Beach Mecca

From twin-wire cats to foiling Lasers, GEORGIE CORLETT-PITT headed out to Wildwind for a week of adrenaline overload

- Georgie Corlett-Pitt

Vassiliki, on the Greek island of Lefkas, is a world-renowned sailing destination thanks to the reliable localised cross-shore wind that kicks in most afternoons. For the last 30 years, Wild wind has been taking advantage from its prime beachfront location at the centre of this water sports mecca.

Established in 1987 by Simon Morgan, today Wild wind boasts a 70-strong fleet of catamarans and dinghies. The set-up has come a long way since its first year, when a fleet of four Hobie cats attracted just a handful of guests who had to brave an off-road journey to get there. It’s fair to say things are run a bit more professionally now, albeit still with a distinctly chilled out approach.

Within two hours of landing at Preveza airport, I was afloat in a Laser, having already been welcomed and settled in to our comfortable hotel room, located just behind the beachfront. And what a treat. Not only was this an opportunity to actually sail on arrival day – making a very early start from Gatwick worthwhile – but it was also one of the best blasts I have had. Skipping over the waves that were starting to form further out in the bay, the smell of olive groves and cypress trees swept down the hill towards me as the warm breeze piped up to around 20 knots. Bliss! What a way to start our holiday.

CATS AND MORE

Later that evening, whilst enjoying some traditional home-cooked Greek fare at the welcome meal, we had the chance to meet our fellow guests. As well as Brits, there were those who had travelled from Belgium, Holland and Germany, and even Australia. Several were Wild wind fans, back for a second, third, fourth time, or, in one instance, their 50th week.