Imagine feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin as the sea breeze blows through your hair. Picture being surrounded by the glistening turquoise waters as the sound of the sea laps around you. There you are aboard a yacht watching a glowing sunset as you sip on the finest local wine from your departing destination.
Sound inviting? Well thanks to OnSail Booking you can live out this dream and you don’t even have to own a superyacht in order to sail around the stunning shores of the Atlantic or the glistening waters of the Mediterranean. This world leading charter agency enables you to rent a boat and enjoy an experience of a lifetime. With catamarans, sailboats, motorboats and gulets, OnSail Booking gives you the opportunity to discover the most renowned destinations and hidden coves from a selection of boats.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice wanting to gain experience, we’ve teamed up with the professionals as they offer their advice on all the sailing essentials for your European sailing adventure.
Choosing your destination
One of the most exciting factors when choosing your sailing holiday has to be choosing your destination, which is made all the more exciting knowing that you can explore various different locations from the comfort of your own home and at your desired pace.
OnSail Booking offers rentals closer to home or on more faraway waters, from the stunning shores of Croatia, the tropical Islands of the Caribbean or the dazzling backdrop of the French Riviera.
Choose a boat that suits you
Choosing your boat need not be overwhelming. While the style of the boat is, no doubt, the element that draws you in, be sure to choose one with the best service and crew. Ensure your skippers are experienced enough for all weather conditions to suit your destination and, of course, that the service providers adhere to the national standards of the maritime sector.
Be it a large party on a catamaran, or the full experience on an old school sailboat or the luxury of a yacht – there’s something on offer for everyone in every location.
Packing
Being at sea means you’ll spend most of your days in a bathing suit, topping up your sun lotion, but don’t forget to pack a sun hat and sunglasses too so that you can protect yourself from the harsh UV rays. With safety in mind, be sure to pack rubber soled flip flops to protect you from sliding on the deck as well as a personal first aid kit.
Of course, when it comes to stepping off the boat into the nearest harbour, you’ll have to consider packing a selection of suitable outfits for evening dinners on land and those to explore your stops, depending on your location. As well as the fun parts of packing, do be sure to pack a wind-proof jacket and sun protective clothing as the sun at sea can be deceiving.
The important stuff
It should go without saying that you will need to take all relevant travel documents on board with you including your passport, driving licence and money. Be sure to take enough cash for the duration of your trip in the currencies of the countries you will be visiting, if different and your card in case you need a little extra.
Entertainment
While viewing the sunset from the deck is pretty spectacular entertainment, evenings can be cooler so you may wish to download your favourite box set or take a selection of books to read. Remember you are on a boat and WiFi isn’t always provided or easy to access. Consider using the time to embrace nature – put down your phone and soak up the peace and tranquility around you – remember you are on holiday so relax!
Eating
While most ports are likely to have a supermarket nearby, we’re sure you’re keen to go and explore local eateries to soak up the atmosphere and delve into some regional specialities. If you know exactly where you’ll be stopping in advance it is worth doing some research on some highly rated restaurants in the area so you don’t have to spend time trying to find somewhere suitable when you arrive. It’s also worth stocking up on the basics before you set sail to ensure that you always have the ideal snack or drink to hand. From water and food to the finer wines and spirits, sailing the Med can be the trip of a lifetime if planned correctly.
