A sailing holiday in the Caribbean is a perfect vacation but why not add a few days ashore in a hotel afterwards for a "Sail and Stay" holiday.
Keep everyone happy with a Sail & Stay Caribbean Holiday!
Some of your crew may want to try their hand at watersports that are easier to arrange at a hotel rather than from your yacht, such as dinghy sailing, windsurfing or diving. Some of your crew may want time to just relax by the pool, on the beach or in the hotel spa. If you are flying to the BVI via Antigua you could stay a few days in Antigua on the way home to relax by the beach of a different island.
We sent Clive Loughlin of Sailing Today magazine on a Sail and Stay Holiday in the BVI combining a bareboat charter of a Beneteau 323 from Nanny Cay Marina and a land-based stay at the super Bitter End Yacht Club. Read his article here>>
Antigua
BLUE WATERS, ANTIGUA
One of the best luxury 4-star hotels in Antigua set in its own sheltered palm-fringed bay offering superb service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 3 pools, 4 bars and choice of restaurants. Ideal for couples and families.
Speak to a member of our sales team about your sail and stay holiday today or view more details on our sailing holidays in Antigua by clicking the button below.
Located on an incredible stretch of white sand beach, this 3-star resort offers watersports on the beach, kids clubs, sporty activities and nightly entertainment - a great value all-inclusive resort for families.
Speak to a member of our sales team about your sail and stay holiday today or view more details on our sailing holidays in Antigua by clicking the button below.
A holiday in the British Virgin Islands is an unforgettable experience. Make the most of your time there by combining your sailing holiday with a stay on land. There are a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and since we work very closely with the British Virgin Island Tourist Board, we are sure we can find something to suit your needs.
Speak to a member of our sales team about your sail and stay holiday today or view more details on our sailing holidays in the British Virgin Islands by clicking the button below.
"A great holiday! The boat was excellent, well maintained and spotless. The transfers to and from the airport were excellent also. Good sailing area with plenty of options for mooring and quays. Thoroughly enjoyed and will no doubt be booking with Nautilus again next year."
Call our knowledgeable sailing specialists for the latest advice and recommendations on the sailing areas most suited to you.
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Sailing Qualifications
To skipper a bareboat charter or flotilla yacht, you need to hold a practical sailing certificate equivalent to RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification or RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC). For charters in Greece, you must now have the ICC certificate. You must also be assisted by at least one competent crew member over the age of 18.
The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates: RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence), RYA Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster, ASA IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) or the IYT (International Yacht Training) Passport. If you hold an RYA Day Skipper or ASA104 it will no longer be accepted and you need to obtain either an ICC or IPC from the corresponding issuing body (RYA or ASA). If your RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster or ASA105/106 certificate is more than 12 years old and does not have a photo ID, then we would also strongly advise applying for an ICC or IPC. If you are a member of the RYA or ASA, you may qualify for a discount or free certificate, otherwise, you will have to pay. The approximate cost is £50. Please use this link - RYA application for the ICC or ASA application for the IPC.
For charters in Croatia, Malta and the Canaries, at least one member of the crew or the skipper will also need a VHF licence.
RYA qualifications can be obtained by RYA sailing schools in the UK or alternatively choose from one of our overseas centres in Gibraltar, Greece or Turkey.
For Seychelles, the local authorities require an ICC for the skipper of a bareboat or flotilla yacht charter.
For Caribbean and Tropical charters, formal qualifications are not compulsory, however, you should be Day Skipper standard and be assisted by at least one competent crew. A brief sailing resume should be provided to outline your experience.
If you don't hold the relevant qualifications then why not add a skipper?
Sailing Levels
Level 1
Winds force 2-3 (4-11 Knots)combined with generally shorter distances. Good for beginner or intermediate sailors. Line-of-sight navigation but basic knowledge of charts and ability to plot your position required.
Level 2
Winds force 3-5 (7-21 Knots) with approximately 15-20nm per day. Intermediate experience required. Predominately line of sight navigation but an understanding of how to sail in open water.
Level 3
Winds force 4-6 (11-27 Knots) with mileage of approximately 20nm+ per day. Ideal for experienced skippers looking to venture out to new destinations. Day skipper standard but with experienced crew would be recommended.
