If you are not into sailing yet, you may not have considered a sailing vacation to be an option for you. However, spending a holiday on a boat is not only accessible, it can also be more affordable than you think, and you don’t even need sailing experience!
With the right preparation, a vacation on the water can be an amazing experience and a trip you will always remember. Imagine clear blue water on a sunny day and the possibility to see marine life up close.
On a boat you also have endless opportunities to swim and enjoy the sun, and you are free to travel from island to island. So how does a sailing charter work? What are the different types of charters, and is this really a vacation suitable for anyone?
With a so-called bareboat charter, you only rent the boat, with or without a professional skipper. If someone in your group has sufficient sailing experience, you don’t need to hire a skipper, and can sail on your own.
If you have experience, but would like some advice on your specific charter yacht, you may hire a “checkout skipper” – a skipper who will join you during your first day on the water.
They can instruct you on things like docking and can serve as a guide as they are familiar with the area. A bareboat is also not as “bare” as it sounds, but comes fully equipped with bed linens, towels, kitchenware and sailing and safety equipment.
There are some other options for those who have never sailed before or just prefer to leave the sailing and cooking to someone else. You can rent a boat with a professional crew or try a cabin charter.
If you have both cook and captain on your boat, you’ll get a first-class experience where you won’t need to lift a finger throughout your vacation. The captain takes care of the sailing so you never have to worry, while the cook prepares dinner.
On a cabin charter, you only rent a cabin. The cabin charter is similar to a cruise but much smaller and more personable. You’ll be accompanied on the boat by both professional crew members and other guests.
On either option, you won’t need to worry about meal planning and itinerary. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the trip! A sailing-charter can fit just about anyone regardless of previous sailing experience.
If you want to spend some time on the water and are ready to experience something different, then a yacht charter is for you! Below are ten reasons to book a sailing vacation now!
1. Avoid the crowds on the beaches
With a boat, you have the ability to avoid the crowded beaches and instead anchor in hidden coves and bays. You can sail to beaches and natural sites that most tourists either don’t know about or are unable to travel to.
With a sailing yacht, you have access to the most beautiful places where you can go for a swim and enjoy the sun while also avoiding the crowds, which is a bonus in itself, especially in our current time. If you like speed and exquisite details, you can acquire a Cigarette boat for sale and experience the thrill of high-speed boating.
2. Travel easily (with your vacation home)
When you go on a sailing vacation, you never need to worry about finding accommodation for the night; you always bring your vacation home with you wherever you go!
With the ability to move around freely, you can visit different islands and towns daily and see more than you thought was possible (if that’s your goal). Staying in a hotel may restrict you in terms of travel choices, but that won’t be a problem on a boat.
3. Flexibility and freedom of choice
Together with your captain, you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to your itinerary. Your plans can change anytime during your vacation based on weather and your group’s preferences.
Perhaps you find a town in which you want to spend some extra time or decide to take a detour to visit a distant island? A yacht charter allows maximum flexibility.
4. A chance to learn sailing
If you are interested in learning to sail, this is a fantastic opportunity to start. Whether you hire a skipper for your bareboat or go on a cabin charter, you’ll be accompanied by professional crew who can share their expertise and skills.
It’s a great way to start learning at your own pace and without any pressure. From tying knots and working the ropes to steering the vessel and reading navigation tools, you’re sure to stay busy learning new things every day.
5. Adjust the vacation after your goals
What are your goals with the vacation? Are you looking for a real adventure with a focus on activities like diving, snorkeling, hiking mountains and exploring islands?
Or would you rather unwind from your busy lifestyle with a loose schedule that allows time for reading, swimming, enjoying the sun and spending time with friends and family?
Perhaps you are drawn to visit party islands and bar streets? Regardless of your personal goals, the yacht vacation fits into every agenda. The boat will give you access to beautiful places and serves as a relaxing oasis at the same time.
6. Sleep well all night
No more uncomfortable hotel beds and the constant noise from cars and night life outside your window. Can you imagine a better way to fall asleep than on the water, drifting off to the gentle rocking and the rhythmic sound of waves against the hull?
You don’t need to worry about the anchor watch either, if you have a professional skipper onboard, and can sleep undisturbed through the night.
7. Experience marine life up close
Regardless of your destination, you are likely to see at least some marine life within close range, such as schools of fish. If you are lucky, you may even get to witness the beautiful sight of bioluminescent plankton lighting up the ocean surface at night.
In the Caribbean, you can see corals, sea turtles, and small sharks. Believe it or not, you can even visit dive sites featuring shipwrecks teeming with marine life!
8. Escape the heat easily
When you vacation in a city during the summer, it can be hard to find relief from the heat, made even worse by all the concrete.
In contrast, you can always enjoy the breeze on deck during your sailing vacation and it’s easy to cool off by going for a swim. The air never gets too hot at sea thanks to the wind. Living on the water also has its perks if you love swimming and other water activities.
9. Enjoy beautiful sunsets
Have you ever been to the beach to watch the sunset? There is a reason why so many people choose the beach as the place to enjoy this beautiful cosmic sight.
With the sea horizon in the foreground, you’ll get a fantastic view of the vibrant sky. A sailing vacation offers you your own private place to watch the sun rise and set every day if you wish.
10. Water activities are more accessible
Most activities involving water would probably not end up on your itinerary without a boat. With a sailing yacht charter, you have access to activities like snorkeling, diving, water-skiing and wakeboarding. And why not go and explore the area with a kayak or a stand-up paddle board?
A yacht charter doesn’t have to be more expensive than a ticket to a cruise ship, but it’s a completely different experience. For the reasons mentioned above, and many more, it’s totally worth the cost.
If you feel inspired to learn more or want to chat with a charter agent, head over to Navigare Yachting. On their website you can read about the different charters they offer and explore all their destinations.
You can also get help from a booking agent to book your vacation, and they will help you every step of the way. A sailing vacation could be your best vacation so far!
