Whenever we think of sailing, images of hot and sunny days spent lounging on the deck or splashing in warm waters often come to mind. And while those vacations certainly make for wonderful memories, sailing can turn out to be quite enjoyable and adventurous in the winter period as well. Offering lower prices, fewer crowds, unique sceneries, and some of the most unforgettable experiences, winter sailing is truly an incredible option for your next holiday, but before all that, make sure that you check out some of the best sailing chandlery online so that you have all the tools that you need for a great trip.
Here are just some of the wonderful reasons that might convince you to give sailing during the colder months a try:
Ships and ports are less crowded
While you will most likely have an empty ship any time of the year if you opt for yachts or sailboats, cruises and other types of boating trips tend to be significantly less crowded during the colder months. Chances are high you won’t have to queue in restaurants and stress over sun loungers, while also being able to acquire better seats for entertainment shows and other events. Similarly, sightseeing can be a much more enjoyable experience in the winter months as well. As most popular travel destinations tend to get crowded with tourists in the summer, the colder period will give you the opportunity for slower, more pleasurable, and stress-free exploration.
Winter sailing is more affordable
In most coastal destinations around the globe, the summer months are usually the high season, when the prices consequently rise to keep up with demand. However, the winter period often comes with vacancies and slow business, which is why many companies will be happy to offer discounted rates and significantly lower fees. In fact, fares could end up being as low as only a third of the standard summer price during the colder period, thus making winter a perfect time for planning more luxurious, opulent, and costly sailing trips for those who simply wouldn’t have the budget to experience such holidays otherwise.
European scenery is beautiful
As most of Europe experiences a temperate climate, sailing this continent is favorable all year round. The winter period is ideal for choosing luxury crewed yacht charters in Croatia and boating across the Mediterranean. With the ability to create your own sailing schedule on an opulent yacht, fewer tourists crowding up popular destinations, and weather that is still quite mild and pleasant, the colder months are truly the best time to experience the iconic charm of Southern Europe. If you don’t mind the cold, however, even Northern European countries like Norway and Sweden can be breathtaking in winter, offering snow-capped mountains, winding fjords, and the unforgettable beauty of the Northern Lights.
Middle Eastern weather is favorable
In case your preferred sailing itinerary includes more opulent Middle Eastern destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, winter is truly the perfect time for sailing this area as well. Unlike the summer period, when temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F), the period between December and February is more agreeable with those who don’t quite appreciate scorching hot and humid climates. In winter, temperatures tend to be around 25°C (77°F) here, more ambient and pleasant for most tourists. Apart from being great for sailing, such weather is also ideal for sightseeing and exploring these gorgeous destinations, while still allowing you to come back home with a nice tan.
Avoiding the hurricane season
Hurricanes are a major concern among boaters who are planning their sailing trips around the Caribbean islands, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico, and the surrounding regions, with the hurricane season in the Atlantic running from June to November. Even if you manage to avoid hurricanes, the resulting high swells and strong winds could still disrupt a relaxing sailing vacation in this area. Even though unfavorable weather could happen at any time of the year, the lowest chances of storms and hurricanes in this region are in the winter months, while still offering warm and pleasant weather ideal for exploring this laid-back and picturesque part of the Americas.
The Christmas period is magical
If you decide to sail in November or December, you might also be able to do your Christmas shopping on land. This is especially true when it comes to cosmopolitan cities and popular tourist destinations in Europe, where decorations light up entire towns and Christmas markets start selling unique and meaningful gifts, truly allowing you to experience the magic of this time of year. On the other hand, celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve on the sea could also turn out to be quite a memorable experience, from charming boat decorations to delicious Christmas Day meals often prepared at no additional cost.
Although we don’t necessarily associate sailing with the winter period, the colder months evidently do have their perks in terms of exciting boating vacations. From more favorable weather in tropical destinations to winter wonderlands across the northern hemisphere, this period is as magical and incredible as can be.
