A flotilla (from Spanish, meaning a flota of small ships, and this from French flotte), or naval flotilla, is a formation of small warships that may be part of a larger fleet. A flotilla is usually composed of a homogeneous group of the same class of warship, such as destroyers, torpedo boats, submarines, gunboats or minesweepers. Larger warships are grouped in squadrons.

A flotilla is usually commanded by a Rear Admiral, a Commodore or a Captain, depending on the importance of the command. In modern navies, flotillas have tended to become administrative units. As warships have grown larger, the term squadron has gradually replaced the term flotilla for formations of destroyers, frigates and submarines in many navies.

Flotillas have through the years developed a brand new fun filled meaning absolutely peaceful and nothing to do with warfare!


One popular way of cruising on a holiday is in a flotilla – which is a group of boats sailing together under the supervision of a lead boat operated by the charter company. Flotillas are arranged so that singles, couples and small groups who don’t know each other can join together and form a flotilla of about 6 boats. The staff assists in itinerary planning and helping the participants learn the local conditions, translate, find the best restaurants – in other words – they help you make the most of the experience.

It is a great way to make new friends, kind of the grown-up version of summer camp. These are not small boats. These are nice boats between 30-60 feet. Although you will have a skipper experienced with sailing in the waters, at least one person on each boat is required to have an internationally recognized sailing certificate. There are also special interest flotillas for example archaeology, or culinary and even flotillas for naturalists. (In other words you sail around naked!)

You can sail from your overnight anchorage following the other yachts to your destination, having a fun race along the way, stopping along the way for lunch and a swim.

You may choose to just amble along at your own pace, or sail off on your own exploring the many villages and towns or stop at a bay to have a swim before you arrive at your overnight destination.

If you would like to overnight at a different port, you can. This is your holiday, and you choose to combine any of the above options to suit.

One, two, or more weeks sailing holidays are available – the choice is yours.

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