Arrival/Departure:
Departure: Gouvia Marina, Corfu, Greece
Arrival: Zakynthos, Greece
Experience the full diversity of the Ionian Islands on our special sailing trip from Corfu to Zakynthos at the end of July. From the lush greenery of Corfu to the hidden coves of Paxos, the legendary home of Odysseus on Ithaca, the picturesque Fiskardo on Kefalonia, and the world-famous beaches of Zakynthos – this trip strings together the pearls of the Ionian Sea like beads on a necklace. Short daily sailing distances allow plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and simply enjoying the scenery, and the diversity of the islands makes every day a new adventure.
Enjoy turquoise waters in secluded anchorages, stroll through Venetian harbor towns, jump from the swimming platform into crystal-clear sea, and let yourself be pampered by Greek hospitality. We sail together, learn from each other, and enjoy the freedom of the water.
Galini, our Hanse 575, is a true bluewater yacht – built for life and travel on the sea. We sail with warm and welcoming people, discovering the world together and experiencing real boat life: sun, wind, saltwater, little adventures, and the feeling of truly discovering something together as a crew. Galini is at home on the sea and usually far from her home port on Poros. You'll become part of life on board. Things won't always go according to plan – sometimes something breaks down or the weather changes our course – but that's precisely what makes it authentic. We're also happy to show you the onboard technology, and you can participate in all activities – navigating, steering, cooking, and even the technical aspects. Not a cruise, but a true community, genuine experiences, and the magic of the sea.
Our adventure begins with a crew change at Gouvia Marina in Corfu – boarding, introductions, and a safety briefing. From Corfu, we sail south to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos – a paradise of olive groves, sheltered natural harbors, and waters shimmering in every shade of blue and turquoise. From there, our route continues south into the central Ionian Islands. The small islands of Meganisi and Kalamos surprise us with pristine bays and fjords where pine trees reach right down to the crystal-clear water. Ithaca – the home of Odysseus – welcomes us with the picturesque port town of Kioni and the deep bay of Vathy. A highlight of any Ionian voyage is Fiskardo on Kefalonia – the pearl among the Ionian ports, the only village spared by the 1953 earthquake, and still enchanting visitors with its colorful shutters and Venetian houses. The final leg takes us to Zakynthos with its world-famous Navagio Bay, the Blue Caves in the north, and the vibrant port city. Which harbors and bays we visit, and how long we stay in each, will be decided – just like in real sailing – by the wind, the weather, and the crew together.
WIND & CLIMATE
At the end of July, temperatures are very summery (air: 30–35°C, water: 25–27°C). The Maistro – the prevailing northwest wind in the Ionian Sea – blows reliably at 2–4 Beaufort in the afternoon and is ideal for relaxed sailing south. Mornings are often calm, perfect for swimming stops and a leisurely start to the day. The waters between the Ionian Islands are mostly sheltered due to their location, making this area particularly pleasant and attractive even for less experienced sailors. Rain is practically nonexistent at the end of July.
THE YACHT
Our beautiful GALINI is a very fast, large, and comfortable yacht. She spent the winter in the Caribbean and will cross the Atlantic in April/May.
She is a modern Hanse 575 with four double cabins and a skipper's cabin. Each cabin has its own bathroom with an electric toilet. Amenities include Wi-Fi via Starlink (optional), multimedia system, a 220V/7kW generator (230V in all cabins), a washing machine, an air freezer, and a coffee machine. She has large solar panels, radar, AIS, a watermaker, a hydraulic swim platform, and a dinghy with an outboard motor. She is exceptionally well-equipped with safety and navigation equipment, and much more – everything you need to be self-sufficient without having to call at a port. A yacht that meets the highest standards of safety, design, and comfort.
The sailing characteristics are also outstanding! The Hanse was designed by Voovo Ocean Racers and is the fastest yacht in its class. Sailing pleasure is guaranteed!
SERVICES INCLUDED
• Sailing trip with an experienced skipper
• Berth on the yacht
• Sailing instructions
• Mileage confirmation (upon request)
ADDITIONAL COSTS / ON-BOARD CASH
• Onboard expenses (port fees, provisions, diesel, final cleaning, etc.): approx. EUR 250 per week/person
• Arrival/Departure
We want to make sailing more sustainable and environmentally friendly. On GALINI, we test various products that offer a fantastic sailing experience while reducing our environmental impact. She's also on a journey to explore the world. Her home base is Poros, Greece, but she's usually out on a long voyage. Our small team of skippers looks forward to sharing a truly memorable sailing experience with you!
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