Sailing in the Mediterranean is an adventure unlike any other. It has a reputation for being a calm sea dotted with stunning coastlines and vistas for a good reason. The lack of tides, beautiful sun, warm waters and disparate cultures you will find on the seafront all make it a perfect location for a sailing holiday. Here are some tips to make the most of a yachting trip on the Mediterranean.

1. Plan Your Destinations

Some experienced sailors say that it can take more than ten years of sailing to experience the Mediterranean truly. Since it is unlikely that you will do this, you need to consider what is important for you on your travels and, therefore, where you would like to visit on your sailing trip.

The beauty of exploring the Med by boat is the sheer number of available locations to visit. This can be a blessing and a curse, however, as deciding can be overwhelming. Some popular locations include Croatia, Corfu, the Côte d’Azure, Sardinia and Malta. These all feature exceptionally stunning coastlines and different cultures that you can experience while docked there.

If you are looking for an adventure off the beaten path, then consider some lesser-known locations. Lefkada, Hydra, Tétouan, Polignano a Mare and Navagio Beach are a bit less popular than the previously mentioned places, but no less beautiful.

While lots of the appeal of a sailing holiday is the sailing itself, you must have some locations in mind before setting off. Planning your trip in this way will allow you to get the most from your holiday in the Mediterranean.

2. Find the Right Boat

When planning your trip, you should consider whether you want to take the route of chartering a vessel or buying your own outright.

If you would like to charter a boat, there is a vast array of options. There are more than 15,000 vessels of different shapes and sizes available to charter across the Med. The majority of these are sailing yachts, so they could be perfect for your sailing holiday.

While it is the more expensive option, buying a boat can be an excellent investment if you plan to take multiple extended trips out on the Med. If you are in the market, you can search for available boats here where you will find a wide range of boats for sale. You can even buy yachts from marinas on the Mediterranean itself, so you would not need to sail there from the UK!

When considering what style of boat you need, you will need to think about how many people you plan on taking with you, the speed you wish to travel at, and whether you would like to rely on fuel to get you from A to B.

3. You Need to be Certified

You will need to prove that you are a competent sailor to undertake such a trip on the Mediterranean. The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is the sailing license you will need before beginning your journey. You can get it through a couple of different associations like the Royal Yachting Association. Overall, this is the official sailing license of the United Nations, so it is worth having for any sailing expedition.

The courses to get this license will cost about £400, and the application itself will run you an additional £45. Once you have sent off the application, it takes between two to four weeks to receive the certificate. Therefore, you should sort out your license in good time before you set off.

4. There are Rules on the Med

Things are done a little differently on the Mediterranean. Rules exist pertaining to where you can anchor and sail. Additionally, you will also have to moor in a specific way when you stop off in a marina.

When sailing in the West of the Med, you have to be very careful about hazards like people swimming and seagrass. To this end, there are strict rules about where you can sail and anchor between the Gibraltar straights and Italy. If you move too close to the shore (within 500m), you might end up getting a ticket for your transgressions.

The mooring on the Mediterranean is also particular. When you moor here, you will be expected to bring your vessel in perpendicular to the pier. This rule exists to reduce how much space each boat takes up in mooring spots but can be challenging to get used to. It would be best if you practised mooring your yacht this way before setting off, as you might find yourself in hot water later on.

The Takeaway

Ultimately, planning is critical whether you are a seasoned sailor on the Med or preparing for your first trip. Knowing where you are going, what vessel you will take, and what challenges are likely to arise on your journey will help you prepare for a beautiful adventure. Overall, a proper plan will allow you to have an unforgettable experience while exploring the Mediterranean.