Essential Information

Essential Information

• Address & Map
• Arrival & Departure
• Sailing Information
• Banks & Money Exchange
• General Information
• Electrical, Phones & Music
• Activities
• Provisioning
• Health & Safety

Whatever your sailing ability a Sunsail flotilla is the perfect vacation for any sailor. All we insist on is that two individuals, both over 18, with some flotilla or sailing experience, are nominated as Skipper and Experienced Crew. There is a Sunsail flotilla for every taste and ability; all you have to do is choose.  

Sailing with up to 12 other yachts, your lead crew will sail with you and provide a flexible itinerary to follow, ensuring that you see the best of your chosen sailing area. They are on hand to help you with everything from advice on where to visit; to physically helping you moor-up when you have reached your destination.

There’s also the option to meet up with the flotilla at agreed destinations for dinner, punch parties, beach picnics and to take part in regattas and other social events. Many flotilla enthusiasts say that this is what makes a flotilla trip so special – meeting people with similar interests and sharing the excitement of discovering new sailing areas together.

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Address & Map

Address Ionian
Vounaki Marina
Paleros
AK300 12
Etolacarnania
Greece
Tel: +30 26430 41944
Fax: +30 26430 41944
Email: manager@ionianbase.gr

Location

Vounaki Marina is based on the West coast of Greece at the foot of the Arkanika Mountains.  Paleros village is a fifteen minute walk away and Levkas island a short sail across the water.

Base Open Hours

Mon/Fri - 9am – 5pm
Sat/Sun: 9am - 6pm.

Base/Shore Facilities

Vounaki Marina is situated at the foot of the Vounaki Club.

Facilities available include: water, fuel from the dock, showers, provisioning at the Mini Market, shore power, telephone, book swap, full staffed marina office.

Vounaki Club also offers you the use of its facilities and it is here you can enjoy your first morning’s breakfast.  The Kirki Bar and Deck Bar with views across the bay are always available for excellent food and drink.

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Arrival & Departure

Time Difference

Standard time zone in Greece is GMT + 2 hrs.

Flights

Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend traveling light and using folding luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage while flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance. You must not include in checked baggage money, jewelry, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.

If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport.

Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.

Airport

Aktion - Preveza Airport is located on the Greek Mainland 10 minutes from the town of Preveza, 40 minutes from Vounaki Base.  Preveza is served regularly by internal flight from Athens/Corfu.

Facilities at the airport  are limited but include:

• Money and Communication:  There is the Emporiki Bank with a bureau de change.  There are telephones in the airport as well as a post box inside the terminal.
• Eating and Drinking: Three buffet style snack bars are located next to the check in area.
• Shopping:  There is a small duty free shop.

Corfu Airport

Located 3 kilometers to the south of Corfu Town, in the area of Kanoni, opposite the islet of Pontikonissi, the airport of Corfu offers all the facilities and services that one can find in all the international airports.

Facilities are the airport include:

• Money and Communication:  There is a bank, an ATM and a bureau de change in the terminal building.  There is also a post office.
• Eating and Drinking: One restaurant and four buffet style snack bars located next to the check in area.
• Shopping:  There is a small duty free shop. 

Transfers

Corfu Airport to Corfu Harbour by Taxi 12 Euros – 30 minutes

Corfu to Igoumenitsa (ferry – per person) 5 Euros per person – two hours, between 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Igoumenitsa to Vounaki by Taxi 120 Euros – two hours
Astakos to Vounaki by Taxi 60 Euros – one hour and 40 minutes

Preveza /Aktion Airport by taxi 40/45 Euros – 40 minutes.
Prebook & pay at base on arrival or get own taxi to base at airport

Vassiliki to Fiscardo (ferry per person), 2.95 Euros per person – 1 hr 15 minutes.  Organize own transfer at airport on arrival

Car Parking Vounaki

Cars are requested to park at the hotel complex only after having asked at the Hotel reception having used the marina area to load/unload. Charges are payable at the Hotel reception.

Luggage

We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

Passport and Visas

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return.  Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

Customs and Immigration

Before leaving the airport you will have to clear Customs and Immigration

Your Lead Crew

Your lead crew is a qualified and trained team consisting of a Skipper, Engineer and Host (ess). They are on hand to help you with everything from advice on where to visit, to physically helping you moor up when you have reached your destination for the night. Never very far away on a Flotilla, you have a specialist team on call 24 hours a day by radio contact.

The Skipper holds informal chart briefings to help you get the most out of your sailing day. Every morning they will decide, based on the weather and the number of yachts in the Flotilla, where best to head for the night. You can follow as closely as you like or take your time reaching the destination.

Your Host (ess) is there to make sure you get the best out of every day. They can give handy tips on where to go to find the best attractions or where to dine ashore. Often they will arrange dinner for the flotilla and it’s up to you whether you want to join in or not.
With an expert Engineer nearby at all times, you can relax and enjoy a carefree vacation, knowing that if any problems do arise, your support team is never far away!

On Arrival

Your yacht will be ready at 6:00 pm for boarding.

Upon arrival at your base you will be greeted by a member of our flotilla team who will show you to your boat. Once there you will be given a basic welcome brief demonstrating the essentials you need to know, before heading out for dinner at your leisure.

Your flotilla crew will carry out chart and flotilla briefings describing the cruising area, facilities at each stop and any potential hazards. Yacht briefings introduce you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood.
Please Note: Briefings are mandatory.

Luggage may be left at the Base office at the Marina.

Chart Brief

The chart briefing describes the cruising area and any potential hazards.

The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.

Out of hours arrival procedure

A notice is placed on a board by the reception showing location of boat, mobile number, facilities etc.

On Departure

At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 9:00 am.

Before departing your boat you will need to collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip.  This enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state.  We reserve the right to charge you for boats left less than shipshape.

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Sailing Information

Ithaca flotilla - Sailing Experience Level 1
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

Sailing Licenses

Greek charter law requirements state that on board a bareboat or flotilla yacht charter there must be at least two adults, holding proper sailing ability licenses - a skipper and a first mate. The skipper and the first mate must be 18 years of age or older.
We therefore strongly advise that you take any sailing certificates on vacation with you.   This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police.  If you have not already done so then both the Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a Sailing resume to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sail in this region.

Cruising Permits & Taxes

In Greece it is essential that we have all of the following details in advance: Full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality and passport no. /ID card no for every member of your crew so that your boat papers can be prepared. You will not be able to sail without these papers, and failure to supply information in advance could delay your departure from the base.

Please bring any certificates or other sailing qualifications with you.

Night Time Sailing 

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

Cruising Area Limits

This information is covered in the chart briefing.

Mooring Fees and Taxes

Greece does levy mooring fees in some harbours, and these are not included in the price of the charter. The charges are fairly minimal and are usually around $8 to $24 per night. Marina prices are considerably higher, between $41 to $73 per night depending on the size of your yacht.
If you stop free of charge at a private jetty it is expected that you will eat at that taverna.
Shower facilities are available at most restaurants for a small charge.

Area & Sailing

More information on the sailing in this area.

Start and end of season flotilla routes

Please note that on early and late season flotilla routes the start or finish base may differ from the normal route. Please refer to the pricing section in the back of the brochure for more details.

Charts & Pilot Book

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht.

Skippered Charter Information

The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6:00pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are your responsibility. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore.  The skipper must have his own cabin.

For one-day check out skippers it is your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.

The average tip for a skipper is 15-20% of the skipper’s fee.
This is, of course, at your discretion.

More information on Skippered Charter options

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Banks & Money Exchange

Currency

The currency in Greece is Euros.
Money changing facilities are present in the majority of towns, although, they are not that readily available off the beaten track. Money changing should be done either with cash or by travelers’ checks, Euro checks and credit cards are rarely accepted, with most local tavernas accepting only cash.
There are no money changing facilities at Vounaki Base.  However, Sunsail Vounaki Club which sits above the Marina will carry out exchange for you.  Nearby Paleros also has banking and exchange facilities.

Banking

ATM machines are available in Fiscardo, Sivota, Vathy, Ithaca and Paleros.

Banking hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00am-2:30pm, and Friday 8:00am-2:00pm.
Banks on the larger islands tend to stay open in the afternoon and some during the evening to offer currency exchange facilities during the tourist season

There are no limits on the amount you can take in or out of the country, but the exchange rate is often more favorable in Greece. Money changing should be done either with cash or by travelers’ checks.

Credit Card Information

Travelers checks and credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops in the larger towns.

Please Note: Bases are unable to accept personal checks and cannot give cash back on credit or debit cards.  

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General Information

Language

The Language of Greece is Greek and English.

Cost of living in Greece

Prices in Greece usually include service charges although it is normal to leave loose change as well.

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant         10.19 €
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant     37.12 €
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)       3.67 €
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)        4.00 €

Restaurants

There is a good choice of tavernas and restaurants throughout our cruising areas, local Sunsail staff will advise you of their whereabouts.
If you choose to eat at our Club Vounaki all drinks and meals will be at your own cost.

New Mill Tavern
Paleros
Tel:  0643 041634     
300 meters from waterfront, open since 1982.  Open from 6pm daily

Tipping

Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your vacation. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.  Tip according to quality of service.

Shopping

Shops in Greece tend to be open from 9am-1pm and then in the evening, after siesta, from 5pm-8pm.

Special purchases include lace, jewelry, metalwork, pottery, garments and knitwear, flokati rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits. Athens is the center for luxury and designer goods and local handicrafts.

Regional specialties include silver from Ioannina, ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos, embroidery and lace from the Ionian Islands, Rhodes and Skiros, alabaster from Crete and flokati rugs from the Epirus region.

Visitors should be aware that many ‘antiques’ sold to tourists are fake; it is illegal to export any item of real antiquity without a special permit from the Export Department of the Ministry of Culture.

Paleros Village
A pretty stroll from the Marina, Paleros town has lots to offer in a rural setting.  Paleros is historical area as this is where Antony and Cleopatra were defeated by Octavius in a sea battle. Octavius built a new city on the site of the current Paleros in 31 B.C.
Paleros offers many restaurants, and bars, mini markets, market, baker, banks, exchange, cash points, shops, post office, pharmacy and medical center. 

Hotels

Thalassa Hotel
Address: Paleros
Phone +30-26430-41110
Fax: +30-26430-41441
E-mail address: reservations@thalassaspahotel.gr
56 rooms, and includes, restaurant, bar, pool, beauty salon, sauna, spa, WI-FI 24hrs Reception

Hotel Philoxenia
Phone: +30 26430 42177
Address: 30012 Paleros Ait/nias
It has 21 rooms which are: large terraces, TV, telephone, refrigerator, kitchen, air conditioning, shower.  air conditioning, bar, cafe, garden, lobby, outdoor swimming pool, reception on selected hours, restaurant, tour service.

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Electrical, Phones & Music

Electricity

The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Greece is 220 Volts and uses the standard European 2 pin plug. 

Mobile Phones

GSM 900 and 1800 networks exist. Coverage is good around the major towns on the mainland and on many islands. Main operators include Cosmote, Q-Telecom. Stet Hellas, and Vodafone. Please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You may need to activate international roaming on your contract. 

Music/Ipods

All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD while sailing you will need to bring along an I-trip or FM radio transmitter.

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Activities

Car and Jeep Rental

Car rental is available throughout Greece – all international rental companies are available.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in the Greek Islands with its crystal clear waters gives excellent opportunity for both beginners and experienced divers. There are a number of Diving centers in the Ionian islands and throughout Greece. 

Fishing

Sea fishing is possible from the shores, from boats and even underwater and is allowed almost everywhere without a permit..

Snorkeling

We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring them with you.

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Provisioning

Provisioning is available in this location.  More information on provisioning.

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Health & Safety

Illness or Injury

If you get sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either your lead boat or at the base or Vounaki Club.   If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.  Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.
We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck. We can also supply safety nets for you to fit to your yacht.
Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

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