Well, we've never had force 8 but it has been pretty gusty on occasions. Sandblasting can be a problem on the long Plakias beach (can't remember name) but Souda suffers much less in this respect. We tend to visit either in May or September and wind tends not to be a problem, perhaps it's worse over the summer? Don't know.
Our second visit, many years ago, was late in June, however, and on the couple of days that the fairly steady breeze stopped, the heat became unpleasant.
Whatever, we booked our own flight/accommodation et.c. this year rather than using an agent, to allow us to stay for 10 days, and we will certainly do this again next year, staying at Skinos once more. Lovely spot.
All the best, Richard