Flotilla sailing - anyone done it? Advice needed

[RosaLuxOnTheBrightSideOfLife]

OK the only way to cheer January up is to start looking at summer holidays we probably can't afford.
We are a bit fixated on the idea of sailing in the sun. I used to sail dinghies as a teenager but DH and the children have only been sailing once - they loved it though and are keen to go again, only not in pouring rain this time.
So, we are investigating a flotilla holiday and we have some questions.
What is it like?
What age children are likely to enjoy it?
How much sailing experience do you need? Would a two-day refresher course be enough or do you really need your day skipper certificate?
And finally, but all importantly - are there any cheaper options than Sunsail?
Any info would be really appreciated.

we did it a few years ago with sunsail in greece. it was a good holiday but it's quite like camping in that you are all living in quite a confined space and bathroom facilities are basic so it's probably worth considering the impact of that aspect on your holiday.

My children were 3,6 and 8 - and were far too young to enjoy it properly. The next youngest child on the flotilla was about 11 and was there with older siblings. It wasn't a holiday designed for younger children but i did think it would be ideal for teenagers because you can get a good balance between family time and freedom in reasonably safe circumstances.

not sure about amount of sailing experience - i think sunsail give a guide to what they require. if neither of you have ever skippered a yacht before then i think you will probably find it too stressful to enjoy it properly so would really recommend a course. they're not difficult to sail but you do need to know what you're doing and it's nice to be able to come into port without always having to rely on the flotilla lead boat.

don't know about cheaper options as we went with sunsail. i would be wary of saving money on a cheaper flotilla if it reduced the amount of support you get if you are not experienced sailors.

Do look at the sunsail website. we have been to the clubs for the last 3 years as our DD is only young. You can do a club, or flotilla or one week of both. I think you would find it less stressful if one of you was a competent sailor.