Want to go on a sailing holiday? #FollowOurAdventure

16 November 2023 4 min

Are you completely new to sailing and wondering if this type of holiday is worth trying? You have come to the right place!

Sailing is extraordinary for the mind, body, and soul. Get active while experiencing the serenity and freedom of being on the water. Whether you’re cruising along, exploring places you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see, or just having fun afloat, once you have been, you will be hooked!

We invited six adventure-loving sailing novices along for the ultimate Sunsail sailing experience in Agana, Croatia, as well as the legendary Sunsail ambassador, Dee Caffari, to inspire you to #FollowOurAdventure.

Asking Dee to give these adventure-lovers a taste of sailing was a no-brainer. She has sailed around the world six times and was the first woman to have sailed single-handed and non-stop around the world in both directions! In 2006, Dee became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in the ‘wrong direction’ and was awarded an MBE in recognition of her achievement.

The trip was the perfect opportunity for these beginner sailors to not only travel to an exquisite part of the Dalmatian coast but to also learn the ropes and discover a love for being on the water.

Anyone who has visited Croatia will tell you it is simply stunning, with so many modest islands and secluded bays to explore, only accessible by boat. Whether you want to cruise, swim, party, relax, or discover something new afloat or ashore, a Croatian sailing holiday has it all.

So, who are the adventure-loving sailing novices? Along for the ride were adventure and history lover Mel Butler; fashion, travel, and fitness enthusiast Charlotte Fisher, and her partner, Charlie Price. As well as lover of all things outdoors, Jack Atkinson, fitness and Pilates specialist, Nathalie Hayward and adventure travel aficionado, Frederic Siebold.

And what did they get up to?

Day 1 – Marina Agana to Milna, on the island of Brač

After a warm welcome from a Sunsail representative at the airport, the group was transferred to the base for refreshments and a welcome briefing. The first port of call was to explore their new home for the next few days. This included the ergonomic, high-performance Sunsail 44 and the spacious, fully equipped catamarans, the Sunsail 404 , and the Sunsail Lagoon 464.

Dee and the expert Sunsail skippers helped the group get to grips with the ropes before immersing themselves in their first Sunsail sailing experience. Picture this: the sun was shining and the music was pumping as the boats glided in convoy effortlessly through the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea, on course for the quaint harbour town of Milna, on the island of Brač. Everyone had the opportunity to get hands-on with the sailing, and who better to learn from than Dee Caffari?

After berthing in Marina Kanarija, there was time to relax, rejuvenate, and get ready for an evening of Rakija tasting – Croatia’s legendary liqueur – and nibbles before dinner at Restaurant Palma, serving up specialty grilled meats and stone-baked pizzas.

Day 2 – Milna to Stari Grad

After an alfresco breakfast aboard the yachts, the group was transported by transfer to the highest peak of Brač. There was plenty of time to take in the stunning panoramic views before the group started a thrilling descent of downhill biking to reach the famous and most photographed beach in Croatia, the Golden Horn. The skippers sailed the boats around the island to meet the group, and after refuelling at a local restaurant with sea views, they set sail to Stari Grad. Before reaching Stari Gard, there was just enough time for a quick dip and fun with the water toys.

In the evening, the group was treated to a truly authentic experience – local wine tasting and a traditional Peka dinner at Hora Hvar – typically lamb or veal cooked under an iron dome bell – sitting in the middle of a UNESCO Heritage protected site, eating from the land that the Ancient Greeks first cultivated.

Day 3 – Stari Grad to Hvar town and then to the Island of Šolta

After a short morning stroll through the beautiful town of Stari Grad, it was time for some adrenaline-filled quad biking! On route to Hvar town, the group took in the historic architecture surrounding them before weaving, winding, and climbing approximately 1,000 miles above sea level, revealing breath-taking views of the Dalmatian coast. There was time for stops along the way to soak in the scenery, as well as swim stops and off-road biking.

The skippers sailed the boats to Hvar Town to meet the group before sailing across to the Island of Šolta. As the sun began to set, intense orange and gold colours flooded the horizon, reflecting onto the marina. It provided the perfect backdrop for dinner and rum cocktail tasting at The Martinis Marchi, courtesy of Sunsail’s drinks partner and award-winning spirit brand, Lost Years Rum.

As a brand, it is dedicated to creating a range of outstanding rums, devoted to saving endangered sea turtles. Lost Years works closely with its charity partner, SEE Turtles, a company that helps fund community-based conservation at key nesting sites across the Caribbean and Latin America. In the brand’s first year alone, it raised enough money to save more than 31,000 sea turtles!

After dinner, the party and music continued back on the boats, just a few meters away.

Day 4 – Solta to Marina Agana

The group enjoyed a leisurely morning before testing their sailing knowledge during the final crossing back to Marina Agana. There was time for a pit stop at a secluded bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and a refreshing dip before the final stop.

To get a better idea of what a Sunsail adventure looks like, follow us on Instagram, and search #FollowOurAdventure to see the people who are new to sailing experience island hopping, and all that a sailing vacation encompasses from our Agana base.

There is no time like the present to get into sailing, and the help is out there to get you on the right course. Our knowledgeable holiday planners are just a call away if you ever need advice and can help tailor a sailing holiday to suit your needs. Call 0330 332 1172.