Chartering a sail yacht can be an exhilarating and memorable experience, whether you’re an experienced sailor or a novice looking for adventure. Scotland, with its picturesque coastline and rich maritime heritage, offers an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable sailing holiday.
But before you choose to charter a sail yacht, it’s essential to understand the basics of adventure sailing, from choosing the right yacht to understanding sailing tuition.
Choosing the right sail yacht
Before setting sail on your Scottish adventure, it’s crucial to select the right sail yacht. Consider factors such as the size of your group, your sailing experience, and your budget.
Yacht size
Sailing yachts come in various sizes, from cosy two-person vessels to larger ones suitable for a family or group of friends. The type of yacht you choose will affect your overall experience, so make your decision wisely.
Budget
Determine your budget and find a yacht charter company that fits within your financial plan. Keep in mind that charter costs may vary based on the yacht’s size, age, and destination.
At Yachting Scotland, we offer 5 day and 7 day multi-charters, starting from £649. We also offer Day Sailing, Family Days, Corporate Charter, and our Unique Ones trips that can include everything from on-board yoga to whale watching. Enquire with us to find out more about our sailing holiday prices.
Crew
Decide whether you want a crewed or bareboat charter. Crewed charters include a professional crew to handle navigation and maintenance, while bareboat charters put you in control of the vessel.
At Yachting Scotland, all of our sailing charters come with the reassurance of an experienced skipper, so you can be as involved as you like. And if you’d like to try your hand at skippering your own sailing yacht, our Own Boat Sailing Tuition can get you started.
Destination
Sailing in Scotland offers a diverse range of experiences, thanks to its stunning coastline that stretches for over 6,000 miles.
If you’re looking for adventure sailing, consider destinations like the Inner Hebrides, where you can navigate through a labyrinth of islands and experience the thrill of open-water sailing. Our departure points start from Largs or Oban, with opportunities to explore historic castles, quaint fishing villages, and whisky distilleries throughout your trip.
Planning your itinerary
Creating an itinerary is crucial for maximising your adventure sailing experience. Here are some key points to consider before embarking on your voyage..
Duration
Determine how long you plan to charter the yacht. A week-long voyage allows you to explore more, but shorter trips can also be equally as enjoyable.
Activities
List the activities you want to do, such as snorkelling, fishing, or visiting local attractions. Make sure your chosen yacht is equipped for these activities, such as for storing diving gear, or watersports equipment.
Weather
Sailing the high seas can be unpredictable, especially off the coast of Scotland. Check the weather conditions in your chosen destination during your planned travel dates. This will help you prepare for any adverse weather and adjust your itinerary accordingly as and when the weather changes.
Ports of call
Research and select the ports or anchorages you want to visit. Be flexible in case of unexpected weather changes, and always have a backup plan of action in case you have to suddenly change your route.
Sailing adventure holidays with Yachting Scotland
Whether you’re looking for a family sailing holiday, a corporate sailing adventure to introduce your employees to the great outdoors, or a sailing day trip – we’ve got a charter to suit everyone.
Yachting Scotland is located in Largs, the prime spot to access all that Scotland’s coastline has to offer. If you want to work towards chartering your own yacht, or polishing your sailing skills, our tuition will get you sailing the high seas in no time.
Browse our sailing adventure holidays today.