There are two types of sailors, those that like to sit back, relax and sunbathe while others take care of the sailing and others who like to do the work or sailing, as well as a range of other activities on the water.
Chartering a boat allows for versatility. It’s very easy to combine a sailing holiday with a wide range of other activities – both water and land-based.
If you prefer to spend your holidays being active and cramming in as much as possible in the limited time you have, sailing can be a good choice. Before booking a holiday with a charter company like Nautal, you should ask their advice about possible destinations and what activities are available there.
Let’s consider some of your options.
Handling the boat
Sailing is a very rewarding activity. Even if you have chartered a boat with crew, this doesn’t mean that you can’t help out manoeuvring the boat or doing some of the chores. Crew members are more than happy to offer you advice and let you do some tasks under their supervision.
If you are a proficient sailor, your agent might be able to inform you of any regattas or competitions being held in the area. Not only will your participation present a challenge but you’ll make friends with the local sailing community too.
Water-based activities
Nothing compares to the magical underwater world when snorkelling or scuba diving. Most charter companies will have snorkelling equipment, which can be hired as an optional extra.
Busy seaside resorts usually have professionals who arrange scuba-diving trips with tuition included. With their local knowledge, they will take you to places you would never have discovered on your own.
Depending on how adventurous you are, other water-based sports include surfing, windsurfing, water-skiing, wake boarding, kite-surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) are also readily available while on a sailing holiday.
Exploring the area
Instead of being stuck in a resort with an occasional day-trip, sailing holidays give you the chance to roam a region. From deserted coves to remote coastal villages where tourists rarely go, you will really get to know a country or island in depth.
Your exploration doesn’t have to be restricted to the coastline either. Sailing holidays can easily be combined with hiking, cycling and mountain biking trips and bikes can be hired at most large resorts.
Apart from picturesque mountain villages, you’ll be able to follow hiking or cycling trails through national parks and have a close-up view of the region’s native flora and fauna. You can also take in other places of local beauty, ancient archaeological sites and manmade monuments along the way.
A variety of these activities will give you all the excitement and adventure you need. Once you return to the boat exhausted, what could be better than watching the sun sink over the horizon with a glass of wine in hand?
