Sailing holidays can be a bit of a niche travel idea. It’s the kind of trip where you’ll be spending the bulk of your time on the water, and unlike a cruise, you’re not just aiming to get from A to B at a slow and steady pace.
You’re here to enjoy the experience of being at sea, with the occasional dock at interesting points of your choice. That means you’re going to call this boat your home for the next 7 days at least, and you need to be ready to spend all that time on it.
As such, if you fancy a sailing holiday, there are a few things you’ll need to be prepared for. After all, when it’s your first time heading off for any kind of holiday, it’s best to have some knowledge on your side before you go.
But when you’re going to be on the water, afloat for who knows how long, it’s imperative to be ready for the journey. So, here’s what the landlubbers amongst us need to know.
Clothing Matters
You can’t wear any old thing when you’re on a boat! You need to be dressed for boat life, and you need to double check just how much time you’re going to be spending out in the open versus below deck.
The main thing to remember is your footwear. Boats are unsteady places, by their very nature, so your shoes shouldn’t be. The deck may not even be even to walk on, and you could trip and injure yourself without getting anywhere near the water in the first place.
But seeing as water is likely to slosh overboard too, your shoes should probably be waterproof and slip resistant as well. A pair of sandals can work, as long as you don’t mind your feet getting covered in water!
The Captain Will Have Rules
And you should always abide by them! The captain knows what they’re doing, and the rules they set are there for a reason. They’ll keep you safe, make sure you’re never touching something you shouldn’t, and will help keep your sailing holiday on the straight and narrow.
And if you miss any of the safety briefings, don’t be afraid to ask either. Boat captains would always much rather their passengers know what to do while on board.
Sun Exposure is a Lot More Likely
Even if there are plenty of shaded, below deck areas, you’re going to be outside in the air, weather, and sun the majority of the time. Even when you’re not lounging around the front deck, you could be opening yourself up to sunburn, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion.
Be aware of just how much sun you’re getting per day. Have a big bottle of suncream in your luggage, use it liberally, and pack plenty of water for yourself as well.
Just one refillable bottle probably won’t be enough, so it might be an idea to slip some disposable bottles into your case as well. Just make sure you recycle them later.
It Might Be More Expensive Than You Realise
Sailing holidays don’t tend to come cheap. You’re essentially hiring a floating home for a period of time and using it as your own. That means it needs to come with as many amenities as possible – and the smaller, less well-equipped the boat, the more affordable it’ll be.
It’s why the average yacht rental is in the tens of thousands. You get to spend plenty of time on board (usually 14 days at minimum), but the amount of space, running water, working toilets, and luxury elements like a hot tub, sun deck, and fine dining all bump up the price.
It’s worth forking out for if you want to have an amazing time at sea, but make sure you have an eye on the cost before you step off the dock.
Sailing Holidays: What to Keep in Mind
So you’re about to book your first sailing holiday – hurrah! But it’s best to be prepared for life at sea while you’ve got the chance!
You don’t want to step on board and be totally out of place, both in terms of what you’re expecting and what you’ve packed for the journey. Do some research into the cost, requirements, and what’s recommended by the company or captain before you book any charter.
And remember, the smaller the boat, the more closely you’re going to be living with the people on it!