Fair Winds Sailing Greece, a certified American Sailing Affiliate, is located on Corfu Island, Greece. Known as one of the Mediterranean’s finest destinations, Corfu captivates with its cosmopolitan charm and rich history. The island’s old town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is brimming with historic monuments set against stunning natural landscapes.
At the heart of Corfu lies the Old Fortress, a marvel of architectural design with roots stretching back to the Byzantine and Venetian eras, later transitioning into the British Empire’s hands. Today, this iconic structure serves as an archaeological site and houses significant cultural institutions such as the Historical Archive of Corfu Island, the Public Library, various services of the Ministry of Culture, and sections of the Ionian University. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful locations in Greece—a true gem in the Ionian Sea.
Our home port, Mandraki Port, is nestled within this historic Venetian fortress. Historically, Mandraki was a vital hub for defense and commerce during the Byzantine and Venetian periods, serving as a strategic maritime gateway. This remarkable location now provides an idyllic starting point for your Ionian adventure.
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, 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.
Join us for an unforgettable Learn to Sail vacation in Greece! Set sail on the beautiful Ionian Sea on one of our scheduled trips from June 9-14, 2025 or October 6-11, 2025. If you’re interested in exploring the breathtaking Greek islands but need alternative dates, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to accommodate!
Captain Dimitris Bampakos, founder and lead instructor of Fair Winds Sailing Greece, is a distinguished former Captain of the Greek Navy and an American Sailing Senior Master Instructor (SMI).
Throughout his 26-year Navy career, Captain Bampakos dedicated the majority of his time at sea, serving as captain, executive officer, and deck officer on frigates and fast patrol boats. His extensive experience includes over 100,000 nautical miles across the globe.
After commanding his final warship in 2006, he began cruising and racing each summer in the Mediterranean. Between 2013 and 2016, while stationed in Virginia, USA, Captain Bampakos completed all ASA certifications up to the offshore ocean passage level (ASA 108) and became an ASA instructor up to ASA 206. During this time, he also sailed in the Chesapeake Bay, the North Atlantic, and the North Pacific Ocean, proudly joining Patriot Sailing and BBSA.
In 2020, Captain Bampakos was invited to Los Angeles by the ASA to participate in an Instructor Evaluator Qualification Clinic. Upon successful completion, he earned the title of Master Instructor. In 2023, he led another Instructor Evaluator Qualification Clinic in Tampa Bay, Florida, advancing to Senior Master Instructor.
Captain Bampakos is a graduate of the National Defense University, USA, holding an MSc. in Electronic Systems Engineering. Since 2000, he has also taught radar and naval communication systems at a postgraduate level.
For more about Captain Bampakos’s career and credentials, visit his Featured Instructor page on the ASA website. You can also read reviews from his students on Google.
This learn-to-sail vacation with Fair Winds Sailing Greece offers :
¤ ASA 101 | KEELBOAT SAILING 1
¤ ASA 102 | KEELBOAT SAILING 2
¤ ASA 103 | COASTAL CRUISING
¤ ASA 104 | BAREBOAT CRUISING
¤ ASA 105 | COASTAL NAVIGATION
¤ ASA 106 | ADVANCED COASTAL CRUISING
¤ ASA 114 | CRUISING CATAMARAN
¤ ASA 116 | DINGHY AND OUTBOARD ENDORSEMENT
¤ ASA 118 | DOCKING ENDORSEMENT
¤ IPC | INTERNATIONAL PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATE
We’ll embark on an unforgettable journey through the North Ionian Sea, the beautiful stretch of water nestled between the Greek and Italian mainland. Our starting point is Mandraki Marina, a charming port located within the historic Old Venetian Fortress of Corfu town. From here, we’ll set sail to explore the scenic shores of Corfu Island and Paxos Island, along with the picturesque western coast of the Greek mainland. 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.
Highly recommend. World class sailing instruction in one of the best sailing areas in the world. Dimitris is as skilled and experienced as a captain and instructor as he is friendly and kind. I did my ASA 105/6 with him and I consider it the inflection point when I became a confident and independent sailor. In addition to learning so much about sailing, I also made lifelong sailing buddies. A memorable and valuable experience all around!
I had the privilege of taking sailing lessons with Dimitris, and I can’t recommend him highly enough! My goal was to achieve my ASA 103 and 104 certifications, and Fair Winds Sailing made the entire process not only achievable but also incredibly enjoyable. Dimitris emphasized the importance of proper sailing rules and safety procedures. His thorough understanding of these principles gave me confidence on the water. What really stood out to me was Dimitris’s passion for sailing. If you’re looking to get ASA certified, I wholeheartedly recommend Fair Winds. You won’t just learn to navigate the waters—you’ll gain a deep respect for sailing and a lifelong love for the sport. Thank you, Dimitris, for such an outstanding experience!
