blotilla

Blotilla is a term that refers to a small flotilla, typically composed of boats or ships. The word itself is a portmanteau, combining "blot," which can mean a small mark or stain, with "flotilla," meaning a small fleet of ships. The connotation of "blot" in this context suggests a diminutive or perhaps even a haphazard collection of vessels.

While not a formal naval term, "blotilla" is sometimes used informally in literature or casual conversation to describe a collection of very small boats, such as dinghies, kayaks, or even paddleboards, that are gathered together. It can also be used humorously to describe a makeshift or less-than-organized group of larger vessels. The precise number of vessels that constitute a blotilla is not strictly defined, but it implies a number significantly smaller than a typical flotilla. The emphasis is on the smallness and often the less organized nature of the assembly.