sailingholidays.com
2018 NEWSLETTER
COME AND SAY HELLO... LEAD CREW NEWS NEW FOR 2018 Catch up with the team and All our lead crew news, Return of the two week enjoy a G&T on us! past and present... Faraway Islands Flotilla! 1 Thanks to everyone who sent us letters, emails, 2017 saw Heidi and I trying to spend less time online reviews, photos and videos - we really in the office without much success. We had a appreciate receiving them. As always, we have brilliant time sailing on our annual flotilla (this time included a few of your stories and photos in this the Argolic Gulf) for a couple of weeks during newsletter, so don’t be surprised if you feature. the summer. We met a few of our regular flotilla sailors along the way. Plans for 2018 include a return to the two week Faraway Islands flotilla (on two dates only). In Thanks again to everyone who sailed with addition, we are once again running two week us in 2017 - we look forward to bumping into pop-up flotillas in Croatia in June (again, on two you again in Greece this coming summer! We 2017 LEAD CREWS 6 2018 BOAT SHOWS 4 dates only). haven’t decided which route we will be doing yet, but it will be a two week flotilla. As we roll into our 42nd year, with the arrival of yet more new yachts, our flotilla sailing holidays Cheers! have evolved considerably. The latest yacht designs are simply brilliant! IN THIS ISSUE...
MEET THE TEAM... 16 04 Boat Shows - come and say g’day 06 2017 lead crews! 2 WEEK FARAWAY ISLANDS FLOTILLA 08 Past Lead Crews & Greek News 10 Barrie & Heidi’s Greek Island villa 12 Allan Barwell – Celebrating a life! 14 Reasons to be Cheerful
NEW FOR 2018 16 Two Week Faraway Islands Flotilla 18 London office news 20 Barrie and Heidi visit the Argolic Gulf 22 Croatia Pop-Up 2017 Run Down
20 SNAPS & STORIES 25 New boat deliveries BARRIE & HEIDI VISIT THE ARGOLIC 26 The life of a Sailing Holidays Family 28 Stories from summer 2017 30 South Ionian Regatta 31 North Ionian Regatta 32 Our Photo Competition Win!
YACHT CHARTER DIVISION 34 Independent Charter, Skippered Charter and Luxury Charter 35 Luxury Yacht Charter 36 Bex and Faye visit the Saronics! 38 Exploring new seas in Sardinia 38
MONEMVASIA EXPLORING SARDINIA 2 3 MEET THE TEAM
COME & SAY HELLO... PAGE 4: Boat Shows PAGE 6: 2017 lead crews PAGE 8: Past Lead Crews & Greek News PAGE 10: Barrie and Heidi’s Greek Villa PAGE 12: Allan Barwell – Celebrating his Life! PAGE 14: Reasons to be cheerful
COME AND SAY HELLO!
LONDON BOAT SHOW RYA DINGHY SHOW SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW EXCEL, LONDON ALEXANDRA PALACE, LONDON MAYFLOWER PARK/TOWN QUAY, SOUTHAMPTON 10TH - 14TH JANUARY 2018 3RD - 4TH MARCH 2018 14TH – 23RD SEPTEMBER 2018 southamptonboatshow.com STAND: WD017 www.rya.org.uk
londonboatshow.com The RYA Dinghy show is always The Southampton Boat Show We didn’t want to break with an excellent opportunity for us to is becoming our busiest show tradition and held our 2017 The London Boat show definitely say hello to some of our current of the year! Many of you are G&T afternoon for flotilla sailors went off with a bang last year, flotilla sailors, but also to introduce planning further ahead to old and new! One couple even it was as ever, great to see so dinghy sailors to the joys of sailing ensure you get the yacht you popped in to say hello before many familiar faces coming in the Med. want in the place you want it. flying out to Greece that very to say hello. We had a mixture Some of you may have heard These evenings are very weekend. The step from dinghy sailing to With bookings coming in earlier of London Office staff and our about the big changes for pleasant for exchanging flotilla yacht sailing isn’t as big as some and earlier (a few of you The 2018 show is sure to be Greece team manning the the 2018 London Boat Show. tales and a great excuse to may think, once you know how have even paid your deposit a good one as it will be stand. We were overlooking The show will have a reduced reminisce on the warm days of the wind works there’s not really for 2020). September is fast celebrating its 50th year. the indoor boating lake which running time (only 5 days). We summer. too much else to it! We think a becoming the new January! helped a little to mellow our will be there as usual however, For those of you who didn’t flotilla holiday in the gentle waters winter blues. to bring a bit of Greek summer The sun managed to keep its spot our charity parking sign, of the Ionian is the safest way to to the ExCel Centre. hat on for most of the show look out for it in As always there was lots to try your hand at yacht sailing and this year and the yachts on the 2018 (close to see and do at the show with We will still be hosting our Fancy a G&T ? with the support of our flotilla lead water were once again a top the Red Funnel SUP (stand up paddleboard) late-night G&T’s on Thursday If so, come along to crews it couldn’t be simpler. our stand.... attraction. Ferry entrance). demos, safety talks and plenty evening, now the second day Once again, we will be bringing It is only available of yachts to explore. We were of the new format show. So 6PM ONWARDS the sunny shores of Greece to the at weekends and pleased so many of you came please come along and catch FANCY A G&T? Thursday 11th Jan Show in 2018, tickets are on sale all donations go to join us for Winter Sundowners up with fellow flotilla sailors old Visit us Sat 15th Sept on the Thursday late night. Stand number: now from the RYA website. to local charities. and new. WD017 4 5 OUR 2017 Lead crews
SIROCCO - MATAS, ANNABEL & LAURA
KALAMAS - RICH, CALUM & EMILY ATHINA - JAKE, BECKY & TOM
SHORE-BASED TEAM - JAKE, PATCH, ROSIE & RALPH KYRA - BEN, PHOEBE & ALEX KIRKI - JACK, SAM & ABI ZEPHY - RUAIRIDH, SOPHIA AND JB DESSA - BILLY, DANIELLE & KIT DELPHI - GEORGE, WILL & ESME KAMARA - ADRIAN, ELPIDA - CHRIS, XAVIER & NIAMH HARRIET & CONNOR VASSIA - NETTY, BILLIE & COOKIE
LOUTRAKI - MEGAN, TODD & ROB
OUR RYA TRAINING TEAM HELEN - EOIN, HEATHER & YORKIE
6 7 KEFALOS - IVAN, LAUREN & GEORGE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE 1981 BACK ON A JAG - SHE HASN’T PAST LEAD CREWS & GREEK NEWS... CHANGED A BIT FOR HOSTESS LAURIE!
KAT & LOCKIE’S WEDDING In the early 80’s Barrie was Kirki Lead Crew Kat and Lockie See if you can spot any familiar A girl couldn’t of dreamt of a joined in the Ionian Islands by tied the knot in the beautiful faces...(Bex, Faye, JD, Sophia, more picturesque wedding and Canadian Hostie Laurie. They Salisbury countryside. It was Stavros - who used to be thin, the happy couple could not ran a flotilla of Jaguars around the most glorious day in June, Josh and Charlie). have had a more perfect day. Corfu and Paxos. reaching a scorching 30 It was a charming church We wish them all the best for Their reputation as a lead crew degrees! It was a great day where they said the all- the future and look forward to must have spread as they were for a few of us from the old important “I Do’s”, then a short many more reunions to come! soon approached to see if they Sailing Holidays Lead Crews to stroll down the road to Howards Yamas! would be interested in running 2017 get together and celebrate House Hotel for the reception. a flotilla in the Florida Keys. our wonderful mates getting By the end of 1982 that Now a travel consultant, this hitched! operation hadn’t worked year Laurie returned for the commercially, so Laurie first time to introduce Robert to decided to head back to sailing in Greece. ALL EX-FLOTILLA LEAD CREWS Canada. She subsequently They had a really nice catch up married fellow Vancouverian and even managed to get this Robert and they have two sons. snap on our remaining Jaguar Barrie set off for a new 27, Emerald Girl. Talk about adventure with the company in memory lane! 1982 Yugoslavia.
ALEX AND EWEN BABY 2007 In Auckland on 6th January Rose has even 2017 ex-Hostie and Skipper duo, made it out Alex and Ewen welcomed Rose on the water SPORADES 2014 LEAD CREW into their family. already, we like CHARLIE, KAT AND LOCKIE to see the next They headed up the first of our generation Saronic Flotillas in 2008 along getting started AUGUST 2017 with Engineer Nik. nice and early. EX LEAD CREW KEFALOS CREW IN 2013 BABY NEWS! EX-HOSTIE FIONA’S FAMILY HIT THE HIGH SEAS FIONA BACK IN THE DAY On 4th March 2017 our Ex- Some of you may have had This year Fiona persuaded her Kefalos Lead Crew Sam and the pleasure of sailing on a sister Bryony to head out on Clodagh welcomed a baby flotilla with ex-Hostie Fiona. She their first Sailing Holidays flotilla. girl Ailish into the world. worked in Greece during the She was joined by husband We were lucky enough to summer seasons of 2008/09. Lee and their two children meet this little beauty at the Then she came ashore to work Joshua and Chloe. Southampton Boat Show, in the London Office. THE WALKER FAMILY WITH BARRIE They sailed on our Two AND HEIDI where they were booking a Fiona kept in touch with her Week Whole Ionian Flotilla flotilla for 2018. flotilla engineer, Glenn, they on a Beneteau 331. Congratulations to Clodagh are now settled in Sydney. Flotilla sailing holidays are and Sam! Glenn is a pilot and joins other definitely contagious for all CLODAGH, SAM & THEIR NEW Kiwi and Aussie lead crews who generations! CREW MEMBER have gone flying after their flotilla years.
8 9 New for 2018 our own inhouse villa
A NEW “SHORE TO SAIL” LUXURY OPTION BARRIE AND HEIDI’S “SIVOTA MANOR” ON LEFKAS ISLAND! (They haven’t settled on a name yet so all ideas gratefully received!)
SINGLE LEVEL LUXURY LIVING IN STYLE
After forty years of sailing The view out from the large The nearby waterfront has It is uniquely positioned to take We are making an around the Ionian Islands, Barrie infinity pool is to die for, looking shops, a bakery, bars and advantage of the prevailing introductory offer from and Heidi have decided to out to Atoko Island, the tavernas. It will be rented out for morning and afternoon breezes the middle of June until at last put some roots down in Dragoneras and Oxia. the main summer season to try through the open areas and the middle of September. Greece. The land was bought to recoup some of the cost over roof widows (for the afternoon Keep an eye on the Sailing It features a large covered but almost twenty years ago, but the next decade or so. Northerlies). Holidays website in early open area South African style they never had the wherewithal 2018 for further information. barbecue, with an equally The villa features huge Finishing touches are continuing to build anything at that time. stunning view. The living area bathrooms, wide doorways throughout the winter so that Bookings will be made via Building started only a year or is also huge with a feature throughout the living floor, and everyone will be able to enjoy the Sailing Holidays Ltd so ago, and the first stage was fireplace. the main entrance on the same simply being there. Every hour office, through our “shore- finished in time for Barrie’s 70th level. There are three ensuite of the day seems to present a to-sail” team who will also The villa is bordered by fantastic birthday on 21st October. The double or twin bedrooms, one different atmosphere as the sun be able to advise on flights, stone walling and, being villa is complete apart from on the living level and the other moves across the horizon. transfers, hire cars and the surrounded by olive groves various final touches and it has two on a lower level. various other attractions on and forest, is very private. The We suspect that many of you taken our breath away!! the island. nearest habitation cannot be All rooms enjoy great views and will choose a luxury week or two It certainly ended up being a seen from the house. However, spacious balconies. There is air before or after a flotilla. We rather more grand design than it is only a ten minute walk from conditioning, double glazing can’t wait to spend some time Barrie & Heidi they originally envisaged! Sivota village harbour. and ceiling fans throughout. there ourselves! PLENTY OF SPACE
10 11 ALLAN BARWELL – CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF A FREE SPIRIT!
The roly poly rigger of old (a female Sea Scout). The Sea bear thinking about! He had to Being a gregarious chap, it The following day, Rodney took Dorsetshire is no more! The Scouts set him on his way in knock on a village door in the wasn’t long before Lorraine us out on his Beneteau from big “C” finally got him and life. Allan became the rigger at all-together. The Salvation Army decided he “needed sorting Cobbs Quay in pouring rain, according to his wishes, he is Cobbs Quay, Poole, following eventually sorted him out by out” and 23 years later, we were and consigned Allan’s ashes now “feeding the crabs off Old on from another amazing providing clothes, food and a together at his funeral event. to the deep. The weather Harry Rocks”. character, Horace Hoare! return ticket to the UK. Allan’s son Sam spoke movingly. was a reminder of why Allan He didn’t spend much time enjoyed coming out to the In his early years, Allan began In recent years, Allan We all adjourned to one actually rigging in his latter 30 Mediterranean so much. sailing in the Thames with the completed the excellent RYA of Allan’s watering holes in years, as he was always sailing Westminster Sea Scouts and book of rigging, so his legacy Hamworthy for a pleasant A collection was taken on with mates. Allan raced to quote him, was “taken extensively on both sides of the is the first UK book of modern send-off event. Oddly enough behalf of the Poole Sea Scouts advantage of by a Sea They crossed thousands of Atlantic on various yachts, one rigging and running. This came it involved food and drink! Like which raised £1,400 so, all in all, Ranger!” Mediterranean and Atlantic of which encountered a reef in about when the RNLI were the crematorium, the place we saw our old mate off in an miles together over the the Caribbean at high speed. looking for a “qualified rigger”. was packed with all Allan’s appropriate manner. A further decades. Sailing and special mates. It was really nice £1200 was raised at the AITO Being asleep at the time, he Allan asked them what socialising was the mantra to meet other sailing friends like charity auction in November. swam and crawled ashore qualification they required, only – and hundreds of young Rodney, who operates tugs and with not a lot on, then walked to discover that there wasn’t We will certainly miss his jovial people continue to tie people barges in Poole. for two days before finding one in existence, nor was there presence and extraordinary in knots with his rope tricks! some habitation. A naked a “textbook”. There is one now! rigging knowledge. and bedraggled Allan doesn’t Barrie 12 13 STAN KICKS THE BUCKET Stan Anslow He was thereafter elevated to company at many boat shows Reasons to be Cheerful spent his legendary status at the club where Pam’s friendly manner OUR BEGINNERS HAVE LESS DIFFICULTY THAN THE PROFESSIONALS! early life as and played 131 times for them. was a real asset. a footballer After his playing days were Eventually they returned to the (hence the Just in case you accidentally ploughed a bit of Another one that hit the news in August this year done, Stan decided to see a bit UK and settled in Kent. Stan’s reference sand with your keel whilst on holiday, this page was again an enormous container ship that ran of the world and headed down jovial presence will be missed by to kicking). is to illustrate that you are in good company! aground and blocked the entrance to Antwerp to Greece with his wife Pam. all those who knew him and the He was a Hopefully these shots of professional shipping Harbour. It seems fairly obvious that many Having enjoyed a flotilla holiday Amstel brewery will be struggling well known blunders will make you feel better! ships seem to have outgrown the harbours (or they began helping us with financially after his departure full back the channels into them). Clearly their satellite shore-based activities around from the mortal realm! Taking the ferry across to Corfu from the for Millwall navigation systems don’t know much about Gouvia Marina in 1986. Once mainland we spotted a large coastal freighter Football Club mud. CORFU 1990 involved there was no escape hard aground across the main channel of in the 1950’s. Igoumenitsa Harbour with a tug trying, without and they spent the next 10 He was moved forward on the years working for the company success, to move it (no tides to help here!) AUGUST 2017 - ANTWERP pitch in the mid 50’s and he in Corfu. shot to fame when “the Lions” Pam’s attention to detail won the 1957 FA Cup Final by and Stan’s energy were very beating Newcastle United. important in those early days. STAN AND PAM HELP TO GET THINGS Stan scored two of the goals! They also represented the READY AT GOUVIA IN 1986
OCTOBER 2017 - IGOUMENITSA HARBOUR IT ’S ALL IN THE DETAIL Anybody who has had a yacht Whilst on the subject of things Upon our return to the UK, we turned on the with anything rusty on it will rusting, please be careful television and there was a report of a huge One of the wonders of the evolution of flotilla know that the stains on the gel when you are buying anything container ship hard aground in the main sailing holidays, as an avenue from dinghies to coat take some removing! made of stainless steel in this channel of Durban harbour in South Africa! small cruising yachts, is that everyone soon learns day and age, because of about depths, wind effects, anchoring, and Heidi gave ex-flotilla engineer “looky-likey” stainless which is harbours generally. It almost seems that some Derek the task of solving this produced in China but is only ship’s captains or navigators ought to do a flotilla issue. The result was specially holiday before they take charge of a ship! 304 stainless. This is not only For many years, the buckets designed 316 stainless handles weaker, but produces rust stains So flotilla sailors needn’t feel nervous if they have that have been available in being made. These have very quickly. Again, if buying made a minor miscalculation or two during their Greece are recycled rubber. proved to be excellent. They items for your boat, specify 316 holiday – the professionals make much more The snag has been that they still don’t float of course, but we stainless, even though it costs a royal cock ups! came with anodised handles don’t have rust in our cockpit OCTOBER 2017 - DURBAN HARBOUR little more. and eyelet thimbles which lockers anymore. Details matter! Britain is unique in the world – no other country rusted within weeks. We began to wonder how many of these huge has such a system of introducing and enthusing ships were getting stuck around the world, and people about seafaring generally. The Greek were staggered to discover all sorts of mishaps. Islands provide the perfect environment for this 2017’S BIG CHALLENGE One that caught our eye was an enormous accumulation of experience. container ship that had somehow hit an island We tried to keep everyone in Every year presents a challenge
at the entrance to Hong Kong harbour. the loop at all stages! of some description, from volcanic eruptions to the THE LAST THING THIS CAPTAIN NEEDED You may have heard of the One way or another we WAS AN AUDIENCE! invention of new ways of demise of Monarch Airlines, managed to get everyone taxing us. Fortunately our who we had flown with for 25 to Greece and back, so it all independence allows us to be years. Sailing Holidays would worked out well in the end. like to say a BIG thank you light on our feet and cope with The Civil Aviation Authority to all those affected for their whatever is thrown at us. repatriated people who were patience whilst we worked to We are currently working on on a Monarch package holiday. make new travel arrangements. next year’s flight arrangements.
ISLAND, WHAT ISLAND? 14 15 Ericousa ERICOUSA Othoni GREEK MAINLAND NEW FOR Kassiopi Ay. Stephanos Mathraki 2018 Corfu Town Sayiadha
NEW ROUTES, POP-UP FLOTLLAS, NEW BOATS CORFU Plataria & LONDON NEWS! Petreti PAGE 16: Two Week Faraway Islands Flotilla Mourtos PAGE 18: London office news Lakka Parga PAGE 20: Barrie and Heidi visit the Argolic Gulf PAGE 22: Croatia Pop-Up 2017 Run Down PAXOS Mongonisi ANTI-PAXOS Preveza
TWO WEEK FARAWAY ISLANDS FLOTILLAS GETTING AWAY FROM THE CROWDS
There is a stunning golden Venetian backstreets hold a one of the larger towns in the beach right beside the harbour whole host of restaurants, shops area with some fabulous history and a taverna that overlooks and bars for you to spend your behind it. We recommend the bay. It has an excellent evening exploring. taking a walk up to the fortress view across the harbour and on the hill, there happens to be PAXOS & MAINLAND GREECE back across to Ericousa and a bar handily located within the From Corfu, you will carry on Albania. walls (excellent for quenching down to the island of Paxos. the thirst). It is quite a walk up CORFU ISLAND There are three main harbours and over the hill into Parga After a few days of sailing to choose from, Lakka, town from the boats so you can between the islands, you will Gaios and Mongonissi. Lakka hop on Yiannis water taxi. He PAXOS ISLAND MATHRAKI AND OTHONI ISLAND head back to more familiar and Gaios have a bustling will pick you up from the back territory. On Corfu Island the waterfront with some excellent We are taking another trip The first couple of days will take the three main Faraway Islands. of your boat and drop you flotilla may stop off at Kassiopi, restaurants. Mongonissi is a down memory lane and in the harbours of Sayaidha, off again at the end of your The first you come to is Ericousa, Corfu Town and Petriti. bay to the south of Paxos, it running a couple of flotillas to on the mainland, and St. evening - ideal! here you will find just one small is home to one taverna and the Faraway Islands. We have Stephanos, on the north- All come with their own harbour and a long sandy some more crystal-clear water. BACK TO BASE been asked over and over east coast of Corfu. Both of individual charms. Kassiopi has beach. The Faraway Islands You may also have heard Your last day will be heading again to reinstate this amazing these are beautiful little fishing kept its small town feel despite are home to some of the most of (or been witness to) their back into Plataria for your final flotilla and we thought…why villages. You will most likely be the area drawing in a more stunning beaches in the Ionian fantastic Greek dancing nights. group meal and a reminisce not this year! It will take in the moored on the town quay just affluent crowd than ever. You and they have the turquoise Another highlight of the trip is a over all the places that you’ve best of what the North Ionian a hop, skip and a jump away will still be able to find small water to match! lunchtime stop in Emerald Bay explored over the past fortnight. has to offer and of course the from some of the best seafood family run tavernas and little on Anti-Paxos Island for a lazy stunning Faraway Islands. restaurants in the Ionian. Sailing further west you come bakeries. across the islands of Othoni lunch and swim. HISTORIC CORFU TOUCHING DOWN This flotilla route will be adjusted Corfu Town is as beautiful as and Mathraki. Othoni is the The end of the fortnight is You will pick up your yacht in according to where the wind is ever! Approaching the yacht largest of the three islands and drawing near but there is still either our North Ionian base of coming from, and it’s strength. club from the sea is a stunning also the furthest from Corfu, it is time for a sail back over to the Plataria, or Gouvia Marina on sight, with the ancient citadel HEADING NORTH often the quietest of the three. mainland to the towns of Parga Corfu. perched precariously on the The rest of your first week will be Mathraki is the epitome of and Sivota Mourtos. Parga is cliff top above. The winding spent exploring the delights of ‘getting away from it all’. 16 17 LONDON OFFICE NEWS
ELENA & PANOS TIE THE KNOT IN CORFU! Our London Office Greek At the end the priest ties the Elena and Panos chose to Goddess gets married! In crowns together and they spend their honeymoon on a September, Ellen attended must never be undone! After Sailing Holidays flotilla! We can’t Elena’s wedding in Corfu. the ceremony the couple think of any better way. The traditional ceremony was were “showered” in rice for Congratulations Mr and Mrs beautiful to witness. good luck and then onto the Christodoulopoulos! reception for wonderful food The bridal party, friends and and Greek dancing! family of the bride all walked BRITISH TRAVEL AWARDS 2017 SUCCESS! to the church together with At the glittering annual end of season British Thanks to everyone who made the effort to vote traditional Greek folk music, Travel Awards ceremony, we surpassed all for us in these purely consumer voted travel played by a violinist and expectations. industry awards. guitarist. During the ceremony the Maid of Honour exchanges We won two of the classes outright for small Barrie and Heidi attended the star studded the wedding rings three companies and actually won the Best Overall awards evening to represent the company. They times. Crowns are worn which Activity/Sports Holiday Company! found themselves up on the stage twice and well and truly in the limelight. symbolise the couple’s union This last one meant that we had beaten the big and the Best Man places them guns with their beach clubs and all sorts of other It certainly reaffirmed that we seem to be getting on the couple’s heads three activities. things right generally. times.
AMY & LIAM DISAPPEAR OVER THE HORIZON TO AUCKLAND As many of you may know, we After skippering in Greece for had to say goodbye to Amy 3 years, Liam joined the office and Liam in October as they in 2013. Amy introduced new embarked on a new adventure marketing techniques on the over in New Zealand! internet and Liam developed our booking system. Barrie and Heidi’s eldest SAM AND LUCY daughter, Amy, had been in the They certainly made their mark London office since 2012. She and it was sad to see them go is finally using her New Zealand but we are sure working over passport. there will be a great experience.
LONDON OFFICE WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS With Mel on maternity leave, These three also cover all sorts Sara migrating to Devon and of elements of administration. LONDON OFFICE CREW HENRY, HANNAH & BEX Liam and Amy off to Auckland, On the sales side of things, The wedding took place in we had a void in the office SAM & LUCY ’S WEDDING Dave, Harry, Fin and another On the 16th of September the Suffolk in the village that Sam’s to fill. In addition, in March, Sam and Lucy exchanged ex-Hostie Faye have taken up eagle eyed amongst you may bride Lucy grew up in. The Hannah left to further her city their vows and it was only the challenge. The boys are have noticed that some of the Sailing Holidays contingent was ambitions, and is doing really afterwards that Sam’s nod to tending to the phones and familiar faces were missing from made up of Bex, Amy, Henry, well. Sailing Holidays, by way of a emails, while Faye is working Liam and Alan along with Abby our Southampton Boat Show nautical print tie, was spotted! Filling the gaps in the Launch alongside Bex in graphics, stand. That was because they and Hannah. OUR NEW “SAILS CREW ” Crew are ex-Hostie Ellen, Elena publications and social The evening was spent were driving across the country Once fully suited and booted from Greece and Matt (from media. dancing the night away before to attend the wedding of Sam they walked through the village Southport!). they slipped away to Mauritius from our London Office. to the church. for their honeymoon. 18 19 THE VIEW BACK TO THE MAINLAND TIROS FROM MONEMVASIA
A step back in time exploring some of the previously hidden historic spots of Greece.
DIMITRI & JENNY’S TAVERNA
A GLORIOUS RUN DOWN TO MONEMVASIA
OLD FLOTILLA HANDS TRY A NEW AREA - THE ARGOLIC GULF TEAM PHOTO!
THE SARONIC ADVENTUROUS SAILING FROM NAVPLION around the track to the village HISTORY A PLENTY MAKING “NEW” FRIENDS Two nights were spent there, FLOTILLA Their first night out was the where they enjoyed a grill on a It was then a shortish close On they sailed, this time up to one night of which was hit by Barrie and Heidi, along with village of Astros with its rooftop in the middle of town. hauled reach up to Ieraka, Plaka, a flotilla favourite, where a spectacular thunderstorm 1980’s flotilla engineer Derek excellent new harbour and This was one of the few eating another small village tucked there was a crossover with which arrived right on cue but a and his wife Mary-Anne village feel . It was followed by houses and what was there was inside a glorious natural the ‘short hops flotilla’. A most bit stronger than expected. decided that this year’s flotilla a night in Tiros which was even very small – just as we like it! harbour. On the way in, some enjoyable evening was spent This was followed by a quiet holiday had to be the Saronic more ‘villagy’. The terrific lead strange walls on the hilltop there, rafted up to the fallen THE STAR OF THE ARGOLIC GULF night at anchor in Vivari, before Adventurous route down to crew of George, Esme and appeared, so it was decided down quay with its rudimentary The following day was the flotilla returned to Navplion. Monemvasia. None of them Will went above and beyond, that an exploratory walk up repair – such is life in Greece. another glorious run down to had been there before so they making sure that everyone there would be a good idea. A TRIP TO REMEMBER Monemvasia. Spotting ‘the A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS booked a Beneteau 38 for the had a great time, and even This cruise route is certainly a Gibraltar of Greece’ as they The ruins of ancient Zarax were voyage. What a revelation! producing fantastic meze Then the flotilla headed north memorable one, and with such sailed around a headland, incredible. It must have once Monemvasia is as spectacular breakfast briefings on a couple to the island of Dhokos for an energetic lead crew, will not was certainly memorable. been a huge fortification in as the pictures suggest, with an of occasions. The flotilla was in a beach party. The night be soon forgotten. We have a The following day was spent ancient times. It must have incredible history. good hands! at anchor was treated to a feeling that this flotilla will be climbing up to the top of the been a mighty place in glorious view of the stars. oversubscribed next year. They had perfect winds and UNCHARTERED TERRITORIES rock to see the village and ruins Macedonian times but was used hardly any diesel at The next day was a bit longer above. This is a great viewpoint destroyed by an Athenian Due to a slightly challenging all. Every night was a new down to the bay and picture and it was easy to see why this General called Cleonymus, weather forecast, the flotilla adventure, steeped in history postcard village of Kiparrisi. natural fortification had been in who apparently didn’t like the sailed down to the beautiful The illustrious crew and real Greek atmosphere. There was plenty of time to walk use for centuries. Macedonians! island of Spetses. of Titania
20 21 Our Croatia Pop Up Flotillas
SKIPPER CHARLIE
HVAR ISLAND A COUPLE OF LAPS OF THE DALMATIAN ISLANDS
LONDON OFFICE DON THEIR LEAD CREW HATS STARI GRAD, HVAR
Charlie, Liam, Amy, Bex and Why is Korcula such an Why did she love Stari Grad? Our Yacht Charter Division’s WHERE DID THEY ALL GO? Sam from our London office attraction? It’s a stunning spot to stroll Sam, was new to the lead crew were offered the chance to The walled town is located on around and is the apparent game. Having sailed on flotilla act as the lead crew for our a peninsular jutting out from birth place of Marco Polo. It with his family we thought that PERFECT SUNSETS 2017 Croatia Pop-Up Flotilla. the land and as you approach also boasts the first toilet in he could do with spending Naturally, they leapt at the some time on the other side! We the marina the view is amazing. the world with running water! We built a raft and a local opportunity! think it’s safe to say that he has There are so many tiny back The entire flotilla took a walk taverna owner put on an a new understanding of what They put together their favourite streets to explore, I decided to along the waterfront and excellent group meal for us. We it takes to be a Sailing Holidays spots in the area, along with do a two day stop here on both managed to stumble across sat on a terrace overlooking lead crew. various tips they picked up flotillas. On our second flotilla a very pleasant bar. While the bay and devoured some along the way. we spent the day windsurfing in sipping a refreshing cocktail we delicious dishes. The dinghy ride the bay! caught up on everyone’s sailing Charlie skippered for 2 years in Sam’s Top Spot: back to the raft after a bottle adventures from that day. Greece and has around 60,000 Top Tip: Explore off the beaten LOVISTE (or two) of wine just topped off sea miles under his belt, so track! Croatia has over 1000 As some boats headed off to the evening. seemed like the perfect person islands with around 600 islands find sustenance a small group Why would you recommend a Top tip: The winds are a little to head up the flotillas. just in the Dalmatian region. of us walked to the mouth of night in Loviste? more exciting than you might the bay to catch the sunset…. SAM, BEX & Charlie was lead skipper for This was an unexpected be used to in Greece. We Bex’s Favourite Spot: what can I say? It was worth the CHARLIE both the first and second find for us. We needed to had steady strong breezes STARI GRAD, HVAR ISLAND walk! fortnights. He let us know his do a short hop from Korcula throughout our flotillas so be favourite stop from his time in Top tip: At the start of your town because the wind was prepared for some “proper Croatia. Bex was a Hostie in Greece for holiday you will find a large expected to pick up in the sailing” in the warm Dalmatian 3 years but has been desk supermarket and a Lidl on the afternoon. We scoured the sun! bound in our London Office road out of Kastela marina. chart and settled on Loviste. The verdict: Stock up on your favourite From the pilot book and the Charlie’s Favourite Location: for a further 3. So, when she We loved exploring the was asked to join Charlie on tipples for a reasonable price. pictures on Google it looked KORCULA TOWN, KORCULA ISLAND Dalmatian coast, in fact, we Bex and Amy can personally beautiful…it turned out that it the second Pop-Up Flotilla she enjoyed it so much that we are recommend the gin! was even nicer than we had dusted off her Hostie notes! doing it all over again in 2018! expected.
22 23 SNAPS & STORIES FUN AND GAMES FROM YOUR TIME IN GREECE “I think it’s 7 times we have been with Sailing Holidays. Southern PAGE 25: New boat deliveries Ionian, Northern Ionian, Faraway PAGE 26: The Life of a Sailing Holidays Family Islands and Croatia (Dalmatian PAGE 28: Your stories from 2017 Islands). This is just the best way PAGE 30: South Ionian Regatta to take a family holiday. They PAGE 31: North Ionian Regatta were all great, even during a 6.4 PAGE 32: Our 2017 Photo Competition earthquake.” Rod Brown-Lee
INDEPENDENT REVIEWS FROM YOU
NEW BOAT DELIVERIES TO GREECE
“We had a fabulous holiday last week on the Lefkas flotilla. My In February 2017 three new Then they called in to Monaco Beneteau 35s, two new husband and I had never sailed before heading south to Palau before and we’re a little nervous Beneteau 38s and a Beneteau in Sardinia. The final stretch saw 45 set off from Port Napoleon them sail down through the - the team looked after us so well and the place was beautiful. A near Marseille. straits of Messina via southern Italy, before finally reaching the truly amazing holiday - we will Skippers George and Netty home comforts of Corfu! be back!” Charlotte Skayee took some of these snaps along the way! From Marseille Five more new Beneteau’s are they sailed along the French on the way as you read this coastline to Antibes. newsletter!
“The best yet. Two weeks beginning of July, South Ionian with lead boat Kyra - with Ben, Alex and Demelsa. Couldn’t have asked for a better team. Would definitely recommend Sailing Holidays. My partner and I had an amazing holiday and looking forward to the boat show to book our next one. Lots of fun, good company, and we visited some beautiful places, not forgetting good sailing”
Angela Dunbar
NETTY PHOTO FROM BILLY WOODFIELD 24 25 For those who A special mention must Everything from Big Birthdays to Anniversaries... have done many be made of Bob and flotillas but Liz Newbury who were JOHN AND JEAN - THE LIFE OF A SAILING HOLIDAYS FAMILY still resist the first-time ‘yotties’ like us on downsides of the Jags in 1993. We have As the years went having a boat in followed their purchase 1995 - JAGGING THROUGH by we found the UK, a week on flotilla of ‘Birvidik’ (see sail blogs) THE LEFKAS CANAL ourselves sailing to re-acclimatize and then a week and met them with the company independent sailing can be as near perfect numerous times every year, as is possible. We did this last Spring and have while on flotilla and last year booked again for 2018. as they sailed increased to from Jersey to We love the relaxed unstuffy, ‘you can do it’ twice a year. As Turkey and back Can be atmosphere of the company and the fact that grandchildren to Greece. We can removed/ you can chat to Barrie and Heidi as have arrived, we recommend Bob’s moved/or easily as anyone. have watched with delight the recent book ‘An add content We’ve made joy, freedom and challenge that children Idiot Aboard – an Our adventure with some lovely friends experience in the flotilla environment. This Utterly Useless Guide Sailing Holidays over the years, and meant that for our 70th birthday year we to Mediterranean started in 1993 a number of times decided a week on three boats with all the Sailing’ is subtly when Jean gave we’ve decided to children and grandchildren (now numbering 6) supportive of flotillas, in to my relentless book together after would be far better than any party [we were recognizing that pressure to go for being glad to see correct as you can see from the photos]. many liveaboards our 25th wedding people again by started that way. anniversary. It was fantastic for us and them to find that all accident. After crying herself of them (aged 8 to 18) could enjoyably helm a to sleep the first night 35ft yacht, manage dinghies and generally be John, Jean & the over the breeze thoughtful and responsible sailors. You can see Keene family the ‘team’ assembled for the drinks party on 1995 - ANNA & PAUL PASS block loos at Petreti, THE MARRAGE TEST it’s been plain sailing the mole at Frikes. ever since. We have had some really lovely crews in our The Bent Family Take on the Ionian As scared dinghy sailors we were lucky to have 18 trips with Sailing Holidays In 2016 the Bent family sailed Florence are now really on the our eldest daughter Frances, and her boyfriend so far. Rob, Jo on our Two Week South Ionian sailing ladder and it’s clear that Simon with us for part of the first trip. Our and Grant in Flotilla. It seems that they had they do a fair bit of swimming second daughter Anna came with Paul the 1993 set the bar a great time as in 2017 they as well! Their photographs were next time and then on our third flotilla a couple very high but decided to come back and so good we couldn’t resist of weeks before their wedding. We decided we have found explore the Whole Ionian. popping a couple of them into this was a crucial test of suitability to marry into much care and Barrington, Sarah, Hugo and the newsletter. the family as the layout of the Jags meant that fun and learned night time toilet trips were conducted just a few so much from inches people over the from the years. We love young the Ionian out of folk with season (we spent our Ruby only a wedding in the cellar room curtain in at Castello’s) and the between. Sporades at any time, so next year for our golden wedding anniversary we will celebrate in the Sporades.
26 27 STORIES FROM SUMMER 2017
FOURTH FLOTILLA IN THE NORTH IONIAN A COUPLE OF DOLPHINS Dear Sailing Holidays, sailing around some of the FOR COMPANY “SHARE-A-YACHT ” ROMANCE 21 most stunning scenery we’ve “We did the North Ionian flotilla ever seen. We’re now looking YEARS ON… in July, and, although it was our to book our fifth holiday! On their trip to New Zealand in 2017 Barrie fourth flotilla, it was by far the and Heidi caught up with ex Sailing Holidays best yet. Thanks for a great holiday..... again!” accountant Mark. Mark and Christine have We met some amazing people, just celebrated 21 years of marriage after had a fantastic crew and were Falworth family meeting on a share a yacht holiday in Greece! We were hoping she would send him back, but no such luck! MAMMA MIA!! “A wonderful holiday - so many DAVID & FELICITY - ANOTHER “SHARE-A-YACHT ” WEDDING! highlights, including an impromptu recreation of a scene from ‘Mamma David and Felicity met on the This year they sailed on the They sent across some photos Mia’ in Frikes and sailing with dolphins one-week delivery from Gouvia South Ionian in May as an from their magical day along on the last day! to Sivota in May 2011. Following engaged couple and received with their award from Lead Boat this they became friends and the ‘Sailing Holiday’s Romance Dessa in May! Counting down to next years’ holiday since then have sailed on Award’ from Lead Boat Dessa. already!” These two kept the nautical several flotilla holidays including They were engaged on theme throughout their big Phil, Kate & Chloe POISED FOR THE JUMP a two-week delivery in 2012 Valentine’s day in 2016 and day and even used one of
and the Sporades twice. married on the 16th September our souvenir charts as the 2017 at the Master Builders background for their table plan! Hotel, Bucklers Hard. IONIAN SAILING Alongside that they used the “What an amazing week sailing Another was spending the names of some beautiful Greek the South Ionian Islands off evening with the rest of the Islands as the names for the Lefkas. flotilla drinking cocktails in the tables and Sailing Holidays even Zephiros cocktail bar on the got a mention in the speeches. Amongst my favourite moments island of Kalamos. were anchoring up in Cliff Sailing Holidays played Cupid Bay off the south of Atoko Beautiful scenery, lovely staff once again and we wish David where I explored caves on my offering support whenever we and Felicity all the best for their paddleboard and mingled with needed it and memories I’ll future together! fish whilst snorkelling the crystal never forget. We’ll be back!” clear waters. Caroline Metcalfe
To see more of Caroline’s adventures follow her on Instagram @carriestravels
28 29 NORTH IONIAN REGATTA 2017
OVERALL WINNER - JOE WILL DAVIES - LINE HONOURS EX-LEAD CREW SAM & KALOKERI CREW - THE CHARLTON AND HIS CREW JO - YACHT MAKANI BURTON FAMILY SOUTH IONIAN REGATTA 2017
2018 DATE: THURSDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER
The winner of Class two was our Greek end manager Mick, on his Maxi 95, Kezia! His day was 2018 DATE: SATURDAY 27TH OCTOBER not without drama: The windy theme continued The 33ft class was won by the It was a gloriously sunny day for the North Ionian Regatta! Spurway family on Kypseli, They burst the genoa halyard with excellent wind, enjoyed A solid Force 3 the whole way closely followed by the shackle whilst still in the enormously by every one of the around the course meant that Brayshay family on Thyamis. Meganisi channel and thought yachts that took part. there were 72 finishers from 81 Third was the Thomas family on the day was over. By some October 2017 was generally entries, which was fantastic. Sinope (all Beneteau 331’s)! MICK & HIS CREW SAILING KEZIA miracle the crew re-hoisted the the best weather for a few The up to 39ft class win went to The South Ionian Regatta was sail using a spinnaker halyard The Burton family on 52ft years, so hopefully that will be the Bointon family on Callisto. held on 21st September. It was which was okay but made the Beneteau “Kalokeri” were a continuing trend, as many Second in the class was the a beautiful sunny day which sail impossible to reef. having a great race with yachts are already booked for Carter family on Abelaki and provided lots of wind to play private yacht “Caryad” (a October 2018. Luckily, between the 4 of them third was the Tewson family on with. Fantastic sailing for all! Sovereign 54) for line honours. they were able to deploy Vonitsa (all Beneteau 361’s)! Entertainers Roger (Fat Charlie) Unfortunately, they sailed The wind was gusty and fluky in approximately 65 stone onto Harris along with Maria from on the wrong side of the We had some representatives the channel, varying between the windward side of the boat our Corfu Office, rocked on committee boat and left of our main equipment suppliers 10 to 12 knots but with 30 to keep her upright! KALOKERI - FULL STEAM AHEAD into the night, backed up Caryad with an easy run to the sailing in the race on one of our knot gusts coming through on by boatbuilder/drummer Outside the channel it was a Lots of Sailing Holidays yachts line for a fortuitous win. boats. They were raring to go – occasions. There were lots of Scojo (Scottish John). Along solid Force 5 with stronger gusts. took part in the Regatta and definitely in it to win it. Not far behind Kalokeri was Joe with local residents, Roy and boats broaching and rounding It was quite lumpy around the they all reported having had a Charlton on his X119 39, Daisy Much to their dismay, some Chris, they made up the latest up which was great fun to back of the island, so the crew great day. However, as there Sea. He had sailed up from of our shore-based staff (with reincarnation of the Corfu band watch. Luckily everyone was all got wet but had a great day. are few special class prizes in Lefkas to take part and was the devious guidance of Mick) “Blues Latitude”. Lots of fun was spread out so there were no this regatta, none of our flotilla They hadn’t been able to see rewarded by an overall regatta tampered with their boat and had by all during and after the “close encounters”. yachts troubled the scorers! much for the spray so it was a win on handicap. replaced the mainsail with a prize giving. The race is now split into two pleasant surprise to hear that Lead Boat Helen however much smaller Jaguar 27 sail with races in one. Class 1 for all Second overall was Sam Peters The whole of 2017’s weather they had won the class 2 race! managed to grab the First Lead a less than subliminal message boats over 36ft and Class 2 for on Sigma 38 Makani, and third has been brilliant for the flotillas They had only class 1 boats in Boat home prize. Yorkie and his on it! Mick was grinning from boats under 36ft. The winner overall were the Burton’s on generally, and your feedback front of them. crew were very happy bunnies! ear to ear. Fortunately, they all of Class 1 was ‘Lone Shark’ a Kalokeri. Happily, there are has reassured us that we are Needless to say, there was All in all, a wonderful day and had a good sense of humour Sadler Barracuda 45 that has many class prizes and our flotilla still getting things right. Another rather a lot of celebrating in the a fun night of celebrating was and the proper mainsail was won it previously. yachts made a clean sweep. year has simply flown by! evening. had by all. Roll on 2018! fitted in time for the start! 30 31 THE SAILING HOLIDAYS YACHT CHARTER Win! DIVISION NEWS 2018 Sailing Holidays’ Annual Photo Competition! NOTES FROM THE WORLD OF INDEPENDENT SAILING...
Congratulations to our 2016 Entries will be closing on New PAGE 34: Independent Charter, Photo Competition winners (see Year’s Day (1st January 2018). Skippered Charter & Luxury Charter the amazing entries below), PAGE 35: Luxury Charter Pre-London Boat Show we look and thanks to all who entered PAGE 36: Bex & Faye visit the Saronics! forward to compiling all of WINNERS RECEIVE: their photos! We love seeing • 1st: £500 towards their PAGE 38: Exploring new seas in Sardinia your entries before picking the your holiday memories and it 2018 holiday finalists. certainly makes the dark winter • 2nd: £300 towards their They will be uploaded to our days a bit brighter. Our 2017 2018 holiday Facebook page in January and Photo Competition is open! • 3rd: £200 towards their then the voting will commence! There is still time to enter your 2018 holiday holiday snaps, email them to: We can’t wait see all your 2017 [email protected] or summer memories! upload them to our Facebook. Sails Sea Sundowners
1st 1st 1st
John Warburton Sian Marie Barry Weston
2nd 2nd 2nd
Tomas G. Mac Eoin Claire Curran Alan Corlett
3rd 3rd 3rd
John Warburton Diarmuid Murphy Keith Roberts
32 33 SAILING HOLIDAYS FOR THOSE WHO LIKE ALL THE TRIMMINGS
Sailing Holidays Ltd LUXURY YACHT CHARTER... SAILING, WATER SPORTS AND There is also the small element GENERALLY LOLLING ABOUT... of sailing from place to place, This is fully crewed comfort. A If you’re worried that having with a different view every day. week on board a luxury yacht a crew means you’ll get less The beauty of having a skipper or catamaran combines the YACHT CHARTER DIVISION action, you couldn’t be more and hostess means that you freedom of a sailing holiday wrong! There is an array of can be hands on or hands off, with the comfort and service of Once you have tried all of our flotillas you may wish to consider branching out to a new area or activities on board. The sun- whichever you prefer. a nice hotel. larger yacht, so check out a few possibilities below: deck and trampolines on Novices can be as involved Your skipper and hostess will catamarans are great for as they like in the sailing - they cater for your every need. simply relaxing. Stand up INDEPENDENT YACHT SKIPPERED YACHT LUXURY YACHT can practice sailing skills and CHARTER CHARTER From a delicious breakfast, to paddleboards and windsurfers CHARTER our crew will be on hand as For those with qualifications! No stress sailing holidays! Sail with all the trimmings! a comprehensive wine list, you are provided should you be required. Experienced sailors couldn’t be better looked after! feeling energetic. can take the wheel! When it comes to dinner you This is an ultimate escape from This is like having a private can either eat on board or try all the stresses of everyday life. villa where you wake up in a out the local restaurants - in different beautiful location our eyes it would be remiss not every morning. The perfect to step off and explore the holiday for people who SPAIN GREECE ambient local eateries. enjoy great experiences Independent yacht charter Skippers allow for non-sailors or This is fully crewed ultra With comfort like this, we could without sacrificing comfort! A (also known as bareboat sailors without qualifications to comfort...a week on board forgive you for enjoying a night memorable way to spend those charter) is where you hire and charter a yacht. In addition to a luxury yacht or catamaran on board! special moments. sail the yacht yourself. encouraging everyone to ‘have combines the freedom of a a go’, explaining the intricacies sailing holiday, with the comfort This is a way for qualified sailors of sailing, they will also advise and service of a luxury villa. SAM, OUR YACHT CHARTER MANAGER, SALUTES THE QUEEN AT THE TOWER OF LONDON to explore a new country, on ports to visit, restaurants to On 2nd June the Queen In recognition of this Barrie, Sam is a Lance Sergeant in the allowing them to discover You will enjoy ensuite cabins eat at and places to swim. celebrated her 65th year on the Heidi and Francis were invited Honourable Artillery Company, beaches and coves many and lots of space. All with the throne. As a serving member by Sam to be his guests at the the oldest regiment in the British visitors wouldn’t even know It’s very easy...we charter a guarantee of a sea view! of the Army Reserve, Sam Tower of London in celebration. Army. He is also a Detachment existed! sailing yacht with a skipper who Your skipper and hostess will is involved with ceremonial It was the first time they had Commander within an effectively ‘drives’ the boat for Within the five countries and cater for your every need, from events such as this Gun Salute. been escorted through the bus operational Gun Troop. you wherever you’d like to sail! between the 30 bases, we a delicious breakfast in the lanes and red traffic lights of You, your friends and family can have 14 different sailing areas morning, to a comprehensive central London! get involved as much or as little available, each with their wine list. Free water sports are as you like - it is a great activity It was a great event, which own unique ability to create a also provided. holiday for all the family. brought back memories for memorable sailing holiday. Francis who served as part of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the GREECE CROATIA TURKEY SPAIN ITALY 1970’s. Call our Yacht Charter Division on: 020 8438 1133 or visit our website:
34 35 ATHENS
Alimos
Aegina
Nea Agistri Epidavros Palaia Epidavros
Poros PELOPONNESE
POROS Ermioni Hydra HYDRA Spetses THE 2013 HOSTIE GANG SCRUB UP PRETTY WELL. ..
FAYE AND BEX HIT THE BUBBLES SUNSET IN ERMIONI FAYE RELAXING WITH YULI After a stroll around the winding Happily, a space was available After a little sunset photoshoot back streets they decided on which meant plenty of time they found a lovely taverna dinner at an old favourite - the to explore. Once again, a right on the water called Garden Restaurant. wonderful taverna was found Kouros! With full happy bellies and the evening drifted away they headed back up to SQUEEZING INTO HYDRA blissfully. Jamaica Bar to take part in A lazy morning was spent some all-important Greek wandering around Poros The following morning, they dancing! town, picking up some more treated themselves to a provisions for the passage to breakfast of eggs, bacon, THE LAST DAY! Ermioni in the afternoon. freshly squeezed orange juice With all the food left on board and a frappe whilst looking out they decided to anchor off BEX & FAYE VISIT THE SARONICS ON A BAREBOAT! In the evening they strolled over over the waterfront. All in all Moni Island for a lazy lunch the peninsula to the North Quay another beautiful memory. stop and for one last dip in and chose a fabulous Italian At the end of September Upon arrival, they were greeted After a slap-up lunch in Russian the transparent water of the restaurant called Ganossis. BUBBLES ON BOARD ex-skippers, JD and Russell, by a couple of Sailing Holidays Bay, a quick dip and lounge on Aegean Sea. Again, the sun was shining together with six of our Sailing colleagues, Justin and Marinos! their resident inflatable unicorn The following day’s plan was Holidays ex-hostesses, chartered Yulanda (Yuli for short) was and the girls just happened to **YULI THE UNICORN UPDATE** SWIM STOPS AND GIN STOPS to set sail to Hydra, which is a a Gib’Sea 51 out of Athens. A required! Fun fact: you can fit 4 pick up a couple of bottles of - You can get 5 people on! The next stop was Poros and short day but, fingers crossed, short transfer took them to the people on a unicorn at once! bubbly for the journey. With Fantastic team effort! the sun had its hat on! Happily it would mean space might be marina where they boarded corks popping and a buffet of stayed that way all week! It was In Poros they were greeted available on the town quay. While the sun set over the their new home for the week! In chips and dips to help them on decided that a swim would be with absolutely breath-taking There are a myriad of ferries, Peloponnese peninsula they the morning, they sailed over to their way, they had a gentle the perfect way to spend the views of the town quay and yachts and motorboats that use raised a glass to a perfect Epidavros on the Peloponnese. cruise up to Angkistri. afternoon. surrounding green mountains! this tiny harbour. week.
36 37 CORSICA SPAIGGIA DI MORTORIO Bonifacio
Santa Maria SANTA MARIA BUDELLI
SPARGI LA MADDALENA Santa Teresa Maddalena Cala Coticcio THE CREW IN CORSICA (Tahiti Beach)
BONIFACIO SARDINIA Palau
Porto Cannigione Cervo
Portisco
SAM CRUISES AROUND SARDINIA AND CORSICA
Olbia At the end of May, Sam They moored in Spiaggia di One of the best pizzas of the trip EXPLORING CORSICA The bay opposite Palau Marina Olbia Airport chartered a Jeanneau 509 Mortorio, just a short hop from was savoured in the beautiful Bonfacio is lined with smart was well suited to dropping and took a relatively novice Portisco and a great bay for a Piazza (town square)! Even after restaurants and bars. an anchor (a mooring fee free group of 9 friends to explore La swim and a bite to eat... After their feast, fancying croissants night - hoorah!). A SUMMARY OF THE WEEK OVER A winding staircase leads you Maddalena Islands in Sardinia. lunch they upped anchor and for breakfast, they agreed that A PIZZA up into the Old Town. A great LA MADDELENA ARCHIPELAGO Despite being new to it, he was headed to Cannigionne. There a morning sail to France was Following an easy check-out at brunch (complete with French Breakfast at anchor in the bay pleased to say, they are now all is one main marina, but each the order of the day. the marina, they ate at Matt’s Croissants) was enjoyed at a near Punta Coda was followed sailing holiday converts! pier is operated by a different pizzeria – a great evening SETTING SAIL TO BONIFACIO café on the cliffs looking out to by a quick sail up to the jewel cooperative. recounting the week’s events. ARRIVALS, BRIEFINGS AND BEERS Up bright and early, they made the straits. of the emerald coast - Cala A Sailing Holidays flotilla style The Marina in Portisco is purpose BEAUTIFUL BUDELLI TO SANTA the short passage across the Coticcio (also known as Tahiti The crew divided; the girls awards ceremony wrapped up built with four restaurants and TERESA Straights of Bonifacio to the Beach). Pushing the day to shopping, the boys stumbled a wonderful week. a great little supermarket. After a slow breakfast, they had southern tip of Corsica; without its limits, they motored to La across an arrow pointing into A range of local sparkling the wind on the nose the whole a doubt one of the most Maddalena Town. The water is as blue as the a basement, simply marked wines was selected, and they way to Isola Budelli. This is a beautiful places Sam have ever photos, the food is spectacular “Limoncello”. A one hour tasting €50 CLUB SANDWICH ANYONE? got down to some sampling. gorgeous natural anchorage in been. and the harbours ooze session later, they had an insight Porto Cervo was their final The check-in by the charter the right conditions but you do character. It may be a bit more The town and castle fuse into into the art of (probably illegal) lunch stop. The 50ft Jeanneau company was very thorough. need to buy a pass to drop an expensive than sailing in other the huge cliffs on the impressive home distilling! looked like a rubber dinghy anchor overnight. areas, but many would pay the PORTISCO TO CANNIGIONNE approach. They were whipped compared to the super-yachts BONIFACIO TO SANTA MARIA premium for the experience. With a crew new to sailing, the That afternoon a lovely strong back to reality by their phones that flooded the Marina. At €19 The next day was a suitably first day was set to be hands on northerly blew which provided buzzing to inform them that for a bottle of beer and €50 for Sam says that it is hands down slow start. Following a run to training! After concentrating all a great sail, cruising at 8 knots, they had, in fact, arrived in a Club Sandwich, it is a place the best sailing area he has Isola Santa Maria they spent a morning, a relaxing lunch stop over to the traditional Sardinian France! for a different crowd than this ever explored and the level of long afternoon on the beach at was definitely required. village of Santa Teresa. particular crew! service was exceptional. Spiaggia di Cala Santa Maria. 38 39 sailingholidays.com
Another glorious summer in the Greek Islands blessed by exceptional weather has whizzed by. Our shore-based teams have lifted the boats out of the water and winter project work has begun. This ensures that the yachts remain in excellent condition. Since the Southampton Boat Show in September we’ve had quite a number of 2018 bookings. If you haven’t already sorted something out for next year, it might be a good idea to give us a call so you don’t miss the date you want. Looking forward to seeing you out on the water next summer!
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Sailing Holidays Ltd, 105 Mount Pleasant40 Road, London, NW10 3EH, England