The Assisted Bareboat Charter programme run by Nisos Yacht Charter is a unique service that really offers some fantastic benefits over and above what is offered by the traditional flotillas in the wonderful Ionian region.
What are Assisted Bareboat Charters?
In essence, it is a mini flotilla consisting of up to 8 yachts plus the Nisos lead boat "Good News" our trusty Bavaria 34. You will follow a set itinerary, which is usually in the South Ionian and the lead crew will be on hand to find you a safe mooring for the night and make sure you are all set for the night ahead. During the days you are free to go and do as you please and in the evenings there are no organised social activities. Some nights you will be moored up in beautiful bays with access to beach side tavernas, other nights you may be moored up in one of the delightful traditional Greek villages. We like to moor the boats using a shoreline hanging 20m or so off the shore so that you can swim off the boat in the mornings and evenings which is fantastic!
Assisted Bareboat Charters are not just for inexperienced sailors. The scheme is perfect for all abilities, and the best reason for choosing it is so that you can stay out longer in the afternoon breeze and sail and come in later than you probably would do if you were on your own finding your own mooring berth.
- Please note, in some of the most popular places, we will request you come in earlier to ensure we can get you a safe mooring.
Ionian Mooring, Kioni with Nisos Yacht Charter
Typical Ionian mooring...
What are the benefits?
Are qualifications required to charter on the Assisted Bareboat Charter scheme?
In short, yes. To charter a boat in Greece, either bareboat or flotilla, one person onboard must hold an RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate or an International Certificate of Competence ("ICC") or equivalent.
How much does it cost and when can we book it?
The Assisted Bareboat Charter scheme runs from May through to the end of September. The cost is £450 per boat for one week or £800 for two weeks. Early booking is essential as we do try and limit the number of boats taking part to 8.
Typical Assisted Bareboat Charter itinerary
What makes the ABC group so successful is its ability to remain flexible with regards its route so as to be able to try and avoid the large flotillas in the area and take account of specific client requests and of course the weather!
So we don't like to say exactly where you will be visiting, but a very typical route is as follows:
Sunday night (day or arrival): Little Vathi, Meganissi Island
Monday night: Kioni, Ithica Island
Tuesday night: Pollis Bay, Ithica Island
Wednesday night: Fiskardo, Kefalonia Island
Thursday night: Kastos, Kastos Island
Friday night: Sivota, Lefkada
Saturday night: Spartachori, Meganissi Island (free sailing night)
Sunday: Return to base at Nidri for 9am
As stated above this is very much an example of what is possible.
Meet the Lead Crew
Nisos Assisted Bareboat Charters Lead crew 2023