Sailing is an exhilarating way to explore, and there’s no better way to do it than on vacation in a beautiful destination with crystal clear waters and interesting coastlines.
Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a complete novice, a sailing vacation is an experience you’ll never forget. Read on to get an overview of what to consider when you want your next vacation to be a sailing one!
Choose the Destination for your sailing vacation
The first step in planning your sailing vacation is choosing your destination. Countless places around the world are perfect for sailing, each with unique charm and character. Some popular sailing destinations include the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, the Whitsundays (Australia) and the British Virgin Islands.
When choosing your destination, consider the experience you’re looking for. Do you want to explore quaint seaside towns and villages, or are you looking for a more remote and secluded nature experience?
Once you have a clear idea of the type of experience you want, choosing the perfect destination will be easier.
More about a Sailing Vacation in the Whitsundays
If you want to spend your days lounging on spectacular beaches with some adventurous activities like snorkelling, fishing, or hiking thrown in, consider visiting Australia’s tropical Whitsunday Islands.
The Whitsundays are located off the Queensland coast in tropical north Australia. They sit between the mainland and the Great Barrier Reef. The Islands are a part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with fringing reefs around their coats providing plenty of snorkelling and diving opportunities. The park is also home to migratory Humback whales, rare manta rays and several turtle species.
Many of the islands in the Whitsundays have been protected by National Park status for some time, so you can expect pristine beaches and forests to explore, plus some Island resort options if you want to indulge in dining out, spa treatments and pools.
One of the great advantages of sailing the Whitsunday is that they are not as crowded as some European sailing vacation spots. Expect to find secluded islands and coves away from tourists and experience the pristine coastal environment Australia is famous for.
Skippered Sailing Vacation
Suppose you’re new to sailing or prefer a more hands-off experience. In that case, you may consider a crewed charter, where a captain and crew handle the sailing and navigation.
Some skippered charters have set itineraries with other travellers, whereas others allow you to hire a luxury yacht privately, taking you where you want to go. There is a variety of boat vacation operators running from the mainland hub of Airlie Beach.
Bareboat charter companies provide a skippered option. In other words, you book a bareboat hire and request a skipper, or sail guide, accompany you to help you operate your boat.
Bareboat sailing Vacation
If you’re confident with operating a boat, you may consider a bareboat charter, which allows you to rent a sailboat without a crew. A bareboat hire means you can explore at your own pace, creating your itinerary to suit your interests with the flexibility to change your plans immediately.
Many sailing destinations around the world require at least one guest to have a sailing qualification or a license. However, in the Whitsundays, you don’t need a license to hire a bareboat due to the safe, protected waters.
Choosing your bareboat
With the destination and charter style decided, the next step is the fun bit – choose your boat.
When choosing a boat for your vacation, consider the size of your group, your budget, and your level of sailing experience.
There are many different types of sailboats, ranging from small and intimate monohulls to larger and more luxurious sailing catamarans or powercats. Monohulls and catamarans can both be sailed; however, monohulls are known for their superior sailing performance, whereas catamarans are more like floating apartments with optimal living spaces.
Preparing for Your Sailing Adventure Vacation.
The most important thing to remember when preparing for a sailing vacation is to keep a flexible mindset. You can prepare all you like, but when the weather and ocean are involved, you must make daily itinerary decisions. With the right mindset and a willingness to embrace the adventure, sailing can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
The level of pre-preparation for your sailing vacation will depend on the type of holiday you have selected. A crewed charter may only require guests to prepare personal items and perhaps research location options.
Those skippering themselves on a bareboat can do some additional things to prepare.
Bareboat Charter Preparation Tips:
- Consider a local sailing school course to brush up on your skills
- Research locations and places you would like to go
- Consider provisioning and menu planning
- Look at insurance requirements
- Add additional equipment to your booking
The Sailing Adventure Vacation Experience
Before any charter, you will undergo a safety briefing.
With a bareboat charter, guests are trained to operate the boat and learn how to navigate, including recommended places to visit. Once your briefer feels you are safe handling the boat, you can head out for your first night’s anchorage.
Bareboat charters have set charter limits around the most popular and beautiful Islands. Radio support is a big part of bareboat charter company’s protocols, with regular radio calls to keep in touch with guests.
The experience of a sailing vacation is hard to put into words. It’s a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and exploration that can vary daily. Some days you’ll be lounging on deck, sipping cocktails and soaking up the sun. On other days you’ll explore hidden coves and bays, snorkelling among colourful coral reefs, or hiking through lush tropical forests.
When you’ve got a crew whose company you love and a location with interesting places to experience, there’s nothing better than sailing for a vacation.
