A 7-Day Sustainable Sailing Adventure through the North Aegean Sea

We arrived in Volos just as the sun was setting. As I got out of the minibus, I could hear the flags hitting the masts on the boats as a light breeze came over the sea. 13 sailing boats lined up along the port, and people were buzzing around me. So much positive energy and excitement for the week ahead.

Embarking on a sailing journey is a dream for many, and the Sailing Club of Northern Aegean (NASC) offers a fantastic opportunity to turn this dream into reality. Their 7-day educational program, conducted with North Sailing, is designed to provide participants with an immersive and hands-on sailing experience in the mesmerising waters of the Aegean Sea.

Adventurous getaways are a good way to have a sustainable experience. Most activities in this category often involve hiking, being outdoors and experiencing local culture, which means supporting small businesses. Choosing this type of travel can have a more positive impact than following the crowds to mainstream tourist attractions. 

North Sailing is an excellent company that offers sailboat rentals, lessons and an exhilarating Flotilla. This unique event runs twice a year, in Spring and Autumn, during the off-peak seasons. The epic Flotilla brings together like-minded adventurers to sail across the Aegean Sea, at times in formation, sometimes racing each other, and just overall having fun with your fellow sailors.

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This isn't just an average sailing holiday; it is an active adventure where you can learn a new skill or improve existing skills. There is the option to sign up for several sailing licences, as well as just participating as a guest. Of course, all participants are expected to participate in the sailing, as this is an active adventure that requires all hands on deck, so why not get your license at the same time? As an ISSA (International Sailing School Alliance) recognised school, North Sailing provides all the knowledge and training to get you sailing on the high seas. 

I decided to take the ISSA (Inshore licence) as someone with little to no real sailing experience; I thought this would be the best for me to learn everything needed to become a confident sailor. I have to admit I was a little nervous, and as we walked along the boat-lined jetty in Volos, I was quickly reassured when the organisers gave a welcome speech. Excitement filled the air, and I could see the joy in the participants' eyes as they waited eagerly to find out which boat was theirs. 

As a beginner, the week taught me all the basics of understanding sailing. However, I would feel more confident if I had more time to learn the ropes! Before embarking on this adventure, you will have some online classes and be given access to a study booklet. The highly experienced teachers have been sailing these waters for many years, and it was a very inspiring week learning from some of the best sailors in Greece. 

A flotilla is a collection of boats that travel together. Beginners and experienced sailors are welcome, as long as you are willing to be an active crew member and get out on deck when the sails are up.

In the 2024 autumn edition, there were thirteen boats, with around 80 participants, and after a week on the sea, we truly felt like one big sailing family. The North Sailing Flotilla offers an opportunity for beginners to be surrounded by knowledgeable sailors, and for those who are experienced, they can assist those who need help. 

The collaborative experience forms bonds and friendships of the most unexpected kind, and once you have been on one, you will certainly be back for another.

Sailing provides the opportunity to explore off the beaten track. The flotilla I joined allowed me to experience local culture and sometimes areas unknown to tourists. During the week, we sailed to secluded bays, where we could anchor for lunch, and to small villages off the tourist trails, where we could enjoy eating like locals.  

The route changes each year, depending on weather and interests from previous participants, but this route took us to three islands. Starting in Volos, we made our way to Skiathos, Skopelos, Halkidiki, and Thasos, exploring some of Greece's lesser-visited areas. 

An aspect I appreciate about North Sailing is that their routes change annually, helping to curb over-tourism and encouraging visitors to explore the lesser-visited regions of Greece.

If you are thinking that there might be too much boat time, don't worry, because it wasn’t all about sailing. We had time to swim, visit some beautiful secluded bays, sample local cuisine and freshly caught fish, and enjoy several golden sunsets by the water.

A unique aspect of this adventure is the camaraderie that forms between the boat and its crew. Every day, you work together as a team and support each other's learning, in turn creating a wonderful community on the water. 

Sitting around the table in the evenings, hearing stories from the teachers and learning about your fellow participants is fascinating. On my boat, we had our Greek captain Nikos, two Bulgarians, two Romanians, one from North Macedonia and a French teammate. This multicultural team contributed to a wonderful experience. Some had sailed before, so they knew the customs of taking care of one another, and they had brought homemade goods to share with the crew. 

I felt so welcomed by all the crew, teachers and participants and by the end of the week, I just wanted to stay for longer. It is common that once you have completed one Flotilla, you will be back on the next, and you will bump into familiar faces when you do return.

North Sailing was started by passionate sailors who wanted to teach others to enjoy the waters of Greece. The founders have been running annual Flotillas for over 15 years now, and they are the leading company in Greece for this type of experience.  

The club’s biannual flotilla has become its most prominent and well-attended event, attracting over 100 participants from across the globe and featuring a diverse fleet of boats. Held twice a year, this event has steadily grown over the past 15 years into one of the club’s most successful traditions.

The flotilla reflects the club’s passion for sailing, an activity that goes beyond sport to become a lifestyle. It brings together individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, offering not only the excitement of sailing but also opportunities to build lasting skills and forge meaningful connections.

Far more than a typical sailing trip, the flotilla provides a unique chance to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Greece. Participants explore remote coastlines, engage with the environment, and immerse themselves in stunning landscapes, creating memories that endure long after the journey ends.

Sailing around Greece was an enriching experience for me, and it's a great way to have an adventure and avoid the crowds. The flotilla encourages off-season travel, which helps locals generate some extra income during slower months and creates a more relaxed time for visitors.

With this in mind, Greece should be on your list to visit from September to November, and again in the spring, between March and June.

I had the most rewarding adventure joining North Sailing, and now I hold an inshore skipper's license, allowing me to enjoy more sailing with my new friends from the flotilla. I have come away feeling like part of a family, and I look forward to getting back out on the water to improve my skills, enjoy the delicious, fresh fish, and share sunsets from the glistening bays.

 

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