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Join a flotilla for a sociable sailing holiday

Sailing in company on your own yacht ...

A "flotilla" is a group of yachts sailing in company accompanied by a flotilla skipper and hostess on the lead yacht. You have virtually all the advantages of independent yacht charter, plus the support of the flotilla crew to make the most of your flotilla sailing holiday. You're the skipper of your own yacht, and each day's activities are yours to decide - you can sail hard or simply idle towards the next port soaking up the sun on the way. Flotilla sailing holidays are a popular choice for couples, friends and families.

Enjoy a great activity holiday ...

The flotilla sailing itineraries are arranged so that you visit the best places but there is always the opportunity for free sailing. Stop for a lunchtime swim and picnic in a beautiful bay. Enjoy great sailing in the afternoon breeze before mooring up for the night in a bustling harbour where you can step off your yacht onto a quayside full of bars and tavernas.

Share the fun with your family ...

During school holidays there are usually other families on the flotillas. Children, especially teenagers, love flotilla holidays. There's so much going on afloat and ashore - no time to get bored! There's plenty for them to get involved with as crew - plotting the course, weighing anchor, setting the sails. Every evening the flotilla yachts are moored up together so there's plenty of opportunity to meet up with your new friends.

Flotilla Sailing Holidays

Flotillas choices

  • Overview
    OdysseusDrone2_600x400

    Ionian Flotilla, Greece

    Athens moored 720x480

    Yacht moored in the Saronic Gulf, Greece

    shutterstock_Leros 720x480

    Leros, Dodecanese

    Ionion_Flotilla_Gill 720x480

    Yachts at anchor on the Ionian flotilla, Greece

    shutterstock_VathiSailing 720x480

    Vathi, Ionian

    OdysseusDrone3_600x400

    Ionian flotilla, Greece

    Athens yachts 720x480

    Athens flotilla, Greece

    OdysseusDrone5_600x400

    Ionian flotilla, Greece

    • Flotilla holidays for couples, families & groups
    • Planned flotilla routes taking in the best sights
    • The lead crew know all the best local tavernas
    • Choose from flotillas in Greece, Turkey, Croatia, France & Thailand
    • Destinations to suit all abilities
    • Families love the calm waters of the Ionian
    • More experienced crews relish the strong winds of the Dodecanese
    • Flight inclusive holidays available
    • Why not add a few nights in a hotel before or after your charter?
    • Back up, support and local expert knowledge from the flotilla crew
  • Flotillas in Greece
    Flotillas in Greece

    Flotillas in Greece

    Choose from 5 flotilla destinations in Greece - all with picturesque fishing harbours, idyllic anchorages, history and culture.

    Ionian Flotilla
    Corfu Flotilla
    Dodecanese Flotilla
    Sporades Flotilla
  • Flotilla in Turkey
    Flotilla in Turkey

    Flotilla in Turkey

    Explore the beautiful Turkish coast.

    Fethiye Flotilla
  • Flotillas in Croatia
    Flotillas in Croatia

    Flotillas in Croatia

    We offer 2 flotillas in Croatia to cover the coast from Kornati islands to Dubrovnik .

    Trogir Flotilla
    Dubrovnik Flotilla
  • Flotilla in Thailand
    Flotilla in Thailand

    Flotilla in Thailand

    Fall in love with this unique sailing area

    Thailand Flotilla

Top questions

  • Do I need sailing experience or a qualification?

    To skipper a bareboat charter or flotilla yacht, you need to hold a practical sailing certificate equivalent to RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification or RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC). For charters in Greece, you must now have the ICC certificate. You must also be assisted by at least one competent crew member over the age of 18.

    For charters in Croatia, Malta and the Canaries, at least one member of the crew or the skipper will also need a VHF licence.

    If you wish to take part on a flotilla but do not have an RYA qualification then you may like to choose our 'Learn on flotilla' option on the Ionian flotilla in Greece.

    Alternatively, RYA qualifications can be obtained by RYA sailing schools in the UK or from one of our overseas centres in Gibraltar, Greece, Turkey or Croatia.

  • Which flotilla will suit my experience level?

    Less experienced and experienced skippers alike will benefit from the help and advice from the flotilla lead crew and their knowledge of the local area. He will provide daily weather forecasts and guide you through the cruising area, making sure you visit the best places. The flotilla skipper will save you a berth and be there to take your lines when you moor at the quayside meaning you don't have to reach harbour early but can stay out longer enjoying the afternoon winds.

    And of course everyone enjoys the social side of the flotilla. Every evening the flotilla yachts are moored up together so there's plenty of opportunity for adults and children to meet up with new friends.

    The Ionian flotilla and Fethiye flotilla suit less experienced skippers as the winds are lighter and the cruising are more protected.

    More confident skippers will enjoy the Athens flotilla, Cote D'Azur flotilla flotilla or the flotillas in Croatia - Trogir flotilla or Dubrovnik flotilla.

    Experienced skippers will relish the fresh sailing winds on the Sporades flotilla and Dodecanese flotilla flotilla.

    If you do not have any skippering experience or you want to brush up your skills, book a 3-day or 6-day instructor on the Ionian or Athens flotillas in Greece - Learn to sail on flotilla in Greece.

  • Which flotilla is best for children?

    All our flotillas are family-friendly and children are very welcome. During the school holidays, there are always children on all of the flotillas.

    Younger children will appreciate the shorter passages and sheltered weather on the Ionian flotilla and Fethiye flotilla.

    Older children may enjoy the cultural experience of sailing on the Cote D'Azur flotilla flotilla or the flotillas in Croatia - Trogir flotilla or Dubrovnik flotilla.

    Children with plenty of sailing experience will relish the fresh sailing winds on the Sporades flotilla and Dodecanese flotilla.

    Take a look at our handy hints on travelling with small children

"I was planning my 60th birthday lunch for family and friends with my daughter, when she said "what do you REALLY want to do Mum?" The reply...."sail". The lunch booking was cancelled and I made contact with Nautilus. Friends told me that I would never manage a 36' Bavaria and certainly not stern to mooring. Wrong! I was introduced to sailing late, at 53, and certainly did not feel confident but the Ionian flotilla is easy. I spent hours watching stern to mooring videos on Youtube but you don't need the Sailing Virgins when you have flotilla crew to hand!! Live your dreams, book it, do it. It's been one of the best events of my life. Thanks Nautilus, you'll see us again."

Ionian Flotilla 2019 - R.F.
Trustpilot

Sailing Qualifications

To skipper a bareboat charter or flotilla yacht, you need to hold a practical sailing certificate equivalent to RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification or RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC). For charters in Greece, you must now have the ICC certificate. You must also be assisted by at least one competent crew member over the age of 18.

The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates: RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence), RYA Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster, ASA IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) or the IYT (International Yacht Training) Passport. If you hold an RYA Day Skipper or ASA104 it will no longer be accepted and you need to obtain either an ICC or IPC from the corresponding issuing body (RYA or ASA). If your RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster or ASA105/106 certificate is more than 12 years old and does not have a photo ID, then we would also strongly advise applying for an ICC or IPC. If you are a member of the RYA or ASA, you may qualify for a discount or free certificate, otherwise, you will have to pay. The approximate cost is £50. Please use this link - RYA application for the ICC or ASA application for the IPC.

For charters in Croatia, Malta and the Canaries, at least one member of the crew or the skipper will also need a VHF licence.

RYA qualifications can be obtained by RYA sailing schools in the UK or alternatively choose from one of our overseas centres in Gibraltar, Greece or Turkey.

For Seychelles, the local authorities require an ICC for the skipper of a bareboat or flotilla yacht charter.

For Caribbean and Tropical charters, formal qualifications are not compulsory, however, you should be Day Skipper standard and be assisted by at least one competent crew. A brief sailing resume should be provided to outline your experience.

If you don't hold the relevant qualifications then why not add a skipper?

Sailing Levels

Level 1

Winds force 2-3 (4-11 Knots)combined with generally shorter distances. Good for beginner or intermediate sailors. Line-of-sight navigation but basic knowledge of charts and ability to plot your position required.

Level 2

Winds force 3-5 (7-21 Knots) with approximately 15-20nm per day. Intermediate experience required. Predominately line of sight navigation but an understanding of how to sail in open water.

Level 3

Winds force 4-6 (11-27 Knots) with mileage of approximately 20nm+ per day. Ideal for experienced skippers looking to venture out to new destinations. Day skipper standard but with experienced crew would be recommended.