sailingholidays.com 2020 NEWSLETTER
LEAD CREW NEWS Our lead crew news, past and present...
SUMMER 2019 Our update of the past 12 months...where did the summer go?
YOUR STORIES Photos and stories from our flotilla sailors! The 43rd year of our flotillas sailing in the Early Summer is special with the millions of Greek Islands was another wonderful year of flowers, fireflies in the evenings and a feeling memories. of the “joy of Spring and the coming Summer” in the air. We have some great Spring offers for Our lead crew teams did a fantastic job (again) 2020! and, just as our holidaymakers do, they have formed friendships that will be for life. See you around the islands! The shorebased team were brilliant as they beavered away, usually behind the scenes, but 2019 LEAD CREWS 6 2019 BOAT SHOWS 4 always on hand when needed!
We continue to run our many flotillas across the Greek Islands generally and the welcome in IN THIS the towns and villages we visit is as warm and friendly as ever. ISSUE...
MEET THE TEAM... 04 2019 Boat Shows 06 Your 2019 Lead Crews! 08 News from Past Lead Crews 16 OUR 2019 NEWS... THREE EX-HOSTIES GET QUALIFIED! 10 Some of our stories from 2019 11 British Travel Awards
OUR ROUND UP OF THE YEAR Win! 12 Villa Meandros 13 Sailing Holidays Annual Photo Competition 14 The New Beneteau 38.1’s are delivered! 16 Three Ex-Hosties Get Qualified 18 Early Summer Offerings 19 Behind the Scenes - 2019 Build Up! 28 20 Little Things to Help the Planet 22 2019 North Ionian Regatta YOUR 2019 STORIES 24 News from our friends in Greece YOUR SNAPS & STORIES 28 Your 2019 Stories 30 One Flotilla Just Wasn’t Enough... 31 Some other snippets from this Summer 32 The 2019 Canary Islands Mile Builder
YACHT CHARTER DIVISION 35 About Yacht Charter Sailing Holidays 36 Fin explores the waters of Turkey 38 Liz takes on her first Independent Charter... 35
YACHT CHARTER DIVISION FANCY Ath G&T?Sept 2020 OUR 2019 Visit us Sat 12 TEAM
PAGE 4: Boat Shows FAYE WITH PAGE 6: 2019 lead crews FLOTILLA SAILORS ROBIN AND DOT PAGE 8: Past Lead Crew News
PETE, BARRIE CELEBRATING OUR AND EX-FLOTILLA RAFFLE WIN! THE SUN WAS SHINING! SKIPPER JAMIE A LOOK BACK ON 2019 BOAT SHOWS
019 was the first year without A new one for 2019 was the BARRIE DOING HIS THING ON STAGE 2the London Boat Show. We Northern Boat Show which took know many of you like to beat place at the Albert Docks in the winter blues by visiting us at Liverpool. SOUTHAMPTON INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW a show in the colder months. Bex, Faye and Charlie made MAYFLOWER PARK/TOWN QUAY, SOUTHAMPTON We popped up at our usual the trip up north to see what 11TH – 20TH SEPTEMBER 2020 www.southamptonboatshow.com shows this year, we also visited OUR STAND AT THE Liverpool had in store. some new ones too... RYA DINGHY SHOW 2019’s Southampton Boat Show Faye, Bex and Heidi were Many of our regular flotilla was busy as always! invited to attend the Women In January we spent a weekend RYA DINGHY SHOW sailors came to say hello. in the Marine industry drinks We were blessed with glorious at London Olympia at the ALEXANDRA PALACE, LONDON Despite the slightly drizzly where they listened to talks from weather (let’s forget about the Destinations Travel Show! We 29TH FEBRUARY - 1ST MARCH 2020 weather we managed to some incredible women doing final day) which only made it saw plenty of familiar faces and www.rya.org.uk/dinghy-show enjoy a couple of G&T’s on the incredible things! more enjoyable. lots of new sailors as well. waterfront. PILOT ALEX AND ROD & LOU HEIKELL POP The Sailing Holidays team Our stand at the RYA Dinghy On the Saturday afternoon IN FOR A CHAT It may have been snowing We were definitely the most headed to the Exhibitors Show was a success once the G&T’s flowed (as usual). outside but the Greek sunshine vibrant stand on the docks that drinks on Thursday evening, again! We are always pleased Many of you joined us having was shining on our stand! weekend. where there was a raffle to to show dinghy sailors how easy just returned from Greece and raise money for the charity it is to make the step into yacht What was not anticipated was several were preparing to set “WetWheels”. sailing on our “set up for the job, that Liverpool would make it sail that very weekend! easy to use, flotilla yachts”. to the Champions League final Between us we managed and that the match would fall During the week Barrie was There was plenty to see and do to take home several prizes, on this very weekend! So our asked if he would like to talk with some interesting talks on although we did buy a large Saturday afternoon/night was a about the history of flotilla number of tickets! The fancy ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE the stage and the ever popular sailing on the Foredeck Stage. little rowdy and our Sunday was boat hook we won is hanging children’s treasure hunt! He was on the bill alongside cut short by the victory parade! pride of place in the office (it’s One of our favourites was illustrious names like Stokey However, we really enjoyed too nice to use). the interactive sailing course Woodall and Rod Heikell. the Northern Boat Show, it was Thank you to everyone who game, things did get a little Barrie took a look back on lovely to be able to see those popped by to say hello, we competitive amongst the team! where it all started and how of you who can’t make it down always enjoy hearing your We will be at Alexandra Palace flotilla sailing has allowed south. Keep your eyes peeled flotilla stories (whether old or again in 2020 and if you fancy millions of British people because we may well be back new). We look forward to seeing ELLEN AND CHARLIE AT THE being very organised, tickets to discover sailing in the in 2020. you all again in the new year! DESTINATIONS TRAVEL SHOW are on sale now! Mediterranean. 4 5 The Sailing Holidays Greek Island Team VASSIA - CALVIN, EMILY AND ROSS ELPIDA - HARLEY, FREYA AND CONNOR 2019
DESSA - SEAN, MEG AND EMMA KYRA - BETH, ROSS AND TOM
Our Lead Crews
ATHINA - ALINA, SEB AND NIKKI KALAMAS - JAMES, LOUISA AND BEN
LOUTRAKI - DANNY, ELEANOR AND JOE KIRKI - PAUL, PHOEBE AND JULIA
ZEPHY - CHARLIE, MEG AND SCOTT KAMARA - JORDAN, YORKIE AND BENJO
DELPHI - IVAN, LAUREN AND LUCAS SIROCCO - TOM, BILLIE AND DOM
HELEN - LOTTIE, CALLUM AND NIAMH KALYPSO - SANDY, CIAN AND JOE
6 7 NIKKI & TIM GLENN, FIONA & EUKA - 2008 TIM AND NIKKI GET HITCHED PAST LEAD CREWS AND THEIR NEWS... Tim and Nikki were part of our They took some time away Greek team in the Ionian Islands from island life to travel back HANNAH, NIKKI & RUTH FIONA & GLENN TIE THE KNOT! back in 2011. to the UK to get married. Since then they have ventured There were several Sailing “Dear Barrie and Heidi, Was lovely to reminisce, GLENN & FIONA ON THEIR WEDDING DAY a little further afield and are Holidays faces amongst the although we do often anyway I met an old acquaintance of now living and working in the guests including ex-Hosties – wish Paxos wasn’t quite so far yours last week, Pete Jamieson. Caribbean (still sailing). Hannah and Ruth. away from New Zealand. Anytime a Kiwi tells me they We are very overdue a Greece have sailed the world/Greece/ trip, Glenn hasn’t been back The Med/ been on a boat once THE YEAR OF WEDDINGS CONTINUES... since 2009 so we will be sure to - I mention I lived and worked make a visit soon. on boats in Greece because PAUL, KATE, ANDY AND MARILEEN Jumping aboard the Sailing They tied the knot on 21st Glenn and I got married in July I figure there is a 99% chance We went out for a Greek meal Holidays love boat this time is September 2019. The Sailing – better late than never! they know you. with Jim & Anna recently, great Kate and Andy (Geezer)! They Holidays family was represented food – they forgot one dish and Just us and 2 witnesses followed both worked in Greece during by Paul and Marileen who Sure enough, Pete who lives ran out of something else so all by some Skype calls around the the summers of 2011, 2012 and travelled to the UK from the on a boat currently, has sailed in all an authentic experience. world, then a cheese board 2013. Netherlands to celebrate. in Greece, stayed with you in with Dolmades, Olives and lots London and I think his wife was You may not recognise of homemade wedding cake – your primary school girlfriend the surname change from perfect day despite the rain.” RUTH AND ‘FESTER’ GET IN TOUCH Barrie! Campbell. FESTER, RUTH AND JONNO IN 2005 Our long-standing flotilla sailors They keep in touch with lots of may recognise ‘Fester’ and the old Sailing Holidays crowd. CATCHING UP ON OLD TIMES AFTER 27 YEARS Ruth from back in 2005. “Vicki (first female skipper) IN THE OFFICE 2019 and Chris (who owned the New Zealand fisherman, Martin They popped into the London They dropped us an email to let chandlery in Frikes) are very Holmes, and Jane Maree office to catch up with Barrie, us know what they had been much part of our boats, water took over the Jaguar flotilla in Heidi and the rest of the gang! up to over the past 14 years! 1992 with fellow Kiwi engineer, and sundowners life. They If you ever travel to New They now live in Auckland, New Brett. Back then we only had are property developers in Zealand and fancy some sailing Zealand with daughter Freya. twelve Jaguars, 15 Beneteaus, Whangarei and have a son, in the stunning Marlborough Muscadet, and three Maxi 95s . Fester works for a company Connor. Sounds or Golden Bay their RUTH, FESTER, CHRIS, FREYA, VICKI & CONNOR called ‘Sealegs’ who develop Martin and Jane Maree now website is - We catch up with Mhairi and and build amphibious boats. run their own charter business in www.sailingadventures.co.nz Marcus and their two girls, Nelson, New Zealand, cruising Ruth owns her own business Layla and Halle regularly too. They specialise in catamaran the incredible Abel Tasman - The Alternative Bread Co. sailing of different sizes. We spent a lot of time with When Freya was diagnosed National Park. MARTIN, JANE MAREE AND Springer and Leanne before BRETT IN 1992 with coeliacs at the age of 3 she lost her incredibly strong Ruth decided to start creating ANOTHER FUTURE LEAD CREW MEMBER IS BORN battle against pancreatic delicious allergy friendly bread! cancer.” Many of you will recognise Fast forward 8 years and there Linsey and Andy from the is now a new member of the LINSEY, ANDY summers of 2010 and 2011. family. HOSTIE KAT AND ENGO MATT ADD ONE MORE TO THE SAILING HOLIDAYS FAMILY AND VAN Both of them spent time as lead Van Arthur Cottle was born on Matt & Kat were Engineer and We are delighted to see that crew in the Saronics and the 30th January and we have to KAT, OSCAR AND MATT Hostie on Lead Boat Kalamas in they now have a gorgeous Ionian. say, he is rather cute! 2013. baby boy. Oscar Leonard They then headed for dry Make sure he gets in touch in 20 Mackay was born on 18th June! Now, 6 years on, they are back land and moved to Brisbane, years time, there will be a job in Australia living in Sydney. Congratulations you two! Australia where they now live. waiting!
8 9 OUR SAILING HOLIDAYS NEWS
WE WIN BRITISH MARINE’S CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD! ex from our London office Rob Clark, Chair of British BEX COLLECTING THE AWARD Bwent down to Southampton Marine Leisure Boating, on 26th March to attend the commented: “As an industry inaugural British Marine Expo. we boast many examples of outstanding service at The award category that we every stage of the customer’s were in the running for was the MORE BRITISH TRAVEL AWARDS SUCCESS! experience.” British Marine Leisure Boating THE ONLY TRAVEL AWARDS VOTED FOR BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC! Customer Service Award 2019. A huge thank you to British The award is designed to Marine for recognising how At the end of November, we were once again We also came runner up in the Best Small Family highlight outstanding customer much we do for our customers summoned to the British Travel Awards because Holiday Company and Best Small Activity/Sports service within the marine and of course to our teams in we had apparently won one of the categories! Holiday Company against huge competition! industry. both London and Greece for The event is held annually at the Evolution Centre It was a fabulous evening all round and it is On this occasion we pipped the endless hard work! in Battersea Park, London and more than 1000 thanks to the wonderful people who have This accolade is presented the competition to the post and people from the travel industry attend each year. enjoyed our holidays and voted for us! Don’t every year to a British Marine were crowned winners of the As we’d say in Greece whilst forget to vote after your holiday in 2020 when member who has excelled in award! raising a glass, “Yamas!” Barrie dug out his “best bib-and-tucker”, where it voting opens in July (you could win a holiday)! customer service. (Cheers!). had lain since last years event and off they went (many moths lost their homes)! It’s nice to know, in this world of corporate OTTILIE ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE and internet travel, that the importance of NEW ARRIVALS IN THE LONDON OFFICE We were over the moon to repeat our success independent specialist holiday providers is of previous years to win gold in the “Best Small e have a couple of With only 3 days on the water recognised by the industry. Holiday Company to Hellenic Europe” category. new faces in the Sailing Charlie wanted to show them W This award is particularly close to our hearts, as Thanks again everybody! Holidays London Office. You some of his favourite spots in supporting tourism in the Greek Islands is one may have spoken to one or the North Ionian. of the most important things we do (along with WE WERE AWARDED THREE! both of them on the phone They also joined a few flotilla getting people out on the water)! over the past couple of months. group meals and punch party Ottilie joined our Flotilla and in order to get the full flotilla CATEGORY WINNERS UP ON STAGE Yacht Charter sales team at the experience! end of July. She has sailed out In November 2019 Joe joined in Australia and loves a bit of JAMES TAKES THE HELM! the London office as our new windsurfing! Office Manager. She was followed shortly after He is a newbie to sailing so we by James, who is working with are keen to get him out on both our Launch Crew and the water so he can see what “Sails” Crew. He grew up sailing Flotilla Sailing Holidays are all off the west coast of Ireland. about. It won’t be long before Neither had experienced a he’s skippering like a pro! ALEXI AND MARIANNA FROM IONIAN ISLAND HOLIDAYS Heidi’s mission to rid Sailing Holidays flotilla before JOIN US FOR A PIC ONCE AGAIN! We love introducing people the world of single so, in October, salty sea dog to the joys of sailing in the use plastics continues Charlie took them out to see Med and watching young and she brought her the Ionian Islands for the first people grow into fully fledged refillable water bottles time. members of the team is always to the event. There Setting sail from Gouvia on a a pleasure. was plenty of wine Beneteau 361, the crew sailed and bubbly but no Make sure you say hello if you tap water! Her war on to the harbours of Sayaidha, HEIDI AND BEX WITH THEIR see any of them on the water! waste goes on! Gaios and Lakka. REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLES... JOE JOINS THE TEAM 10 11 THE POOL AND OUTDOOR AREA Win!
Sailing Holidays’ Annual Photo Competition
ongratulations to all of our Entries will be closing on New LUNCH ON THE PATIO EN-SUITE WETROOMS WINNERS RECEIVE: C2018 competition winners! Year’s Day (1st January 2020). • 1st: £500 towards their We had some fantastic entries The finalists will be uploaded 2020 holiday and we love seeing all your to our Facebook page in • 2nd: £300 towards their holiday memories from the year January and then the voting will 2020 holiday gone by! commence! • 3rd: £200 towards their Our 2019 Photo Competition is 2020 holiday open! There is still time to enter Sea your holiday snaps, email them to: ONE OF THE HUGE BEDROOMS [email protected] or st fill out the form on our website. 1 Sails VILLA MEANDROS - THE SAILING HOLIDAYS EXCLUSIVE VILLA Sundowners 1st illa Meandros is now up and The villa can sleep up to six Vrunning for those seeking a people so you could even book 1st little luxurious time ashore. It sits one of our larger boats with Trevor Brownley above Sivota Bay looking down friends or family for your first or nd on the comings and goings of second week. 2 Louise Lambert the harbour. The villa is located within olive Several families had the groves and is completely 2nd pleasure of spending a week secluded. Diane Crosby or two there during summer The infinity pool has undisturbed nd 2019 and we are now taking 2 views out to the Dragonera, The outdoor barbecue area bookings for 2020. Louise Lambert Atoko and Oxia Islands. It is a is ideal for preparing those Why not combine one of our perfect vantage point over all important Mediterranean rd 3 Christine Davis Ionian flotillas with a week on Sivota Bay. dinners and lunches and the shore in Villa Meandros? kitchen is well equipped. 3rd All the bedrooms are en-suite Trevor Brownley with sprawling wetrooms! rd You will be in the ideal location 3 for exploring Lefkas Island. There are lots of beaches and some hidden gems in the form of inland villages scattered across the island. This is a very special escape from the outside world. Christine Davis Tom James Craig Mallinson
12 13 THE NEW YACHTS ARRIVE ON THE BACK OF A LORRY
THE ELECTRICS ARE RUN THE BOATS ARE LIFTED INTO THE WATER THROUGH
As a Yachtmaster instructor, The final part of the trip saw us OUR NEW BENETEAU 38.1’S ARE DELIVERED FROM FRANCE Pete teaches this technique through the straights with the Four of our flotilla crews brave the January weather... and demonstrated an excellent backdrop of snow covered piece of sailing skill to his crew Mount Etna puffing away in the
ALL READY TO GO! (show off). distance. ur new boats start their life Once the yachts are complete, The third leg of our journey While most of the Med has little Oin Port Napoleon, a small we prepare them for their followed the coast of Italy to no tide, the narrow straights marina and boatyard west of maiden voyage. With the south towards the Straights of can cause very strong tidal Marseille. spacious design of the new 38.1 Messina. This is a narrow stretch flow, with spring rates being up it was easy to store food, water They arrive wrapped in plastic, of water between western Italy to 5 knots in either direction. and fuel for the long passages. and eastern Sicily. without rigging, anti-foul or We calculated our arrival time guard rails. Our commissioning Our new boats need their BEFORE THE MAST FITTING The beautiful town of Tropea and had a gentle 3 knots of crews build the rigs, fit the engines “run in” so, for the first lay 320nm to the south and it flow behind us. distinctive frames over the couple of days, the crews run Aiming to use a gap in the would take us at least 50 hours Dodging ferries and shipping cockpits and check all the the engines at steady revs. weather, we headed over to to reach. we skirted the whirlpools to engineering systems. the Italian coast near Rome. This gives them the best The first day saw very finally enter the Ionian Sea. All the work is carried out by our performance for their lives on With strong following winds and We pushed through building changeable conditions but We were then blessed by own staff, allowing us to train flotilla. some large seas, it was a great southerly weather and strong constant improvement. 24 hours of flat seas and a new skippers in maintenance chance to test our boats and winds all day until a small hitch The delivery crews are a mix of However, the first night of the fabulous sunset, finally arriving and rigging from the ground our crews. forced us to change our plan seasoned skippers and newer passage proved to be a wild “home” to Gouvia Marina on up. just a little. staff. This year three of our The new 38.1 has a fantastic ride. In rain and gale force Saturday 9th February, tired but boats were skippered by our THE MASTS GO ON touch screen chart plotter In the dark and swell one of winds we moved closer to in high spirits due to the “job RYA instructor team, headed in the cockpit along with a the boats had run over a thick the shore to try and get more well done”. by Pete Newman our chief strong and accurate auto helm floating line. The prop wrap shelter. instructor so they were in safe system. stalled the engine and forced After a few hours things calmed hands! us to seek shelter closer than we In January the Mediterranean down and by dawn the storm had aimed. The journey started on Tuesday Sea can be fierce. Cold had broken. We rested in th 29 January. Our first leg northerly winds and deep We made for Porto Stefano on Tropea and waited out the last was a 200nm passage from areas of low pressure combine the Argentario peninsula. With of the big southerly weather. Port Napoleon to Port-De to whip up some challenging no engine the only safe option The last leg of our journey Macinaggio on the northern tip sailing conditions. We saw this was to sail into the marina and always feels the best, soon we of Corsica. first hand on our next leg. then onto the quay. would be home in Corfu. IMPRESSIVE SUNSET! 14 15 THREE OF OUR TEAM There was a point to this We set course for Vido Island, QUALIFY IN THE exercise and this soon became north of Corfu Town. Here we apparent. We played around anchored, had some lunch and GREEK ISLAND SUN! with the prop wash and the enjoyed our first swim. prop walk and learnt how We then tried our hand at we could use these to our sailing off anchor, this was a advantage when manoeuvring. new skill for all of us and we
We had a spot of lunch and think we did pretty well! SUNSHINE SAILING then raised the sails before The afternoon was spent We then waited until the sun WE PASSED! heading in the general tacking and gybing in the bay was just setting and headed out BAY STOPS AND direction of Sayaidha. THEORY LESSONS before heading into Corfu into the night! Part of the Day The wind was not playing ball Yacht Club. Skipper course is to sail at night so after a while we popped the and to consider all the things In the evening we spruced motor on and powered on. that come with this. ourselves up and set off in Those that have visited search of some sustenance in We spent time navigating using Sayaidha before will know how historic Corfu Old Town. the lighthouse outside Gaios daunting the entrance to the and making sure we steered In association with Corfu Sea School DAY 3 - 30 MILES TO LAKKA harbour can look at first sight. well clear of the reef! After a Today we had a navigational It is incredibly narrow and does few hours we made our way challenge on our hands. MISSION: not look like a yacht should fit into the south entrance at THREE ONE We needed to use clearing QUALIFY AS RYA through it! Gaios and moored up. HOSTIES INSTRUCTOR bearings in order to get around DAY SKIPPERS Ellen took the helm and expertly the Lefkimmi Point (a sand bar DAY 5 - OVER TO THE MAINLAND got us into the harbour and on the south east of Corfu) The sea was flat calm and ith over 7 years of flotilla We were delighted to discover DAY 1 - SAILING TO SAYAIDHA parked us up stern-to. First day often know as the Venus Fly there was very little wind to be Wlead crew experience that Pete (or Uncle Pete to We were up and with a cup of done! Trap of the Ionian. found! We decided to motor over towards the mainland in between them, ex-Hosties some) would be the lucky one tea in hand ready for our first STERN-TO MOORING PRACTICE Jen, Ellen and Bex decided it guiding us through our course. day! Pete went through several the hope that the wind might was about time they got Day safety elements including the increase in the afternoon. Having spent plenty of time Skipper qualified! location of the life jackets and on board yachts there wasn’t Outside Sivota Mourtos we the fire extinguishers. We got underway with our too much to go through with spent some time sailing up to a online theory course, this was regards to housekeeping. We talked through the buoy in preparation for our Man the bit that was least familiar to importance of knowing the Overboard drill. This involves de- The first job on the list was to all of us. location of all the sea-cocks powering the mainsail in order provision the yacht for the first and how to prepare the yacht to allow one of the crew to pick The online course involves day or so out on the water. for a day on the water. up the buoy. plotting positions, planning DAY 2 - ON TO CORFU TOWN We managed to arrive in Lakka As Hosties, this is second nature passages and using tide This was a great refresher for Today it was Ellen’s turn to in one piece and avoided the DAY 6 - HOMEWARD BOUND to us and we made sure that timetables. us all and we managed to ask navigate and Bex’s turn to take sand bar! Once Jen had safely The next morning we ran we would be well fed whilst plenty of questions...which, charge. Passage plans were moored us up stern-to, we through side-to mooring. We all managed to pass this on board! A well fed crew is a according to Pete, were not silly drawn up and we were off! enjoyed a celebratory beer. Unfortunately this involved bit, then it was just the practical happy crew... questions! disturbing some of the local course to worry about! Before setting sail for Corfu Pete DAY 4 - THE NIGHT SAIL AWAITS After making beds and a bit of fishermen! Each day Pete would designate got all three of us to travel in We left Lakka in glorious ARRIVING IN GOUVIA unpacking, we spent the rest a skipper for the day and a and out of the narrow harbour sunshine and made the most of We managed one last lunch On 6th October we boarded a of the afternoon relaxing in the navigator, today it was Ellen’s entrance and also turn the the wind. Some cloud started stop and a swim before tying plane from Gatwick bound for sunshine and enjoying a few turn to take charge on the yacht within the harbour itself. forming over Paxos island so we up in the marina. Corfu. liquid refreshments. decided to sail to Mongonissi passage to Sayaidha and Jen’s This was to get to grips with On return to the marina we On arrival in Gouvia Marina we It was then time for an early for lunch. job to get us there! manoeuvring in tight spaces. were informed by Pete that we were shown to our home for night before the learning We motored out of Gouvia and He assured us that he would Whilst anchored Pete talked us had all managed to pass the the week, the Dufour 36 Knight commenced the following before too long Pete had us definitely not let us crash into through basic engine checks RYA Day Skipper course! G&T’s Odyssey. morning. doing doughnuts in the bay! anything! Thanks Pete... and maintenance. all round!
16 17 GETTING BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE SAILING HOLIDAYS SET UP FOR PRE-SEASON BUILD UP SUMMER IN GOUVIA EXPLORING THE FARAWAYS MARINA PREPARATIONS BEGIN CHECKING FIXTURES CORFU TOWN AND FITTINGS MOORED IN KASSIOPI, CORFU ISLAND
THE BOATS GO IN
THE NEW HARBOUR AT ERICOUSA SPRING SPECIALS EARLY SUMMER FLOTILLA OFFERINGS A couple of extended sailing escapes for April... ALL THE YACHTS ON THE HARD GETTING THE STICKERS ON ur team in Corfu work • Attach propellers/rudders One of the bigger jobs we his year we have a few We are usually the first Oendlessly throughout the • Polish hulls took on over the winter was Tspecial flotillas sailing at the flotilla sailing company winter to ensure that the boats updating the last five of our • Maintain teak decks end of April. These include two up and running, so we are ready for you all to enjoy Beneteau 311’s. They were our • Replace stickers “extended flotillas”. often have the harbours once the summer comes. only remaining tiller steer yachts and bays to ourselves! Our Engineers don’t have an - they now have shiny new Our first Faraway Islands flotilla Believe it or not, it gets quite easy task during build-up. Not wheels instead! of the summer will now begin Sailing up to the cold in Greece in the winter, only do they team up with their on Friday 24th April (as opposed Faraway Islands is so working outside can be a We also changed them from Skippers and spread the load, to the 26th), giving you two a treat at any time challenge. slab reef sails to in-mast furling, they have a huge responsibility extra days of sailing - 16 days for of year, but there is ANCHORED IN OTHONI to finally standardise our entire There are many jobs to be themselves before the big the same price as a two week something particularly fleet on furling sail systems. holiday. special about the lack Both of these flotillas are likely ticked off before the boats are launch day. launched. Flotilla lead crews Once the on-land work has of other watercraft around! to visit the north most coastal Here’s an idea of what they The reason for this is that our work with the shorebased team been done, the yachts are all villages of Corfu, St. Stephanos need to sort before lift in day: Sunday flights out to Greece The water isn’t quite up to and Kassiopi. to get their fleets ready. lifted back into the water. The on the 26th are almost full, so summer temperature yet but • Plumbing for heads (toilets) running rigging and sails are put They have long been popular Here are just a few jobs that are it makes sense for one or two some hardy souls can be seen • Run all the engines back on the boats. flotillas to go out a couple of taking refreshing dips. stops for the flotillas. The joys of on the Skippers’ checklist: • Test all the electrics Then the “Hosties” arrive to get days earlier! visiting these old favourite spots • Splice warp to anchor chains The new harbour at Ericousa • Check the seacocks and the interiors sparkling clean. remains undimmed! and attach anchors Enjoy three weekends on a two makes this island a great stop make sure they’re SHUT! They fit the cushions back on, week holiday or two weekends for our flotillas. There is now The channel between Corfu • Check the steering systems • Check the drive train load the all-important inventory, on a one weeker - can’t be more than enough space for and the mainland often offers and put on the steering (gearbox, shaft, propeller and do all the final touches. bad in terms of time off work! everyone to moor on the quay. some of the best sailing in the wheels and bearings) All this work takes place You also have the option to free area, it is a good spot for some • Check cutlass bearings The one week holiday will follow tacking practice! Any hiccups are resolved between February and the swing in the bay. This is a very • Check and maintain the skin the route of our Corfu Sheltered quickly. The odd beer fine end of April. The crews work special experience. You could sail for 16 days from fittings and seals of seacocks Waters flotilla and will be doing is handed out so the crews to a fairly tight schedule, but just £555 per person (including 9 days for the price of 7! Two All three of the Faraway Islands • Check deck fittings can pay for their mistakes somehow they manage to pull flights). These “extended days sailing for nothing. (Ericousa, Othoni and Mathraki) • Prepare each boat for anti- and to make sure they’re not it off every year! are blessed with crystal clear flotillas” are only available at The Ionian Islands can be a joy fouling repeated! emerald waters. the beginning of the summer. at this time of year. Fancy working for us? Go to our website to find out how sailingholidays.com/about-us/join-the-team 18 19 LITTLE THINGS TO HELP THE PLANET STOKEY EXPLAINS FRYING PAN Every little helps... Stokey Woodall Talks at Southampton Boat Show NAVIGATION TECHNIQUE Stokey explains how common Very handy when the modern sense is vital in ocean electrics fail! navigation. Things like finding It was a great reminder that your way in fog and out in the the practical side of navigation landless ocean. is equally as important as the Stokey has crossed the Atlantic electronic side (which has many times and is an old made us lazy)! Satellites can be fashioned navigator. switched off!
Kostas from Steni Vala on Alonissos is recognised by the Greek Academy In 2018 our good friend in Steni It was very helpful from you and Vala, Kostas Mavrikis wrote an a lot sailing holidays sailors buy RECYCLING GREEK STYLE.... amazing book. The Escape. It focuses on how British, At 19 of December l am going e know that the Greek Islands are not However, we have spotted some ingenious and Australian and New Zealand to have the award of Greek Wrenowned for their recycling facilities (this is creative means of reusing modern used items soldiers tried to defend the east academy’s. It is the biggest improving year on year). that would ordinarily have ended up in the bin! side of Greece and the nearby honour for a Greek citizen. This islands from the invading award is belong also to my It actually wasn’t until Western tourism arrived Heidi spotted these whilst Germans in June 1941. good friends. on the Greek Islands that waste management on her travels in Lefkas. Like you that always help me to became something the locals needed to think Engineer Vicki recycled He is determined not to let continue my try. about more. fenders at our Sivota store people forget the horrors and used them as plant inflicted on Greece by the Thank you for your all the The Greek way of life was always very much “Dear friends pots which we think is a Germans (and later by the friendly helpful. reuse, reuse, reuse and this can still be seen in Barrie and Heidi pretty creative way to Greeks on each other as a Kostas and Aggela many of the small villages we visit. This summer was a fantastic recycle. result). Steni Vala, Alonissos Island, season. We have a very good Sporades” In December 2019 he is being co-operation with the leaders given the Award of Greek It is a fascinating read and if AITO PROJECT PROTECT crew. They were very excellent Academies. and kind to the locals also to you would like a copy you will have to set sail to the Sporades He sent us this email at the end your clients. and purchase one in his shop in n 2019 we decided to join AITO’s Project Protect We calculated that an average flotilla sailor goes of the summer: I surprise that you put me in your Steni Vala! Iprogramme, an initiative for travel companies to through around 3 large plastic bottles of water a information book. become more sustainable and eco-friendly. day, which costs roughly €10 a week. Each company devises a pledge that In addition to this project, we have started to AITO Charity Auction pledge donated to the Disabled Sailing Association summarises their commitment to sustainability, work on lots of other things we can do to reduce This year we again contributed The DSA are a Torquay based We became aware of this how they wish to improve their own efforts and our impact on the environment, both in Greece a prize(including Barrie’s rarely sailing charity, run for the organisation from Len Skinner, what results they hope to see. and our London office. seen tie) to the charity auction disabled, by the disabled. who regularly joins our flotillas which takes place at the and whose daughter Sophia In Greece we are aware of the plastic pollution We’re trying to find compostable/degradable The charity’s aim is, wherever Association of Independent Tour worked as flotilla hostess a few caused by the purchasing of multiple plastic single-use items like our punch party cups and possible, to give everybody, Operators Annual Conference. years ago with skipper Mike. bottles of water by our staff members and clients. bin bags – things we get through a lot of. no matter what their disability, Our prize offering raised a the opportunity to enjoy the We have teamed up with In an ideal world we’d switch to electric engines BARRIE ASSISTING THE AUCTIONEER fantastic £1,100 which will be experience of seagoing sailing Water-to-Go, a company and install solar panels in an instant! But things contributed to the Disabled in a safe and pleasurable that produces filtered like that take time and a lot of money, so for now Sailing Association. environment. water bottles which we are starting small. remove 99.9% of bacteria We continue to support them With your help we can only improve and we’ll making the tap water safe in the amazing work they do to continue to work hard to protect the beautiful and pleasant to drink. get people out on the water! Greek Islands we love to sail around!
20 21 WATER-TO-GO BOTTLE CALLISTO CREW Ex-Flotilla Skipper and RYA Cruising Instructor Sam and his crew were the only “liveaboard” entry so they didn’t have much competition. They managed to finish the race so took home first place in their class. THE CREW OF KASSANDRA Moving up a size, in the up to GIVING THE BARRIE TRYING 38ft flotilla yacht category, SAILS A HAND! HIS SCULLING Chris, Marielle, Freddy, Leo and SKILLS Max worked together as the perfect crew to take home the prize on Callisto, one of our popular Beneteau 361’s! In the over 38 foot category Kalokeri took first position crewed by Dave, Sarah, Luke, THE RACE KICKS OFF Zoe, Sophia and Amelia. NORTH IONIAN REGATTA OCTOBER 2019 THE CREW OF KALOKERI You may notice there is no Crossing the line first was Cariad mention of the “1st Staff Yacht” 2020 DATE: TO BE ANNOUNCED! (KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED) Bach, skippered by Will Davies. winner...that is because none s usual, the annual end There were around 100 entrants “Paxos” (one of our old We think it might be time that of them managed to finish the Aof season North Ionian and this year only 23 yachts Bavaria 46’s) was crewed by someone gave him a run for his race! Regatta took place on an completed the whole race a collection of Sailing Holidays money as he has taken home A delicious Greek buffet was almost flat calm day. course. staff members. Calypso, Anna line honours for too many years! put on by our friends at Argos and Jo all from our Corfu Office. It was a beautifully sunny day The completion times range WILL COLLECTS Restaurant. Along with Angelos, Dionisis With the class winners but we were not blessed with from around 1 hour and 40 HIS PRIZE and Nektarios from our Corfu announced it was time to Once the prize giving was over very much wind! minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes workshop. They were also joined present prizes to the overall the band Blues Wire and Nick so, it wasn’t what you would The great forecast encouraged by three smaller sailors Tereza winners. Dounousis, with Maria from the call nail biting stuff but plenty of people to enter the (Dionisis daughter), Alexis (Jo’s Corfu office as guest singer, got everyone definitely enjoyed Ex flotilla Skipper Joe Charlton regatta. son) and Alkinoos (Angelos’ the crowd going! themselves! and his crew took 3rd place on However, not all who entered son). Daisy Sea. The evening was spent Plenty of our flotilla sailors and actually persevered and They managed to come 6th celebrating a lovely sunny lead crews took part. It is always For the up to 35ft flotilla class Coming in 2nd place on crossed either the start or the overall and 1st in their class, day on the water, albeit a little a great way to wave goodbye honeymoon couple Will and Captain Camfon was finish line. many hands make light work! lacking in the wind department! to the summer season! Lucy sailed the love boat, Andreas, who some of you may recognise as the Harbour We hope to see you out there THE CREW OF PAXOS ENJOYING THE SAILING...... AND THE SUNSHINE Kalloni to victory in just over 3 hours (well done for sticking Master at Corfu Yacht Club (a racing (or midday drifting) next with it folks)! regular flotilla stop). year...
WILL & LUCY - KALLONI THE PARTY IN FULL SWING
22 23 ANDREAS & CREW LOCAL NEWS ROD HEIKELL’S NEW LITERARY OFFERING
Barrie’s good mate Rod Heikell He talks about the incredible (fellow Kiwi) has just produced seafaring of the Phoenicians, From our friends around Greece... a brilliant reflection on pretty the Minoans, the Mycenaeans, much everything historic and up the Carthaginians and the to date about Mediterranean Romans. THEODORA sailing/boating. ISIDORA AND THEODORA CELEBRATE Several sea battles fought in the As with all Rod’s writing in all Mediterranean changed the Effie and Christos are the ever Many of our flotilla sailors will his amazing harbour guides entire course of world history, so welcoming owners of the Iris have enjoyed their famous and other publications, it is a it is quite an intriguing tale. Hotel in Nidri. barbecues whilst on holiday. reasonably easy read although One of the fascinating aspects Over the years we have seen quite a long one! As I write I have only read a ISIDORA Rod points out is that, in the their family grow and the hotel You may see some photographs nice warm climate of the Med, couple of chapters so far and it is very much a team effort! from the Sailing Holidays History one thing that hasn’t changed is engrossing! Their two daughters Isidora Book appearing here and in 5000 years is that the boats If you’d like a copy it can be and Theodora took part in there, as we are very much most constant adornments are bought from Rod’s Facebook celebrating in traditional dress. Each dress takes around half part of the last 40 or 50 years of nubile young ladies. page. He is in the process of an hour to get all the different sailing the Med. The Pharaohs of Egypt getting it on various other online Isidora wore the Lefkadian dress garments in place! The event It goes all the way back to the apparently had them on their platforms and even in book and Theodora donned a dress was to celebrate the end of the Pharaohs of Egypt and their boats as slaves and rowers! shops (if there are any high from Florina. These outfits are dancing season, this year the luxurious vessels. street shops left)! made up of many layers and theme was the four seasons. are very difficult to put on. NIDRI - LOCAL WOODEN BOAT BUILD CULINARY SUCCESS FOR 12 GODS - SIVOTA THE FRAME COMES TOGETHER THEO AND MEDEEA COLLECT THEIR As we drive backwards and It felt like we were witnessing AWARD This year Twelve Gods Taverna The “Gold Awards” ceremony forwards from Nidri to Sivota history before our very eyes. in Sivota took home a Gold takes place in Athens and Bay on Lefkas Island, we notice Suddenly she was planked and award for Best Seafood and gathers restaurateurs from all all sorts of things going on. before we knew it launched Mediterranean Cuisine. over Greece. into Vliho bay. In this day and age, of almost This is not the first time they We definitely agree with the everything being fibreglass, we Not so many years ago, she have won this accolade. 2019 judges decision, we love were amazed to see the frames would have been used for is the second year in a row they popping into Twelve Gods for of an enormous local caique fishing as a “mother boat” for have been recognised for their dinner whenever we are in being erected in a boatyard half a dozen smaller caiques outstanding seafood. Sivota. Congratulations! beside the road. which spent the nights fishing for calamari. Slowly but surely and using many traditional tools and However, tourism has changed DIMITRI - ELENAS TAVERNA - VLIHO BAY methods she began to take all that and she will spend her We thought we would give The food served there is shape. life entertaining lucky tourists as everyone a quick hello from absolutely fantastic! The they cruise around the islands. THE FINISHED PRODUCT... dynamic Dimitri at Elenas evening environment as the There are not many traditional Taverna on the other side of sun sets over the mountains of fishing families left around the Vliho Bay. Elenas is one of our Lefkas is just magical. Ionian Islands and we savour favourite tavernas and features He has no quay, so yachts our friends in the village of Petriti fresh fish that he catches anchor in the bay and go to who battle on with traditional himself. The arrival of his two the taverna by dinghy, tying up fishing methods. children, Maria and Amarilis, to the wooden decking. DIMITRI AND HIS GIRLS has curtailed his fishing a bit. NEARLY FINISHED!
24 25 YANNIS, THE FERRYMAN FROM PARGA, TAKES A YEAR OFF
or the first time in 44 years We certainly miss the sight of SNAPS FYannis’ little blue ferry boat the blue hull with its eye on the “Betty” was not taking us to and bow, appearing on the back & STORIES from Parga Town and Valtos of our boats and him shouting Harbour. “lady, no fingers, no fingers” YOUR TALES FROM A SUMMER OF and “careful, careful” as we Yannis was unfortunately taken SUN, SEA AND SAILING scrambled onto the bow. ill (the lifetime of smoking caught up with him) and he Fortunately, Alex and the team had a major operation in at Costellos restaurant (and Germany. the Salvator Hotel) arranged “From our first contact with Sailing Holidays “I would like to think I speak for alternative ferries, so the 30 we felt we were in safe hands and that feeling His wife Claudia was able to everyone when I say THANK YOU. continued throughout our holiday. As complete minute walk along the beach help nurse him back to some Thank you for giving us memories beginners we were given the confidence to book and over the hill was a choice degree of health although not that we will not only cherish always, our own yacht. The pre-holiday information we rather than a necessity. enough yet to cope with the but one’s that we will share with received was comprehensive and helped us A YOUNGER YANNIS PREPARES work required to commission Yannis’ family history features our children, maybe even our “BETTY” FOR HIS EVENING RUNS prepare for our adventure. On the first day we had “Betty”. on pages 24 - 27 of the Sailing TO PARGA TOWN AND BACK grandchildren, of the days we sailed a really helpful member of the Sailing Holidays Holidays History Book. the Ionian Sea, with a fantastic team of team on board to show us the ropes then from people.” Chris Marr the second day we were sailing on our own with THE OLD GIRL IS STILL GOING...THE HISTORY OF POCKET ROCKET a friendly and helpful lead crew on hand when needed. Thank you Sailing Holidays for making n the late 70’s, six UFO 27 Sailing Holidays now had its Many people around the sailing accessible to complete beginners. Can’t Ihulls were purchased by Tom own budget regatta yacht in islands assumed that people wait for our next sailing holiday! ” Keen on the advice of his son order to compete with the ever who went sailing were rich, but Thomas. Only a couple were growing number of local boats in fact the opposite is largely ever completed properly and appearing on the scene. true, as yachts cost so much to used as lead boats in the 1980s. keep! “Would recommend the Sporades if you Over the years she has taken want something different as we normally sail They were eventually first place twice at both of the We watched the children’s the Ionian. Inspired when came home and abandoned in a boatyard but Ionian regattas. “Oppi” (Optimist) fleet go from booked Faraway Islands two weeks ready Barrie couldn’t resist getting half a dozen to over 30 yachts She is a ‘light airs’ yacht, so in for next year. (This is the fourth flotilla holiday his old lead boat back in the now, so the future looks bright. windy years, she tends to finish with you). Anyone wanting a sailing holiday late 90s as a project for taking down the field. Now the youngsters have a with a company that they can rely on – Sailing part in the Ionian regattas in stepping stone into larger Holidays are in my opinion, the best. From the September and October. She However, she was a distraction yachts and by all accounts they Office based staff, shore staff and the best then remained very much part from the mainstream yachts are doing well in club events. Lead Crew. Would recommend every time. of the Sailing Holidays history. and of course an extra cost. The young people are also Well done guys! ” Pocket Rocket was largely We decided to donate her to Angela Dunbar learning about keeping a rebuilt inside and was fitted with the NAOK Yacht Club in Corfu boat “ship shape” so she is a spare Jaguar mast and a for the teenagers of the island well maintained and regularly couple of larger sails. to experience sailing in their raced. own local waters. THE YACHT CLUB TEAM REALLY GETTING GOING “My first time properly sailing – thankfully the boyfriend knew what we were meant to be doing – and it definitely won’t be my last after an amazing week full of sailing, sunshine, far too much laughter and a lot of gin! The crew have a great balance of personalities and made everyone feel included despite an age difference but Hollyon these White trips age doesn’t really matter”
26 27 MAKING FLUFFY FRIENDS IN THE FARAWAYS NO SUSAN YOU CAN’T Susan and Tom sailed up to After showing them around, the TAKE IT HOME! the Faraway Islands in May to owner introduced them to his explore the delights that the pet lamb. more secluded parts of the Being from New Zealand North Ionian hold. Susan was in her element and Whilst exploring the island of immediately made friends. Ericousa they came across the We’re not sure who is having local bakery which was the only more fun... place open for dinner. YOUR NEWS FROM SUMMER 2019 ROOM FOR A LITTLE ONE? A NEW USE FOR OUR JUTE BAGS... Many of you will have enjoyed HONEYMOONING IN THE FARAWAYS THREE KIWI SAILORS Sharon and Simond celebrated They joined Lead Boat Athina ‘Happy Hour’ or breakfasts at their honeymoon whilst on for a fortnight of exploring the the Harbour Lights in Lakka. flotilla in May this year. Faraway Islands. We have been visiting Lakka for many years and have seen They sailed on Galini, one of the children in the town grow SHARON, SIMOND AND our Beneteau 35’s and whilst on up. Melody and the team from ATHINA CREW holiday they enjoyed a meal in Harbour Lights found a new Taverna Galini...good choice! A CELEBRATORY DRINK use for our Sailing Holidays jute Susan, Tom and Heather using Their first holiday together was bags. their bag in Menton, France! a flotilla several years ago and They managed to squeeze in they decided to come back another celebration as Sharon to where it all began for their had hit a birthday milestone the honeymoon. week before they set sail. OUR MERCHANDISE TAKES A HIKE TO NEPAL We love to see where our Sailing Holidays “merch” gets to. So many of you travel to and HOSTIE EMILY AND FLOTILLA FRIEND OLIVIA - 12 YEARS ON... When Emily ventured out to from all four corners of the earth “You never know who you’re I RECOGNISE Greece for her second summer and often take us with you THAT TOWEL! as a flotilla hostie, she probably going to meet this season... when you go. Another photo we received wasn’t expecting to run into a When I was 11, I (Emily), went Flotilla sailor Hilary went hiking recently came all the way long lost friend! on my first Sailing Holiday’s in Nepal this year and one of from Copenhagen. One of our family flotilla and made friends DINGHY RIDES! our tops and hats made the very eye catching towels has with Olivia. perfect apparel for her trip! THEN... HILARY TAKING US WITH travelled with Clive on his sailing Fast forward 12 years, I end up HER ON HER HOLIDAY! adventure! being her Hostie! Such a small ...AND NOW world!”
Emily and Olivia...reunited at CELEBRATING WITH SIROCCO IN THE SARONICS last! Here are some photos from In June one of their flotilla sailors Lorcan and Seb were treated then and now... Lucy found out that she would to a group meal and a cake be receiving her degree in EACH! LUCY AND HER FAMILY Pharmacy. Not only did she LORCAN GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS CELEBRATE IN DHOKOS pass...she got a First! Andy and Myrtle set sail on our This isn’t their first foray into TURNS 15! The flotilla gathered for a Whole Ionian flotilla in May. flotilla sailing, they know the During the school summer beach party in Dhokos to mark ropes! It looks like they had a holidays there is always an Whilst on flotilla with Lead Boat the occasion! great time celebrating in style. occasion to celebrate when Vassia they celebrated their sailing on flotilla. Then in August Sirocco raised a Golden Wedding Anniversary. Here’s to another 50 years! SEB HITS 26! This year lead boat Sirocco had glass (or several) for a double their fair share of parties! birthday party. ANDY AND MYRTLE 28 CELEBRATE WITH THE CREW 29 THE CREW OF SIMANTIO A few more snippets from the summer...
SAILING IN THE CORFU SHELTERED WATERS
These holidays Which Phill & can be seriously Jamie recently addictive... found out...
GED AND LYNNE IN 2016 e have said it before We had an amazing week of It was like meeting old friends, Wand we’ll say it again, lunchtime stops in secluded and we couldn’t wait to get on Not a story of 2019 but a story of 16 years! we can’t think of a better way bays, healing over in the our boat and get sailing again. “In 2003 we visited the This planted the seed for us, we to spend precious holiday afternoon wind, being on Due to Greek laws changing in Birmingham NEC Outdoor booked a week in the South time than sailing around the dolphin watch, and drinking the South Ionian with regards and Boat Show looking Ionian the following year as our fantastic Greek Islands. Mythos of an evening whilst sailing qualifications we would around camping and walking special one off, never again catching up with the flotilla. The number of you who return have to go through the Lefkas equipment. holiday to mark our 25 years to sail with us year on year just We were enjoying our week so Canal to the North Ionian for together. At the time, we were goes to prove that we are not much, that as we were sailing our week afloat. Next year, 2020, is already approaching our 25th We came back from that alone in our thinking! to Poros we decided to email booked, returning to the The lead crew were keen to Anniversary and wondering holiday completely amazed the office and book another Faraways for our 13th flotilla This year Phill and Jamie sailed inform us that the tradition is what different holiday we could at having been given the flotilla later in the year. holiday. on their first flotilla with us. Little that you dress up when going do to celebrate. opportunity to experience did they know, it would spark a We ended our holiday on such through the canal. something so wonderful and so Since that early trip we have Amongst the stalls was Sailing new addiction! a high as we’d had an amazing different. enjoyed the North and South Now we are not ones to let Holidays and we chatted to week sailing and we couldn’t Ionian, Saronics, Sporades and “We have been sailing on the down this “tradition” and them mentioning that we We got different things out of wait to return in September. the Faraway Islands and still sit Norfolk Broads for years and scoured the boat for dressing had twice tried sailing on that first trip but both loved it at anchor in beautiful remote have always wanted to do a On the day before departing up stuff, namely bedsheets, in Windermere but couldn’t more than anything we had bays for our lunch marvelling sailing holiday abroad on a for our second flotilla holiday, order to dress up as a Titanic consider the sea. done before. flotilla. One day we were talking we went to the Southampton tribute act, with Jack and Rose at the fact that we, us, Lynne These lovely people assured us Two years later, we were back to our sailing friends and after Boat Show. flying off the bow in the wind. & Ged, are actually allowed to that we would be able to sail in Greece again for our second much discussion we all decided do this. We feel so privileged!” After reminiscing about the Many pictures were taken, one of their boats in Greece. one-off, never again sailing to book a holiday on a flotilla to holiday in July, we ended up and much fun was had whilst holiday. the South Ionian. Ged & Lynne Donovan booking another one for the motoring through the swing We have been to Poros and following year - a two week bridge! Sami in Kefalonia for a few South Ionian holiday for 2020. We had another amazing week They said we couldn’t do it, they said we would sink! holidays previously, and we We were so excited! and made some great new always thought seeing it “Hello Sailing Holidays, We received two rounds of Landing in Greece in friends as we travelled from port STILL FLOATING! from the sea would be an applause from the flotilla September for our second week to port, either stopping off for a Thank you for another amazing sight - we were not and managed to make it we met our lead crew Niamh, lunchtime swim or maximising outstanding two week flotilla disappointed! back without a drop of water Lottie and Princess. our time with the sails up during holiday! entering the dinghy. After meeting our crew (Dom, the afternoon. We were over the moon that After a great day on the beach Lottie and Will - later to be What a memorable day!” Princess and Lottie were our We finished our week on in Parga doing watersports, we called Princess) we started our realised that we would have to lead crew again. another high and now can’t Phil and Crew week sailing around Kefalonia make it back to the boat “six wait to return in June next year.” Pindos and Ithaka. up” in the dinghy. Phill & Jamie 30 (flotilla addicts) 3131 ADVENTURES IN THE ATLANTIC January 22nd The crews celebrated the end Tales from our 2019 Canary Islands Mile Builder After a 30 minute stroll turned of the trip in their own ways, 12 TH - 26TH into a one hour hike we had Camino cracked open the JANUARY 2019 some delicious tapas and the champagne and Tinto the odd cold beer. cans of lager. We emptied the fridge for our last meal on January 23rd - Distance: 103NM board which was a melange of INSTRUCTOR WILL HAS A We headed north to round the culinary delights. RELAXED PASSAGE top of Gran Canaria bound for La Gomera. Living on board... January 20th - Distance: 38NM For seven relative strangers to We left Marina Lanzarote and For the first time we really be thrown together aboard a once again beat up the east felt the effects of the wind CAMINO’S CREW TINTO’S CREW 41ft yacht, albeit with a shared coast. The scenery as we acceleration zones between love of the sea and sailing, sailed through the Estrecho Tenerife and Gran Canaria. We could have been a recipe for, del Rio, the channel between also had to be aware of our if not disaster then potential Lanzarote and Isla Graciosa, position in relation to the Traffic niggles. Having shared meals was stunning. Separation Scheme that runs and stories with both crews and between the islands. That evening Camino spent the Will and Pete it is evident that night in the marina at Caleta As we passed Tenerife, the both crews gelled as teams and del Sebo. Tinto’s crew opted to wind died on us for the first time although dealing with things in free swing at Playa Francesa on our trip and so we motor- different ways just got on with it about 2NM further on. sailed the last few miles until we and thoroughly embraced and arrived at Marina La Gomera at The crew took turns on anchor enjoyed the experience. January 12th With the crews working in January 15th to 16th - Distance: San Sebastián. watch during the night. I spent The two crews arrived on pairs for night watches, it was 63NM a peaceful hour reading in the January 24th Tenerife and we were greeted generally three hours on and six We departed Marina Tazacorte cockpit waiting for the blood On our final rest day the crews by Will, Pete and Charlie. hours off. and sailed around the north of moon to appear. each did their own thing. Tinto’s La Palma beating into a force 6. Our yachts Tinto and Camino, In order to practice entering a mob took a taxi trip to sample January 21st - Distance: 122NM both Dufour 412s, were ready marina at night we planned to January 16th to 18th - Distance: the tapas and beer at Mirador Both yachts set a course for us to board. arrive at Puerto de la Estaca, 222NM de Abrante. Camino’s crew of 240ºM heading for Gran enter the marina, turn around Our sail to Lanzarote was to explored San Sebastián with the The first evening was low key, Canaria and the marina at and then head for La Palma. be our longest passage which more energetic walking up the SAILING INTO THE NIGHT a group meal was in order at a Puerto de Las Palmas. would take us over 37 hours. local restaurant. We had some challenging and hill that overlooked the town. Cooking on board could be The wind blew force 2-4 and exhilarating sailing with winds Will threw in an impromptu man January 25th - Distance: 32NM challenging particularly in We left the marina on a bright behind us all the way, we surfed up to force 7, gusting 8. Despite overboard at one point to test The wind once again deserted a rolling sea but we all took morning with a moderate wind to Gran Canaria on big rollers. being heavily reefed we out our skipper Pete and his turns and ate really well, a blowing at force 4-5. us for our last short passage reached a speed of 10.6 knots. crew, so Bob was called into As we approached Las Palmas back to Las Galletas. We meal tastes great after a days’ th th January 13 to 14 - Distance: action once again! we were hailed on the VHF by a sailing. Some crew members The crews had an enjoyable motored to Tenerife and whale 140NM solo rower who was attempting were more adventurous, Bill meal at a restaurant fronting We spent the day and the watched along the way. Instructors Will and Pete had to cross the Atlantic. decided to serve up a roast onto a black sand beach. following night at Marina prepared our first passage plan dinner! Rubicon for some well-earned He had diverted to Gran THE ROWER MAKES IT and we set a course for the TINTO ENJOY SOME R&R, a few beers and a Canaria due to illness and TO GRAN CANARIA! Will and Pete are extremely island of El Hierro. SUNSHINE SAILNG pleasant group meal. problems with his navigation professional and good at what We each practiced man systems. He was concerned they do. The success of the January 19th - Distance: 46NM overboard under motor and that we were a large tanker as trip was due in no small part With the wind on our nose at sail, crash tacking and gybing. he was not able to identify us to how they led us, imparted force 3-4, we tacked up the east on his AIS system. We allayed his their knowledge, fashioned us A fender and a length of coast of Lanzarote for what by fears and the crews eventually into teams and above all had warp made a makeshift man now seemed like a short hop of met up with him later that day. our safety as their paramount overboard who became 46NM to Marina Lanzarote. affectionately known as ‘Bob’. concern. Steve - Tinto Crew 32 33 Sailing Holidays Ltd THE SAILING HOLIDAYS LTD YACHT CHARTER DIVISION GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH! YACHT CHARTER DIVISION When you have tried all our flotilla sailing holidays areas, you may wish to consider branching out to a new area or larger yacht, so check out a few possibilities below:
YACHT CHARTER (Bareboat) SKIPPERED YACHT CHARTER LUXURY CREWED CHARTER For those with sailing For those new to sailing or (skipper and hostess on board) “Just a quick note to thank you for qualifications (minimum ICC or simply wishing to relax and this is a bit more expensive but a great charter in Greece. Charter RYA Day Skipper Practical). begin to learn the ropes. a “real getaway” in comfort. company were excellent: very helpful and both hand-overs were detailed This sector of our programme This is a popular option for those Luxury yacht charter costs a and smooth. The boat was very well is where we “package” sailing wishing to experience sailing bit more because the yacht equipped and far too easy to sail, holidays on charter companies’ and take their first foray out is normally larger and fully meaning the trip was stress free. yachts in Greece and other onto the water with a skipper crewed with breakfast and The team are thinking about next year countries across the Med. who will know their way around lunch provided. It especially the area. already.” This covers clientele who require allows for unique nights at anchor under the brightest stars Grant - Greece - Kos - Hanse 505 larger yachts than we have Certainly, couples, groups and you will have ever seen. ourselves, operate in areas families all enjoy the aspect of other than where we operate, going out to local eateries in Greece generally remains our or even as overflow when our the evening once tucked into a most popular cruising area flotillas are booked. Mediterranean harbour. although Croatia is gaining in “We have returned from our bareboat popularity and Turkey seems to holiday sailing on a catamaran. Mediterranean sailing is Med sailing in the morning is have recovered from its recent continually evolving and we usually quite sedate and late I would like to thank all the staff political upheavals. develop with it. The key is afternoon sailing can be a bit in Sailing holidays for great our knowledge of the core more exciting - the choice is Broadly, you will find incredible communication and organisation. You aspects of travel and sailing. yours. history in all these areas and, were very helpful providing us all the We specialise in merging these above all, fantastic fresh and information. Skippered charter caters for two ingredients through our healthy food. complete beginners at an extra Thank you once again .” infrastructure in the UK. cost for the skipper - not full One of the nicest aspects Bojan - Greece - Corfu - Lagoon 380 All three holiday options can be luxury, but still enjoyable and a of sailing in the Med is not provided as flight and transfer chance to have a go at sailing knowing or caring about what is inclusive holidays or simply the with onboard supervision. happening in the outside world. sailing bit by itself. In recent Your skipper will “give you a go” It is quite noticeable that, after years, the luxury side has been “Sailing north out of Kos on Audenis was great fun. She sailed really well whenever it is appropriate and a couple of weeks on the water, slowly moving to catamarans in both light and not so light winds, was well prepared by the charter explain all sorts of aspects of the television news appears to and the super luxury of crewed company. sailing generally. be the same as when you left. large motor yachts. A good range of charts and port information awaited us in the chart table and instrumentation was all fully functioning. One key to our success is the protection of your money through our Civil The charter company provided good service and had great Aviation Authority ATOL for flight inclusive packages and our ABTOT (through recommendations for our two week itinerary. our ABTA membership) for ‘yacht only holidays’. In addition we are long standing members of AITO (a group of 150 specialist holiday companies). So yes, everything went really well on this charter and we return with great memories of an excellent sailing experience.” GREECE CROATIA TURKEY SPAIN ITALY Steve - Dodecanese Islands - Sun Odyssey 409 Call us on: 020 8438 1133 or visit our website: sailingholidays.com/yacht-charter
34 35 FREE ME CREW At this point in the week, KOS Marmaris everyone knew their roles on (Greece) the yacht and we were starting to function like a well-oiled Kumlubük machine. Ciftlik Driven by the thought of our Dirsek Bükü Bozburun week coming to an end, the Yacht crew were keen to gorge FACT BOX TIME FOR A DIP Charter themselves on as much food, Free Me Serçe drink and sun as possible. Yacht Name: limanı Sun Odyssey 410 Bozukkale Division NISYROSYacht Type: With the chain up, we motored Turkey - Marmaris for another hour before Location: nd th June 15 - 22 reaching Kumlubük. Travel Dates: 2 - Day Skipper ÇIFTLIK BAY This is a huge moon shaped Crew: TILOS 3 - Crew bay with several restaurants scattered along the shore. Another delicious cockpit Bareboat dinner capped off what had been yet another seamless day Yacht Kalkan on the boat. SUNSET TEAM PHOTO OPPORTUNITY Charter DAYKas 6: KUMLUBÜKUcagiz TO FINLAY FROM OUR OFFICE ESCAPES TO SUNNY TURKEY! MARMARIS Compelled by the knowledge this was to be our last day A quick lunch on the go before aving left the UK on a rainy DAY 2: ÇIFTLIK BAY TO Once longlined, we were able Not only did this represent our aboard, making the most of our a couple of cooling swims and Hsummer day, we received a BOZUKKALE to admire this beautiful inlet furthest reach from Marmaris, it time left was a must. warm welcome as we landed Our first full day was all about which cuts back into the land it was time to make port. had also been praised by the In order to stay ahead of the in Turkey! Our home for the re-familiarising ourselves with and boasts some of the clearest An excellent dinner quayside base team as one of Turkey’s other charters returning to week was a Sun Odyssey 410 boat life as we headed down water I have ever seen. followed by some refreshments best bays. with all the bells and whistles the coast in search of bays. base, our first play of the day A quick hop over to Bozukkale at Osman’s restaurant was Without a doubt, they were you could ask for. The next was to refuel our tanks back at The prevailing North Westerly was next. The remains of an more than enough before not lying! With gin-clear morning, following a thorough the marina. created a great opportunity to ancient fortress lines the hillside lights out. The town had been a water and shelter from most briefing and a substantial go through the motions as we as you make your approach, much needed and enjoyable angles, it definitely lived up to Tank full, we found a little bay supply shop, we were ready to beat into the wind for the better which we later discovered stop, but we couldn’t wait to expectations. A small restaurant 30 minutes from the marina get going! part of the morning. made for a cracking viewpoint. get back into bays. ashore provided us with some where we spent our final hours DAY 1: MARMARIS TO ÇIFTLIK much needed sustenance (and reflecting on the week we’d Our bay stop for lunch was We dropped our anchor before DAY 4: BOZBURUN TO DIRSEK BAY local olive oil). had. called Serçe Limanı. taking a few lines ashore with BÜKÜ We set off with the sun blazing the help of some enterprising A lazy start to the day with DAY 5: DIRSEK BÜKÜ TO Nestled in between two fishing and not a cloud in sight. A restaurateurs. breakfast ashore and a supplies KUMLUBÜK boats and with a warm sun casual 2 hour motor down shop, finally saw us leaving Our earliest start of the week beating down, we all agreed DAY 3: BOZUKKALE TO the coast took us to our first harbour at midday. promised our best and it is easy to see why Turkey has BOZBURUN anchorage of the week, Çiftlik longest day of sailing yet, an long been one of the greatest An early start and an important Once out in the open, we were Bay. uninterrupted 5 hour leg back in sailing destinations in the day ahead as we set sail for spurred on by a strong breeze Anchor dug in, it was time the direction of Marmaris. Mediterranean. Bozburun. Having not seen a to put the sails up. With not far for dinner. With a choice of town since Marmaris the crew to travel today, it was lovely to With a strong North Westerly We will definitely return here 3 restaurants, we eventually were keen to set foot on land. be sailing. blowing we flew down the and I highly recommend this decided on Azmak where we coast topping 10 knots and sailing area to anyone who has More pressing was our need to This evenings stop was one we dined on fresh dorado and leaving several other yachts in a mind for a Turkish holiday. SERÇE LIMANI restock the boat with food (and had been looking forward to, a quenched our thirst with the our wake. local brew, Efes. maybe some beer). stunning bay called Dirsek Bükü. Finlay and crew 36 37 LIZ TAKES THE HELM Kastela Yacht DAY FOUR - SOLTA ISLAND After a while, deluges of water Rogonznica Split Charter A quick on-deck inspection at were pouring down outside and 06:00 showed that some strong thunder rumbled overhead. We Division gusts were blowing across our made a dash for the boat once sheltered bay. the rain had eased. Maslinica MOORED IN SESULA BAY I reacted in a very British way DAY FIVE - ROGOZNICA Sesula Bay MILNA and put on the kettle and make The skies were dark grey and SOLTA Milna a very large cup of tea. there appeared to be some wind out of the harbour. Soon FACT BOX BRAC In the end we slipped the after leaving harbour the wind Minnie mooring at 07:30, put up the sails Yacht Name: started to increase, so, at 18 and headed out of our cove. Hanse 385 Yacht Type: knots of wind, we made a By 10:30 we were at the coast Start Base: Split Kastela decision to reef early. of the Island of Solta, looking for 28th September - Almost as soon as the reef was Travel Dates: HVAR SAILING BACK TO the lee of the island to anchor th 5 October KASTELA MARINA in, the wind gusted 25 knots. and have some breakfast. The radio piped up on channel Vis Town Before arriving at the port in 16 in Croatian, which was later Bareboat VIS Maslinica, we stumbled across repeated in English for the sole Komiza a lengthy inlet called Sesula. We mad English people still out Yacht decided to pick up a mooring on the water “Gale warning, BISEVO Charter due to the stormy weather. gale warning, gale warning”. KORCULA As it turned out, this was an It was too late to turn back, as LIZ POTTER CRUISES THE DALMATIAN ISLANDS FOR A WEEK excellent decision, as the we were mid passage to our mooring was owned by the little bolt hole of Rogoznica on the bistro ashore and the overnight mainland. This is the story of the Croatian This was not going to stop us Once inside the harbour, The blue cave was in the next stay was free for customers. Ahead was looking dark travels of Liz and Andrew Potter, from getting a meal and a we were met by a RIB, who bay and was but a tiny gap at and menacing, but with the from West Kirby Sailing Club on beer! directed us to the buoyed area, the bottom of the cliff face. We THE ENTRANCE TO wind astern and the dark the Wirral, who put aside their to pick up a mooring. all hadLASTOVO to duck and the dark THE BLUE CAVE In our haste to get ashore, we and menacing skies behind four racing dinghies for a week stone corridor swallowed us. had failed to put on the yacht’s We had a delightful meal in us looking some way off, we in favour of an alternative salty After a short echoing passage, masthead lights. Fuelled on a small restaurant off a shady pressed on. adventure in a 38ft yacht. beer and slight apprehension, backstreet in town. where the boatman turned off It was with relief that we finally ARRIVAL IN SPLIT we crossed the dark waterway his engine, the boat emerged We feasted on a Dalmation dish dropped sails to head into We arrived at Kastela marina towards our unlit vessel, with our into a bolt of the brightest blue, of beef and gnocci in a rich Marina Frapa, cold and wet. at around 10pm, we had been way lit by the phosphorescence as the sun lit the water from the aromatic sauce, accompanied given the pontoon number of thousands of microscopic cave’s underwater entrance. DAY SIX - KASTELA by local island wine. where Minnie, our Hanse 385, plankton under a blanket of Back on our boat, we returned It was sails up and away for a DAY THREE - BISEVO ISLAND was berthed. stars. to Komiza for some supplies, long challenging sail to return By 8am, there was already a to the starting point. DAY ONE - BRAC ISLAND DAY TWO - VIS ISLAND before setting off in a direction Owner Sasha came to fetch line of boats heading for Bisevo. After a familiarisation of the After a leisurely breakfast in dictated by the current wind, us in his small boat, so we The wind shifted during the We joined the exodus. boat by the charter company the warm sunshine on deck, the forecast and a few whims. avoided the tiresome paddling morning, so we chose to sail Access to the cave was only we left the marina in light winds. we made a late start. A little We ended up heading for experience. We had a very inside the mass of small islands, wind put us close-hauled to Vis, possible with a guided tour pleasant lunch at the bistro rather than around. Arriving at the port of Milna on the main town port of Vis. We which became our destination. launch, which passed by the and took a walk over the hill to Brac island by early evening, picked up a mooring on the We finally turned into Split bay moorings, where many yacht examine Maslinica marina. where we chose to anchor on We approached the far side quieter side of Vis harbour, for the last 6 miles in 15 knots of crews awaited a turn. the far side of the harbour. of the island and decided to called Kut, and enjoyed the Sasha came back to collect us wind on the nose. A glorious last stop over in the port of Komiza, We were lucky to pick up a end of day sunshine. The for dinner. During the meal, the beat to end a wonderful week Next came the drama of which was the closest point mooring just as one yacht was weather looked set to change, sky started to flash with distant of adventures. getting the tender off the deck. to the small Island of Bisevo; leaving and were collected. forecasts showed wind and lightning as the storm rolled in The little rubber boat was very Where to next? location of the blue cave. thunderstorms for the next day. over the hills. small. Liz Potter 38 39 THE 2020 SAILING HOLIDAYS BROCHURE! Due to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) creating mayhem in our computer system, we fear that many people did not receive one of our 2020 brochures because they missed a particular tick box. Please let us know if you or any of your friends have not received one and we will get it off to you or them by return.
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