Beach Clubs
Vitamin Sea Sign up for a healthy start to the season with a beach club holiday in the sun. Sue Pelling takes a look at some of the most creditable companies that specialise in beach-based watersports holidays, and offers some essential advice
each clubs are among the most popular choice for families, couples and solo travellers looking for the ultimate landbased sailing holiday in the sun. Beach clubs offer the ideal option for sailing junkies who enjoy being out on the water in idyllic conditions all day, every day. For mixed ability groups, or total beginners who want to learn to sail in relative warm-water comfort, beach clubs are also an ideal choice. It is also good to note that some companies have recognised the need to cater for the growing sector of solo travellers. A beach club holiday for those travelling alone is, after all, not only great way to learn a new sport or improve sailing skills, but also a fantastic way to meet and enjoy the company of like-minded adventurers. Seafarer Nikiana Club, and Trek Adventures Lixouri Bay Beach Club both offer Solo Traveller Weeks throughout the year, which are worth checking out. Also, for selected weeks this year, Wildwind has discarded the supplement
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JUNE 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
for single use of a double room. A shift in beach club holiday activities in recent years also means it is not just all about sailing. Instead there are now plenty of other beach-based activities such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, yoga, cycling, and snorkeling. Some companies even offer beauty treatment facilities that are particularly popular with non-sailing members of the group. Most beach club holiday centres also understand the need for childcare facilities, which means parents can enjoy peace of mind knowing their baby, child/children are being fully cared for and entertained by qualified staff. Apart from Europe, and in particular The Mediterranean, package-style beach club holiday destinations are few and far between elsewhere in the world. The Mediterranean is by far the most popular not least because of the reliable climate [sun and breeze] during the summer holiday season. The Mediterranean holiday season runs from May to October, which gives plenty of opportunities to
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Wildwind's beach club in Vassiliki, Lefkas
sign up during the most convenient time. School holiday periods are naturally the busiest times so it’s worth booking early to avoid disappointment. Those with the flexibility of being able to avoid the school holiday period early or late season, will probably find some good deals, and have the bonus of holidaying in slightly less intense heat during off peak season. The Mediterranean scores highly when it comes to logistics too, with flight times generally no more than a few hours from major UK airports. This is an important consideration particularly when travelling with young children, or elderly members of the family.
Destinations
Beach club holiday destination choice does depend on requirements, such as type of sailing (beginners, improvers, learning to foil, race tuition, or variety to suit all levels). Although most locations in the Mediterranean are suitable for all abilities with generally light winds in the morning for beginner, and more breeze in the afternoon for
