How to Plan a Low-Cost Sailing Vacation

Choose a shared solution, with friends or even strangers. Savings on anchorages and food.

di |
low-cost boat holiday

When you think of a sailing vacation, you immediately think of a very expensive option, and one not everyone can afford. That's not true. There are many ways to enjoy sailing, even saving on the cost of a cabin with umbrella and lounge chairs at a beach resort. The key is to make the right decisions, from choosing the boat to the itinerary, from provisioning to mooring.

Choosing the boat

The first decision to make is the type of boat, with or without a skipper. This choice obviously depends on your sailing experience rather than your budget.

  • Bareboat charter: You rent just the boat, without a skipper. A boating license is required, but it's cheaper.
  • Crewed charter: more comfortable, but more expensive. You can reduce costs by sharing the boat with friends or participating in "join crew" vacations.
  • Sharing fleetsPlatforms like Sailogy or Click&Boat allow you to rent single cabins on boats you've already booked (similar to Airbnb at sea).

Plan your destination

 Choosing the right location is very important, as it also allows you to save on mooring fees.
  • The less touristic areas have lower rental and mooring prices.
  • Avoid high season periods: July and August they are more expensive; low season (May, September) offers discounts.
  • Consider coasts with less frequented ports or natural anchorages, which are often free or inexpensive.

Sharing the costs

Nothing is more enjoyable to share than a sailing holiday, even with strangers. Surprises can be very pleasant.
  • Matches with friends or acquaintances: fuel, food and moorings are shared, dramatically lowering the per capita cost.
  • Cabin sharing platforms allow you to pay only for your cabin, without renting the whole boat.

The galley

During your boat holiday it is also important to know organize the galleyYou will bring with you foods of all kinds for dinners and aperitifs with style. But how can you preserve them? sausages, cheese, vegetables e fruit How can you keep them cool and prevent them from spoiling? For cured meats, for example, simply leave them in the shade, in a ventilated area. Keep cheeses covered and cool. Meanwhile, soak fruits and vegetables in water or place them so they're out of the sun and get enough breeze.

Nights at anchor

One of the most popular choices for sailing and boating enthusiasts is spending the night at anchor. Reaching these small coves, protected from wind and rough seas, to drop anchor and enjoy a space:
  • Free
  • Tranquillo
  • Sure
Save the mooring And dreaming of places like this only increases the desire to stay there, at sea. To enjoy a low-cost sailing holiday, without sacrificing anything.

The fuel

 A sailboat is made for sailing. So, as soon as the wind picks up, set the sails and turn off the engines. This is the most authentic and intense charm of a sailing holiday, and it will also allow you to save enormously on one of the most significant costs of these trips: fuel.

Websites for booking low-cost sailing holidays

 The internet is full of websites where you can search, view, and book charter boats. From small sailboats to enormous luxury yachts, the selection is truly vast and there's something for everyone. Simply type your search term into Google and a never-ending list will open before you. To make your job easier, we've selected a few websites that guarantee reliable services at affordable prices. Here are a few.

If the first three allow you to access awide choice of private boats and yachts, the last two can give you moments of peace in a accommodation on board of a vessel.

Read also:

Want to see a selection of our news?

Don't Waste