For those lucky enough to own the finest catamarans and multihulls, there’s no such thing as a bad time to go on holiday.
No matter what the season or the weather conditions at home, there’s a picturesque corner of the world where the sun is shining and the beaches are waiting.
So, if you’re ready for the next big sailing adventure, why not try somewhere new? There are scores of great destinations out there, with something to suit every kind of blue water explorer. From the Caribbean to the Seychelles, New Zealand to the Baltic, it’s time to take your pick.
This guide to the world’s best sailing destinations will give you some inspiration and help you plan your next trip.
The Grenadines are a remarkable chain of islands in the West Indies, to the South of the Caribbean. There are a whopping 32 individual islands in total, so this is the ideal sailing spot for those who’d like to sunbathe and swim off the coast of their own private lagoon.
The surprisingly peaceful port of Catalina Island is just outside of Los Angeles, but it feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The area is filled with interesting features such as sunken ships, hidden coves, and even a downed plane which you can see on scuba diving trips.
Croatia is right at the centre of a tourist explosion. While it was once quite a sleepy place, the number of visitors is on the rise and it’s incredible lakes, coastlines, and historical towns are no longer a secret. Fortunately, you’ll find the waters around islands like Hvar, Kornati, and Elfati to be quiet and relaxing.
For many sailors, the Galapagos are a lifelong dream. They are the most biologically diverse place on the planet and their wildlife inspired much of Darwin’s work. While they can take a while to get to, depending on where you are in the world, the spectacular wildlife makes this a more than worthwhile trip.
For golden sands, exotic marine life, and lush vegetation, there’s nowhere better than French Polynesia. It is made up of five groups of islands, with Tahiti and Bora Bora being the most well-known. If you head to this part of the world, you’ll have 770 miles of coastline to explore, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Rhode Island is known as one of the world’s best yachting destinations. In fact, it is commonly called the ‘Sailing Capital of the World.’ So, if you’re fascinated by the history, culture, and heritage of boating, this is the ideal location. It was host to the America Cup for half a century.
You’ll find Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, close to Tanzania. The region offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets found anywhere on the planet. Plus, the waters are always warm, even in the winter. Snorkelling, diving, and open water swimming fans will adore Zanzibar.
The Whitsundays region of Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which should be enough to tempt you into a visit. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, after all. With colourful fish, incredible coral gardens, and an abundance of spectacular diving opportunities, every day you spend here will be extraordinary.
If you ask a veteran sailor about their first big voyage, they’ll likely get a wistful look in their eye and delight in regaling you with the tale. Everybody remembers the first time they took their boat out for a real adventure, and truly realised that the world is for the taking when there’s nothing between you but the open seas. So, dream big, make ambitious plans and use your sailing vessel as a ticket to unrestricted travel.
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