News

Three weeks of ILCA heaven - Wildwind's Intensive Laser Clinics

We started off the season with three weeks of Intensive Laser Clinics, led by Aaron Smith. The Clinics had been oversubscribed for a couple of months, so we added an additional Laser Week to the start of the season, which promptly filled up as well!

ILCA / LASER INTENSIVE TRAINING CLINICS

Thoughts beginning to turn to dreams of podium glory in your ILCA/Laser in 2024? Whether you are relatively new to club racing with one season under your belt or a seasoned virtuoso - would a week of intensive race training in the sun set your season off to a flying start?

Can you spare a minute to give our staff a very special thank you?

We hope you have got fond memories of your holiday (or for the really lucky: holidays!) out with us in Vassiliki. All the team at Wildwind – in Greece, Mauritius and our office staff - put their hearts and souls into providing a great holiday experience. We receive great feedback on their behalf every week that we pass on to them and we know it’s inspiring for them to hear.

Ionian Regatta (week of 16th September)

You’ve heard about it. The scuttlebutt is strong. The Ionian Regatta is set again on September 20th for another classic contest mixing beach cats and yachts on a 25+ nautical mile battle alongside some of Greece’s most majestic coastline. It’s the annual long distance race where we invite the yachties to join the fun of all things Vassiliki.

Which monohull dinghies will you find in our boat park this year?

The good news is that our fleet is even bigger than you’ve been thinking it is from our website. We have 70 boats - not 62. Yes, we now have fourteen ILCA Lasers, four RS Qubas and three Laser 2000s waiting on the beach. Apologies that with so much new kit arriving this year we didn’t get round to updating the site. We believe we have the largest range of dinghies and catamarans at any holiday company in Europe.

Which multihulls will you find in our boat park this year?

Have you ever wondered exactly how many boats we have in the Wildwind boat park all rigged and looking out over Vassiliki Bay? It’s a question we’re often asked. Well, we have 70 and for the catamaran addicts please see below the breakdown of the 25 multihulls in the fleet.

Last call for Vassiliki speed weeks

Now less than 2 weeks away the Vassiliki Speed weeks are almost upon us.

Porto Katsiki, a little slice of heaven on earth

Porto Katsiki is a renowned beach located on the Greek island of Lefkada, situated in the Ionian Sea. It is often regarded as one of the most stunning beaches in Greece and has garnered international acclaim for its exceptional beauty. The name "Porto Katsiki" translates to "Goat Port" in English, and it is believed that the name originates from the fact that the beach was once accessible only to goats.

So what can teens and kids get up to on a Wildwind holiday? With and without mum and dad

Wildwind is the perfect place for families to kick back and enjoy their holiday time together or turn up the dial and take on more challenging sailing conditions. From relaxed meals at the water’s edge, pool time high jinks to grabbing the opportunity to try out different boats for a team sail round Vassiliki Bay: Wildwind has it all.

Calling all nature lovers aged 6-12!

Any budding Gretas out there? Calling all Attenborough fans.

So much new kit for 2023…

The beach team has almost finished unpacking all the new kit for the season. They are in nautical heaven, happily surrounded by 78 new sails.

Wildwind Speed Weeks with Joyrider TV, July 15th and August 26th

Calling all speed freaks and adrenaline junkies out there: this has your name on it. Or, rather, the Speed Week’s leaderboard may have by July 23rd or September 3rd!

Yachts and Yachting says “Wildwind has it all... and turns it up to 11!”

Editor of Yachts and Yachting Mark Jardine’s opinion of Wildwind is a glowing endorsement for anyone keen to read an independent review of what it’s like to come on holiday with us. His standout points? He was blown away by the fleet waiting for him on the beach: ‘the range and quality of the boats at Wildwind is simply extraordinary… some of the best dinghies available’.

ILCA / Laser Intensive Training Clinics - May 7, 14 and 21

Thoughts beginning to turn to dreams of podium glory in your ILCA/Laser this year? Whether you are relatively new to club racing with one season under your belt or a seasoned virtuoso - would a week of intensive race training in the sun set your season off to a flying start?

Lefkada voted the best Greek Island by WHICH Magazine

Wildwind base Lefkada has been voted the best Greek island by WHICH consumer magazine. It topped the poll with an overall score of 86% and 5* ratings for having the best scenery and peace and quiet with low tourist numbers.

Lasers at Wildwind

If you sail Lasers you’ll already know that Wildwind have been a keen sponsor of the UK Laser Association encouraging greater participation in the Masters Nationals and the Grand Prix events around the country.

Wildwind partners with International Hobie Class Association (IHCA)

Hot on the heels of winning the Gold British Travel Award for best Sports holiday, we are delighted to announce that the International Hobie Class Association (IHCA) has invited Wildwind on board as their global strategic development partner and sponsor.

Yachts & Yachting: Wildwind has it all... and turns it up to 11!

It was back in 2006 that I last visited Wildwind, and in that article for Yachts & Yachting magazine I wrote that "Wildwind has it all!". It turns out that I didn't know the half of it, as it has so much more.

Team Wildwind at the Hobie 16 World Championships

Two weeks before the 23rd Hobie 16 World championships in Spain, Simon Morgan, Wildwind’s founder and crew Bryony Spieza (formerly Bennett Lloyd) had just finished in first place at the Carey Olsen regatta in Jersey and were excited about their chances in the Great Grand Masters Event in which they were competing for the first time.

Wildwind Mauritius or Wildwind Vasiliki: What’s the difference?

Throughout the summer season in Greece a lot of our guests in Greece have asked me what Wildwind Mauritius is like. Here are some of the key points.

Inspirational Tips from a South African Hobie 16 World Champion in Vass

With the Hobie 16 World Championships in Spain kicking off in a week or so, former Hobie 16 World champions William and Lucinda Edwards were guests of Wildwind in Vassiliki. They made optimal use of Vassiliki’s typically strong winds to do a little pre-regatta training.

UKLA visits Wildwind - A review by Masters Nationals Holiday draw winner Niall Peel

Wildwind have been supporting the UKLA and the Masters series for several years now, and at each event I have been mildly jealous that someone had won a holiday in Greece while the best I seem to manage is a mid fleet finish and a terrible hangover.

Check out the full range of RYA courses we offer at Wildwind

As you are no doubt aware, RYA recognition implies that we operate to significant standards of safety and instruction. Indeed, our centre undergoes a thorough inspection by the RYA every year. See our full certificate on the bottom of the page or download it here. Simply tell us what you wish to learn

We are ready to go

The 2022 Wildwind season kicks off this weekend - the team has been real busy making the beach look better than ever!

Seriously Improve your sailing - read on

If you are seriously looking to improve your sailing skills to a higher level then read on…

Xmas wishes and our plans for 2022

First of all, the Wildwind team would like to wish all of our friends and guests a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Above all we hope that you are and will remain in good health through and beyond the current difficult times.

2020 prices held until November 30th!

I have been truly humbled by the number of our regular clients who have kept coming back to our award winning sailing centre in Vassiliki over the past two difficult years.

Wildwind Greece is now FULL - Wildwind Mauritius opens October 1st

Thanks to the support of our wonderful clients who have continued to visit us throughout 2020 and 2021.

Records being broken outside of Tokyo too!

Delighted to announce the fastest ever speed recorded on a Hobie 16 in Vassiliki last week and probably anywhere in the world.

"I had a fantastic holiday"

Our flagship centre in windy Vassilki on the beautiful Greek Ionian island of Lefkas has been open since May 15th – and our first clients this season have been thoroughly enjoying themselves.

What if I have to cancel my holiday because of Covid?

What if my holiday is cancelled due to Covid?

Wildwind opening party on Tuesday!

Wildwind opening party on Tuesday!  We are delighted to inform you that the Wildwind centre in Vassiliki will open on Saturday May 15th the first day that Greece is open to tourists.

New route into Vassiliki?

Preparing for the season nice and early some of our staff flew into Athens on Tuesday evening - foolishly they forgot to bring their parachutes otherwise they could have skydived into Vassiliki and saved themselves a five hour minibus trip! Looks like there was a decent cross-shore brewing as well!

Is it safe to book my holiday yet?

Is it safe to book my holiday yet?

The simplest answer is that it has always been safe to book a holiday with us.

Last year all clients booked on holidays we were not able to provide as the borders were closed due to the pandemic, were refunded promptly - an enviable record that puts many others to shame.

German Hobie Cat Association: Where the wild winds are blowing...

Raumscholz is the Yearbook of the official German Hobie Cat Association, and it is widely read across the multihull community in Europe. In Covid year 2020, Wildwind was one of the few sailing holidays operating and Raumschots published the following article on how we dealt with the sitation and managed to provide everyone with a fantastic holiday whilst keeping all our guests safe from the virus. Where the wild winds are blowing...

Looking for work in the sunshine this summer

Are you a red-hot sailor keen to share your knowledge with others?

F18 Tigers and FX1* Intensive Catamaran Training Week May 15th

If you sail these high performance beasts this one’s for you. We will be kicking off the 2021 season with an Intensive Training week led by Cat race expert Joe Bennett so if you want to get your season off to a flying start and blow away those winter cobwebs: why not join us?

Laser Intensive Training Weeks 8 May, 15 May & 22 May

If you sail Lasers this one’s for you. We will be kicking off the 2021 season with three Laser Training weeks so if you want to get your season off to a flying start and blow away those winter cobwebs: why not join us? 

I’m so impressed: no wonder you guys won the travel award for best sport/activity holiday! ”

Beach manager Joe and his team of highly experienced and qualified sailing instructors are here at our idyllic Greek island sailing base preparing for another day looking after dozens of guests from the UK, Germany and Poland who are revelling in the optimal wind conditions here at Wildwind.

Hear our guests speak about their July 2020 experience travelling to Vassiliki (Video!)

On July 1st, we were finally able to open our doors for the summer sailing season. Our first guests are right now having great times on, off and around the water. Listen to these guests describe their experience in these videos. 

Wildwind is OPEN - The sun is shining and your boat is waiting for you on the beach!

As you might imagine we are absolutely delighted that our Greek centre in Vassiliki is open as of 1st July.  Yes there are some  small changes that we have put into place to maintain health and safety for everyone (see below), but overall there is little change to the company that won the British Travel awards honour for the best sports /activity holiday company in 2019.

A letter from Wildwind to our guests (updated)

We hope this finds you in continued good healthy and heart during these challenging times. We would like to give you this update with the latest information on your Wildwind 2020 holiday.

Wildwind opens July 1st for guests from a number of countries

Wildwind Sailing holidays in Vassiliki will be re-opening on July 1st for visitors from a select number of countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Israel, Lithuania, Malta, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Finland and Italy.

See What’s Streaming! Live with Wildwind this week

No real change from last weeks analysis of the Covid situation. Greece, with its excellent response to the virus is still planning on opening up in July with sensible protections. With our existing overseas team Healthy Options is equipped to open as soon are given the go-ahead - and we are aiming for July 1st even if that is only for visitors already in situ in Greece!

We are slowly but surely making our plans for the summer

We though it's time to give you an update on where we are, what we understand so far from the various governments, and where we expect we'll go from here. Luckily, there is some good news!

Joe and Karens offerings from Vassiliki

As you probably know Joe (our excellent manager for over 20 years) and his wife Karen (one of our yoga teachers) live permanently in Vassiliki and while we are unable to start our holidays there just yet they wanted to offer you at least a taste of what we normally offer.

If you sail Lasers this is for you…

Over the years our Laser training weeks have been so successful that this year we have had to put on an extra date in Greece AND for the first time we are also organising Laser training and one on one coaching at our exotic base in Mauritius.

Joe gets done for speeding in Mauritius!

As promised, we’re keeping your dreams of sailing in the sun alive this week by forwarding you recently taken videos of Joe’s exploits in Mauritius.

Stick it where the sun DOES shine!

Long time Wildwind Vassiliki beach manager Joe Bennett - who many of you will know for his unique sense of humour and skill both on and off the water has just returned from his first ever trip to Wildwind Mauritus.

Joe gets done for speeding in Mauritius!

As promised, we’re keeping your dreams of sailing in the sun alive this week by forwarding you recently taken videos of Joe’s exploits in Mauritius.

Wild times at Wildwind this summer!

Even if you are a dedicated monohull sailor and visiting us to try out our wide range of dinghies from Optimist to 49er - with pretty much everything in between - you’d have to be impressed by our amazing fleet of catamarans lined up on Vassiliki beach this summer.

Double Discount for Wildwind Kids this summer!

Few things are as important to us as sharing our passion of sailing with youths and kids. We tailor each week’s activities around the ages, abilities and aspirations of each child and teen staying each week and with our sailing qualified supervision mornings and afternoons 6 days a week it gives you a chance to indulge yourself doing whatever you want, knowing that they are in good hands.

Our new 2020 brochure is out now. Start dreaming!

Best wishes from the Wildwind team. We hope you are enjoying a great start to 2020 and we hope to see you later in the year whether in Greece or Mauritius.

BOOT 2020 in Düsseldorf

Lilian and Peter from Wildwind can be found in Hall 15 G 21, at the booth of the Hobie Cat Klassenvereinigung

What’s new for 2020?

Wildwind already boast the widest range of catamarans and dinghies at any sailing holiday company in Europe – and this year we’ve added even more to our amazing fleet in Greece.

Wildwind’s choir sings for you…!!!

Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a successful New Year

WE WON GOLD!

Wildwind was proclaimed Winner of the Best Activity/Sports Holiday Company for 2019. At the prestigious British Travel Awards Gala travel professionals were stunned and delighted that such a small nominated company had secured so many votes from the travelling public.

Children in Mauritius – free childcare over 3 years old

If you are looking for a sun drenched break from the Northern European winter weather AND you wouldn’t mind some time off from your youngsters too then our Mauritian centre may be just what you need.

We are ready for you!! Meet the Team

Meet some of the new team: Nick, Guy, Ollie, Tom Grout, Joe, Mattia, Rick & Eve. 

Challenge yourself this summer – it’s good for your Health!

“Scientists have discovered that humans have something they call a “blue mind.” This means that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water. Watching the ocean, listening to the ocean, or being in the ocean, gives the brain a rest from overstimulation. Our brains do not shut down, they simply adjust how they  are working, giving them a much-needed break… Often followed by the release of the happiness chemicals – dopamine and serotonin.” 

So much more than a sailing holiday!

A Wildwind instructor with race winning ambitions

A Wildwind instructor with race winning ambitions

Wildwind supports sailing talent.

Our German agent Peter Kukla sails across the Atlantic. Here’s his story.

Travelling from Ireland or Scotland? A five star offer for you

Good news if you live in Ireland or Scotland. Wildwind is now offering free supplemental flights to London and accommodation at the Hilton Hotel in Gatwick during the early weeks of the upcoming school holidays!

Our Amazing Fleet - just keeps growing...

Take a look at the ever-expanding Wildwind Fleet.  There is a boat or boats to suit everyone's taste!

Joe's Multihull Masterclass - May 12th and 19th.

Special Laser Training Weeks – 5th, 12th and 19th May. (5th May now full)

Meet Wildwind at BOOT 2019 in Düsseldorf

Lilian and Peter from Wildwind can be found in hall 15 G 21, near Prosail

Merry Christmas from the Wildwind Team

A little bit about how Christmas is celebrated in Mauritius and Greece..

What is it that sets Mauritius apart from other tropical Islands?

What is it that makes a holiday in Mauritius so special?  A combination of the history, the culture, the people and the food make for a magical holiday experience.

An amazing cat sailing experience at Vassiliki for disabled sailors.

Wildwind's resident Sailmaker Thanos organised a fantastic 2 day event for the Greek Sailability in September.  The sailors really enjoyed the thrill of sailing on cats.  The event was such a success that they are hoping to organise it again next year and Thanos has been honoured by the National Sailing Club in Greece.  

Thanks for joining us in Vassiliki this season

We would like to thank you all for visiting us this season and we look forward to seeing you again next year.  Look out for the new prices for 2019 from November 12th.

Warm weather warning!

Flight and early booking deals for our Mauritus Winter Escapes.  The quicker you book the better the price!

Pro Sail- Hobie 16

Hear all about the exclusive Pro Sailing event for Hobie 16s in Germany

The latest news

Ionian Regatta in September 2018

The annual Ionian regatta takes place on the third Thursday of September and is an event cherished in the Wildwind calendar.

Hobie European Championships 2018

A summary of all the news from the Hobie Europeans in Denmark.  Read on for more details of the Hobie 16 UK and European Evenst for next year...

Extreme Sailing in Cardiff – Special Offer for Wildwind guests and friends

If you fancy spectating or even crewing at the Extreme Sailing Series then check out the speical offer for Wildwind Clients. Extreme Sailing Series from 24th-27th August, Cardiff.

Why we love sailing and we are so keen to support it.

This article talks about how we at Wildwind love sailing and how we are keen to support in lots of areas -  from sponsorship to promotion and training.

Out and about in Lefkada

A few of our favourite places to see around the beautful Island of Lefkada.

Joyrider TV

Wildwind Vassiliki’s Centre Manager, Joe Bennett likes to share his passion for all things Vass through his You Tube Channel ‘Joyrider TV.’ Read on to find out about where you can find the latest in You Tube training tutorials.

Our Passion for Live Music

If you have been on a Wildwind holiday you will know how much we enjoy a bit of live music in the evening after a day of sailing.  We have 2 great fun evenings of food and live music everyweek at the Wildwind Centre.  We also organise special music and sailing weeks every season.

At Wildwind we are serious about Laser Sailing

At Wildwind we love our Lasers, not only do we buy a brand new fleet every year we also support the UK Laser Class Association through sponsorship and we offer intensive race training weeks every season with special guest coaches.

What the papers say about Wildwind

Georgie Corlett- Pitt the Editor of Yachts and Yachting Magazine, (the UK’s leading performance sailing magazine) came out to Vassiliki in August of last year to give the Wildwind experience a thorough test!

The new season is underway...

The new season kicked off with Laser and training weeks - hear all the latest news about the boats and instructors at the start of the 2018 season.

Wildwind and a love affair with Hobie Cats

Learn all about Wildwind's 30 year relationship with Hobie Cat.

Vassiliki + catamarans = lots of fun!!

Wildwind - Where it all started.

If you have been on a Wildwind Holiday you will know what a special place it is, we thought we would share with you the story of how it all began…

A day in the life of Wildwind’s kids club

Hear all about kids club from the parents and kids!!

“Kids club was real highlight for us, seeing our kids (8 & 5) gaining confidence at and having fun on the water.” Adriana, Renewable Energy Instructor

24th June week - A Very Special Date for your Diary

By popular demand we have been persuaded to run the eighth edition of the Vassiliki Watersports Festival this year, and we are delighted to tell you that the amazing band that performed in front of a huge audience on the beach in front of Vassiliki Town Hall have invited themselves back as they loved it so much last year!

Visit Greece in May and you’ll be amazed!

There is no place quite like Greece in May and if you have never experienced it, you must and here’s why…

First of all, you’ll be welcomed more than at any other time. After the long winter break the locals are extremely happy to be seeing clients to be returning to their businesses and enjoying their beautiful island. There are far fewer tourists around at this time of year than there are at the height of summer, so you can take advantage of great service and the feeling of being able to find your own little corner to escape to.

Secondly, there’s s freshness not only in the air but on the beach too.  Wake up to a dozen brand new Lasers and our foliing Aeros, as well as our refurbished fleet lovingly prepared for the start of the season.

Catamaran Training Weeks - Get your sailing season off to a flying start this summer!

Our Catamaran training weeks this year run over two weeks: 13th and 20th May. Each week there will be 5 days of ‘intensive’ training giving you a chance to learn from the experts, both on and off the water with exercises on the water and video feedback on land at our beachside bar.  These training weeks are available to anyone with at least a year’s club racing experience.

New RYA Foiling Courses available at Vassiliki

At Wildwind we are proud to be one of only a few locations to be offering the RYA pilot Foiling Courses for 2018.
Read on if you would like to pick up some pre-holiday tips and tricks from the Wildwind Team.

Wildwind at London Boat Show 10-14 January

Hobie hits Holland

It’s one of the biggest sailing regattas of the season: the Hobie 2017 Multiworlds & Europeans. Sponsored by Wildwind, almost 300 boats have registered for the event and Wildwind’s own Simon, Thanos and Hans will compete for the grand prize.

How Does a Catamaran Clinic Help You?

Since 2010 catamaran clinics have been a regular feature in Vassiliki, and once again we are kicking off our season with our intensive training weeks which offer top class race coaching to the club enthusiast.

"I don't think I would be where I am today if it wasn't for working at Wildwind." - Tris Best

Continuing with our ex-staff series we recently caught up with Tris Best who founded and runs the OTC UK centre in Weymouth.

The Wildwind Difference: YachtsandYachting.com speak to Base Manager Joe Bennett

Joe Bennett, Base Manager at Wildwind Vassiliki, has now worked for Wildwind for 20 years. Mark Jardine talked to Joe about why people come back time and again to Vassiliki, his own sailing, the Wildwind Cat Training Weeks and what he likes to do on his days off, including his favourite local restaurants.

Wild is the Wind at the Vassiliki Festival

The Vassiliki Festival celebrations are particularly special to us this year as it’s our official 30th Anniversary week and the line-up for the party is just epic. From the 26th June to 2nd July there will be some fantastic off-the-water entertainment and live music including the splendid David Bowie tribute band ‘The Bowie Legacy’.

Spectacular new self-catering villas in Vassiliki

We have some exciting news, we have just acquired some beautiful new accommodation at our Vassiliki centre. Now we not only provide top spec equipment, highly experienced RYA qualified instructors and a location with one of the most reliable wind patterns in the sailing world, but can also offer luxury villa accommodation.

Have you tried foiling yet? Top tips from Marko

In 2016 we invested in foiling kits for some of our Laser fleet, converting the standard everyday Laser in to a flying machine.

Wildwind Sponsor Hobie 2017 Multi Worlds & Europeans

This year the Hobie 2017 Multi Worlds & Europeans will be held in Noordwijk, Holland (a.k.a. ‘the beach of Amsterdam’) on the 20-29 July and we are proud to announce that we are once again sponsoring the event. We will be supporting ZV Noordwijk, in partnership with VR Sport Media, in the production of daily social media and video reports, and we will also be offering 2x one week holidays to our Vassiliki centre and 2x one-week holidays to our Mauritius centre as prizes (all excluding flights).

Wildwind Sponsored Y&Y Awards 2017 Winners Announced

After thousands of votes cast by readers of Yachts & Yachting magazine, the Wildwind sponsored 2017 Yachts & Yachting Awards were presented Thursday 12 January at the London Boat Show.

Laser Intensive Training Weeks 7 May & 21 May

Once again, we are starting our season with our intensive Laser and Catamaran Training weeks for anyone who’d like to really kick start their summer sailing season off.

Catamaran Intensive Training Weeks – May 14-21st and 21-28th

If you’re interested in getting your sailing season off to a flying start, then why not join in with one of our intensive catamaran training weeks, May 14-21st and May 21-28th, we usually fill up fast so don’t miss out and call us now to check availability.

Best wishes from all of us at the Wildwind team, wherever you might be…

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR

Wildwind's 30th Birthday and Vass Festival

Yes, Wildwind will be 30 next year!

30 years since Simon Morgan, the company’s founder, took a sabbatical from work in London, took in a few major sailing events including a 727 mile non-stop race in a Hobie 16 from Miami to Fort Walton beach, and eventually drove his VW campervan to a windy place called Vassiliki…and never looked back!

World Champion at Wildwind

Youth Training with current world champion this summer

We are extremely fortunate to have the current 420 World champion, Bryony Bennett Lloyd working as a member of staff at Wildwind this season. Bryony has to return home at the end of June to compete in the SB3 Nationals - after that she is keen to return to Vassiliki but she also needs to raise funds for her 2020 Tokyo Olympic campaign in the new 49er FX class – so we are offering 4 lucky WW youths each week from July 6th to get personal instruction from Bryony – at a cost of £100 per youth per week to be paid directly to Bryony to support her campaign.

If you are interested in having your kids take advantage of this very special opportunity then please contact Simon Morgan, Wildwind founder, at simon@wildwind.co.uk in the first instance.

PS See Bryony on video at the ISAF Worlds 2013 here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdQDLBLYZL8