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Single Trip Travel Insurance

Topsail Insurance Ltd offer Yachtsman’s Travel Policies with security provided by Canopius Managing Agents Limited, including a fully comprehensive Yachtsman’s Single Trip policy.

This policy covers yachting, sailing & powerboating within and outside territorial waters, SCUBA diving to 30 meters and other watersports. The policy includes:

  • Cover for cancellation or delay of 24 hours or more of your flight due to volcanic ash or adverse weather, such as snow, making it impossible to travel.
  • Cancellation due to the death, injury or serious illness of any person with whom you had arranged to travel or of their close family relative (provided any pre-existing medical conditions have been disclosed). So if the qualified skipper cannot travel, other crew members will be covered if they cannot continue the sailing trip without him.

It is a condition of your booking that you obtain adequate holiday insurance. If you make your own travel insurance arrangements you should check with your insurer whether there are restrictions on sailing holidays and whether there is cover in the event that the qualified skipper cannot travel.

Buy Single Trip Travel Insurance

If you have any queries regarding this policy, you should contact Topsail Insurance for information on 01273 573 727.

Useful Information

For bareboat charters and flotilla holidays in Greece, you will need ICC qualification.

The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates:

  • RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence)
  • RYA Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster
  • ASA IPC (International Proficiency Certificate)
  • IYT (International Yacht Training) Passport

If you hold an RYA Day Skipper or ASA104 it will no longer be accepted and you need to obtain either an ICC or IPC from the corresponding issuing body (RYA or ASA).

If your RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster or ASA105/106 certificate is more than 10 years old and does not have a photo ID, then you need to apply for an ICC or IPC.

If you are a member of the RYA or ASA, you may qualify for a discount or free certificate, otherwise, you will have to pay. The approximate cost is £50. Please use these links - RYA application for the ICC or ASA application for the IPC.

The mooring fees in Greece are very minimal, you will find it is one of the cheaper Mediterranean destinations in terms of mooring costs. On average, a town quay mooring in Greece (based on a 40ft monohull) would be €20/night.

There are fewer "full-service marinas" compared with somewhere like Croatia, but these would usually be between €50-70/night.

There is also the ability to free anchor in a lot of places too, which keeps the cost of your mooring fees down considerably.

The best time to take a sailing holiday in Greece is between April and October, with peak season being June, July, and August.

High Season

The Meltemi winds are strongest in July and August, making a more exhilarating sailing challenge for the more experienced sailors. These months also fall within the UK school summer holidays, the perfect time for a family holiday, with lots of opportunities for the children to make new friends. Why not try one of our family-friendly flotilla holidays? 

For easier sailing aim for the end of the summer when the winds are less intense making for more relaxed sailing conditions.

Shoulder Season

April and October benefit from smaller crowds as well as cheaper flights, great yacht availability and reduced costs.

Spring

April - June are the perfect months for those looking for a quieter yacht charter. The winds are milder, the weather is warm and the islands are in full bloom. With the reduced crowds it allows you to enjoy them to the fullest!

Autumn Sailing in Greece

Choose the autumn months to avoid the tourist crowds, enjoy the calmer winds and take in the natural beauty of the islands at a leisurely pace.

May & September

The weather is warm but not too hot with average temperatures around 25ºC (77ºF) and the crowds are lower than the peak summer season.

Late May & June

The crowds are still relatively low but the temperatures have started to rise (average 28ºC / 85ºF) and the waters begin to get warm enough for swimming.

July to September

This is when the waters are at their warmest and it is also the peak tourist time due to the school summer holidays. This is a great time for a sociable family holiday - why not try one of our family-friendly flotilla holidays?

October

This is the end of the main sailing season and a good opportunity to take advantage of lower prices and lighter crowds. The weather is on average 21 - 23ºC and the waters are still warm enough to enjoy a spot of swimming.

Our most popular sailing destination in Greece is the South Ionian due to its easy sailing conditions and endless bays to visit; this collection of islands (Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaka, Meganisi, Kalamos & Kastos) is perfect for beginners and families but has a charm that keeps our guests returning year after year.

You can also set sail in the Ionian from well-connected Corfu which has great options for sail-and-stay to combine your holiday with one of the island's highly-rated resorts. When on a yacht charter from Corfu, you can also explore Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as picture-perfect Paxos.

In general, the best sailing conditions are from April to October when you can enjoy warm waters, clear skies and reliable winds. 

Ionian Sea

The Ionian is great for year-round sailing however the best conditions are late spring to early autumn. The Ionian has hot, dry summers with calmer winds but stronger gusts can occur in the afternoons.

The Aegean Sea

The Meltemi winds provide reliable sailing in the summer months perfect for more experienced sailors looking for a more challenging charter.

The Rainy Season

Typically the rainy season is from November to March and sailing conditions are not always ideal.

 

The cost of your yacht charter depends on several factors:

Boat Type

The type and size of the yacht you book will dictate the price. A 1 week charter on a 2 - 3 cabin monohull starts around £900 in low season whereas 1 week on a luxury catamaran with a skipper in high season could be upwards of £10,000. These are the 2 extremes of the scale for a 1 week charter and we offer plenty of choices in between.

Charter duration

1 week is a popular choice amongst our sailors and makes the perfect getaway however, a longer charter will give you more time to explore all the Greek islands have to offer. We have a range of 1 and 2 week flotillas, as well as custom bareboat bookings which can be tailored to your timescale.

Time of Year

Lower-priced yacht charters are available in the off-season of April, May, September and October with prices starting to rise in June before peaking in July and August.

Crew

Don't have any sailing experience? No problem! We offer several skippered and crewed options so you can enjoy the yachting lifestyle without the stress. From a simple skippered yacht to fully crewed options, we can arrange a charter to suit your needs.

Flotilla vs Bareboat

Flotilla yacht charters are more expensive than a bareboat charter, but for the extra cost, you are getting the assistance of a lead boat with an experienced crew who are ready to help if you need assistance on your voyage. The flotilla lead crew also arrange social activities and lead you on a carefully curated itinerary. Flotillas are great if you enjoy the social aspects of sailing and are perfect for families, especially during school holidays. Children enjoy making new friends, while adults can unwind and connect with like-minded sailors.

If you are experienced and prefer to discover the islands at your own pace then a bareboat charter is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday in The Med.

The best time for a sailing holiday in Croatia is from April to October. July and August are the busiest months of the year and also the warmest with temperatures averaging 26-32 degrees. At this time of year, the main Croatian hotspots are a hive of activity with tourists visiting via land and sea. Steady afternoon breezes make for great sailing.

For those who appreciate milder temperatures April, May, September and October see cooler mornings and evenings and a chance of rain but still have very comfortable daytime temperatures. The shoulder seasons can be the ideal time for exploring in more moderate temperatures and if visiting at the end of the season you will still have very pleasant sea temperatures.

The coastal destinations in Croatia have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and relatively mild and sometimes wet winters. Average temperatures during the summer months are 26-32 degrees with very little rain, other than the odd thunderstorm. Steady afternoon breezes make for great sailing. In the shoulder seasons of April, May, September and October you will find moderate temperatures averaging 17-25 degrees, occasional rainfall and good sailing winds.

Croatian is the official language spoken in Croatia. In addition, English is widely spoken in the main tourist destinations.

Some basic Croatian phrases:

  • Hello – Bok
  • Goodbye – Doviđenja
  • Please - Molim
  • Thank you – Hvala
  • Yes – Da
  • No – Ne
  • Do you speak English? - Govorite li engleski?

Since 2023 the official currency in Croatia has been the Euro (EUR). Prior to this, the official currency was the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Cash machines (ATMs) are available in most of the main tourist destinations in Croatia but may not be available in some smaller destinations. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Whilst on a sailing holiday in Croatia, it is a good idea to have a small amount of cash (Euros) with you to cover expenses when cash machines may not be available.

Whilst on your yacht charter in Croatia, you will find many modern marinas with excellent facilities. These marinas will typically cost €3-4/foot/night. When sailing the Croatian islands you will find great anchorages and restaurant moorings which will enable you to save on mooring fees.

  1. Explore charming UNESCO World Heritage sites
    • Croatia is a country with a rich history and diverse culture. There are many UNESCO World Heritage sites, with many of these being located in destinations where we also offer our yacht charters and sailing holidays.
    • Trogir Old Town – UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Dubrovnik Old Town – UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Sibenik – the starting point for our Dalmatian Flotilla (link) and home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  2. Visit Natural Wonders
    • Kornati National Park – 89 beautiful islands, islets and reefs located off the coast of central Croatia. A paradise sailing location which offers fantastic snorkelling and beautiful uninhabited islands. You will need tickets to sail in the National Park and these can be purchased here
    • Krka National Park and Waterfalls – Sail up the river from Skradin and visit the Krka National Park and waterfalls with fantastic hikes and viewpoints. Tickets can be purchased here
    • Lastovo Islands Nature Park – lying fairly centrally between Split and Dubrovnik you will find the Lastovo Islands Nature Park, one of the richest and best-preserved treasure troves of biodiversity in the Mediterranean.
    • Mljet – Swim in the stunning salt water lakes of Mljet, a beautiful island located not far from Dubrovnik.
  3. Experience Croatia’s atmospheric nightlife
    • Croatia is well known for fantastic nightlife and hosts many live music events throughout the summer months. Some of the top places to visit if lively nightlife is your thing are:
    • Pag Island – visit one of the most famous party beaches in Croatia Zrce Beach (https://zrce.eu/en/). Pag is also the location for Hideout Music Festival and Noa Beach Club  which hosts some of the world’s best DJs.
    • Rab – More of an up and coming destination for those looking to find excellent nightlife without the large crowds of some of the other islands.
    • Brac – combine beautiful beaches and bustling nightlife on Brac. Visit the legendary 585 Club or many of the islands beach bars for a fantastic night out.
    • Hvar – In Hvar you will find too many nightlife spots to mention! Head to Hvar town for a great party scene.
    • Split – the tourist centre of Split is home to many great bars and nightclubs whilst also being the location of Ultra Music Festival in July 
    • Dubrovnik – a beautiful city full of history but also with an enviable nightlife. Visit Skybar for a sophisticated evening with delicious cocktails.

 There are several National Parks in Croatia with varying fees to enter. Below you will find links to the main National Parks and details on pricing and purchasing tickets.

Kornati National Park - https://www.np-kornati.hr/index.php?lang=en

Krka National Park - https://shop.np-krka.hr/en

Latovo Islands Nature Park - https://pp-lastovo.hr/?lang=en

For bareboat charters and flotilla holidays in Croatia you will need RYA Day Skipper or ICC qualification as well as VHF licence in order to skipper the yacht yourself.

For charters from Split and Trogir - Croatia Airlines, easyJet and Jet2 all have direct flights to Split on Saturdays. 

For charters in the Kornati - Croatia Airlines, easyJet and Jet2 all have direct flights to Split on Saturdays. Ryanair have flights from Stansted to Zadar on Saturdays. Easyjet fly from Gatwick to Zadar from June to August. 

For charters from Pula - Ryanair have flights from Stansted to Pula and Trieste on Saturdays. Tui have flights from Gatwick to Pula on Saturdays.

For charters from Dubrovnik - British Airways and EasyJet have daily flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik. Jet2 have flights from Newcastle on Saturdays. 

For charters in Montenegro - British Airways and easyJet have daily flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik. Jet2 have flights from Manchester on Saturdays.

Return transfers can be arranged in most of our Croatia sailing destinations from the airport to the base. Please ask a member of our team for details.

The cost of your yacht charter depends on several factors:

Boat Type

The type and size of the yacht you book will dictate the price. A 1 week charter on a 2 - 3 cabin monohull starts around £1200 in low season whereas 1 week on a luxury catamaran with a skipper in high season could be upwards of £10,000. These are the 2 extremes of the scale for a 1 week yacht charter in Croatia and we offer plenty of choices in between.

Charter duration

1 week is a popular choice amongst our sailors and makes the perfect getaway however, a longer charter will give you more time to explore all Croatia has to offer. We have a range of 1 and 2 week flotillas, as well as custom bareboat bookings which can be tailored to your timescale.

Time of Year

Lower-priced yacht charters are available in the off-season of April, May, September and October with prices starting to rise in June before peaking in July and August.

Crew

Don't have any sailing experience? No problem! We offer several skippered and crewed options so you can enjoy the yachting lifestyle without the stress. From a simple skippered yacht to fully crewed options, we can arrange a charter to suit your needs.

Flotilla vs Bareboat

Flotilla yacht charters are more expensive than a bareboat charter, but for the extra cost, you are getting the assistance of a lead boat with an experienced crew who are ready to help if you need assistance on your voyage. The flotilla lead crew also arrange social activities and lead you on a carefully curated itinerary. Flotillas are great if you enjoy the social aspects of sailing and are perfect for families, especially during school holidays. Children enjoy making new friends, while adults can unwind and connect with like-minded sailors.

If you are experienced and prefer to discover the islands at your own pace then a bareboat charter is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday in The Med.

Croatia has ideal conditions for a sailing holiday with reliable afternoon winds. During the summer months there are steady afternoon breezes from the north-west averaging Force 2–5 dying down at night. Summer temperatures average 26-30ºC.

We have rated this destination a 'Level 1-2' and you will need RYA Day Skipper or ICC qualification as well as VHF licence for bareboat charters in Croatia.

You can see all of the bases we offer in Croatia along with the level ratings here so that you can find the most suitable destination for you. If you are at all unsure about a destination then please get in touch and our sales team will be more than happy to make their recommendations for you.

The best months for a yacht charter in Turkey are May to October which provide ideal sailing conditions. To avoid the crowds book your sailing holiday in Turkey from April to June, although even July and August aren't too busy.

Peak Season

Turkey sees a longer sailing season than other Mediterranean sailing destinations and whilst the summer months are popular months to visit Turkey, September and October are peak season in this area. Summer temperatures in Turkey average between 26 - 30ºC.

Shoulder Season

April and May are quieter months to sail in Turkey but are still generally warm and sunny and may well be a good option for you if you are looking for a tranquil sailing experience.

Sea Temperatures

From May to Novemeber the waters remain above 20ºC, peaking at 26ºC for the main summer months. Turkey is the perfect destination for watersports, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Wind

The average wind speed is 10 - 20 KN from the NW which makes for relaxed sailing conditions with the winds picking up slightly in the afternoon. Making this a family friendly sailing experience.

Turkey is a fantastic destination for sailing, with a myriad of bays, historic sites and steady winds.

Göcek

A bustling, authentic Turkish port with picturesque islands and coves. Perfect for those looking for calmer sailing conditions.

Fethiye

A popular sailing destination with lots of sheltered anchorages, coves and islands to explore. The ideal location for swimming and snorkeling and perhaps even catching a sight of turtles and dolphins! 

Marmaris

The perfect mix of city nightlife, quiet anchorages and historic sites make Marmaris the perfect destination for a yacht charter. At the end of October Marmaris hosts its International Race Week regatta.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a well-rounded sailing destination, from incredible historical sites like the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) and Bodrum castle to stunning sunsets and secluded beaches. 

The crystal clear water, sheltered anchorages, peaceful coves and beautiful islands of the Gulf of Fethiye makes this a sailor’s paradise. Weather conditions are very favourable for a relaxed sailing holiday. Afternoon breezes from the west average Force 2-4 during the Summer. Temperatures are warmer than Greece with summer temperatures reaching 29-33°C. The sailing season runs from early May to late October.

We have rated this destination a 'Level 1-2' (levels info) and you will need RYA Day Skipper or ICC qualification for bareboat charters from Fethiye and Gocek.

For those wanting more support or who are looking for more of a social holiday then why not take a look at our Fethiye flotilla holidays.

The cost of your yacht charter depends on several factors:

Boat Type

The type and size of the yacht you book will dictate the price. A 1 week bareboat charter in Turkey on a 2 - 3 cabin monohull starts at around £900 in low season whereas a 1 week charter on a luxury catamaran with a skipper in high season could be upwards of £10,000. These are the two extremes of the scale for a 1 week yacht charter in Turkey and we offer plenty of choices in between. 

Charter duration

1 week is a popular choice amongst our sailors and makes the perfect getaway, however, a longer charter will give you more time to explore even more of the Turkish coastline and islands. We have a range of 1 and 2 week flotillas as well as custom bareboat bookings which can be tailored to your timescale.

Time of Year

Due to the hotter temperatures and longer season in Turkey, lower-priced yacht charters are available in the off-season of April and November with prices starting to rise in May and peaking in June, September and early to mid October.

Crew

Don't have any sailing experience? No problem! We offer several skippered and crewed options so you can enjoy the yachting lifestyle without the stress. From a simple skippered yacht to fully crewed options, we can arrange a charter to suit your needs.

Flotilla vs Bareboat

Flotilla yacht charters are more expensive than a bareboat charter, but for the extra cost, you are getting the assistance of a lead boat with an experienced crew who are ready to help if you need assistance on your voyage. The flotilla lead crew also arrange social activities and lead you on a carefully curated itinerary. Flotillas are great if you enjoy the social aspects of sailing and are perfect for families, especially during school holidays. Children enjoy making new friends, while adults can unwind and connect with like-minded sailors. 

If you are experienced and prefer to discover the islands at your own pace then a bareboat charter is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday in the Med.

The mooring fees in Turkey are very minimal, you will find it is one of the cheaper Mediterranean destinations in terms of mooring costs. On average, a town quay mooring in Turkey (based on a 40ft monohull) would be €20/night. There are fewer "full-service marinas" compared with somewhere like Croatia, but these would usually be between €50-70/night. There is also the ability to free anchor in a lot of places too, which keeps the cost of your mooring fees down considerably.

Turkey has fantastic sailing conditions, with great offshore NW winds throughout the season. Conditions tend to be calmer in the mornings, picking up in the afternoons.

Spring & Autumn

These are the best times to travel to Turkey, with lighter crowds, moderate temperatures and calm seas.  It is the perfect time to explore everything Turkey has to offer.

Summer

The summers are hot and dry with temperatures averaging between 25º - 30ºC. The Meltemi winds peak between mid-May and mid-September, providing a more exciting sailing experience for experienced sailors.

Best times to sail in Turkey

The best sailing conditions are May, June, September and October

 

A 1 - 2 week yacht charter will give you the most relaxed sailing experience when exploring Turkey. From swimming in the turquoise waters to mooring at secluded family-run restaurants, we have a range of itineraries to make sure you see the best sailing spots in Turkey.

Sailing Itineraries for Turkey

The British Virgin Islands are a fantastic place to experience a sail and stay holiday. With daily flights, you can really make the most of your time in the Caribbean and combine a yacht charter with a hotel stay in the BVI or even Antigua.

The best time to experience everything the BVI has to offer is November through to May, with temperatures between 28°C and 30°C and constant warm tradewinds at 10-20 knots providing excellent sailing. Hotels, restaurants and bars that are closed throughout the hurricane season (June to October) reopen at the end of October/beginning of November so if visiting between November and May you can be sure that you will be able to visit the top spots in the British Virgin Islands whilst on your yacht charter.

Peak Season

The peak season is December through to April with warm weather and steady winds. It is a lively atmosphere, especially during the festive period with lots of parties and celebrations.

High Season

The high season is from February to March, with warm, dry weather and reliable trade winds the sailing conditions are perfect.

Slow Season

The season begins to slow in May - June though the waters are still warm but the winds much milder

Fall (September - November)

This is the tail end of hurricane season, it is fairly quiet during this time but the weather is wetter and there is still a chance a hurricane could affect your charter.

The most cost-effective time

The most cost-effective time to visit is between March and May as they precede the hurricane season. Good travel insurance covering adverse weather conditions such as hurricanes is advised. 

The British Virgin Islands see warm temperatures year-round averaging 28-31ºC throughout the year. 

The hottest months

The hottest months are August and September when the waters are at their warmest.

Hurricanes

It should be noted it is hurricane season between June and October.

The wettest months

The wettest and most humid months are September and October.

The official currency of the British Virgin Islands is the US Dollar (USD).

As a British Overseas Territory, British Pounds (GBP) were used in the British Virgin Islands once upon a time but the switch was made to US Dollars in 1959.

ATMs are available in the major towns and tourist centres and most larger establishments accept credit or debit cards. Some establishments may not accept American Express. It is recommended to keep cash on you to use at smaller establishments and shops and for taxi rides and tips etc. 

A mooring buoy is currently about US $50 per night, to dock in a harbour or at a hotel pontoon prices range from US $100-300 per night depending on the size of your yacht and the destination.

Although useful to have one, a sailing license, certificate or qualification is not required for a BVI yacht charter, however, our partners will need to see a complete sailing resume.

The sailing resume for a BVI Yacht Charter must demonstrate experience as a skipper of a similar type and size (within five feet) of the yacht as the one you are looking to charter. The experience should also be recent and the company will look for experience within the last five years. 

The cost of your yacht charter depends on several factors:

Boat Type

The type and size of the yacht you book will dictate the price. 1 week for a bareboat BVI yacht charter on a 2-cabin monohull starts around £300/$370 per day in low season whereas 1 week on a luxury crewed catamaran in high season could be upwards of £5500/$7350 per day. These are the 2 extremes of the scale for a 1 week charter and we offer plenty of choices in between.

Charter duration

1 week is a popular choice for the length of sailing vacation amongst our American sailors and makes the perfect getaway. However, a longer charter of around 10-14 days, which is more popular with our British and European clients and will give you more time to explore all the BVI has to offer and presents you the chance to be slightly more adventurous in your itinerary. We have a range of offers that can be tailored to your timescale.

Time of Year

Lower-priced yacht charters are available in the low season of July to October and mid-season May to June, November to January (excluding Christmas and New Year) with prices peaking in the high season from February to April and Christmas and New Year.

Crew

Don't have any sailing experience? No problem! We offer several skippered and crewed options so you can enjoy the yachting lifestyle without the stress. From a simple skippered yacht to fully crewed options, we can arrange a charter to suit your needs.

Virgin Gorda because you have the iconic Baths, North Sound and some fantastic beaches.

The Caribbean is a haven for sailors and those looking for a memorable yacht charter sailing holiday. With so many destinations to choose from, there is something for everyone in the Caribbean. Whether you are an experienced sailor looking for an exciting new adventure or a novice sailor venturing to the Caribbean for the first time, there is a perfect Caribbean sailing destination for you.

The British Virgin Islands

Our most popular sailing area in the Caribbean is the beautiful British Virgin Islands. An idyllic sailing area with over 60 islands and islets to discover. Our clients love the relaxed, friendly atmosphere, calm sailing conditions and the array of excellent snorkel and dive sites. Enjoy paddle boarding and scenic hikes on Tortola, visit the infamous Baths on Virgin Gorda, soak up the relaxed Caribbean vibes at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke and snorkel amongst colourful fish on Anegada before enjoying the most delicious lobster dinner.

Antigua

Discover the 365 beaches of Antigua! An island full of naval history and for good reason. Protected by an almost unbroken wall of coral reef, Antigua’s coastline is dotted with safe harbours and anchorages in which to hide away. Stunning beaches can be found at every turn and the world-famous trade winds provide fantastic sailors for experienced and more novice sailors alike.

St Vincent and the Grenadines

One-way charters are incredibly popular in this area and give our clients the opportunity to sail from St Vincent to Grenada or vice versa, enabling you to see as much of the sailing area as possible. One of the great yacht cruising areas in the world, these beautiful, unspoilt islands each have a unique character, from the spice island of Grenada in the south to St Vincent in the north. Visit the islands of Carriacou, Union, Bequia, Mustique, Mayreau and Canouan and anchor in the fabulous Tobago Cays to experience the outstanding snorkelling and diving.

St Martin

For pure escapism, head to St Martin and the surrounding islands of Anguilla and St Barts. Laidback luxury is the order of the day here and the thriving arts and culture scene ensures there will never be a dull moment.

Martinique

Retreat to the fine sandy beaches and lush rain forests of Martinique this winter. Rivers and waterfalls are waiting to be explored and the local cuisine is excellent! French influenced cafes, boulangeries and bistros sit alongside fantastic Creole restaurants - you will not go hungry in Martinique!

Guadeloupe

Are you looking for explore a lesser known area of the Caribbean? Guadeloupe could be just what you are looking for. Discover the palm fringed beaches, colourful coastal towns and ragged cliffs of Grand Terre, then sail over to the luscious green haven of Basse Terre with its rolling mountains, hot springs, mud pools, waterfalls and active volcano!

Belize

For lovers of snorkelling and scuba diving, Belize is hard to beat. With the second longest barrier reef in the world, the underwater world here is in a class of its own. Explore the 175 cayes in this unspoilt sailing area. Belize is a perfect destination to combine your sailing holiday with time spent on land visiting Mayan ruins and dense rain forests.

The Bahamas

Why not visit the iconic turquoise waters and sparkling white sands of the Bahamas this winter? With access to over 200kms of truly idyllic sailing ground, you have plenty of choice for places to visit on your sailing holiday. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is home to an abundance of wildlife species both under the water and on land. Be sure to sample the delicious conch fritters and local rum cake.

The Caribbean Islands see warm temperatures year-round averaging 28-31ºC throughout the year. 

The hottest months

The hottest months are August and September when the waters are at their warmest.

Hurricanes

It should be noted it is hurricane season between June and October.

The wettest months

The wettest and most humid months are September and October.

The best time to sail in the Caribbean is from November to June.

Temperatures stay pretty consistent year-round, averaging 28-32oC with the majority of the rain falling between July and the end of October.

Steady trade winds blow at 15-25 knots during the peak months of December to April, lightening slightly between June and November.

The cost of your yacht charter depends on several factors:

Boat Type

The type and size of the yacht you book will dictate the price. A 1 week charter on a 2 - 3 cabin monohull starts around £1400 in low season whereas a 1 week charter on a luxury catamaran with a skipper in high season could be upwards of £10,000. These are the 2 extremes of the scale for a 1 week charter and we offer plenty of choices in between.

Charter duration

1 week is a popular choice amongst our sailors and makes the perfect short Caribbean getaway. However, to make the most of your time sailing the Caribbean islands, a 10 day or 2 week yacht charter may be just the thing. We provide custom bareboat bookings which can be tailored to your timescale.

Time of Year

Lower-priced yacht charters are available in the low-season of June to the end of October with prices starting to rise in November before peaking from December to April.

Crew

Don't have any sailing experience? No problem! We offer several skippered and crewed options so you can enjoy the yachting lifestyle without the stress. From a simple skippered yacht to fully crewed options, we can arrange a charter to suit your needs.

The mooring fees in the Caribbean vary depending on your sailing destination. There are very few marinas compared to sailing in the Mediterranean so most nights you are on anchor in a bay with a classic Caribbean white sand and palm tree beach.

In areas such as the British Virgin Islands, many locations have laid buoys which cost around US$30/night and give you a safe mooring within minutes of sailing into the bay.

Although useful to have one, a sailing license, certificate or qualification is not required for a Caribbean yacht charter, however, our partners will need to see a complete sailing resume.

The sailing resume for a Caribbean yacht charter must demonstrate experience as a skipper of a similar type and size (within five feet) of the yacht as the one you are looking to charter. The experience should also be recent and the company will look for experience within the last five years. 

A 1 - 2 week charter will give you the optimum time to explore the Caribbean islands, from the palm fringed white sandy beaches to the hidden coves and underwater paradise. Our knowledgeable team can assist you with a custom charter to suit your needs.

We have various 1 and 2 week sailing itineraries for bareboat sailing holidays in the Caribbean that have been personally tried and tested by our team.

Caribbean Sailing Itineraries

The Caribbean islands experience warm temperatures year-round, averaging 28-32oC.

The majority of yachts have fans onboard to keep you cool when below deck and the majority of our clients find this to be sufficient.

Some yachts also provide air conditioning. Our experienced team can advise you on which yachts have air conditioning if this is a priority for you.

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Meet the Skipper - Harley

Meet the Skipper - Harley

We catch up with experienced skipper and sailing instructor Harley to find out all about his background, what led him to become a professional skipper, the best and most challenging aspects of his job and what he has planned for the next few seasons.

Best Sailing Destinations in the Mediterranean

Best Sailing Destinations in the Mediterranean

Unparalleled charm can be found on a sailing holiday in the Mediterranean, an area well-known for its abundance of perfect summer holiday destinations, providing a mixture of beauty, rich culture, history and the infectious relaxed Mediterranean way of life.