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LEARN TO SAIL YACHT HOLIDAYS IN THE GREEK IONIAN

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Why this sailing holiday?:
Yachts in the IonianThe Ionian is one of the Mediterranean's most popular yachting destinations with gentle breezes and a scattering of picturesque islands and sheltered harbours offering the perfect introduction to sailing.

The Southern Ionian is ideal for the less experienced sailor due to its sheltered waters and generally shorter routes, whilst the Northern Ionian offers more adventurous sailing with longer passages, less crowded waters and steady breezes.

To find out more or make a "learn to sail" booking enquiry
 

About sailing in the Med :

This sailing area is good for:
1. The Southern Ionian is ideal for the less experienced sailor due to its sheltered waters and generally shorter routes, whilst the Northern Ionian offers more adventurous sailing with longer passages, less crowded waters and steady breezes.
2. Beginner and intermediate sailors
3. Light winds, generally north west, force 2-4
4. Stunning sailing scenery
5. Short transfer
6. Singles, couples, groups and families (Please note: this particular "learn to sail" holiday is not available for single travellers)

Traditional "Stay and Sail" holidays have always been a great way to learn to sail. A week of learning the ropes on a fun Introduction to Yachting course based at a beach club before a week of flotilla sailing. But a two week holiday isn’t right for everyone, which is why a one week learn to sail option has now been introduced.

At the start of your holiday you will move straight onto your yacht, your home for the week. Your yacht will be moored up on our travel partner's own pontoon in Nidri, close to all of the hotel facilities which you are welcome to enjoy.

One week learn to sail yachting courseDuring the first three days of the holiday you will learn to sail by following the Introduction to Yachting course. On the fourth day you will set sail and meet up with the rest of the flotilla, all under the close supervision of a fully qualified sailing instructor. This is a great opportunity to put into practise the skills you have learnt during the previous three days. At the end of the fourth day your instructor will leave your yacht, confident you have the skills required to join the rest of the flotilla sailing under your own steam.

The one week learn to sail price is inclusive of your Introduction to Yachting course. The Introduction to Yachting course will take place on your own yacht or one of our travel partner's training yachts. At least two people from your yacht must complete the Introduction to Yachting course. We can also offer the option to upgrade, for a supplement, to bed and breakfast at the local beach club during your training.

To find out more or make a "learn to sail" booking enquiry
 
 

Active learnersFor Active Learners:

Yacht Training Course - "Introduction to Yachting" - four days

A course designed to be fun but informative, equipping complete beginners with the knowledge and skills necessary to skipper their own yacht on flotilla. The syllabus followed is based on the RYA Keelboat Level 2 certificate. After having completed the course, followed by a second week on flotilla, most new sailors will be awarded their RYA Level 2 certificate.

The skills needed can be learnt in four days with tuition from the Royal Yachting Association qualified instructors. Whilst covering the necessary manoeuvres you will be hopping from pontoon to quayside to bay to harbour. Occasionally stopping for picnics, taverna lunches or swimming, there will be time to digest all that you are learning at a relaxed but steady pace. A maximum of five guests will train per yacht with an instructor. At the end of your course you’ll feel confident and competent enough to skipper your own yacht within a flotilla environment. Your lead crew will be aware of your training and will be on hand to offer their full support during your week afloat.

Details of the sailing area:

Rising out of the clear, turquoise sea, midway between Greece and Italy, these fertile islands are a rich colourful tapestry of vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards, setting them apart from the barren rocky terrain of other Greek islands.

There are seven main islands in the Ionian group; Cephalonia is the largest, followed by Corfu. Lefkas and Zante are popular for their pretty villages and sandy beaches. Ithaka is the legendary home of Odysseus, hero of Homer’s Odyssey; then there is the tiny island of Paxos and finally, sitting alone off the southern tip of mainland Greece, is Kythira.

Corfu in the North is an island of rolling green farmland, vineyards and orange groves - the second largest of the Ionian islands it is perhaps one of the most well known and popular holiday islands in Greece.

Learn to sail a yachtJust below Corfu is Paxos, the smallest of the Ionian islands, dominated by thousands of olive trees. Home to just three tiny villages - Gaios, Lakka and Loggos, the island has a relaxed and easygoing atmosphere.

Further south is Lefkas, a green and mountainous island covered in pine trees. Only 650m separate Lefkas from the mainland, and the narrow strait is crossed by a swing bridge. The east coast of the island faces onto a broad expanse of water sheltered by the mainland and the offshore island of Meganisi. Skorpios, one of the tiny wooded islets here was the former hideaway of the millionaire Onassis family.

Cephalonia was made famous by the book and subsequent film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and is the largest of the Ionian islands. On the northwest coast, steep cliffs plummet down to white pebble beaches and brilliant blue sea, the rest of the island is covered in citrus trees, olive groves and vineyards.

Ithaka, 2 miles west of Cephalonia is a narrow island, almost cut in two by the Gulf of Molos. The east coast has sheltered waters, pretty towns such as Frikes and Kioni and steady afternoon breezes.

The beauty, quaint villages, sheltered harbours and gentle breezes of these islands, make the Ionian one of the Mediterranean’s most popular yachting destinations.

To find out more or make a "learn to sail" booking enquiry
 
Practicalities:    
Price includes:
Return flights from London Gatwick with inflight meals and 20kg luggage allowance. (Supplement applies for Manchester departures)
Return transfer
Introduction to Yachting course
Yacht Charter and lead boat crew support
Marine Insurance
Charter papers and local taxes
First tank of fuel and water
Gas and linen
Damage waiver and security deposit.
Guaranteed repayments if yacht cannot sail due to breakdown
Fully equipped galley with starter pack of basic essentials and cleaning products
Dinghy tender
Yacht cleaning

How to get there:
Flights: Sundays from London Gatwick and Manchester
Airline: Thomas Cook Airlines
Flight Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Transfer time: 45 minutes by coach

Prices:
For full details on prices and any special price reductions please contact our travel partners

To find out more or make a "learn to sail" booking enquiry
 

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