Find everything you need to prepare for a charter in Lefkas. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your charter. Don't forget to pack a copy to take with you.
Plan
Before you go
Address
Lefkas Marina
East Shore Lefkada
311 00
Greece
Lefkas Marina is based near Lefkas Town, on the island of Lefkas on the west coast of Greece. Preveza airport is 45 minutes away.
Lefkas is safe, secluded and is a short transfer time from the airport. It is ideal if you're travelling with kids. Its sheltered bay provides a gentle introduction to sailing and steady breezes further out make it the ideal place to get to grips with yacht sailing or your first flotilla.
As you prepare for departure, please reference the Lefkas Cruising Guide to learn more about chartering in this destination.
Base hours
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Sat-Sun: 9am-6pm
The base is open from early April to early November.
Time zone
GMT +2 hours (GMT +3 hrs from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Language
The official language in Greece is Greek.
Cost of living in Greece
The cost of living in Greece is approximately 10 percent less than the UK. Prices in Greece usually include service charges although it is normal to leave loose change as well.
What to bring
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.
If your child is not already included on a valid British passport they are required to hold their own passport.
EU passport holders do not require a visa.
Non-British passport holders should check with their local consulate direct.
It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. We 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.
Please note country entry/exit requirements are subject to change. Please check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the latest information before you leave.
We are not accountable for any requirement changes.
Customs + immigration
Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear immigration and customs.
Sailing licences
Click here to view the sailing requirements in Greece.
The Greek Maritime Authorities have recently changed their sailing license requirements for 2022 and 2023 and have confirmed that they will no longer accept the RYA Day Skipper qualification for Yacht Chartering in Greek waters.
All RYA Day Skipper Qualification holders are able to convert their current qualification to the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) qualification. This can be done online through the RYA website or via a paper form which can be downloaded from the website and printed. If you are a RYA member, an ICC can be issued free of charge, please visit the website and complete the application form.
The conversion period may take several weeks, therefore please plan ahead to ensure you receive the ICC certificate in time. The skipper must bring a physical copy of their sailing qualification - a photocopy or picture on a phone will not be accepted by the marine authorities.
Why do I need a ICC with Sunsail when other companies don't ask for it?
By Greek Law, Port Police officials require a ‘Solemn Declaration’ to be signed and presented on request alongside the official boat papers, stating that you hold the relevant qualifications to sail in their waters. With 40 years’ at the forefront of the sailing holidays industry, we pride ourselves on being the best. Our valued reputation is second to none and we conduct all operations with great diligence, and according to the current laws and regulations of each destination. This is why we ensure that you have the necessary qualifications and paperwork to fully enjoy every sailing destination, and that you are made aware of any clauses or terms and conditions that may affect your holiday.
To charter a yacht in Greece, there must be at least one certified skipper and one experienced crew member, both over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know your position at any time. The Skipper should be accompanied by at least one crew member (First Mate) of “Competent Crew” level (ASA 103 or RYA Competent Crew Course) or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association.* As a yacht skipper, you are required to have a sailing license or a certificate from a recognized sailing association AND/OR an ICC or IPC as detailed below:
Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following:
• US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
• ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
• ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or above
• Or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association
AND/OR
Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following:
• ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International – Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence from previous experience.
• IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America – Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”
It is imperative that you bring these sailing certificates or sailing qualifications with you.You will not be able to sail without these papers, and failure to supply information in advance could delay your departure from the base. The sailing experience you provide on your booking confirmation is required as proof of sailing experience for the Greek Port Authorities. Please bring any sailing certificates or sailing qualifications with you. If you do not have a recognized certificate, you should obtain one before your departure.
*If the First Mate does NOT have a sailing license, they must fill out a Sunsail sailing cv to confirm that they have the necessary skills to sail in Greece aboard a Sunsail vessel. They must also fill out a Declaration of Honor to provide a legal declaration to the Greek Port Authorities that said crew member is competent to crew aboard a chartered yacht.
Luggage + packing list
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 travelling light and using folding luggage.
Lost or damaged luggage whilst flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance. Virgin Airways carries no liability for loss or damage to valuable or fragile items packed in hold baggage however caused. You must not include in checked baggage money, jewellery, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.
Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.
Incidents
If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials and ensure Property Irregularity Reports (PIR) are completed. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport.
What's on board
Cool Boxes
Cool boxes are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign for these and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.
Mobile phones
Coverage is good around the major towns on the mainland and on many islands. Main operators include Cosmote, Wind and Vodafone. Please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs.
Music + iPods
All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your iPod whilst sailing you will need to bring along an iTrip or FM radio transmitter.
Drone
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-greece/
Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Greece is 220 volts and uses the standard European 2-pin plug. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220 volts you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.
back to top
Go
How to get there
Aktion National Airport
Aktion National Airport is located on the Greek mainland, 10 minutes from the town of Preveza and 40 minutes from our Lefkas base. Preveza is served regularly by internal flight from Athens/Corfu, together with direct charter flights from the UK.
Facilities at Aktion National Airport 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 two miles 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 at Corfu Airport include:
Money and communication: There is a bank, an ATM, a post office and a bureau de change in the terminal building.
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.
Car parking
Cars are able to park in the marina free of charge apart from camper vans. You can't reserve a space ahead of time.
Save up to 30 percent when you book your airport parking through us. Please call the team for more details.
Flights
Gatwick information: 0844 335 1802
Heathrow information: 0870 000 0123
Manchester information: 0871 271 0711
Luton information: 0158 240 5100
Glasgow information: 0870 040 0008
Transfers
Corfu Airport to Corfu Harbour by taxi costs approximately EUR 30 and takes about 30 minutes.
Corfu to Igoumenitsa (ferry–per person) costs approximately EUR 11 per person and takes about two hours, between 6am-11pm.
Igoumenitsa to Lefkas by taxi costs approximately EUR 150 and takes about two hours.
Astakos to Lefkas by taxi costs appoximately EUR 130 and takes about one hour and 40 minutes.
Preveza/Aktion Airport by taxi costs approximately EUR 40-45 and takes about 40 minutes.
Prebook and pay the driver on arrival or get your own taxi to base from the airport.
Vassiliki to Fiscardo (ferry per person) costs approximately EUR 8.50 per person and takes about one hour 15 minutes.
Organise your own transfer from the airport on arrival.
Boarding time + checking out
On arrival
Your yacht will be ready at 6pm 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'll be given a “Lights and Loos” 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.
Out of hours
A notice is placed on a board by the reception showing location of boat, mobile number, facilities etc. Base emergency mobile number on reception.
On departure
All charterers must return to base by 5:00 pm the night before disembarkation for debriefing and checks. Disembarkation is at 9:00 am the following morning.
At the end of your charter your yacht needs to be vacated by 9am.
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 us in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge you for boats left less than shipshape.
back to top
Sail
About the marina
Marina facilitiesWater
Fuel station
Showers
Provisioning at the mini market
Shore power
Telephone
Book swap
Fully staffed marina office
Sailing licences
Sailing experience: Level 1
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area.
Get more information on Lefkas sailing conditions.
Sailing grounds
Skippered charter information
The skipper’s time is booked from 12pm-12pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved a skipper for the first day of your charter and have a 6pm start, he or she will use this time to ensure they are happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you've reserved a skipper for a later date on your charter they will start at 12pm on that day.
The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. They are not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He or she must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of the 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 6pm-6pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day.
The 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. We suggest that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his or her time with you on the yacht. We also suggest 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 this is your responsibility. We suggest that you discuss this on the first day with your skipper and establish whether you'll provide cash for meals, whether you've included him or her in your provisioning or whether you'll accommodate him or her as part of the group for meals ashore.
The skipper must have his or her own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared head and size of the cabin. If you expect your skipper to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.
For one-day check out skippers, it's your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay all expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him or her back to the base.
The average tip for a skipper is 15-20 percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.
Download Sunsail's Lefkas Cruising Guide here.
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 holiday, knowing that if any problems do arise, your support team is never far away!
Sailing area restrictions
This information is covered in the chart briefing.
Night sailing
Night sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.
Charts + pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht. Charts and pilot books can be purchased by mail order from the UK chandler Kelvin Hughes by contacting 02380 634911.
Sailing permits + taxes
In Greece it's essential that we have all of the following details in advance: full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality and passport number or ID card number for every member of your crew so that your boat papers can be prepared. You won't be able to sail without these papers, and failure to supply information in advance could delay your departure from the base.
It's also essential that you bring any RYA certificates or other sailing qualifications with you.
Moorings fees + 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 GBP 5-15 per night. Marina prices are considerably higher, between GBP 25-45 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.
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.
Health + safety
Illness or injury
If you get ill and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of our team as soon as possible on either your lead boat, the base. 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 and 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.
Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.
Swim Safe
For your safety and for environmental reasons, the feeding of fish is not recommended and may be prohibited in some destinations.
back to top
Eat
Provisioning
This destination does not offer online provisioning. Please see alternative provisioning options below.
Dining
Restaurants
There is a good choice of tavernas and restaurants throughout our cruising areas, our local staff will advise you of their whereabouts.
Tipping
Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants and bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15 percent of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.
Tip according to quality of service.
Shop
Around the base
Hotels
Lefkas Petra
Address: Agios Nikitas, 31080 Lefkas
Phone: +30 2645097165
Fax: +30 6977574295
Email: [email protected]
Hotel Ianos
Address: Marina Lefkada, 31100, Greece
Phone: +302645022217
Email: [email protected]
Hotel Ianos is placed in the heart of Lefkas' Marina, is 200m far from the city center. There are 22 rooms with air-conditioning, television, access to the internet, fridge, telephone and private bathroom.
We have preferential rates at many hotels at the UK’s major airports. Please call the team for more details.
Currency
Local currency – Eur (EUR). You can exchange money at the departure airport, but the exchange rate is often better once you are in Greece. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in larger restaurants, marinas, supermarkets and at the base, however, it is advisable to have cash as many places are still unable to accept credit card payments.
There are no money changing facilities at the base. ATMs are available in Lefkas.
Please note: base is unable to accept cash or personal cheques, and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.
Credit card information
Travellers cheques and credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops.
Please note: bases are unable to accept personal cheques and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.
Banking
ATM machines are available in Paleros. You can exchange T/C, E/C and English Sterling at banks, however both the club and banks will not accept individual Euro cheques written to an amount more than GBP 100. When exchanging T/C and E/C you must have your passport.
Banking hours are Monday-Thursday 8am-2.30pm, and Friday 8am-2pm. 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 favourable in Greece. 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 travellers’ cheques.
Shopping
Shops in Greece tend to be open from 9am-1pm and then in the evening from 5pm-8pm.
Special purchases include lace, jewellery, metalwork, pottery, garments and knitwear, flokati rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits. Athens is the centre for luxury and designer goods and local handicrafts.
Regional specialties include silver from Ioannina, ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos, embroidery and lace from Crete, 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.
back to top
Play
Things to do
Car and Jeep Hire
Car hire is available throughout Greece. All international rental companies are available.
Water toys + sports
Fishing
Sea fishing is possible from the shores, from boats and even underwater, and is allowed almost everywhere without a permit.
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 centres in the Ionian islands and throughout Greece.
Snorkelling
We have a range of snorkelling 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.
back to top
For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here.
Call our experts
Book online today