Sailing holidays
Sailing holidays can be a wonderful experience, and offer couples and families the chance to learn new skills, take life at a totally different pace, and visit gorgeous bays, beaches and islands that might not ordinarily be reached.
Such holidays can be considered to be more "hands-on", although everyone from beginners to more experienced sailors can find something suitable for them. With the thrill of ‘no land as far as the eye can see’, sailing offers the ultimate escape and a unique and exciting alternative to other holidays by combining luxury and adventure.
Sailing holidays take many forms. You can spend a week on a flotilla sailing holiday where several yachts sail as a guided group, or opt for luxury crewed sailing, where a crew takes care of the sailing, cooking and cleaning.
For most, a sailing holiday is about chartering and skippering your own boat, with all the freedom of choice that brings, allowing you to stop as many times as you like and for as long as you wish. If chartering a boat takes your fancy remember to consider marina facilities and fees.
Making your choice
Some holiday resorts specialise in sailing holidays, offering equipment and qualified instructors on site, so that you can learn to sail in a safe, friendly environment. Courses can range from beginner level through to those wishing to brush up at intermediate or advanced levels.
Whether you're participating on a course or chartering, it is important to establish if you would prefer to go for a standard, all-inclusive holiday package, or a more tailor-made option. A number of companies have all-inclusive packages, including flights and transfers. Alternatively, you could book courses/charters with a local company and make your own way over to your chosen destination.
Popular locations for sailing include Croatia, Greece, Turkey, France and The British Virgin Islands.
Top Tips
- By taking a basic sailing course you can learn and practice the basic knots used, how the sails work and the proper names for different parts of the boat and its equipment.
- To state the blaringly obvious – it helps to know how to swim!
- If you have young children on board ensure they have proper fitted life jackets.
- Essentials - sunglasses to overcome the glare and sunscreen applied very liberally - being out at sea is an easy way to get sunburn.
- Before you go out, always make sure you know the current weather forecast. ‘Sunny and calm’ can change completely in a couple of hours.