Month: December 2023

Our Top Five Family Friendly Sailing Holidays for 2024

December 20, 2023

Tired of the usual go-to choices for your next family trip? Then why not join us for a stress-free skippered family sailing holiday?

Our unique fleet sail in stunning locations around the globe offering a range fully skippered and catered sailing adventures. Best of all, no experience is needed to climb aboard and guests have the option of doing as little or as much as they like. From individual berths to whole boat charters, set sail on a skippered family sailing holiday with us in 2024!

Why choose a family sailing holiday?

Our family sailing holidays provide an ideal opportunity for families to connect and create lasting memories. With no distractions you can focus on spending quality time together, engaging and forming strong family bonds. Sailing holidays also encourage self-reliance, problem-solving, and teamwork. Children will also have the chance to actively participate in sailing tasks. These could include helping hoist the sails, steer the ship, and learning the ropes of seamanship under the guidance of experienced crew members. Of course there are benefits for parents too, as you relax, unwind and indulge with no cooking, cleaning or washing up to do!

Whether you’re dreaming of Scandinavian summer sailing in Denmark, luxurious escapades in Indonesia, embarking on a thrilling adventure aboard a historic ship in Italy, or sailing the crystal-clear waters of the Saronic Islands in Greece, we have curated an array of remarkable experiences to cater to every family’s desires. Keep reading to discover five of the best family sailing holidays for 2024, handpicked by VentureSail.

1. Greek Island Sailing on Zorba
A short flight to Athens and you can be on board Zorba within a couple of hours of landing for your family sailing holiday in Greece. Teenagers will love the Instagram-worthy turquoise waters and out-of-this world scenery. There is also the chance for the whole family to swim, snorkel and explore ancient historic sites all whilst soaking up the Grecian sun. Each island is completely different so no two days are the same – boredom is not an option!

Warm evenings are spent in local taverna’s feasting on delicious traditional Greek cuisine. It’s the perfect way to switch off, relax and get back to simple family pleasures while enjoying good food, fabulous weather and comfortable accommodation. Owners Aga and Greg are the perfect hosts, making a stress-free sailing experience. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere aboard Zorba encourages quality family time. Spend evenings stargazing from the deck, sharing stories and laughter, and forging bonds that will last a lifetime.
View Zorba‘s 2024 Summer Schedule >

2. Sustainable Family Adventure Holiday in Denmark

A sustainable family sailing holiday in Denmark’s South Funen will certainly capture the imaginations of parents and children alike. Step aboard magnificent schooner Aron, a beautifully preserved historic tall ship. A family sailing holiday with Aron is a journey where time seems to slow down, and the cares of the world fade away. This traditional sailing holiday also presents a unique blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion. Children will undoubtedly delight in helping hoist the sails and steer the ship, fostering a sense of adventure, teamwork, and independence.

The islands of South Funen reveal a world of enchantment, with each possessing its own distinct personality and landscape. From the charming island of Skaaro, renowned for its delectable ice cream and idyllic thatched cottages, to the fairy-tale town of Ærøskøbing on the island of Ærø, where 18th-century architecture transports you to a bygone era. Embracing the power of the Baltic winds, this journey emphasises ecological consciousness, sustainability, and local experiences.While you indulge in delicious home-cooked meals using locally sourced produce, you can also relish the tranquility of the sea, the sound of wind-filled sails, and the gentle creaking of the wooden ship. Children of all ages are welcome aboard Aron, while it is advisable for younger children to have some prior experience at sea. The ship provides a safe and comfortable environment for families to create lasting memories together.

View Aron of Svendborg’s 2024 Schedule >

3. Adventure Sailing in the Aeolian Islands
Ahoy, pirates! Set sail on a thrilling holiday to the Sicilian islands aboard the historic tall ship Florette. Here families, children, and teenagers will experience the adventure of a lifetime, learning the ropes, whilst exploring this volcanic archipelago. Her Italian family sailing holidays offer a perfect blend of island hopping, exhilarating sailing, and endless opportunities for discovering the fascinating history of the area. The experience of sailing on this magnificent vessel is certainly integral part of the adventure, allowing children and teenagers to witness the power of the wind as they hoist the sails and steer the ship.

Discover secluded bays of black lava sand, with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. Sailing on board Florette is a true family experience, as Captain Ron, who grew up on the ship himself, now sails with his two daughters. The live-aboard family love nothing more than sharing the ship’s fascinating history with guests, captivating young minds with tales of adventure and exploration.

View Florette’s Sailing Schedule >

4. Luxury family holiday in Indonesia

Set sail on an extraordinary family sailing holiday with traditional Indonesian vessels Katharina and Ombak Putih for a once in a lifetime family adventure to the furthest corners of this island nation. Both vessels offer a range of experiences, from encountering the Orangutans of Borneo to witnessing the mighty dragons of Komodo and swimming alongside the legendary whale sharks. Indonesia’s endemic species, protected coral reefs, and ancient rainforests provide a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. As you watch the sunrise over the stunning volcanic landscapes, you’ll breathe in the fresh ocean air and immerse yourself in the wonders of Indonesia.

On board both vessels, your family will experience the warmth of Indonesian culture and hospitality. Each ship offers kayaks, snorkeling gear, and SUPs for guests to enjoy, while the attentive crew can organize additional activities ashore. Indonesia’s pristine coral reefs, teeming with a rich variety of marine species, offer unparalleled snorkeling opportunities. Escape the tourist crowds and discover the untouched beauty of these remote areas, where the reefs have flourished undisturbed. Our family sailing holidays in Indonesia provide the perfect chance to explore these remarkable underwater worlds, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience for families, children, and teenagers alike.

View all our family sailing holidays to Indonesia >

5. Private Charter family sailing in Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly

Embark on a bespoke private charter on board yacht Emma Claire. Create your own itinerary, and sit back and relax as you explore the coasts of Cornwall and Devon, or even venture across the the Isles of Scilly! Emma Claire’s modern rig and stable hull mean she is the perfect boat for sailing beginners, and can be sailed single-handedly if you’d prefer to sit back and take in the view. Skipper Chris is more than happy to teach children and grown ups the ropes if they’d like to learn!

Set sail and explore the quaint Devonshire coast for just a weekend or a longer weeks break. Here you’ll find charming fishing villages and sheltered coastal sailing, perfect for a relaxing family sailing holiday on the water. For more adventurous souls, embark on an adventure to the sub-tropical Isles of Scilly, with the UK’s clearest and warmest waters. Wherever you sail with Emma Claire you’ll have the flexibility to plan your own route and create your perfect adventure on this bespoke family private charter.
View Emma Claire’s private charter schedule >

If you have any questions about a skippered family sailing holiday or would like to find out more please contact [email protected] or call one of our friendly team on 01872 487288.

A seasonal guide to sailing in Cornwall

December 11, 2023

Cornwall for many is the UK’s favourite holiday destination. With its astonishingly diverse and picturesque coastline, stunning sandy beaches and meandering streets in ancient fishing ports, Cornwall has so much to offer. A sailing holiday in Cornwall is the perfect way to experience a more undiscovered Cornwall, away from the crowds with local skippers as your guide.

Over the centuries, our nation’s foundations have been built on the age of sail and Cornwall played an integral part in the design and construction of wooden sailing boats. Today, Pilot cutters, trading schooners, rowing gigs and fishing smacks have all stood the test of time and offer a huge amount of pleasure to all who visit the county.

Escaping to the outdoors for the freedom of the sea and fresh air after the restrictions of 2020 has never been more needed. Thankfully, with a sailing holiday in Cornwall, you can explore the coasts and rivers at your leisure aboard a wonderful historic fleet of comfortable sailing vessels; each one superbly restored and hosted by wonderful captains and crew.

Spring sailing in Cornwall

Wake up from winter and spend a Spring weekend sailing in Cornwall. Find Bessie Ellen in the picturesque port of Fowey with its charming narrow streets and coloured cottages stretching the foreshore. It’s no wonder that the ancient town of “Foye” is such a mecca for outdoor sailing enthusiasts who come from afar to explore this perfect little estuary.

Explore the waters of St Austell bay, shielded by Dodman point and dominated by the Cornish Alps – the remains of China Clay spoils once so important to the historic harbours of Charlestown and Par. On returning to Fowey, the stark red and white bands of the Gribben Head day mark. Built in 1832, the daymark was constructed to avoid confusion to mariners mistaking the shallow reefs of the bay with the deeper estuary of Falmouth further down the coast.

Eda Frandsen shakes of her winter blues and sets sail from Falmouth under new ownership with the lovely Mungo & Stella. The historic port of Falmouth provides an ideal starting point for a sailing holiday in Cornwall, exploring the river where each bend reads like a book, opening a new story on each turn. A morning walk ashore is one of the most relaxing ways to begin your sailing adventure as oystercatchers chatter away, herons clack in the branches and the quiet cormorants dive with a satisfying plop.

As the river gives way to mud banks, the spires of Truro glint in the morning sun. Winding back towards the sea, the Fal is truly one of the great British rivers and remarkably unspoiled on all banks. The sea beckons, and with Stella’s fabulous bakery below from her tiny galley, munch contentedly on cake and she will happily divulge the secrets of the Helford river. Equally enchanting, the Helford is a smaller river hiding creeks and quays along the way. Daphne Du Maurier penned her famous Frenchman’s Creek after a sailing voyage from Fowey with her father. Today, the Helford is a place of absolute tranquillity and is surely a little bit of heaven on earth, and a must-see for any private charter sailing holiday in Cornwall.

Pilot Cutters unite!

The clatter of blocks and the crack of the canvas never fails to excite as the fleet assembles in the bay of St Mawes for the annual Pilot Cutter Review in May. Over four days, Pilot Cutters of all ages, from new-builds to restorations, gather together to cruise in company along the coast to Fowey and back before rejoicing in friendly racing around the cans in the famous Carrick roads. Join Pilot Cutters Agnes and Pellew as they join this spectacle of sailing along the Cornish coast.

Shanties and classic sailing in Falmouth

If you love the sea and you love a shanty, then the Cornish town of Falmouth hosts one of her biggest summer events in June, the Classic Boat rally combined with the increasingly popular Sea Shanty Festival. Street markets, food stalls and singers fill the streets, pubs infused with Breton stripe clad revellers resound with harmonies of John Kanaka and Fair Spanish Ladies.

From all over Europe, singers come together in song and friendship, keeping alive the old sea shanty traditions. Out on the water, graceful classic yacht Escape, traditional trawler Pilgrim of Brixham and gaff cutter Pettifox liven the bay with other classic boats, joining the parades of sail and friendly races that take place throughout the weekend before the tired sailors retreat to a corner of a warm and friendly pub to join in the merry singing.

Summer river sailing along the Tamar

Think lazy summer days spent messing about on a river. Life could not be more carefree as our traditional Tamar barge Lynher slides gently on the tide from the wide mouth of Plymouth sound up through the marshlands of the Tamar River. This great river divides the two counties of Cornwall and Devon and navigable upstream from the mouth a Cremyll.

Today, the industrial mines of tin in this region of Cornwall lie quiet, but the once busy quays are still there – famous Cothele, quiet Haldon and majestic Morwelham each have a unique story.

The banks of the meandering river come alive with wildfowl in the early evening light and a gentle peace descends over gently rolling hills after the heat of the day. Well away from the tourist trails, the Tamar Valley is a real gem of a destination to explore. Great walks lead to historic monuments all wrapped in the unspoiled woodland valleys. Perfect for a family sailing holiday and private charter weekend away in Cornwall.

Be part of the historic Tall Ships race

Falmouth has once again been chosen as host port to the magnificent Tall Ships Race as they set off on the start of the Magellan – Elcano 500 Series, celebrating 500 years of the first circumnavigation, crossing Biscay to La Coruna before heading south to the famous ports of Lisbon and Cadiz.

Falmouth is particularly suited to hosting the regatta, from St Anthony’s head to Helford, Flushing and Pendennis, everyone can enjoy a day on the cliff tops in the clean sea air, relishing in the excitement as the all Tall Ships and their crews prepare for their own adventures.

Or perhaps you want to be closer to the action onboard Escape or Pettifox as they offer guests the chance to sail in Falmouth Bay and see the start of the Tall Ships Race and join the parade of sail. A sight not to be missed!

Head to the islands from Cornwall

As legend has it, the Isles of Scilly are all that remain of the ancient land of Lyonesse but today the Isles of Scilly are the perfect sailing holiday getaway. There is no better way to explore than by sailing boat, discovering new bays and anchorages, wildlife spotting of the Western Rocks or walking barefoot in powder white sand.

Many of our fleet of sailing vessels visit the islands, but none are more suited to the area than Agnes, a true Isles of Scilly pilot cutter and gaff cutter Pettifox who was built on islands. Built specifically for the sea around the islands, both boats have a shallow draft so are able to venture into some of the more isolated spots around St Martin and Tresco, and the hidden island of all – Gugh.

With so much turquoise water and wonderful beaches, being in the water as much as on it is a must, netting prawns in the Tresco shallows is a favourite way to idle away the afternoon. Plants and gardens are very much a part of the island industry with plenty to visit or walk the gentle paths between old flower fields Whatever the weather or time of year, the islands impart a little magic to everyone who comes here and leaves you wanting more of this simple way of life.

Visit the Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary on an Indonesian Sailing Holiday

December 8, 2023

The shy and elusive orangutan is an ape native to the forests of Borneo and Sumatra. Once widespread throughout south west Asia and China, these beautiful apes are now critically endangered. Their recovery and survival is in our hands with several non-profit organisations striving to turn things around, including the Borneo Orangutan Survival Centre (BOS) working to rehabilitate displaced or injured orangutans back into the wild. VentureSail guests are now able to visit this Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary, experiencing these gentle apes first hand whilst learning why protecting them is so very vital.

Why are orangutans important?

Known as the gardeners of the forest, orangutans are incredible seed dispersers holding the fate of numerous plant and tree species in their human-like hands. If orangutans were to become extinct, these other species would also die with them, which in turn would impact other animals living in the forest. It is a simple domino effect with orangutans right at the start. They have a very low reproductive rate which makes them highly vulnerable, females tend to give birth every 3-5 years which means orangutans suffer greatly when their population declines. Sadly, thanks to human pressure, this is the case and it is absolutely essential to raise awareness about their plight.

Why are orangutans endangered?

Orangutans live in the forests of Asia, areas which are ripe with illegal logging for crops such as palm oil as well as other agricultural plantations. This loss of habitat through deforestation has seen 80% of their natural habitat wiped out over the last 30 years. Orangutans are very slow moving which sadly makes them an easy target for humans whilst hindering them in escaping the chainsaw massacre of their home.

What is the Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary?

Thankfully there are several places of refuge for orangutans across Sumatra and Borneo, each able to rehabilitate orangutans back into the wild, offering a safe protected forest space for them whilst inviting tourists to visit, learn and leave determined to bring about change. During our Indonesian Orangutans of Borneo and Dragons of Komodo voyages, guests are able to experience this for themselves. These voyages begin with a transfer to the village of Sei Gohong from where we board canoes across to the island of Pulau Kaha. The entire island is managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS) and after some time spent observing these gentle creatures, we transfer to their education centre. Here there is the chance to discover what BOS are doing, their aims and activities in trying to restore as well as protect these peaceful forest giants. We hope you leave inspired, uplifted and keen to support their conservation efforts.

How can I visit the Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary with VentureSail?

We are delighted to have several Indonesian sailing holidays which include a visit to the Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary. Join luxury wooden vessels Ombak Putih or Katharina as they invite you on a journey full of wildlife and wonder.
View our Indonesian schedule and book your adventure of a lifetime >