The Ionian Sea is celebrated as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations, renowned for the breathtaking beauty of its islands, crystal-clear blue waters, and gentle summer winds. The northwest winds, known locally as “maistro,” offer far more favorable sailing conditions than the more intense “meltemi” winds found in the Aegean Sea. The Ionian islands offer a variety of activities, from historical sightseeing and ancient site exploration to delightful dining experiences in local taverns and restaurants. For those seeking vibrant nightlife, the islands present diverse options to suit all tastes.
Discover more about the enchanting Ionian Sea and consider joining our ASA webinar, hosted by Captain Dimitris Bampakos, the founder and owner of Fair Winds Sailing Greece. In this session, you’ll gain insights into Sailing and Bareboat Chartering in Greek waters, providing a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know for an unforgettable sailing experience.
• The charter of the yacht
• A full-time captain / ASA instructor
• Harbor fees, marina fees, all government and local taxes
• Professional cleaning of the yacht prior to and after the cruise
• Linens (sheets, towels, pillows, and lightweight blankets)
• Grocery provisioning for breakfast and lunch onboard plus snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, juices and ice
• All fuel and freshwater costs
• Your ASA certifications (instruction, ASA admin – not the books which can be ordered online)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Evening meals on shore
• Tips
Dimitris Bampakos, Captain, ASA Senior Master Instructor
The founder and lead instructor of “Fair Winds Sailing Greece” is Dimitris Bampakos, a former Captain of the Greek Navy and an American Sailing Senior Master Instructor (SMI).
Most of his 26 years’ service in the Navy was at sea as a captain, executive officer and deck officer on board frigates and fast patrol boats where he did more than 100.000 miles all over the world.
After his last command on board a warship in 2006, he started cruising and racing every summer in the Med. When serving in Virginia, USA from 2013 to 2016, he completed successfully all the ASA certifications up to the offshore ocean passage level (ASA 108) and he became an ASA instructor up to ASA 206 level.
During this period, he also cruised and raced in Chesapeake Bay, as well as, in the North Atlantic and the North Pacific Ocean becoming a proud member Patriot Sailing and BBSA. Since then he has taught sailing, seamanship and navigation providing ASA certifications.
In 2020, he was invited by ASA in Los Angeles to participate in an Instructor Evaluator Qualification Clinic. After the succesful completion of the clinic he became a Master Instructor.
In 2023 he successfully lead an Instructor Evaluator Qualification Clinic in Tampa Bay Florida and he became Senior Master Instructor.
Captain Dimitris Bampakos is a graduate of the National Defense University, USA, he holds a MSc. in Electronic Systems Engineering and he has been teaching radar and naval communication systems at a postgraduate level since 2000.
ASA Featured Instructor: Dimitris Bampakos
Reviews: Fair Winds Sailing Greece Reviews
This learn-to-sail vacation with Fair Winds Sailing Greece offers :
¤ ASA 103 | COASTAL CRUISING
¤ ASA 104 | BAREBOAT CRUISING
¤ ASA 114 | CRUISING CATAMARAN
¤ ASA 118 | DOCKING ENDORSEMENT
We’ll embark on an unforgettable journey through the Central Ionian Sea, the beautiful stretch of water nestled between the Greek and Italian mainland. Our starting point is Lefkas Marina. This prestigious marina is located just a few minutes from Lefkas island’s historic center, and it is the ideal base for exploring the stunning coastline of Central Ionian Sea.
We will start from there and sail to the islands of Ithaka, Kefalonia, Meganisi, Kastos, and Kalamos. Known as one of the premier sailing destinations in the Mediterranean, this area promises breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and a rich tapestry of history and culture.
Please Note. This itinerary is meant to serve as an example, however, it is important to note that the actual itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
*The pictures are from the official Lagoon website. If the aforementioned yacht is not available for any reason she will be replaced by a similar one.
Fair Winds Sailing is outstanding! As an intermediate sailor, I’m thrilled with the skills and confidence I gained to advance my sailing journey. The instructor is helpful, patient, and passionate about sailing. The boat and all equipment are top-notch and comfortable. Dimitris, the owner, is deeply knowledgeable about the history of the country and region, which really enriched the cultural experience. The course consisted of a continuous cruise to stunning locations in the Ionian Sea. Each mooring and anchorage was unique, providing lots of opportunities to develop one’s practical capabilities. Safety was always a priority, and the sense of community was fantastic. I would highly recommend Fair Winds to anyone looking to improve their sailing skills, obtain official ASA certifications, and enjoy a learn-to-sail vacation in a truly amazing place.
I chose Fair Winds Sailing Greece for ASA 104 after watching an ASA webinar given by Captain Dimitris Bampakos. As a former US Naval Officer, I was drawn to the fact that he is a retired Captain of the Greek Navy and it was immediately evident that Captain Dimitris is a professional and prudent mariner who takes safety seriously. I most appreciated his calm teaching demeanor, even during stressful/hectic evolutions. He was particularly patient giving 101 instruction to my son who had only been on a sailboat on two prior occasions. The Captain seems to have contacts in every marina, knows the best restaurant in every town, and prepares incredible meals while aboard the boat! Of course I cannot leave out that the epically beautiful Ionian Sea and friendly people of Greece made the experience a dream come true for us.
ASA training was perfectly tailored to our needs. My wife and I were at different experience levels. We were provided individualized instruction to elevate both our knowledge, skill and confidence with blue water sailing. We always felt safe and encouraged in a professional manner. Demitri is well connected up and down the Ionian Sea, getting access to moorings one might not otherwise get. Helpful and personable, our communication was exceptional, before, during and after our trip. We felt we started with an instructor and left with a genuine friendship. Our experience left us wanting more! ” fair winds and a following seas”
I had a phenomenal time at Fair Winds and would recommend Dimitris and his team to anyone wanting to improve their sailing. I completed certification in advance of captaining a charter in Greece with some friends – Dimitris was incredibly helpful in making sure my skills were up to par and gave so much useful advice on having a great trip. The location of the school is also beautiful and historic.
