Flotilla Holidays
Author
Discussion

ThunderSpook

Original Poster:

3,837 posts

228 months

Thursday 21st August
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I have done quite a few flotilla holidays when I was young with my parents, pretty much all Sunsail. I've done one as an adult which was also with Sunsail, but that was over 15 years ago.

My children have suggested they'd quite like to go on a flotilla holiday. I've described to them how it's in big groups and there are usually big meals or activities organised that they can join in with.

Having looked at Sunsail, they don't really seem to offer much any more and nothing is listed simply on their website. Neilson who took over a lot of the Sunsail bases only seem to offer one flotilla, with quite old boats.

Are package flotilla holidays no longer a thing? We're probably looking at August 2026, 2 adults and 3 teenagers.

Huzzah

28,149 posts

200 months

Thursday 21st August
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I haven't been for years but sailing holidays (Greece) used to be very good.

alps028

101 posts

187 months

Friday 22nd August
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We have used Sailing Holidays for the last 10 years or so and do flotillas as we enjoy the social aspect of the sailing. https://www.sailingholidays.com/
They have a mix of older and newish boats. Some up to 20 years old and others 5 to 10. The boats are well maintained. Their sailing areas are Ionian, Saronic Gulf and Sporades. They are the only company I know of that offers a two week flotilla, others offer back to back one weekers but you end up back at base a fair bit.
We used to go with Sunsail but their flotilla offer has reduced considerably.
We tend to go outside of school holiday time as it is just the two of us but from what I gather, the family flotillas are popular and the lead crew organises plenty of activities for the kids.
So it seems the flotilla experience is not as popular as it once was but there are still a few companies offering it. The requirement for Day Skipper or ICC has probably reduced the appeal somewhat.

ThunderSpook

Original Poster:

3,837 posts

228 months

Friday 22nd August
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Thank you for the information. I presume the only way to find out any information is to speak to companies these days? Nobody seems to list their packages on their websites any more. Sailing Holidays for example is just full of POA and Call Us signs.

I'm one of these people that likes to know a ballpark figure before I talk to someone so I don't have to waste their time when I find out I can't afford their prices.

PushedDover

6,646 posts

70 months

Friday 22nd August
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ThunderSpook said:
Neilson who took over a lot of the Sunsail bases only seem to offer one flotilla, with quite old boats.

Are package flotilla holidays no longer a thing? We're probably looking at August 2026, 2 adults and 3 teenagers.
Big fan of Neilson Beachclubs - but no way would i use the flotilla - especially 2 adults and Teenager in August.
Go sit in a small oven instead.
(taken last week)


PushedDover

6,646 posts

70 months

Friday 22nd August
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OP I assume you've the qualifications etc ?

I would be looking at the smaller niche firms personally (local to areas), with more modern boats, especially wrt to the heat on baord in August. Big windows / venting.

Have you tried our man here on PH, Alfabeat and his NISOS yacht?

Nautilus would also help you I suspect.
as would 'Sailing Choices'

If you've the chance, go to the southampton boat show next month and go ask the indies. They'll give IMHO much better than the Sunsail / Neilson boat offerings by tapping in to known Flotillas


ThunderSpook

Original Poster:

3,837 posts

228 months

Sunday 24th August
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Yes I have Day Skipper.

Boat show, good call. I did chat with some companies last year but it was too far in advance for them to be much help.