Organize your sailing travel plans: 6 tips from Click&Boat

Sun on your skin, breeze on your face, and once-in-a-lifetime locations! This is how the memories of a boat trip can be summed up. Giving life to incomparable experiences, sailing holidays become one of the unmissable options for how to spend your holiday every year, both for those travelling with friends and family. But how do you begin to organize your sailing travel plans?

At Click&Boat we have everything you need to know to set out to sea in complete safety. Continue reading and discover all the tips! 👇

6 tips for organizing sailing holidays

1. Have the right boating licence

Let’s start with the basics, the boating licence.

Given that this is now mandatory both for boats that intend to exceed 6 miles from the coast, and for those equipped with an engine that exceeds 40hp, before renting a boat by yourself we advise you to make sure you have some experience. Remember that the sea is unpredictable, so if you don’t feel safe, consider choosing a rental with a skipper on board: this way you can travel in total peace of mind, and take advantage of it to do some practice!

To be able to operate a sailing boat, you must have a Category A or C licence, for the command of small pleasure boats* and regular sized boats**, within 12 miles of the coast.

*The vessel is a sailing, motor, or oared vessel that does not exceed 10m in length
**The vessel is a pleasure vessel that measures between 10m and 24m

2. Know the ins and outs of the boat

Before setting off on a sailing boat, it is very important that you know the basic vocabulary, because it will be of great help to you in communicating, especially in case of an emergency.

Need to refresh your knowledge? In the image below you will find the different parts of the boat in detail, have a look! 🧐

Don’t forget the difference between the various gaits: 

• Narrow (haul wind): the pace against the wind, when it reaches between six and four quarters of the bow.
• Abeam: sailing with wind perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boat.
• Load-bearing (reach and astern): the boat is pushed by the wind.

Everything clear sailor? In any case, if you have any doubts, you can also have a look at the nautical dictionary.

3. Pay attention to the weather

Your safety and that of your travel companions is the most important aspect of sailing. This is why, before leaving for your sailing holiday, you need to know the weather forecast and be fully aware of the situation you will face. Once you have checked the forecast, you will be able to make an informed decision so that your trip goes smoothly. 

What other aspects are there to evaluate? Firstly, know who will be coming on board with you, as the crew must be able to help even during any unexpected situations. Check the type of sailing boat and its characteristics, then search the area you plan to explore.

Furthermore, always consider the balance and stability of the boat, which, being lower than that of a motorboat or a catamaran, could cause some moments of seasickness for those who are not used to sailing. In this case, let them know and evaluate the feasibility of the trip together.

Keep everything in mind and then trust your good instincts: once you make the right decisions, the experience will be truly incredible!

4. Prepare your itinerary as best as possible

Organizing sailing travel plans means being in harmony with nature and sailing driven by the wind, finding peace and calm. To experience this bliss, itinerary planning becomes a key element.

Always remember that sailing takes shape at a slower pace, therefore it is essential to plan the departure and arrival points with caution, as well as the travel times, especially when you decide to do a multi-stage tour.

If you are looking for inspiration, have a look at our articles on Mallorca, Sardinia and Corfu, where you will find some wonderful itineraries to follow!

5. Have a good grip on your sailing skills

Have you rented a sailing boat and are ready to set sail? Well done, but before lifting the sails, remember that for the entire duration of the voyage you will be the captain of the boat. This role entails responsibilities, from checking out the nearest harbours to the good conduct of the vessel, without forgetting keeping the logbook, and the safety of your travel companions .

Directly before departure you will be able to inspect the boat in port together with the owner, making sure that internal and external environments correspond to the descriptions received, and that all equipment is present and functioning. If necessary, do not hesitate to ask the owner about the operation of the equipment, and advice in relation to the established itinerary.

6. Bring the right accessories with you

A sailing trip is definitely a great pleasure, especially when you leave well-equipped! Once you leave the port, it will be quite annoying to go back to the dock to retrieve forgotten things. 

Before leaving, create a list of items and equipment in your travel plans that you will need to bring on board with you, and check it off from time to time to keep track of the things put aside. Don’t know where to start? Take an example from the list that we have created for you! 👇

Clothing 

• Comfortable, waterproof trousers or trousers made of quick-drying fabric
• A warm jumper: the wind can sometimes rise unexpectedly during the day or evening
• Boat shoes: always preferable to avoid slipping on board and therefore optimize your safety
• A pair of gloves 🧤
• Your favourite swimsuit
• A windproof jacket: a must for every boat holiday!

Equipment to protect you during the day 

• Sun cream and lip balm: apply them preferably one hour before exposing yourself to the sun and entering the water, so that the skin has time to absorb it and leave as few traces as possible in the sea
• A pair of sunglasses 🕶️
• First aid kit
• Check the presence of life jackets for each passenger: safety first!

Additional accessories for your travel plans

• Beach towels
• Sandals for walking on land
• Books, useful in every moment of relaxation
• Deck of cards, always useful for livening up evenings on board 🃏
• A solar charger, although the best advice is to take advantage of the boat trip to disconnect and make the most of every moment!