While the rest of us were bemoaning the chilly start to an Irish summer, the Cruising Group was bobbing around the Greek islands, drenched in sunshine and stressing about whether to do a beach swim or tapas in a taverna for the afternoon (spoiler alert: why not both?) This year, eight yachts were chartered in the Ionian Sea for one-week and two-week flotillas, hosting a mix of regular sailors, friends, and family. As Cruising Group Captain, Susan Kavanagh, said, "It was a relaxing and sociable way to get off the beaten track and discover hidden coves and deserted beaches...Might be worth repeating next year!"

After being treated to a surprise air show upon arrival in Corfu, the flotilla went from strength to strength – fishing in the Lefkas strait, winning ouzo jellies, entering cocktail competitions, and hot-spotting WiFi in the Ionian Sea to watch the Heineken Cup final, as you do.

Check out the Cruising Group’s website for a travel log from Timoni, one of the participating boats, and watch out for photos and videos that would have you plotting to join next year’s flotilla!