Tips for your first sailing vacation

The most important tip for your first sailing vacation: preparation!

With the right preparation and an open mind, your first sailing vacation will be an experience you’ll never forget!

Use the following tips to get your maritime adventure off to a relaxed and safe start!

Choose the right area for beginners

Not every sailing area is suitable for beginners. Calm waters, clear coastlines and reliable weather conditions are ideal.

Recommended areas for your first sailing trip

Croatia (Dalmatian coast): short distances, many harbors, sheltered bays
Ionian Sea (Greece): mostly calm sea, picturesque islands
Balearic Islands (e.g.Mallorca): varied, good infrastructure

Choosing the right sailing boat or catamaran

The choice between a classic sailing boat and a catamaran depends heavily on personal preferences and requirements in terms of comfort, stability and privacy. For those who value a traditional sailing experience, a monohull – a single-hulled sailing boat – is often the first choice. These offer a more direct sailing experience, lie lower in the water and are particularly suitable for sporty, ambitious sailors.

A catamaran, on the other hand, scores with significantly more space, a calmer sea state and greater stability – ideal for families or groups who value comfort and privacy. The two hulls ensure a smoother ride, even in stronger waves, and offer more separate cabins with their own access, which makes staying on board more pleasant, especially on longer trips.

In addition to the boat itself, however, choosing the right charter company is also crucial. A reputable provider will not only help you choose the right type of boat, but will also take the time to provide personal advice – tailored to the area, experience and individual wishes. The technical condition of the fleet is just as important: well-maintained boats, regular inspections and the latest safety standards are a must for a carefree cruise.

Here it is worth relying on providers that are part of trustworthy networks such as the Nautic Alliance are part of. The members of Nautic Alliance are committed to the highest quality and safety standards and guarantee transparent communication – from booking to returning the boat.

If you book here, you can be sure: The adventure doesn’t just start on the water, it starts with choosing the right partner.

Choose between a skippered cruise or self-charter

Without a sailing license, a trip with a professional skipper is ideal. You learn a lot, but you can also relax. If you already know how to sail, are a skipper yourself and can organize a Crew, you can also charter a boat yourself – but this involves responsibility.

Tip: Active participation (e.g. when mooring) is also welcome with a skipper!

Pack smart – less is more!

Space on board is limited. Only take the essentials with you and use soft travel bags instead of hard-shell suitcases!

Important packing tips:

Functional clothing in layers
Non-slip shoes with light-colored soles
Sunglasses, sun cream (SPF 30+)
Wind & rain protection
First-aid kit & personal medication
Waterproof bags for valuables

Tip: Read our article with more tips on packing for your sailing vacation – or download our sailing packing list.

Prepare for sun, wind and waves

Sun protection and seaworthiness are essential!

Our recommendations:

Wear a cap or hat
Drink plenty of water regularly
Eat light, salty snacks – this helps against nausea
Take travel tablets for seasickness with you (e.g. with dimenhydrinate)

Be a team player and open-minded

Sailing is a communal experience. Consideration, communication and good humor are crucial for a harmonious life on board.

Behavior on board:

Respect sleeping and privacy zones
Lend a hand – with cooking, washing up or putting on and taking off clothes
Listen to the skipper – safety comes first and he bears full responsibility

Familiarize yourself with the basics in advance

You don’t have to be a professional, but knowing a few terms and basic maneuvers will make it easier for you to get started.

Useful terms:

Starboard = right, port = left
Bow = front, stern = rear
Fender = protective cushion on the outside of the boat
Sheet = line for adjusting the sail

Crew briefing by the skipper

The skipper instructs his Crew before the first departure – in safety measures, equipment of the yacht, etc. In a separate article, we have summarized what else is important when briefing a sailing crew.

Trip planning: realistic and flexible

When planning a sailing vacation, the trip depends on the weather. Be open to spontaneous changes and enjoy the moment!

Tip: Fewer ports, more relaxation! It’s better to have one more nice swim stop than a rushed schedule.

Safety first – always!

Even when the sun is shining, safety routines should not be forgotten. This also includes clear arrangements for maneuvers and checking the first aid kit.

More tips for your first sailing vacation

We look forward to welcoming you on board soon!

With the wind in your hair, the sun on your face and a smile on your face when you set off.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about your first sailing vacation

About the Nautic Alliance

As a first-time sailor, you should pack functional clothing in an onion look, non-slip shoes with light-colored soles, sun and rain protection, a small first-aid kit and personal documents. A soft travel bag is more practical than a suitcase.

No. Many beginners start with a trip where an experienced skipper takes responsibility. This allows you to gain your first sailing experience without a license.

Calm and well-protected areas such as Croatia (Dalmatian coast), the Ionian Sea in Greece or Mallorca are suitable for beginners. These offer short distances, many harbors and usually stable weather.

Travel tablets, acupressure bands, fresh air, a view of the horizon and salty snacks help to combat seasickness. Important: eat lightly and drink enough before the trip.

A day on board often begins with a relaxed breakfast in the harbor or in a bay, followed by sailing – depending on the weather, route and wishes of Crew. Discuss with the skipper whether you would prefer swimming stops, culture or extended sailing trips! Everyone helps out – teamwork is important on board.

The internationally used term “skipper” is derived from the Low German word “Schipper”, originally “Schiphere”, which means “ship’s master” in Modern High German. However, a skipper, as the person in charge of the boat, is responsible under civil and criminal law for the safety of the boat and crew while underway.

In order to work as a skipper, the appropriate qualifications are required – depending on the area and type of boat, these include a sailing license or appropriate radio certificates, for example. In principle, anyone on board who has the necessary certificates can take on this role – provided that all crew members agree.

With chartered boats, the skipper is often provided by the local provider and usually comes from the respective sailing area. This means they know their way around and can give helpful tips on route planning or shore excursions. They know the most beautiful beaches and sights, so holidaymakers can discover real insider tips with a personal guide at their side.

Normally, yachts are always chartered from Saturday to Saturday. Pitter Yachtcharter offers flexible charter periods on some bases in Croatia – such as Wednesday-Wednesday charters, 10-day charters or short charters.

The crew fund (also known as the on-board fund) is a communal pool of money that is used on sailing trips to cover all ongoing expenses during the trip. This includes food, drinks, harbor and mooring fees, fuel and other variable costs that arise during the course of the trip. The cash box is usually filled by all crew members at the beginning of the trip. A designated crew member is responsible for managing the on-board cash box and carefully documents all expenses.

The skipper is also provided with meals from the on-board cash box – their catering costs are therefore borne jointly by Crew.

There are now practical mobile apps that are ideal for use as digital crew funds. In these applications, each crew member can enter which expenses they have covered for the group. This keeps track of who has paid how much at all times – and you can largely get by without cash. This makes accounting at the end of the trip much easier and clearer.

You can book the sailing boats and catamarans from the Nautic Alliance fleet at our booking center, Pitter Yachtcharter. You can find all available yachts on the booking website – but our staff will also be happy to advise you by phone!

Sailing is very safe if all safety rules are observed. All boats in the Nautic Alliance fleet are up to date in terms of safety technology and are regularly checked and carefully maintained. The boats are equipped with all the necessary safety precautions to ensure your safety.

Skippers that you book through us are experienced and well trained. During the crew briefing by the skipper at the start of the sailing trip, you will be informed about all the safety rules – and also where to find fire extinguishers, life jackets, lifebuoys, first aid kits, etc.

Croatia Coast Cup