What is a flotilla sailing holiday?

FUN Sailing Holidays

What Is Flotilla Sailing?

What Is Flotilla Sailing?

Flotilla sailing is sailing as a small fleet.

You can sail from your overnight anchorage following the other yachts to your destination, having a fun race along the way (just remember to let the lead boat win – he is very competitive), stopping along the way for lunch and a swim.

You may choose to just amble along at your own pace, or sail off on your own exploring the many villages and towns or stop at a bay to have a swim before you arrive at your overnight destination.

If you would like to overnight at a different port, you can. This is your holiday, and you choose to combine any of the above options to suit.

One, two, or more weeks sailing holidays are available - the choice is yours.

The Lead Skipper / Crew

All flotilla holidays have the full support of the fully crewed lead yacht. The lead crew are experienced skippers, know the yachts, local weather, and best places to visit, snorkel, dine and swim. They are always contactable in case you need any help or advice during the day, or night.

Each morning the flotilla lead crew, and the guests (8 to 11 yachts - numbers can change) will plan the route for that day together. You will be provided with comprehensive details of the day's sailing destination, charts of the area, navigational hazards, (most navigation is done by eye due to clear visibility of the next island or port), what to see on the way, the many possible snorkel and swim stops.

Then it is off to the boat to set sail. There will always be crew on hand to assist you when you set sail, after that you are free to do whatever you want. You can stay ashore and explore the village or town, visit caves, local museums, waterfalls, and local places of interest before heading off.

Variations For Competent Sailors

While you can stick to the set-out itinerary, there is also room to "do your own thing" during the day, and meet up again in the evening with the flotilla, as per the itinerary. Just radio your intentions to the lead skipper so that he knows how to find you quickly if you need any help. Most sailors new to the Ionian Sea are just fine, after a bit of instruction, and are off on little excursions of their own, or with another boat from the flotilla.

Example 1: a day on your own

The Cuthbert family recently learned how to sail with a skipper and after sticking with the itinerary for a few days, they felt confident in their abilities, and really wanted to go and take some photos from a lookout point a friend told them about.

They told the lead skipper about their plans in the morning, and he gave them some advice on where best to anchor, and a great place to have lunch once ashore.

The Cuthberts then had an enjoyable day in another location, and afterwards sailed to the agreed evening mooring where they met the rest of the flotilla.

Example 2: a short sail on your own

Sailing with a flotilla has added benefits as crews from other yachts can report events such as sightings of dolphins to other flotilla members - you can leave the group at any time you like, and especially for a great photo opportunity! See Photo Gallery & check these out.

Example 3: stay away a few days

Fancy a sailing honeymoon and want a few days to yourselves - that's just fine - leave and come back to the flotilla any time you like!

Want to go and visit other villages or stay longer in a particular area - that's fine too!

Flotilla sailing is not regimented - it's very flexible, and designed to give you the best holiday time you ever had. You have as much freedom to come and go as you would in your own home, but even better.... our leader crew is always on call to lend a helping hand if you need one - day or night.

Example 4: hire a skipper

Inexperienced sailors who would like to have more instruction can hire a skipper for a day or even a week, whatever you want. You will get practical tips so you will feel more comfortable on the water.

In fact, anyone can hire one of our experienced skippers to sail them around the islands.

When you are sailing on a yacht with a skipper, breakfast and lunch will be taken on board most of the time. There is a special money "kitty" from which the skipper's meals and fuel are paid for by the crew (you).

What to bring on your holiday

Beside a swimsuit and summer clothes, we advise you take trousers / pants and a sweater for the colder evenings before and after the summer months (June, July and August). In every season there is a chance of rain (of course more in the early and late season) but a wet weather jacket will be sufficient.

A pair of reef shoes is recommended when walking in the water to protect you against sea urchin spikes.