Avocet
Well-known member
Am thinking of goimg on one of these with Sunsail. Has anyone done this at that time of year? Any advice gratefully received!
Flotilla in Cephalonia in May?
- Thread starter Avocet
- Start date
Achillesheel
Well-known member
Try Sailing Holidays, their boats are sound, well equipped, friendly company etc.
North/South Ionian flots are better, longer passages, more wind.
North/South Ionian flots are better, longer passages, more wind.
Manos_Greece
New member
May is not exactly summer by Greek standards although the weather is usually hot enough for a quick dive. The tourist period of July - August means that in May you'll be able to visit every place you like with no trouble of finding a berth. Most shops, taverns etc. renewed or nearing the completion of their preparations for summer. The weather usually is stable. Hope you have a nice time.
Appleyard
Well-known member
I would second Achilles ... been a few times with Sailing Holidays.. they are much more relaxed and friendly.... boats are well looked after and I think they are better value for money than the others.
wishbone
New member
Yep! went in may some time ago with sailing holidays weather great..just a couple of days F8 rafted up in fricas (spelling)? so hired a moped and went exploring around the Island, Stavros is a nice village check to see when they are having a festival...pig roast spit....very warm welcome from the locals.... after that very warm did a dive in nidri harbour to retrieve my specs....had a great time very friendy lot...had a Jag27 only big enough for two!.......if you need any further info pm me!
jay
New member
This is looking like a "Sailing Holidays appreciation society" but I have to add my bit. Their bl***y good! Friendly, down to earth sailing people - can fault em. And when i do the full Ionian with them a few years ago they were also the cheapest around. Ionian defintely best place for a first flot - loads of places to go and perfect conditions for learners or those a little nervous of big boat stuff.
On time of year - I always go to the Med in June or Sept - out of busy and expsensive school holidays period. Sea is usually more pleasant for swimming in Sept cause its had all summer to warm up. Still Ok in June - just a bit of a shock when you jump in - or maybe i'm just a wuss!
On time of year - I always go to the Med in June or Sept - out of busy and expsensive school holidays period. Sea is usually more pleasant for swimming in Sept cause its had all summer to warm up. Still Ok in June - just a bit of a shock when you jump in - or maybe i'm just a wuss!
Joe_Cole
New member
Yup. Sailing Holidays were excellent.
We went with them as part of my master plan to get a boat. SWMBO enjoyed the holiday and then signed off the Expenditure Authorisation for me to buy the boat!
Thanks "Sailing Holidays"
We went with them as part of my master plan to get a boat. SWMBO enjoyed the holiday and then signed off the Expenditure Authorisation for me to buy the boat!
Thanks "Sailing Holidays"
B
bob_tyler
Guest
[ QUOTE ]
Yup. Sailing Holidays were excellent. Thanks "Sailing Holidays"
[/ QUOTE ]
Quite agree about Sailing Holidays. Went with them on Jag 27 fleet from South to North Ionian. Had a great time. Wonderful lead crew - 2 Kangaroos and a Zulu - sorry, 2 Aussies and a South African, nothing was too much trouble for them. Go Sailing Holidays, you'll enjoy it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Yup. Sailing Holidays were excellent. Thanks "Sailing Holidays"
[/ QUOTE ]
Quite agree about Sailing Holidays. Went with them on Jag 27 fleet from South to North Ionian. Had a great time. Wonderful lead crew - 2 Kangaroos and a Zulu - sorry, 2 Aussies and a South African, nothing was too much trouble for them. Go Sailing Holidays, you'll enjoy it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Trilogy
New member
Depends what you are looking for in your flotilla holiday. If you're after lots of socialising with other 'billies' you may be better off leaving it until late May. If you're really after the sailing and the opportunity to explore the area without tripping over loads of holidaymakers, then go in early May.
I skippered Sunsail's Cephalonia flotilla in 1997. Our first 'flot' started in the first week of May. We had just 4 yachts with us. Many of the taverna's were either closed or the owners were busy smartening things up for the new season. We had to ring ahead each day before deciding where to go. (Suggest looking at the charter companies web sites to find out when their first scheduled flotilla's start).
The second week of May saw 5 boats on the flotilla, then 7. It wasn't until June that all 12 were chartered.
The weather was great throughout May....generally NE 2/3 in the afternoons and the sea was pleasant enough for a dip.
Having been drunk in Vassiliki with the Sailing Holidays crews most Thursday's for a year, and also having since had flotilla holidays with each as a customer, my personal view is that there is little to choose between Sunsail & SH. Arguably, Sunsail have more resources to sort problems which may affect your enjoyment. Even in the height of the summer, they had spare boats in case of total disaster, and they have a fast boat able to get parts to anywhere in the Ionian within 3 hours. They also have their beach club apartments in case you need to spend time ashore.
Not sure how Sunsail has changed since Chris Gordon sold out to First Choice and subsequently moved on......will find out on the 28th when I head for the BVI's !
Good luck,
Nick
I skippered Sunsail's Cephalonia flotilla in 1997. Our first 'flot' started in the first week of May. We had just 4 yachts with us. Many of the taverna's were either closed or the owners were busy smartening things up for the new season. We had to ring ahead each day before deciding where to go. (Suggest looking at the charter companies web sites to find out when their first scheduled flotilla's start).
The second week of May saw 5 boats on the flotilla, then 7. It wasn't until June that all 12 were chartered.
The weather was great throughout May....generally NE 2/3 in the afternoons and the sea was pleasant enough for a dip.
Having been drunk in Vassiliki with the Sailing Holidays crews most Thursday's for a year, and also having since had flotilla holidays with each as a customer, my personal view is that there is little to choose between Sunsail & SH. Arguably, Sunsail have more resources to sort problems which may affect your enjoyment. Even in the height of the summer, they had spare boats in case of total disaster, and they have a fast boat able to get parts to anywhere in the Ionian within 3 hours. They also have their beach club apartments in case you need to spend time ashore.
Not sure how Sunsail has changed since Chris Gordon sold out to First Choice and subsequently moved on......will find out on the 28th when I head for the BVI's !
Good luck,
Nick
knewboater
New member
Have to say it, Sailing Holidays is one of the best companies I have dealt with, went in middle of May had a great time, they coudn`t have been more helpful, all of them.
Sybarite
Well-known member
Apparently mandolins are useful in chatting up the birds.
Avocet
Well-known member
Thanks all!
bluedragon
Active member
Just a comment. I sailed from Corfu to Cefalonia and back in May last year. First week of the month the weather was awful (gales, wind, rain)...the locals said it was unusual. It then improved...and by the time we left in late May it was really nice in the daytime. BUT...the sea was cold and the evening air was cold in the harbours...many people were trying to eat inside, and that's difficult in the tavernas. Was it an unusual May?...I don't know, but take UK summer sailing gear with you (fleeces, waterproofs and long trousers) if going early-mid month would be my advice.