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Greek islands sailing holiday - where to start for newbies in late 40s?

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AnnieHooo · 17/04/2021 19:44

Looking for ideas on where to start with a sailing holiday in the Greek islands at the end of August 2022 for a significant wedding anniversary. A skippered flotilla seems to be a good option for us as a couple who like to be sociable but don't have a clue about sailing. There are only the 2 of us though so that might be a problem if you need to book bigger groups. We want to relax, swim, snorkel, learning a little bit of sailing, enjoy the cuisine. Mainly we want to experience the beauty of sailing through the islands, little coves, and the turquoise sea. Would really like to have a laugh with other beginners... any recommendations on where to start? Mid-range budget.. whatever that is! Thank you.

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murbblurb · 18/04/2021 15:29

www.neilson.co.uk/sailing/skippered-flotilla-holidays

(hopefully they will still be in business, they seem to have survived so far) You get your skipper/instructor on the boat with you during the day, and at night they sleep on the lead boat. The flotilla concept is that the lead boat sets the route, leaves after the guest boats, gets to the destination port first and is there to help you tie up. In the evening the flotilla host/hostess organises a group meal, although you don't have to go to that. You'll see some beautiful bits of Greece.

Another option is stay and sail; week one you are in the hotel learning to sail on the yacht during the day, and week 2 you join the flotilla. You won't learn to cross oceans, but the first week is enough to teach you enough that you won't frighten the flotilla lead crew too much. You both need to do the course and pay attention, this may be more effort than you want to put in and that's fine.

they only have one base for this now, but Lefkada is a lovely spot.

It's been quite a while, but I used to know a fair bit about this; PM me if you want...

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AnnieHooo · 18/04/2021 20:41

Thank you
It sounds like the skippered flotilla would be ideal for us. Daft question but is it usual for couples to beskippered? I'm imagining it's usually groups of friends or families.