Out to Sea
Are you dreaming of a sailing vacation but unsure if it's right for you?
The best way is to simply try it out. We provide an overview of how to best plan your first sailing trip 449 for sailing novices and those who want to learn to sail.
A sailing vacation is different from a hotel vacation. But once you've vacationed on a yacht, you'll surely return. However, it's very important to plan the sailing trip in advance and discuss the expectations of each crew member beforehand, so everyone is satisfied. Therefore, a pre-trip crew meeting is recommended, where everyone can share their wishes and expectations. Our experienced staff is happy to assist you in advance with vacation planning or selecting the right destination and suitable sailing yacht for you and your crew. 6f5
First, it's about the question of the desired destination? When to go where?
Pitter Yachtcharter offers you 7 destinations: Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Turkey, Greece, the Netherlands, and the Caribbean, to make your sailing vacation a wonderful experience. Starting in early April, the spring trips begin. In these areas, there is still plenty of tranquility, meaning nothing stands in the way of a relaxing vacation. You can find beautiful quiet bays where you are almost alone on the water. In the konobas, there are still plenty of free spots, and you don't have to "fight" for a lunch or dinner table. But the high season in July and August also has much to offer and is naturally best suited for families with children, as the crystal-clear water invites you to take a dip everywhere. Most children are water rats, aren't they?
On our website, we have developed many route plans for the sailing destinations, so you can get an idea of the diversity and beauty of the sailing areas in advance. Our website offers you a wealth of information for your vacation. All yachts are also described in detail, and there are many yacht photos so you can imagine life on board well.
Of course, we also have a large sales team that is happy to advise you and assist you with planning, whether you want to book by phone/email or online. With our easy-to-use online booking process, you can quickly get closer to your favorite yacht at your desired date, because anticipation of the vacation is known to be the best joy. 60a
Which yacht is right for me?
Once you know which sailing area it will be, it's time to choose the right yacht. Pitter Yachtcharter offers you around 450 well-equipped yachts from various yacht brands. With this selection of sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts, your dream yacht for your yacht vacation is sure to be included. Click through our yacht search and view the different models, where you will find all the important data on equipment and photos, or feel free to get advice from us, we know what matters when choosing a yacht.
Monohull or Catamaran? When do I choose a Monohull? 914
Sailing a yacht is often associated with monohulls - single-hulled boats. Sailing with monohull yachts is also the classic way to sail. A monohull has a different layout than a catamaran. In a monohull, living and life are below deck, while in a catamaran, the pantry (kitchen) is above deck, and only the cabins are below deck. However, monohull yachts come in all sizes, making them well-suited for large groups, and they are significantly cheaper than catamarans.
Should it be a catamaran after all?
The catamarans from Pitter Yachtcharter offer you plenty of space in the outdoor area, lounge, cabins, and bathrooms. On the wide net between the two hulls, you can enjoy sunbathing and relax. Under the covered cockpits, you will find many shaded spots. Catamarans are well-suited for sailing areas with shallower waters or bays due to their lower draft. Families and larger groups of friends particularly appreciate the space and comfort of a catamaran.
Sailing license yes or no?
The next question is, do you already have experience with operating a yacht, does a crew member have a sailing license or experience steering a yacht? Do you also have the required radio certificate? If not, then book a skipper. At Pitter Yachtcharter, every yacht charter can be booked with a skipper. This way, you can enjoy your vacation on board in a relaxed manner. Your skipper will take you to the most beautiful places in the area, provide trip tips, and know almost all the konobas with good food, making your sailing vacation an unforgettably beautiful experience.
But how do I imagine life on board with a skipper?
The skipper lives on board, has certain duties but also rights on board. He is responsible for operating the yacht. More info on this in our Sailing with Skipper news article. Just a heads-up: Our skippers respect your privacy and are familiar and experienced with the area and operating the yacht. Before setting sail, every skipper also conducts a crew and safety briefing for the entire crew, regardless of age or experience, to ensure life on board is pleasant and safe for everyone. More on this in our blog Safety and Crew Briefing by the Skipper.
Do you have sailing experience and a sailing license?
Yes? Then you are the skipper of your crew. More info on this under Bareboat Yachtcharter.
What costs can I expect? Is a sailing vacation affordable?
A sailing vacation is an entirely affordable vacation. It always depends on which yacht you choose, the time of year you sail, and how long you want to be out. Another cost factor is the topic of cooking on board or dining out and whether you spend the night at a buoy or in a marina. For a week-long trip, it is recommended to visit a marina at least once to refill water or use shore power.
How does a sailing trip proceed?
The first day usually consists of arrival and check-in and is spent in the port of the departure harbor, as check-in is actually only at 5:00 PM. We naturally strive to hand over the yachts to the charter guest as early as possible, so you can often board and set sail much earlier. However, this depends on many factors that are not foreseeable in advance, such as repairs on board or, unfortunately, increasingly when yachts are left extraordinarily dirty and littered instead of broom-clean. If you want to board earlier, there is the option of an Early Check-In with check-in starting at 1:00 PM. However, this must be booked in advance, and then the yacht will be given priority treatment if there are no repair works or other issues. Depending on the size of the base, there are only a limited number of Early Check-In options.
For a booking with a skipper, we recommend setting sail on Sunday. Your skipper will first familiarize you with the yacht and the onboard features. In a short briefing, you will learn everything important for life on board, starting with the basics:
- Where are the life jackets located,
- how to turn on the power, lights, heating,
- how to operate the gas stove, etc.
Then it's time for cabin and berth allocation. Afterwards, the first joint trip briefing takes place. Your skipper will sit down with you to discuss where to go in the coming days. According to your ideas and expectations, he will make suggestions on which beautiful bays and harbor towns you can visit, so you can jointly plan individual daily goals and the weekly route. Please note, however, that how the next few days proceed always depends on the wind and weather. Some crews want to spend more time on the water in the bays relaxing, while others want to enjoy more shore excursions and explore the cities and go on sightseeing tours. We have a variety of trip suggestions available for you at our respective destinations for inspiration.
What does a day on board look like? This is a sailing vacation:
Life on board proceeds according to the crew's mood, whether you like it cozy and enjoy sleeping in or are early risers who set off to the next bay before breakfast, anything is possible. In many crews, women and children often still sleep while the men already enjoy the sailing pleasures in the early morning. After waking up on board, there is usually a joint breakfast and coffee. 615
Afterwards, depending on where you have moored the boat, in a bay or a harbor, you can go swimming or stroll around the town, have coffee, or buy provisions. The vacation route consists of individual daily goals, meaning you sail from the respective starting harbor/bay to a destination for safe overnighting. According to the motto "the journey is the destination", you sail through a wonderful landscape and island world, make several swimming stops in bays for sunbathing and swimming, and in the afternoon, head towards a safe harbor/bay for overnighting.
If you have chosen to spend the night in a bay, you can either moor at a buoy or at the dock of a restaurant. In a bay, you can continue swimming and enjoying the sun or take a small hike on land. In the evening, you can either cook on board yourself or (if available in the bay) dine in a konoba. In some bays, you can only get the buoy in combination with a table reservation, in other bays without. Therefore, it is always important to clarify in advance whether you want to cook on board or prefer to dine comfortably in a konoba.
But don't forget to make a reservation, the island hosts have very good food, but unfortunately often not very many tables.
It is advisable to make the trip varied so that everyone is satisfied. Sometimes a secluded bay, sometimes a small harbor town or lively city, a good mix with different destinations makes your sailing vacation even more diverse. Have you got the urge to sail and want to learn more about life on board? Feel free to read our blogs: "A Day on Board a Sailing Yacht", "My First Time Sailing", and "Using Resources on Board Correctly".
- A Day on Board a Sailing Yacht, My First Time Sailing: A customer shares her sailing trip experience.
- Using Resources on Board Correctly: Here you will find useful tips before your trip, e.g., How do I pack my travel bag correctly?, What shoes do I take with me? Shore excursions – what to consider? Are you a glasses wearer - what to consider? As well as the correct use of resources on board such as onboard power, refrigerator, which devices can stay at home, fresh water on board, proper use of the onboard toilet.
We wish you successful vacation planning and look forward to welcoming you soon at one of our bases.
