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Who Can Rent our Dinghies?
Everybody can! Whether you are an experienced sailor, a beginner, a non-swimmer, or you would just like to be a passenger on a dinghy, we can get you on the water.
Sailing is a fantastic sport for children and adults alike, but you need certain skills in order to be safe on the water. To sail safely alone you must be able to swim, (you don't have to be a good swimmer), and be able to handle a sailing dinghy. Skills required are to be able to steer, tack, gybe, sail a triangular course, set the sail trim, leave and return to the beach, and recover a capsized dinghy. If you do not have all these skills then you can learn them with us.
If you do not swim, or just want the experience of riding in a sailing dinghy without learning to sail, then book a ride!
Sailing Sessions
Sailing dinghies can be booked by the hour, 1/2 day (3 hours), or full day (6 hours). Weekly bookings by arrangement.
Experienced Sailors
If you are an experienced sailor, either self-trained or with an RYA level 1 (or equivalent), you should be happy sailing around Valtoudi Bay without assistance, in normal wind conditions. We may ask you to perform a couple of turns before going out on your own to make sure you can handle the boat.
If you are feeling nervous about going out alone in a new environment, then why not book an "Accompanied Sail" or "Follow the Leader" to get you going.
Sailing for Beginners
Basic Training
If you would like to learn the basics of dinghy sailing then ask for free lessons. You can learn to steer, tack, gybe, and recover a capsized dinghy in the shallows under supervision. We start you off on a lead reign. When you are competent at these manoeuvres, you practice sailing a triangular course, setting the sail trim, and leaving and returning to the beach. Once you can manage all this you should be ready to sail in Valtoudi Bay in light winds.
Accompanied Sails
If you are just starting out at sailing and would like an experienced sailor to accompany you on your dinghy and show you the necessary skills, you can book Accompanied Sails. Over a number of sessions you can learn to steer, tack, gybe, sail a triangular course, set the sail trim, leave and return to the beach, and recover a capsized dinghy.
Follow the Leader
Once you have sufficient experience to sail alone for the first time, you can book an experienced sailor to sail alongside you in a second boat and practice "Follow the Leader".
You begin by following the experienced sailor, to gain confidence in the water and practice setting your sails and your course. It helps you gain experience in handling the wind, as you can see the boat in front respond to gusts and breezes.
When you are ready, you take over as the lead boat, making all your own decisions, but with an experienced sailor following behind you for re-assurance.
Non Sailors & Non Swimmers
Book a Ride
If you don't want to learn sailing, or cannot swim, but would love to go out on a dinghy as a passenger, then book a ride! An experienced sailor will take you out and sail you around Valtoudi Bay.
Buoyancy aids are provided and must be worn for dinghy sailing.
Safety
Every boat is kitted with a dry bag containing flares and a sea anchor, and all the legal requirements for safety at sea. There is also a safety boat available within Valtoudi Bay should you need assistance.
Buoyancy aids are provided and must be worn for sailing. It is a legal requirement in Greece.
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Our Sailing Dinghies
Topper - (pictured above)
These dinghies are perfect for beginners, or for those wanting to build up confidence in the water. They are suitable for one adult, an adult with a child, or one or two junior sailors. They have a mainsail, which is rear rigged.
Topaz Uno - (pictured above without jib)
The Topaz Uno is a great boat for one or two adults. These dinghies are good for beginners or those with a little experience. They can be sailed with just a mainsail or with mainsail and jib. They are centre rigged. "Accompanied Sails" use these boats.
Topaz Duo - (pictured above)
The Duo is suitable for more experienced sailors. It is suitable for one or two adults. It is centre rigged, has a mainsail and jib, with the option of using a trapeze. Sailors wishing to use the trapeze must supply their own harness.
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Sailing Events
We hold regular flotilla sailing sessions, for outings such as "Round Alatas Island". These half day sessions are a fun way of exploring the local vicinity, gaining sailing experience, and meeting other sailors. You can book your own boat or boat share with a willing partner.
Valtoudi Bay hold an annual regatta around the first full moon in August. Yacht sailors, dinghy sailors and wind surfers all race together. The race is usually around 3 hours long. The course is set on the day according to the wind conditions.
Regatta Day is enormous fun and is always followed by a celebration beach party. This year a live band will be performing on One Tree Island. The party usually lasts well into the night, but has been known to last for three days! It is organised entirely by the locals in the bay, and has a small entry fee, around €10, to help cover the cost of running the event.
We are very proud of our Pelion Sail and Cycle dinghies! The Duo won 1st prize in the 2006 Regatta, and 2nd prize in the 2007 Regatta. One of our Unos came 2nd in 2006, and 1st in 2007. Regatta photos are in the Visitors Gallery.
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Photos of your Sailing Sessions
If you would like photos of yourself sailing we can take digital photos of you on the water and put them onto a data CD ready for printing when you get back home.
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Wind Conditions for Sailing
The wind during the summer is usually light in the mornings, around 1 to 2 beaufort. This is a good time for beginners and your first few Assisted Sails. The afternoon breeze kicks in between midday and 2pm, with winds generally in the 3 to 4 beaufort range. This continues until approximately two hours before sunset, when the winds drop again. The Meltemi blows for a few days per month, which gives you a morning wind of approximately 3 beaufort, and an afternoon wind of 4 to 5 beaufort. It is extremely rare for it to be too windy for dinghy sailing. |
What to Bring for Sailing
 Sunglasses.
A strap or clip to hold your glasses or sunglasses on your head when dinghy sailing.
A sunhat that you can clip onto your buoyancy aid.
Sailing gloves. Long sessions on windy days can give you blisters.
Sports shorts or spare shorts. Long windy sailing days can chaff a little if you are only wearing a swimming costume!
A cheap waterproof camera. Great fun for taking piccys from the boat.
Sun cream. You don't feel yourself burning when you are out on the water. It can be bought in all the local shops.
A beach towel. Your hotel probably won't provide one.
Mobile phone. If you go day sailing you can take your phone in the dry bag in case you need to call for assistance.
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Health and Insurance
Water sports can be dangerous, both for beginners and experts. Please ensure you have sufficient travel insurance cover for taking part in water sports, and bring your European Health Insurance card in case you need medical attention.
European Health Insurance Card. This replaced the E111 form. If you need any medical assistance whilst in Europe this card entitles you to free or reduced cost health care. You may still have to pay for prescriptions and medicines. The card is free from www.ehic.org.uk.
Travel insurance. Not all travel insurance policies cover you for sports activities. Please check your policy details and make sure you have sufficient cover for any activities you wish to undertake.
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