareboat charter you must hold a qualified skipper licence – day skipper competent level (from a recognised body) or an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) as a skipper – and have adequate sailing experience. You should also have a co-skipper at competent crew certificate level or with appropriate experience.

I don’t have a sailing qualification/licence. Can I still charter a yacht?
Yes, this is possible by booking one of our skippers (100€/day+meals). When you charter the yacht with one of our experienced and qualified skippers, you can of course sit back and relax. However, should you wish to learn a bit of sailing, our skippers will be more than happy to teach you.

What is included as part of the yacht charter price?
The charter price includes all taxes, and all yachts are properly covered with hull and third-party liability for charter business. You are provided with one full set per week of the following: bed linen, bath towels, kitchen towels, pillows and light quilted blankets. Gandela is also equipped with the following: full kitchen equipment (including plates, bowls, cups, glasses, cutlery, cooking utensils), dinghy with outboard and oars, autopilot, GPS/Plotter, full water tank, one set of snorkelling gear, Greek Water Pilot and map of the sailing region.

What extra services do you provide?
We provide the following extra services:
Skipper: 100€/day + meals.

Which Ionian harbors can I charter from?
Our main base is in port of Sivota. It is possible for you to charter Gandela from other harbors, like Corfu or Lefkada but an extra yacht transfer fee may apply.

Which day of the week can I start my charter?
BUKA BUKA offers charters on a weekly basis depending on availability.

When I confirm my booking, what happens next?
When you confirm that you would like to book Gandela with BUKA BUKA, you will be sent a Booking Confirmation and you will be asked to arrange the 40% down payment via bank transfer in the following 7 days (as is written in the Booking Confirmation). Furthermore, BUKA BUKA will contact you with all the required paperwork and other documents (crew list form, charter party, etc). You will also be sent an invoice for the remaining payment of your charter. If you want to book extra services, please inform BUKA BUKA well in advance of your charter start date.

Is it possible for me to bring my dog with me on my sailing holiday?
Yes, this is possible. An extra charge of 100€ (per dog per booking) applies for the extra deep cleaning required at the end of the charter.

What is the security deposit?
BUKA BUKA yachts are properly covered with hull and third-party liability for charter business. As with any insurance, an excess applies in case of any claim. Therefore, clients are required to leave a refundable security deposit (2,500€) equivalent to this excess. This deposit is for covering any damage or loss caused by the client during their charter and it will be refunded after the fuel and other costs have been paid. Consequently, the clients’ liability is limited to the amount of the security deposit, unless they cause damage or loss through gross negligence or an intentional act.
In the case of any damage or loss, the cost of repair or replacement is deducted from the security deposit and the remaining balance is refunded to the client. The client is not responsible for normal wear and tear.
The security deposit is to be paid at check-in. The security deposit is required even if a skipper is hired at extra cost.

I’ve booked a skippered charter. Why do I still need to leave a security deposit?
If you are chartering with a skipper provided by BUKA BUKA, the skipper is not responsible for all damages aboard. He is responsible for sailing the yacht and if he accidentally damages the yacht, he will have to pay for the damage himself. However, any damage caused by the client aboard is the client’s responsibility – for example, accidentally blocking the toilet, accidentally burning something or causing a fire whilst cooking, damages under the influence of alcohol, etc.

Do I need insurance?
It is up to you whether you want travel insurance or any other additional insurance. However, we strongly advise obtaining insurance for your security deposit – unfortunately, sometimes accidents or damages do happen. This insurance can be obtained via EIS (European Insurance Services) or via Pantaenius before the charter start date. The Pantaenius Bond Insurance Plus Package (140€) should be sufficient and covers the security deposit amount for your charter.

I want/need to cancel my charter booking. What is the procedure?
If you need to cancel your booking, please contact us at dimassailing@gmail.com. You will be refunded accordingly:
No reimbursement for cancellation less than 30 days before charter.
Between 30 – 60 days before charter starts = 50% reimbursement of advance paid.
60 days or more before charter starts = full reimbursement of advance paid.

What should I bring with me?
You need to bring your sailing licence (if you are chartering bareboat), personal identification for each crew member/passenger and your personal items. Most people bring far too much, which they never use. Remember space is at a premium on a yacht so bring soft fold-up luggage. You will need a sweater and a waterproof jacket just in case; a hat, sun glasses and a camera. Please note we provide bed sheets as well as bath towels.

What Airport should I fly to?
There are three main airports; Corfu Airport (CFU), Aktion Airport (PVK) and Ioannina National Airport (IOA). Kefalonia and Zante also have airports where you could pick up and drop off crew members.

Can I start and finish my holiday in different places?
Yes, but normally there are extra costs.

What happens during check-in?
Check-in normally starts at 12:00. However, sometimes it is possible to arrange for an earlier or later check-in. The check-in is the procedure for the client to become acquainted with Gandela. BUKA BUKA staff will come aboard your yacht during your check-in to go through the inventory with you, so that you can satisfy yourself with the condition of the yacht and its equipment and make sure that everything is there as per the inventory checklist.

What happens during check-out?
The check-out is a similar procedure to the check-in. BUKA BUKA staff will come aboard and check the yacht with you for any damage or loss before your disembarkation. If there has been no damage or loss, BUKA BUKA will instruct their bank to release the amount that is being held as a security deposit against your credit card. You should receive your security deposit back within 15 days following your check-out.

At check-out, the fuel tank (which was full at the start of your charter) will also be checked and you will be required to pay only for the amount of fuel that you have used at the end of your charter.

What happens if I have a problem during my charter?
If you encounter any problem during your charter, please contact BUKA BUKA’s Base Manager immediately. BUKA BUKA will try to assist you and solve your problem as efficiently and as quickly as possible. In the case of damage, it is important to follow the following protocol:

1. Exchange all insurance policy data with third parties.
2. Take photos of the damage.
3. Make a sketch with a short description of the circumstances leading to the accident, signed and dated.
4. Collect third-party data.
5. Follow protocol from an official of the local Greek Port Authority.
6. Make a Logbook entry.

Are there mooring fees in the region?
There are no mooring fees at our Sivota base, where you may spend the first and last night of the charter, and at BUKA BUKA beach. There are various small fees of up to 15€ on the Ionian Islands.

Can you provide me with a suggested route?
Our 7-day itinerary from Sivota or Corfu.
Our 7-day itinerary from Lefkada.

How do I obtain water, fuel and electricity aboard?
There are many harbours in the region where you can supply Gandela with water, fuel and electricity, using the respective cables/hose pipes aboard your yacht. Small fees apply for connecting to the power/water pillars on the quays. Gandela has 12V sockets and 220W inverter (suitable for charging smartphones and tablets – not hairdryers!). Additionally, Gandela has an 3.5kW generator and an inverter. Many cafés and restaurants will also allow you to charge electronic devices too.

Do the yachts have safety equipment, necessary navigation charts and pilot books aboard?
Gandela is equipped with full safety and navigation equipment, according to Greek Maritime Law, including sufficient life jackets, flares, VHF, GPS, life raft, autopilot, EPIRB, navigation charts and pilot book for the region.

Is there a music system aboard?
Gandela has excellent sound systems with cockpit speakers. The sound system include radio, CD player and auxiliary connection (it is recommended you bring an iPod/iPhone/MP3Player auxiliary input cable and/or USB cable for connecting your music devices).

What other useful equipment is provided aboard?
Other useful equipment includes: 1 set of snorkeling gear; dinghy with outboard; yacht charter documents; and a food and drink guide for the area.

Are there banks or cash machines in the places we go to?
Only the main towns have banks, some of the smaller places have cash machines and you can often get money at travel agents.

Do we follow a set route?
No, we try to tailor each trip to meet your requirements as long as the boat’s safety is not compromised.

We would like to learn how to sail?
Nothing gives us more pleasure than teaching people to sail. As most people want to be involved in sailing it’s hard for them not to learn. But this is primarily a sailing holiday from which we hope you’ll go on to do a sailing course and get some sailing qualifications, so you can come back and skipper your own yacht.