Activities in the fresh air are necessary for people constantly surrounded by technology and the fast-paced, modern world, to be able to find their inner peace and engage in physical activity.
Few sports and activities are as paired with nature as sailing. Historically, sailing ships were the ones on which explorers of ancient Europe set out on a journey around the world in search of new continents and peoples. These sailboats, like the ones we have today, functioned on a very simple principle - pair the sails with the wind and you can go wherever you want. The East India Company, the pirates and the Navy - they all used their knowledge and skills to get the best out of their ships - and most importantly, embarked on sailing adventures that remained recorded in books.
Although the world has changed greatly since the 15th - 16th century, some things have not. Ok, sailboats got engines that sailors use when there is no wind, but still, the principle remained the same. It is interesting how we have had the opportunity to read some of the most fascinating life stories of people of the 21st century and related to sailing. There are singles, couples, and even whole families who have decided to sell absolutely everything they have, soak up a sailboat and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Can it get any better?
And for athletes? Sailing is an international, Olympic-recognized sport that takes place in several different disciplines. But also, various amateurs are engaged in sailing both recreationally and competitively. Even those who sail for the first time fall in love with the sailing adventure very quickly. It can't be a coincidence.
Developing New Skills
Although sailing used to be reserved for pirates, super rich high-class people and adrenaline junkies, today the situation has changed. Many choose sailing as a special type of vacation, some choose it for team building, and athletes use it to develop new skills and engage in a sporting activity that falls under “extreme sports”.
It is especially interesting how people eager for adventure very quickly become addicted to sailing. Why? Well, because the modern world has made possible those things that until recently were impossible for the average person - travel, exploring new cultures, languages, history, but also different cuisines. And sailing activities allow all these things for everybody.
Although it is unnecessary for those eager for sailing adventure to state all the advantages that sailing brings, we are still obliged to introduce you to some that you may not have known about.
Become a Master of Your Time
One of the best things about sailing, unlike some organized forms of recreation, is that you are absolutely the master of your time. No one will tell you that you have to be here and there then and then. If you want to relax, swim, dive or climb, find a suitable destination and do it.
If you want to explore different locations, nature, forests and bays, do it. Chilling or HC sailing, it’s all up to you. That is why we always recommend that you make a route you plan to go before your sailing adventure, which includes all the destinations or activities you want to see or try. If you are not still sure where you want to go, use our Route Planner to help you in your planning. In any case, manage your time and do not depend on any guides, tours or operators. And over the course of a week or two, you will visit as many locations as you would in a few years of your vacation.
Feel the Energy
Every athlete during his activity feels bursts of adrenaline, excitement and satisfaction with the sport he plays. And a sailing adventure provides absolutely all of the above.
Whether you are sailing as an amateur or a sailing enthusiast, the energy you will feel during your sailing is indescribable.
The power and speed that your boat achieves with the collision of wind and sails, the feeling of sea particles on your body, the wind in your hair, the speed that you achieve with the effort of the whole crew make an unforgettable experience of your vacation.
You don’t necessarily have to be an athlete or adventurous spirit to enjoy sailing - even if you’re the type of person who likes to sail lightly, chill and just relax during your vacation, it will also meet your needs. And the energy you will be charged with is simply indescribable!
Experience and Try Additional Activities
Although the emphasis during sailing is on sailing itself, during your holiday you have the opportunity to try out a number of activities that are not necessarily related to the sea. Why? Well, because sailing allows you to visit various locations in a very short period of time that offer much more in terms of different activities.
Swimming, diving and kayaking - these are all activities that the average person knows and can do during a vacation at sea. However, you can develop your skills within each of these activities on several levels more. Although familiar with diving from an early age, few people fall in love with this activity only when they really get to know it through a special course or through lessons from an instructor.
But as we have already said, many destinations offer much more. For example, if you go on a sailing adventure with your family and children, you must always make sure that your children spend quality and active time. Especially nowadays when they are fascinated by mobile technologies and forget about all the wonderful things that nature has to offer. And they will gain special skills while sailing, but also a sense of responsibility as each crew member must contribute.
Numerous sea destinations, for example in Croatia, offer special activities for children. Apart from those where they will develop skills, there are also those that serve for fun. For example, aqua parks. They are the perfect way to entertain the whole family in the hot summer months. And in such activities, a person is easily filled with energy.
And those who are great adventurers and really like to walk, explore new areas and try new things? And for them, there are numerous activities that we have not listed before. Zip line, walking and hiking, skydiving, wingsuit, or paragliding - these are all activities that a person eager for adventure can try.
The sea and the land simply live in maximum harmony. When you want solitude, go to a quiet bay, anchor and enjoy the silence. When you are eager to explore new destinations, walk and cycle, go ashore and hit one big walking tour that will please your needs. You can always rent bikes that will allow you to explore a larger island in a very short time and enter areas you could never go to, by car or bus.
And you can always experience the world from a bird’s perspective as well. Numerous adrenaline activities allow you to do just that. The beautiful images you can see every day from your sailboat and land are incomparable to fulfilling your dreams of flying and the possibility of seeing the beautiful landscapes of the sea, islands and nature from a height.
For example, the zip line is perhaps the activity that really offers a combination of experiences - from walking in nature to get to one of the zip lines, through a combination of a healthy dose of adrenaline that a person feels and the feeling of flying, to a beautiful view of nature and landscapes.
Numerous destinations offer such and similar activities, so be smart and book your sailing adventure, plan your route on time and explore the areas you want to go to well.
Sailing for Adventurers and Sport Enthusiasts - Tips & Tricks from Experienced Sailors
No matter how eager you are for adventure or sports activities, you need to prepare on time and correctly for your upcoming trip. Experienced sailors have singled out some things that you need to pay attention to before going on a sailing adventure.
Make the Most of Your Time - Plan Your Route in Advance!
Although this rule applies to absolutely every person who goes sailing, there is a special emphasis on all those who are eager for adventure and specific activities. Choosing a route is of great importance as each destination offers for itself certain activities that some others may not offer. Even when you have a skipper with whom you can roughly arrange a route before sailing with the help of his advice, it is still always recommended that you research the range of activities you can try in advance.
For example, if you want peace and quiet, you can always go to a remote bay and enjoy simple activities such as swimming, diving and exploring the surrounding area. If you are looking for adrenaline, hiking or biking, you will need to find a destination on land that offers everything you need at the moment. When sailing, it is a fantastic fact that you are the absolute ruler of your own time, and you can change the route depending on what you or your crew wants at a given time. We have developed a simple but useful tool, Route Planner, which can certainly make route planning easier for you.
There is often a situation where the crew wants too much in too little time because they are simply not familiar with the distances, nautical miles and capabilities of the vessel itself, so dissatisfaction can occur. For this reason, avoid unwanted situations and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Prepare Your Equipment on Time
Every experienced athlete and adventurer knows that the right equipment for certain destinations and activities is crucial to avoid unwanted injuries or situations. So, after planning a route for your sailing adventure that you have chosen based on the activities you want to try, prepare the equipment that will allow you to do each of them.
But beyond the standard equipment and basic things you will bring, you simply have to pay attention to an important segment - medicines that have proven to be potentially necessary. Whether you are sailing, walking or cycling, you are constantly exposed to the sun, and to prevent frequent but uncomfortable sunburn, bring sunscreen and use it daily. For those a little more sensitive, one of the most common inconveniences that happen while sailing is seasickness - so bring all the medications that can prevent nausea and enjoy your vacation without any unwanted situations.
Follow Weather Conditions and Safety Instructions
If you are an adventure lover or a sports person, I believe that you have encountered unexpected situations many times in your life and felt the weather in the full sense of the word. But the time at sea is simple - relentless. Since it often happens, especially in the summer months, that there is a short but sudden change in weather conditions, always follow the weather forecast and adjust your routes and plans, no matter how difficult it may be for you.
There is no point in taking risks and playing a game against the force of the wind and the sea that you simply cannot win. Not only does it make no sense, but it can also be very dangerous. Beyond tracking weather conditions that are alpha and omega, there are simple safety instructions that every person should read before sailing. So be smart - follow the weather forecast, wind changes and always pay attention to safety instructions!
FAQs
Is sailing a hobby or a sport? ›
Is sailing a sport? Sailing is a sport and has been considered one for a long time. Sailing is defined as 'the action of sailing in a boat'. Sport is defined as 'an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or a team competes against another or others for entertainment'.
Is sailing a cool hobby? ›Sailing is a great hobby that can give you many benefits. It's an adventurous sport that will get your adrenaline pumping, and it's also a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery.
Is sailing an expensive sport? ›Believe it or not, sailing is less expensive than most hobbies such as flying a small plane. You also don't need to be super-fit, able-bodies or a strong swimmer to enjoy sailing. All you need is some basic sailing skills and be comfortable to be out on the water in a buoyancy aid.
Why is sailing so awesome? ›Being on a boat slows down time and helps us understand ourselves. Some sailors gain a profound sense of oneness with their boat, the sea, and the wind. The boat becomes a self-contained universe, the process of sailing becomes all-consuming. Any sense of time changes and expands, small moments becoming more important.
Is sailing a life skill? ›Sailing teaches life skills through self-discovery, which is a different educational tool than what is used in school and can be an effective method for non-traditional learners. Additionally, sailing creates a sense of adventure which combines curiosity with boldness, bravery, and healthy risk-taking.
Does sailing count as exercise? ›Physical Aspects Associated with Sailing
Overall sailing fitness doesn't vary significantly from general overall fitness. It will tap many of the usual aspects of physical fitness – with the following areas being the most important when it comes to sailing safety and performance: Strength. Balance.
A relaxing setting
In fact, research shows that people living by the shoreline of the ocean, river, or lake are actually up to 22% less likely to experience the effects of both anxiety and depression in their lives when compared to those who live inland, according to one report by the Exeter Medical School in the UK.
Nature-lovers and thalassophiles often find themselves drawn to sailing. It's a great way to spend time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine, with few other people nearby - only your crew, of course.
Why do people love sailing so much? ›Some people sail for adventure, and others sail to see new places. Some sail to find peace, and some to connect with others. Some sail because they feel they are transformed while sailing, and some set sail to get away from it all. Whatever the reason, people who sail are drawn to the water and the wind.
What are the cons of sailing? ›- Lack of space. Regardless of the size and features of a sailing yacht, she is always too small. ...
- Limitations all over the place. Water tanks are limited to certain capacity. ...
- Long distances. ...
- No absolute control. ...
- Interpersonal relations. ...
- Temperature. ...
- Seasickness. ...
- Storage place.
Is sailing hard physically? ›
Sailing is quite a physically demanding activity which is why it is important to wear something secure, warm and comfortable.
How much money do you need to go sailing? ›You could spend from as little as $700 or as much as $3,000 a month for two people – it all depends on what boat you have, who does your boat work, where you cruise, how you like to spend your time, and more. Let's look at the expenses you'll likely encounter when sailing around the world.
Why is sailing so exhausting? ›On-the-water environmental stressors
Engine noise and vibration provide additional environmental stressors, as does the boat's constant motion. Collectively, these stressors lead to boater's fatigue: a sudden tiredness coupled with impaired judgement, reaction time and balance.
According to the US Coast Guard, since 1999 sailboat registrations have dropped by more than 25% , a trend that began back in the early '80s, and now barely 2% of all registered boats are powered by the wind. It's no secret that the popularity of recreational sailing in America is ebbing and sadly has been for decades.
Is sailing high risk? ›One of the biggest dangers in sailing is drowning, and wearing a lifejacket can greatly reduce this risk. It's important to wear your lifejacket at all times while on the water, even if you're an experienced swimmer. Of sailing deaths reported by the US coastguard in 2021, 81% of victims drowned.
At what age do people stop sailing? ›From day trips to ocean crossings, there's no age limit. If you're under 80 and in reasonably good health, there's little reason to think you're too old for sailing. If you're in your 80s, there's no reason to worry either.
What are the 5 essential of sailing? ›Description. A useful mnemonic is "Can This Boat Sail Correctly?" the first letters of which refer to Center/daggerboard, Trim, Balance, Sheet/Sail and Course.
Why is a sailors life hard? ›A sailor's life was a hard; setting sails in the rigging or hauling ropes on deck was dangerous and back-breaking work. Living conditions were cramped and unhealthy. The ordinary mariner's diet was poor and diseases like cholera, typhus and small-pox were common. Sailors could spend many months at sea.
Does weight matter in sailing? ›So, reducing weight aloft increases your stability and reduces pitching / rolling which means you can sail faster in more comfort.
What is the average daily sailing distance? ›How many nautical miles can you sail in a day? On average, sailboats can sail up to 100 NM (115 miles or 185 km) in one day when they run downwind. If the engine is used at all, this distance can increase to 130 NM on longer passages. With shorter passages, 60 NM is more typical.
What muscles do you build when you sail? ›
Muscles used in Sailing
Utilizing the muscles in your upper arms and shoulders will provide the power to tack and trim sails as needed. The main muscles in play are the rhomboids, trapezius and rotator cuff in the shoulders, and the deltoids of the upper arms.
Some cons are cramped living space, having your home rock when the weather turns nasty, and small living space. There are many variables to consider when creating a list of pros and cons for living on a sailboat. Whether you live at anchor or at a dock, one con for sailboat living is the general lack of space.
Does sailing build muscle? ›Yes, sailing does build muscle. It involves activities such as hoisting and pulling sails to move the boat or yacht, which in turn will help develop muscle strength and endurance in your shoulders and back. Sailing is fantastic for a range of muscle groups, which also include your arms, core, and legs.
What skills does sailing give you? ›- Learning through Discovery. Sailing teaches life skills through self-discovery. ...
- Decision Making. Sailing teaches and gets people comfortable with making real time decisions. ...
- Self-Confidence. ...
- Team Work. ...
- Communication Skills. ...
- Adventurous. ...
- Risk Taking. ...
- Responsibility.
Knowing knots, points of sail, weather information, vocabulary and all of the other basics have to be second nature for a person to be a good sailor.
What is the personality of a sailor? ›Sailors tend to be predominantly realistic individuals, which means that they often enjoy working outdoors or applying themselves to a hands-on project. They also tend to be conventional, meaning that they are usually detail-oriented and organized, and like working in a structured environment.
What do you call someone who is good at sailing? ›seaman. noun. a man who has the skills of a sailor.
What is the benefit of sailing as a hobby? ›Sailing Develops Muscle Strength
In turn, these activities can help develop muscle strength on your shoulders and back, as well as your legs and thighs to some degree. The same activities can also improve your agility, endurance, fine motor skills, flexibility, and hand-eye coordination.
Sailing is a source of inspiration and humility, it teaches attentiveness, anticipation, resourcefulness, patience and prioritisation.
How common are sailing accidents? ›Sailors are at risk for acute injuries, overuse injuries, environmental injuries, and sailing-related illnesses. Sailing-related injury rates vary from 0.29 to 5.7 per 1,000 hours which is lower than many other land-based sports. However, the fatality rate of 1.19 per million sailing-days is relatively high.
Is sailing one of the hardest sports? ›
Day cruising is easy, but world trips are hard. Competing in races will require much more skill than basic leisure sailing. Helping on a boat is much easier than captaining the whole craft. Depending on your needs, sailing can be hard or easy.
Is it safe to cross the ocean in a sailboat? ›Yes, it is very feasible for yachts to sail long distances and travel across the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. However, this journey is not necessarily a simple one. There are many questions to ask and key details to organize before a yacht crosses the ocean, from the amount of fuel on board to the time of year.
What is the best age to start sailing? ›The best age to get started in youth sailing
There are sailing kids who have been on boats from an early age, but most begin learning the basics of sailing between 7 and 10 years of age. However, plenty of adults are also learning how to sail, so you're never too old to learn.
50 is not old to learn to sail; you should not let your perceived limitation of age hold you back. The open water awaits for anybody who wants to start as a beginner, no matter their age. Our Competent Crew Practical Course is a perfect introduction to beginners of all ages including 50 years and over.
How long does it take to get good at sailing? ›However, in most situations, with most people, it will take about sixteen hours of instruction to be safe and competent. The type of instruction plays a large part in this. We have witnessed sailing schools that sit all the students in a classroom and lecture them for hours.
How long does a sailboat need to be to cross the ocean? ›In essence, your sailboat shouldn't be less than six feet at it may be too dangerous out there. With that in mind, the best sailboat to cross the Atlantic should measure at least 30 or 40 feet long to be able to withstand the stormy weather and the rough waves and winds.
Is it too late to start sailing? ›People of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy sailing, so if you are aged 60 to 65 or above, let us put your mind at rest… 60 is not too old to start sailing; you should not let age hold you back. The open water awaits for anybody who wants to start as a beginner, no matter their age.
Is owning a sailboat cheaper than powerboats? ›Are sailboats cheaper than powerboats? For boats of the same size, sailboats are often cheaper to buy and operate because they don't have big motors. You'll also save on maintenance and fuel costs in a sailboat. On the other hand, you may need a larger sailboat than you would a powerboat, which can increase costs.
Do you need to be fit for sailing? ›Basic Strength
Also depending on what boat you sail and your role on the boat will determine what parts of your body need to be strongest. However, most sailors would benefit from having good basic strength in the major muscles and movement planes.
Vendée Globe
The Vendée Globe is named after the Département of Vendée, France, where the race starts and ends. A single-handed, non-stop round the world race, it's widely known as one of the most challenging and extreme sporting events.
What sailing position is fastest? ›
When the boat is sailing across the wind, with the wind coming directly over either side (or the 'beam') of the boat, so you are at right angles to the wind on either a port or starboard tack, then this is known as a 'Beam Reach'. This is the fastest and easiest point of sail.
Which state has the most sailing? ›- How many boats are there in the USA?
- How many sailboats are there in the USA?
- How many sailboats are sold each year?
- What states have the most boats?
- #1 California.
- #2 Michigan.
- #3 Florida.
- #4 Minnesota.
Sailing cargo ships are making a genuine comeback. Japanese bulk carrier MOL is operating a wind-assisted ship. American food giant Cargill is working with Olympic sailor Ben Ainslie to deploy WindWings on its routes. Swedish shipping company Wallenius is aiming for Oceanbird to cut emissions by up to 90%.
Is sailing a lifetime sport? ›There are not many sports that one can enter and continue to stay active in throughout their entire life. Sailing, however, is one sport that can grow and evolve with us from a very young age and well into the retirement years.
Is sailing a wealthy sport? ›Sailing and boating
Especially sailing has been traditionally the sport of the rich. The cost of the boat or renting a boat is high. Meanwhile, unpredictable weather may create problems on the boat, and paying for the equipment is not a piece of cake. Sailing is also the sport of the clever, as some may say.
What's the safest sailing route around the world? The safest sailing route around the world is to stay as close to the equator as possible to make use of the more favorable winds there. This route requires sailing through the Panama and Suez Canals, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, and the Atlantic.
How likely is a sailboat to capsize? ›The chances of your sailboat capsizing might be slim, but there is still a chance. As you get more experienced at sailing you will decrease the chances of this happening – both from sailing more safely and better judging the weather conditions. Bad weather is one of the leading causes of sailboats capsizing.
What kind of sport is sailing? ›The sport of sailing involves a variety of competitive sailing formats that are sanctioned through various sailing federations and yacht clubs. Racing disciplines include matches within a fleet of sailing craft, between a pair thereof or among teams.
Is boating considered a hobby? ›With various options for boat and yacht size, recreational water activities, and price points, boating is a multi-faceted hobby that is available to any enthusiast.
Is boat sailing a sport? ›Sailing, however, is one sport that can grow and evolve with us from a very young age and well into the retirement years. Whether you are on the racing team, the coaching team or the race committee team, sailing is a sport one can be involved in for a lifetime.
How hard is it to sail a boat? ›
Sailing is really very simple; a skilled instructor can teach you the basics in an afternoon. Most beginners shove off on their own after just a few days of lessons. Once you're sailing, you'll wonder why you waited so long to learn.
What is the IRS hobby rule? ›If your business claims a net loss for too many years, or fails to meet other requirements, the IRS may classify it as a hobby. If the IRS classifies your business as a hobby, it won't allow you to deduct any expenses or take any loss for it on your tax return.
Can you write off a hobby on your taxes? ›The only way to deduct hobby expenses is to take an itemized deduction rather than the standard deduction. Utilize the IRS Free File tool to help make filing a tax return easier when hobby rules apply. If you earn $64,000 or less, you can use any brand-name tax software.
What does IRS consider a hobby? ›A hobby is any activity that a person pursues because they enjoy it and with no intention of making a profit. People operate a business with the intention of making a profit. Many people engage in hobby activities that turn into a source of income.
Why do people like sailing so much? ›Some people sail for adventure, and others sail to see new places. Some sail to find peace, and some to connect with others. Some sail because they feel they are transformed while sailing, and some set sail to get away from it all. Whatever the reason, people who sail are drawn to the water and the wind.
Is sailing becoming more popular? ›Today, sailing has evolved to become one of the most popular and most challenging sports in the world. In fact, many people do not just consider it a sport; it's a seriously interesting way of life.
What does sailing teach you? ›Sailing is a source of inspiration and humility, it teaches attentiveness, anticipation, resourcefulness, patience and prioritisation.
Is sailing good for Mental health? ›A relaxing setting
In fact, research shows that people living by the shoreline of the ocean, river, or lake are actually up to 22% less likely to experience the effects of both anxiety and depression in their lives when compared to those who live inland, according to one report by the Exeter Medical School in the UK.