Flotilla Sailing Holidays - Differences between Assisted Sailing and Flotillas - RYA Training - Bareboat Sailing Holidays - Sailing Questions

The Ionian is the home of flotilla sailing in Greece. Many of the yacht charter companies in the area specialise in flotilla sailing holidays, whilst other companies concentrate on building skills through doing RYA qualifications or Assisted Sailing before sailing bareboat.

An RYA training course runs over 5 days and allows the crew and skipper to learn to sail and moor as a team and also learn plenty of skills which could be used outside of the Ionian such as how to pick up mooring buoys, sail at night etc. The depth of the training reduces potential for disagreement when on holiday and could potentially mean a more relaxing holiday! Yachts meet in the evening so there is ample opportunity to socialise if you wish to.

Assisted Sailing is a more flexible alternative where you can learn to sail as a family or couple but the skipper doesnt stay on the yacht at night. They do spend the day on the yacht ensuring you are taught everything for your holiday in the Ionian to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday. You do not return to base at night as the skipper gets picked up by speed boat each evening meaning if you want to spend a night in a quiet bay or busy harbour - the choice is yours.

Our Informal Flotlla runs in the Soutern Ionian in high season for anyone choosing either the RYA course or Assisted Sailing option or anyone sailing bareboat who would like the support in the evenings. If you are choosing to come to Greece in low or mid season we also run similar support to the flotilla where you are met in the evenings, receive weather info daily and get the local advise on where to eat. This is very popular for families and couples who want to be with other yachts for some of the week and maybe spend some time on their own also.

Any questions please call Katie or Di on 0800 321 3800

Sail Ionian: Informal Flotilla Sailing Holidays.

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The difference between us and other flotillas is that we follow a route which changes depending on weather and what you want to do. You can choose on a day to day basis whether you want to join us in the evening and if you want to moor in the bay around the corner to the harbour or go in the harbour around the corner instead of the bay for example this is absoluely fine and we will help you moor and check everything is ok. Our informal flotilla skippers meet the yachts in at around 5-7pm each evening ( or earlier if requested). The best parts of the Ionian are the smaller harbours and bays which large flotillas cannot visit so we do not take any more than 10 yachts (usually 5) and not all moor in the same place.

Our preference is to build the skills of the crew with assisted sailing or RYA training in the first few days before the flotilla. This makes the holiday safer and means you can be more adventurous when sailing to the new places. A little training will always enhance enjoyment of a sailing yacht charter in the Ionian sea with the right instruction.

If you are thinking of flotillas for the social side of the holiday, you will meet plenty of people each night in the harbours and if you have children you will find your route dictated by them anyhow! Sail Ionian offers the same support to bareboaters as to those on flotilla with weather information sent by text daily and a familiar face in the harbour at night.

Have you been on a flotilla sailing holiday? If the answer is yes, then you will probably be ready to progress to bareboat sailing. Depending on your flotilla sailing experience you may still need some additional training. This can be done with just stern too mooring practice on the first morning, assisted sailing or with an RYA training course. If the answer is no, call us if you have any questions.

FREE ON ALL YACHTS- Food and drink welcome pack - Dinghy - Outboard (All Bavarias) - Bed Linen - Yacht Towels - Last Night drinks & Pimms Party - Full Support from our dedicated team - Daily weather by SMS - Free Stern mooring practice - Assistance with route planning - Sailing from the sunday of arrival - fully Equipped and Spotlessly Clean yacht - Masks and Snorkels

What is a traditional Flotillas Sailing Holiday?

Many people start their sailing in the Ionian with a flotilla sailing holiday. Flotilla sailing holidays in Greece are a great way for non sailors, dinghy sailors or less experienced sailors to gain initial experience and enjoy the beauty of the Greek islands with not only their family and friends but many others as well. A flotilla sailing holiday is where a group of yachts on charter (normally around twelve) travel in company to end up at the same destination each evening. The flotilla lead yacht is crewed by a skipper hostess and engineer. They plan the day and will normally follow a set route for the week. It is possible to take part in flotilla sailing with minimal sailing skills, providing the winds stay light and the weather is mild. The waters of the Ionian Islands have no tides and stable weather. When considering a flotilla sailing holiday in Greece the South Ionian is probably the best area to start.

It is always preferable and essential to have at least Basic Training and definitely some safety training for all of those on board, before going flotilla sailing. This can be completed by an RYA Start Yachting or RYA Competent Crew course which gives you a certificate and enables you to log your miles for future sailing.

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