07 May A Unique Learning Experience at the Spetses Sailing Club
The Spetses Sailing Club hosted a special training event for the club’s children, aiming not only to practice at sea but, above all, to learn through experience and interaction with experienced athletes and coaches.
Ms. Katerina Kaloudi was the organizer of the event. With her extensive experience in sailing—as the first Greek woman to participate in the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, as well as her active contribution to the organization of major international events such as the Athens 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games—she brought life and inspiration to this initiative of our Club.
In an environment full of energy and enthusiasm, the young sailors had the opportunity to connect more deeply with the sport, discovering the joy of participation and teamwork.
During the training, the children actively took part in sea activities using the Rhodes 19 boats provided by the club.
Beyond the technical aspect, emphasis was placed on experiential learning:
understanding the sea, collaborating as a crew, and building self-confidence through practice.
A key role in the event was played by Olympic athletes, world champions, and leading figures in sailing who participated. They stood alongside the children, shared personal experiences, and conveyed their knowledge in a simple and direct way.
The participants included:
• Stelios Noutsos – World Champion and multiple Greek champion
• Odysseas Spanakis – Olympic-level sailor (Paris 2024)
• Chrysa Marinou – Certified coach with many years of experience
• Panagiotis Drougas – Former national team athlete
• Lazaros Kehagioglou – Competitive sailor with international experience
• Michalis Papatheochari – Experienced coach
• Katerina Kafentzi – Certified coach with international participations
This interaction helped the children see the sport from a different perspective—more human and approachable.
The initiative offered an opportunity to develop skills that go beyond the sport itself:
teamwork, communication, responsibility, and trust.
Through their interaction with the athletes, the children created memories and experiences that will stay with them for a long time.
The Spetses Sailing Club continues to organize activities that bring children closer to the sea in a meaningful way, investing in experiences that shape character and cultivate a love for the sport.
Come & Sail With Us
This experience highlighted the capabilities offered by Rhodes 19 sailboats, which ideally combine training, teamwork, and racing experience, making them an excellent tool for the development of new sailors.
In the same spirit, children, adults, groups, and organizations are given the opportunity to discover sailing through similar experiential activities.
Come & Sail With Us
Through the “Come & Sail With Us” program, we invite everyone who wishes to enjoy a unique experience at sea in Spetses.
- individuals with no previous sailing experience
- groups of friends and families
- schools and universities
- teams and corporate groups
From a single day at sea to multi-day activities, sailing becomes an experience of learning, collaboration, and enjoyment.
We invite you to come and sail with us.
Acknowledgements
The Club warmly thanks all the athletes who participated and shared their experience, as well as everyone who supported the realization of this wonderful initiative.
