Top 10 Money-Saving Tips for Your Next Sailing Holiday

When planning an overseas sailing holiday, hidden costs can quickly mount up. However, there are ways to minimise those extra expenses –and even eliminate some entirely – leaving you with more spending money for your trip and maybe even a head start on your deposit for the next getaway. Follow these money-saving tips to make your next sailing holiday more affordable without compromising on the experience.

1. Book Early for the Best Discounts

Most charter companies offer significant early-booking discounts to secure bookings in advance, as this aids their planning and ensures steady business. Many people wait until January to start thinking about summer holidays, but booking now can save you a substantial amount. Many charter companies offer exclusive early-booking discounts on sailing holidays of 10% or more, so it often pays to plan early and keep an eye out for what’s available. You’ll also get a better choice of flights and yachts. Our special partners Sunsail and The Moorings’ early-booking offers are available when booking holiday charters through Prometheus Sailing, along with other, exclusive benefits only available via Prometheus Sailing.

2. Choose Off-Peak Dates

If you can avoid school holidays and peak seasons, you’ll often find great deals and enjoy quieter destinations. For instance, rather than visiting the Caribbean during Christmas and New Year, consider going just before or after the holidays. Alternatively, destinations like Thailand, the Mediterranean, and Greece remain warm in October, making it an ideal late-summer getaway. Off-peak bookings can save you as much as 20%, and you’ll likely have less crowded marinas, beaches, and restaurants too.

3. Avoid Pre-Paying for Fuel

Pre-paying for fuel means paying for a full tank whether you use it all or not. Although it’s convenient to avoid refuelling at the end of your trip, topping up yourself can often save you hundreds of pounds. By paying only for the fuel you use, you can avoid unnecessary costs, making the small effort worthwhile.

4. Reconsider Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance

Confident skippers may want to consider opting for a refundable damage deposit instead of a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). While CDW reduces liability, it can cost £40–£50 per day, which adds up significantly over a longer charter. A damage deposit, while higher upfront (often a few thousand euros), is refundable if the yacht is returned shipshape. This approach could save you a notable sum if you’re confident in your sailing skills.

5. Assess Wi-Fi Needs Beforehand

Wi-Fi on charter yachts can be costly, sometimes even reaching triple digits over long charters. Consider whether you truly need it or if you can rely on mobile data instead. Some providers, like O2, offer free roaming in the EU, while local SIM cards are often available at reasonable prices. Always check with your mobile provider to see if their plan covers your destination, potentially saving you unnecessary Wi-Fi charges.

6. Do It Yourself

Hiring a local, knowledgeable skipper can, in many cases, pay for itself –they’ll have a good understanding of the local area and know the best and most affordable places to moor and eat out. However, if you’re returning to a familiar location, it’s often more cost-effective to do everything yourself and charter a bareboat. Chefs are an optional extra as well. Similarly, self-catering and dining out is far cheaper, especially when combined with free mooring at certain restaurants (which is next on our list).

7. Book Restaurants Offering Free Berthing

Marina fees, especially in high-demand destinations like Spain and Croatia, can cost around £200 per day. A clever way to save on berthing is to dine at restaurants that offer free berths to patrons. You may pay a bit more for your meal, but it’s generally much cheaper than daily marina fees. Make sure to call ahead to confirm your table and berthing spot.

8. Share the Charter Cost with Friends

An obvious but very effective tip: travelling with friends allows you to split the charter cost and share other expenses, such as berthing, fuel, Wi-Fi, and groceries. Additionally, having another sailor on board gives you more opportunities to relax while someone else takes command.

9. Sail Where the Exchange Rate Is Strong

One way to stretch your money further is to visit destinations that offer favourable exchange rates. This will allow you to save money when spending ashore, which can be particularly helpful when dining out, booking day trips, or shopping for food and drink to bring back on board.

10. Book with Prometheus Sailing for Added Value

Booking with Prometheus Sailing comes with unique perks, making it worth considering for your next adventure. Here’s why:

Exclusive Discounts: We can match any advertised discount, and thanks to our partnerships with Sunsail and The Moorings, we may even be able to offer exclusive deals not available elsewhere.

Free or Discounted Yacht Refresher Courses: Depending on the value of your booking, we offer discounted or complimentary sailing refresher courses to help you feel confident before your holiday. Save money on training while preparing for an unforgettable trip.