No matter what type of traveler you choose to be and what kind of sailing trip you desire to go for, the fact remains that there is always a first time. That first sailing trip you take, that first night on the yacht, and of course, that first uncomfortable night’s sleep on the sea.
Close your eyes and envision yourself being surrounded by the sweeping vistas of an ever so blue ocean, a drink in your hand, and no worries on your mind. That, my friend, is what a sailing holiday feels like.
No matter what type of traveler you choose to be and what kind of sailing trip you desire to go for, the fact remains that there is always a first time. That first sailing trip you take, that first night on the yacht, and of course, that first uncomfortable night’s sleep on the sea.
And those first, ah those firsts, in all honesty, can be quite intimidating, even for the strongest of minds.
As a first-timer, you’re most likely not going to know what to pack, what to expect, and ultimately, what a sailing trip feels like.
But not to worry, that’s quite understandable. And in this post, I’ll try to intimate you with a few tips you need to make your sailing trip a memorable experience. But before that, let’s see some of the reasons why people charter yacht.
WHY DO PEOPLE CHARTER A YACHT
|
Vacation/Leisure |
91.5% |
|
Sailing Course |
2.7% |
|
Regatta |
2.1% |
|
Event |
0.8% |
|
Business |
1.3% |
|
Flotilla |
1.7% |
As can be seen, a great fraction of luxury sailing travelers do it for the fun of it, that is, for leisure.
What do I need to know?
1. How much can I rent a yacht?
The cost of yacht charter depends on the type of boat, as well as the choice of destination, as reflected in the table below.
Average charter price (Euro) by destination
|
ITALY |
3250 EUR/WEEK |
|
USA |
3019 EUR/WEEK |
|
RUSSIA |
3013 EUR/WEEK |
|
FRANCE |
2889 EUR/WEEK |
|
GREECE |
2035 EUR/WEEK |
|
U.K. |
2695 EUR/WEEK |
|
HOLLAND |
2602 EUR/WEEK |
|
SPAIN |
2515 EUR/WEEK |
Depending on the boat type
Catamarans
This type of boat typically costs around $990 per day to charter.
The benefits of catamaran sailing vacations
• Entertainment: If you are chartering with a large group of friends or family, a catamaran is the perfect floating hotel. They offer plenty of communal areas to get together.
• Comfort: The superior stability of catamarans make them perfect for families sailing with young children and more enjoyable for guests who need to get used to their sea legs. The thoughtfully designed cabins offer modern comfort after a long day of exploring on and offshore.
• Space: Catamarans have plenty of deck space for sunbathing, privacy for mid-afternoon naps and ample room for lounging or group dining.
• Watersports: Catamarans have the extra space for water toys and sporting equipment, such as kayaks, paddleboards, water skis and inflatables.
• Exploring from the beach: Catamarans have a shallow draught and are able to get close to the beaches. Sometimes you can literally step off the boat and onto the beach, making it easier to go ashore without the dinghy or water taxis.
Monohulls
Monohulls cost around $500 per daily charter.
The benefits of Monohulls
• A true sailing experience: A monohull is an ideal option for anyone who wants to have the classic sailing adventure, whether they are a sailor or not. If you are an accomplished boater, take the helm yourself and if you aren’t, then you can hire a skipper to do the sailing for you.
• Adrenaline lover’s choice: Typically, monohulls deliver sailing that is fast and exhilarating. These boats give you optimal control, whether the conditions are flat and calm, or rough and wild. It’s a wonderful option for those who love the sporting aspect of sailing.
• Manoeuvrability: Monohulls can make sharper turns and navigate easily through narrow channels and tight spaces. Couples or individuals with sailing experience and who are seeking the thrill of the sail need look no further.
• Couples and smaller groups: Monohulls offer every creature comfort for those looking for a real sailing adventure and feeling the lean into the wind.
Do I need a license to charter a boat?
Yes, you do need a license to charter a boat. Otherwise, you would have to hire a skipper and this would raise the cost of your charter by $180 per day.
Tips for a successful sailing trip
1. Make a wise choice of location
The first and most essential tip on a first-time sailing trip is to choose your location wisely, doing extensive research about the place and the activities available there. Be sure to choose a location that matches your preferences, as well as your expected explorations.
Remember, this is a place you want to spend your holiday in. As such, it needs to match every one of your preferences.
Furthermore, you should always try to make your first trip a lot less "wild." Since you're far from being a pro, you'd enjoy your trip a lot more if you opt for locations between coasts or near islands, rather than a location in the middle of the sea.
For starters, heading out on a sailing holiday in Greece, for example, might be best for first-timers. Not only for the enthralling on-sea experiences it offers but also for the presence of yacht chartering services like the yacht charter Greece. This yacht chartering service makes your sailing experiences a lot more comfy and fun. But Greece isn’t the only option out there. Other sailing destinations include:
• US West Coast
A sailing vacation along the West Coast of North America offers both adventure and relaxation. While experienced sailors with a U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License may want to take a bareboat vacation, which involves chartering a boat and assuming all the duties and responsibilities of skipper. Less experienced sailors and first timers can join a tour, most of which include accommodation, meals and the services of a professional crew. From southeastern Alaska to Mexico, the West Coast offers varied terrain and scenic beauty. The Inside Passage extends for more than 1,000 miles from southeast Alaska to northwest Washington's Puget Sound, passing islands and rugged, mostly undeveloped terrain along the way. Several sailing charters operate along the Inside Passage. Washington's San Juan Islands long have been a popular sailing destination. This archipelago contains more than 170 islands, most of which are unpopulated. The islands are set in the shelter of Vancouver Island to the west and provide generally calm sailing conditions. The sea water contains high plankton counts, resulting in a wide variety of marine life, from otters to orcas and sea lions to salmon.
• Caribbean
Cruise the calm waters of the Caribbean, where the British Virgin Islands grant easy, line-of-sight navigation and trade winds keep your course steady. Follow the sun to St. Lucia and drop anchor to take in the warm glow of the sunset. Find out how Grenada lives up to its nickname “The Spice Island of the Caribbean”. Spend your days shopping on the beautiful streets of St. Thomas. Immerse yourself in the unspoiled paradise of Puerto Rico’s Spanish Virgin Islands. Or, rekindle your love for open water adventure in Antigua's first-rate sailing wonderland.
Discover the blissful white sands of the world-class Caribbean islands from the deck of your private state-of-the-art yacht. Look out over the jade-colored sea and breath in the rejuvenating air fringed with the sweet aroma distinct to these outlying islands. Each charter day waits with new surprises of hidden-away eateries, sunken caves, and rich history.
Cruise through protected anchorages and into full-service marinas where your voyage is king. The ever-enchanting Caribbean opens a world of possibilities, both onshore and off, with hidden coves, warm island culture, beachside dining, and unrivaled snorkeling & diving conditions.
• Mediterranean
Immerse yourself in scenic coastlines and storied histories on a yacht charter in the dazzling Mediterranean. Begin an Italian adventure by casting off from the colorful harbor of Procida, a short trip from bustling Pozzuoli. Revel in the culture, cuisine, and secluded anchorages that abound as you cruise through the Aegean Sea. Or, explore the many timeless treasures nestled throughout the enchanting Dalmatian Islands.
First time visitors and seasoned sailors will find it hard to resist Greece’s captivating appeal, but Italy’s Amalfi coast offers a culture just as rich and sights just as stunning. Split your days between sea and land while island-hopping in style along Croatia’s splendid Dalmation Coast, or indulge your senses in contemporary ports balanced by historic villages in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. No matter where you undock in the Mediterranean, dream vacations become Five-Star escapes you’ll never forget.
• South Australia
South Australia has a very long coastline and it is an ideal destination for an Australia yacht charter vacation. There are many luxury yachts and super yachts available for hire in this area and you can customize your itinerary according to your interests and desires. South Australia has a number of unspoilt beaches where you can simply enjoy the sun or engage in the many water sport options provided by your luxury yacht. You can go for a swim in the azure waters and discover the enchanting underwater life, and if you are in love with the beaches then you should definitely include Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island in your itinerary. Other activities while on an Australia yacht charter vacation include fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, water-skiing, kayaking, hiking or sightseeing. South Australia has perfect conditions for yacht charter throughout the year. The ideal conditions coupled with stunning beaches make way for an excellent yacht charter destination. You can embark on a South Australia yacht charter even if you never hired a yacht before.
FAVORITE YACHT CHARTER DESTINATION
| GREECE | 31% |
| CROATIA | 25% |
| ITALY | 13% |
| TURKEY | 13% |
| MALLORCA | 6% |
| FRANCE | 4% |
Clearly you can see that a majority of sailing travelers prefer to head to Greece for their yacht charter. But why? Some may quip. Well, there is only one way to find out…Book your Yacht charter Greece.
2. Check with the weatherman before departing
Next on the list is your next best friend on the sea – the weather nature. Although it might seem like the most basic thing to do, some people still forget to keep up with previous weather forecasts before their departure.
Always check for the previous weather conditions, predicted weather conditions, and existing conditions at your destination. If possible, read and follow every latest weather forecast near your chosen location.
3. Go with the right team
Even if you want your sailing trip to be with friends or family members, be sure to go with the right set of people. And before you begin to wonder why I had to include this on the list of tips I’ve got for you, you should know that many people don’t choose their company rightly before going on a sailing trip. As such, they end up getting confined in small spaces with people they hate.
As much as a sailing trip promises to offer you the opportunity to spend time with real-life elements of nature, you still need the presence of the people you love to enjoy your holiday fully.
There are many types of cruises, some where you can go on one yacht with a few people you may or may not know, or be a part of one of those flotilla holidays. But since you’ll most likely be chartering a boat for your sailing cruise, it would make so much sense that you go with people that are on the same page with you. Check the table below to see how people have been choosing their charter team.
TYPES OF YATCH CHARTER CLIENTS
|
FRIENDS |
51.7% |
|
FAMILY |
25.1% |
|
COUPLES |
15% |
|
COLLEAGUES |
5.3% |
|
SCHOOL TRIP |
1.8% |
|
SINGLES |
1% |
Clearly, a lot of people prefer to come with friends, while only a few persons love to sail alone.
What do I need to pack along?
1. Pack light
Usually, there are limited spaces on yachts and sailing boats. As such, travelers are always encouraged to travel with light bags – so light that you can easily tuck it away in a corner.
As an advice, you should do away with heavy luggage, but come with simple backpacks or duffel bags.
2. Sunscreen and shades
Do not underestimate the intensity of the sun on your sailing trip. Therefore, you should come with as many forms of sun protection as you can.
3. Bring your entertainment
If you like music, bring your player; if you love reading, bring your books. Whatever you love doing, bring them along to keep you entertained, because being on a sailing boat is as much about relaxation as it is about swimming or chilling on an island. And while you're relaxing, you should also keep yourself entertained.
4. Bring snorkeling gear and water toys
In Greece, you'll have a lot of opportunities to snorkel and explore stunning underwater reefs and pristine bays, beaches, and coves.
Although most companies often supply snorkel gear, consider bringing your own mask, snorkel, fins, or camera to capture your special moments.
5. Leave your jewelry at home, but bring toiletries
Even though we said back in tip #1 that you should pack light, you still want to come with the basics. And your sailing packing list basics are soap, conditioner, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, skin moisturizer, mosquito repellent, and deodorant.
Do not forget to leave all your important jewelry at home, so you don't lose them at sea.
