Beginner sailors rejoice! We have a new route which is an ideal introduction to the world of flotilla sailing.
The One Week Corfu Sheltered Waters Flotilla is fantastic if you are looking to build confidence on the water and learn how to sail. This is a lower key accumulation of sailing and boating experience than any of the RYA courses offer.
The beauty of this new flotilla is that you will be sailing in the lee of Corfu Island, visiting many picturesque harbours whilst remaining in protected waters.
While you’re exploring this area, the shelter offered by Corfu creates the perfect relaxed sailing environment.
The wind throughout the historic Corfu archipelago of Islands is ideal for those just looking to “test the waters of sailing”.
What can I expect?
After a 20-minute coach transfer from the airport you’ll arrive in Gouvia Marina on Corfu Island. Once you are acquainted with your lead crew and floating home for the week, you’ll have a series of thorough briefings on the boat itself. These cover what to expect from your week sailing and all elements of the yacht. Your Skipper will give you a full deck briefing before you set off so you will be fully prepared before heading out on the water. You will have been posted a pack before arriving in Greece consisting of Helpful Hints, a Harbour Guide and Information Manual.
During each days’ briefing your skipper will let you know of different bays you can visit for lunch. The freedom that comes with dropping the anchor for a swim is one of the highlights of a flotilla holiday.
The next morning you’ll have time to stock your boat with provisions for the first few days, and then it’s the moment of truth - onto the sailing!
You will be likely to head North to either St Stephanos or Kassiopi harbours, both having a host of unique Greek charm about them.
Your next port of call will be across to the Greek Mainland to enjoy the infamous prawns served in the taverna in Sayaidha and the breath-taking sunset as the night draws in.
Another popular stop on the Mainland is a place nicknamed “Iggy Creek”. Here you’ll tie up to a pontoon just off the beach with the option to partake in some water sports activities (little and big kids are always welcome!). The flotilla will then all get together in the evening for a fantastic BBQ.
Next, you’ll make your way back to Corfu Island. Where you may stop over for a night in the delightful fishing village of Petreti. A fantastic penultimate night stop is likely to be in Corfu Town, where you can moor in the yacht club beneath the citadel. Your evening can be spent wandering the rustic venetian backstreets of the town.
Then it is time to return to Gouvia Marina where the lead crew organise a final night meal. There you can reminisce with your fellow sailors over one last delicious Greek meal, before heading home on Sunday.
Taking the plunge...
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the idea of managing your own yacht for the first time, we completely understand. We can assure you that, after your first couple of days, you’ll be up to speed with the basics. The rest will follow (trust us)!
You really have nothing to fear as you and your crew will be under the guidance of one of our excellent Flotilla Lead Crews. Your Skipper will let you know where you are going, how many miles and where you can stop for lunch each day. The Hostie is your walking, talking guide to each flotilla stop brimming with local knowledge, they will also plan social events for the group so you can get to know one another. Your Engineer is always on hand to fix anything. Collectively they will assist you with mooring your boat each evening and helping you set off each morning, in addition to a daily briefing.
If you think you would like some extra assistance for your first day (or two), we have a service that we offer called an “Extra Pair of Hands”. This is a member of our Shorebased crew who can quite literally show you the ropes and teach you the basics about sailing on one of our flotilla holidays. This comes at a local cost of 90 euros per day.
Our flotilla yachts have been modified to make them as user friendly as possible. This makes it ideal for first time sailors to get to know the basics.
For instance, all the lines from the sails are run into the cockpit area so you can manage the sails with ease. We have installed in-mast furling systems for all of our yachts so they are easily pulled out and stowed away. Most of our flotilla yachts are designed to be manageable by two, so more hands are a bonus.
All lines on the boat are colour coded so you know exactly what job each one has. Wheel steering is standard on our yachts so it is similar to driving a car!
