Sailing holidays have become increasingly popular in recent years with the global yacht charter market now thought to be worth nearly €10bn.
It has been estimated that the annual growth rate of this will be around 25.6% between now and the year 2028 – one of the fastest growing tourism sectors. Here, we look at nine best places in the world for sailing this summer.
EUROPE
Sail away with Click&Boat in Corfu, Greece
Corfu is the northernmost of the seven Ionian Islands and the perfect starting point to explore the sun-drenched Ionian Sea. A mixture of sheltered coastal spots and more adventurous blue water stretches make Corfu an ideal destination for sailors of all abilities. The famous Heptanese Islands are known for their relaxed culture and attractive scenery, excellent beaches and warm, clear waters. Corfu is home to a number of relaxing beaches and imposing castles, as well as numerous outlying islands and abundant native wildlife. Boat rental by Click&Boat is an excellent option to explore this island, and what it offers, and Jeanneau – Prestige Sport is one of the most recommended choices.
Conquer the Valencian Coast, Spain
Cast off and conquer the Valencian coast on board a sailing boat, yacht, catamaran or even kayak. The Marina of Valencia has mapped out three incredible navigation routes for inspiration, which include the Columbretes Islands, Gandia and Altea. Go to the docks to find charter companies such as Quicksail, where aspiring sailors can choose between different types of private boats, with or without a skipper, for one or several days at sea.
THE US
Float around Florida’s Paradise Coast
Jump aboard a rental boat in Florida’s Paradise Coast from Naples, Marco Island or the Everglades to see the coast from a new perspective. Take a sailboat out into the Gulf for island adventures, the cities host boat-friendly hotels and restaurants with several marinas available for a quick pit stop. Keen sailors can go further out into the Gulf to explore the peninsulas off of Marco Island, or some of the uninhabited Ten Thousand Islands and the abundance of marine life there.
Set sail in Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is one of the premium locations for sailing in California. The harbour is the starting point for sailing the scenic coastline, from here venture beyond to the Santa Barbara Channel and around the remote and impressive Channel Islands National Park. Santa Barbara’s predominant northwest winds create the perfect opportunity for the beginners to learn basic sailing skills inside the harbour in a class with a local instructor. There are options to rent a sailboat with a captain for a private group. Conditions are also ideal for the experienced sailor to sharpen skills in the open water.
Day sailing in the Puget Sound, Seattle, Washington
Widely regarded as the premier boating and sailing centre of the Pacific Northwest, Shilshole Bay Marina is home to Seattle’s Sailing Club. Situated in Ballard, a neighbourhood with great music, food and shopping, boaters can find plenty of things to do in the area when they’re having a break from sailing the serene waters. Just north of the marina is Golden Gardens, a picturesque spot to have a bonfire and watch the sunset over the Olympic Mountain Range.
Sail Grand Lake in Colorado
A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Colorado’s sailing lakes are plentiful. As a landlocked state, there’s over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs for sailors to choose from. Grand Lake, set against the Rocky Mountains, is the state’s largest natural lake and offers opportunities to charter a boat for both experienced boaters or first timers. The breath-taking landscape makes the experience a truly unforgettable one.
REST OF WORLD
Yachting in Setouchi, Japan
A city in the south of the Chugoku region, Setouchi also encompasses the Seto Inland Sea providing calm waters ideal for sailing. As part of the Setonaikai National Park, the Setouchi region was one of the first national parks designated in Japan and has thousands of islands with scenic coasts. There are several ports and sea stations where hiring a boat is possible, while Japan Yacht Experience also offers designed cruises.
Float around the Islands of Kujukushima, Kyushu, Japan
A stone’s throw away from the city of Sasebo lies one of Japan’s most stunning ocean views – the Kujukushima islands. Featured in the opening scene of ‘The Last Samurai’, these 200 verdant islands scattered across the Kyushu coastline are best experienced up close. The Pearl Sea Resort offers multiple options to get on the water, from yacht sailing, kayaking and even a pirate ship.
Dream Yacht Charter, The Islands of Tahiti
Dream Yacht Charter is based in Tahiti, hosting a fleet of luxury catamarans. In 2019 three new luxury vessels, the Lagoon 620, were created providing clients with unparalleled comfort and wide open spaces which is a unique offering for sailing products. Each cabin is equipped with a private ensuite and air conditioning. Public spaces including the cockpit, saloon, trampolines on the bow, allow many opportunities for passengers to appreciate the Leeward Islands and Tuamotu archipelagoes from. Guests can embark on six, nine and 11-day itineraries sailing around the gorgeous islands whilst soaking up the French Polynesian culture.