An active sailing holiday is the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and pure nature. Whether you’re heading out on the water alone, with friends, family, or as a couple, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. However, an active holiday on the water does require good and thorough preparation. That’s why, in this blog, we’re sharing practical and inspiring tips to help you get the most out of your sailing holiday — all based on our own personal experiences.
Choose the right destination.
The location (the sailing area) largely determines what your sailing holiday will look like. Are you looking for sporty sailing with the chance of strong winds and challenging routes? Then areas like the North Sea or the Atlantic Ocean are perfect. Are you seeking calmer waters with beautiful nature and charming harbors? Then the Baltic Sea, the Wadden Sea, or the IJsselmeer in the Netherlands are great choices. When choosing your destination, pay attention to:
- Wind conditions and the weather during the season.
- Accessibility of harbors and mooring places
- Any physical condition in relation to boarding or disembarking (sometimes you board via a gangway, sometimes via a ladder from a dinghy).
- The presence of sights on land or in the surrounding area. Want to see orcas? Then, for example, don’t plan a trip to the IJsselmeer.
We mediate traditional sailing holidays to various destinations. Sailing holidays to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean are particularly popular with us.
Ensure you have good equipment.
An active sailing holiday requires more than just a boat. Consider, for example:
- Good sailing clothing.
Waterproof, breathable, and suitable for all weather conditions depending on the destination. For example, consider Arctic trips.
At sea, it can be both damp and cool or very warm and sunny in any season. Therefore, it’s best to dress in layers (multiple thin layers).
Footwear: waterproof shoes with non-slip soles for onboard, swim shoes for stony beaches or as protection against sea urchins.
- Sun protection.
Sunscreen, a cap, and sunglasses with a strap are not a luxury on a sailing holiday.
- Sailing gloves.
This is to prevent blisters from intensive rope use
- Waterproof bags.
Definitely not unnecessary to keep valuable items (phone, camera) dry, for example, when transporting them in a dinghy to get on and off the boat.
Find a balance between activity and relaxation.
An active sailing holiday doesn’t have to mean you’re working nonstop. It’s the combination of physical effort and relaxation that makes it so appealing. For example, sometimes we dock at a small island for a short volcano hike or dive into the water for a refreshing swim. A good book or a campfire on the beach also provide the necessary moments of rest.
Additionally, good food is an important part of your holiday. Make sure to have a proper breakfast, as it often helps prevent seasickness. Take a trip into town to visit a supermarket, restaurant, or the local market.
Safety above all.
Sailing is fantastic, but personal safety should always come first. Some important tips:
- Wear a life jacket where necessary.
- Let someone on land know the route.
- Check the weather forecast daily, or ask the crew about the expected conditions.
- Inform yourself about the rules onboard or on the water, such as right of way situations, in case you are at the helm yourself.
- As a guest crew member, learn the basic skills so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
An active sailing holiday with Rederij van Linschoten.
An active sailing holiday is a unique way to experience nature, clear your mind, and stay physically active at the same time. With the right preparation, a planned route, and attention to comfort and safety, your sailing trip will be one to never forget. At Rederij van Linschoten, we offer traditional sailing holidays to many different destinations. The Baltic Sea, IJsselmeer, Arctic trips, Southern Europe, or the Wadden Sea? Come journey with us!
Curious about the possibilities? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to help!