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Sail and Sun: Yachting in the Ionian (photo essay)
The Ionian Sea offers sailors a superb environment to explore or to simply relax. There are countless beautiful bays in which to anchor, some so splendid you won't want to leave. You might choose to anchor for the night at one of the many harbours, which range in character from small, Venetian-style fishing villages to modern marinas with all the necessary facilities.
Sail in the calm Ionian sea. Dock in a small bay and dive into the clear, turquoise waters. Sunbathe on the smooth, sandy lip of a small, unpopulated beach. Dine with your friends and family on freshly caught fish and homemade wine in one of the many traditional Greek tavernas.
The Ionian Islands rise out of sparkling blue waters - islands scattered with tiny, colourful villages nestling on the slopes of hills clad in olive and cypress. Women in traditional costume sit in their gardens, shaded by vines and apricot trees and surrounded by glorious profusions of flowers, gossiping as they tat intricate lacework. The gnarled fisherman in his picturesque boat nods a smiling "Yassou" of greeting, helps you to tie up at the quay, and offers the pick of his catch to be freshly cooked for your supper: mullet, lobster, swordfish, octopus.
These islands are quite different from those of the Aegean. High rainfall in the winter ensures that the hills
remain green and fresh all year round. The waters are clean and clear.
Grand Sloleil
Flotilla sailing Ionian style
The whole area simply oozes historic atmosphere. It's the setting of Homer's Iliad, while numerous forts and other ruins bear witness to centuries of domination by Venice. Indeed, many
of the olive trees date back to Venetian times, when they were widely planted to enable the islanders to pay taxes to their overlords in the form of olive oil.
If you have never been on a sailing holiday before, you may be wondering what actually happens on a flotilla. After arriving, it is customary to familiarize yourself with your yacht and its equipment. Your flotilla skipper and hostess will show you the workings of the fridge, echo-sounder, radio, and other fittings. Then it's off to the local taverna, to sit in the sun with a cool drink and get to know the other crews. There's usually a maximum of 10 yachts on flotillas, so you'll make new friends over a glass or two of wine.
Photos and text courtesy of: Odysseus Yachting Holidays; SeaYou Yachts; Do It Your Way Yachting Charters; Boatman's World; Google Images.
