If you have never sailed, the good news is you can absolutely have a sailing holiday in the Greek Ionian. The honest advice: a true beginner is better on a learn-to-sail week than on a flotilla, because a flotilla assumes you can already handle a yacht.
Can a beginner do a flotilla holiday?
Flotillas are designed for qualified or experienced sailors. The lead crew support you, but you are expected to skipper your own yacht. If you are a complete beginner, you will get far more out of a learn-to-sail week first, then graduate to a flotilla once you have the basics.
What is a learn-to-sail holiday?
On our learn-to-sail week you have your own exclusive Bavaria yacht with a friendly skipper aboard to teach you, in the easy sailing conditions of the Ionian. It runs as a 7-night week from Lixouri Marina in Kefalonia, with five full days of yacht sailing plus a chartwork and theory day, May to October. Beginners are genuinely welcome.
Will I get a qualification?
You can. The learn-to-sail and solo weeks both offer an optional ICC (International Certificate of Competence) route, the qualification most commonly asked for when chartering a yacht abroad. We are an RYA-recognised operator.
Travelling on your own?
If you are a beginner travelling solo, our solo sailing week gives you a private cabin on a shared yacht with a skipper aboard. Otherwise, start with learn-to-sail and read what a flotilla involves for your next step.
