Sailing may or may not be your thing, but the most popular sailing destinations are also among the most scenic places on earth. Deep azure waters that sparkle in the sunshine, the gentle summer breeze, make these places the ideal tourist hot-spots.
Although sailing enthusiasts tend to have their own vessel, you can also rent a suitable boat. Besides, there are several travel companies that also conduct sailing excursions, in case you don’t wish to rent a boat.
Here, we take a look at some of the most popular sailing destinations in the world, perfect for sports as well as sailing holidays.
AUSTRALIA
Australia is full of wondrous sights, from spectacular beaches, unique wildlife, lush rainforests and winding waterways. Sailing holidays along the coastline or waterways are great ways to not only see the country, but to really experience all that is offered. Sydney Harbour with its iconic Opera House and Harbour bridge could just be the start of a sailing adventure in Australia.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
If you have never taken a sailing vacation, you are in for a treat and learning a few tricks about sailing etiquette will make it even more enjoyable. There is something magical the first time your sails fill with wind and you find yourself gliding through the turquoise blue waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel off the coast of Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
GREEK ISLANDS
An exotic getaway – This is a rather apt way to define the experience of spending a vacation on a luxury charter yacht on the magnificent Greek islands. On the whole, a charter yacht to Greece provides excellent possibilities for a wonderful vacation mainly because different groups of islands have unique features to offer.
WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
Sailing holidays in the Whitsunday Islands, Australia make you catch your breath at the beauty of the azure waters and white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees. The 74 tropical islands are nestled besides one of the world’s greatest wonders, the Great Barrier Reef which is World Heritage. Diving amongst the tecnicolour coral and fish is a must! Charter boats run out to the outer reef daily for diving or snorkelling or why not take a flight in a sea plane and witness this marvel from the air.
HAMILTON ISLAND
Hamilton Island is situated in the middle of the Whitsunday Islands and is the most developed and commercial of all the islands with regular national flights to its airport and a busy marina. One of its main claims to fame is the Hamilton Island Race week! Which is renowned as Australia’s blue ribbon sailing regatta and largest offshore yachting event which attracts hundreds of famous yachts both nationally and internationally.
COSTA DEL SOL
Costa del Sol stretches along the coast of the Mediterranean from the area of Gibraltar to Malaga and is the mecca for some of the best sailing on the planet! There are several Yacht Charter and Yacht Brokerage operations within the marina complex. Marbella is 15 minutes away by car or bus. There’s a good beach to the west of the marina which belongs to the hotel and allows berth holders access.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
I learnt to sail in New Zealand in the waters around Auckland … called the city of sails and loved it… always a different island to visit and explore. New Zealand sailors are some of the best in the world so why not combine a holiday not only sailing around the islands off Auckland but sailing the pictures Bay of Islands.
CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
There is no finer way to truly relax than a Caribbean Sailing Vacation! Deciding what islands to explore during your sailing vacation is the hard part. Melody Delgado at ViSailing has plenty of suggestions to help you decide on the perfect vacation. Once your sail charter is booked, the next decision is what to take with you. Nothing can be easier than packing for a sailing vacation in the Caribbean.
FRENCH RIVIERA
Lets look at the French Riviera on a shoestring budget! When you find an area you like and you feel relaxed in, it’s hard to imagine moving on to explore further afield. The Iles de Lerins just off Cannes is one of those places. Known in its heyday for its hedonistic tendencies, this lively town with beautiful beaches has long attracted the rich and famous to the French Rivera. But you don’t have to be rich!
Seychelles Yacht Charter
If you take a look at a map of the Indian Ocean you’ll immediately understand the remote nature of the Seychelles islands. This will be an amazing sailing holiday it is a small archipelago so far from any other bit of land that it’s been dubbed by many as one of the last few places on Earth today to be worthy of the title of lost jungle paradise.
Sailing the Turquoise Coast
Turkey’s jagged azure blue southwest coastline was a family-friendly adventure that was like no other and surpassed all our expectations. Our gullet, a traditional wooden Turkish yacht, was the most beautiful on the high seas with its mahogany wood grain hull and blue masts. We had chartered the six-cabin yacht for our extended family vacation. For 10 days, this was to be our home – a luxurious, relaxing and adventurous way to see Turkey where there was plenty to do, both on-board and off.
