Having called last years speed week “my best trip of the year” this year had a lot to live up to. I wasn’t the only one to talk it up, my son Reece and nephew Luke had also spread the word, this time it was to be a family affair as my sister and her family joined mine and headed out to Vassiliki. While I was out to help the converted, I also hopped Club Vass’s passion for windsurfing could convert my kids.

Sure they’ve all had a go, but as any father  can tell you, it just isn’t cool to be like Dad. Reece and Luke got into it, but once we got back I was away a lot and winter was cooling their enthusiasm. Aaron is my youngest and keenest to get on the water, but my daughter was definitely not having any of it, and brought a couple of friends along to in search of a golden tan.

I was sure my sister, Sallie and husband David would be leading the sun worshipers along with my wife Sally, but as Luke had been giving his brother Jake and Sister Abbie an ear bashing there was a good chance they were going to give it a go.

As we came around the hill all we could see was white caps and sails streaking across the water, it was real windy with most on 4.2’s. While the others  unpacked I wasted no time and grabbed a 5.4 out of the rack for a quick spin before sunset. Having had no wind for the last two weeks it was good to be back in the harness.

To my surprise my daughter Samantha (Manth), and her two friends Ashley and Samantha (Sam) had decided over night to give it a go, and joined Jake with the beginners. Aaron and Abbie  went to the kids active club, while   Reece and Luke stepped up to the improvers.

With the family seemingly sorted it was back to speed, or as I see it, faster with confidence. Sure we were here for speed, but that only comes with confidence and that confidence is reflected in every part of our sailing. Jumping and gybing  becomes that much easer with a little more speed and commitment.

The next couple of days suited my family more than speed, but when the wind pulled in full strength we had time to turn talk into technique. I had some Garmin Fortrex 201’s that we shared around for practice where you could choose where you wanted to sail. Then Shaun took the Speed Gun and set a course right out the back.

We had a similar strength as last year, then I used an 8.0 and 7.0 for the different days, having changed sail brands I was happy to see faster results on the gun even with the same board. Using a 8.0 Matrix and Tabou 69 I managed a peak speed of 34.1knots, last year we didn’t reach that in mph.

For me the best part of speed is sailing along side other sailors, it’s so much easier to spot the little things that can make the difference. Even the position of the hands can make such a difference but it’s not something you’re likely to pick up talking on the beach. After sailing with Phil, a small change in hand positioning put three extra mph on his GPS and a smile on his face.

You can never say you’ve had enough, but with a couple of good strong wind days under the belt I could at least say I’d been faster than last year. But the bigger result for me was the kids, Vass had certainly worked its magic, Samantha and the girls had not only given it a go, but had been out everyday, Reece and Luke were finally sounding like real windsurfers and asking for more wind.

But it’s the kids club that has to be the real success; both Abbie  and Aaron couldn’t wait for club time. While you can’t expect a nine year old to windsurf all day but you sure never expect to keep them entertained all day, the kids activity club had then hooked on happiness.

It does sound like Vassiliki is a windsurfing only spot, but you couldn’t be more wrong. The town hasn’t changed since I first drank from its bars in 91. With restaurants like Penguin and bars as entertaining as the Zeus bar every one is kept happy. So much so that  both our families are not only wanting to go back next year, but I found then discussing who the new converts would be. I can’t wait.

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