Researching a Sailing Vacation

[m2244]

Hello,

I have a quick question. I'm not sure we will do this any time soon, simply looking into it at this point.

I would like (I think) to take my wife on a sailing vacation charter. What are some of the best places to do this? I've seen things around Spain, France, Greece, The Caribbean, etc.

I would like to be able to bumble around as opposed to a planned "tour". One day maybe stay in a certain area that we like, or just lounge around.

Any suggestions?

[John_Trusty]

May I suggest you be more specific in your question, if you want some real suggestions? There is nothing in your post or profile to indicate your location, desires, and abilities. Your post is something like, "I'd like to go on vacation somewhere; what places are nice?" Some basic questions include: Location are you starting from; Resources (budget, sailing ability); Previous experiences that you liked (sailing, swimming, historical trips, etc.).

[m2244]

Originally Posted by John_Trusty

May I suggest you be more specific in your question, if you want some real suggestions? There is nothing in your post or profile to indicate your location, desires, and abilities. Your post is something like, "I'd like to go on vacation somewhere; what places are nice?" Some basic questions include: Location are you starting from; Resources (budget, sailing ability); Previous experiences that you liked (sailing, swimming, historical trips, etc.).

Well, not sure why starting location matters, let's just say the US.

Desire: I'd like to do some research into sailing vacation locations. Maybe someone here has done this sort of thing in one of the areas I've listed, or other locations, and loved it.

I have been on a sailboat a few times. That's why I am looking into a charter.

Budget up to say $5000, but flexible.

[StuM]

Are you thinking about crewed or bareboat charter?

[m2244]

Originally Posted by StuM

Are you thinking about crewed or bareboat charter?

Crewed. This shows how little I know about sailing, I thought a charter meant with a crew. Actually, I was thinking a one person crew. I would like to learn how to sail a bit, if the captain/owner of the boat was open to teaching a little bit here and there.

[Ungvar]

Turkey looks very nice. I haven't done it, but I've researched it thoroughly and had a friend that did it.

It seems pretty affordable too, shouldn't cost much to fly into Istanbul from North America.

Sent from my XP7700 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[LTDsailing]

If you would like to learn to sail along the way - we would be happy to do a private trip for you with an instructor along. You can learn as much or as little as you would like along the way. The Southern Caribbean is one of the best sailing destinations anywhere with great wind and beautiful anchorages.

Beam winds,

Chris

[m2244]

Originally Posted by LTDsailing

If you would like to learn to sail along the way - we would be happy to do a private trip for you with an instructor along. You can learn as much or as little as you would like along the way. The Southern Caribbean is one of the best sailing destinations anywhere with great wind and beautiful anchorages.

Beam winds,

Chris

On your boat? (Is that a dumb question? It feels like a dumb question but I'm asking it anyway.)

[m2244]

Originally Posted by m2244

On your boat? (Is that a dumb question? It feels like a dumb question but I'm asking it anyway.)

I just noticed the link to your school. Sorry, it's Friday and I have been cooped up in an office.

[LTDsailing]

No problem! We use mostly charter boats from Sunsail and The Moorings. We can provide either a catamaran or monohull. Check out the website and our Trip Advisor reviews and let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help!

Beam winds,

Chris

[Enrique100]

If your $5000 budget is to include airfare for two people getting to your destination, and any food or provisions, and the captain, your options are probably pretty much limited to the Caribbean if you are US-based. But probably still doable on a smaller boat, shorter charter period (week or so), and maybe the off season. The most charter activity is going to be in the BVI, but might be worth checking other Caribbean locations as well. Expand that budget a bit and your options open up quite a bit.

[Stu Jackson]

So, let's say I was in your shoes. I'd go to Google and type in "crewed sailboat charters" and read a lot to find out what I was interested in.

[kwolfel]

The BVI's have dozens of "captain only" charter boats that offer exactly what you are looking for. They are represented both by local clearing houses, brokers or even on Home Away and Vacation Rentals By Owner ( VRBO )
In my opinion the BVI's offer the best cruising grounds for your first trip with the cheapest airfare from the US and the most things to do and see with the shortest distance between each island.
Ken
s/v Sunshine

[Mithril Bham]

BVI or San Juan Islands are great, safe starter charter locations. Go to the charter companies and get quote for "captain only" cost plus charter to have any chance of staying within your budget. I like Horizon in the BVI (or course Moorings & Sunsail are always good). Have had good luck with TMM. Ship Harbor or San Juan Sailing in the PNW. Would help with cost if you could find another couple to accompany you.
Personally I would bite the bullet, spend twice as much, find another couple and take a real "crewed yacht" through one of the clearing houses. Find a good broker

[m2244]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

So, let's say I was in your shoes. I'd go to Google and type in "crewed sailboat charters" and read a lot to find out what I was interested in.

I did indeed do a simple Google search which returned about 224,000 results from nearly every corner of the Earth.

I am merely looking for a good starting point and perhaps some first-hand experience, which is better than catchy sales slogans.