My husband, Phil, grew up, but even so, I kept renting a yacht for the two of us and heading to the waters of the Caribbean and North Atlantic Ocean.
Yet somehow or other things we not only survived…we thrived.
Like this. After landing in Tortola, the largest British Virgin Islands, we arrived Sun Race The marina and was introduced to us at the 46-foot-long Beneteau sailing yacht Pura Vida. There are three cabins, each with a shower and electric toilet, a spacious saloon with a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, toaster and coffee machine, and air conditioning bonus.
A seven-night “Red Ship” charter in the British Virgin Islands (without crew members), costs £3,492 for two passengers, excluding flights (Sunsail.com/uk).
Phil was impressed by the yacht’s autopilot, electric winches, and especially the swimming platform, which was unfolded by the touch of the button buckle.
After briefings and suggestions on where to go, we left and walked through Sir Francis Drake Channel, via Richard BransonNecker Island and have dinner at the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda, an island named by Christopher Columbus.
Janet McMeekin is worried about renting a yacht with her voyage-crazy husband-but, what shocked her is
This requires picking up a mooring buoy, which is the preferred way for BVI to spend the night – involving me waving the boat hook while the yacht is maneuvering. After the first miss and hovering, it worked.
One of the many highlights of the week was the sailing to Norman Island, an inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, where we got ashore at Pirate’s Bight Restaurant and soon had our espresso martinis.
With it comes a delicious meal-and Willie T’s infamous raucous floating bar stop. We returned to Pura Vida under the pitch-black black sky, with stars shining.
Phil and I admire life on the boat, enjoying a leisurely breakfast every day from the deck, and then hanging sails up to another memorable adventure on these pastoral islands.
As the week progressed, I found myself becoming more confident and often in charge, and every night I spent the next day’s route.
The freedom to be the first companion of the captain and our own destiny is liberating – we come home to feel capable, exciting and rare people to book another sailing holiday.
Here are six other ways to add to a yacht suit…
Greek Odyssey
At the picturesque Vounaki Beach Club in Greece, you can hone your sailing skills, play tennis, ride a bike, join a fitness class, or just relax next to one of its many swimming pools
Do something different before (or after) in the “stay and sail” way before (and after) this Nelson rests.
Spend a week at the picturesque Vounaki Beach Club in Greece, hone your sailing skills, play tennis, ride a bike, join the fitness class, or just relax next to one of the pools.
In the second week, board a yacht and explore the southern Ianian islands. If you feel adventurous, sign up for Sail courses to get ICC assessment, RYA competent personnel, or RYA Day Skipper qualifications.
detail: From June 22, including Gatwick Flightsneilson.co.uk).
Thai Island Jump
Phang-nga Bay exudes vibrant water and dramatic rocky landscape
Thailand is the latest addition to Seafarer Holidays’ extensive portfolio and a sailor who is passionate about exploring further regions with the support of leading vessels and crew. You will sail to Phang Nga Bay to the islands that include Khao Phing Kan (the man in Bond’s man depicted by a kiss gun), and then head south to Phi Phi Island and Ko Lanta.
detail: From 16 April 16 yachts starting at £3,568 for ten nights, sleeping six, excluding flights (seafarersail.co.uk).
Polish Lake District
Masurian lakes are known as the “Polish Lake District” and are located in the northeast of the country and are very suitable for navigation.
Did you know that you can rent a yacht in the Masurian Lake district of Poland?
If you are not keen on sea sailing, undiscovered sailing organizations organize charters in Lake Masuria in northeastern Poland. The company is run by Wojtek and Patrycja Tomala and offers skip and bare boat rentals.
The lakes are well connected by rivers and canals that form an extensive waterway system. Visiting places include Poland’s largest inland sailing port, Sztynort, and Sniardwy, the country’s largest lake.
detail: From £1,600 for the six yacht charters from April 26 to June 27, seven nights, excluding flights (Undiscovered sailing.com).
Scotland’s “Caribbean Sea”
Craobh Haven, Craobh Haven, Scotland has many pristine beaches
The Scottish Yacht Charter, described by owner David Lyle as a “secret Caribbean sailing” and offers rentals for red boats and stripteases on the majestic West Coast.
From the company’s base in Creb Haven near Oberne, sailors can reach countless rugged islands. The beach is pristine and you can swim in the area at any time of the year (weather is recommended).
detail: Seven nights of red boat yacht rental, sleeping from May to August, starting from £2,520 in 37 Bavaria, excluding flights (excluding flights) (scottishyachtcharers.co.uk).
Amalfi Adventure
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a popular travel destination – for good reason the picturesque buildings and ideal weather
If you want to put others under pressure, take a crew catamaran with your own Nautilus Yachting Captain and Steward/Cook and explore Italy’s iconic Amalfi coast. A cottage booking means you enjoy the sailing experience for a small fee.
From Pozzuoli in the north of Naples, sailing in the Amalfi Coast Cabin Charter, Sorrento, Positano, Capri, Ischia and Amalfi have stops. The company also offers yacht charter and fleet holidays at many destinations.
detail: Seven nights planks in the double cabin full planks, not including flights (Nautilusyachting.com).
Learn new skills
At the beginning and end of each sailing season, In2wind sailing revives the yacht along the Mediterranean and combines this low-season service with a sailing holiday.
You can take a bare boat rental based on your experience and (literally) floating on your boat to pick up a bare boat rental, join the boat or simply rent a cabin on a yacht.
Some routes are suitable for experienced sailors. Training can also be provided if you want to learn new skills while traveling.
detail: One person on a low-season yacht costs £800, two shares in April or October cost £1,200, excluding flights (in2windsailing.com).