Wildwind – leading the fleet - the beach paradise holiday for serious sailors!
Wildwind’s centre in Vassiliki centre on the Greek island of Lefkas has gained a reputation as one, if not the, top sailing holiday centre in the world, and in 2022/2021 and 2019 won the British Travel Awards gold medal for the best sports/activity holiday company.
While our operation in Greece is only open through the summer season our clients were keen on our opening a winter operation as well and our Mauritian centre was born – and in 2024 celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Our Mauritian and Greek centres compared.
The Wildwind base in Vassiliki is known as the top location in Europe for windy afternoons and perfect beach sailing conditions. Offering the widest selection of dinghies and catamarans of any sailing centre in the world, superlative wind conditions, and boasting staff that are universally recognised for their friendliness and personal attention, not to mention their sailing skills (some have even gone on to win Olympic medals) the flagship Wildwind centre is open from May until October.
One step better our Mauritian centre opened in 2014 and runs all year again provides excellent sailing conditions, an excellent fleet chosen for the particular conditions and needs of our clients, and is a fully recognised RYA and VDWS recognised sailing centre.
Whereas the wind in Vassiliki has a pattern of light winds in the morning followed by fresh cross shore winds in the afternoon, you’ll find more ‘normal’ winds in Mauritius, usually with strengths between Beaufort Force 2 and 4 – perhaps more in the ‘comfort’ zone for many. There are two distinct sailing areas: inside the reef providing ideal conditions for novices and intermediates perfecting techniques; while outside the reef conditions can be more challenging – with more wind and long ocean swells making our ‘Sail-Away’ days exploring offshore islands and beaches a truly rewarding and memorable experience. As in Vassiliki we have chosen the spot for the best possible sailing on the island.
Unsurprisingly our reputation in the sailing community in both locations is really superb. At Wildwind, people know what they’re getting: an amazing, safe and cutting-edge sailing experience in a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.
“They’ve combined some of the best kit and technical knowledge on the island with the professionalism and fun of their Greek base, in such a beautiful tropical setting” Yachts & Yachting
Your Mauritian Adventure
Having travelled as far as Mauritius it would be a shame not to explore this extraordinary island so we offer you the chance to ‘trade’ some of your sailing days for other adventures/excursions that will allow you to experience a little more of Mauritian life, be it on, near or under the water. Please see our Adventures page for more details of these great opportunities.
Our hotel also offers a spa with excellent massages and treatments - a chance to really pamper yourself and at very reasonable prices too. It also a great Kids Club, evening entertainment including a demonstration of local culture and dancing with live music and all with great sea views and to watch the sun set over the ocean.
Who comes on our holidays?
Most of our guests typically come from Northern Europe, especially the UK, Germany, Holland and Sweden – though we also have agents in Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Belgium and South Africa leading to a varied group each week. All of our instructors speak English but we are able to offer instruction in French and usually German.
Supporting the sailing community
Over the years Wildwind has sponsored a number of events and organisations, including national Hobie Cat Class Associations, Hobie World and European Championships, the UK Laser Class Association with their Grand Prix and Laser Masters Series, the East Coast Piers Race, Lymington Town Sailing Club, the Solent Forts Race and, of course, the Vassiliki Watersports Festivals organised in association with the Lefkas and Greek municipal and regional councils. In Mauritius we support the Mauritian Sailing team and we have run a number of regattas to get the entire island involved in this marvellous sport.