Wildwind South Africa

27/09/2024

This Sunday, sep 29th, voting closes for the British Travel Awards. Voting only takes a minute would be a massive support for Wildwind , as well as the sailing sports, Also, you can win over 50,000 pounds worth of great travel prizes, including a Wildwind holiday for two! Please go to https://wildwind.co.uk/vote to help Wildwind take the gold again!

02/08/2024

Last Minutes August and September

For most of August we have very limited availability. We do have the odd cancellation and MAY be able to offer special prices if you are prepared to move room in the middle of your stay. Please call our agent Stephania Papadamianou on +30 6978777014 for the current situation, as it changes frequently.

Here is some up-to-date information:

Aug 3, full for sailing
Sep 7, FULL
Sep 14, FULL (Ionian Regatta filled up a long time ago!)
Sep 21, Extra Intensive Laser Clinics, limited availability! Also some places left for our normal programme.
Sep 28, Availability starting to get tight
Oct 5, We've extended the season by one week, for sailing only. Limited availability!

22/07/2024

The Wildwind teams in Vassiliki and Mauritius proudly congratulate our founder and CEO Simon Morgan for the excellent result of him and his crew, former Wildwind staff member Bryony Spieza, at the Hobie 16 European championships in Lake Garda (Italy).

5th in the Masters
3rd in the Grandmasters
1st in the Great Grandmasters

Still going strong, Simon!

⛵🏆

18/05/2024

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!

Aaron used to work for Wildwind before he became Chief Instructor at the Andrew Simpson Centre in Garda. He's now back at Wildwind as Second In Command, working closely with our new beach manager Ash.

The third and last week of the Intensive Laser Clinics will start this Sunday, but given the enthusiasm it's safe to say that they'll be back next year, again early in the season.

The lucky participants have been able to radically improve their boat handling and racing skills in a variety of conditions including, of course, the classic Force 5-6 afternoon cross-shore. Our next newsletter will include a more detailed account of what they have been learning.

Here's some feedback from Ellie Ratusniak, secretary of the UK ILCA association who has been staying with us the past two weeks and who participated in Aaron's Laser Clinics:

21/01/2024

Peter and Lilian, our wonderful agents for Germany and Switzerland, are available on the Hobie Cat Class Association throughout the BOOT show in Dusseldorf running until Sunday 28th January. Also on the stand will be Wildwind manager for the past 28 years and Joyrider TV YouTube expert, Joe Bennett, from Monday 22nd until Wednesday 24th.

They're in Hall 15 - do come along and say hello!

More info? https://www.boot.com

17/01/2024

What's it like, being European but living in Mauritius to run Wildwind's famous tropical sailing holiday? That's the question the German public broadcaster ZDF asked Klaus Gerasch, manager of Wildwind Mauritius. They sent over a TV crew and the last few days great fun was had by all!

13/12/2023

Wildwind Adventures Mauritius

Sailaway today to Grand Baie. In the morning 10 knots, afternoon less and wawes.

29/09/2023

At the risk of oversharing: we're already getting a bit nervous here! Today (Saturday) is the last day of voting in the 2023 British Travel Awards and we'd REALLY like to continue our winning streak!

For a small, independent travel company such as Wildwind, winning the BTAs has made a tremendous difference. It's the kind of external validation that tells us and others that we're doing something right.

If you haven't voted yet but you do think we deserve to win, please take some 30 seconds out of your schedule and go to https://wildwind.co.uk/vote right now. I'm sure we've already told you, but the organisers of the BTA will raffle off tens of thousands of pounds worth of travel prizes, including a Wildwind, Wildwind Adventures or Healthy Options holiday for two. So this might just be the most lucrative 30 seconds you've ever spent!

If you did already vote, let me just thank you for your support on behalf of myself and the entire team. Your love and support really means the world to us!

26/09/2023

Can you spare a minute to help Wildwind?

As you might know, we were the proud winners of the British Travel Awards in 2019, 2021 and 2022. As a small company, this meant a lot to us, as it was such a great recognition of the hard work of our dedicated staff.

Obviously, we would like to continue our winning streak - and we have indeed been nominated again. If you have a moment, we would surely appreciate your vote! It only takes a minute and it would mean the world to us. If you believe that Wildwind offers a unique and fantastic holiday experience, please head over to wildwind.co.uk/vote and help us win!

Anyone can vote. If you’re not from the UK, simply uncheck the box that says “I have a UK postcode”. Σε ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ!

11/08/2023

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.

Think of it as a mini Fastnet: yachts and the Wildwind catamaran dinghy fleet jostle for position on the same start line but with different time sequences. The fleet then sails out of Vassiliki Bay, circumnavigating the stunning, uninhabited island of Arkoudi and then heading back to Wildwind for the finish line, followed by refreshments and maybe a few more refreshments. Tactics can be dubious as the top shelf of the Zeus Bar challenge the night before can scupper a few unsuspecting keelboat warriors.

Spirit of Adventure
This is one for those with a spirit of adventure and whatever comes your way. The race is 35km as the crow flies but the on water distance is a lot further as the boats tack and gybe their way along the course.

Finishing back in Vassiliki, we bid the yachts farewell as they carry on to Sivota for the night and back to a finish line off the Wildwind base. Whilst the keelboaters face the prospect of a night of sleeping on board, the Wildwind clients are happy in the knowledge they’re returning to hot showers and en suite accommodation.

The boats in the fleet will be the Tornado, Goodall C2, Hobie Tigers, Hobie Pacifics, FXOnes and Hobie 16s. How are boats for this long distance extravaganza allocated? It’s all based on your level of experience: for example if you're a strong Hobie16 sailor and you've never sailed a Hobie Tiger or a Formula 18 then we prefer you to sail a Hobie 16. Results will be calculated using the Vassiliki yardstick system so even if you’re sailing a Hobie 16 and the Formula 18s have beaten you on the water the win might still be yours.

Bowie and Hendrix
Competitors, sailors and non-sailors alike are welcome to join us on the bus over to the next village Sivota to join in the party and celebrations in this beautiful harbour which Wildwind clients don't usually get the opportunity of seeing, featuring the UK's number one David Bowie tribute band and a Jimmy Hendrix tribute band.

The Ionian tends to be a truly international lineup with the on water commentary keenly following the various teams from Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, etc. fighting it out with tactical manoeuvres all the way.

For those less experienced sailors, the golden tickets are to sail as crew with a staff member. These are in hot demand as only a few staff are available to sail as the rest are either on the rescue ribs or stay at the Wildwind base for clients who don’t want to join the Ionian.

11/07/2023

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.

Spoilt for choice
With so many different boats to choose from - all with their different strengths in different conditions: which will you select to launch? It’s a pleasant dilemma for any sailor to have.

To help with this conundrum please take a look at Wildwind and Joyrider TV’s maestro Joe Bennett taking you through each of the catamarans that are waiting expectantly on the beach for you to grab a buoyancy aid and trapeze harness, strap in and launch to fly across Vassiliki Bay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir_56XL4fqk

5 crispy new sails
The catamarans are proudly sporting the smart 35 new sails we have in this season. We know our clients well and crispy new sails are a must to get the most out of those new techniques and manoeuvres during your holiday with us.

Our fleet specs to help you decide which to launch
Here’s a quick summary of the 25 catamarans waiting for you on the beach:

1 x Goodall C2 - F18 high performance cat. 18’ long, 2.6 metres wide, inverted shape hulls, double trapeze, high aspect foils, dagger boards, high aspect deck sweeper 17 sq m main sail, 4.15 sq m jib and 21 sq m spinnaker. Capacity 240 kgs. Weight: 180 kgs.

1 x Tornado - Former Olympic 20ft catamaran. 20 ‘long, 3.08 metres wide, double trapeze, dagger boards, 16.6 sq m high aspect main sail, 5.33 sq m jib and 25 sq m asymmetric spinnaker. Capacity: ask a gold medalist! Weight 155 kgs.

6 x Hobie Tiger - Advanced ISAF internationally recognised F18 catamaran. 18’ long, 2.6 metres wide, double trapeze, dagger boards, high aspect 17 sq m main sail, 4.15 sq m jib and 21 sq m spinnaker. Capacity: 240 kgs. Weight 180 kgs.

3 x Hobie Pacific - 18 foot beach cat, ideal for cruising or stepping stone to the Tiger. 18’ long, 2.6 meters wide, double trapeze, skeg hulls, 15,5 sq m main sail,4.15 sq m jib. Capacity 240 kgs. Weight: 185 kgs.

3 x Hobie FX One - High performance 17 foot single-hander racing catamaran. 17’ long, 2.51 metres wide, lightweight hulls, single trapeze, dagger boards, high aspect 16 sq m main sail, asymmetric 17.42 sq m spinnaker. Capacity: 135 kgs. Weight: 154 kgs.

7 x Hobie 16 LE Race - Classic beach cat that you can take out in just about any wind. 16’ 9’’ long, 2.41 metres wide, low volume asymmetric hulls, double trapeze, 13.77 sq m main sail, jib 5.12 sq m. Capacity 240 kgs. Weight: 145 kgs.

2 x Hobie 15 Turbo - Great learning boat with lots of volume, making it very forgiving. 16’ 4” long, 2.26 metres wide, high volume deep skeg hulls, double trapeze, no boom, main sail 11.5 sq m jib 3 sq m. Capacity 320 kgs. Weight:155 kgs.

1 x Hobie 14 LE Turbo - The original Hobie that’s stood the test of time and possibly the most difficult boat to sail that we have in the whole boat park. 12’ long, 2.34 metres wide, asymmetric hulls, single trapeze, 10.46 sq m main sail. Capacity 109 kgs. Weight: 109 kgs.

1 x Hobie Dragoon - 13ft friendly single-hander/kids boat that is a great introduction to cat sailing. 12’ 8” long, 2.2 metres wide,Main 9.5 sq m jib 2.20 sq m, double trapeze. Capacity 240 kgs. Weight: 114 kgs.

04/07/2023

Last call for Vassiliki speed weeks

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

If you have not yet booked your place and you are able to get away at short notice this week looks to be an amazing experience for anyone wanting to know how fast they are really going!

We’ve just taken delivery of Velocitek’s speed pucks which will be mounted on your boat so that you can see immediately your speed and your best ten second spurt will be recorded and placed onto the leader board every day with fun prizes across a selection of classes.

And, of course, our expert instructors including cat master Joe who has recorded a speed of over 25 kts on a Hobie 16 will be at hand to give you tips.

Classes:
• Overall
• Fastest cat that’s not a Hobie 16
• Youth catamaran (under 16)
• Fastest Dinghy
• Fastest Laser
• Fastest Zest (under 16)
• Fastest Zest (under 12)

This is open to all Wildwind clients and anyone else able to bring their own boat to the event. No racing experience needed - you just need to know how to sail fast in a straight line.

If you keen to join us, we have a very few places left but we may be able to offer some attractive last minute prices based on rooms allocated upon arrival and that may involve a room change mid week. Call us for latest availability.

During the Speed Weeks our full regular programme is available as well.

29/06/2023

Youth RYA courses at Wildwind

Those who wish to can also choose to do one of the youth specific RYA Start Sailing Stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 courses and return home proudly brandishing a new certificate. More experienced youngsters are welcome to sign up for more advanced courses such as RYA Start Racing or Sailing with Spinnakers: the list is a long one. Our RYA Training Centre Certification covers 22 (yes, you read that right!) RYA courses available at Wildwind.

As a shy junior who has grown up at Wildwind and who went on to be on RYA National Squads comments: it’s a relaxed way to get your qualifications under your belt without hanging around waiting for a UK weather window to launch and to do them quickly.

Kids who already have some experience in the RYA youth classes will be coached individually, taking into account their ambition and ability. It goes without saying that a keen eye is always on them for maximal safety.

28/06/2023

Wildwind Teens and Kids Club

Parents sometimes deserve some all so valuable ‘me-time’ and the younger family members hanker after spreading their wings on their own independent adventures. Our Teens and Kids Club is free of charge and open every day for all kids aged 6 to 17. Youngsters of all ages and sailing ability - from total beginners to aspiring Olympians on RYA squads - will relish getting to grips with new racing techniques or learning to sail in the safe, azure water of Vassiliki bay

There’s no set schedule as we tailor the activities each week to best suit the ages, abilities, interests and aspirations of the particular children and teenagers with us (we may even listen to desperate pleas from parents!). One week we might run an intense week of sailing, coaching children through any RYA level, while other weeks we will focus solely on water confidence and ensure kids are having the best time they can on the water. Most of the time, there’s a mix of the two: we might spend one morning with each child in their own boat practicing manoeuvres and playing sailing games, while the next we’re surfing paddle boards and doing handstands on the trapeze!

So what will the younger family members be getting up to whilst you launch for an adrenaline sail or grab a wine by the pool? They will get to try their hand in simple beginner dinghies and Hobie Cats to more advanced boats if more experienced. Apart from sailing? Everything from swimming, model boat making challenges (of course demonstrating the five essentials), pool and beach games and those all important ice creams to a trip to the water park. You will listen with envy of tales of their adventures on mini sailaways to Barbecue Beach further along the bay for a snorkel. The key element we focus on is that whatever they are doing they are enjoying themselves.

You will be able to relax and do your own thing knowing the kids are in safe hands from 10am to 1.30pm and then from 2.30pm until 5pm. Let us take the weight and cater for when little Jimmy wants to spend as much time on the water as possible, while junior Julie is adamant she only wants to swim and go to the inflatable water park. Dedicated instructors are on hand for when the going gets tough and the tough just need an ice cream. And with our substantial discounts of up to €475 a head for Teens and Pre-teens you can afford all the ice creams their little heart’s desire…

27/06/2023

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.

Discounts for Teens and Kids
As Wildwind is the family sailing holiday you all really want rather than the budget option there are discounts to support the whole family being able to benefit from all we have to offer - both on and off the water. There is an automatic €150 discount on a one week holiday and €245 on a two week holiday for teens aged 13 to 17 years. Double discounts apply for Kids from 6-12 years: so €295 on a one week holiday and €475 on a two week holiday.

Wildwind Teens and Kids Club
Our Teens and Kids Club is open every day, free of charge from 10 am to 1.30 pm and then from 2.30 pm until 5 pm.

Ocean Explorers
If one of the clan is a budding Greta, an Attenborough fan or currently hyped by all things Little Mermaid 2023 we also have the optional Ocean Explorer programme on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at a 15% discount for Wildwind clients. These cover everything from marine conservation and the ecology of Vassiliki Bay to underwater e-scooters, snorkeling and scuba diving. For more information please see here https://wildwind-sailing.com/sailing-news/calling-all-nature-lovers-aged-6-12--1

01/06/2023

Greek Reporter:

Lefkada, widely known as the “Caribbean of Greece,” is a recipe for the perfect summer holiday in the Ionian Sea, a perfect dream destination for people who love exotic islands.

Located in the Ionian sea, Lefkada is a stunning island, even by Greek standards. It connects to the mainland by a small bridge and is easily accessed by car.

26/05/2023

Are you any good at maintaining and fixing dinghies and cats. We need a bosun at Wildwind as our previous one had had to leave for personal reasons. Fancy a paid glorious working holiday? If you're free for a month or more let me know.

22/05/2023

Calling all nature lovers aged 6-12!

Any budding Gretas out there? Calling all Attenborough fans.

If, like many these days, your children are passionate about nature and the environment there’s a new activity in Vassiliki Bay that may both inspire and entertain. Ocean Explorer is all about marine ecology and ocean conservation alongside acquiring practical skills from snorkeling and using underwater e-scooters to scuba diving.

For those keenly anticipating the return of Ariel and the release of Little Mermaid 2023 next week - this could help ease the tension at home and prove a real treat for the kids.

Ocean Explorer in Vassiliki Bay
The courses are run by George and Elena from the established local diving and kayaking centre, Nautilus - much loved by our Wildwind Adventures clients. Numbers are limited to ensure close supervision from qualified SSI Explorers Instructors. We anticipate these are going to be popular and in high demand.

A national expert
Elena really knows her stuff as she represents Greece on numerous international environmental issues and her enthusiasm to share her knowledge is contagious. The younger members of the family will come away with a greater understanding of how to protect the marine environment we all love as well as having had a boatload of fun.

Over two mornings (Wednesdays and Thursdays) there are two options:

Eco Snorkeling (from age 6):
Day 1: interactive marine ecology with videos, environmental themed games and an hour on the Water Park.
Day 2: practical snorkeling boat trip and underwater electric scooters in the pool.
Cost: €80 for Wildwind clients (usually €90).

Eco Diving (from age 8):
Day 1: interactive marine ecology with videos, environmental themed games and an hour on the Water Park.
Day 2: practical scuba diving boat trip.
Cost: €115 for Wildwind clients (usually €130).
Wildwind 15% discount

We are delighted to announce that the couple are kindly letting Wildwind clients have first call on the places as well as a 15% discount. If you would like to secure a place(s) for your child(ren) let the office know when you book your holiday and we will book the Ocean Explorer on your behalf (to be paid in Vassiliki). Please note that if you do decide to book then you are committing to the cost as numbers are limited.

Discounts for Teens and Kids
If these underwater adventures aren’t enough, remember that those between 6 and 17 years have free access to our supervised Teens & Kids Clubs whether on our Sailing or Adventures Watersports programmes. In addition there are discounts of €150 on a one week holiday and €245 on a two week holiday for Teens (13-17 years). Double discounts apply to Kids (6-12 years), so €295 on a one week holiday and €475 on a two week holiday.