Winter is traditionally the time for laying up your boat and waiting for the spring season but before you bring out the winter-proofing gear take a look at the top 5 winter destinations for boating enthusiasts.
Winter sailing holidays allow you to take advantage of less crowded waters and fantastic off-season deals as well as unique experiences that are simply not the same in the warmer seasons. Our sailing blog has plenty of inspiration on where to go and other great tips to ensure you sail safely during the winter months.
Renowned for their picturesque beauty and calm waters, the Greek Islands are one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world. Unfortunately, experiencing the laid-back Greek lifestyle can seem hard in the summer as sea and harbours alike are often packed with holidaymakers.
Much of Greece remains warm throughout the winter and without the presence of countless tourists one can gain a more authentic experience of Greek culture and hospitality.
Moreover, boat hire in the winter is often dramatically cheaper than in the peak of spring and summer seasons, making a winter trip more economical as well as more relaxed.
Don your horned helmet, sharpen your axe and take a trip aboard an authentic Viking warship from the Danish port of Roskilde, giving a unique glimpse into the lives of one of the greatest sailing nations in history.
These fully crewed boats give sailors from master to novice an opportunity to experience Viking life for a few days aboard one of their iconic warships as well as learning some of the skills that made the Vikings feared and respected throughout Europe.
The trips depart all year round but winter is the ideal time to experience the rugged beauty of the Scandinavian coast and it is guaranteed you will end the voyage feeling like a true Norseman!
For those wishing to get away from our cold damp climes in favour of some winter sun where could be better than a stunning Caribbean island? Winter temperatures can reach as high as 25-29°C, giving you a sunny summer holiday even in mid-December.
As in Greece, the winter season is a great time to escape from the hoards of holidaymakers and take advantage of discounted prices. Many companies operate out of sailing hubs such as Antigua and St. Lucia which both offer crewed and un-crewed boats for hire.
Bay-side bars are the perfect setting to unwind with a cocktail after a day out on the water.
If you’re an experienced sailor in search of adventure, the South Pacific could be an ideal destination. Blast through the waves of the Pacific Ocean to explore the utterly incredible reefs and lagoons dotted throughout the archipelago.
The warm clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving so there’s plenty of scope for exciting encounters with the local marine life. You may even want to take powerboat lessons to explore the waves swiftly.
For those with a taste for luxury, the five star resorts of Bora Bora have been described as some of the most incredible holiday destinations in the world.
Take full advantage of the luscious Australian summer (which conveniently takes place at the same time as our winter), and explore the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands.
The Whitsundays are a group of 74 tropical islands surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef; one of the most famous and beautiful coral reefs in the world. A multitude of ports creates a maritime network between the islands, meaning island hopping could not be easier.
Anchoring off the idyllic Whitehaven Sands (voted one of the world’s best beaches) is enough to make any trip unforgettable. As with any boating excursion, you’ll want to be prepared though and that may mean taking a RYA first aid course so that you don’t put your health at jeopardy whilst enjoying the warm Australian seas.
So, with all these great destinations to choose from why not take advice from this post and discover the thrill of boating this winter?