MIXit Sailing Holidays

We delayed this holiday in the Sporades for two years, with the cooperation of Phil at Mixit sailing, due to COVID and travel restrictions etc., and we were not disappointed when we arrived in Volos. This Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2018) is well set up for sailing two-handed. Very clean with just a few signs of wear and tear for this age of charter yacht. Unfortunately, there were small areas of gel coat damage around the bow, where the anchor had been brought up with less than usual care; so do make notes and take photos of any such damage during the initial handover briefing. The sails are in good condition and sails well with a good trim. Get away promptly, and you can make Palaio Trikeri (Old Trikeri) for a great first night out at the taverna directly behind the village quay. We were fortunate to have good winds on all but one day, when we moored in Loutraki on Skopelos (actually too windy and big swell), and took a day ashore sightseeing. Anchoring overnight in very quiet bays, such as Ormiskos Loutro entirely alone, was a joy with the perfect full moonlight glistening on the sea. Just note that the heavy gauge 50 metre chain is really secure but needs constant clearing aside in the anchor locker. Final night long lined ashore in the small bay of Ormos Pithos was a great place to swim and chill out on deck, but get there reasonably early, as some latecomers had to move on. Food delivery service available to order by mobile (sign on the shore). Yammas

“For the second time we booked through MIXit sailing where Phil was very helpful in finding us a suitable yacht and arranging for it to be delivered to Skiathos. On arrival at the port (a very short taxi ride from the airport), we were met by Demitrious and did the necessary paperwork whilst we waiting for the yacht to be delivered from Volos (as expected). That also gave us a chance to get in supplies and were on board by late afternoon. The boat was very clean and spacious, despite us being a party of 8 and we were able to put the 5 cabins to good use. We chose to stay in Skiathos overnight and in the morning, we received a thorough briefing on the yacht which was in good order. There were a couple of minor issues which hadn’t been reported by the previous charterer, but these were quickly resolved by Demitrious and we were on our way. The yacht sailed and performed well during our week and we thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic sailing area which ranges from lively towns to deserted anchorages, especially in the nature reserve of Kyria Panagia. We were able to stay out on our last night returning to Skiathos first thing in the morning which meant we could enjoy an extra port on Skopelos. Overall an excellent holiday and we would certainly be happy to book through MIXit Sailing again.“

Due to Covid we had to postpone our trip several times. Philip from Mixit was always very helpful in arranging everything and giving advice for our extra insurance. In Volos we were warmly welcomed by Ria and Demitris. All formalities were correctly and pleasantly arranged. The yacht was in perfect order. The Meltimi forced us to anchor for 2 days in the small harbor of Kottes, not the best place to stay with the wind blowing right into the harbour. Fortunately the yacht was in good order and we had 100 meters of anchor chain to insure ourselves against the strong wind. The other yachts were less happy with their shorter anchor chains. Thanks to the solar panel, we also had no problems with the energy on board so that we could run the fridge. The days we sailed were great, the boat is very stable and little wind was needed to be able to sail at 5 knots. We hope to come back to sail to the Sporades in better conditions and hope we will be available to sail her again.

“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