Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Initially hesitant about a yacht charter, I, along with my experienced sailor husband Phil, embarked on a remarkable sailing holiday for two across the stunning Caribbean and North Atlantic. Despite my initial reservations about navigating the open waters solo, our bareboat yacht charter proved to be an incredible and thriving experience.
Caribbean Bareboat Yacht Charter: An Unexpected Success
Our adventure began upon arrival in Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands. At Sunsail’s marina, we were introduced to our vessel, the Pura Vida, a spacious 46ft Beneteau sailing yacht. This impressive yacht featured three cabins, each equipped with a shower and electric toilet, and a generously sized saloon. The well-appointed galley boasted modern conveniences including a microwave, toaster, and coffee machine, complemented by air-conditioning for added comfort.
A seven-night bareboat charter in the British Virgin Islands starts from £3,492 for two individuals, excluding flights, via sunsail.com/uk.
Phil was particularly impressed with the yacht’s advanced features, such as the autopilot, electric winches, and the user-friendly swimming platform that deployed at the touch of a button.
Following a thorough briefing and route recommendations, we set sail through the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Our voyage took us past Richard Branson’s private Necker Island, culminating in dinner at the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda, an island historically linked to Christopher Columbus.
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Janet McMeekin initially felt apprehensive about chartering a yacht for herself and her husband, a keen sailor, yet surprisingly discovered a love for life at sea.
Overnight stays in the BVI typically involve mooring buoys. My role involved skillfully wielding a boat hook as Phil expertly maneuvered the yacht into position. After an initial attempt and a corrective circle, we successfully secured our mooring.
Sailing to Norman Island, the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Treasure Island, was a definite highlight of our week. We ventured ashore to Pirate’s Bight Restaurant, where we indulged in refreshing espresso martinis.
A delectable meal followed, along with a visit to Willy T’s, a famously lively floating bar. Returning to Pura Vida, we were greeted by a breathtaking, star-filled night sky.
Phil and I thoroughly enjoyed life aboard our yacht. Each day began with relaxed breakfasts on deck, setting the stage for another unforgettable sailing adventure amidst these picturesque islands.
As the week unfolded, my confidence grew. I found myself regularly taking the helm, while each evening was dedicated to planning our next day’s itinerary.
The liberating sense of being captain and first mate of our own journey was truly empowering. We returned home feeling invigorated, thrilled, and eager to plan our next sailing holiday.
Details: A seven-night bareboat yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands starts from £3,492 for two passengers, excluding flights (sunsail.com/uk).
Explore alternative yachting experiences:
Alternative Sailing Holiday Destinations
Beyond the Caribbean, consider these diverse sailing destinations:
Greek Island Sailing Odyssey
The scenic Vounaki Beach Club in Greece provides opportunities to enhance sailing skills alongside tennis, cycling, fitness classes, and poolside relaxation.
Enhance any Neilson vacation with their ‘Stay and Sail’ option for a unique pre or post-break experience.
Spend a week at the charming Vounaki Beach Club in Greece. Engage in activities such as refining your sailing techniques, playing tennis, cycling, participating in fitness sessions, or simply unwinding by the numerous swimming pools.
For the subsequent week, embark on a yacht to discover the South Ionian islands. For those seeking further challenge, enroll in a sailing course to pursue ICC assessment, RYA Competent Crew, or RYA Day Skipper qualifications.
Details: 14-night ‘Stay and Sail’ holidays begin at £4,880 for two individuals from June 22, inclusive of Gatwick flights (neilson.co.uk).
Thailand Island Hopping Sailing Adventure
Phang Nga Bay captivates with its brilliant waters and striking limestone formations rising from the sea.
Thailand, the newest addition to Seafarer Holidays’ extensive offerings, is perfect for sailors wishing to explore exotic locales supported by a lead boat and crew. Sail through Phang Nga Bay, visiting islands like Khao Phing Kan (featured in the James Bond film *The Man With The Golden Gun*), before progressing south to the Phi Phi Islands and Ko Lanta.
Details: Ten nights from £3,568 for yacht charter, sleeping six, commencing April 16, excluding flights (seafarersailing.co.uk).
Polish Lake District Yachting
The Masurian Lakes, known as the ‘Polish Lake District’, reside in northeastern Poland, offering ideal sailing conditions.
Did you know that yacht charters are available in Poland’s Masurian Lake District?
If open sea sailing isn’t your preference, Undiscovered Sailing provides charters on the Masurian Lakes in northeastern Poland, managed by Wojtek and Patrycja Tomala. Both skippered and bareboat options are available.
The lakes are interconnected by rivers and canals, forming an extensive network of waterways. Key destinations include Sztynort, Poland’s largest inland sailing port, and Sniardwy, the country’s largest lake.
Details: Seven nights from £1,600 for a yacht charter accommodating six people, from April 26 to June 27, excluding flights (undiscoveredsailing.com).
Scotland’s ‘Caribbean Coast’ Sailing
Craobh Haven, located on Scotland’s Craignish Peninsula, boasts numerous pristine beaches.
Scottish Yacht Charters, described by owner David Lyle as offering ‘sailing in the secret Caribbean,’ provides both bareboat and skippered charters along Scotland’s majestic west coast.
From their base in Craobh Haven, near Oban, sailors can access countless rugged islands. The beaches are immaculate, and swimming is possible year-round (wetsuits recommended).
Details: Seven nights bareboat yacht charter, sleeping six, from May to August, starts from £2,520 on a Bavaria 37, excluding flights (scottishyachtcharters.co.uk).
Italian Amalfi Coast Sailing Adventure
Italy’s Amalfi Coast, renowned for its picturesque towns and pleasant climate, is a sought-after travel destination.
For a relaxed experience, join a crewed catamaran to explore Italy’s iconic Amalfi Coast with a dedicated Nautilus Yachting captain and steward/cook. Cabin bookings offer an accessible way to enjoy this sailing experience.
Setting sail from Pozzuoli, north of Naples, the Amalfi Coast Cabin Charter includes stops in Sorrento, Positano, Capri, Ischia, and Amalfi. The company also provides various yacht charters and flotilla holidays across numerous destinations.
Details: Seven nights full board in a double cabin from £1,095 per person, excluding flights (nautilusyachting.com).
Mediterranean Sailing Skills Development
In2Wind Sailing combines yacht repositioning at the start and end of each sailing season with sailing holidays across the Mediterranean during the off-season.
Choose from bareboat charter, flotilla participation, or cabin rental, depending on your skill level and preferences.
Certain routes are designed for more experienced sailors. Training opportunities are also available to acquire new skills while sailing.
Details: A low-season yacht cabin starts from £800 for single occupancy, or £1,200 for two sharing, in April or October, excluding flights (in2windsailing.com).