Watersports

Watersports

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Quality Christian Holidays

Watersports

Our established Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised watersports centre in Samos is exclusive to Richmond guests. We offer a wide range of watersports including sailing, windsurfing, stand up paddleboarding and kayaking. Use of all our equipment is included in the price of your Richmond holiday so come and join us, whatever your age or experience.

Generally, the wind starts light in the mornings, which is great for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or learning to sail or windsurf. The wind then builds in the afternoons, allowing great planing conditions for those wanting to perfect the legendary carve gybe.

The waterfront is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, from those who want a casual morning sail, right up to performance spinnaker sailors. The qualified Richmond team operates the watersports centre every day, subject to weather conditions.
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A member of the Richmonnd Waterfront Staff preparing a boat for a guest getting ready for teaching.
Richmond-Guest-Sailing
Richmond Holidays boats lined up on the beachfront
Two catamarans sailed by youth aged 16-25
Windsurfing non-planing
Sailors
Young man sailing with the help of a Richmond Holidays staff member
Fleet of RS Cat 16s in Mykali Bay
A young family waiting for their sailing lesson
Two young Richmond guests sailing on a Pico boat
Richmond guests sailing on boat
A picture of a Richmond Waterfront team teaching and preparing guests to start their windsurfing on the beach outside the hotel.
Two young Richmond guests being taught how to use windsurfing equipment
Richmond guest and Richmond staff carrying a windsurf board
Three Richmond staff members preparing boats

Don't just take our word for it!

The staff were wonderful in the hotel and the Richmond team. We had the best time on the water and loved every moment.

Marie, Jun 2025, Samos

Waterfront staff were so good at what they did.

Caroline, Jul 2025, Samos

The Richmond staff, waterfront, ministry and teens groups make this holiday work so well.

Rebecca, Jul 2025, Samos

Really pleased I got my level 2 RYA certificate. Thanks to the brilliant waterfront team.

Elizabeth, Sep 2025, Samos

Learning to sail and windsurf was ace! Safety on water with caring, responsive, well trained staff looking out for us was reassuring making it possible to complete and learn a new water related skill. Thank you.

Debbie, Jul 2024, Samos

The support from the waterfront team is amazing! Being able to get out on the water is great.

Kate, Aug 2024, Samos

The waterfront team were outstanding! So supportive and helpful. They are the reason I've rebooked. Thank you.

Louise, Sep 2024, Samos

Superb location, superb water sports. Perfect for what we needed. Lovely to meet Christians from all over the country.

Derek, Sep 2024, Samos
Learn More About Samos

Sailing Dinghies

Our Samos fleet includes a range of RS sailing dinghies which are ideal for learning and relaxed sailing.
  • RS Zest
    Our main training dinghy — easy to sail, responsive and confidence-building. Perfect for beginners and relaxed free sailing.
  • RS Quest
    A stable, roomy dinghy for families, couples and mixed-ability crews.
  • RS Venture
    Extra-stable and comfortable, ideal for beginners, families and inclusive sailing.

Catamarans & Performance Boats

Our Samos fleet also includes our popular catamarans and single handers perfect for advanced sailors.
  • RS Cat 16
    Fast, exciting sailing with plenty of stability — great fun for confident sailors looking for speed.
  • Laser 1
    A classic performance dinghy for confident sailors who enjoy responsive, technical sailing.
  • RS Aero
    A lightweight, high-performance dinghy for experienced sailors looking to push their skills.

Windsurf Equipment

Boards: Brands such as Starboard and Fox plus RED wind SUPs. The boards range from 210 litre beginner boards to sub-100 litre intermediate/advanced boards.


Rigs: A wide range of beginner, intermediate and performance rigs starting at 2.5m up to 7.5m. For the beginner windsurfer, we have tough Dacron and X-ply sails that are easy to get started with but tough enough to survive the falls. For the performance windsurfer, we have selected Severne and Tushingham rigs in sizes from 4.0m to 7.5m all mounted on 45% – 100% carbon masts.

Kayaks and Stand up paddleboards

We have a range of single and double hander sit-on-top kayaks and SUPs.

These are perfect for making the most of the less windy days and a great way to explore the bay.

We also find that kayaking and stand up paddle boarding is a great work out, so you can multi-task and enjoy the beauty of the Samos coastline whilst exercising your core!

Safety Equipment

We have a range of buoyancy aids, harnesses and helmets available for all guests to use.

To safely enjoy the watersports centre, we recommend bringing:
  • Rash vest
  • Board shorts
  • Beach shoes
  • Sailing gloves
  • Sunglasses/glasses strap

Watersports Lessons

Joyrides, Tasters and The Richmond Regatta

Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned sailor, we love to see everybody enjoying the incredible watersports available in Samos! It’s not a problem if you’ve never sailed before, let us take you for a ride in one of our larger dinghies where you can experience the thrill of sailing and have a go knowing you’re in safe hands!

Our qualified instructors offer a free taster session on the first day of your holiday and are on hand to take care of everything from rigging to safety cover to getting you back off the water.

Be sure to join the fun of the unique Richmond regatta on Sunday mornings! A fun opportunity for everyone to get out on the water, whether you join as crew member on a larger boat with an experienced team member at the helm, or take on the race on your own.

RYA Lessons and Clinics

As a recognised RYA training centre, we are able to offer RYA certified courses, meaning you can attain an internationally recognised qualification.

If you are interested in a particular RYA course, you are welcome to express this to the Richmond office in advance of your holiday. Some of our courses are bookable before your holiday, and others are available on request in resort. Please be aware that the courses are subject to availability and weather conditions.

The team will also offer clinics and one-to-one sessions throughout the week.

Level 1

Our Level 1 Sailing Course is perfect for beginners, teaching essential sailing skills, including sailing in all directions, launching, and recovery. Gain confidence to sail with RYA trained Richmond staff!
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Level 2

The Level 2 Sailing Course builds on Level 1, focusing on rigging, launching, sailing manoeuvres, and essential safety. Sailors will gain the confidence to make decisions and sail independently in good conditions, with improved ability and theoretical knowledge.
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Level 3... and more!

Our highly qualified team can teach higher-level courses, subject to staff availability.
The team will also offer a range of clinics to teach specific skills, such as sailing with spinnakers, Seamanship Skills and an introduction to racing. Clinics are for small groups and will be charged at £15 per 2-hour session. One-to-one lessons are available for £25 per 1.5 hour session on any topic you like!
On Request in resort

Start Windsurfing

Beginner windsurfing lessons, with no prior experience required. Instructors teach sailing fundamentals, including tacking and gybing in light winds.
More Prices Below!

Intermediate Non-planing

Windsurfing lessons, with a focus on building confidence, improving transitions, and mastering techniques like beach starting and harness use, culminating in certification for stronger wind sailing.
On Request in Resort

Stage 1

Beginner sailing lessons, covering launching, recovery, steering, and basic boat parts. Participants learn to sail paired with certification upon mastering essential sailing principles.
More Prices Below!

Stage 2

Intermediate sailing lessons, building on Stage 1 skills. Participants improve tacking, gybing, ropework, and collision avoidance.
More Prices Below!

Stage 3 and 4

Stages 3 and 4 are available on request in resort. In order to participate in these you must already have sailing skills to the standard of at least Stage 2.
On request in resort

Stage 1

Fun, beginner-friendly windsurfing lessons with no theory, just hands-on experience. Master the basics and sail back and forth across the wind.
More Prices Below!

Stage 2

Youth windsurfing lessons for those with Stage 1 skills. Instructors focus on improving tacks, gybes, and confidence across all points of sail.
On request in resort

Stage 3...and more!

With a minimum skillset of Stage 2, advanced lessons are available on request in resort. These advanced lessons consist of Stage 3 and Intermediate non-planing.
On request in resort

Bookable Sailing Lessons

£ 60 per course
  • Approx. 12 hours tuition
  • Certificate and Logbook provided
  • Qualified RYA instructors
  • RYA Levels 1 and 2 for adults (age 17+)
  • RYA Youth Stages 1 and 2 (age 8-16)
  • Limited Spaces
  • More advanced courses available on request in resort
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Bookable Windsurf Lessons

£ 50 per course
  • Approx. 8 hours tuition
  • Certificate and Logbook provided
  • Qualified RYA instructors
  • RYA Start Windsurfing for adults (age 17+)
  • RYA Youth Stages 1 (age 8-16)
  • Limited Spaces
  • More advanced courses available on request in resort
  •  

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