Dragon Drascombe

Lugger Sailing in the Greek Ionian

Discovery

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.

We stayed at George Studios, the family was really friendly and kind – we almost got a full wave from the baby grand daughter by the end of our stay.

Some of the things that we did included:

  • Sailing to Fteri Bay on the mainland (twice). The second time we continued up to Georios Castle and back down past Lygia. Fteri Bay was excellent for swimming.
  • Spartochori for lunch. Brilliant to have Clara (the Drascombe Lugger) moored right next to our table. Bay outside the taverna is also good for swimming.
  • Several attempts to go down past Abelakia bay. Finally got beyond the light at Cape Elia.
  • Walking to the waterfalls at Nidri – wish we had taken our swim gear – lovely pool underneath the waterfall!
  • Sailed and anchored at Desimi bay. Also walked and cycled to this beach multiple times from Geni. Lovely beach and a quaint taverna on the beach.
  • Tried sailing to Papanikolis Cave, but the channel was very lumpy as we reached the line with Cape Lougi, so we turned round and sailed back up.
  • We walked up to the radio mast on the ridge above Geni. Wonderful views of Skorpios, Skorpidi, etc. Also great for flowers and butterflies!
  • Had hired bikes for two days. Cycled to Sivros. Wonderful views – would love to come back on a cycle tour of Lefkada and the islands. Also tried to cycle to the Monastery at Taxiarches, but it was just too hot and turned back part way.
  • Our favourite swimming bay for anchored swimming from the boat was Fraxia Bay.

Many thanks to Phil (and Benjy) for making it such a great trip, and for making suggestions of what to see.

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 a year ago. In July 2018, Tony was in hospital, recovering, thankfully, from a serious accident. With little to do, he read his Practical Boatowner, sailing magazine from front cover to back, but kept returning to an advertisement for Sailing a Drascombe Lugger in Greece. What a dream to sail a small boat in the Greek Islands – wasn’t it only larger yachts that were available for charter in Greece, could we do this from the other side of the world?

Next step, Helen begins the email correspondence with Phil – which went back and forth for sometime (Thanks Phil). Eventually, we decide we will go for it! Of course, if we have to travel so far, we must stay for a good amount of time and see some of Greece also. Yes, one month should do it – 18 nights in beautiful Geni Gardens, some time for seeing the sights in Athens, Delphi, Meteora, and a bit more (what a fascinating place Greece is).

Whilst Tony is experienced sailing our two small sailing boats here in Australia, they are quite different to the Lugger, and we also don’t really use a motor, so Phil provided invaluable guidance and great tips to get us quickly and confidently on our way – both motoring and sailing.

We had the best holiday – it is difficult to sum it all up, but here are some highlights:

  • Our room at Geni Gardens, recommended by Phil, had the most fantastic view! We would sit there from breakfast onwards, watching the world, and many yachts, go by.
  • Jumping in for a refreshing swim in the Geni Gardens pool after a great day sailing – perfect!
  • Venturing outside Vliho Bay to sail and/or motor between the nearby Ionian Islands, and stopping for a swim or a meal at a Taverna.
  • Taking the short walk to and from our favourite local Taverna, Gialos, for our evening meal. Saying hello to the locals, looking at how their gardens are growing and enjoying the cool of the evening as the sun goes down.
  • And our best sailing experience, on our last evening in Lefkada, sailing in Vliho Bay with a strong wind. Magnificent scenery and cheers from crew on the nearby moored super yachts as we whizzed by. Yes, bigger isn’t always better!

Cheers Phil, and thanks for our Great Greek Sailing Holiday