Welcome Aboard
About Balboa
Balboa is named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Balboa who first discovered Panama and the Pacific in 1513. The Balboa Yacht Club is famous if you are passing through the Panama canal sailing to, or from the Pacific Ocean as many yachts do when circumnavigating the world.
The Balboa is also the national currency of Panama and.. our personal favourite, it is also one of the best beer brands in Panama!
Balboa is a true “blue water” cruising yacht and has been built for adventure, her previous owners sailed around the world in her for 15 years before selling her to Captain Graham.
She is now based in one of the best sailing grounds in the world … the Greek Ionian Islands based at Kefalonia.
Balboa is a rare custom 42 foot sloop constructed 1999 in Hamburg, Germany. Only 100 were ever made by Asmus Boatyard.
Craftmanship and quality materials are used throughout including rich solid teak wood below decks giving warmth and soul.
Design, safety, comfort, latest equipment with beautiful classic lines combine to provide the perfect sailing yacht.
Shaded cockpit area for 8.
Deckspace for 8.
Dining / Sleeping Below for 8.
Guest & Master Bathroom
Please note : We have a friendly ships cat ‘Harriet’ living onboard but can stay ashore on day trips if any guests have allergies.
About Graham Parker
Captain & Owner
Graham is originally from Manchester U.K. and carries both I.C.C. & R.Y.A. ( International Certificate of Competence and Royal Yachting Association Skipper license. He also carries Greek flag with charter license to operate throughout the E.U. as a skippered charter yacht.
Son of a travel agent and a professional sailor he was born to travel and started sailing in 1982 soon after training as a chef and quickly caught the taste for life at sea along with his passion for good food.
He was involved in his fathers long distance yacht delivery business as first mate and cook undertaking numerous yacht deliveries clocking up 15,000 sea miles along the way.
Graham’s very first sailing trip in 1982 brought him to Kefalonia on a 2 month journey from Athens to U.K. at the age of 18 ( see photo below ). Now half a lifetime on, he has come full circle and is now Owner of SV Balboa here in Greece.
He returned to live and sail full time as it truly ranks amongst the World’s best sailing grounds in his opinion as well as many seasoned sailors. In addition to the sailing waters, the Greek people, weather, food and culture rank amongst the world’s best.
Graham has also lived in Spain, Ibiza, Italy and India as well as extensive travel / sailing including the Caribbean, India, Sri Lanka and Europe.
Along the way Graham trained and worked as a chef in hotels, restaurants and large scale events such as Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, British Open Golf and opened his own beach bar/restaurant in Goa, India.
None of these ventures and varied life experiences compared with life afloat, sailing to new horizons, meeting people from all over the world as well as satisfying his wanderlust and taste for adventure.
Back in Argostoli full time since 2020
1982 first sailing trip stopping in Argostoli
A spin in the dinghy exploring White Rocks
Graham knows all the best anchorages to visit
A warm welcome and good times onboard Balboa
Captain will show you how to sail Balboa