For many of us, a sailing holiday is the absolute dream: cruising through the ocean with the wind in our hair, sailing from port to port to discover new and exciting places everyday, sleeping under the stars… There is a level of freedom attached to a sailing holiday that simply cannot compare to other types of holidays. What better way to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life than with your own vessel that can take you to any destination of your choice?
If you are lucky enough to be in the process of planning a sailing holiday or you’re thinking about going on one in the future, we are here to help you plan the perfect sailing trip. While they do require a fair bit of organisation, it doesn’t have to be as stressful as it may at first seem. With our top tips below, you should have your dream trip planned in no time!
Plot the perfect itinerary
One of the most exciting parts of planning a sailing trip is undoubtedly deciding where to go and plotting the perfect itinerary. Whether you fancy cruising down the Meditterranean coast or relaxing in the Carribean, your options are endless – and the beauty of a sailing trip is that you can tailor it specifically to where you want to go.
Remember to take into consideration the number of islands or places you want to visit as well as the distances between them. In addition, you should take the length of passage, availability of daylight hours, tidal streams and heights and any potential hazards into account. If you are the skipper, it is important that you familiarise yourself with the route well in advance and get the nautical charts for the relevant area.
Research the areas you are visiting
It’s always a good idea to do some research on the areas you plan to visit beforehand. Look up things to do in the area including activities and sightseeing, to make sure that you get the most out of your visit. If you are planning on trying the delicious food while you travel, look up the best restaurants or recommended dishes to try. After all, you can’t go to Spain without tucking into some paella!
Having a loose idea of things you want to do in each place will make it easier when you get there. Plus, you don’t have to commit to anything – if you visit a place and decide you want to stay longer, or you make a last minute decision to stop off somewhere new, you have the freedom to do so.
Make sure your boat is ready to go
Before you embark on your sailing trip, it is essential that you check that your boat is in top condition and suitable for sailing. You should always check over your boat before setting sail and carry out any necessary maintenance or repairs to ensure that it is safe and reliable. Your boat maintenance checklist should include inspecting the engine(s), the boat’s hull and topsides, electrical systems, plumbing and HVAC systems, moving parts (such as tracks, hinges and zippers), and the canvas and upholstery. It pays to invest in annual boat maintenance to ensure that your boat is always in good condition.
In addition to this, it is essential that you make sure that all of the boat permits and licenses are up to date before you set off on your trip.
Pack everything you need
If you’re a seasoned sailor, you’ll be aware of everything that you need to pack. But, if this is your first time embarking on a big sailing trip, you may be wondering exactly what to pack. Remember, this isn’t like a normal holiday! To make sure that you’ve got everything you need for the sailing trip of a lifetime, we’ve put together a list of what to pack.
Clothing
It’s always wise to pack lightweight items of clothing for a sailing trip. Opt for quick drying tops and lightweight fabrics. You’ll need t-shirts, shorts, trousers, a lightweight jumper (for the cooler evenings), a hat to protect your head from the sun, a lightweight raincoat, bathing suits, pyjamas and underwear. Remember to pack any additional clothing that you want to wear in the places you visit too – for example, outfits to dine out in. Don’t forget to pack some deck shoes, too!
Toiletries
To ensure that your skin is protected while at sea, it is important that you pack lots of suncream. You should pack all of the toiletries that you normally use in a day: deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, skin care products, makeup, a hair brush, eye contact solution and lip balm. Remember to pack any medication you need, too.
General items
You’re going to be living on the boat while you are away, so remember to pack items that you use day-to-day, such as bin bags, wipes, oil, clingfilm, laundry detergent, tea and coffee, snacks, phone chargers, reading glasses, books, games and any other everyday items.
Sailing related items
Finally, you’re going to need all of the appropriate sailing-related items. This will include sailing guides and maps, sailing documents, rope, bungies, a swiss army knife, swim goggles, snorkelling gear, sailing gloves, a flashlight and a headlamp (just to name the basics!)
Organise boat shipping
Of course, you’re going to need to get your boat to the starting port of your choice, and it’s imperative that you choose a reliable company to transport your boat safely and efficiently. Your boat is likely one of your most prized possessions, so you need to be able to trust the company you choose to move it. Always read customer testimonials when searching for a reliable heavy haulage company to ensure that they have a good track record with previous customers. You should also check that the company transports boats of the same size and type as your boat and has plenty of experience.
SG Haulage Ltd: vehicle transport specialists for abnormal load haulage
Here at SG Haulage Ltd, we have 25 years of experience in moving boats – from sleek speedboats to large ocean going yachts. Our team are all highly trained and qualified to transport your boat with the highest levels of care, diligence and patience. When you choose us to transport your boat from Lincoln, Nottingham or Grantham, you can rest assured that your boat will be moved safely and efficiently – whether the destination is in the UK or Europe.
We have all sizes of transporter to haul your boat to your chosen destination. We understand that planning a sailing holiday can be challenging and stressful, but when you choose us, you can rest assured that your boat will be waiting for you in the water at your destination. This eliminates some of your stress and means that you can focus on planning other aspects of your trip without the worry of getting your boat there and back.
For more information about our abnormal load services in the UK, including vessels, containers and cabins to plant and farm machinery, visit our website today. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us to discuss your transportation requirements.
