Reviewed 23 Aug 2010 by Joanne David
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole experience was wonderful. Sotiris, our skipper was fantastic , very professional, kind and fun. He made sure everyone felt comfortable and respected the sea conditions. In the evenings he would find the most perfect places to eat and really entertain us with the most interesting facts and stories. We were very lucky to have him as our skipper. The Jennings family on board that week were also lovely. When the boat was under sail it was perfect, just gliding over the sea. Stopping on a small island for a barbeque, looking up at the stars, swimming with florescent plankton, visiting
Iraklia, sleeping on board, at anchor in bays, each day better than the next. We could not have asked for a better experience.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go with a good positive attitude.You don't need to take much, just travel light, 2 swimming costumes, tops, shorts, sun cream, hat, sunglasses, cash.
Enjoy the experience more by being ready to help. You are part of a team and being part of a team is rewarding and great fun; cooking together, eating out with the skipper etc...
Remember you are on a sailing boat so should respect and look after the boat, skipper and crew. You are part of the crew.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We did a beach clean up. Purchased locally produced provisions. Ate at familly run Tavernas. Supported the environmental work of 'Tahita'. We were under sail whenever possible so did not use a lot of petrol. We were economical with water respecting water supplies.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This holiday was wonderful...it could not have been better...we should have stayed longer. It really was a very unique experience, very special to me.
Reviewed 26 May 2010 by Alison Crawford
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The passion, skills and knowledge of our skipper and guide really made this trip for us. We felt like we were being shown around the islands by friends, being shown the secret gems and true beauty of Greece. Our skipper was amazing, calm when the sea was rough and patient when teaching us how to help sail. Our guide was deeply passionate not just about conservation, but also about exploring and experiencing the amazing wildlife of the region. We had a wonderful evening having dinner and drinks in the home of a local, a friend of the skipper. Rather than being relegated to sterile restaurants and bars, we had a great time putting the world to rights over a glass of raki and some local cheese. We also visited some amazing locations, where we saw truly beautiful wildlife, ranging from plants, insects, and many, many wonderful and rare birds.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light, but bring a camera. And learn the phrase 'yasass', the Greek toast when enjoying the local Raki! Be aware that the boat is not a large vessel and you will not have lots of space, but it is comfortable and quite civilised. I would recommend to those with a passion for exploring and not too scared not to have a detailed itinerary to stick to.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We felt that by going for this non 'all-inclusive' option, we were able to share the money we spent on food etc. in local communities. We also travelled just before season, which was great for us (quieter) and helps lessen the impact of the massive tourist surge in the summer, and spreads the income to these communities. As part of our trip we also
did a beach clean, and our skipper helped out with local community projects while we were out on our wildlife walks.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent! Every aspect was amazing. My partner and I are both deeply grateful to everyone who works for the operator for making such a special and memorable experience. We will almost certainly be booking up again!
Reviewed 24 Sep 2008 by Susan Sargeant
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable and exciting part was the sailing through some of the roughest weather I had ever experienced - huge waves, torrential rain, and thunder and lightning. However Sotiri is a fantastic skipper and although helming a boat full of females, it was a fantastic experience. Not quite the hot, sunny and calm conditions I had been anticipating. The Ionian islands are stunningly beautiful and we visited some beautiful places.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do take warm clothes and full waterproofs as well as the recommended suncreams and hat. Be flexible about the itinerary and be prepared to live in close proximity to your fellow guests. Tahita is a well equipped sailing boat and a joy to be aboard.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The team are passionate about preserving the environment. We had wonderful presentations on whales, dolphins and other sealife, did a beach clean, watched birds, and did our best to recycle all our rubbish. We ate at small local tavernas, shopped in local markets and used local facilities.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A fabulous holiday. Sotiri and Melita were delightful and knowledgeable hosts. Annie who did the reservations was efficient and friendly. The boat was well equipped, safe and comfortable and the fellow guests good company.
Reviewed 06 Aug 2008 by Julia Ward
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We loved the villages, the unspoilt islands - we loved the private bay at Sifnos where we stopped in overnight and had a BBQ.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack as lightly as possible - this is a casual warm weather break. Bring books - you get lots of down time. Book your travel there well in advance to coordinate flights and ferries.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. The entire crew is completely committed to what they preach. We learned lots about the Cyclades environment had good discussions on global warming and discovered the strength and beauty of the Greek people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - we had the right balance between culture, education, chill and active. The crew were lovely people who enhanced the experience.
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