Pierre 2025

From Corfu to Leros

If all goes well (we are leaving from Spain, passing through the Balearic Islands, Sardinia, Malta, and Sicily on the 1st of July), we should reach Corfu by the 10th of August. Although we might still be slightly delayed and find ourselves in Sicily or Southern Italy, for now I really plan to be in Corfu by then.

I am looking for 2 or 3 people to join me from the 10th of August to complete my voyage: 3 to 4 weeks crossing Greece — Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia, the Gulf of Patras, the Corinth Canal, Aegina, the Northern Sporades, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros, Chios, Ikaria... or possibly a more direct route (Kea, Tinos, Mykonos, Ikaria) if we are running out of time. I am not listing all the islands here! We should finally arrive in Leros no later than the 7th of September (approximately 700 NM), where I will leave the boat for the winter.

Regarding costs, I take care of all expenses directly associated with the boat: harbour fees, the Corinth Canal, electricity, water, repairs, fuel, gas, etc. For food and everyday items such as loo rolls and washing-up liquid, we run a kitty on board (to which I also contribute). The common fund is approximately 75 euros per week each, depending on whether we decide to eat rice and pasta or lobster! The kitty is not used for buying drinks. If we go out, we either share the bill, invite each other, or pay our own way.

Thomasvaer is a classic Swedish sailing yacht (Vindö). She is well maintained, regularly surveyed and modernised, with a new engine, new mainsail, new genoa, and more. She offers the luxury of 1972, with 4 comfortable bunks in two shared cabins, a galley, and a toilet (but no shower).

Some people call it luxury camping on a “pirate ship”!

If you are interested, you must have some experience on a boat, but most importantly be keen to be a real team member and not just a passenger. This is not a charter boat or a Mediterranean cruise. It is an adventure at sea amongst people who like sailing, but also enjoy all aspects of life on a boat — including maintenance, repairs (when we can), cleaning, cooking, helming, trimming sails, keeping watch, and more — all whilst having a good time.

Over the last 12 years, Thomasvaer and I have sailed over 22,000 NM with more than 80 different crew members — women and men ranging from 17 to 65 years old and coming from many different countries. They all shared one common factor: enjoying an adventure at sea and being able to tie a couple of knots (although some struggled with the latter!).

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