Hey out there! Anyone travelled to Vassiliki lately and sailed. Would love to hear if anyone has an experience to share regarding gear rental and accommodation. Looks like there are plenty of schools and businesses to chose from right on the beach. I'm guessing they are all good. What could be bad windsurfing in that area of the world right on the latest kit?
Hi Stefur, I sailed there in 2011. Nice place but the katabatic wind loses its energy very quickly as you go downwind from the bottom of the hill and I didn't think it was a patch on anywhere with trade winds or a sea breeze.
I spent a week there last July. Had an awesome time.
It was windy most afternoons. We had two afternoons of epic conditions (80kg me on a 4.7), three of pretty darn good conditions (5.5-6.5m), and two of good enough blasting conditions (7.5). When Vass is good, it is really, really good. Like a massive blasting party on the water with about 300 other windsurfers. It really is the luck of the gods though. July seems to look like the best month for reliable consistent wind. Later on in the season (towards autumn) the winds get less consistent. The longer you stay there, the better your chances of hitting epic Vass conditions.
When its blowing, the wind really slams down the side of the mountain into the sea and the wind is generally stronger the nearer you get to the mountain. It can be mega gusty near the base of the mountain as a result. 1km away from the mountain towards the port the wind can really drop off. It's a really weird local phenomenon. The lack of fetch means the water is generally pretty darn flat-ish for the wind speed of the day. Only when it got 4.7m weather did it seem bump and jumpy. It's not as flat though as, say somewhere like Dahab, which makes Vass really good fun, occasionally challenging, blasting conditions.
In terms of where to stay, you pay your money and take your choice. Club Vass is arguably the premiere resort location, with the best gear, best selection of gear, etc. But it is quite expensive! Cosmos is a bit cheaper and seems quite good. I stayed at The Surf Hotel and rented my gear through the "Surf School", which is attached to them. This place was great value and can be recommended. The rental gear selection here is nowhere near as vast as Club Vass though and occasionally some of their gear has signs of heavy use, whereas Club Vass' gear looked consistently pretty flash, as we walked past somewhat enviously every evening on the way to dinner in Lefkada port :lol:
Nevertheless, it was a great deal cheaper there and it got me through the week with a lot of smiles and stoke.
Lefkada town (at the port) has a great selection of greek food at differing price ranges. Eating out every night does add up the costs though.
In summary, I'd totally recommend Vass if you are into blasting and love mediterranian food. I will be going back, despite it being a long way from NZ.
Would totally agree with everything AoetearoaSailor says...
Weird little local wind phenomenon which works because of the mountain and Ionian Sea behind !
The closer to the main village / port of Vassiliki, the better the accommodation.
Didn't stay at Club Vass, but indeed it looks very good with excellent gear, albeit a younger party looking crowd.
Great food options in town and cheap Gyros for about ?4 or ?5 which will keep you nourished for the entire trip !
Wherever you stay, it's a nice walk down the beach path into town.
The islands are very good as well (Paros, Naxos etc), but obviously a bit more messing around to get to.
I went there to learn to windsurf. I thought it was unbelievably windy at the time. In hindsight, it wasn't. And the wind can switch off completely in an instant. Staying in town is much cheaper and it's only a 10-minute walk to Club Vass.
Club Vass has various accommodation options, their kit is up to date and instructors are great too. Theres also some nice places to visit on the Island or over on the mainland too. Its usually gentle onshore in the mornings so the instructors usually do simulator work and beginners go out, then it shifts cross shore from mid day onwards and can be anything from 3.5m weather up to 7m weather, good thing is if you don't have the right board then you just come in and change it. Some chop to jump too. No waves but a great little town for food and drinks.
There's also Neilson at the Ponti end of the beach or wild winds if you like cat sailing.
Been there last season. Club Vass has the best gear but you'll pay for it. The other spots are decent too tbh. That afternoon thermal is mental! You'll have a blast wherever you stay mate. Go for it! ?????
Thank you so much everyone for your thoughts and sharing your experiences. Looks like I have some research and planning to do. Having access to all the different gear sounds pretty amazing!
Fingers crossed for wind! cheers ??
