Why you should go sailing on your next holiday
Published October 29, 2017
Updated February 10, 2025
Three good reasons why you should go sailing on your next holiday
Imagine the scene. You're lounging on board a beautiful yacht with your friends, a refreshing drink in your hand, listening to the sound of the waves lapping alongside as you sail serenely into yet another stunning cove.
You stop for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming before mooring up for the night in a picturesque little harbour to enjoy a delicious meal in a local taverna.
Sounds lovely you say, but I can't sail, and won't it be terribly expensive?
Well, actually, you may be pleasantly surprised to know that a sailing holiday is no more expensive than renting a villa or staying in a hotel. And you don't even need to be a qualified sailor.
Nowadays, a sailing holiday is accessible to everyone, of all abilities and budgets, and will open up a wonderful new world to you.
If you're hesitant about dipping your toe into the world of yacht charters for the first time, read on to discover why it's time to take the plunge.



The world at your feet
Sailing opens up the world.
Whether you choose to take a summer holiday at one of the perennially popular Mediterranean hotspots such as Croatia or Greece, or have a winter break further afield in the Caribbean or Thailand, you will get to see your destination from a unique and unrivalled perspective and experience an unrivalled sense of freedom.
When you book a sailing holiday with HELM, you get to call the shots and can choose to do as much or as little as you want. You may wish to take it easy and spend your day topping up your tan while cruising gently down the coast, with a break for lunch and siesta and then onto your overnight destination.
If you're a water sports fan, you can try some diving, water skiing or snorkelling. Or stop off at a local town to go hiking, shop in a local market or visit some ancient ruins or beautiful village.
At night, once moored up in port, you're free to dine on board or soak up the atmosphere in town - eating at a local restaurant or checking out the nightlife.
The choice is yours.



No sailing experience required
Our sailing holidays are suitable for all abilities. If you are a qualified skipper, we can organise a fully equipped yacht at the destination of your choice. If you have limited or no sailing skills, we can arrange a professional captain for you.
The skipper will sleep on board and be fully responsible for sailing the yacht, leaving you to relax and enjoy the ride. We always choose skippers with good local knowledge, and they will be able to make recommendations on where to go and what to see. Think of them as your personal guide!
With this type of skippered yacht charter you will self-cater; buying provisions from local shops and markets along the way. This is a very popular option, particularly for families. It gives you the flexibility to cook on board, or go out for meals whenever you want.
We can also arrange for a hostess to help keep your yacht clean, prepare drinks, snacks, breakfast and lunch, and help with the shopping, too.
If you are after total luxury, then consider a fully crewed charter; akin to a 5 star hotel, but with a different view every day!
Your yacht will come equipped with an amazing selection of facilities and equipment, and the crew will be on hand to cater to your every whim.
Your chef will prepare gourmet meals, and the crew can assist you with reservations at the best onshore restaurants.



Sailing is cool!
We may be (slightly!) biased, but sailing really is the coolest holiday you can have. There's a reason we choose to do this for a living!
Feeling the wind in your hair as you glide across the sea, diving into clear blue water, or just lying back and soaking up the sun - all absolutely wonderful.
Nothing beats sipping sundowners on deck in a quiet anchorage, or simply people-watching as the world hurries past. A holiday in a villa or hotel just pales in comparison.
So, whether you choose to go with family or a group of friends, we can guarantee that your first sailing holiday will not be your last!
Create your perfect sailing holiday here
For more advice, email us at [email protected] or phone (+44) 020 7632 7567.
Need some help?
If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide.
We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.