Experience the full diversity of the Ionian Islands on our special shared-sailing voyage from Corfu to Zakynthos at the end of July. From the verdant splendour of Corfu via the hidden coves of Paxos and the legendary homeland of Odysseus on Ithaca to picturesque Fiskardo on Kefalonia and the world-famous beaches of Zakynthos, this voyage links the jewels of the Ionian Sea like pearls on a chain. Short daily passages leave plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling and enjoyment, while the varied character of the islands makes every day a new experience.
Enjoy turquoise water in secluded anchorages, wander through Venetian harbour towns, dive from the bathing platform into crystal-clear sea and be spoilt by Greek hospitality. We sail together, learn from one another and enjoy the freedom afloat.
Galini, our Hanse 575, is a true blue-water yacht – created for living and travelling at sea. We travel with warm-hearted people, discover the world together and experience genuine boatlife: sunshine, wind, salt water, little adventures and the sense of truly discovering something together as a crew. Galini is at home on the ocean and, most of the time, far from her home port of Poros. You will become part of life on board. Things will not always go according to plan – sometimes something breaks or the weather changes our course – but that is exactly what makes it real. We are also delighted to show you the technology on board, and you can take part in everything – navigating, helming, cooking and even the engineering. Not a cruise ship, but a lived-in community, authentic experiences and the magic of the sea.
We decide our stops in harbours and anchorages together. We are a crew that plans the route according to preferences, wind and weather.
The Ionian Islands from Corfu to Zakynthos are among the most popular sailing grounds in the whole Mediterranean – and rightly so. The islands lie sheltered off the Greek west coast, the distances are short and the water between the islands is mostly calm. Each island has its own distinct character, from the lush green vegetation of Corfu and Lefkada via mythical Ithaca to dramatic Zakynthos. Free anchoring in sheltered bays is possible almost anywhere, and a Greek taverna right by the water is never far away. Getting to Corfu is straightforward thanks to the international airport directly next to the marina. Leaving from Zakynthos is equally simple: Zakynthos Airport is only 5 km from the marina and is served by direct flights from many European cities.
Our adventure begins with the crew changeover in Gouvia Marina on Corfu – boarding, getting to know one another and the safety briefing. From Corfu we first sail south to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos – a paradise of olive groves, sheltered natural harbours and water shimmering in every shade of blue and turquoise. From there our route continues south into the central Ionian island group. The small islands of Meganisi and Kalamos surprise with unspoilt coves and fjords where pines reach down to crystal-clear water. Ithaca – the home of Odysseus – welcomes us with the picturesque harbour village of Kioni and the deep bay of Vathy. A highlight of every Ionian voyage is Fiskardo on Kefalonia – the pearl among the Ionian harbours, the only village spared by the 1953 earthquake, which still enchants visitors with its colourful 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 lively harbour town. Exactly which harbours and bays we call in at and how long we stay is decided – as in real sailing – by the wind, the weather and the crew together.
For everyone collecting miles towards their next sailing certificate: as we sail through the Ionian Islands over several days on this voyage, a healthy number of sea miles goes into the logbook. We will of course issue you with an official miles certificate at the end of the trip.
Our Galini travels the world – and you can be part of it! With us you are not an anonymous guest on a standard route, but part of a genuine crew discovering new horizons together. We are not a conventional charter company running the same itinerary every week. Instead, we sail together, experience true boatlife and embrace whatever adventure the sea holds for us.
Step aboard a beautifully equipped, lovingly maintained boat and enjoy something special: nothing with us is off the peg. Every voyage is unique – sometimes spontaneous, sometimes planned, always full of surprises. Unexpected experiences are just as much a part of it as relaxed days on deck.
Would you like to do more than just sail along? Together we look after the technical systems on board, and you can get stuck in yourself if you wish. You can turn your holiday sailing trip into a real experience aboard an ocean-going cruising yacht and become part of life at sea.
Our voyages combine holiday, adventure, mindfulness and genuine boatlife. Become part of our crew and enjoy a special time aboard Galini – authentic, communal and full of wanderlust.
Our beautiful GALINI is a very fast, large and comfortable yacht. She spent the winter in the Caribbean and crosses the Atlantic in April/May.
She is a modern Hanse 575 with 4 double cabins and a skipper's cabin. Each cabin has its own bathroom with electric toilet. Wi-Fi via Starlink (optional), multi media, generator 220 V / 7 kW, (230 V in all cabins) washing machine, air fryer and coffee machine. She has large solar panels, radar, AIS, a watermaker, hydraulic swim platform and a tender with outboard motor. An abundance of safety and navigation equipment and much more – in short, everything needed to travel self-sufficiently without having to call at a supply port. A yacht that meets the highest standards of safety, design and comfort.
The sailing characteristics are also outstanding! The Hanse was designed by Volvo Ocean Racers and is the fastest yacht in her class. The joy of sailing is guaranteed!
At the end of July, high-summer temperatures prevail (air: average 30–35°C, water: average 25–27°C). The Maistro – the prevailing north-west wind in the Ionian Sea – blows reliably in the afternoon with force 2–4 and is ideal for relaxed sailing southwards. Mornings are often calm, perfect for swimming stops and a leisurely start to the day. Owing to their offshore position, the waters between the Ionian Islands are largely sheltered, which makes this sailing ground particularly pleasant and attractive even for less experienced sailors. Rain is practically out of the question at the end of July.
Anyone can, if they want, help with sailing, take the helm now and then, or simply enjoy the beautiful nature and the day. In addition, everyone is jointly responsible for the crew's well-being. This means that everyone takes their turn preparing breakfast or looking after dinner. Usually the hobby cooks on board quickly emerge, and those who are not so into cooking simply stand back and do the washing up. When berthing and casting off, everyone generally lends a hand according to their abilities and after instruction from the skipper. The boat must be kept clean by the crew members during the voyage. The final cleaning, however, is carried out by the marina staff.
All crew members (except the skipper) pay an amount agreed together into the kitty. During the voyage, this kitty covers all joint costs incurred (e.g. diesel, harbour fees, deposit insurance, transit log, tourist tax, national and nature park fees, service pack for the provided bed linen, final cleaning, gas, marina fee for the first and last night in harbour, etc.). In keeping with old seafaring tradition, the crew also covers the skipper's food during the voyage.
Berth charter is the best opportunity for anyone who wants to get to know sailing life. Prior knowledge or your own sailing experience is not necessary. Perhaps you have already gained sailing experience and completed sailing training and want to deepen it? – Then the skipper will give you the opportunity to try things out for yourself and help you gain future confidence. The crew can help shape the course of the voyage and their wishes will be heard, subject to safety and weather. On such a trip you meet like-minded people, can make new pleasant acquaintances, and have an experienced skipper at your side who takes care of all nautical matters. The cabins on the yacht are mostly different, but very similarly equipped. The berths are allocated by the skipper taking crew wishes into account. Whole cabins can be chartered by individuals, couples or families. Payment is per person and you don't have to worry about anything else.
We want to make sailing more sustainable and environmentally friendly. On GALINI we test various products that provide a great sailing experience while putting less strain on the environment. At the same time, she is on a journey to explore the world. Her base is on Poros, Greece. Most of the time, however, she is on a long voyage. Our small team of skippers looks forward to sharing a real sailing experience with you!
