Sunsail: UK Avis 308

I'm only leaving a 4 star due to technical issues we experienced on the yacht, which impacted our agenda quite extensively. Despite this, we couldn't fault the staff and engineers at Sunsail Antigua, Britney & Jerome were extremely helpful and went above and beyond to help resolve the issues. Our overall experience in Antigua was incredible and would definitely recommend using Sunsail in future.

For our recent trip in Dubrovnik, we had excellent communication with Sunsail all the way from booking to arrival. Upon arrival everything was done efficiently and smoothly, and when we needed support at sea, the team arrived within 2 hours to fix the issue. We were very happy the overall experience from start to finish and wouldn't hesitate to go with Sunsail again.

The flotilla crew was amazing and created a space for us to feel safe and entertained during our first ever time sailing in the Mediterranean.

We first met James at the Southampton Boat Show, where he recommended a trip to the Ionian Islands as a perfect introduction to shorthand sailing. From start to finish, our experience with Sunsail was seamless.

When we arrived in Lefkas, the Sunsail team greeted us warmly, and check-in was quick and easy. Our yacht, ToHugLou, was ready 1.5 hours ahead of schedule, which let us board early and unpack comfortably. As this was our first trip, we were a little apprehensive, but the team’s reassurance made all the difference. Costas took the time to walk us through every aspect of the boat—from safety equipment to using the water maker, generator, and all the controls.

The next morning, we set off with confidence, and the week went perfectly. The yacht was in excellent condition throughout, and whenever I had a question, the team back at the office was readily available and happy to help. Check-out was smooth, and they even arranged a taxi for our departure the next morning.

Despite Sunsail being a large company and it being the tail end of a busy season, our experience felt personal, and our expectations were far exceeded. We’ll definitely be booking again. Thank you to everyone at Sunsail for an incredible first sailing experience in the Ionians.

We absolutely loved our flotilla adventure in Greece. Being on a flotilla was so nice having the 3 on the lead boat who helped us and guide us throughout - esp when coming in to ports. We also enjoyed the fun HH and activities they planned for us as a group. We are excited to do it again - Italy, belize. The seas the limit.

From the courtesy of booking staff, welcome to the Sunsail base, demeanour of yacht briefing staff, smoothness of paperwork, I can only praise with highest regard. The yacht was clean, reliable, very well appointed and any niggles not worth mentioning. Many thanks to you all at Sunsail. We would most definitely recommend chartering through you

End of season advantages- quieter sailing, fewer boats about. Disadvantages - end of term-itis with staff. Going through the motions, not unduly bothered when things don’t work. Boat a little tired (head not working properly) I’ve never felt more like a punter than this in 40 years sailing

Helpful lead crew. Good itinerary. Nice boat which sadly lacked one or two simple basic fittings, such as a passerelle and cup holders in the cockpit. A lightweight duvet instead of a blanket would have been preferred. Overall a good week on the water.

I've just returned from a flotilla holiday in Dubrovnik. I skippered a boat for the first time. I was a bit nervous at the beginning. It was a fantastic experience. The lead crew, Liv, Claudia and Ella (the boom walker:)) were all amazing. They were very kind and friendly. I'm already planning my next holiday with Sunsail. Thanks guys. Keep up the good work.

Just returned from a fabulous flotilla holiday with Sunsail from Dubrovnik. Smooth process from very friendly and professional call centre staff, office staff in Dubrovnik, and our lead crew - Liv, Claudia and Ella. We are already planning to return same time next year to repeat the experience, unless we dare to go Bareboat! Would thoroughly recommend.

To start with , what a lovely guy marcella is . He saved the hol but sunsail , what are you doing. We have been loyal to sunsail for 20 years and the model of a stay and sail was great then you got rid of them all so we just do flotillas now and that model works. It’s fun , takes the hassle away of booking restaurants and moorings and you meet some great people. We had a lovely group but everyone stuck to themselves until the very last day when we had one group meal . Don’t sell your flotilla model if it’s nothing like your normal flotillas . I paid for a flotilla and I seemed to get a bareboat . If I wanted a bareboat I’d have booked that . Not impressed

We’ve used Sunsail for numerous holidays since 1998 and previously we’d always highly recommend. However, this year was a let down. Firstly, the boat’s condition was very shabby, allegedly it was previously used as a flotilla lead boat so we were surprised it was re-used as a guest boat. The lead crew had poor communication skills, especially the lead skipper who was not clear in his instructions, either verbally or visually, particularly when coming in to moor up for the night. In addition, prior to us leaving the home port, he couldn’t start the outboard on the dinghy but he still let us take it rather than change it. It totally failed 3 or 4 days into the holiday which made things difficult when we had 6 adults on board who needed to get to shore whilst rafted in Fiscardo. It spoiled our enjoyment of some of the lunch stops as we were unable to get ashore to use the beach bars etc. The engineer was disinterested in attempting to fix it and didn’t lift his head from his phone to answer my concerns. On reflection, the shabby condition of the boat, could be overlooked but we booked a flotilla holiday for the support and back-up of a lead crew and this was blatantly missing on this holiday. I very much doubt we’ll ever be using Sunsail again.

Hvar flotilla 21-28.09.24
First time sailing with Sunsail and it definitely won’t be the last.
All the shore staff and especially our lead boat crew were fantastic.
Our yacht was spotless and we only had one minor issue with our traveller which we repaired while sailing.
All the overnight stops were excellent and information from our hosty Imogen was very useful for finding great places to eat.
Our lead crew skipper Michael was brilliant, with 9 boats in the flotilla he was always calm and professional.
Morning briefings were always good.
The engineer Carrig was fun and although we didn’t really need him he was always entertaining to chat with.
Overall from the complimentary 1st day breakfast to the g&t party, cocktail competition and final group meal the lead crew were always fantastic.
Croatia is a beautiful place to sail and I have been with two other companies before, none compare to Sunsail.

Excellent sailing on Lefkada flotilla. Our boat Enfin, 41ft with 3 cabins and 3 heads was immaculate and new. Special mention to the
lead crew of Ervin, Ben and Gonzo who were all absolutely amazing and a credit to Sunsail. Very helpful, great fun and extremely informative.
Several group meals with the other yachts were arranged, all the places we visited were stunning and we had some great sailing.
Would highly recommend a flotilla holiday with Sunsail.

Had a great holiday but boat let us down a bit. Sailing out of Agana found sail was ripped so had to return. Sunsail crew pulled out all stops and managed to fit a new sail but meant we were behind with itinerary. This meant we missed our booked marinas so had difficulty finding place to Moor. This was a bit worrying as stormy weather. Sunsail were very helpful in finding us room at the Inn. Although boat only 3 months old interior fixtures and fittings were broken (doors drawers shelves). Very poor quality. Sailing equipment all worked fine. Croatia is a beautiful place to sail even in stormy weather.

Lovely flotilla sailing holiday in the Ionian. Professional lead crew, who were well organised and very helpful, lovely destinations and a good yacht to sail.

Flotilla out of Agana; route changed at last minute due to two storm warnings meant we lost two days sailing (confined to port for two days each time), but lead crew did their best to minimise the impact.
Boat was ok except for a failed electric winch which wasn’t checked before we took the boat. Also, no first aid kit, tool kit or flares on board. Very expensive marina fees in Milna!!

A truly memorable holiday that the whole family enjoyed. Very well spec'd boats and amazing staff to ensure the trip was as good as it possibly could be. Will definitely look to do a flotilla again and would have Sunsail as my first choice. Thank you for making the trip so fantastic and making us feel at ease.

Thankyou to all at Sunsail Lefkas for making our week so perfect. Everything was 5 star and anyone reading this please... go for it.

Cheers see you all again next year.

Chris Kate David and Lisa.