Ionian Island Sailing - About the school and us

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About the school and us

Ionian Island Sailing Ltd. is a British, family owned company and a fully recognized
RYA (Royal Yachting Association) training centre offering a wide variety of RYA
practical and shorebased sailing courses and sailing holiday experiences.

Ionian Island Sailing is the only company in Greece that offers such a variety of sailing
holidays, RYA courses and yacht racing at international events. James and Simon
Sweetman are owners of the company and were brought up on the island of Kefalonia.

Our mission is to provide a safe, fun and professional environment that enables you to
explore the full range of sailing experiences. Whether it is your first time on board with
your family or you are a passionate sailor here to develop advanced techniques, Ionian
Island Sailing has everything you need to enjoy a unique and rewarding experience.

The school is based on the island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea. Our yacht is moored in the
town of Lixouri. The town is just 40 minutes away from the airport of Kefalonia. The
geographical location of Kefalonia and the numerous islands in the Ionian Sea offer some
of the best sailing conditions in Europe. The protected waters of the island offer ideal
learn to sail conditions, calm seas and steady winds. Beautiful mountains dominate the
island, many bays and quiet beaches with crystal clear water are just a short sail away.

Lixouri is a small Greek town typical of the ones you will be visiting in many ports. Its
features a shaded central square with numerous coffee shops and restaurants where
you can relax and enjoy the food and local atmosphere with your friends and family
after a good days sailing.

James Sweetman

The school is run by James Sweetman a qualified engineer who is the Principal and Chief Instructor. James is a fully qualified RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Instructor and has been sailing since the age of 6.

He has been teaching sailing courses for the past 5 years in Greece, Portugal and Gibraltar. He has worked as a professional skipper for luxury sailing yachts and has competed in many categories, racing both in Greece and the UK.

“I chose to follow this career through the creation of Ionian Island Sailing to share with you the beauty, freedom and joy
that sailing has given me.”

Simon Sweetman

Simon Sweetman is a fully qualified RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore and Cruising Instructor. Simon has also been sailing and competing since the age of 6.

Having worked as Base Manager in Lefkas (Ionian), for one of the largest charter companies in Greece, he has an exceptional knowledge of the sailing industry in the Ionian and the importance of customer service. Simon’s background is Financial Mathematics.

“The sea and sailing has been my way of life and my passion for as long as I can remember. Helping you to develop confidence to enjoy and explore this environment is my goal.”

“Welcome aboard Ionian Island Sailing”