Ionian Bareboat Charters – Sail our Dufour 470 | 2025

On-Deck and Interior Comforts

• Multiple cabins with good privacy, generous storage, a well-appointed galley.
• Spacious cockpit comfortable for lounging, dining, relaxing; swim platform / ladder for easy water access.
• Modern navigation instruments, safety gear, dinghy + outboard included in many cases.

Sailing Performance

• With its considerable sail area, a well-balanced rig, and good underwater profile, the Dufour 470 performs well both under sail and under power. It’s responsive, stable, and relatively fast for its size.
• Because of its draft, it’s more suited for deeper anchorages; in shallow bays it’s fine but care must be taken.
• Under power, you’ll have enough power for manoeuvres and motoring when needed (e.g. low wind days), though fuel consumption should be planned (motor + gen + instruments).

Preveza as a Base: Location, Advantages, Access

Where is Preveza

Preveza is on the western coast of mainland Greece, at the entrance to the Ambracian Gulf (to the north) and providing easy access south into the broader Ionian islands. It has a marina and port facilities, provisioning possibilities, and is connected to airports (e.g. Aktion/Preveza) and road networks.

Why Choose Preveza

• Less crowded than some major Ionian and Cyclades bases (e.g. Lefkas, Corfu) in peak season, yet still with full services.
• Flexible routing: from Northern Ionian islands, the Mainland coast (Ambracian Gulf, Epirus), or island-hopping south and west.
• Natural beauty nearby: serene coves, mountainous coastline, fewer tourist hordes, authentic villages, olive groves, local seafood.
• Good access: airports, roads, possibilities to combine sailing with land-based exploration (villages, ruins, hikes).

Routes & Highlights: What You Can See & Do

Here are several route ideas, depending on duration (week, 10 days) and pace. All are possible from Preveza aboard a Dufour 470.

7-Day Itinerary (Island Hopping & Mainland Coast)

Day 1: Depart Preveza → sail to Lefkas (Lefkada). Overnight in Lefkada town or an island bay.

Day 2: Lefkas → Meganisi. Stop in secluded bays like Vathy or Spartochori.

Day 3: Meganisi → Ithaca. Visit Kioni, Fiskardo (if you want to reach further north), or stay on Ithaca coast and enjoy quiet anchorages.

Day 4: Ithaca → Kefalonia. Overnight in Sami or Fiscardo (if you circled around).

Day 5: Kefalonia

Day 6: Anchor in picturesque coves; beach, swim, snorkel; sample local tavernas.

Day 7: Return to Preveza, clean & disembark.

10-Day / Flexible Route

Add in Paxi / Antipaxi, even the Ionian west coasts: Lefkada → Paxi → Corfu → back via mainland. Or explore the Ambracian Gulf first, then head out. With 10 days you can slow down, linger in hidden bays, enjoy more sunsets, have some rest days (no sailing).

Highlights to Not Miss

• Kefalonia: dramatic landscapes, caves, Myrtos Beach.
• Ithaca: tranquil, steep hillsides, nature, quieter.
• Meganisi & Kalamos: especially if you want peaceful anchorages.
• The Mainland Coast: Epirus region, secluded bays, small local ports; very authentic.
• Food & Local Culture: fresh seafood, local olive oils, small tavernas in villages.

Cost, Licensing, Booking & Practical Aspects

Licensing & Requirements

• You’ll need a valid sailing license accepted in Greece (e.g. ICC, RYA, or equivalent). Charter companies require proof of experience.
• If you don’t have a license or feel uneasy, you can hire a skipper. This adds cost, but gives peace of mind.
• Insurance / deposit: read the charter contract carefully. Know what is covered, what is not; what the deductible is.

Best Seasons

• High season: mid-July to mid-August. Warmest, but also most crowded; marina/bookings need to be made well in advance.
• Shoulder seasons: late May-June and September-early October are ideal: good weather, fewer boats, better deals.
• Off season (spring/late autumn): possible but more unpredictable weather, shorter days; may have more wind or storm risk.

What to Bring / Packing Tips

• Clothes suited for both sun and wind: layers. Light waterproof gear. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• Good sailing shoes if you plan to help with lines; non-marking soles.
• Swim gear, snorkel/goggles, towels.
• Electronics: charger adapters, power bank; consider solar/extra battery if anchoring a lot.
• Provisions: While many villages have shops, stocking up in Preveza before departure is wise.

Why the Dufour 470 Suits Bareboat from Preveza

Putting together the base, the boat, and the region gives you a compelling package. Here are strengths particularly relevant:

1. Space & Comfort: Enough cabins, good water & fuel capacity to allow longer legs without constantly refilling or docking. If you want comfort midday and nights, the boat doesn’t force you into spartan conditions.
2. Performance & Ease: With a relatively large sail plan, modern rigging (self-tacking options in some configurations), bow thruster in many versions, it’s easier to handle. For those who want to learn or push a bit, it responds; for those who want to relax, it’s forgiving.
3. Anchoring & Mooring Options: Because of the draft, you’ll want to plan carefully for anchoring and shallow bays; but many coves in the Ionian are deep enough. And the availability of marinas in Preveza and at island ports gives flexibility.
4. Range & Versatility: You can either stick close to the base (day sails or short overnight hops) or venture out for longer legs. Starting in Preveza opens up more options: north, south or west.