NAUTICA BAY BEACH CLUB TRAVEL ONE HELI OF A TIME In need of a dinghy sailing fix,SUE PELLING headed to the bustling harbour town of Porto Heli, Greece, to find out if Ocean Elements’ Nautica Bay Beach Club holiday lived up to expectation cean Elements is a respectable mid-afternoon arrival in Facing page 3 from the prevailing southwesterly Sue and Jane relative newcomer to Porto Heli, which allowed us to settle took advantage of direction after lunch. This was perfect the beach club sailing in, and enjoy our first dip of the week the wide variety for sharpening up skills in preparation of activities holiday market but in the ultra-inviting hotel pool. available with for the end of week regatta. has already cemented Because first impressions are often the Ocean Elements The other part of our holiday plan Oa strong reputation amongst keen lasting ones, it was good to discover was to learn a new skill in stand-up dinghy sailors. With its sister company a high standard of professionalism paddle boarding. I was also keen to Alpine Elements running successful immediately evident among the staff at progress my windsurfing skills and ski holidays for almost 20 years, Ocean the resort. It was also clear that safety try out new kit, while Jane enjoyed Elements has certainly made its mark and hotel cleanliness were among many a late afternoon’s relaxing cruise on the competitive sailing holiday the priorities and, pleasingly, levels around the bay in a kayak. The paddle beach club sector, with three now of excellence remained consistent boarding was a big hit for both of us well-established bases at Vassiliki, for the duration of our stay. and we found the progression from Pelion and Porto Heli. My sister in With around 60 guests including beginners to intermediate boards law, Jane, and I set off to see if the up to 15 children a week during peak fairly swift thanks to the high level Nautica Bay Beach Club at Porto Heli season, Ocean Elements’ Porto Heli of instruction and the forgiving early was going to live up to its reputation. Beach Club is well equipped with its morning flat calm conditions. Our week on the southern tip of functional fleet of dinghies to suit Although we gave the daily early the picturesque Argolic Peninsula all abilities including the Laser Pico, morning fast-paced group bike rides in early summer couldn’t have come Standard, Radial, Bahia, RS100, RS200, a miss, we did enjoy the occasional at a better time for us girls to take a RS500, RS800, RS Feva, RS Venture, RS afternoon adventure on one of the break from our hectic lives back home. Quba, RS Cat 16, Sunfish, Topper Xenon, upgraded, brand-new specialised bikes, Neither of us had found time to race Topaz 16 Cat, Hobie Cat and Dart 16. which cater to the growing demand much over the last couple of years so We were there in early June – off peak amongst guests for mountain biking. we thought it was a good opportunity – with just 35 guests, so for us, kit to gently ease our way back in. availability was never an issue. It was HOTEL AND MEALS also a real bonus to discover the use We were impressed with the well kept, FIRST IMPRESSIONS of all boards, boats and equipment, sparkling clean, 70-room beachfront Although the early morning 5.40am and basic instruction is included in hotel. As well as being quiet and easyJet flight from Gatwick to Kalamata the price of the holiday, which worked tranquil, our family room (probably the was a struggle (in terms of lack of out at less than £70 a day all-in for furthest from the waterfront) provided sleep) and, for those travelling to a week on a half board basis. stunning views across the picturesque Gatwick from further afield it meant The Laser Picos and RS Aeros were bay. One of our greatest treats of the the extra cost of a night in a hotel, hugely popular during our holiday, day after a tough session on the water the process ran smoothly and before as were the RS200s. For relative was sitting on the balcony watching we knew it we’d arrived in Greece. A newcomers to multihulls we found the sun set before dinner, enjoying four-hour interesting coach journey the RS Cat 16 lots of fun, and really a glass of the finest local wine. from Kalamata through the pretty, enjoyed blasting around the bay. With the price of the holiday including rugged Greek countryside included a The conditions were generally ideal breakfast and dinner, I have to confess I highway pit-stop for refreshments. We with a light onshore breeze in the was feeling rather sceptical about what to were rewarded for our early start by a morning building to a good Force expect in terms of cuisine. As well as SUE PELLING; OCEAN ELEMENTS ALL PHOTOS: 74 Yachts & Yachting February 2018 yachtsandyachting.co.uk February 2018 Yachts & Yachting 75 attitude of the staff at the Porto Heli base, headed by Doug Reid, the Activities Manager, was exceptional. There was always full safety cover afloat with a vigilant yet discreet look-out teams watching from the shore and from the safety RIBs. All this made it very difficult when it was time leave the Nautica Bay Beach Club and head home at the end of a superb week. More info at oceanelements.com. Above A wide range How to find your dream of boats are available, including beach club holiday... singlehanders From the Med to the Caribbean, like the RS100 there are a number of beach club Left operators to choose from. Each Many guests come as couples offers a different take on the perfect or groups; watersports-hotel combo that will children are well catered for too appeal differently depending on your Below sailing level and the sort of holiday There are plenty you are looking for. Use our handy of opportunity to try new activities checklist below to get you started… ashore and afloat What does the cost of the holiday include? Extras can include flight, transfers, catering, use of equipment, and tuition Is the centre RYA recognised, and does it cater for relevant the vast spread and variety of food with “Even though actually coming here alone experience levels? its strong Greek influence, the service was one of the hardest things I’ve ever What wind/sea conditions was first class, and the view from the done, I have loved every minute of it!” can you expect? Novice sailors roof terrace restaurant was exceptional. Chantel wasn’t the only one leaving should avoid resorts known for feeling uplifted. Neil Archibald was their strong prevailing winds FEELING INSPIRED heading home to London feeling Are you insured? Check you It bodes well that many of the other similarly inspired: “Although I am an have adequate insurance to guests we encountered are return Ocean Elements regular this is the cover watersports activities customers. Charles Milne, a member of first time at this venue and I think it South Cerney SC, described the Ocean great for beginners and improvers like Elements offering as one of the few aimed myself. I not only feel more confident at the “serious sailor”, commenting: but I feel I have also improved a lot “This is our seventh time here at Porto sailing the RS Aero this time. The Heli; even though we are in our 60s we plan now is to make an effort to join are very active people. It is a safe bay a club back home and sail more.” and the standard of tuition is great.” Like many of our fellow holidaymakers Paul Sutherland was leading a group of Jane and I found this was the ideal 14 sailors from Maidenhead SC. He said: low-pressure, amazing value for money, “We’ve been doing these holidays for the short break in a safe environment for last 24 years but we find this base a great all levels. Even non-sailing partners sailing location and amazing value for found the beach (and bar!) a great money. Getting a group together from place to relax, and were keen to explore the club is not difficult but you need the local places of interest including just one or two to decide where you are the pretty, cosmopolitan island of going, then announce the package... We Spetses just a short ferry trip away. always have a great time on and off the This holiday is a particularly great water, and our club pre-dinner drinks option for beginners and improvers are becoming quite well known!” including those who want to embark on But it wasn’t only couples and groups RYA level courses. And if like us you are we encountered at Porto Heli. Chantel up for some real relaxation, then the treat Everil had travelled solo from County of being able to select a boat and have it Durham and said that the experience had rigged ready-to-sail, is a real plus point! really boosted her confidence. The level of safety and the professional 76 Yachts & Yachting February 2018 yachtsandyachting.co.uk.