wildwind holidays 2009

www.wildwind.co.uk | Like to know more? Call us today on 0844 499 2898

ContentsMuch more than a sailing holiday 2Wildwind – A sailor’s paradise 4Beginners 6Intermediates & advanced 8

Wildwind kids 10On site and around Wildwind 12Our Healthy Options programme 14Other activities 16

experienceA unique holiday

There is nothing quite like aWildwind holiday - it’s aunique combination of action,relaxation and fun.Over the past twenty years Wildwind has achieved anextraordinary reputation.

Our sailing centre has long been recognised as one of themost professional in Europe boasting unbeatable conditions,a fantastic range of equipment and top class instruction andcoaching.

Our location right in the middle of Vassiliki beach withstunning views over to the nearby islands of Cephaloniaand Ithaca could hardly be improved upon.

But what makes us truly special is the unique atmosphere andfriendly feel at Wildwind.

The unspoilt island of Lefkas itself is a jewel in the Ioniansea, well known for its unforgettable beaches, stunningscenery and the friendliness of the local Greek population.

We are a small independent company and our relaxedinformal approach is designed to make sure you get themost out of your holiday both on and off the water.

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2 www.wildwind.co.uk | Like to know more? Call us today on 0844 499 2898

“A fantastic week!I’ve sailed, windsurfed, cycled, been scuba diving andbeen pampered – great time!”

From your first drink and welcome mealin Vassiliki you’ll find that it’s an easyplace to meet people and make friends.

Our beach and pool bars have a veryrelaxed feel, and you are welcome to joinin any of our casual social events. Theseinclude the infamous Wildwind barbecuewith its eclectic mix of live music at thebeach bar and our cocktail nights at thepool bar with long drinks and tall stories.

Our accommodations are in two smallfamily run hotels. Our en-suite rooms aresimple and comfortable – set in beautifullandscaped gardens just yards from thebeach and sailing centre.

The village of Vassiliki is a five minutewalk along the beach where a goodnumber of typical Greek tavernas andbars are waiting for you. Vassiliki’sharbour is an ideal place to slow downand enjoy the leisurely Greek pace of life.The locals are well known for theirhospitality – the bars will only close whenyou are ready to go home!

If you want to get away from it all it’s easytoo. Taking a walk or a cycle ride throughthe luxurious orange and olive groves isan opportunity to explore Greece off thebeaten track.

Wildwind is equally suitable for families,couples and singles and for experiencedsailors or complete novices.

Our Healthy Options programmeincluding daily yoga and pilates classes,aqua-safaris and herbal walks, cycling,massage and much more is a perfectalternative for non sailing partners, orsimply relaxing after a day on the water.

Over the school holidays our kids sailingprogramme ensures they are fullysupervised for several hours a day, so youcan enjoy your holiday to the full.

Whatever your taste you’ll find Wildwindhas something to offer you.

Much more than a sailing holidayFrom mild to wild, Wildwind have something for everyone. Whether you are an experienced sailor, a beginner or someone wanting aholiday with a difference, Wildwind has the perfect mix.

The perfectholiday, activeor relaxed

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ParadiseA sailor’s

Wildwind


You'll not find better conditionsthan these! Light morningwinds perfect for beginners,fresh afternoon winds for themore experienced.Waiting for you on the beach is an impressive line up of boats alltuned and ready to go – high performance dinghies andcatamarans for experienced sailors and a great selection of lessdemanding craft for beginners and youngsters. Our 2009 fleetalso includes Laser's amazing SB3 3 man sportboat.

Our team of instructors are highly professional, experienced andapproachable – and many have competed at National andInternational Level. We are an RYA recognised teaching schooland we offer courses that cover the full range of the syllabus frombeginners through to advanced techniques and racing skills.Unlike most holiday companies all RYA courses are on offer at noextra charge, and, of course, the RYA qualification means that yoursafety is never compromised.

Whether you’re a total novice or you’ve been sailing boats sinceyou were a kid there’s no better place to learn and have fun onand off the water at Wildwind.

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Shape your day

9.00 amJoin in one of our gentleyoga classes to stretchand prepare yourself forthe day

At Wildwind, we wantyou do do as much or as

little as you like! So wehave put together

some of our favouritesactivities for the

perfect Wildwind day.

11.00 amLight on shore winds -perfect for learning the basics with ourexperienced team ofinstructors.

2.00pmLunch at the beach bar.Enjoy delicious home -cooked Mediterraneanlunches.

4.00pmTake a Wildwind ‘joyride’ and come homegrinning from ear to ear.


Our unique approach to helping novicesailors take their first steps on a boat isbased on one overriding principle – thatlearning to sail should be FUN.

Light on-shore winds in the mornings areabsolutely perfect for learning the basicsand putting them into practice – first withan instructor and then on your own asyour confidence grows.

If you want you can join in classes thatlead to the RYA Level 1 & 2qualifications...'Start Sailing' and 'BasicSkills' at no extra cost.

The afternoon winds are generallystronger and though you might not yetbe capable of taking a boat out on yourown you are encouraged to join one ofour experienced instructors who will soon

have you trapezing at high speeds acrossthe bay - we guarantee you'll have a grinon your face by the time you make it backto the beach.

And, as a crew, you will not only be indemand but there is no better place tolearn than at the ‘sharp end’ of a wellsailed boat.

By the end of the week you’ll be itchingto try out your new skills in our informalregatta and ‘Sail Away’ to Cape Lefkadaand nearby beaches.

Beginners – Never sailed before?Learning how to sail in Vassiliki’s warm waters is stress-free and easy going – you can do as much or as little as you want.

The perfectholiday, activeor relaxed

You’re nevertoo old or tooyoung to learnhow to sail



Unlike many sailing centres we don’t offera ‘regimented’ approach at all – if youwant to join in any of the free RYA coursesyou will be made most welcome but if youjust want to take a boat out for a blast byyourself or with friends we will simply offeryou any assistance you might need.

Apart from our Monday morning safetybriefing you are free to come and go asyou choose.

The sailing centre is open from 10.30 am(when the morning on-shore breezeappears) until evening when the cross-shore afternoon wind is dying. There is noset time off the water for lunch or tea…

we know how frustrating it is to be told tocome in when the conditions are ideal!

For many years club sailors have come toour base in Vassiliki for its excellentequipment, top class coaching, racingprogramme and, of course, the legendaryconditions in the bay. Many of our guestswho come back year after year seeWildwind as their friendly sailing clubaway from home – only better!

Our coaching programme covers allaspects of the RYA syllabus, though it isvery much down to you how much or littleyou take… you are on holiday after all!

For those who want them, the practicaland theoretical sessions encompass everyaspect of sailing, including asymmetricspinnaker handling, race starts, advancedcatamaran and skiff techniques and ourspeciality – high wind boat handling.

Special events, like the Sail Away aroundCape Lefkada and our Regatta Day, willbe posted on boards everywhere.

It’s easy to join in if you want to, fine ifyou don’t.

Intermediates and advancedVassiliki’s fleet includes over 40 of the latest dinghies andcatamarans covering the full spectrum from beginner toOlympic classes.

Catamarans:

Hobie Fox International Formula 20 racing catamaran suitable for advanced sailors

Hobie Tiger Advanced ISAF internationally recognised Formula 18 catamaran

Hobie Pacific 18 foot beach catamaran, ideal for cruising or as a stepping stone to the Tiger

Hobie FX One High performance 17 foot single-hander racing catamaran

Hobie 16 LE Race The classic beach cat that you can take out in just about anywind. The RYA’s preferred training catamaran

Hobie 15 Turbo A great learning boat with lots of volume making it very forgiving

Hobie 14 LE Turbo The original Hobie – don’t be fooled by its simple looks!

Hobie Dragoon 13 foot friendly single-hander/kids boat that is a great introduction to cat sailing

Hobie Teddy Simple and great fun 13 foot boat.

Dinghies:

49er Very advanced Olympic class racing skiff –experience needed even as a crew

RS 400 Intermediate ‘hiking only’ monohull, great all-round boatRS Tera The next step up from the Optimist - perfect for 1 or 2 kids.Laser SB3 Lasers incredible high performance 3 man sports(keel) boat.

Voted Boat of The Year.Laser 5000 Twin wire performance skiffLaser 4000 Very popular single trapeze monohullLaser 3000 Ideal beginner and youth skiff, easy to handleLaser 2000 Stable and fun teaching dinghy, a great introduction to

spinnaker handlingLaser VAGO Laser’s excellent trapeze skiff – quite a handfulLaser 1 The classic Olympic single-hander dinghy, available with standard

or radial rigLaser Pico The perfect single-hander to learn on and a great boat for kids.Laser Bug The newest addition to the Laser family is a single handed boat

aimed at young sailors. The BUG can take up to 2 children or 1 adult – without compromise!

KIT LIST:

Wildwind – you’ll be blown away!



“A great atmosphere kids are well looked after”


Wildwind has long prided itself in itsapproach to getting young people intosailing - whether on the beach in Vassilikior through its sponsorship and support of the Hobie and RYA youth schemes.

All kids on our sailing courses arecomprehensively taught and thoroughlylooked after by dedicated members ofsailing staff in both morning andafternoon sessions.

We offer instruction for youngsters whohave never sailed before in simple Laserdinghies and Hobie Cats and coachingfor those who have some experience inthe RYA youth classes. It goes withoutsaying that a keen eye is always on themfor safety. Not only will we teach them tosail, they will have FUN learning. Withyour mind at rest, this leaves you free togo sailing yourself ...or simply relax andenjoy the leisurely pace of Vassiliki.

During the session time, if they want abreak from the sailing we will make surethat they are occupying their time – eitherwith some fun theory sessions or one of the many other activitiesavailable on-site.

We teach kids and youths from 7 to 17years – we’re happy to take younger onesas long as you feel they are able to copewith learning to sail as we can’t providesupervision unless they are booked onour sailing programmes.

Wildwind kidsWhile doing your own thing - be it sailing or just taking a relaxingwalk, be assured… your kids are having fun.

Fun for kids -leaving you to enjoy yourholiday!

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Shape your day

9.00 amHead off on your aquasafari searching fordolphins.

At Wildwind we wantyou to do as much or as

little as you like ! Hereare some further

suggestions for theperfect Vassiliki day.

12.00 pmChill out by the pool.

2.00pmTreat yourself to arelaxing massage.

8.00pmLet your hair down atthe Wildwind beachbarbecue.


Many of our guests come year after yearnot just for the sailing but for the flavourof Wildwind life on and off the water –the relaxed and vibrant atmospheremakes for easy friendships – and theantics of our staff pretty much guaranteeyou’ll be kept entertained…

Our simple but comfortable family runaccommodations are right on the beachand offer separate bar and restaurants.Choose from a range of appetizing disheseither by the poolside or watching theaction on the water at the beach bar.

The island is well worth exploring too.Lefkas is an island of extraordinary beautyand variety of landscape featuring awardwinning beaches and picturesquemountain villages on its west coast andwaterfalls and dense forests in its interior.

From Vassiliki harbour trips leave everyday on caiques to visit the nearby islandsof Cephalonia and Ithaca, stopping onthe way at secluded beaches forsnorkelling and swimming.

On site and around WildwindOur flagship operation in Vassiliki boasts excellent wind and weatherconditions in a stunningly beautiful Greek island environment.


“Extremely impressed

truly relaxing”with the yoga and pilates classes,

Yoga and PilatesYoga and Pilates Classes are held dailyjust yards from the beach. If you’ve nevertried a class why not join in – we haveclasses for beginners and intermediates,perfect for improving your flexibility andcore muscles whether you sail or not.

Herbal WalkLearn about the abundant herbs of Lefkasand their properties for cooking andhealing on a walk in the interior of theisland before a scrumptious lunch inMaria’s hillside taverna.

Cycling and WalkingJoin us for a gentle guided bike ride intothe lush valley behind Vassiliki or go for amore challenging walk (or ride) all theway up to Mount Stavrota (1157m).

Massage Whether you need to unwind from yourstressed out job on your arrival or easeaway muscle strain at the end of yourweeks’ activities there’s always someoneat hand.

Sign up for the whole week’s programmeor come and go as you choose… it’s upto you.

Our Healthy Options programme hasproved so popular that we have had toproduce an additional brochure just tocover the range of activities and classeson offer. If you'd like a copy please callour UK office or sign up online atwww.healthy-option.co.uk

Healthy Options at WildwindOur innovative ‘Healthy Options’ programme is ideal for partners who don’t sail, or for anyone wanting to relax after a hard day’s action on the water.

Our programmeis designed to be relaxed,sociable and fun

Shape your day

9.00 amThe water is absolutelyflat calm and ideal forwaterskiing orwakeboarding.

At Wildwind we wantyou to do as much or as

little as you like ! Moresuggestions for a fun

filled day!11.00 amSet sail for Cape Lefkadaon our ‘Sail-Away’ day.

3.00pmThe wind kicks in – timeto try some windsurfingtricks.

7.30pmCocktails and live music by the pool .


WindsurfingCombining windsurfing with your sailingholiday is what we call our 'Free As TheWind' package. Windsurfing is arrangedwith Club Vassiliki, the world's leadingwindsurfing centre, just 50 metres fromWildwind. Club Vass are also an RYAteaching establishment with over 250boards and sails. Teaching is available 4 daysa week in concentrated 2 hour sessions.

Scuba-DivingTake a free taster session in ourswimming pool or progress – George ourfriend and qualified instructor offers PADIcourses from ‘Discover Scuba Diving’ upto the Pro level of ‘Dive master’.

Kayaking and Aqua-safarisNational Geographic Traveller recognisedTrekking Hellas’s excursion in Lefkas asone of the 20 best sea-kayakingdestinations in the world. Do ask ouroffice for more information.

Waterskiing and wakeboardingThere is a fully equipped watersportsoperation professionally run by the cousinof one of our local families. Simply ask atthe Wildwind reception and Panos willpick you up in his boat from outsideWildwind. Panos also has a wideselection of ‘bananas’ and ‘ringos’ as wellas parascending equipment.

Cycling and WalkingChoose from simple easy routes in theorange and olive groves behind theWildwind centre – or for more of achallenge take a climb to the top ofMount Stravrota (1157m).

Exploring the IslandLefkas is extraordinarily beautiful andboasts award winning beaches andstunning mountainside villages on itswest coast – while on the east coast thelandscape is mellower and greener – andeven features waterfalls. Hiring a car isinexpensive and probably the best way toexplore the island.

ExcursionFerry and tour boats leave Vassiliki everyday for a variety of destinations includingthe nearby islands of Ithaca andCephalonia as well as Meganisi with itsunderwater caves and Cape Lefkadawhere Sappho is supposed to havejumped from its white cliffs.

Further afieldIf you are feeling adventurous the world’sdeepest canyon is the Vikos canyon, only140 km from Lefkas and on the way tothe amazing monasteries at Meteora –one of Greece’s wonders. Delphi can bealso be reached on a (long) days’ outing.

Other activitiesVassiliki is a mecca for watersports and much much more…

Much morethan just a sailingholiday


Sailing | Windsurfing | Mountain biking | Scuba diving | Waterskiing | Healthy Options programme | Exploring | Kids’ Club

To make a reservation from the UK, please call +44 (0)844 499 2898. For furtherinformation, sailing resources, video clips &independent reviews that have appeared in thesailing press visit our website www.wildwind.co.uk

United Kingdom2a Star Street, WareHerts SG12 7AATel 0844 499 2898Tel +44 (0)1920 484516Fax +44 (0)1920 [email protected]

NetherlandsWildwind HollandHans van Nes Van Struijkstraat 312203 HC NoordwijkThe Netherlands Tel 0031 (0)653 [email protected]

GermanyWildwind HolidaysFlahstrass 5452511 GeilenkirchenTel +49 (0)2453 383416Fax +49 (0)2453 [email protected]

BelgiumHigh Tech TravelElizabetlaan 133, 8300 KnokkeTel 0032 50 517139Tel 0032 50 517065Fax 0032 50 [email protected]

SwedenHobie Cat CenterBox 1235, 131 28 Nacka Strandmobile +46 (0)707 334450mobile +46 (0)707 [email protected]

Other CountriesPlease write [email protected] orcall (30) 6979 110 665

Brochure Design by Design Depot Ltd (www.designdepot.net)

Photography by Joe Constable (www.unique-photography.co.uk) –additional shots by Chris Quayle, John Howell, Dave Taylor, Nik Taylor,Camilla French, Ocean Images and Simon Beany.

experienceA unique holiday

wildwind holidays 2009

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