Sailboat Charter - The Thrill of Sailing!

The Thrill of Sailing | Chartering a Sailboat | Charter Destinations | Sailing Events and Regattas

The Thrill of Sailing

Few other sports or activities combine the qualities of beauty, power and grace as does the sport of sailing. Perhaps the perfect blend of nature, technology and sport, sailing requires a balance between the aerodynamic forces of the sails and the hydrodynamic forces on the hull.

Starting with the earliest wind driven vessels, thousands of years ago, which were little more than logs with crude shapes of cloth, mastery of speed under sail has been one of civilization’s oldest quests. For millennia, speed under sail has meant military power, dominance in trade, or even today, a symbol of technical superiority and national pride.

It has been said that any time two sailing yachts meet at sea, it is a race. For those who sail, whether racing or cruising, there is always a desire to find that last fraction of a knot of speed. There is a satisfaction knowing your sails are perfectly trimmed and your boat is operating at top efficiency.

Imagine the sun on your face, the wind at your back and the sound of the bow wave rushing down the leeward side of the boat as you put the horizon down behind you and head out to the next great destination.

Imagine gliding silently into your favorite secluded anchorage, or fashionable resort harbor, your mast towering over the other yachts as people on motoryachts and the shore look on in awe.

Imagine charging around a racecourse, rail-down, spray in your face, challenging not only the elements but fellow competitors to be first across the finish line.

And imagine arriving at your favorite destination, surrounded in comfort and luxury and knowing that you arrived without consuming any fuel, simply harnessing the natural power of wind and water.

Whether you’d rather be charging through open ocean, spray in your face, or gracefully cruising from one spectacular island getaway to the next, sailing offers a broad range of challenges, pleasures and satisfaction sure to please even the most discriminating person.

Chartering a Sailboat - Bareboat, with Skipper, or Crewed

There are two general types of Sailboat charter - Bareboat and Crewed. A bareboat charter is where you take possession of the boat and sail it yourself, similar to renting a car. You must be an experienced sailor and generally must have a sailing certificate for this type of charter - you plot your course, raise the sails, deal with the vagaries of weather, drop anchor and moor. It's exciting and exhilarating, but responsiblity comes along with it. Click here for further information on Bareboat Chartering, or here for our complete list of Bareboat Sailboats.

If you like the idea of a bareboat charter, but would like help with the sailing, you can normally hire a skipper who will sail the boat for you and provide valuable information about the charter area. Just look for the bareboat you desire, and let us know you would like a skipper and we'll arrange one for you.

Crewed Sailboat Charter. Crewed sailboat chartering combines the service and friendliness of an elegant hotel with the thrill of sailing on a world-class yacht. If you`re looking for a fantastic sail, and want a larger boat (for your family or several friends/couples) you should strongly consider a crewed sailing yacht. There are thousands of great boats for you to choose from - the right boat depends on your choice of destination, size, number of cabins, and level of luxury. The crew, of course, is also perhaps the most important factor in a successful holiday. At boatbookings.com, we know the boats and the crews, and talk with them on a regluar basis. Click here for complete information on chartering a Crewed Yacht. If you'd like to search for the perfect crewed sailing yacht, here is our complete list of crewed sailing yachts.

Sailboat Types - Monohull or Catamaran?

There are two main types of sailing vessels, Monohull (one hull) and Catamaran (two hulls). Both are popular for many reasons and the choice of the "right one " depends on your needs and goals for the charter. Monohulls give you the full feeling of classic sailing, leaning with the wind and cutting through the water. Catamarans tend to offer more comfort and privacy, as they have a large salon and more private areas in the two hulls. Click here for full information on chartering a catamaran. Click here for our list of crewed Sailboats or here for our list of crewed catamarans.

Chartering Destinations

The world is full of fantastic sailboat charter destinations, and there's certainly one to fit your needs. Do you want to sail the classic Caribbean destination of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), hop around the famous islands of Greece, or explore Europe as it once was in Croatia? Or some of the newer and enticing destinations such as Thailand or the Seychelles? To help you find the right destination, you'll need to take into account many factors, including the season, type of shore life you're looking for, and if you have special goals such as performance sailing or viewing marine life. We've put together extensive information on destinations for you to help decide. Or just contact us and we'll recommend the destination(s) that best meet your needs!

Sailing Events and Regattas

If you want to experience the full excitement and culture of sailing - participating in a sailing regatta is highly recommended! You can charter a racing equipped sailboat for many of the key regattas. Alternaively, charter a viewing boat to experience the race up close (and of course hang out afterwards at the many post race parties). In some cases we can also help you become a member of a crew on a larger sailing yacht, if you have a good sailing resume.

Some of the key regattas are the Cowes Week Regatta, the Voiles St Tropez, Phuket Raceweek, and the grandaddy of them all the America's Cup. We can find you some amazing boats for charter in these races, including Swans, Oysters and even classic America's Cup yachts. Click here for a listing of performance sailing yachts.

Boatbookings.com can take care of virtually all your charter needs so that you can truly enjoy the "Thrill of Sailing". Our staff members have been involved in all types of sailing - all over the world - and can provide the expertise you need.

Want to know more? Click on the buttons below to contact us for futher information on Sailboat Chartering or to see our general Charter Articles. Or simply click here if you want to browse through all of our sailboats!