There is a wide range of different sailing and boating holidays on offer so it is important to make sure that you find the right one to suit you. To help you decide which one to choose ewoggle has provided you with a short summary on what you can expect from each type of holiday.

Chartering a boat is a bit like caravanning on the water except a lot more fun and a better sun tan to go with it. Chartering allows you to create your own adventures and discover your own secluded coves and beaches in locations all over the globe. There are three types of charter that most companies will allow you to undertake depending on your skills and experience. These three types of chartering are: Bareboat, Skippered or Crewed.

Bareboat charters enable you to hire out a boat for a specified length of time. Bareboat charters are designed for the more experienced sailor and most companies will ask for proof of this experience. With experience comes greater flexibility and freedom about where and when you travel, what islands you hop to and how long you sail for in the day. Most bareboat charter vessels will be fully equipped ready for you to jump aboard and begin your voyage wherever it may take you.

Skippered charters are similar to bareboat charters except you hire a skipper to captain your yacht for you. This type of charter still provides holiday goers with a lot of independence and flexibility and everyone onboard can still be part of the action. This type of charter is recommended for those without the necessary experience of skippering a large yacht themselves. Routes, duties and time schedules are discussed with the skipper to help you get the most out of your holiday.

Crewed charters enable you to enjoy the thrill and excitement of sailing abroad without having to sail the boat yourself. This type of charter is designed for those with little or no experience of sailing or for those who just want to kick back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. A skipper and full crew including a hostess to cook all of your meals for you will join you onboard your vessel for a truly luxurious and individual holiday experience.

Charters for Individuals. Traditionally charters involve hiring a whole boat for a holiday. However a growing trend of holidays is the charter for individuals. This type of holiday not only allows you to book a single place on a skippered charter without having to hire the whole boat, but it is also a great way to meet new people and make friends. Many chartering companies are now offering this facility.

Motor boat charters. Enjoy all the joys of chartering at high speeds and with the adrenaline rush of an incredibly quick vessel. Motor boat charters can offer an individual or group book all the comforts of a bareboat, skippered and or crewed charter, but with added speed of a motor boat to experience high speeds at sea.

Flotilla Holidays

A flotilla holiday has the same principles as a bareboat charter except you sail as part of a loose collective group of boats headed by a lead yacht who will offer support and guidance as well as help with arrival and departure from the various overnight stops. You will need to provide the relevant documentation to show that you have the necessary experience to skipper and be responsible for the crew onboard your yacht. Overnight stops will be agreed in advance but there is still plenty of fun to be had and long lasting friendships to be made.

Learn to Sail Holidays

There are a number of companies that will offer holidays that enable you to kill two birds with one stone and acquire a qualification as part of your holiday. These types of holiday typically consist of a coastal resort with organised daily activities, races and lessons at sea. It is especially important to do your research with this kind of holiday to make sure that you are obtaining the qualifications that you want and that the courses on offer are both approved and recognised by the appropriate sailing bodies.

Inland Waterways Holidays

"There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
(Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame)

Inland Waterways are a great way of seeing the natural beauty and diversity of a country whether it’s the canals in Birmingham or Venice or the French Riviera. Travelling by boat means that you will always have somewhere to stay and will allow you to see the true beauty of the landscape of your chosen destination. There are a number of different types of boat that are available for hire ranging from motor cruisers to narrow boats. Most boats can be hired for up to 3 weeks and many companies also offer the option to hire a skipper and/or crew.

Tall Ship Holidays

If you fancy something a bit more quirky and adventurous then perhaps becoming part of the crew for a working tall ship would satisfy your needs? There are a number of companies that offer this experience ranging from day trips to month long voyages. These holidays are open to everyone and will give you a taste of what it was like to be onboard these ships all those years ago.

Ocean Racing Holidays

If you are looking for something that will really get your adrenalines pumping then why not sign up to join a leg of an Ocean yacht race? There are a handful of companies that offer this experience to complete novices and in these cases pre-training with the company will be required. These holidays are not for the faint hearted but will offer a truly out of this world sailing experience that will leave you buzzing for more.

by Elin Mills