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If you think you need to be a seasoned sailor to enjoy a nautical holiday, think again. We dived into the wonders of Sunsail to find out how you can embark on an adventure at sea this summer
You’ve dominated the slopes, ventured out on safari and experienced the camaraderie of a golfing trip. So, you find yourself wondering ‘what next?’ Perhaps a holiday traversing undulating ocean waves on a private yacht has always been a dream that’s felt out of reach — until now.
Not only can sailing from one picturesque island to another help you to switch off from your everyday life, but it can also introduce you to the delights of wayfaring. Experience encounters with awe-inspiring marine life, dive into crystal-clear waters and discover hidden beaches across the world. So, with that being said, here’s our guide to help you set sail this year.
Where can I go on a sailing trip?
With sailing holiday provider Sunsail, there are more than 20 stunning destinations to choose from, spanning the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and South Pacific. From Croatia and Greece to St Lucia, Seychelles, Thailand and beyond, the choice is yours.
What if I’ve never sailed before?
Worry not. While setting sail for the first time can feel daunting, there are plenty of options to ensure that you’re taken care of. Firstly, you can hire a professional skipper who’ll manage the navigation of your yacht. With a skipper, you can get involved in the sailing process as much as you choose, or simply opt for taking in the scenery while the professional sails the vessel. They’ll also be experts in your chosen destination, so you can seek out their top tips for when you drop anchor and head on shore.
If you’re looking for a slightly more sociable sailing experience, a flotilla is a perfect choice. This is when you sail alongside other yachts on a planned route and enjoy activities with your sailing neighbours such as beach barbecues and delicious group breakfasts. Ideal for families, flotillas provide you with the opportunity to make new friends, as well as the extra reassurance of travelling alongside a trained and friendly crew who’ll take charge while encouraging you to learn.
Sunsail coined the concept of flotilla sailing holidays 50 years ago, and is offering a new route, the Elafiti flotilla in Dubrovnik, ideal for those looking for short hops between beautiful islands steeped in history. Meanwhile, if you have children, certain flotillas in Lefkas also feature a kids’ activities coordinator.
What’s more, the company is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2024 and will be offering one-off unique flotilla sailing trips to the Greek island of Lefkas and the British Virgin Islands, so you can immerse yourself in all the shades of blue that the world’s coastlines have to offer. And if you’re an explorer at heart, a sailing trip is the perfect option, as you’ll pass by uninhabited islands along the way, some that you’re likely to never come across again.
What are the benefits of sailing?
Waking up to a different coastal location every morning is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and is something that highlights the enormity and beauty of the ocean realm. Additionally, learning new skills is something rarely experienced while on holiday, and can provide both you and your children with character-building and bonding opportunities. Plus, who doesn’t want to say that they can sail a boat?
Studies also suggest that being surrounded by the ocean induces a flow-like state of mind, presenting you with a great chance to break away from the stresses of life. It’s like a 24/7 spa day.
The act of sailing can give your mental health a boost, but it’s also a mode of transport that can have a lower impact on the environment than others. Sunsail is particularly committed to sustainable travel, and recently launched its Our Ocean Promise, a set of initiatives aimed at helping protect the natural world, culture and heritage of the destinations in which it operates. This includes action on waste and a net-zero carbon promise.
Will I feel supported when sailing?
If you’ve never sailed before, it’s understandable why this may be a worry, but Sunsail vows to go the extra mile when it comes to customer care and service. For example, the team will attend to your yacht within four hours of receiving notification of an issue. Your professional skipper will help you to find the best local spots when you reach land, while the holiday planners will aid you in selecting your destination, yacht and much more, guiding you through the booking process.
A sailing trip promises an adventure like no other, and if you’ve embarked upon life-changing holidays on land, then now’s the time to take to the sea.
To book your sailing holiday now, visit sunsail.co.uk or call 03303 321187.
