Sail 2 weeks or more in a row
The feeling you get when you sail on a boat for more than two weeks is unique. Break away from the traditional Saturday-to-Saturday charter routine and embark on a unique week-long voyage, sailing in one direction for three days and returning for another three days. You can also consider chartering a boat for two weeks or more, which allows you to sail at your leisure without having to meticulously plan your daily itinerary. This liberating experience gives you a true sense of freedom as you adapt to the boat’s quirks and characteristics. To learn more about why a 14-day sailing adventure is highly recommended, check out our 10 Reasons to Go on a 14-Day Charter .
Take the mother-in-law on the boat
You may find this situation amusing, and it has its comedic elements. However, it presents a socially complex scenario, especially on a ship. As captain, you are struggling to make a good impression while dealing with high expectations and the occasional critical remark or comment from the mother-in-law. It is certainly a difficult dynamic to manage.
Dive under the boat
For many sailors, a remarkable experience is diving beneath the surface of the boat to observe its underwater appearance and perhaps even perch on the iconic “bomb” shaped keel. It is also an opportunity to observe the schools of fish that tend to congregate around the boat, creating a captivating spectacle.
Getting pulled along the mast
Just as fascinating as the world below the boat, the experience above the boat is equally fascinating. Being hoisted up the mast offers a unique perspective on the boat. From up there, the view is exceptionally picturesque, offering the opportunity to take stunning photos of the bay or even memorable selfies with the sea as a backdrop.
Head in cold waters
Is the Mediterranean your only sailing destination? An experienced sailor should also try sailing in the cold waters of the Baltic. This is a very special adventure, as the conditions are often more difficult and require skillful handling of various situations, unlike on a relaxed holiday in warmer regions. We highly recommend exploring sailing possibilities in exciting destinations such as Scotland, Poland, northern Germany or Sweden.
Night navigation
Night sailing offers a distinct and incomparable experience compared to day sailing. The environment takes on a different perspective, distances seem altered and navigation becomes more complex, requiring increased attention to safety. Even if you are not particularly fond of long night crossings, it is highly recommended to embark on a night voyage. You can choose to sail at night and return to port around midnight, or to depart at night and arrive at your destination in the morning.
Participate in a regatta
Whether you have a competitive spirit or not, taking part in a regatta, a sailing race, is an experience that deserves to be lived at least once in your life. Of course, these are amateur regattas open to all sailors, and not professional races like the Vendée Globe or the Ocean Race. Taking part in a race not only allows you to discover a different style of sailing, but also to inject a dose of adrenaline into your maritime activities. Taking part in a race within a fleet of 30 boats can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding. However, it is essential to ensure that you have experienced sailors on board who know how to perfectly trim the sails, manoeuvre the boat and maintain a precise course. In Croatia, the May regatta, the Easter regatta, the Captain’s regatta and the Champagne Cup are interesting options. Depending on your level of difficulty, you can choose from many regattas.
Crossing national borders
Participating in practical exercises with signal flags and getting acquainted with customs procedures is an invaluable experience that we believe every captain should have. It allows you to better understand the process of crossing borders by a vessel, creating a unique and unforgettable adventure. No one can deprive you of this first-hand knowledge. To prepare yourself for such undertakings, we recommend reading our guide on crossing national borders with a charter boat . And if you don’t know exactly where to go, check out our recommendations – Crossing International Waters on a Charter Boat: 5 Itinerary Tips .
