Dreamy sailing holidays for families

“You can’t discover a new land without first losing sight of the shore” as the saying goes, and losing sight of the shore is exactly what some families have in mind for their summer break this year. We’ve found the world’s most family-friendly sailing holidays for families who fancy an idyllic break with an aquatic twist. (All prices are based on a family of four).

1/9 7 nights’ Sunsail break, Corfu, Greece, £1,512

A great value deal, Sunsail offer their two-cabin Monohull yacht for just over £1500 at the end of the school holidays. Finish the summer break on a high as you cruise around the classic Greek island of Corfu; start in Gouvia Marina, visit Blue Flag beaches and dine in tranquil harbour villages along the way. Corfu’s Old Town is well worth a visit for its cultural heritage and Venetian architecture, as is Kelami fishing village with its quiet natural cove. You can look forward to visiting Greek mainland ports as well as enjoying some island-hopping so this holiday is a great option for those who want to be on the go.

2/9 7 nights on a modern gulet, Stralsund, Germany, £1,967

This is a boat for families who like their accommodation sleek and modern. The brand new gulet has a large glass captain’s cabin, giving the boat the feel of an open-living suite while protecting guests from the elements. There are two comfortable cabins and two bathrooms, creating the ideal base from which to explore the Baltic Coast. This gulet is even pet-friendly so bring the family’s furry friend along and save money on costly kennels.

3/9 7 nights’ flotilla sailing, Lycian coast, Turkey, £796

If your family looks forward to making new friends and meeting up with like-minded people when on holiday, flotilla sailing is a great option for a boating break. Sail in a group of yachts that all follow the same itinerary, while enjoying having a boat all to yourself. Come together for the morning briefing and again at dinner time to share stories of the day, and in between take in the ultramarine water and Mediterranean coastline of Turkey. The French Aloa 27 yacht was specifically redesigned for Mediterranean sailing and comfortably accommodates up to five people.

4/9 7 nights on the Dalmatian coast, Croatia, £1,776

Moored in the ancient town of Trogir, the Seamaster Oceanis 323 is a sleek and stylish family yacht with generous proportions. Sleeping up to six across two cabins and the large saloon, this boat will be home to your tribe as you explore one of Europe’s most idyllic and unspoilt coastlines. Drop anchor to people-watch amongst the glamorous visitors of Split harbour, or pay a visit to Marina Kaštela where you might even spot one of the superyachts passing by. The fish may not be exotic but water around this area is crystal clear, perfect for kids’ first snorkelling experience.

5/9 7 nights in the Norfolk Broads, England, £859

The perfect option for a sailing staycation, the ‘Camelia’ docked in Martham, Norfolk will allow you to explore the English treasure of the Broads National Park. The yacht sleeps up to six people, has Wifi included and is pet-friendly; a real home from home. Enjoy strolling around the sleepy green village before taking to the river and cruising the 200km of scenic waterways. This is a great option for wildlife lovers as the Broads are rich in otters, bats and Chinese water deer as well as abundant flora and fauna. Bring a National Trust wildlife guide and some binoculars and play ‘wildlife bingo’ to keep the kids occupied.

6/9 7 nights’ flotilla sailing plus flights, Kefalonia, Greece, £3,700

Soak in the paradise vibe of Kefalonia, a postcard-perfect Greek island with turquoise water and strips of white sand. Sailing with other beginners in a flotilla, you will cruise along the coastline learning the ropes of sailing as you go. The Beneteau 311 is a compact, modern yacht with wheel-steering and two cabins, ideal for a family of four. Enjoy dropping anchor with the other families on the flotilla so the kids can make friends and adults can enjoy a drink and swap sailing tips at the end of the day.

7/9 7 nights’ luxury boat stay, Albufeira, Portugal, £999

Known as the ‘Rolls Royce of the ocean’, this classic boat is the ultimate in family-friendly affordable luxury. Staying on a Swan 59, your family will enjoy a queen-size ensuite master bedroom as well as two extra cabins with bunks for the kids. Adults will be happy to find a fully equipped kitchen as well as a TV and DVD player for cosy evenings in the saloon. If you fancy a break from cooking there is a buzzing hub of restaurants, pubs and nightlife near Albufeira marina, or why not sail along the coast and stop at one of the harbour villages for traditional Portuguese fare?

8/9 7 nights’ stay on a 55ft sailing yacht, Montenegro, £2,072

If you read our article on reasons why Montenegro is one to watch in 2017, you will know that the small European country is a great family holiday option that is also easy on the wallet. Stay on a 55ft yacht in Porto Montenegro, ideally situated to people-watch and spot the luxurious cruiseliners coming into harbour. With this holiday you have the option of relaxing completely and using the boat as a floating hotel, or taking a combination of half or full-day sailing trips around the famous bays. Beds on Board can also arrange activities from pony trekking to on-board yoga for a unique family experience.

9/9 3-night Disney Wonder Bahamian Cruise, Caribbean, £2,511

If you really want to push the boat out (sorry), family holidays at sea don’t get much more magical than a Disney Cruise. Cheat a little and leave the sailing to the captain as you take in the festivities on board as well as once-in-a-lifetime destinations along the way. The Disney Wonder offers first-class entertainment such as Broadway calibre musicals, themed swimming pools and vibrant kids’ clubs. Children can learn how to be a superhero in the Marvel Super Hero Academy, indulge in a makeover at the Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique and savour the delicious food at Princess Tiana’s very own restaurant. If you can tear yourself away from the ship there is plenty to explore at the stop-off destinations such as the Bahamas, Florida and Disney’s own private island.

Love spending time on the water? Here are the best UK canal boat holidays for families and pets.

Book your sailing holidays:

1. Corfu with Sunsail Break

2. Germany with Zizoo

3. Lycian coast flotilla sailing with Budget Sailing Turkey

4. Dalmation coast with Seamaster

5. Norfolk broads with Waterways Holidays

6. Kefalonia flotilla with Sailing Holidays

7. Albuferia boat stay with Beds on Board

8. Montenegro sailing with Beds on board

9. Disney Wonder Bahamian Cruise