Flotillas are an amazing way to sail, whether your new to the hobby or have been sailing for years. It’s the perfect option to get the most out of your sailing holiday, with tailored itineraries and the chance for independent adventure. Here, we’ll look at everything you need to know before going on a flotilla holiday.
What is a Flotilla?
Flotilla comes from the Spanish word flota – meaning a fleet of ships. 50 years ago, in the mid-70s, Eric Richardson popularised the flotilla concept as part of the Yacht Cruising Association (YCA), Sunsail’s precursor.
The term often brings to mind the image of ships following each other from point A to B, when in fact you have much more freedom than that. You will be in the company of other boats and have the support of an expert lead boat, with a mechanic, skipper and hostess on board to provide all the guidance you need, but it’s totally up to you where you go.
If you want to head to a destination not on the suggested itinerary, just let the lead crew know and off you go. Support will always be just a VHF call away.
What can I expect on a flotilla?
Each day will be different on your flotilla holiday. Every morning, the lead crew provides recommendations over the VHF radio for anchorages and destinations with associated attractions, like restaurants and secluded beaches. When you’re ready to cast off, they’ll be there to help and will also be on hand to help moor up at the evening mooring.
During the day, you’ll be sailing at your own pace. Spend time at a hidden gem or tackle some exciting open water sailing. The lead crew will never be far away and are always ready to offer support.
Another reason flotillas are great for both small groups and families is the opportunity to socialise. Alongside the other yachts in the flotilla, you’ll be staying in small port towns and quays, where you can meet up with the other crews to catch up on your day’s adventures.
Are flotillas Covid safe?
Our Sunsail teams operate in accordance with local guidelines. All guests can travel with confidence as Sunsail Lead Crews are fully trained in CSD (Clean, Sanitise, Disinfect) procedures. The Lead Crew will undergo daily temperature checks and will adhere to social distancing with guests where possible. Where this is not possible, lead crew will wear a protective mask and gloves. All elements of your Sunsail Flotilla for which we are famous will still be delivered in accordance with current health and safety guidelines, so that you can enjoy the fun of flotilla in safe hands. For more information about our cleaning procedures and policies, please visit www.sunsail.co.uk/covid19/safety-measures.
Do I need qualifications to go on a flotilla holiday or can I learn to sail?
For the newer sailors or those that want to sit back and relax, there is an option to hire a Sunsail skipper for your yacht, who will take care of the day-to-day sailing. There are also options to learn to sail whilst on a flotilla from Greece and Croatia.
For those looking for more independence, self-skippered flotillas require the same qualifications as bareboat sailing charters. Having the support at hand makes them a popular choice for those who have recently gained their licence and want to sail with some helpful guidance.
What else do I need to prepare?
Before you set off for your flotilla holiday, it’s important you pack all the essentials. Our full packing guide covers everything, but most importantly remember to bring:
Your passports and skipper licences if required on your charter
A couple of different outfits to wear while sailing that can get wet.
Waterproof suitcases
Things to do in your downtime – books, Bluetooth speakers, travel games.
Your guide to booking a flotilla sailing holiday
We’ve created a flotilla package just for you, to take all the hassle out of booking your holiday. There are incredible locations around the world nearly all year round, so the first step is trying to pick where and when.
We have something to offer every aspiring traveller, whether sun, sea, fresh local food, or a tall glass of something bubbly. Dive into exciting watersports in Greece, discover Croatia’s rich and two-millennia old history, explore the luxurious resorts, bustling towns and quiet villages of Italy. Keep an eye out for our special flotillas too, including our food and wine flotillas available in Croatia and Italy.
And because we are a member of ABTA and ATOL, you can book with confidence knowing you are completely financially protected.
If you want to try out sailing for the first time or want to explore a new part of the world – why not book a flotilla holiday today?
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