THE GREECE FLOTILLA was organized by Berkeley-based OCSC Sailing (800-223-2984, www.ocscsailing.com), with boats chartered from the Moorings. In addition to offering vacations, OCSC Sailing runs a school that offers a wide range of courses and activities for all skill levels. Lessons fulfill the requirements of the U.S. Sailing certification system, feature a low student-teacher ratio (three students to one teacher is the maximum), and take place in the scenic and challenging conditions of San Francisco Bay. Flotilla sailing is a great hands-on alternative to traditional cruising, and OCSC Sailing can accommodate novices, in addition to those qualified to skipper and crew their own charter boat. Prices are approximate, since final rates depend on the size of boat, quality of boat, and number of participants. All flotillas run between $150 and $200 per person per day. The prices for Caribbean and South Pacific flotillas include meals, which are not included for Mediterranean flotillas (since great restaurants abound onshore). The Tahiti and Croatia trips do not include hotels (many people sleep exclusively on the boats); and international flights are not included with any of the following trips. 2006 OCSC SAILING SCHEDULE: Tahiti, July 20–30; $1,800 per person (based on six people per boat); Croatia, September 9–23; $2,200 per person (based on six people per boat); Turkey, June 10–25; Multisport Adventure, $3,500 per person. BOOKS: The Rough Guide to the Greek Islands ($22) proved to be the most detailed and useful for the Cyclades. Lonely Planet's Greek Islands ($22) is a dependable (if less detailed) guide. DK Eyewitness Travel Guides' The Greek Islands ($25) has terrific photos and illustrations to whet one's appetite for a Cyclades sojourn.