Booked your first sailing holiday – and wondering what you've let yourself in for? Relax. A first sailing trip is one of the most rewarding holidays there is, and you need no experience at all to love it. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect on board, from the moment you arrive to daily life at sea, so you can step aboard relaxed and ready to enjoy it.
Arrival day: meeting boat and crew
You'll usually board in the late afternoon on day one. After stowing your bag in your cabin, you meet your skipper and fellow crew, get a safety briefing and a tour of the boat, and often head out for a first dinner together in the harbour. It's a relaxed start – a chance to settle in, learn where everything is, and get to know the people you'll share the week with.
A typical day on board
No two days are the same, but the rhythm is wonderfully simple. A leisurely breakfast at anchor; a morning sail of a few hours to the next bay or island; lunch and a swim in a quiet cove; an afternoon passage; then an evening moored in a harbour town or anchored under the stars. You help as much or as little as you like – hoisting sails, taking the helm, or simply lying on deck with a book. Distances are short, so there's always time to relax.
What life aboard is really like
Yachts are cosier than a hotel but more comfortable than you'd think: a private or shared cabin, a heads (bathroom), a galley (kitchen) and a sociable cockpit where much of the day happens. The crew shares a light-hearted kitty for food and takes turns helping with simple tasks. It's sociable, active and refreshingly unplugged – and if you're new to sailing, our guide to learning to sail shows how much you'll pick up.
Ready to book your first adventure? Browse our sailing trips and find your week.
What to bring – and not bring
Pack light and soft: a soft holdall (not a hard suitcase), soft-soled shoes, sun protection, a light jacket for evenings and a small daypack. Space is limited, so leave the heavy luggage at home. Worried about seasickness? It's usually mild and easily managed – see our tips on avoiding seasickness.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience for my first sailing trip?
No. On a shared trip a professional skipper runs the boat, so complete beginners are welcome and can join in as much or as little as they like.
Where do I sleep on a sailing trip?
In a cabin aboard the yacht – a private double or twin, or a shared cabin on a cabin charter. Each boat also has a bathroom and a shared living area.
What should I pack for a sailing holiday?
A soft bag, soft-soled shoes, sun protection, a light jacket and swimwear. Pack light – storage on board is limited.
Conclusion
A first sailing trip is easy, sociable and unforgettable – you arrive a beginner and leave hooked. Now you know what to expect, all that's left is to go. Ready? Explore our sailing trips.
