Article: A Razor, a Yacht and the Ionian Sea
A Razor, a Yacht and the Ionian Sea
By Wilde & Harte Director, Paul Thompson, August 2026.
Myself, my wife, our children and their partners embarked upon our first flotilla holiday, spending our days cruising between beautiful Greek islands, swimming in crystal-clear bays and discovering picturesque harbour towns, before relaxing each evening enjoying waterfront tavernas, excellent local Greek food and good company beneath the Mediterranean stars.
The Razor
Whether on land or at sea, the Wilde & Harte Eltham Mach3 Razor combines timeless British style, effortless shaving and travel-ready convenience for the discerning gentleman.
The Yacht — 'Daisy'
Daisy, our beautiful Dufour 405, 40-foot cruising sailboat and member of our Neilson South Ionian Flotilla Holiday, August 2026. The full flotilla cast: Desdemona (lead boat), Daisy, London, Caroline, Rosalind, Nashira, Cassius, Ophelia, Silvia and Cordelia.
And the Ionian Sea
Crystal waters, warm Mediterranean breezes, hidden harbours and pretty Greek island towns make sailing the South Ionian an unforgettable journey of freedom, beauty and discovery.
Evening 1: Kalamos
Our first day consisted of sailing from our base at Vounaki Beach Club to the port on the island of Kalamos.
Day 1 Highlight - Spending the eveining at Georges Restaurant on Kalamos Port, offering fresh seafood, traditional Greek flavours, warm hospitality and a beautiful waterfront setting for an unforgettable Ionian dining experience.
Evening 2: 'Big' Vathy, Ithaca
Sailing a southwestly course from Kalamos to the stunning town of Vathy on Ithaca, was our achievement on day two.
Day 2 Highlight - visit to 'Pig Bay'
Every visit to the south Ionian sea should include a visit to Pig Bay (on the island of Atokos) for crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic scenery, peaceful anchorage and its famously friendly swimming pigs!
Also on day 2, we visited Frikes on the island of Ithaca for ice cream and a swim at a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Evening 3: Kioni, Ithaca
Due to expected winds on day three, the flotilla sailed a relatively short distance up the Ithaca coast to Kioni, one of our favourite evening destinations. This timeless Greek town enchants with colourful waterfront houses, traditional tavernas, crystal-clear Ionian waters, lush hillsides and an idyllic, timeless island atmosphere.
Day 3 Highlight - Supper at the En Plo Roof Bar in Kioni village, followed by browsing the Tehnima artisan jewelry shop just further round the harbour.
Kioni is a sailor’s dream with its picturesque harbour & sheltered moorings.
Evening 4: Nidri
A full day sailing to the Greek mainland on day four, up and across to Nidri, where we sailed through sparkling Ionian waters with views of lush green mountains and a scattering of beautiful islands. However, the town was a hit with the children as it comes alive after sunset with lively waterfront bars, welcoming tavernas, cocktails, music and a relaxed atmosphere beneath warm Ionian skies.
Day 4 Highlight - Visiting Fiskardo (en route to Nidri) situated on the stunning island of Kefalonia and boasting colourful Venetian houses, an elegant waterfront and a wonderfully sophisticated harbour atmosphere.
Wilde & Harte Director Paul Thompson admiring a peice of local artwork in Fiskardo, Kefalonia.
Evening 5: Karnagios Restaurant, Meganisi
'Little' Vathy on the chic island of Meganisi, blends turquoise waters, colourful waterfront tavernas and lush hills with glamorous yachts, attracting the rich and famous to its harbour.
Day 5 Highlight - Quiz night! Unforunately "Daisy' didn't win (the crew of 'London' acheived this via the nail-biting tie-breaker... "Using your index finger, point in the direction of north?"). However, the evening was full of laughter and a superb atmosphere with great local food courtesey of Karnagio's.
Evening 6: Vounaki Beach Club
Thank you Toby!
The final evening was spent back at the Vounaki Beach Club before enjoying one last chat with other members of the flotilla before morning transfers to the local airport.
The Neilson crew: Toby, Eloise, Lucy & Costi — a 'HUGE' thank you to you guys for keeping us safe at sea and showing us all the best places to enjoy drinks and dinner each evening. Also for your laughs, stories and for making the week on the Ionian Sea such great fun for everybody.
The full flotilla cast & crew, August 2026
Interested in a similar unforgettable experience? Learn more about Neilson flotilla holidays.
