What Is the Difference Between a Flotilla, Bareboat, and Skippered Sailing Holiday?

Short answer: a flotilla means sailing with a group and lead crew support, a bareboat is independent sailing on your own yacht, and a skippered holiday means a professional skipper does the sailing for you.

Here’s how to know which one is right for you.

Flotilla Holidays (Our Speciality ⚓)

A flotilla is sailing in company with other yachts, led by our experienced lead crew.

You skipper your own boat (with at least Day Skipper or equivalent).

The lead crew are nearby every day to help with mooring, local advice, and support.

You sail your own route each day, but end up in the same harbour as the rest of the flotilla each evening.

✅ Perfect for: families, couples, and groups who want independence during the day and a social, supportive atmosphere in the evenings.

💡 Sailing Holidays nuance: think of it as “sailing with training wheels you don’t have to touch” — the lead crew are there if you want them, invisible if you don’t.

Bareboat Holidays

Bareboat means just you, your crew, and the yacht.

No lead crew, no set plan — you call the shots.

You’ll need the right qualifications (at least Day Skipper or ICC).

You’re responsible for navigation, mooring, and safety.

✅ Perfect for: experienced sailors who want total freedom to roam.

💡 It’s often quieter and cheaper, but you won’t have the flotilla parties, punch evenings, or the peace of mind of a lead crew popping by with weather updates.

Skippered Holidays

If you don’t have the qualifications (or don’t want the responsibility), you can hire one of our friendly skippers.

They handle the sailing, mooring, and technical side.

You still enjoy the same route, freedom, and views.

You can get hands-on if you’d like to learn, or just relax completely.

✅ Perfect for: complete beginners, families who want to relax, or anyone who’d rather treat the yacht as a floating villa.

💡 Many of our guests start with a skipper, then come back the next year to train for their Day Skipper and skipper themselves.

Which Should You Choose?

Flotilla: best of both worlds — independence with backup and a ready-made group of friends.

Bareboat: total freedom, but more responsibility.

Skippered: zero stress, maximum relaxation, with the option to learn as you go.