Myths about sailing: Debunking common misconceptions

Here are some of the most common misconceptions about boating that frequently circulate. So, what are the popular myths about yachting?

When you think of a cruise, luxury, billionaires, James Bond, and hefty price tags might come to mind. While luxury crewed superyachts are available, a regular charter boat rental isn't any more expensive than a typical hotel vacation. Although the overall cost of a charter might seem high, dividing it among passengers makes a boat vacation affordable for most people. For a detailed comparison, you can read more about the costs of a week on a yacht and check out the options for those who prefer luxury yacht charters and all-inclusive holidays at sea.

One of the biggest worries for first-time sailors is seasickness, but this fear is often unnecessary. In reality, most people don’t get sick on the boat. Boat holidays usually involve sailing between islands where the waters are calm, so there’s little to rock the boat. Interestingly, children, whose parents are often the most concerned, typically handle the journey very well. For peace of mind, you can always read our article on how to cope with seasickness for helpful tips.

Does the idea of a hired captain make you think of a grumpy old man with an unshaven beard and strange mannerisms? Let us dispel that myth. Our skippers are professional, communicative, and always learning. They are generally calm and ensure you feel completely safe on the boat. Often, new friendships are formed during the voyage. 

Many parents worry about taking small children on a boat, but there's no real reason for concern. Children often love the experience and enjoy the voyage to the fullest. With proper safety precautions, such as child nets and life jackets, the risk of injury is minimal. For more information, read our article on child-safe boating or check out our 4 essential tips for smooth sailing with kids.

While a boat isn't as spacious as a large villa (unless you rent a super luxury yacht), it doesn't feel cramped either. Space is more limited, so it's important to pack wisely, preferably using a sports bag for your luggage. Regular sailing boats come with a fully equipped galley, cabins with bathrooms, and a living room (saloon). When the weather is nice, everyone typically spends the whole day outside on the deck. So, there's no need to worry about feeling claustrophobic or getting cabin fever.

The beauty of sailing is that you can choose your level of involvement. If you're an adventurer and sports enthusiast, the skipper can teach you how to steer, pull ropes, and tie up the boat. However, if you prefer to relax and unwind, you can simply enjoy a peaceful stay on board without any physical exertion.

Think again! There are stunning exotic destinations that are most beautiful in winter. You can explore the gorgeous beaches of the Caribbean, Thailand, the Seychelles, or even Malaysia, all while it's cold in Europe.

No need to leave your four-legged friend at home when planning a boat holiday. With prior arrangement with the charter company, you can bring your dog on board. In fact, many dogs enjoy the voyage and love playing in the water.

Modern sailing boats are among the safest means of transport in the world. Their keels (centre of gravity) provide excellent stability, making them virtually impossible to turn over. Forget the disaster movies where boats capsize in storms — such scenarios are extremely rare and not something you'll encounter on a holiday in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean outside of hurricane season.

Yachting.com's sales and customer service team will guide you through the entire process of selection, booking, payment, and boarding, step by step. Chartering a boat with us is really a breeze. See for yourself and start by selecting your boat in our search portal.

While it might be a holiday, the boat charter industry operates differently from traditional summer getaways. Last-minute deals do pop up occasionally at the beginning and during the season, but they are not always the cheapest. Based on our experience, we recommend booking a boat well in advance, preferably with our Earl Bird deals, when discounts can be substantial, often reaching into the tens of percentages.