Looking for a new way to enjoy a charter sailing vacation? Join SAIL on a Flotilla Adventure in the British Virgin Islands, where SAIL host Chris Museler will guide you through a week of fun and relaxation. With SAIL as your host, you’ll spend less time planning the itinerary and more time enjoying the scenery as we travel aboard a fleet of Sunsail charter boats.

Our next Flotilla Adventure sets sail December 9. The host, Chris Museler, is a lifelong sailor who has logged thousands of miles on everything from cruising boats to the latest carbon racing yachts and dinghies. An avid windsurfer, kiteboarder, surfer and fisherman, he is practice at the art of enjoying the sea. He is excited to join SAIL’s BVI Flotilla and will be on hand to help participants learn more about enjoying the cruising life and all of the adventures that come along with traveling the sea and landing in diverse harbors. Space is limited, so sign up soon.

DATES: December 9-16, 2011

LOCATION: Departs from Sunsail’s base in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

PRICE: Depends on the size yacht you would like to charter (singles pricing also available) – contact Sunsail for details or call 888-350-3568

Before you go, here are the FAQs:

What is a Flotilla?

The Spanish term originally referred to a small formation of similar military ships traveling together. In modern times, a flotilla has had a decidedly more relaxing connotation: a traveling group of vacationing sailors. The only similarity may be the amount of rum consumed!

Cruising flotillas began in the 1970s in the Mediterranean and then in the Caribbean. Now charter companies around the world offer sailors the opportunity to sail a “bareboat” (no captain) in the company of others doing the same thing, often with a lead boat that has a professional captain and engineer to help with any navigational or seamanship issues. This is a wonderful advent that allows people to share the exciting experience of sailing the seas and discovering far-off ports.

Who is a Flotilla for?

Everyone! Most flotillas attract a wide range of sailors and some non-sailors. Diversity is the spice of life in cruising but all have a common interest in the sea and the adventures it offers. For the uninitiated cruiser, this experience allows them to test the boundaries of their autonomy and gain confidence under the safety net of the group. For the saltier sailor, the flotilla allows them to share their experiences and see this lifestyle anew through the eyes of the less seasoned.

What should you expect at the SAIL BVI Flotilla?

First, you should expect to have a fantastic time on the water with some really fun people in one of the most beautiful sections of ocean in the world. Next, expect to do what you would like to do when the feeling strikes. Though the group travels together, there are large chunks of time to strike out on your own. The BVI flotilla will have a range of adventure activities available, including scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and windsurfing. One thing is for certain: plan some time to do absolutely nothing but sit in one spot and dream the afternoon away.

How is Chris preparing for the Flotilla?

Like most vacations, I work hard at tidying up my work life before a trip. That often results in a heap of unfinished business on the day of departure, so once I’m on the plane, I remind myself there’s nothing I can do about all that work. Instead, I have a beer and start enjoying myself.

As far as what to bring, remember we’ll be on a sailboat and not in a hotel, so be sure to bring some additional equipment. All gear for adventure sports—Stand-up paddle boards, windsurfers, dinghies, dive equipment—will be provided down to wetsuits, but make sure you bring a bathing suit that stays on if you fall off a catamaran whipping across the waves!

I also bring earplugs. Sleeping on a sailboat is an exercise in becoming accustomed to strange noises. No matter how well you tie up halyards and stow bottles of wine, there will be some drumming little noise that may keep you up.

A trip to the BVIs requires minimal clothing, but for this flotilla, be prepared with pirate gear. The Caribbean is fabled for its pirate history and we will be waging a full-scale assault against the fashion police with a few Pirates of the Caribbean-type parties.

As for feet, bring one pair of walking shoes, one pair of non-skid deck shoes, and some flip flops for lounging and exploring.

Finally, there is one thing NOT to bring. Leave all your land-bound worries where they belong…on land!

To sign up for SAIL’s flotilla today, click here