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SAILING
AT R E T R E AT
A guide to your summer 2016 sailing holiday
1
CONTENTS
3
Summer starts here
8
At a glance guide to Retreat Beachclub
Your flotilla briefing
10
Flotilla overview - Northern Ionian
4
Our top tips for a fuss-free first
24 hours
12
Flotilla overview - Southern Ionian
6
A handy guide to smooth sailing
18 Returning to base and your journey
home
SUMMER
S TA R T S H E R E On behalf of the whole Neilson team at
Retreat, we are delighted to wish you the
warmest welcome to your holiday.
We have an outstanding team of experts here;
all committed to ensuring you have the very
best time out on the water. We are on hand
at all times to provide you with all the insider
knowledge, helpful advice and information you
need to get the most out of your sailing holiday.
The Yacht Team
So, whilst we know you’ll be raring to get going, we’d love to meet you first and
let you know all about life on flotilla in the Ionian. The details of your ‘Flotilla
briefing’ are below and we’ll look forward to seeing you there!
Best wishes,
The Yacht Team
YO U R F LOT I L L A B R I E F I N G
When:
M O N D AY
What time:
9:30am
Where:
Your Neilson lead crew will advise you of your briefing location on arrival
2
3
OUR
TO P T I P S
For a fuss-free first 24 hours
++ Keep your passport and yacht
qualifications handy as you’ll
need to show these on arrival
for the boat papers.
++ Pack some swimming gear into
your cabin bag so you’re able to
enjoy a swim on arrival if your
yacht isn’t quite ready.
++ Consider pre-booking or hiring
a SUP (stand up paddleboard)
on arrival at €70 per week or
€120 for two weeks. Great fun
when anchored in a bay and the
perfect way to reach the beach.
Limited availability so book early.
LIFE ON
F LOT I L L A ++ Before you leave harbour, plan
your day and route for either
sailing or tranquil lunch stops.
There are so many secluded bays
in the Ionian, including a few secret
spots to which our lead crew
would be happy to point the way!
++ It’s always fun to pick up a small
hand reel for a spot of fishing
whilst sailing or anchored up.
Don’t forget to bring in the line
before you start the engine
again though.
++ Keep a close eye out for dolphins,
turtles and rays as they all enjoy
the Ionian waters at certain times
of summer and in particular areas.
++ Bring or buy masks and snorkels
so you’re able to explore the life
under your yacht as well!
++ Make sure at least two of your
party (including your skipper)
are available for your briefing
with your Neilson lead crew.
++ After your day of travelling, relax
and check out the ‘Frésko at
Retreat’ menu. For ease, you’ll
be able to charge any food or
drinks enjoyed at the Retreat
Beachclub to your yacht.
++ Stock up on yacht provisions
and holiday essentials at the
supermarket in Sivota.
++ Enjoy breakfast at the Retreat
Beachclub with a full buffet
available in the main restaurant.
If it’s just a fresh coffee you’re
looking for, head to the ‘Pool Bar’.
++ Settle in and please let the
Neilson team know if you
have any queries or requests
regarding your yacht.
++ Check you have enough cash
to last you a few days as not
all places en route will have an
ATM or the facilities to accept
card payments.
4
5
A H A N DY G U I D E TO
S M O OT H
SAILING
++ If you want to charge phones, cameras etc. most tavernas will let you plug
them in whilst you have dinner. Don’t forget your adaptor! You can also
charge from the yacht if using a 12V adaptor (car charger).
++ When provisioning for your holiday, many places will provide fresh bread for
the next morning if you pre-order in the evening.
++ Yacht fridges are not as powerful as your domestic fridge at home. To help
keep them cold it is best to buy a couple of bottles of frozen water.
++ Before you leave the base on Monday, top the boat up with fresh water. It is
available in other ports but you will have to pay for it.
++ To help conserve the water in your boat tanks, use it to rinse off after
swimming and use the showers on shore where available.
++ Your yacht will be fueled before you set off. If on a two-week flotilla, you’ll top
up halfway. You may have to pay for it initially but keep the receipt and we will
give you the money back.
++ Get into the routine of emptying your holding tanks each day whilst out at
sea, even if you have not used the toilet. Flush it through with seawater, this
will aid in reducing the likelihood of a blocked tank and keep it a bit fresher.
++ Don’t worry about checking the engine or systems on the yacht as your
engineer will periodically check the boat over the course of your holiday.
However, if you have any questions, please ask.
++ Bring rock/swimming shoes to avoid getting a nasty surprise from sea
urchins. These can also be bought from local shops.
++ Group meals in the evenings are certainly not obligatory but a great way to
make new friends and learn from other flotilla guests and the lead crew about
the area.
++ A few good items of additional clothing to add to your holiday wardrobe are:
-- a rash vest – always good as it prevents sunburn when in the water.
-- a light fleece for cooler evenings.
-- a lightweight waterproof jacket in case it rains.
-- long sleeve tops – good for sun protection.
6
7
AT A G L A N C E G U I D E T O
R E T R E AT
BEACHCLUB
Drink and dine
Yacht tab
The ‘Pool Bar’ is on the terrace just
above the swimming pool and is open
daily until late.
You’ll be provided with a tab number
that relates to the name of your yacht.
You can use this to purchase food and
drinks whilst at the hotel, so there’s no
need to worry about having enough
cash on you when you arrive.
On Sunday evening, make the most
of the spectacular panoramic views
across the bay and enjoy a tempting
selection of freshly prepared burgers,
stone baked pizzas, salads and
sharing platters from the ‘Frésko at
Retreat’ menu.
Before setting sail on Monday, you
can opt to grab a fresh coffee from
the pool bar or head up to the main
restaurant if you have the time for
a more leisurely breakfast from the
extensive buffet.
When you return to Sivota after your
time on flotilla, it’s time for the big
farewell gala dinner buffet. It’s a night
not to be missed and is hosted in the
main restaurant at the Retreat on
Saturday evening.
8
Swimming pool
The pool is open from 08:00-20:00
daily. Please take good care around
the pool, especially with little ones.
An adult must supervise children at all
times. Confidence jackets are available
for children - please just help yourself.
Reception
If you have any questions during your
stay regarding the yachts you can either
visit the Yacht Manager’s office or the
main reception at Retreat Beachclub.
The main reception is open 24hrs
a day. Here they can help you with
information on activity bookings, taxis,
Wi-Fi, laundry service and anything
else with which you’d like assistance. If
you would like to stay in a hotel room for
the last night of your holiday, the team
can also provide details of availability.
9
F LOT I L L A
OVERVIEW
Northern Ionian
One-week:
2 week North to South Ionian:
With slightly more adventurous sailing in
less crowded waters the fresh breezes of the
Northern Ionian allow you great days out on
the water before spending your evenings at
historic town quays or in secluded bays.
This route offers fresh breezes and less crowded waters
in the north and calmer cruising in the south, a great
selection of secluded bays and historic towns giving
variety to your route.
Platarias
Sivota
Preveza Town
A gentle sail on your first morning from Sivota
to Platarias, a peaceful little port with a well
serviced marina and sandy white beaches,
which make a fitting backdrop for some
excellent restaurants. Platarias is a quiet
haven just waiting to be discovered.
Starting out in the Southern
Ionian, we head to the scenic
harbour of Sivota. Situated
on the island of Levkas in an
enclosed bay, it is a pretty
destination and a perfect place
for our first port of call.
Preveza has an intriguing
history, having been conquered
and ruled by everyone from the
Ottomans to the French. The
pedestrianised waterfront of
Preveza Town has a good array
of trendy bars and cafés with a
delightful mix of chic bars and
traditional Greek restaurants.
However, walk back from the
seafront a few streets and you
will be charmed by the way of
life reminiscent of the days
when Preveza was a provincial
market town.
Corfu Town
From Platarias we cross the open water to
Corfu. The most northerly Ionian island and the
second largest after Cephalonia. The capital
Corfu Town is a fascinating blend of architectural
styles with many beautiful Venetian buildings
and is a real highlight of this flotilla.
Lakka
Sailing south from Corfu to the beautiful island
of Paxos, our final destination of the day is
the town of Lakka. Situated in a gorgeous
horseshoe shaped inlet on the northern tip of
the island of Paxos, Lakka is a town that more
than matches its surroundings in beauty. Relax
in one of the many waterfront bars sheltered
from the prevailing winds by the impressive
neighbouring mountains.
10
IONIAN NORTH
IONIAN NORTH & SOUTH
1 week
2 weeks
Fiscardo
Today we sail south to
Cephalonia, the island made
famous by the book ‘Captain
Corelli’s Mandolin’ and the
subsequent film. Fiscardo is a
picturesque village situated in
the island’s northern tip and is
our final destination for the day.
Frikes
On the island of Ithaca, Frikes
has a picture-postcard setting
at the bottom of a wooded
ravine, with windmills standing
over the village on a rocky
headland.
Gaios
Vathi
Still exploring the island of Paxos, the flotilla
sets off on the short hop to Gaios. Named
after the pupil of Paul the Apostle, Gaios
is Paxos’ principal port and boasts some
wonderful atmospheric open air cafés.
A fascinating mix of chic boutiques and
old-fashioned markets make for a great
shopping experience.
Sailing further south around
the coast of Ithaca to Vathi,
a bustling town set in a steep
sided bay with a vibrant,
lively atmosphere. Venetian
architecture coupled with the
azure sea makes for a stunning
flotilla stop.
Parga
Kalamos
Heading back across the open sea to the
Greek mainland and the lovely town of Parga.
Steeped in history, Parga’s bustling harbour is
lined with restaurants and bars, while behind is
a labyrinth of narrow cobbled alleys lined with
traditional red tiled houses. A Venetian castle
is its crowning glory.
Sailing to the island of Kalamos,
which lies close to the mainland,
we head for the sleepy port
of Kalamos. A very tranquil
anchorage with a couple of
great tavernas and a small
pebble beach.
Parga
Steeped in history, the beautiful
traditional harbour town of
Parga is a popular stop on our
flotilla. The small winding back
streets are full of life with great
restaurants, tavernas and
traditional shops.
Mongonissi
At the southern point of
Paxos is the small island of
Mongonissi, set in stunning
surroundings with clear blue
sea and a lovely sandy beach.
Mongonissi Bay provides a
sheltered anchorage with
a welcoming and laid back
atmosphere. The island is
connected to the larger island
of Paxos by a small causeway.
Lakka
Lakka is perched on the
northern tip of Paxos, it is an
elegant little town framed by
awe-inspiring mountains.
11
F LOT I L L A
OVERVIEW
Southern Ionian
One-week:
Two-weeks:
Sheltered waters and line of sight sailing
make this a relaxing route and ideal for
less experienced sailors.
The 2-week itinerary allows you to explore the best of the
Southern Ionian, taking in Ithaka, Lefkas and Cephalonia. Evenings
will be spent at fishing villages and Greek towns full of authenticity
while lunchtime stops are at secluded bays and beaches.
Vathi
Vathi is located on the north coast of
Meganisi in a sheltered inlet. The village
is picturesque, dotted with whitewashed
houses. A number of tavernas and
restaurants line the charming harbour.
Vassiliki
On the south coast of Lefkas, Vassiliki
is a pretty village with a cosmopolitan yet
unspoilt atmosphere. It is also home to our
windsurfing and mountain biking centre, the
Cosmos Beachclub.
Fiscardo
A beautiful harbour village on the northern
tip of Cephalonia, the largest of the seven
Ionian islands. Fiscardo is famed for attracting
the rich and famous whose super yachts
dot the jetty.
Frikes
Frikes on the island of Ithaka has a picture
postcard setting at the bottom of a wooded
ravine and is home to some wonderful
restaurants.
Kalamos
Kalamos the island is located between
Meganissi and Kastos. At the centre of the
island on the eastern side is the port of
Kalamos. It is a picturesque harbour, where
old stone houses sit tightly packed on the
slopes down to the harbour.
Vathi (Meganissi)
Agio Euphemia
Vathi is located on the north
coast at the end of a sheltered
inlet. The village is picturesque,
dotted with whitewashed
houses. A number of tavernas
and restaurants line the
charming harbour.
On Cephalonia is the small
town of Agio Euphemia. The
town is pretty and has a fairly
well sheltered harbour with a
smattering of tavernas.
Kalamos
At the centre of the island on
the eastern side is the port of
Kalamos. It is a picturesque
harbour, where old stone
houses sit tightly packed on the
slopes down to the harbour.
Kastos
Separated from the island of
Kalamos by a deep channel, the
pretty island of Kastos is just
8km long. Port Kastos is the
main harbour with safe mooring
and several tavernas.
Frikes
Frikes on the island of Ithaka
has a picture postcard setting
at the bottom of a wooded
ravine and is home to some
wonderful restaurants.
Vathi (Ithaca)
Vathi is the capital and main
harbour on the island of Ithaca.
This picturesque village is the
largest on the island and is built
around a deep, sheltered bay.
12
Fiscardo
Fiscardo is a beautiful village on
the northern tip of Cephalonia,
the largest of the seven Ionian
Islands and famed for attracting
the rich and famous.
Vassiliki
On the southern coast of
Lefkas, Vassiliki is a pretty
village with a cosmopolitan yet
unspoilt atmosphere.
Sivota
Sivota on Lefkas is a beautiful
town set in an enclosed bay.
En route there are plenty of
coves and bays to explore,
drop anchor and swim in the
refreshing, crystal clear water.
Spartahori
Located on the northern side of
Meganisi, the town is perched
high above Spilia Bay and can
be reached by a 10 minute walk
from the harbour.
IONIAN SOUTH
IONIAN SOUTH
1 week
2 weeks
13
R E T U R N I N G TO B A S E & YO U R
JOURNEY
HOME
When the time comes to sail back to the Retreat Beachclub, it would be hugely
appreciated if you could check off the following:
++ Please empty your holding tanks well off shore, whilst en route back
to Sivota.
++ Deflate and store your dinghy.
++ On arrival into the marina, please return any equipment such as stand up
paddleboards and children’s buoyancy aids to your lead crew.
Please ensure you arrive back to base before 18.00 on the evening before you
head home and your lead crew will provide you with your full departure details.
Thanks for sailing with Neilson this summer and we’ll look forward to welcoming
you on board again in the future.
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15
YOUR
RESORT MAP
6
5
19
1
8
15
10
4
3
9
2
12
16
17
7
11
18
13
14
1Reception
2
Pool bar
7
3
Children’s club
8
Treatment rooms
& gym
13
Sand spit
14
Sunbathing beach
Restaurant & terrace
15
Main hotel rooms
4Volleyball
9Pool
16
Yacht pontoon
5
Astro tennis courts
10
Garden rooms
17
Ski pontoon
6
Hard tennis courts
11
Sailing beach
18
Kayak beach
12
Fitness deck
19
Superior rooms