It is a challenge every year to find a vacation that is fun for the whole family: entertainment for the kids, good weather, adventure and relaxation (also for the parents). But last summer we found the perfect combination: a flotilla sailing vacation.
At first we thought: we can’t sail at all, this probably isn’t for us. But the pictures and stories of previous travelers made us curious. And so this summer we arrived at the airport with some expectations, but above all the itch for a new adventure. The kids were just as eager: sleeping on a boat? Wow! With big eyes and wide grins, they looked out of the plane window at the sea on which we would spend the next week.
After a short flight, bus ride and ferry, we arrived at Aegina, where our sailing trip began. The Portokali team welcomed us with as much enthusiasm as we arrived and the skipper showed us around the boat. While he taught the kids some knots, we unpacked our gear and got some groceries.
In the cozy harbor, our seven- and 10-year-old children feasted their eyes. With eight boats in the flotilla, it was immediately cozy: six boats with families, one boat with two couples and one with an older family. In the evening we ate together on the beach and got to know everyone. Still on the plane that morning, and now with our feet in the sand immersed in the Greek relaxed atmosphere, as if we had been there for days. The Skippers and flotilla leaders also sat down and told a few things about the upcoming trip.
We started the mornings with a briefing: everyone gathered on a terrace or on board and the flotilla leaders told what the day would bring. What does the weather do, how is the wind, to which island do we set course and where are beautiful bays for stopovers. While the children played on the boat or the beach, we enjoyed coffee and fresh gravy. After that: cast off and on to the next island.
That rhythm repeated itself every day: a new destination. But beyond that, you never knew exactly what was coming. And that was precisely the charm. With a skipper on board you could relax and enjoy the open sea. He taught us the basics of sailing, let the children help out from time to time and told the best stories and facts about the islands we passed.
Afternoons we usually spent in a bay, where most of the boats of the flotilla congregated. Anchor out and swim away! The kids sought each other out and went snorkeling, supping and endlessly jumping off the boat. From the skipper, we had received tips for easy but tasty lunches on board. Greek salad and pitas with tzatziki and other dips were eaten in the cockpit. Then we read a book on the deck, chatted with other parents or had coffee with our neighbors before swimming back to our own boat.
Once we had lunch in the middle of the open sea. Sails in, engine out and bobbing about. The silence and vistas made that a spectacular lunch. Then we all hung with a line behind the boat while the engine slowly turned. I have never seen the children so impressed, and the best part was yet to come then….
One morning, when the sea was as smooth as a mirror, the youngest suddenly saw a fin rise above the water. Not much later, the boat was surrounded by dolphins! They jumped and swam with us as if we were part of their group!
The skipper kept an eye on the dolphins and kept sailing with them, while we as a family on the front of the deck could fully enjoy this moment… You never forget something like that.
There was also plenty of sailing, of course! And although we had never done it before and didn’t know what to expect, we loved it. In fact, we are now planning to get our sailing license! Even the kids enjoyed helping out.
I never thought we would all find a common hobby together. And certainly not one that would allow us to take such trips in the years to come!
By late afternoon, we usually arrived at our new destination. Lively little harbors full of restaurants and stores to small, idyllic spots with just one tavern and some fishing boats – something different every time. We strolled through the harbor towns, scouring stores for souvenirs, getting ice creams, and while the kids played together on the boats, we enjoyed a drink on the terrace. Then we all slid into the table for delicious Greek cuisine.
Although it was nonstop enjoyment, one night really stood out. That night we were not in a harbor, but in a remote bay. Together with all the other boats, we formed a raft, making it easy to climb from boat to boat. The kids jumped in the water or played a game on the foredeck, the parents read a book or had drinks in the cockpit. Then it was time for a picnic on the water. Salads, pastas, fish and meat for the barbecue at the back of the boat, wine, bread and dips – each boat provided something tasty. And the enchanting sunset was followed by a starry sky like we had never seen before. The children slept outside on the benches in the cockpit and the next morning they all dove into the water. They truly had the time of their lives.
Going on a family vacation is always special. Especially with young children you cherish it extra much. But this trip surpassed all our other vacations. The friendliness of the group, new friends for both the children and us, and what we all experienced together… It feels like we have been for weeks: we have seen and experienced so much.
We are going to enjoy this for a long time to come. (And frankly, looking forward to it again: our next flotilla vacation is already planned!)
