MIXit Sailing Holidays

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!

Phil, I have to commend George and his boat BENETEAU CYCLADES 43.4. George is very kind and responsive, and the boat itself is in excellent condition and behaves very nicely on the waves when sailing. And as for you, we have had a great cooperation all these years, so I intend to continue with MIXit Sailing. Thanks a lot for everything! Branko P.S. Give my regards to George

We were delighted with our bareboat charter sailing from Skiathos, to Skopelos, Alonnissos and some of the uninhabited islands nearby. The boat was in beautiful condition and great value for money compared with other quotes we had. Dimitris met us at Skiathos and was very helpful with everything, including our itinerary. He stayed in touch throughout the trip texting us ideas for the best restaurants and things to see as well as sailing tips. When we got the sail jammed he immediately found someone to meet up with it and fix it for us, so we were on our way in no time.

We had a wonderful holiday in a great area. Found beautiful anchorages and did enjoy the sailing and the landfalls :-) Our boat was in good shape and the guys from the base were the friendliest and most helpful ever. We will surely come back to Nikiti and great Chalkidiki.