Sailing holidays for newcomers to sailing

Where to begin? . . .

There are many options available to newcomers to sailing depending on your preferences. In most destinations, in order to skipper a yacht either bareboat or flotilla you require an RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification or an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). These qualifications can be gained at RYA centres in the UK or at one of our partner RYA centres in Greece, Gibraltar or Turkey. If you are not looking to do a formal qualification but still want to take part in the sailing then why not try our 'Learn to Sail on Flotilla' options in the Ionian or Athens. On these flotillas you can add an instructor to your yacht for 3 or 6 days, depending on your level of experience, so you are learning whilst also being a part of the flotilla.

Newly qualified but looking for your first charter? . . .

For those of you who have recently gained your RYA qualifications - the world is your oyster! There are some fabulous sailing areas which are suitable for more novice sailors such as the Ionian or Athens in Greece, Fethiye in Turkey, Split/Trogir in Croatia or the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Speak to a member of our sales team about your preferences and they will be happy to make some recommendations for you.

Excellent value, so convenient and gives you total freedom . . .

Your yacht provides self-contained accommodation with plenty of cabins for everyone. Every night you'll enjoy being in the best harbourside location or in your own secluded anchorage - a different place to discover every day without any packing and unpacking! All the yachts have a fridge and cooker onboard and self-catering for breakfast, lunch and drinks helps keep the costs down. Being the skipper of your own yacht gives you total flexibility every day. Your enjoy a privacy and freedom that’s hard to find in a hotel. Set sail for a different destination every day- without the clouds and crowds of the Solent! There's always another bay, another harbour, another island to explore. And when you arrive, step ashore for dinner in a waterfront taverna. You'll be supporting the local community and you'll feel like a traveller, not a tourist.

Dreaming of life on the water but without the skipper's responsibilities?. . .

A sailing holiday is a fabulous way to see beautiful parts of the world, sometimes areas which are unreachable by road, but not everyone can picture themselves skippering their own yacht. If you love the idea of a sailing holiday but want to relax and enjoy the sights rather than bring the skipper then you can add a professional skipper to any of our yachts. The professional skippers are expert sailors who know the areas inside and out, providing you with valuable insights into the best swim spots, restaurants, hidden bays and more. Couples, individuals or small groups may want a more sociable holiday and choose a gulet sailing holiday in Turkey. These big, traditional boats have between 6 and 8 double cabins, have a skipper and crew and include all meals. If total luxury is more your thing then choose from one of our fully crewed yachts in Greece or the Caribbean.