BENEFITS OF FLOTILLA SAILING

COMFORT IN NUMBERS

As mentioned, bareboat chartering can seem intimidating if you’ve never done it (although it really doesn’t need to be). Joining a flotilla adds a certain level of comfort to the trip because you’re not alone. You have other like-minded new friends around you, all experiencing the same waters, same anchorages, and roughly the same itinerary.

LEAD BY EXPERIENCE

It always helps to have a fearless leader. With a flotilla, you get the benefit of an experienced captain leading the group. When we put together flotillas, not only are they led by qualified NauticEd sailing instructors, but we also give you a full profile of who they are and why you should trust their expertise.

PREPARATION

Knowing what to expect is a big part of what helps someone take the plunge into bareboat chartering and flotilla sailing gives you that preparation. Typically, if you’re going on a flotilla, the company you book with will provide all kinds of advice and recommendations before the trip even begins (we sure do). You’ll have someone to ask your questions to and will enjoy that peace of mind that comes with feeling prepared.

FUN

Oh yeah, flotillas are, in our opinion, the most fun vacations you can go on. While there are certainly themed flotillas you can do, we find that the best trips are ones where we keep things laid back and allow everyone to choose their own adventure. You’ll meet people who you already have something in common with, will be guided to hidden gems in the locations you’re visiting, and will have the option to participate in activities.

LEARN WITH OTHERS

Unsure about bareboat chartering or sailing in a new area? Benefits of flotilla sailing include gaining experience and competence within the safety and collective expertise of a larger group. Some flotillas may offer boats with instructors and certification training, but we typically recommend against that – it’s best to get your training beforehand and have fun on the flotilla!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Some of our flotillas are best suited for adults, but we often run family-friendly flotillas to make sure kids also get to experience incredible sailing vacations! Again, because there’s a certain level of comfort to be found in a group with a leader, families find that flotillas are the perfect way to adventure with their kids in once-in-a-lifetime locations.

What to expect when sailing in flotilla

Because flotillas are typically offered by local companies, each one is a bit different, but there are some commonalities.

As a side note, NauticEd only books with charter companies we know and trust. In fact, our team members have sailed in many of the flotillas we book.

• You’ll get an orientation of your boat the day before you’re set to leave, so you can ask all of your questions and get familiar with the boat.
• You’ll also get to meet your fellow sailors and get a rundown of the trip’s itinerary and any planned activities (which you can choose to participate in or not).
• Each morning, you’ll have a briefing to talk about weather, anything interesting to note about the day’s travel, and anchorage information. 
• After that, the guide will see to it that everyone heads out before they sail ahead to meet you at the next port of call while still being available throughout the day if needed.

The loose structure of a flotilla ensures that everyone gets the most out of the trip, as the guide’s local knowledge is invaluable, but also enough flexibility so you still get the kind of vacation you’re looking for while gaining incredible experience on the water.