How to affix the yacht set for much less so you may dwell the luxe life at sea
My husband Phil was brought up sailing, but even so I had reservations about chartering a yacht for just the two of us and heading way out on to the waters of the Caribbean and the north Atlantic Ocean.
Yet somehow or other we not only survived… we thrived.
It went like this. After landing in Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, we arrived at Sunsail’s marina and were introduced to our 46ft-long Beneteau sailing yacht, Pura Vida. There were three cabins, each with a shower and electric toilet, a spacious saloon with a well-equipped galley complete with microwave, toaster and coffee machine, plus the bonus of air-conditioning.
A seven-night ‘bareboat’ charter – no crew provided – in the British Virgin Islands costs from £3,492 for two passengers, excluding flights (sunsail.co.uk).
Phil was impressed with the yacht’s autopilot, electric winches and, in particular, the swimming platform, which unfolded at the touch of a button.
After a briefing and advice on where to go, we were off, heading through Sir Francis Drake Channel, passing Richard Branson‘s Necker Island, and arriving for dinner at the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda, an island reputedly named by Christopher Columbus.
Janet McMeekin was apprehensive about chartering a yacht for just herself and her sailing-mad husband – but, to her shock, she thrived at sea
This required picking up a mooring buoy, the favoured way of overnighting in the BVI – involving me brandishing a boat hook while the yacht manoeuvred into position. After a first miss, and circling round, it worked.
One of the week’s many highlights was sailing to Norman Island, inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, where we came ashore at Pirate’s Bight Restaurant and were soon sipping espresso martinis.
A tasty meal was to follow – as well as a stop-off at Willy T’s notoriously raucous floating bar. We returned to Pura Vida beneath an inky black sky that was twinkling with stars.
Phil and I relished life on board, starting each day with a leisurely breakfast on deck, before hoisting the sails for another memorable adventure in these idyllic islands.
And as the week progressed I found myself becoming more confident, regularly taking the helm, while each evening was spent plotting the next day’s route.
The freedom of being skipper and first mate of our own destiny was liberating – and we returned home feeling empowered, exhilarated and raring to book another sailing holiday.
Here are six other ways to join the yachty set…
Greek Odyssey
At the picturesque Vounaki Beach Club in Greece, you can hone your sailing skills, play tennis, cycle, join a fitness class or just relax beside one of its many swimming pools
Do something different before (or after) this Neilson break, with its ‘Stay and Sail’ option.
Spend a week at the picturesque Vounaki Beach Club in Greece, honing your sailing skills, playing tennis, cycling, joining a fitness class, or just relaxing beside one of the swimming pools.
For the second week, board a yacht to explore the islands of the South Ionian. If you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for a sailing course to gain an ICC assessment, RYA Competent Crew or RYA Day Skipper qualification.
Details: 14-night ‘Stay and Sail’ holidays from £4,880 for two people from June 22, including Gatwick flights (neilson.co.uk).
Thai island hopping
Phang-Nga bay dazzles with its vibrant waters and dramatic, rocky landscape that juts out from the sea
Thailand is the newest addition to Seafarer Holidays’ extensive portfolio, and ideal for sailors keen to explore further afield with the support of a lead boat and crew. You’ll sail to Phang Nga Bay, visiting islands including Khao Phing Kan (depicted in Bond’s The Man With The Golden Gun), before heading further south to the Phi Phi islands and Ko Lanta.
Details: Ten nights from £3,568 for the yacht from April 16, sleeping six, excluding flights (seafarersailing.co.uk).
Polish Lake District
Known as the ‘Polish Lake District’, the Masurian lakes are located in the north east of the country and are perfect for sailing
Did you know it’s possible to charter a yacht in the Masurian Lake District in Poland?
If you’re not keen on sea sailing, Undiscovered Sailing organises charters in the Masurian lakes, located in the north-eastern part of Poland. The company is run by Wojtek and Patrycja Tomala, with both skippered and bareboat charters available.
The lakes are well connected by rivers and canals that form an extensive system of waterways. Places to visit include Poland’s largest inland sailing port, Sztynort, as well as Sniardwy, the country’s biggest lake.
Details: Seven nights from £1,600 for a yacht charter, sleeping six people, from April 26 to June 27, excluding flights (undiscoveredsailing.com).
Scotland’s ‘Caribbean’
Craobh Haven, on the Craignish peninsular in Scotland, boasts many a pristine beach
Described by owner David Lyle as ‘sailing in the secret Caribbean’, Scottish Yacht Charters offers bareboat and skippered charters off the majestic west coast.
From the firm’s base at Craobh Haven, near Oban, sailors can reach myriad rugged islands. The beaches are pristine and you can swim in the area at any time of year (wetsuits recommended).
Details: Seven nights bareboat yacht charter, sleeping six, May to August, costs from £2,520 on a Bavaria 37, excluding flights (scottishyachtcharters.co.uk).
Amalfi adventure
The Amalfi Coast in Italy is a popular travel destination – and for good reason with its picturesque buildings and desirable weather
If you’d prefer to let someone else take the strain, hop on board a crewed catamaran and explore Italy’s iconic Amalfi coast with your very own Nautilus Yachting captain and steward/cook. Booking by the cabin means you enjoy the sailing experience at a fraction of the cost.
Setting sail from Pozzuoli, just north of Naples on its Amalfi Coast Cabin Charter, there are stops in Sorrento, Positano, Capri, Ischia and Amalfi. The firm also offers yacht charters and flotilla holidays in many destinations.
Details: Seven nights’ full board in a double cabin from £1,095pp, excluding flights (nautilusyachting.com).
Learn new skills
At the start and end of each sailing season, In2Wind Sailing repositions yachts to sailing bases across the Mediterranean, and combines this low-season service with sailing holidays.
You can take a bareboat charter, join a flotilla, or simply rent a cabin on a yacht, depending on your experience and what (literally) floats your boat.
Some routes are suited to more experienced sailors. Training is also offered if you want to learn new skills as you travel.
Details: A low-season yacht cabin costs from £800 for one person, or £1,200 for two sharing, in April or October, excluding flights (in2windsailing.com).
