During the summer season of 2024 I was contracted to run a large flotilla out of Lefkas, Greece. Starting aboard of the lead vessel with the previous skipper that was going to move on to another assignment I learned quickly how this flotilla was run.
The first two weeks of this contract I was sailing an 51ft shared cabin charter following along with the flotilla to get to know the area and contacts. The yacht had some maintenance issues and aboard I repaired what I could and made a list for the base mechanics to attend to.
I worked relentlessly to provide the guests with an amazing experience. Getting the yachts ready for their arrival and doing some basic provisioning to get them settled in. Presenting the captains meeting and holding an arrival drinks session. Waking up early to host the daily briefings, assisting yachts in trouble and teaching people how to dock. Doing repairs between or even during sailing. I’ve had people running aground, shackles break, people improperly operating a furling main sail and ripping it, dragging anchors, snagging anchors when departing, fouled propellors.
As a flotilla skipper I’ve worked on lots of technical malfunctions and maintenance issues aboard the yachts. Some major issues were not addressed by the base crew and the company couldn’t (or wouldn’t) step in to improve the situation. After two months of basically swimming upstream I decided that it was enough. I’ve been trained to very high standards and this sadly didn’t match for this contract.
Despite of this I’ve had a great time, explored the Ionian Sea and have met a lot of people and stumbled upon old sailor friends.
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