The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Your Sailing Holiday

So, you’re thinking of booking your very first sailing holiday. It’s an exciting experience, but all the planning involved can feel a bit overwhelming. From insurance to packing, there’s a lot to consider. But don’t worry – our Ultimate Guide will help you navigate everything you need to plan, pack, and prepare for, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable time on the water.

What Qualifications Do You Need for a Sailing Holiday Abroad?

Sailing qualifications vary worldwide, but most charter companies require an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) and some previous sailing experience. Your experience is usually assessed based on the number of days you’ve spent sailing in similar yachts and environments.

For example, if you plan to sail in tidal areas like Thailand or the UK, experience with anchoring and sailing in tidal conditions is essential for safety. Charter companies typically request a scanned copy of your ICC qualification as part of the pre-departure paperwork.

Recommended Qualifications for Sailing Abroad

ICC Qualification – An internationally recognised competence certificate, required in most European countries. It ranks above Competent Crew but below RYA Day Skipper. Learn more about obtaining an ICC Qualification here.

RYA Day Skipper – If you hold an RYA Day Skipper qualification, you can apply for an ICC without needing an additional assessment. Learn more about obtaining RYA Day Skipper here.

Tip: For the best preparation, we recommend obtaining the RYA Day Skipper qualification, as it equips you with essential sailing knowledge and automatically qualifies you for an ICC. This will make you more confident and relaxed on your holiday, ensuring a more enjoyable experience.

Can You Go on a Sailing Holiday Without an ICC or Day Skipper?

If you only have a Start Yachting or Competent Crew qualification, you cannot convert these into an ICC. In this case, you’ll need to complete an ICC assessment – a one-day evaluation covering essential skills including:

• Man overboard procedures
• Stern-to mooring
• Departing from a pontoon
• Sailing a triangular course (upwind, downwind, and across the wind)

Choosing the Right Sailing Destination Based on Experience Level

Selecting a destination suited to your experience is crucial for a safe and enjoyable holiday. Many charter companies categorise sailing areas into different difficulty levels. It's always a good idea to seek advice before booking, but as a general rule of thumb:

Beginner-friendly: Croatia, Greece, Mediterranean – These areas have calm waters, little to no tide, and minimal navigational hazards.

Advanced: Thailand, UK – Strong tides, unpredictable weather, and complex navigation require significant experience.

If this is your first sailing holiday, we strongly recommend starting in beginner-friendly areas to build confidence before tackling more challenging destinations.

Preparing Your Crew for the Sailing Experience

If you’re the nominated skipper, even with an ICC, it’s a good idea to refresh your skills before your trip. Consider booking a Yacht Refresher Course, which provides:

• Hands-on sailing practice
• Expert advice from instructors
• A chance to meet other sailors preparing for holidays

Additionally, having a second person with sailing experience onboard is beneficial, though they don’t necessarily need an official qualification. Prometheus Sailing’s Youth Sailing Weeks are an excellent way to introduce younger crew members to yachting before the trip.

Planning an Itinerary Before You Set Sail

A well-thought-out itinerary enhances your sailing experience. Key reasons to plan include:

• Confidence in your route before arrival
• Pre-booking berths, restaurants, and activities to avoid last-minute stress
• Maximising your time by knowing the best spots to visit

Many charter companies offer one-week and two-week itinerary suggestions on their websites. Additionally, social media groups and sailing forums provide valuable recommendations.

Tip: Even if you’re not joining a flotilla, researching flotilla itineraries can be helpful. These routes are designed for group sailing, typically covering simpler and more scenic areas with shorter daily sailing distances (2-4 hours per day). However, be mindful of large flotilla groups, as they may fill up berths and restaurants quickly if you haven’t pre-booked.

Ensuring You Have the Right Insurance Coverage

Sailing insurance is a requirement for most charter companies, and many standard travel insurance policies cover recreational sailing. However, be sure to check:

• Offshore distance limits – Exceeding this may void your policy.
• Activity coverage – Ensure it includes any additional activities like paddleboarding or scuba diving.
• Racing coverage – If you plan to participate in a sailing race, verify that your policy includes it.

Tip: Plan your itinerary first, decide on activities, then tailor your insurance policy to match your plans.

Essential Packing List for a Sailing Holiday

Use soft bags instead of hard suitcases for easy storage and to prevent damage to the boat’s interior. It’s also a good idea to pack light as space is limited on a yacht.

Clothing Essentials:

• Lightweight shorts and T-shirts for warm weather
• Sun protection: hats, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
• Light layers for cooler evenings
• Showerproof sailing jacket
• Deck shoes for grip and toe protection

Important Extras:

• First aid kit (including EpiPens and allergy meds)
• UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) (if applicable)
• Waterproof phone case
• Travel adapters for charging electronics

Tip: Create a checklist to avoid forgetting essentials, especially if sailing in remote areas where medical supplies may be hard to access.

Provisioning: Food & Drink Essentials

Most charter boats have fridges, some have freezers, and plenty of dry storage space. While you can stock up at marinas, consider bringing:

• Your favourite tea, coffee, or condiments (brands may be unavailable or more expensive abroad)
• Lightweight dry goods (pasta, rice, snacks)
• Enough bottled water in case of a water maker failure

If sailing in remote areas like the Seychelles or Thailand, provisioning before departure is essential as marina and shop access may be limited.

Letting People Know Your Plans

While not mandatory, sharing your itinerary with your charter company is a recommended safety measure. In the UK, it’s advisable to notify your departure port of your plans and have a passage plan in place.