10 First-Time Charter Mistakes to Avoid
Introduction
First bareboat charter in the Ionian? Brilliant choice. The sheltered waters and short distances make it ideal for learning. But there are common mistakes that can turn a dream week into a stressful experience.
We’ve compiled the top 10 pitfalls first-timers fall into — and how to avoid them.
1. Arriving Saturday Morning, Leaving Saturday Afternoon
The mistake: Booking flights that arrive Saturday 10:00 and depart the following Saturday 16:00.
Why it’s a problem: Charter check-in is 16:00 Saturday. You’ll spend your first day waiting around the marina. Return check-out takes 2-3 hours, so a 16:00 Saturday departure flight is cutting it very close.
The fix:
- Arrive Friday, stay in charter company’s free apartment, provision leisurely
- Book return flight for Sunday or late Saturday evening (20:00+)
- This gives you effectively 7 full sailing days, not 5.5
2. Over-Ambitious Planning
The mistake: Planning to visit 8 islands in 7 days because “they’re all so close on the map.”
Why it’s a problem: Even though islands are 5-15nm apart, you’ll spend time anchoring, swimming, exploring. Trying to cover too much means you’re constantly sailing and never relaxing.
The fix:
- Plan 2-3 hours sailing per day maximum
- Build in “flex days” with no planned movement
- Remember: this is a holiday, not a race
Good example: Lefkada → Meganisi (2 nights) → Kalamos → Kastos → Ithaca (2 nights) → return via Meganisi
Bad example: Lefkada → Meganisi → Ithaca → Kefalonia → Paxos → Antipaxos → Ithaca → Lefkada (exhausting!)
3. Not Provisioning Before Check-In
The mistake: Thinking you’ll provision after checking onto the yacht at 16:00 Saturday.
Why it’s a problem: Check-in takes 2-3 hours (briefing, inventory, systems walkthrough). Shops close at 20:00-21:00. You’ll be rushed, stressed, and half the crew will miss dinner.
The fix:
- Arrive Friday, provision at Lidl (10-minute walk from marina) Friday afternoon
- Store perishables in charter company’s fridge overnight
- Board Saturday with everything ready
4. Forgetting Sun Protection
The mistake: “I’ll pick up sun cream when we get there.”
Why it’s a problem: On a yacht, you’re exposed to sun all day — direct sun, reflected sun from water, and no shade except the bimini. You’ll burn faster than you think.
The fix:
- Bring factor 50+ from home
- Reapply every 2 hours
- Wear hats, sunglasses, rash vests
- The Ionian sun (May-September) is intense — don’t underestimate it
5. Ignoring Weather Forecasts
The mistake: Not checking daily forecasts or dismissing Force 6 warnings as “just a breeze.”
Why it’s a problem: Even in the sheltered Ionian, Force 6+ winds make passages uncomfortable and docking difficult.
The fix:
- Check forecast every morning (Windy app, marina office, VHF Channel 16)
- If Force 6+ is forecast, stay in a sheltered anchorage
- The beauty of bareboat: you can change plans
- Better to spend an extra day in beautiful Kioni than fight through rough seas to stick to a schedule
6. Underestimating Docking Difficulty
The mistake: “I’ve moored boats before, how hard can stern-to Mediterranean mooring be?”
Why it’s a problem: Med-mooring (reversing into a tight spot, dropping anchor, picking up stern lines) is hard. Add wind, current, and watching locals, and it’s stressful.
The fix:
- Practice in Lefkada Marina before departure (ask charter company for practice session)
- For first few days, choose anchorages (anchor-only) instead of harbors
- When you do med-moor, arrive early in the day when it’s less busy
- Use fenders generously
7. Running Out of Water
The mistake: Not monitoring water tank levels.
Why it’s a problem: Greek summer is hot. Four people can drain a 200-liter tank in 2 days with showers, washing dishes, and drinking.
The fix:
- Check water gauge daily
- Fill up at every harbor/marina
- Be water-conscious: quick showers, minimal dish washing
- Don’t wait until you’re empty — top up when you’re at 50%
8. Not Bringing Cash
The mistake: “Cards work everywhere in Greece, right?”
Why it’s a problem: Small island tavernas, harbor fees, and small shops often don’t take cards. You’ll be stuck or paying premium rates at the one ATM that charges €5 per withdrawal.
The fix:
- Bring €300-500 cash per person for the week
- Small notes (€10, €20) for tavernas and harbor fees
- One ATM withdrawal in Lefkada before departure covers most needs
9. Overpacking
The mistake: Bringing a full suitcase per person.
Why it’s a problem: Yacht cabins are tiny. Storage is limited. You’ll be living in swimwear, shorts, and t-shirts 90% of the time.
The fix:
- Soft bags (not hard suitcases — easier to stow)
- 3-4 t-shirts, 2 shorts, 1 pair long trousers, 1 fleece (evenings)
- Swimwear × 2 (one always drying)
- Flip-flops, one pair trainers
- That’s it
10. Skipping the Yacht Briefing
The mistake: Half-listening to the charter company briefing because you’re excited to get going.
Why it’s a problem: When the toilet clogs at 22:00 and you don’t know where the through-hull valve is, you’ll regret it. When you can’t start the engine because you didn’t learn the fuel system, you’ll wish you’d paid attention.
The fix:
- Take the briefing seriously
- Take photos of: engine panel, electrical panel, through-hull valves, gas system
- Ask questions — “Can you show me again how to…?”
- Test everything while the engineer is still there
Bonus: The Most Important Tip
Relax. The Ionian is forgiving. Distances are short. Help is available 24/7. Other sailors are friendly. Greeks are welcoming.
The islands will still be beautiful whether you visit 3 or 8. The anchorages will still be crystal-clear whether you get there at 14:00 or 17:00.
This is your holiday. Slow down, sail gently, swim often, and enjoy.
Planning your first Ionian charter? These tips will save you stress and help you have the relaxed week you’re dreaming of.