MIXit Sailing Holidays

“With a crew of six people we had a wonderful holiday, a yacht which is great fun to sail, under even reasonably high winds, lovely anchorages and tavernas, we are all looking forward to coming back next year!” Richard

After many years of sailing and with a few thousand sea miles under our belts, we felt we needed to ‘cut the umbilica’ and to experience sailing as a couple without any accompanying friends. Up until now, the vast majority of our sailing has been with friends in the tidal waters of Scotland. Choosing the charter company took us some time but MixIt proved to be an excellent choice. Booking was relatively straightforward with everything done on-line and via e-mail with Phil Elliott at MixIt. We hadn’t had a proper break for ages so we were really looking forward to the trip, but also with some trepidation as it was to be our first time ‘alone’. We shouldn’t have worried at all. Our yacht was the Sun Odyssey 37 and her owners Kostas and Nellie were wonderfully welcoming, generous with their help and provided a full and practical briefing on their boat. We set off on a bright, sunny, mid-September afternoon; we motored out of Volos and, on a freshening breeze, set full sail across the Pagasitic gulf. We aren’t used to sailing 21st century yachts. In Scotland, getting the main up and reefing involve going forward, being bounced around by wind and waves and doing everything from the mast. The rig on the Sun Odyssey 37 was well-designed, controlled from the cock-pit and so easy to use! Main and Genoa were out and set for course within a couple of minutes and the yacht handled really well and got in the groove quickly. The wind increased steadily knot by knot and, at 21kts of wind, we decided a reef would be sensible as the white horses galloped by while we were on a beat to windward. Reefing was a ‘breeze’, all managed from the cock-pit and with outhaul and reefing lines linked as one. Our sailing in Scotland almost always involves going alongside or occasionally anchoring. Med sailing is much more about anchoring, often with long-lines ashore, and going stern-to on the town quays. We quickly worked out effective procedures to enable the two of us to manoeuvre the yacht for mooring. Working as a pair, we were always grateful to others for helping take stern lines for us, but with such a well-appointed yacht we felt in control all the time. We had some fantastic sails during our week’s holiday and the usual stresses we’ve experienced such as having limited power for fridges and lights didn’t surface. The boat’s excellent appointment is evidence that Kostas has thought carefully about all the practicalities of being at sea and the comfort of the crew. There was a wealth of batteries and a highly effective solar panel which meant the fridge was on all the time plus there were lots of other simple but practical modifications which made the whole experience just wonderful. Over the years we’ve sailed with friends in the Sporades and out of Preveza in the Ionian and, although we’ve had some fantastic times with great friends, this Sun Odyssey 37 has proved to be our favourite yacht. So our thanks go to Phil and MixIt but more especially to Kostas and Nellie for allowing us to experience sailing this yacht!

We spent an excellent 2 weeks on the Sun Odyssey 37 starting from Volos and cruising in the Northern Sporades. Thanks to the very friendly and helpful guidance by Philip through the whole booking process and to the corona specific guidelines everything was perfect, also in difficult times. Although a model year 2001 this yacht is maintained in very good condition with some unique special features. We met the owner Kostas who personally handed over the boat to us and explained everything in detail. He took a lot of time, no questions remained unanswered, we even received weather information by text message. Good sailing with a classic mainsail with lazy jack and a rolling foresail, rigging and winches are well maintained and in good condition. Inside and outside the boat was in very good condition, a reliable outboard motor and a stable dingy big enough for 4 maybe 5. Everything worked out well, we can highly recommend the boat as well as the Charter company. We were very satisfied, this was one of our best sailing trips we had as a family of 5 (3 teenagers ... ) . Very nice trip to the islands, very quiet in corona times, only a few other boats sailing in the Pagasitikos Gulf (Gulf of Volos), stops on Euboea and then up to Pelagonisi Island - best memories of fantastic sailing holidays ! Thanks Philip and Kostas. Anne, Tom and the boys

That was not the first time that we are sailing with MIXIT in that area, we done it already before and as always it was a great vacation! During the ordering procedure Philip is always cooperative, gives you all the options and tries to find you the best solution for you. He is ready to help and support for anything you need. This time he recommends us this BENETEAU 46.1 a new yacht which was out for sailing only 3 weeks. The boat was perfectly equipped with everything you need. The cockpit is very large which makes the days comfortable. The sails are great and you can easily sail at any wind. The engine is big and quite so you can get to your destination even when there is no wind. The cabins are big so you can get a good night sleep after a full day of activity. Above everything the base manager Jo a nice women who did the most in order to make our vacation perfect! Taking care for any small detail. We are highly recommended the boat and MIXIT for sailing vacations.