Sail Flotilla, worth it?

[r. gallagher]

I was looking at the Sunsail Flotilla website. This looks like a great way to introduce the wife to cruising while still in a comfort zone for her, until we retire and set out on our own.

Has anyone experienced the sailing flotilla? Worth it?

Thanks for the feedback in advance,

Robert

 

[Stu Jackson]

I've never personally understood the flotilla concept. You're still on your own boat. So, maybe you have "help" nearby, but it's a perception, 'cuz you don't know the qualifications of the other skippers. If there's a flotilla "leader" maybe that'd be a help.

Some people like crowds, others like the perceived "security" and if that works for you, go for it.

I like to sail to get away. That said, we just returned from a week cruise with a group of four other boats of friends. I never thought of it as a flotilla, and didn't go with them for the security of a group, just going with friends on their own boats to the same place.

You're still on your own, and need to develop your own skills.

Your boat, your wife, your choice.

 

[reeder]

We did a Sunsail flotilla in BVI last March for our first charter experience. It was great for first timers. The staff held orientation meeting each day with info on course and next stop, helped with finding open mooring buoys, which is hassle in March in BVI, and mixed the painkillers at evening get togethers. And they are readily available if you have boat problems - which we didn't but one of the group did - fouled prop. Our fear was a lock-step process of follow the leader and forced fellowship - it wasn't like that at all, although we did enjoy meeting other couples in the group. I recommend it - we're going at least one more time with the flotilla.

The best single piece of advice - we used Riteway grocery store's website to order provisions rather than the packages offered by Sunsail. We got just what we wanted and no more, and it was delivered to the boat before we got there while others had to delay their departure waiting for their Sunsail provisions to arrive.

 

[Winkfish]

My wife and I hove done quite a few bareboat charters and love the freedom. We did, however, do a flotilla holiday in Greece once, as we had not sailed the particular area before. We figured it would be a good way to do it. We and our crew were experienced sailors, but it was good to have a little help in crowded mooring areas. Also, as the flotilla leader knew we knew what we were doing, he said we could go to places on our own. He even told us some nice spots to try, and told us where they'd be if and when we wanted to join them.

I'd go for it. It is an excellent way for your wife to get comfortable with bareboating.

 

[r. gallagher]

Sail Flotilla

Just wanted to extend my thanks for the repsonses. Sorry I am late. I hate it when work gets in the way!

I appreciate the feedback from each of you.