Sailing holidays: Float your boat with commission

Countless factors come into play when booking a sailing holiday. Which country, not to mention which island, should a client choose? Depending on the waters and level of ability, would a guided sail or self-sail be more suitable? Do clients need a refresher course? A skipper? A yacht or a catamaran?

Pricing is more complex than a standard package, so agents have their work cut out making a booking. Neilson head of product and marketing Joe Lynch said: “Agents should think of a boat as a portable villa and try to price accordingly. Two people hiring a large boat is more expensive than six hiring a small one, just like a villa.”

He concedes the process can be confusing and is happy to guide customers through the brochure and make the sale over the phone.

“We realise how hard it can be for agents, but there’s a lot of commission to be had,” he said.

To help guide you through the fog, Travel Weekly takes a close look at the popular sailing destinations of Greece, Turkey and Croatia.

When to go? The sailing season starts in May and ends in October, with high season from July to September. Avoid Ionian islands such as Corfu and the islands in the Argo-Saronic as they can get crowded during high season.

What’s it like? Greece, with its lighter winds and shorter sailing times between islands, is ideal for beginners. It’s very well set up for sailing, with plenty of yacht clubs. Many tavernas also provide mooring facilities and showers. The Greek islands make up 20% of Greece’s total area with a combined coastline of more than 9,300 miles. The Ionian islands of Zakynthos and Cephalonia are particularly good for traditional villages offering local food and wines, while Corfu has bars and clubs. Other popular sailing spots are around the Cyclades in the Aegean sea, best known for their pristine beaches and whitewashed cliff-top buildings.

Who would it suit? The mild conditions and relaxed atmosphere suit couples and families looking for a romantic or quiet getaway. The area is popular for beginners on villa/flotilla holidays (see box, right).

Expert opinion: Neilson head of product and marketing Joe Lynch: “The Ionian islands are one of the Mediterranean’s most popular yachting destinations. The south has shorter routes and sheltered waters, ideal for beginners, while the north has longer passages and less crowded waters, ideal for more adventurous sailing.”

Sample product: Neilson offers a two-week villa/flotilla holiday from £770 per person including flights, a week’s self-catering accommodation, a four-day training course and a week on a 32ft yacht in May.

When to go? The seasons in Turkey are longer, with yachting running from April to November. Clients should steer clear of July and August if they want to avoid the crowds. The water is a little warmer here than in the eastern Mediterranean.

What’s it like? Slightly cheaper than Greece but with fewer facilities for mooring, Turkey appeals to intermediate and experienced sailors. High winds in the peak months can also deter beginners, although these tend to die down by September. Diversity is the main draw, with culture, great food and friendly locals. Guests can dine in a deserted mountain village in Zia near the south coast one night and go clubbing in Bodrum the next. Bays only accessible by boat are also a big attraction, with hop-off points to towns barely touched by tourism. For the ultimate Turkish experience, round off the visit with a trip to a traditional bath house.

Who would it suit? Young couples and groups looking for a mixture of peace and quiet and good nightlife.

Expert opinion: Mark Warner Holidays head of marketing Nigel Ragg: “Turkey’s Aegean provides the perfect waters and wind conditions for sailing, with calmer mornings ideal for beginners and lively afternoon winds for the more experienced.”

Sample product: Mark Warner offers one week at Palm Beach Resort near Bodrum in June from £714 per person. The price includes flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals with wine, windsurfing and sailing tuition, and an introduction to scuba diving.

When to go? Its location further north than the Mediterranean means the weather in the Adriatic can be cooler and unsettled in the shoulder seasons, but pleasant and quiet in the peak season of July and August – albeit more expensive. The yachting season runs from May until the end of October.

What’s it like? Mornings in Croatia tend to have strong breezes, better for more experienced sailors, although winds slow by mid-afternoon. With hidden anchorages and secluded beaches, the Adriatic is ideal for diving, with some of the clearest waters in Europe. But the biggest attraction is the walled city of Dubrovnik – a great day trip and often a welcome break from the water. Other attractions are the Kornati national park in central Croatia, the vineyards of Kremik and Side’s well-known harbour front.

Who would it suit? Couples and families who have had some sailing experience and are in search of a quiet, cultural break.

Expert opinion: Sunsail product communications manager Mel Warwick: “Croatia has something for everyone. The area between the open Adriatic and the mainland is known as the Coast of a Thousand Islands and is ideal for quiet anchorage.”

Sample product: Sunsail offers a week in June from £605 per person, based on four sharing, including yacht charter, flights and transfers.