One of my favourite memories of the Ionian islands was the sight, as sunset drew near, of a smallish chap leaping up and down waving a giant sombrero as he called his yachts into their berths. Holidaymakers sipping their first beer of the evening in harbourside tavernas perked up at the prospect of someone falling in the water. But the flotilla leader guided all his novices home safely. Sunsail, the world’s largest yacht charter and watersports beach club company, recommends its Sunsail Club flotillas for first-time flotilla sailors and their families. Families spend the first week ashore, staying at the Vounaki Marina near Prevesa on the mainland and learning the basics, before joining a flotilla of 10 to 12 yachts in the second week to sail around the islands. Each flotilla has a lead boat, with a skipper, engineer and hostess on board. As an example, prices start at pound;935 per person for the fortnight departing July 21, based on four sharing a 33ft yacht and include return flights from Gatwick, transfers, casual sailing tuition, children’s club and half-board during the club week. This summer, there is an extra pound;100 reduction on children’s prices. Details: 023 9222 2222; www.sunsail.com

Get Away is edited by Renata Rubnikowicz