Looking out the window at the rain and with the nights drawing in, the opportunities to get on the water are far fewer than in the summer, so I started to flick through the mass of holiday brochures that have accumulated over the last few months.

The market for holidays afloat is huge with many companies offering everything from surf hire to flotilla in the Mediterranean aboard a 40 foot cruiser. Sailing schools in the UK also offer holidays afloat where qualifications can be obtained whilst on holiday with the help of qualified instructor’s who are there to help you not only get the qualification you want, but also to make sure you have a good time.

Here in Wales we have many companies that offer holidays on the water, they range from cruising the canals, to coastal cruising and Irish sea crossing in all manner of craft which are inspected up to, and above, the required standard for British waters.

Many of the boats have several options for both Power and Sail:

Skippered
an option favoured by many with no experience of boating who want tuition or also people you just want to enjoy the ride and let someone else look after the boat.

Bare Boat:
the option for those who are either experienced and want to handle a boat that they have not been on before (most companies however require a set level of competence or qualification for this option on coastal waters)

Flotilla:
This option is for people who have a limited amount of experience and like sailing in the company of others, this is a very popular option in the Mediterranean, Often having races at the end of the holiday and other activities organised during the week like BBQ’s and passages to places of interest.

Whatever you choose please enjoy it, send me photo’s for the gallery and above all Stay Safe.