Flotilla sailing ... an idyllic experience
If you have never been on a sailing holiday before, you may be wondering what actually happens on a flotilla.
The first thing to do after
arriving is familiarize yourself with your yacht and its equipment.
Your flotilla skipper and hostess will show you where everything is,
and explain the workings of the fridge, echo-sounder, radio, and other
fittings.
Then it's off to the local taverna,
to sit in the sun with a cool drink and get to know the other crews.
There's usually a maximum of 10 yachts on our flotillas, so you'll find
plenty of people to meet without feeling swamped. You'll make new
friends over a glass or two of wine - while the children are busy
forging firm friendships with other young people from a host of
different countries.
Next morning, we start with the main briefing.
The flotilla skipper helps you get the feel of things, and teaches you
about any unfamiliar aspects: operating the roller-furling sails, for
example, or using a kedge anchor. The amount of explanation is geared
to your knowledge, but many less-experienced sailors appreciate both
the security of having expert help at hand and the opportunity to learn
a little more.
Then, we're off! For the first day or two the flotilla tends to sail as a group, as people
accustomed to the yachts - and the relaxed atmosphere! Each morning
begins with the skippers briefing, when the flotilla leader gives you
comprehensive details of that day's destination, charts of the area,
suggestions for good sailing on route, navigational hazards to watch
out for, and any other points of information you may require. Your
hostess can recommend a friendly restaurant, and give tips on good
places to buy fruit, T-shirts, sandals and postcards.
Many of our clients work in high pressure jobs,
and take a little while to slow down to the Greek pace of life! Soon,
though, you'll feel quite accustomed to a lazy and prolonged breakfast,
followed perhaps by a stroll round the village or a cup of coffee
outside the quayside taverna, then finally getting under way..
In the afternoon or early evening
you'll arrive at your next port of call, where you'll find your
flotilla leader ready to guide you into the quay and help you tie up.
Some navigate instantly towards a shady taverna table, while others
disappear in search of sailboards. You'll swap the day's anecdotes with
the crew of your neighboring yacht, have a shower, admire your
newly-acquired suntan, be hopelessly tempted by the wares of the
fruit-seller visiting the quay, photograph the passing peasant with his
donkey or clamber around the ruins of an ancient castle.
Then it's time for the evening meal,
and the day's biggest problem - do you have the calamari or the
swordfish, the kebabs or the grilled chicken? And of course baklava is
fattening, but never mind! As darkness falls, crews return to their
yachts, or to impromptu parties on other yachts. If you're still
feeling too hot, you can simply go for a midnight swim off the back of
the boat, or stay on deck and study the stars.
Your hostess will arrange several social events
during the cruise, and one of the highlights is usually the barbeque
evening. We anchor in an uninhabited bay, build a great fire of
driftwood, and cook ourselves an enormous feast. There are dinghy races
and windsurfing competitions - and plenty of punch to lubricate
proceedings! And finally, the farewell dinner forms a memorable climax
to your holiday.
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