Sailing Holidays Ltd

[rogerroger]

Anyone used Sailing Holidays Ltd for chartering in the Ionian ?

Comments most apprecited - seems like their two week price is about the same as that for one with Sunsail but is this for a good reason ?

cheers


Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[zefender]

I've not been with them but I've bareboat chartered around them in various harbours, as it were over the years. Some of the boats may be a bit older than Sunsail's, but they seem fine. The operation is much more friendly/laid back too. They've been in business for many years now, run by a nice guy called Barry. If I remember rightly, their base is in Sivota/Mourtos on the mainland across from Corfu, which is quite a pleasant little town. They probably won't have the 'spare boat' backup of Sunsail but I'd opt for them for a more fun time.

 

[chris505]

Hi
Yes we have been twice with them and enjoyed every moment. They are laid back but in a very friendly way. We did both the North & South in a 27ft Jaguar, they are fairly old but also safe. They do have other more modern boats which are larger but the system is the same.

Go with them & enjoy.

 

[rogerroger]

Assuming there was 2 of you - was the Jaguar big enough or do you wish you'd spent a bit more on something larger?

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[poter]

Roger,

I have not used Sailing Holidays but have seen them around, they look ok!
However have used Cosmos and are using them again this year in Rhodes
They have a good selection of Yachts. We booked last year for Sept 2002 and got a good rate works out for 6 of us on a 38' Bav. around 190 per week/person so not bad. Even if you booked now I am sure it will not be that much extra.
Anyway have a look at their web site www.cosmosyachting.com

Cheers


poter.

 

[Seafort]

Not used Sailing Holidays but I did see their yachts about in the Ionian last year. They looked o.k.

I went with Neilson (part of Thomsons I think, not to be confused with the name of the owner of Sailing Holidays Ltd. There was a court case in progress) as on phoning them they offered a bigger and better yacht for the same price (Moody 31s).

I was on a villa/flottilla holiday incorperating a 4 day Introduction to sailing course leading to Rya level 2 certificate. So be warned their one week Flot's are full of Erm.... "Less experienced sailors" some fun entertainment there <G>. The two week Flot's are for more exerienced sailors and affords the opportunity to cut off on your own or with other yachts.

Well worth a ring.


Have fun

Dave.

 

[Joe_Cole]

We used them for two weeks in the Ionian and it was wonderful. The staff were helpful and friendly without being intrusive. The boat was fine, and the few minor problems we had were sorted out efficiently. They were happy to let us go off on our own once they were happy that we were reasonably proficient. The charts and guides were perfectly adequate and the daily briefings were excellent.

We went on a flotilla holiday as part of my campaign to get a boat of our own. (gave her a good sailing experience in the Med, then nagged her into submission).
It worked!

I can thoroughly recomend Sailing Holidays. If you end up with the boat we had (Miranda), say "Hello" from me!

Joe Cole

 

[Joe_Cole]

We were in a Beneteau as there were 6 of us. However, we looked at the Jaguars whilst we were there and they would be fine for two people.

Joe

 

[Chris_Robb]

Used them about 6 years ago - brilliant 2 weeks - staff wonderful and especially good for kids.

experianeced and less experienced all helped each other,

Older boats - but well maintained.

 

[rogerroger]

All academic...

thanks for the responses - phoned them up and they're fully booked ! At least for the school hols (my other half is a teacher).

Next year maybe!

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[chris505]

Hi
It was big enough for two weeks, although any longer than that would be a bit cramped.

Chris

 

[piratequeen]

We too have tried them (despite being stinkies!) and had a brilliant time. The Jaguar is fine for a couple for 2 weeks, and each year they add new bits and pieces, like upgraded engines, bimini covers etc. The reason you couldn't get booked is because they are very good value, non-snobby, and excellent for children, so will always be full in school holidays. Book now for next year!

 

[trib]

Just one point ... if you order extras, make sure they guarantee to have them available. We didn't get the bimini, and for a few days the outboard we requested. There was no problem about refunding the difference, but the Ionian without a bimini can be a bit of a scorcher.

Other than that .. an excellent bunch, and I agree with all the other contributors. The only other thing I'd add is ... try to choose your neighbours. Flotilla hols can be raucous affairs, and lying alongside three drunken batchelors can ruin that sunrise star you promised yourself ...

K

 

[hugh_nightingale]

I would keep trying, they may have a cancellation.
I would use them again. Much better than Sunsail, more organised, more friendly and you don't have to pay for extra diesel.
We were in the same group as "Miranda", in fact I have a picture labeled "Approaching Vathi, Miranda in front". We had "Aegea", also in the group were "Helena" and "Titania".
Best sail was when someone else had damaged the bridge and instead of going through the canal we had to sail right up the outside of Levkas from Vasiliki. It was the only time we sailed as a flotilla and we romped along at 8.5kt all day.
There was a young family there on a Jaguar, they seemed to cope quite well.