A flotilla is a group of yachts sailing together under the guidance of a lead boat. Flotilla Leaders are passage planners, trainers and fountains of unrivaled local knowledge.
While each boat sails independently, the FL provides a safety net, and is available to answer questions and offer troubleshooting. They also hold captain’s meetings and arrange social events.
1. They’re a great way to meet new people.
There is a great social element to sailing with flotillas. You spend your days on the boat with a group of like-minded people, and at night you can enjoy a range of planned activities on land. The trip host will often organize events such as beach barbecues and punch parties, where you can get to know the other people in your group. They will also be able to recommend the best beaches, restaurants and places of interest in the area.
During your trip you will usually attend daily chart briefings where the lead boat crew will go over the day’s route and provide information about things to see and do in the area. The crew will also help you moor when arriving at your end-of-day destination and will be available for assistance throughout the journey.
The lead boat crew will normally be a mixture of experienced skippers and crew from the boats in the flotilla. During the trip you will develop friendships with your fellow travellers and you can learn from their experiences and expertise.
2. They’re a great way to learn.
Sailing the Aegean is a unique experience that combines adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re captaining your own boat or hiring a skipper to sail for you, sailing can be a great way to learn new skills and hone existing ones. And, of course, there’s nothing like the feeling of the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you sail past the iconic windmills of Mykonos or the white-washed villages of Paros.
Joining a flotilla is a great way to learn how to sail with the support of an expert lead crew and a set itinerary. You can choose to be a bareboat charter (with a skipper of your own or hired from the group), or a cabin charter (which gives you a private cabin with a professional skipper).
While joining a flotilla is a fantastic way to learn, it’s important to remember that everyone’s interests are different. So, be sure to poll the other participants in your flotilla group before committing a lot of time and effort towards planning activities or events that might not be popular with the rest of your trip participants.
3. They’re a great way to get away from it all.
Many people are apprehensive about taking their own boat out on the open seas, but with a flotilla trip you can sail away for your perfect vacation and be sure you’re safe and secure. You’ll still have to know how to captain, but you have the reassurance that your fellow travelers will be nearby in case something goes wrong. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from other experienced sailors.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in Greek culture or enjoy a family-friendly cruise on the Aegean, Road Scholar has an itinerary that is right for you. Discover ancient oracles and mountain monasteries, or explore the mystical beauty of the islands that have inspired bards and poets for centuries. With sapphire waters and enchanting landscapes, the Aegean is a perfect place for a sailing adventure you’ll never forget.
Unlike bareboat charters, which require you to be an ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising) certified sailor, you can sail on a flotilla with confidence if you’ve got some experience under your belt. A lead crew will help you cast off each day, navigate to that evening’s anchorage, and help you moor when you reach the destination. The lead crew will also organize social events like barbecues on the beach, punch parties, and end-of-week regattas so that you can get to know your fellow travelers.
4. They’re a great way to explore.
When you think of flotilla sailing you might picture the boats saddling up to a dock or floating out on the water with cocktails in hand, but there’s so much more to this type of sailing vacation than that. Joining a Sunsail flotilla is an ideal way to experience the beauty of the Aegean Islands while also discovering the history, archaeology, and culture of this region.
The flotilla sails on a set route, with organized moorings each night and fun group activities – perfect for families and couples across the beautiful sailing grounds of Greece (Lefkas), Croatia (Agana and Dubrovnik), Sardinia, and Italy (Procida and Sicily). The lead crew is there to help you get the most out of your holiday – they are your captain, host, and instructor, as well as fountains of unrivalled local knowledge. On dedicated family flotillas, you’ll even have a kids’ activity coordinator to entertain the little ones.
There’s so much to explore under the sea, too – from the iconic coastline of Mykonos to the ancient ruins of Priene. And, of course, the waters are crystal clear for snorkeling, giving you a glimpse into an underwater world of enchantment and wonder that’s just waiting to be explored.