The Nostos Sailing yachts can be offered for charter without crew (skipper, hostess). The charterers need the appropriate qualifications, as they will be responsible for the navigation and handling of the yacht. Most bareboat yachts can accommodate up to 10 or 12 persons. 

The Greek Authorities require a minimum of one sailing license/certification and one experienced crew member as co-skipper for bareboat charters. ASA, The NauticEd SLC (Sailing License and Certification) & RYA certifications are recognized. Day Skipper Certificates may be rejected by the Port Authority and Charterers are therefore advised to ensure they have an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). Typically, any holder of a “Day Skipper” certificate can obtain their ICC from the yachting association that issued their Day Skipper certificate and the process usually requires nothing more than a simple application. Please contact your yachting association in time for your trip (we suggest that you allow at least 20 days for the certificate to be issued). A sailing experience declaration may be required by the local port authorities for the skipper and co-skipper. Broker, Stakeholder and Owner shall not be responsible if skipper certification is rejected by Port Authority and The Nostos Sailing team reserves the right to require that charterers hire a professional skipper if their sailing skills and qualifications are deemed insufficient. 

All of our yachts can, also, be offered with crew (skipper, hostess). Skippered charters are recommended for people who are not qualified or do not have enough experience to feel confident handling a yacht themselves. Furthermore, we, at The Nostos Sailing team, recommend skippered charters even for those who are qualified but wish to have relaxed and carefree holidays onboard a yacht, without a single concern. Besides, holidays are all about being carefree and having time to enjoy the scenery. The Nostos Sailing team will put together the right yacht type and the Skipper who will handle the yacht for you. On top of this, you may hire a hostess, who will be at your service if so desired.

That all depends on you! The Nostos Sailing experts are always happy to recommend the best choice for your needs. Your sailing holiday can be tailored to fit your party and your preferences. Frequently, details such as how many people are you sailing with and if there are couples traveling together or single guests that require private cabins will determine the type and size of boat we recommend.

Romantically putting it “it’s up to the wind to guide your sails and your heart to guide the steering wheel”. Greece is a sea surrounded by land where you will find endless destinations to sail and visit. Although you are free to choose your own itinerary, our team will provide you with all the necessary information to confirm you will be, above all, safe with your preferences and certainly enjoy to the fullest your journey! In case you are chartering a yacht with a skipper or crew then your captain will talk with you and develop an itinerary based on your desires – or you can simply leave it all up to our experienced captains who love showing our guests the highlights of the Greek islands that only the locals know! And as the old Greek saying goes “God willing and weather permitting”, your itinerary may be changed at any time if you wish to spend more or less time in any specific area.

Greece has a Mediterranean climate: mild and rainy winters, relatively hot and dry summers, and, generally, extended periods of sunshine throughout most of the year. A great variety of climate subtypes, always within the Mediterranean climate frame, are encountered in several regions of Greece. This is due to the influence of topography (great mountain chains along the central part and other mountainous bodies) on the air masses coming from the moisture sources of the central Mediterranean Sea. During the warm and dry periods, the weather is usually stable, the sky is clear, the sun is bright and there is generally no rainfall. There are, however, infrequent and brief intervals of rapid rain usually over mainland areas. The warm period starts in April and ends end of October with an average air temperature of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The warmest period occurs during June, July and August when the mean maximum temperature lies between 29 and 35 degrees Celsius. During the warm period, the high temperatures are tempered by fresh sea breezes in the coastal areas of the country and from the north winds, known as 'Meltemi', blowing mainly in the Aegean.

On the west side of Greece, in the Ionian Sea, the winds are remarkably consistent in the summer months. From late May to the end of September the “Maistro” wind blows down onto the Ionian Islands from the North West. Generally, it arrives in the early afternoon, blows between F3-6, and dies down again in the evening. The Ionian does not suffer from the very strong Meltemi winds which impacts more eastern parts of Greece. The prevailing wind is channeled and funneled by the significant mountainous land masses in its way so it can vary in strength and direction quite quickly. The wind is generally at its strongest in July and August. Our sailing season commences at the beginning of May and ends at the end of October. During this period the weather is suitable and safe for sailing. At any time in this period, you can generally comfortably swim in the sea, get good wind, catch a suntan and enjoy calm nights. Below is a brief description of the weather throughout this period, and what this means in terms of comfort and popularity:

Slightly cooler air and water temperatures in May, warming up through June, although you will still be able to swim comfortably and get a suntan! Not being in the school holidays, the area is generally quieter and it is easier to get a place on the quays. There is a slightly higher chance of rain in early May but it does not usually hang around long. Winds are generally stronger in the tail ends of the season.

Both air and water temperatures will be at their highest. Our boats are equipped with bimini and wind scoops which are essential at this time of year. Bring a hat and plenty of sun cream! Winds pick up at around lunchtime to F3/F4 and die away as evening approaches. Generally, night times will be very calm, resulting in quiet nights and a good night sleep. There is very little chance of rain, however, there are chances of the occasional thunder storm, but they do not last long.

The air temperature reduces as October approaches, however, the water is still very warm. In October you will need a sweater and trousers in the evenings, but all boats are supplied with warm duvets and blankets to ensure that you keep warm at night. Winds are generally stronger than in the high season and there is a higher risk of light rain and thunderstorms. The number of yachts reduces when the school holidays end resulting in a quieter sailing area. In many people’s opinion, May and October are the best times for sailing in the Ionian.

The key for sailing charters is simplicity and a minimum of needed extras. Casual and breezy beach attire is certainly the order of the day on deck, though for evenings ashore, slacks or a sundress are appropriate. Rubber-soled shoes as opposed to hard soles are recommended aboard our yachts, so wear boat shoes or tennis shoes. You may find aquatic shoes convenient for beachcombing. Above all, protection from the sun is vital – lots of suntan lotion, wide-brimmed hats or sailing caps, and loose-fitting cotton cover-ups. For cool or windy evenings, a windbreaker comes in handy. Don't forget to pack it all in soft shell baggage for easy onboard storage.