Combining the two can make for the perfect holiday. Together with Sailing Holidays we bring this unique holiday, calling on their 28 years of knowledge and experience in organising flotilla sailing and the many years experience in the Ionian Islands of Ionian Island Holidays. The success of the Shore to Sail in 2004 in Lefkada has inspired us to add a new second shore based destination and flotilla operating in Kefalonia.

FLOTILLA SAILING
A flotilla consists of up to ten yachts varying in size from 31 ft to 36 ft, which is supported by a fully crewed lead yacht. The lead crew (skipper, host and engineer) offer unobtrusive back up, local knowledge, informative briefings and assistance where required. All yachts are fully equipped with navigation and safety equipment.

Flotillas are run in an informal way, revolving around your lead yacht. They are very much a gentle way for sailing holiday makers to enjoy being on the water in an idyllic environment. You will gain hands on experience without the dangers of UK waters, whilst enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of sailing the Greek islands. Most evenings you will be tied up in a village or town quay so there is plenty of time to explore on shore.

The lead crew will assess your competency during the first few days and once they are satisfied with your boat handling ability then they will let you wander further afield. If you are going off independently for a couple of days, you will be expected to brief the flotilla skipper on your planned itinerary.

In terms of experience, the most important thing is common sense and the confidence within yourself to succeed.

The relaxed itinerary, warm flattish seas, spectacular islands, and the reassurance of a caring crew, will ensure that your sailing is a magical experience. When you turn off your engine and silently drift along under sail, you understand what it is all about.

ACCOMMODATION
What can be better than preparing for or winding down from a weeks flotilla sailing than relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere on the beautiful islands of Kefalonia and Lefkada. The shore based week on Kefalonia will be based in Fiskardo at the newly developed Kalokeri Apartments. These apartments are set on one of the most sought after hillside locations in the area with its wooded surround and one of the finest panoramas in the Ionian Islands. The collection of apartments are only a short stroll from the picturesque village of Fiskardo with its wide range of shops and tavernas and is an excellent base for exploring not only the nearby traditional villages, olive groves and beaches but also the fascinating and scenically outstanding island of Kefalonia. With its large pool and peaceful location, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

For Lefkada we base the shore to sail in the beautiful bay of Mikros Gialos on the South coast. We continue to use the excellent Eptanissa Apartments and the waterside cottage Theodora’s House. Again a very peaceful location with nearby tavernas, mini market and a crescent of white pebbles and crystal clear waters of the beach just seconds away. Lefkada is an island of fascinating contrasts from the stunning cliffs and beaches of the west coast, across the mountainous interior, to the tranquility and multitude of islands of the inner Ionian off the east coast and the maze of narrow streets and interesting architecture and salt lagoons of Lefkada town.

This really is the perfect way to relax before or after your week afloat.