Relax

Holiday time, like life, is precious and all too often you return to somewhere you have lovely memories of to find things have changed for the worse, so we very rarely ever return to the same area let alone the exact same place. Yet here we are again, admittedly three years later due to the intervention of Covid, back in exactly the same spot although a different month, in Geni with another Drascombe Lugger Ellie, courtesy of Phil.

Yes there were changes, no Phil to greet us at the airport, but there was a taxi waiting for us. We were dropped off at Gialos Taverna and there was Phil having organised a lovely lunch before he took us off in the boat to Geni Gardens.

Being ‘old hands’ and previous Lugger owners we knew what to do and where we wanted to go so weren’t dashing here, there and everywhere but taking things in a more leisurely way. We took Ellie (or did she take us?) to little bays where we swam in wonderfully clear warm water amongst fish, and dried off on the beach or even back on board. One morning Nick suggested we walk to Desimi rather than sail, a bit further than we anticipated but really interesting; for future reference do take swimming costumes with you! Somehow we came back on a different route which afforded us a refreshment stop at a quaint little cafe, and at one turn on the road could see both Desimi and Vhilo bay, such stunning views.

We were shown a little place near the Iris hotel across the bay from Geni Gardens to tie up the boat and walk into Nydri. Well worth exploring with some beautiful bars and restaurants. There is a smart new well-lit pavement all the way to the centre. One long trip took us to Port Atheni on Meganisi where we had a delicious lunch at a beachside taverna before I swam back to to Ellie. The return home was interesting as the weather turned a little more windy than expected – I think we were possibly the only small boat out on the water – but it was great fun and I felt quite safe.

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.

Thanks Phil, you gave us the means for another wonderful holiday with great memories and we look forward to making more memories with our children and grandchildren next year.

Just come back from a fab trip with the family, care of Dragon Drascombe. Our main host, Phil Osborne, who seemed to have boundless energy, 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.

We’ve done a few flotilla trips in Greece on larger yachts but as a family we’re completely won over by what Phil offers. The Drascombe Lugger can easily be pulled up onto most beaches which the bigger yachts can’t reach, and with the simple to rig bimini we can still hide from the midday sun whilst motoring along to find another hidden cove. We had many admiring glances and a few more vocal ‘we love your boat’ shouts from distant yachts.

On the more stormy evenings we were very grateful we weren’t on a bouncy charter boat but could feel more secure sleeping on terra firma in the air-conditioned accommodation at Gialos apartments above Costa’s Taverna, who was a very cheery host and also helping us to moor on the restaurant pontoon at the end of each day.

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.

Four go Luggering in Greece

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 rather than a hot and cramped tour bus. And it turned out to be all that plus a lot more!

A week in Geni apartments on Lefkada, then a week in Frikes on Ithaca was the plan. We were a band of four friends when we set out: Colin and Lizzie from the west coast of Scotland and Chris and Janey from the east coast. But on arrival we teamed up with another couple, Tim and Judith from the West Country, and became six for the first week.

After a short familiarisation under Phil’s watchful eye, it was off out of Vliho Bay to explore the area to the south; to Madouri, Meganisi, Desimi, and any little cove or bay that looked good for a swim and a snooze. Geni proved to be a great base to relax and cool off in the pool, and Gialos Taverna, just a short walk away, an ideal spot to plan the next day’s adventure.

All too quickly, the first week was over and we said a sad goodbye to Tim and Judith and headed south to the island of Ithica and the small port of Frikes. And what a charming spot it turned out to be. The apartments were excellent (and right over an ice cream shop!) with a selection of great bars and tavernas just a short step away.

And it was to be another glorious week spent exploring the islands to the north and the south, including a couple of trips to the lovely little port of Kioni, just a short sail to the south of Frikes. Sailing, snoozing, swimming – ‘no G!’

Saturday came round all too quickly, and we headed north back to Geni on our final day of sailing. It was with some sadness that we stepped ashore for the last time and said goodbye to these trusty little boats. Plenty of impressively large yachts had motored and sailed past us over the 2 weeks but these little Luggers always drew a cheery wave and a friendly compliment and were easily the best and most relaxing way to see Greece from the sea. You have got to give it a go!

Dave and I went early in the season this year, we have been a few times before but last year July was just too hot for us.

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.

Phil gave us the Lugger Angie with the new sail rig which we christened ‘The Ozzie’ rig.

The rig boasted a new Genoa foresail, a topsail with brailing line but joined with a batten to effectively form a single, bigger mainsail. The mizzen also featured a topsail with brailing but again with the batten to work as a single sail. The result was a much faster boat, very good performance in light airs and I believe closer winded that the conventional rig. The brailing lines were essential to spill wind when striking the sails, making the process as simple and quick as the standard Drascombe Lugger rig.

Dave enjoyed a great beat to windward whilst I loved the downwind performance of the new rig.

It goes without saying that Phil’s attention to detail is unmatched – the boats are very well prepared with all the kit you will need including a picnic hamper. He welcomes you with a delicious lunch at Gialos Taverna and provides a thorough briefing for the boat.

Phil has a number of Luggers with different rigs, all have good engines so I would recommend this type of day sailing in this fabulous place to anyone, no matter what their experience.