About
Sail Blue Planet
Our Difference
There's one very important difference about a sailing holiday with us.
Because we're just one yacht and one skipper serving a maximum of 6 guests, we can be much more relaxed and flexible about where we go and what we do.
What's more, you get real value for money - because (unlike bigger companies), we won't cut your sailing short just to get the "best" berths in the harbour.
There's no strict schedule, no being bossed around - this is a client-led holiday and your wishes come first.
We welcome everyone, from solo travellers to couples and families. Several three-generation families have sailed with us, and everyone has had a fabulous time.
Based in Gouvia Marina on the beautiful island of Corfu, we have run skippered sailing holidays and sailing courses on the sailing yacht 'Blue Planet' for the past 17 years.
Your Captain
Captain Rick Driscoll, RYA commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Cert. No. 31504 & Sailing Instructor.
Your fun and friendly skipper is Captain Rick Driscoll. He's a fully qualified RYA Yachtmaster and Instructor - which means he's gone through the very highest levels of training, he's also commercially endorsed by the British Department of Transport, so you can be sure you're in expert hands.
But Rick is a professional captain with a difference, having been in show business for 35 years. The lead singer in 1970s chart band Kenny, he was also lead guitarist for Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, Classix Nouveaux, and Alison Moyet (co-writing much of Alison's multi-platinum album "Raindancing").
Rick also spent a good deal of the 80's singing on countless TV commercials in the UK and became one of Britains top session singers, he can even be heard on Kylie Minouge's album 'Light Years'
Rick is also an occasional motorcycle racer and former scuba instructor, but don't get him started on all that!
Our Yacht
S/Y Blue Planet NK 1112, Beneteau Oceanis 461 Clipper
Your yacht, Blue Planet
You'll quickly feel at home on your beautiful yacht Blue Planet. People tend to fall in love with her at first sight.
Blue Planet recently had her main sail replaced as well as new standing rigging.
She also benefits from the addition of a more powerful Yanmar 4JH4TE engine being fitted in 2021.
About the boat
Designed by the legendary Bruce Farr, and built by Beneteau in France, Blue Planet is a great-looking sloop of 47 feet. The perfect combination of a beamy spacious hull and a fast sailing vessel, she's a fully licensed Greek registered charter boat operating under a Greek charter licence.
Blue Planet layout
4 double cabins
1 large double in saloon
2 heads / showers
Galley
On Deck
Out on deck there's plenty of room for everyone to sun themselves, sip something cool, practice their sailing skills, watch for dolphins or just gaze at the sparkling waves.
In short, Blue Planet has all the home comforts and facilities you need to ensure a really enjoyable holiday or training course.
Equipment inventory
Fully battened slab reef mainsail, rolling furler genoa, plus a spare. Furuno radar, Brookes and Gatehouse auto pilot, wind finder, depth sounder, and gps plotter. Icom vhf dsc radio, hand held Icom vhf, weather station, Lewmar winches, bathing platform, cd/mp3 player, cockpit table, 6 man inflatable tender with 4hp Yamaha outboard motor, gas detector, fire alarm, Navtex, self inflating life-jackets, 10-man life raft, EPIRB.
All this inventory and the general structure of the yacht is safety coded by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Facilities
Inside the saloon, the American Cherry wood interior makes for a warm and friendly place to relax or study. Taller guests will be glad to know that there is plenty of headroom. The dining table has seating for ten. There are two bathrooms with hot showers, and there's also a shower on the stern that makes it quick and easy to rinse off after a swim.
Accommodation
Blue Planet has three roomy double cabins that can sleep six people, but we can easily sleep eight by converting the saloon area into a large and comfortable double bed,(exclusive charter only), the fourth cabin is reserved for Captain and crew. There's also a hammock out on deck beneath the boom: it's extremely popular and is often fought over by our younger guests, especially during July and August!
Galley
The galley has a two-burner cooker, an oven, a large double fridge, and all the pots, pans, and cutlery that even the most demanding chef could need. There's also a barbecue mounted on the stern rails, for those evenings when you might like to eat alfresco on board instead of dining out on shore.
Our Location
The North and South Ionian Islands, Greece
We're based on the gorgeous Greek island of Corfu, in Gouvia Marina.
The Marina is situated in a safe natural harbour, a mere ten minute taxi ride from Corfu airport. Gouvia Marina boasts a large open air swimming pool and countless bars and restaurants, where you can while away some time as you prepare to board Blue Planet.
Our routes often take us through the dazzlingly beautiful Ionian Islands, including Kefalonia, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Zakynthos and Corfu itself, as well as the west coast of Greece. Rich in history and legend, these islands all have something different to offer. Of course where finally end up, depends on the duration of your booking, the weather conditions, and how adventurous you are.
But what's it like here?
Well, imagine the scene...
You're sailing along on a beautiful yacht, basking in the warm Greek sunshine and refreshed by a gentle breeze. Under a turquoise sky, the clear blue sea sparkles with sunlight against a backdrop of green islands flourishing with cypress trees, pines and rolling olive groves.
Perhaps you're taking a turn at the helm, or just stretched out in the sun. Or maybe you're on the look-out for the area's dolphins, turtles and leaping marlin. If you're really lucky, you may even see a whale.
By day, you glide over the waves...swim in secluded azure bays...explore small fishing villages...and gaze on breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
By night, you wander through enchanting cobbled streets...discover lively, authentic tavernas...relax with a warm welcome and a few drinks...and enjoy a fantastic variety of delicious food, from traditional Greek to fusion and the freshest fish you've ever tasted.
You might be with your closest friends or your extended family. Or perhaps you're getting to know some new friends. The days roll effortlessly by, with each one bringing new sights and experiences to make this an idyllic time you'll never forget.