How much experience do I need?

This is the question we are most frequently asked!

Flotilla sailing holidays have evolved during the last 30 years as a classic way for Windsurfers, dinghy sailors and motor boater's to make the step into sailing yachts.

The environment of the Greek Islands in particular is one of the safest in the world. There are no tides and no significant swell. There is no complicated navigation and all our yachts are set up to be really easy to handle. The sails have been cut so that the boat cannot be easily over pressed, and all of our newer yachts feature roller furled sails which can be operated without leaving the cockpit area.

Even our smallest yachts have substantial engines, which are there to get you around when the wind doesn't play the game. They are also there to keep your beers cool in the fridge!

Newcomers are often surprised at the ease with which they handle their new-found hobby! It is however highly addictive and once you've started it is hard to stop!

Another pleasant aspect to flotilla sailing is the kindred spirits you will meet on the other yachts. Flotilla sailing holidays generally have enthused more people about sailing as a leisure activity in the last twenty years than conventional teaching has in the last hundred years.

Our crews will brief you in plain English (with perhaps a slight colonial accent!) and be available to you throughout your holiday. Practical people pick it up very quickly and often go on to do formal sailing qualifications on their return.

The kindly sailing conditions around the islands, together with the security of a gregarious lead crew mean that newcomers will find learning a pleasure!

Our philosophy is this "If you feel you can do it, you can!"

Out of the two cruising areas we offer, we would recommend the Ionian Islands of Greece for your first sailing experience. If you are a beginner, it is probably a good idea to avoid the first or last few weeks of our sailing season (May October) as these periods can be a little more testing. On the other hand, these are periods that attract more experienced flotilla sailors who relish the slightly windier conditions than mid-summer normally provides! From mid-May to mid-October, you will normally encounter settled summer sailing' conditions.

We have introduced thousands of people to the delights of sailing in the sun, many of whom have gone on to buy their own yachts and now sail extensively to all corners of the earth.

Are your flotilla holidays suitable for children?

Absolutely! Our holidays attract many families with children from infants to young adults during the school holidays. The best thing is that everyone has an instant social life! You won't have to worry about them getting bored!

Before booking your holiday you can check with us the age and make-up of other children already booked on each flotilla. If you have a very young family our crew will rig your yacht with safety netting which is fitted on the guard rails; we can also supply children's harnesses and lifejackets but feel free to take your own.

What do we need to bring?

Our yachts are equipped with all necessary navigation, safety and domestic inventories including bed linen and towels. All you need to bring are your own clothes and perhaps one "beach/swimming" towel. Remember you will be sailing in a bathing suit rather than a wetsuit. T-shirt sailing is what our holidays are all about! Once your holiday is booked our 'Helpful Hints' letter will be forwarded to you.

What's the weather like?

Temperature chart for Greece
Temperature chart for Croatia

In both our cruising areas most days will be shorts and T-shirt weather. Generally summer days are sunny and the wind pattern predictable. A normal day starts off with a light southerly wind, which fades away in the early morning to be replaced in mid-afternoon by the prevailing north west wind.

During the summer, both the Greek & Dalmatian Islands are very hot and this can occasionally lead to short evening thunderstorms (half an hour or so). We suggest you take a lightweight waterproof jacket but it is unlikely you will need full wet weather gear of the type that is used around the UK (except possibly early May and later October).

Flight Information

Flights to Preveza (Greece) are on Sundays from Gatwick or Manchester.

Flights to Kefalonia (Greece) are on Saturdays from Gatwick or Manchester

Flights to Split (Croatia) are on Saturdays from Heathrow or Manchester.

Airport Hotels & Car Parking

If you need to book an overnight stay at the airport or pre-book your car at one of the airport car parks, we can recommend the central booking office ABC Holiday Extras. Their website address is:
www.holidayextras.co.uk

Foreign Currency

It is possible to organise your travel money in advance of your holiday if you wish by clicking on the following link:

www.mytravelmoney.com

Travel Advice

The latest travel advice published by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office can be found at:

www.fco.gov.uk