What are the Advantages of a Flotilla Sailing Holiday?

On flotilla holidays Greece, you go in the group of vessels. Flotilla is derived in the form of Spanish flota, which simply refers to a fleet of vessels. The boat will be yours to only you and your family and friends on board , and an appointed skipper in case you need some help. You’ll be able to sail at your own speed. The flotilla captains are quick to remind you that you don’t be required to sail in a group like “ducks in a row’. In fact, following the morning briefing, you’re able to basically go wherever the wind leads you, in the event that you’re at the next overnight destination in the late afternoon.

Flotilla sailing can be a great opportunity to have fun sailing without the hassle of pre-planning and organization that comes from sailing through unfamiliar waters with a boat that you hire. You’ll be able to have a skipper that will be there to assist you in any difficulty. Although you’ll be assisted by a flotilla, it’s an activity that can be done hands-on, and is ideal for those who are active. You’ll be in full control of your own vessel and will be preparing your own meals and breakfasts.

As it is an element of responsibility, in order to charter a boat for a flotilla it is necessary to have at minimum one person who has at least an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) A certificate that you can apply for when you have an RYA Day Skipper license. The other members of your group aren’t required to be skilled sailors in any way, however it’s much easier for your friend to play the role of skipper if they are willing to be at times on the deck. time.

The benefits of sailing on flotillas are numerous. Firstly, you’ll get guaranteed berths. In the peak of the season, in bustling sailing areas, marinas and berths go quickly. The lead boat for your flotilla will make reservations for overnight stays for you, which means you don’t need to make a reservation on your own. Then, you’ll gain an excellent local understanding – the most delicious restaurant, the most beautiful beach to catch the morning sun , and also mechanical and sailing assistance. In addition, there’s an (non-obligatory) social aspect. If you’re a fan of the appearance of the other crews you’ll have evenings to socialize as you like.

What is a flotilla-sailing holiday involve?

You can take an excursion with a flotilla with a couple and charter a 32-foot monohull, or you can bring all of your family along with your neighbors too and charter a large catamaran that can accommodate up to 11 passengers. Flotilla cruises typically last for 1 week and commence on a Saturday.

Large charter companies typically have fleets consisting of hundreds of the same boats, therefore, once you’ve been on one, you’re accustomed to all. They’re strong, fiberglass and quite difficult to break. They’ll be space efficient down below, with tiny restrooms (the toilets are also known as heads and flushed with hand pumps). There’ll be a galley’ (kitchen) and cosy cabins. Fitting out the various odd-shaped mattress in different cabins is an art of its own.

There is electricity on the board. It is powered by an electric generator connected to the engine. It is also powered by shore power. That means that when you’re sailing, appliances can be turned off (but your refrigerator should stay fairly cool). It will be possible to stay in touch with the boat in front via VHS radios – which can be great fun.

The lead boat can assist you with lots of things prior to setting off however, you’ll likely have to conduct your own food shopping in an area supermarket. It is best to purchase cold meals, so that you’re not working on a stove in a small galley during the day. Also, look for local food items to experience the flavor of your destination and to support local businesses. Eliminate the thought of hard tack that is maggoty: You’ll be able to fill your food storage on the way Ask your captain what anchorages have bakeries or small stores. One of the most enjoyable moments on a sailing holiday is to buy fresh fish on the spur of the moment as you cruise along.


Each day, you’ll embark for a new adventure. the boat’s captain will inform you on the recommended route, and will suggest pretty beaches along the way to in which you can drop the anchor and eat your lunch. After a day of swimming, sailing as well as exploring get to reunite with your lead boat, and then either go out for dinner as in a group, or pick your own dining spot. There’s often a day during the trip that you’ll be in one location for two nights, meaning you’ll have the option of a free sailing day or a time off.

Your boat is equipped fitted with an engine. While it’s perfectly feasible to motor all the way, every day, this is more expensive, as you’ll pay for the fuel – and it’s much less environmentally-friendly. It’s nice to know that in the event that the wind is against you there’s always a way to start the engine.

The boat that is the leader of your flotilla will provide plenty of fun while you’re away (who is able to write the best boat-related poem? What’s the best radio manners? ) However, there’s no obligation to engage by participating in group activities. There’s your own boat to relax in for instance – you can relax on the deck, clinking the ice with your tonic and gin, or reserve your own private restaurant. There are plenty of dinners for groups as well as the final day usually includes a regatta, a race where you run your crew through their tests and feel their power as you nudge them to push more with the winches. You don’t have to participate in the event if you do not want to.