If you’re chartering in the Ionian then the Lefkas Canal is the obvious Passage from the Northern Ionian to South. It can be confusing though so Sail Ionian's Tom Fletcher provides tips
EXPERTS' FORUM
For many of Sail Ionian’s guests who have come up through our RYA Sea School, and then chartered bareboat or on flotilla with us, the Lefkas canal and the passage to Corfu will be the first longer passage they will make alone. Distances between harbours are short in the Southern Ionian, and the waters well protected by the outlying islands. The passage north to Corfu, with the navigation of the canal, the bridge, and then the open water of the Ionian, can be a little daunting, especially as part of a family holiday. While it is certainly not the English Channel, there are many ideas that will help to make a passage much smoother.
The Passage
From the north of Lefkada to Corfu Town is just under 60nm in a straight line. We normally suggest that shortening the trip, and making a first stop on Paxos or, alternatively, in Parga, is a good idea. There are few good harbours or anchorages on the way, so this shortened passage of around 30nm is, to all intents and purposes, unavoidable. The route is almost exactly northwest which puts you taxingly head on into the prevailing summer winds. The canal itself is dredged to around 5m and presents the alert sailor with little difficulty. At the northern end of the canal is the ‘Agia Mavra’ floating bridge which opens regularly to let marine traffic past. Once out of the canal and away, you are over 5nm offshore for most of the duration and there are no navigational hazards or tidal flows. Ports of refuge are not easy though – there is a small harbour in Lygia on the mainland, but it is very shallow, and an anchorage in Ammoudia, but you are close to Parga by then. A downwind return to Preveza might be the only practical option if necessary.
Setting Up for Success
While many sailors are keen to break the back of the journey on the first day, at Sail Ionian we recommend you take a day or two to familiarise yourself with your charter yacht and allow your family or friends to find their sea legs before embarking. Waiting for a suitable weather window can also be very useful. If you can find a day when the prevailing northwesterly winds are light or, even better, you have a southerly, then you will have a much smoother, quicker trip. We usually recommend at least a two-week charter if you want to be able to relax and explore the north.
