my first flotilla holiday

[graemeB1]

Hi,
I am up for my first flotilla holiday in 3 weeks in Greece around the Peleponnese. I have been sailing my own 22ft boat for about 8 years on Lake Neuchatel here in Switzerland and had my license for a similar amount of time . As I will be responsible for the crew of 4 during the week's sailing I have been starting to think about what i should look out for. I presume I will receive a checklist of what is on the boat and plan to practise docking and man overboard procedures on the first day. I will check out the boat thoroughly and make sure I and most of my crew are familiar with all systems and life saving equipment. What else should I look out for? Best GB

 

[Eeyore]

Although I've never actually been on a flot holiday, I have observed them when collecting several bareboat charters and when in various marinas over the last two years. In my experience, the lead boat crew come onboard your boat and run through everything with you. Then there will be a flotilla meeting at the nearest bar where everyone will introduce themselves, the route will be outlined, which ports you will go to (the lead boat entering first in order to help the group in) and the 'prizes' discussed. I don't think you will get your first day of practising docking as normally the adventure begins the next morning.

Make sure your fuel and water tanks are full. Make sure the gas bottle is full (nothing worse than no cuppa!) Have you got a handheld GPS? Charts for the proposed cruising area should be onboard as well as pilot book. Has everyone brought their sense of humour?

Good luck, have fun!

 

[Tomkat17]

I have sailed the Peloponese on flotilla and would suggest you read up on stern to or bow to mooring techniques. Hope you get more wind than I got. Have fun

 

[jimbaerselman]

The 'flotilla holiday' concept (in well established companies) is designed to cope with people who have less experience than you have, such as those who have only sailed dinghies before.

So, don't worry about the need for preparing. Any new skills needed (Mediterranean mooring techniques) will be briefed on the spot; so will essential safety procedures, any navigational hazards (very few in the Peloponese!)

I imagine you're cruising the E Peloponese. If so, you may reach Monemvassia, a mediaeval village perched on a steep rocky promentory. It's a wonderful maze of alleys and steps, designed only for donkey transport. Well worth the walk around. There's more about the area on my website . . . You'll enjoy the whole trip . . .

 

[explores]

Have done all the flottila holidays. You will have a great time. Nothing to worry about at all.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Biggest worry is sunshine - bags of factor 30, floppy hats, sunspex, etc.

 

[Adrian]

Ive done loads of flot holidays and have been astonished at the lack of experience some people have before the holiday, you’ll find you’re one of the more experienced sailors!

Have a great time,

 

[AIDY]

agree... and watch out for the prat that at the start of the week that said he knows it all and been to all the places. he will make an idiot of himself by the end of the week ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif have a great time

 

[Twister_Ken]

My favourite flothol quote, from the lead skipper...

"When you drop the anchor, there's no need to watch it sinking. I've never known one yet that floated."

 

[Davy_S]

Make sure you wash your dicks every day, made me larf.

 

[Heckler]

hee he, ive dined on that one for years!