What is a flotilla sailing holiday?

In flotilla sailing, you travel in an entire group of vessels. Flotilla originates in the form of Spanish flota which refers to a fleet of vessels. The boat will be yours to your own – with only you, your family and friends on board , and an appointed skipper also, should you require some assistance. You’ll be able to sail at your own speed. The flotilla captains are quick to say 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 winds take you in the event that you’re at the next overnight destination at the end of the 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 who will assist you with any problems. While you’ll receive support with flotilla sailing, it’s an activity that can be done hands-on, and is ideal for those who are active. You’ll have full control of your own vessel and cooking your own meals and breakfasts.

As it is an element of responsibility, when you charter a boat for a flotilla it is necessary to have at minimum one person that 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 rest of your party aren’t required to be skilled sailors in any way, however it’s easier for the poor friend to play the role of skipper to have people willing to be in the deck from time to time.

The benefits of sailing on flotillas are numerous. Firstly, you’ll get guaranteed berths. In peak times in bustling sailing areas, the moorings and berths are snapped up fast. The lead boat for your flotilla will arrange your overnight stay for you, which means you don’t need to contact them yourself. In addition, you’ll benefit from an excellent local understanding – the most delicious restaurant, the most beautiful beach to soak up the morning sun , as well as mechanical and sailing support. In addition, there’s an (non-obligatory) social aspect. If you’re a fan of the appearance of other crews, you’ll have evenings to socialize as you want.

What is a flotilla-sailing holiday involve?

You can take the flotilla trip as a couple , and charter a tiny 32-foot monohull, or you can bring all of your family as well as your neighbor’s and charter a large catamaran, which can hold up to 11 guests. Flotilla excursions typically last 1 week and commence on a Saturday.

The biggest charter companies usually have fleets that is comprised of hundreds or even thousands of similar boats, after you’ve experienced one, you’re familiar with the other. The boats are strong, made of fibreglass and pretty tough to break. They’ll be space efficient downstairs, and have small restrooms (the toilets are also known as heads and they are flushed by the hand pump). There’ll be a galley’ (kitchen) and cosy cabins. Putting all the oddly-shaped mattresses within the cabins is a business by itself.

There is electricity on the board. It is powered by an engine-powered generator that is connected to the engine. It is also powered by shore power. That means that when you’re sailing, appliances will shut off (but your refrigerator will remain at a moderate temperature). You’ll be in contact with the boat in front via VHS radios, which are enjoyable.

The lead boat can assist you with many things prior to setting off however, you’ll likely require a grocery shopping at the local grocery store. It is best to purchase cold meals, so that you don’t have to work around a hot stove in a small galley during the day. Also, look for local food items to taste the flavours of your destination and to support local vendors. Beware of the specter of hard tack that is maggoty: you’ll have the ability to top the food supply on the way Ask your captain what anchorages have bakeries or small stores. One of the most enjoyable moments on flotilla holidays Greece is to buy fresh seafood at the whim of a as you cruise along.


Each day, you’ll embark for a new adventure. your boat’s leader will guide you on the recommended route, and will suggest pretty spots along the way where you can set the anchor and enjoy your lunch. After a day of swimming, sailing or exploring the area, get to reunite with your lead boat, and then either go out to dinner with in a group, or pick your own restaurant. There’s usually a day on the trip that you’ll be in one location for two nights, which means that you’ll be able to take a break for sailing day or a time off.

The boat you own comes complete 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 good to know that in the event that the winds aren’t your way it’s always possible to switch on the engine.

The leading boat in the flotilla is sure to have no shortage of entertainment during your vacation (who could write the best poem about a boat? Who is the most eminent radio protocol? ) There’s no obligation to participate with the group activities. There’s your own boat to relax in for instance – you can enjoy a relaxing evening on the deck, clinking the ice with your gin and tonic or reserve your own private restaurant. There are several meal options for groups as well as the final day of your trip usually includes a regatta, a race where you run your crew through their tests and feel their power when you get the crew to work more at the winches. There’s no obligation to be a part of the race even if you don’t wish to.