How to organise a holiday: sail in harmony with your crew

Even though we’re pros at helping you choose the best boat and the most amazing destinations, there are some aspects of a sailing holiday that can be defined by you and your crew only, because they depend directly on the people that will be on the boat and their needs. 

In order to help you plan a perfect holiday, we’ve put together a small list of things to take into consideration before and during a trip, to ease up the decision process especially when you’re not a great expert in the sailing world. 

Sailing with friends and family is undoubtedly an amazing experience, but discussions can be behind the corner, so it is important to take time to make the best decisions ahead of the trip, both with your people and the boat crew. 

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Let’s have a look at the three main decisional points during a sailing holiday.

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1 - Sail durability and location preferences 

Generally speaking, you want to spend a maximum of four to five hours a day sailing. With an average speed of 5 knots, these hours translate into a range of 25 miles per day: it might not seem a lot in terrestrial meters, but the feeling you get on a boat is quite different as it allows you to have a more enjoyable journey.

A crew usually splits into those who are more into the technical sailing part of the holiday and those who prefer to relax and enjoy the beauties of the sea. Make sure you identify your interests before the departure, as it will help establish a more relaxed atmosphere. 

A perfect sailing holiday is one that meets every member of the crew’s needs. Define the routes and the locations you wish to visit ahead of time, both with your crew and the skipper. A quick daily briefing is a great way to start the day with harmony and to plan the best itinerary together. 

A sailing holiday is a great opportunity for visiting those places that you wouldn’t easily reach from land. People that are new to boat life tend to see it just like any other holiday on land and include the most popular destinations in their itineraries.

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2 - Sleeping at anchor or in a marina 

Another important point to clarify is whether to sleep at anchor, in a marina, or a mix of both. Of course, these decisions should be made with certain flexibility related to last-minute changes, weather conditions, and personal preferences. 

The best part of being on a boat is that you can decide to stop pretty much wherever you like, provided you don’t need to stop to refill supplies and fuel. I am definitely an advocate of spending the night at anchor, but I still suggest stopping at a marina every two to three days to restock the boat and spend some time ashore. Local shops and markets can hide great treasures to bring back to the boat! 

Sleeping at anchor is quite a magical experience, with the boat moving gently and lulling us into a regenerating rest. At anchor, boats naturally move parallel to the wind: you can allow a pleasant airflow through the whole boat by keeping the bow hatch and the entrance hatch ajar. 

We suggest checking the rugged coastlines of Croatia, Greece, or Sardinia which are perfectly suitable for sleeping at anchor. The close contact with nature, the silence, and the starred sky make it the best escape from everyday life. 

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3 - Mangiare a bordo o in un ristorante

For many people, a holiday is a moment for staying away from daily routines such as cooking. Those people tend to prefer dining in restaurants and cafes, which implies staying within reach of civilization the whole time. Eating on board is, instead, a private and exclusive experience. A good balance between the two options is the key to a happy and harmonious holiday with the crew. 

Cooking on board is not at all demanding: modern boats have fully equipped kitchens and fresh food - especially fish - can be easily provided. We suggest taking advantage of restaurants to enjoy some local cuisine while sleeping in the marina, and dining on board when sleeping at anchor. Many boats have efficient BBQ grills and additional kitchens in the cockpit area. 

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Whether you choose to live a “wilder” holiday or to discover the beauties of the towns ashore, a boat will be the perfect choice to make unique and unforgettable experiences.

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Take a look at our website to discover our best boat and locations for your next holiday.