Capt. Carl Sputh of the 178-foot Benetti Starfire was born into yachting. In fact, he’s the son of a yacht captain, and his first words were indeed “Danforth anchor.” Capt. Carl, as everyone calls him, became the captain of a luxury yacht in his early 20s. Since then, he’s won “best captain” accolades for his can-do attitude and being a positive leader of a crew where the attitude is “no problems, only solutions.” He and his crew pride themselves on five-star charter service aboard Starfire, where he’s been the captain for eight years. Here, Capt. Carl shares some of the fun to be had aboard Starfire in one of the best cruising destinations around, the Ionian Islands of Greece. He reveals his favorite spots, through the lens of the watersports you can enjoy and the crew’s personal approach to making your trip more special. As he says, “While you may consider choosing your yacht for its amenities or recent upgrades, consider asking your broker to recommend the captain and crew that will deliver the perfect charter experience.”
While some superyacht captains are best known for their wine and culinary knowledge, others are experts in local history. Although we love gastronomy, historical sites, and cultural museums, when it comes to watersport activities, Starfire’s crew can definitively make a splash.
We have spent years mastering the techniques needed to scuba dive into the abyss, make a 360-degree jump donning a pair of water-skis, or take a PWC out for a wild spin. If you want to participate in a watersport, and need someone to teach you the ropes, simply reach out to us through your broker, and we will gladly take you under our wings.
Although the shores of the Cote d’Azur, the Dalmatian Coast, or the Turquoise Riviera are all ideal summertime charter destinations, the waters encircling the Ionian Islands are some of the most peaceful in the Mediterranean Sea. Undisturbed by swells, tides, or currents, this body of water creates just the right playground for tubing, water-skiing, or snorkeling.
Apart from stepping ashore to explore the picturesque Greek ruins, the wonderful Byzantine churches, or the chic beach clubs, if you charter Starfire, ask us about your favorite watersport. We will be glad to indulge in a little fun with you in the Ionian waters.
Scuba Dive or Snorkel
Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner, diving or snorkeling in Ionian waters can surprise you. There’s a kaleidoscope of colors, natural wonders, and fascinating sea life. Dive off Starfire’s swim platform, or take our Hinckley to explore out-of-the-way reefs. Invite our bosun, Marcus Bay, who grew up helping his father manage his live-aboard dive boat in Fiji. Although the Ionian Islands offer myriad opportunities to dive in idyllic surroundings, my favorite spots are by far the southeast end of Paxos for drift snorkeling or one of the wrecks off the coast of Kefalonia for scuba diving.
Learn to Water-Ski or Wakeboard
You might prefer one watersport over another, but one thing is for sure: You can improve your skills if you listen to my tips. As a water-ski instructor, I have taught many charter guests how to do an airborne trick or simply to hold on tight to the rope. Since the best conditions to water-ski or wakeboard stem from calm waters, I usually anchor Starfire off the coast of Ithaca for a day of summertime fun. The waters are simply superb for all watersports.
Improve Your Swimming Skills
If you aren’t comfortable in the water, can’t open your eyes underwater, or need help learning how to make that perfect dive, reach out to our first officer, Paul Duncan. He has valuable experience as a lifeguard and swimming instructor. To take your first plunge, I would recommend docking at the port of Ormos Garitsas in Corfu. The water is simply incredible, and once refreshed, you can enjoy a walk in Old Corfu.
Explore by Sea Kayaking
As a fantastic way to explore the shorelines of any Ionian Island, a sea kayak can be mastered with just the right teacher. Ask Jack Bender, one of our deckhands, to paddle out with you until you feel comfortable enough to go it alone. If you love to kayak, the Ionian Islands offers you the perfect setting to explore its many coves and inlets. Although I love every Ionian Island, if you are looking for a great kayak, I would bring you to Flamingo’s near the town Lefkas for its overall scenery.
Dive with a Seabob
A Seabob is a high performance underwater toy. Don a snorkel mask; then ride the current as you bob in and out of the crystal blue waters. Ask Kevin Nauta, our other deckhand, to dive under with our Go-Pro for a memorable souvenir. For the best seabob experience in the Ionian Islands, I recommend anchoring off Zakynthos in the bay of Kolpos Lagana since the area offers both pristine waters and the opportunity to seabob alongside beautiful turtles.
Ride a PWC
Exhilarating for many, a PWC promises a lot of fun. You might prefer to head out on a discovery safari or to catch waves behind our Hinckley tender. Before you head out, ask any member of our deck crew to demonstrate these thrilling machines. The Ionian Islands in general are great to take out a PWC, but my favorite is Kolpos Argostoliou in Kefalonia. It’s als a wonderful bay for waterskiing and tubing.
Drive a Powerboat
You might prefer to simply sit back and sip on a fruit cocktail while our bosun, Marcus Bay, takes you ashore. But if you are up for the challenge, he will gladly teach you the basic navigation skills needed to drive a powerboat. For a beginner, it’s always best to learn in calm waters where you don’t have to worry about tides and currents. A great spot is again the port of Ormos Garitsas in Corfu. After practicing maneuvers in peaceful waters, I can teach you how to approach a dock with ease.
Catch a Fish
Fishing requires a special set of skills and lots of patience. If you long for your own nautical trophy, wake up early with our deck crew for a peaceful day. Afterward, ask our chef, Stuart Chambers, to serve your newly caught fish battered, grilled, or blackened, as preferred. Fishing can be either uneventful or full of surprises. We once caught a large tuna off the coast of Paxos. I’ll remember it forever. I’m sure my charter guests have told the story many times in various social settings, too. Another great spot to catch either tuna or swordfish in the Ionian Islands is just off the coast of Zakynthos.
Regardless of whether you prefer to learn in the Ionian Islands or the Bahamas, the time will come when you need someone to help you master your chosen watersport. As Starfire’s crew, we sincerely hope to see you soon.
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