A Croatian Flotilla

Caroline Piccaver on 09 July 2019
The last time I visited Croatia it was called Yugoslavia and I was knee high to a grasshopper. The last time I went on a sailing holiday I was young, free and single in my twenties. I always described that holiday as one my best and had always yearned to do another one at some point. Such a shame it took 30 years for me to get around to it.

You can only imagine how excited I was when our very good friends said that they had done their sailing qualifications (one Day Skipper and one Competent Crew) and they would like Mr P and I to come along as deck hands. Not only was I going to see the country that I had wanted to see for years but I was going to do it in a yacht in the Adriatic Sea! It was time to start practicing my knots.

We left all the decision making about the yacht and the route to our friends who have travelled extensively in Croatia and knew a lot more about yachts than we did. This was a good move because they got it all spot on. I sorted the flights and transfers and along with Seafarer Sailing we put together the perfect sailing experience. All booked through Travel Counsellors.

Seafarer Sailing specialise in yacht charter and flotilla holidays as well as having a couple of beach clubs where they teach dinghy sailing and windsurfing. They did us proud with a lead crew were wonderful. Not only were they very experienced sailors, but they were very supportive and super helpful.

If you are unfamiliar with flotilla holidays, this is where the itinerary is planned for you, 5 or 6 yachts all come together each night at different locations with a lead boat as back up to do the co-ordinating and making sure everything is plain sailing (excuse the pun).

Our tour started in Dubrovnik after an early morning flight from Gatwick, a browse around and lunch within the walls of the historic city, followed by a night on our yacht in the marina. We set sail the following morning after a briefing about where we were headed and what was happening at our first stop. Our day at sea was gorgeous! Not too far to go so just time to chill and take in the rugged scenery as it went by and get used to peacefulness of being under sail.

Our itinerary was wonderful. I hope my pictures will give you a feel of the beauty of these gorgeous locations.

Day 1 – Dubrovnik - Walled city with stunning architecture with plenty of Italian influence.

Day 2 – Sipan Luka – Sleepy cove with a couple of restaurants, a hotel and a shop. The idyllic setting for a punch party and our first group dinner.

Day 3 – Okuklje, Mljet – Quiet, sheltered inlet, incredibly pretty and perfect for our second group dinner.

Day 4 – Korcula – Ancient town with towers and beautiful architecture, upmarket restaurants and quirky bars. We found a fabulous restaurant in a quiet street and a great cocktail bar in one of the towers.

Day 5 – Polace, Mljet – Nature reserve with a salt lake and a monastery. We hired bikes and cycled round the lake which was the perfect way to burn off some of the calories.

Day 6 – Saplunara, Mljet – With its sandy beach and pine forest back drop.

Day 7 - Dubrovnik – back to where it all began for our last group dinner.

If you haven’t been to Croatia yet, don’t hesitate to give it a go. If sailing appeals to you but you don't have anyone with the sailing qualifications, don't worry, there are many ways to see our beautiful world from the sea without being an experience sailor. Try it, you won't regret it.