The Ionian lies along the western edge of Greece, comprising a number of islands, the Epirus coast, the Gulfs of Amvrakia and Patras, and the rugged shores of the Peloponnese. At the northern end Nisos Othoni is just 45 miles from Otranto on the heel of Italy. At the southern end Cape Matapan forms the most southerly point of mainland Greece. In between are the names of popular holiday destinations: Corfu, Paxos, Cephalonia, and Zakinthos that we are all familiar with.
As a sailing area the Ionian has much to recommend it, with good air and sea connections, established yachting infrastructure, numerous bays and coves for overnight stays or just a swim stop, and consistent summer winds. There are major charter bases in Corfu and Levkas, as well as smaller bases throughout the region. The area is also popular with private owners which has led to the development of large boatyards and several full-service marinas where boats can be kept year-round. Some tavernas have installed jetties and pontoons with laid moorings which can be booked in advance.
Additionally there are town quays where you moor stern-to using your own anchor. Some municipal harbours now employ a harbourmaster who directs visiting boats to berths and collects payment. The taverna owners and harbourmasters are a friendly lot and will try to help out crews if they can.
Midsummer on Hanö
This wonderful little island in the south-east of Sweden is a real gem off the beaten track
ADVENTURE SAILING TO HAITI
After spending two months in the Dominican Republic, Andy Brown sails west to Haïti bringing medical and school supplies to the town of Mole Saint Nicholas
In celebration of bad sailing
New owner Monty Halls tests his sailing skills with his family aboard their Colvic 34 ketch, Sobek. A recently qualified Day Skipper, Monty faces a few unexpected challenges...
Winter brings excitement and opportunity
Oddity’s double glazing, insulation and heating create a warm, homely environment as I bash out this column.
ADVENTURE MAISIE GOES TO GOES
To depart or not to depart? That is the question. Is it safer to stay, or suffer the wind and weather of a rough North Sea?
'MAYDAY, GRANDAD OVERBOARD!'
When David Richards and his grandson Henry went out racing from lowey, they didn't expect their sail to end with a lifeboat rescue
VERTUE
For a 25-footer, the Vertue has a huge reputation and has conquered every ocean. So what makes this little boat quite such an enduring success? Nic Compton finds out
Sailing siblings
Mabel Stock, her brother Ralph, a friend Steve and an unnamed paying passenger passed through the Panama Canal in December 1919 on the sturdy Norwegian cutter Ogre. They were towed to a quiet anchorage in Balboa away from the boat traffic but within rowing distance of the shore.
TECHNICAL MAINSAIL MODIFICATIONS
Safety and performance improved hugely when Mike Reynolds reduced the size of his mainsail and re-configured the systems controlling it
PILOTAGE DONE PROPERLY
Chartplotters are an amazing aid, but can detract from your real-world pilotage if not used with caution, says Justin Morton
