August 2025 Newsletter

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Eco boats arrive in Greece and marine protection

Sustainable Sailing Greece has focused on providing materials for sailors promoting good (and safe!) practices at sea and on shore, with a focus on visitors coming to Greece to charter boats. However we are also beginning to work with companies as well - what can they do to ensure sustainable practices in aspects such as boat maintenance. There are innovations taking place across the sector, from eco-cleaning products to electric outboards and even design and build - read on for one of the first examples in Greece of a more eco-conscious catamaran!  ⛵🌱

We also want to bring to everyone sailing and operating in the Southern Ionian two new exclusion zones: Formicula and Atokos - please be aware of these sensitive areas and inform your guests.

MARINE PROTECTION

In the South Ionian the two islets of Formicula and Atokos are part of Natura 2000 sites, and have new protection measures in place limiting access.

Formicula: The islet and a surrounding 200-meter zone have been designated as a strictly protected area under a Ministerial Decision, with a 200m no entry zone, with one narrow entry point accessible in daylight hours and at low speed.

Atokos: A decision by the Port Authority of Ithaca prohibits anchoring, mooring, approaching, fishing, swimming, and disembarking/landing within 300 meters of Atokos' coast from May 1 to October 31 each year. These restrictions aim to protect the marine ecosystem, prevent accidents, and ensure smooth maritime traffic flow.

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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Manos Yachting is a family owned charter business set up in 1988, and operating out of Lefkada marina in the last 15 years. The company is passionate about promoting sustainable sailing best practices for their guests and it was one of the first companies to come on board with Sustainable Sailing Greece. In the past few years they have shared the Guide with their guests, and continue to support our efforts to protect seagrass meadows.

Keen to take their sustainability journey one step up, Manos have just announced a new addition to their fleet, a Windelo 54 blue water cruising catamaran, which they tell us is the first in Greece to be considered environmentally conscious. Starting with the design, it been built with basalt (volcanic rock) and recycled materials, without the use of any fibreglass. The extensive solar cover on the top allows the recharge of powerful lithium batteries that can power the aircon and other on board equipment, reducing the need to burn fuel to power a generator (and reducing noise!).  We are really excited to see these new innovations coming into the charter sector in Greece!