Yachting is not like a cruise on a luxury liner.  There is very little privacy on a sailing yacht and it's you against the elements - boats have engines and electronics, which don't always mix well in a water-based environment.  Mechanical and instrument failures are not surprising or unknown. Flotilla/Bareboat yachts are worked very hard, especially in the training environment, and although we do our best to keep on top of all repairs, sometimes this isn't possible. Minor defects that do not prevent you from sailing sometimes have to be left until we have more time. Any major defects which prevent you from sailing will, of course, be dealt with immediately either by our staff or IBA the local 24-hour emergency breakdown service we are contracted to, and you will be compensated for any lost cruising time in line with our terms and conditions.

Every day will be different or unpredictable. A sailing holiday is not for the faint-hearted. If, however, you have a sense of adventure, can accept that things may not always go according to plan, are good humoured and can imagine a camping holiday on water, then this is the activity for you - a real escape from routine and predictability.

As on a camping holiday, boats, like tents, can leak in the rain and get damp from condensation.  You may experience unpleasant smells from heads and engines. Nature can intrude with the occasional stowaway rodent (the lead yacht carries traps) or grasshopper. In the sea, watch out for jellyfish and sea urchins. Ashore, wasps and mosquitoes can be a nuisance.

If this is your first experience of sailing you may prefer to start by participating in our shore-based instruction packages which will give you a good introduction to being on a yacht without living on it for one week.  That said, sailing can easily become an addiction, and we have very many clients who have been coming with us since we started (as Allan Gauci/Activity Holidays) in 1990.