What is the perfect vacation idea during COVID if you still want to find a getaway this year? The world of travel has changed so much for so many and experiencing the world freely is a little more challenging.

You may not want to travel so far or be around too many people, perhaps even self-cater. A sailing vacation offers the perfect opportunity to get away from it all and just be with your friends and family on the water. In fact, Forbes recently highlighted our charters as one of their great vacation ideas during COVID and a way to have an adventure and easily maintain social distancing. Our suppliers’ flexible booking policies and COVID measures also give peace of mind.

Let us share with you why sailing offers a pure isolation getaway…

You are in total control of your vacation 

Sailing vacations are an attractive option as you are out on the water, away from people and surrounded by fresh air. You can avoid the worries that come with having to mingle with hundreds by the pool or on the beach. When you go sailing, you and your small group of family and friends are in total control, a perfect vacation idea during COVID. Social distancing is easy when you can decide where to drop anchor.

You can plan your itinerary to avoid the crowds  

If you want to keep away from other people, spend your time researching your itinerary carefully. We’ve so much knowledge too, so talk to our base teams for advice if you want to find the most secluded bays, coves and anchorages where often you’ll be the only boat there.

You also get the chance to swim in the middle of the ocean with just tropical fish surrounding you, not something you can do so easily at a pool ashore. You can choose when and where you stop – if your original choice looks busy you can sail onto the next destination. The time and pace are for you to decide, so it is super relaxed.

You don’t have to dine out

When it comes to provisioning, you do not need to take any additional precautions than you would do going about your daily business at home right now. If you are worried about dining out, it is very easy to prepare quick, tasty meals onboard. You can provision yourself on arrival at the local supermarkets, order in advance and get it delivered for your arrival or use our provisioning service. Many destinations have take out options at local restaurants for pick up or delivery to your boat.

You can limit your time ashore

Our boats have generators and water-makers, which means you can be self-sufficient and do not need to go ashore during your charter. Provision wisely and you can also limit the fresh food you need.

You can recharge your wellbeing

Being out on the water has a beneficial effect on happiness, health and wellbeing, as highlighted by marine biologist Wallace J Nichols in his book, Blue Mind. The ocean has a calming effect and the big expansive views help quieten busy minds. There must be something in it, as some of the world’s most creative people enjoy sailing, from Einstein to Steve Jobs.

If you want to completely relax, our crewed and skippered charters mean you can benefit from the experience of captains who know the area well and how to make the most of your vacation.

Places to travel during COVID 

1. US Virgin Islands

If you want to get away this summer, head to our new base at Compass Marina, St. Thomas, USVI, which is open now. Our fleet includes a new Bali 5.4 and Saona 47, both with water-maker and air conditioning, as well as Oceanis 41, Sun Odyssey 519, Helia 44, Lagoon 40, Lagoon 42, Lagoon 450s and Lagoon 52.

2. Exumas, Bahamas

International commercial travel to the Bahamas resumes July 1, 2020! Sail from our base in Nassau and explore the wonderful Exumas, where you will be spoilt for choice for remote cays and solitude within this island chain. Our by the cabin charters are also operational and could be the perfect vacation idea during COVID.

3. Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis

Discover the creeks and secluded anchorages among 11,600 miles of coastline in the wonderful sailing ground of Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy quiet harbours, historic towns and a landscape bursting with wildlife and uncrowded trails.

4. Puerto Rico 

Our base at Puerto del Rey Marina, Fajardo, Puerto Rico, is open and welcoming charter guests looking for the perfect vacation idea during COVID. Explore this cruising ground and sail Culebra, which is peaceful, free of resorts and offers miles of beaches and snorkeling. Or head to Vieques and the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay.

5. Newport, Rhode Island

This summer head on out to Rhode Island for a New England adventure and sail from our base at Christie’s Landing, Newport. This is a prime maritime heritage area and home to America’s Cup. Enjoy Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket’s beaches, Newport’s cliff walks, Conanicut Island’s film set appeal and so much more. 

Find out more

If you are planning your perfect vacation idea during COVID, you can choose to charter bareboat and sail yourself, hire a skipper to sail the boat for you. Or, for a luxurious sail, choose an all-inclusive crewed yacht for complete ease and relaxation on your cruise through paradise. Learn more about planning your perfect vacation of a lifetime on our blog.