Dragon Drascombe

Lugger Sailing in the Greek Ionian

Holidays

Discover Magical Greece

There is so much fascinating history and extraordinary geography to this wonderful country as well as the unique culture. If you want to extend your holiday, why not fly out a few days early and spend some time exploring?

Meteora, comes from the Greek verb meteorizo meaning ‘to suspend in the air’, which describes exactly what is seen at Meteora. These rock formations that project dramatically into the sky, resembling natural towers, once supported 24 monasteries. These monasteries, stunningly built atop steep sandstone peaks (the monks used rope ladders and nets to ascend and descend) are in themselves one of the most breathtaking sites in the world and were built by the monastic community that established themselves in the area around the 11th century A.D. Today, only 6 out of the 22 monasteries are inhabited and accept visitors.

According to geologists, the rocks were created millions of years ago by the Pineios River as it split the huge north-south Pindus range to the west from the Thessalian plain, and thus separated the Pindus from the eastern range that includes Mount Olympus and Mount Ossa. These grey pinnacles sit in the northwest corner of the huge plain, just north of the town of Kalambaka.

The Gorge of Vikos is not only the largest in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is also home to over 1000 different plant species and is the world’s deepest canyon in proportion to its width.

There are plenty of mountain tavernas and hostelries to stay at. Contact Phil for some recommendations.

Gareth & Lisa

A really enjoyable two weeks at Geni. The joy of having a boat (Clara) was exploring small sheltered bays which were not accessible by foot. We both loved swimming from the boat and the wonderful sensation of the sun on your face as you swam in beautiful turquoise water.  May is an excellent time to visit as the spring flowers are out and people’s lemons trees are laden with fruit.  A cycle trip up into the hills was an opportunity to see more of the interior and to get away off the beaten track.

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Tony & Helen

We have just returned from the most wonderful holiday, sailing a beautiful Drascombe Lugger, called Paxi, in Lefkada. Our expectations of the sailing trip were far exceeded, and we will always remember it. But first, how did two Aussies end up sailing a Drascombe Lugger in Lefkada, Greece in June 2019? Well, it all started…

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Family Activity Holidays

Our holidays are always a great favourite with families as there really is something for everyone. Swim in the pool or take a dip in the beautifully warm Ionian sea. Sail across to an island, or maybe just over the bay to the local bakery to sample their wonderful wares. And if you want to do more than just sail, then there is a raft of other possibilities within easy reach.

With 20 years of experience in the holiday industry, Horizon Watersports offers a great range of fun activities from kayaking, windsurfing to stand-up paddleboarding for all ages and abilities. We offer our guests the opportunity to book 10 hourly passes for the Watersports activities which can be used in a minimum of 2 hourly blocks. These can be used at your leisure throughout your holiday and are available for 1, 2 or 4 people.

Get Active Lefkas began initially with guided mountain biking but now also offer road bike rental. Both options are popular with our Lugger clients. For those wishing to hire road or mountain bikes we are now able to have them delivered to you at your accommodation in Geni. And if you don’t fancy the hill climb, why not try their Uplift service – get a lift to the highest point and freewheel all day. Find out more on our Cycle and Sail page.

Caleb & family

As a keen sailor it was a perfect arrangement – having full use of a boat but not being tied to it. The apartment at Geni had all we needed, set in lovely gardens with a view of mountains in the distance, the pool in the foreground and Vilho bay (and our boat) in between. Our host, Sandra, and her family could not have been more accommodating. All in all it was a perfect holiday, with relaxation and adventure in equal measure in beautiful surroundings.

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Family Inglis

“Yip, a grand and successful family holiday, Phil. It ticked all the boxes for us.” From our late evening arrival at Geni Garden, the Family Apartment was just outstanding. We sat on the balcony to catch our breath, a cold beer in hand which Phil had waiting in the fridge, looking over the bay still…

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Simon & Lucy Atkinson

We decided to get out of the mountains and into the sea to celebrate Simon’s birthday last month and were lucky enough to take a Drascombe Lugger for the day. Phil from Dragon Drascombe met us at the pontoon in Geni and gave us a thorough briefing on the boat before escorting us out of…

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The Vaughan Family

We have just returned from a ten day stay at Geni Garden courtesy of Dragon Drascombe. We had a superb holiday, sailing ‘Ellie’ all around Nydri, Meganissi and the Greek mainland. Thanks to Phil, the entire trip went without any hiccups and he was on hand everyday to help with sailing tips and advice. All…

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Learn to Sail

We have a unique geographical position here in Vliho Bay. Some 3 km long and just south of Nidri, it has north and south prevailing winds, light in the morning with freshening winds later on and is a superb ‘large pond’ to learn to sail on. And the Lugger is the perfect boat to learn to sail in. It is in every sense a proper boat, having 3 sails, 2 masts, a centre board, a rudder, an auxiliary engine and lots of bits of string to pull! Not only that, but you’ll be learning in the warm waters of the Ionian and you have top quality accommodation to relax in afterwards.

Phil is a fully qualified instructor who worked with the Outward Bound Trust in Aberdovey earlier in his career, and will teach you how to handle the boat safely under sail and engine, and to develop the important teamwork skills needed to crew a small boat.

This really is the place to learn to sail… no wetsuits, foul weather kit, woollies to keep you warm or tides to really affect you! Best of all it’s hot, a predictable wind pattern and warm seas, so the order for a sailing day is swimmies, T-shirts and flip-flops or trainers. Each Lugger has a Bimini, swimming ladder and most importantly a picnic set cum cool bag, so as to keep beer and drinks cool. It really is just perfect.

From 2020 we are also able to offer basic training in power boat handling using our ex-RNLI rib Warrior Spirit.

For this introductory sailing to be of value we would recommend a minimum of 4 days. The mornings are spent under tuition, then after a picnic or Taverna lunch, the afternoon can be spent on unaccompanied sailing, this with the safety boat in attendance.

The Lugger is fully equipped and is for a maximum of 4 adults or a family group of 6.

The cost for 4 days of sailing tuition will be £850, and of course we can also book accommodation if you wish. Look at the options elsewhere on this website and phone or email with your group requirements to get a total cost for the package.

Mid Summer Diary

Nidri, The Greek Ionian. It’s a sad day for Bengy today, he does not know it yet but the boat he uses for a day time shelter is being moved, I will have to make him another shelter out of a Lugger winter cover – with temperatures at around 33 he has to have shade…

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Island Hopping Adventures

If you are looking for a sailing challenge, why not try ‘Island Hopping’ and make an expedition by sailing to different venues each day. There are so many islands to visit here, and so much to see. We can pre-book overnight Taverna or small hotel accommodation for you (depending on availability). Alternatively since Airbnb arrived in Greece, it is now easier than ever to book accommodation to suit your itinerary.

The Lugger is noted for its rugged sea keeping qualities; they handle well in a good breeze and with so many option in its rigging you can even sail with just a reefed foresail and Mizen. When the wind falls away and it’s time to get back to the pontoon just put down the 4-stroke outboard, an easy pull to get her into action and away she goes at 4-5 knots. With her shallow draft and light handling it is always possible to find a mooring even in the most crowded harbour. A perfect and very safe day sailor.

You can find out more about what some of our clients have done in previous years and get a taste of what is available: Read Dave Craig’s diary of his 3 weeks island tour, or watch the Wilson family’s video further down this page. Call Phil to discuss your ideas and tap into his extensive local knowledge to plan your next adventure.

Neil, Jean & Ruth Wilson

Sailing in the Sun, once more, August – September 2018. One can perhaps get addicted to some things, if you keep trying them – this was our fifth holiday sailing one of Phil’s Luggers ‘in the sun’. Though our first Greek sailing experience goes back some few years to Lemnos when we had the shock…

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An Ionian Tour

“Are you really travelling around the world in that little boat?” As much as I hated to decrease our status as instant celebrities, I had to admit the truth: “No, we are travelling around the Ionian Sea for a few weeks.” The person who asked the question was the third party in fifteen minutes to…

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Relax in the Sun

The Lugger is ideally suited to couples or small groups who used to sail regularly in the UK but are now looking for something much more relaxing, perhaps sailing across the inlet to pick up bread for breakfast, having a leisurely morning and then heading across the water to a Taverna for lunch; for family groups who just want to potter around exploring inlets where they can beach the boat for lunch and a swim.

​Sailing south you will encounter numerous anchorages, coves and villages accessible as stop-offs for lunch and a swim or to explore the area on foot. The Lugger is delightfully easy to pull up on the beach and small enough to find a mooring in almost any location.

It really is up to you. Phil is always on hand to give expert advice on wind and sea conditions and places to visit. And in the unlikely event that you encounter any problems, a quick phone call is usually all it takes to sort it out. This level of personal service really makes the difference, as you can see from some of our testimonials.

Nick & Anne

Holiday time, like life, is precious and we very rarely return to the same area. Yet here we are again, back in exactly the same spot with another Drascombe Lugger. Were our memories safe? Totally, so much so that we intend bringing our family here next year to help celebrate a milestone birthday. We discovered different places, were more adventurous and more relaxed, the only downside was that we couldn’t fit in two weeks.

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Caleb & family

As a keen sailor it was a perfect arrangement – having full use of a boat but not being tied to it. The apartment at Geni had all we needed, set in lovely gardens with a view of mountains in the distance, the pool in the foreground and Vilho bay (and our boat) in between. Our host, Sandra, and her family could not have been more accommodating. All in all it was a perfect holiday, with relaxation and adventure in equal measure in beautiful surroundings.

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Paul & family

Just come back from a fab trip with the family, care of Dragon Drascombe. Phil was always on hand to offer advice on sailing expeditions, local weather forecasts and places to eat and grab provisions whilst still keeping tabs on all his other guests.

A very diverse holiday which can cater for the very active among us or those who just want a Greek escape. We’ll definitely be back.

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Colin & Lizzie

Two weeks sailing in the sunshine – we couldn’t wait! After a disappointingly wet Scottish Spring, we were eagerly anticipating blue skies, gentle winds, warm sunshine and cold beer. This was to be an opportunity to explore Greece from the sea. And it turned out to be all that plus a lot more!

These little Luggers were easily the best and most relaxing way to see Greece from the sea. You have got to give it a go!

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Dave & Andy

This year we stayed at the Iris Hotel Apartments. Our room was conveniently close to the bar and the two pools, and we were impressed by the cleanliness of the room and the very friendly staff. The food is pretty good pub grub and we had the huge advantage of our Lugger pulled up on the beach just a dozen yards from our room.
We tried out the new sail rig which boasts a new Genoa foresail, and batten-roached main and mizen sails. The result was a much faster boat, very good performance in light airs.

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Gareth & Lisa

A really enjoyable two weeks at Geni. The joy of having a boat (Clara) was exploring small sheltered bays which were not accessible by foot. We both loved swimming from the boat and the wonderful sensation of the sun on your face as you swam in beautiful turquoise water.  May is an excellent time to visit as the spring flowers are out and people’s lemons trees are laden with fruit.  A cycle trip up into the hills was an opportunity to see more of the interior and to get away off the beaten track.

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