PERFECT MATCH

Sunsail’s handy guide to your sailing holiday options.

Sailing holidays will evoke a different image for each of us. Some will prefer to be chasing fast winds, striking out on their own adventure with just their friends and family onboard as their crew. Others would rather have their feet up, with the sailing and navigation taken care of while they fully relax on their holiday. Some would like to meet new people on their holidays, socialising with other like-minded groups and families who share a passion for sailing.

Everyone has their own preferences for their getaway, which is why the different options for a sailing holiday make it a great choice. Anyone can tailor their experience to match their desires and experience levels, meaning everyone can be catered for.

Here is a quick guide to the different sailing holiday options to find the perfect match for you and your family.

Destination Choices

The most obvious way to customise your sailing holiday is by picking the right destination. There are several ways to filter your destination choice. Typical sailing conditions vary around the world. Somewhere like the Croatian coastline, for instance, provides gentler, line-ofsight sailing, perfect for those who are newcomers. The Seychelles will have you experiencing more open water and stronger winds for a real sense of sailing adventure. Italy may be the right destination for foodies or those in search of a romantic getaway. Families and social groups may prefer to explore the culture-rich, historic islands of Greece or to find some winter sun in the tropical British Virgin Islands. Once you have picked your destination, you need to decide on the type of sailing holiday.

Skippered Charter

A skippered charter is a great option for those who are new to sailing or want to sail with extra reassurance. Your onboard skipper will tailor your trip to your preferences, listening to what you want and providing suggestions throughout the trip. They can take full control if you wish, taking care of all the sailing, or can be a helping hand for sailors looking to improve their skills. Skippered charters are available from every Sunsail base and should be considered for those new to sailing or even experienced sailors who want to take a step back.

Bareboat Charter

On the other end of the scale from skippered charters, bareboat charters are for those looking to take the helm and strike out on their own adventure of independent sailing. You will be in complete control of your own yacht, with just your friends and family as crew. You will be in charge of when and where you explore each day. Squeeze in a few extra anchorages or take it at a slower pace, the choice is yours. To book a bareboat charter, you will need a relevant qualification, which differs depending on which destination you wish to go sailing in.

Flotilla Holidays

Whether you are completely new to sailing or learning the ropes, a newly qualified skipper or an old hand, there is a flotilla holiday for you. You will be in the company of other yachts guided by a lead crew who will plan out the itinerary. Flotillas give you as much or as little support and involvement as you want, and the flexibility to take things at your pace. So, if the flotilla itinerary does not list a destination you would like to visit, all you need to do is let the lead crew know that you will be going rogue for the night. Meeting up with other yachts at anchorages or at evening stopovers is a great way for families and groups to socialise with like-minded people. There is a great range of flotilla routes to choose from; Sunsail even has specialist food and wine flotillas for those really wanting to immerse themselves in local cuisine.

Picking A Yacht

When most people picture a yacht, it will be the classic monohull. Designed to cut through the water and make the most of any sailing conditions, these yachts are a great choice for experienced sailors and smaller groups. The one thing to keep in mind is the deep keel below the hull that does limit how shallow the yacht can explore.

Catamarans have two hulls with the cabin spread between them, creating a larger living space. Sitting higher in the water, these yachts can explore shallower areas and their luxurious amount of space makes them a great choice for larger groups.

To add that extra level of personalisation, there are many optional extras to take your holiday to the next level. Alongside a professional skipper, you could also hire a chef to cook your favourites, while sampling highlights from the local cuisine. Or you can book advanced provisioning, so that when you arrive at your yacht, all the shopping has been done for you.

And for watersport lovers, make sure you book a kayak, paddleboard or snorkelling gear to really make the most of your time while your yacht is anchored.

This guide should help you to choose a yacht charter that is right for your group, giving you an experience you will not forget. www.sunsail.co.uk

Nautilus Yachting

CORFU FLOTILLA, GREECE

Explore the beautiful Northern Ionian on this Corfu flotilla. The classic ‘South Route’ takes a gentle and meandering route between mainland Greece and the famous Paxos island, visiting unspoilt villages, lively towns and world-famous bays. The more adventurous ‘North Route’ offers more challenging sailing conditions exploring the lesser known northern bays and remote Erikousa island.

DATES: 6 - 13 May

PRICES FROM: 20 per cent off ‘early season’ discount*. Starting from £1,770 for a 2-cabin yacht, £2,225 for a 3-cabin

WEB: www.nautilusyachting.com/corfu-flotillain-greece

IONIAN FLOTILLA, GREECE

Explore these beautiful Greek islands and experience gentle afternoon breezes, warm seas and friendly harbour-front tavernas. This flotilla is ideal for couples and families with children seeking a relaxed sailing holiday. The sheltered waters of the Ionian offer an unlimited number of tranquil bays and enchanting fishing harbours.

DATES: 21 - 28 May

PRICES FROM: 20 per cent off ‘early season’ discount*. Starting from £2,430 for a 2-cabin yacht, £3,050 for a 3-cabin

WEB: www.nautilusyachting.com/ionian-flotilla

Where To Go In 2023

SUNSAIL CHARTER IN DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

A 7-day Dubrovnik yacht charter, on a fully equipped Sunsail 38 3-cabin monohull.

DATE: departing 21 May

PRICES FROM: £2,487

WEB: www.sunsail.co.uk

CHARTER IN LEFKAS, GREECE

A 7-day Lefkas yacht charter, on a fully equipped Sunsail 41.0 3-cabin monohull.

DATE: departing 2 July

PRICES FROM: £5,508 (includes yacht damage insurance)

WEB: www.sunsail.co.uk

TROGIR FLOTILLA, CROATIA

If you are thinking of sailing in Croatia for the first time, this flotilla is ideal to show you all the best places. The lead yacht accompanies the flotilla and is on hand to give advice on the cruising area. Reliable winds make this flotilla sailing holiday a great choice for more experienced skippers.

DATES: 22 - 29 July

PRICES FROM: 10 per cent off ‘early season’ discount*. Starting from £4,975 for a 3 or 4-cabin yacht

WEB: www.nautilusyachting.com/trogir-flotillain-croatia

*Offer valid until 31 January, 2023. Please use offer code AAS23

PLAINSAILING.COM

EASTER IN THE SUNSHINE

Charter your own yacht or catamaran in Greece for Easter Sunday and treat yourself to a bit of sun along with all that chocolate! Available bareboat or with a skipper.

DATES: 8 – 15 April

PRICES FROM: €1,100 for a 38ft 3-cabin yacht (suitable for 6-8 people)

WEB: PlainSailing.com

THE BEST PLACE TO SAIL ON EARTH

Sail to the Tobago Cays, arguably THE best place to sail to on earth, with your own charter yacht or catamaran. Google them – they are an amazing and idyllic remote archipelago reachable from Grenada in a week of sailing. Boats available bareboat or with a skipper.

DATES: Sailing season runs from November - July

PRICES FROM: €3,500 for a 42ft 4-cabin catamaran (suitable for 8-10 people) in June

WEB: PlainSailing.com

GRENADA YACHT CHARTER

The Moorings

A 7-day Grenada yacht charter on a fully equipped The Moorings 4000 3-cabin catamaran.

DATE: departing 13 May

PRICES FROM: £4,899

WEB: moorings.co.uk

AGANA YACHT CHARTER

A 7-day Agana, Croatia yacht charter, on a fully equipped The Moorings 4500 4-cabin catamaran.

DATE: departing 6 May

PRICES FROM: £5,249

WEB: moorings.co.uk

BVI YACHT CHARTER

A 7-day BVI yacht charter on a fully equipped The Moorings 4000 3-cabin catamaran.

DATE: departing 15 April

PRICES FROM: £7,749

WEB: moorings.co.uk

ATHENS YACHT CHARTER

A 7-day Athens yacht charter on a fully equipped The Moorings 434 Power Cat.

DATE: departing 6 May

PRICES FROM: £5,249

WEB: moorings.co.uk

Charter a yacht or catamaran from Salerno and sail along the Amalfi coast to arrive at the iconic island of Capri in style, before sailing onwards to Ischia, Naples or Sorrento. Complemented with the tastiest food and the finest wine.

DATES: Saturday to Saturday. Sailing season runs from April - November

PRICES FROM: €1,700 for a 34ft 3-cabin yacht (suitable for 6 people) in May

WEB: PlainSailing.com

DELIGHTFUL DUBROVNIK

Hop around the Elaphiti islands, sail to the incredible walled city of Korcula, sample wine on a vineyard tour, overnight in a remote bay, explore magnificent Dubrovnik, snorkel and much more.

DATES: Saturday to Saturday. Sailing season runs from April - November

PRICES FROM: €1,100 for a 34ft 3-cabin yacht (suitable for 6-8 people) or €2,500 for a 40ft 6-cabin catamaran in May

WEB: PlainSailing.com