CORFU TOWN
Known as one of the Mediterranean’s finest destinations, Corfu Island 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 Venetian 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.
HOME PORT
Our home port, Mandraki Port, is nestled within this historic Old 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.
WHO WE ARE
The founder and lead instructor of “Fair Winds Sailing – Greece” is Dimitris Bampakos, a former Captain of the Greek Navy and an American Sailing Senior Master Instructor who has sailed more than 200,000 miles all over the world. When serving in Virginia, he cruised and raced in Chesapeake Bay, as well as, in the North Atlantic and the North Pacific Ocean becoming a proud member Patriot Sailing and BBSA. Since then he has taught sailing, seamanship and navigation providing AS certifications up to the 108 level.
OUR LEGACY
In our 6 years of operation, we have organized and conducted more than 150 weekly “learn to sail vacation” cruises and 15 flotillas in the Ionian Sea. During those cruises we provided more than 500 student certifications up to the 108 level. Most of our students, approx. 80%, are sailors coming from the US and Canada. The other 20% are sailors coming from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and South America. Also, we are very proud because we have successfully held several Instructor Qualification Clinics (IQC) up to the 206 level and we have certified candidate instructors from the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
