Ultimate Guide to Dinghy Sailing Holidays

By Toni Ebert - Published on 29.01.2025

Dinghy sailing holidays are a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and skill-building. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a complete beginner, these trips offer endless opportunities to explore picturesque destinations, hone your sailing techniques, and enjoy the thrill of skimming across the water under the power of the wind. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to plan your dream dinghy sailing holiday, from why you should go to how to organize one yourself.

Why Go on a Dinghy Sailing Holiday?

Dinghy sailing holidays are an unbeatable way to disconnect from the daily grind and immerse yourself in the beauty of the water. Here are some reasons why you should consider one:

Adventure and Fun: Dinghy sailing is a hands-on and exhilarating activity. The compact size of dinghies means you feel every gust of wind and every wave, making it an intimate and thrilling experience.
Skill Development: Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, a sailing holiday can help you develop and refine your skills. With access to training centers or racing clinics, you can gain confidence and proficiency on the water.
Breathtaking Locations: Dinghy sailing takes you to some of the most scenic spots in the world. From the sun-drenched coasts of Greece to the rugged beauty of the UK’s south coast, you’ll enjoy stunning views as you sail.
Social Connections: Sailing holidays are a great way to meet like-minded people. Many destinations host sailing events, group lessons, or social activities for sailors.
Relaxation and Wellness: Being on the water is incredibly calming. Combine this with fresh air, sunshine, and the meditative rhythm of sailing, and you’ve got a recipe for relaxation.

And of course, sailing with good weather and wind is always a bonus ;-)

What You Need for an Exciting Dinghy Sailing Holiday

Planning your trip well can make all the difference. Here are the key elements to consider:

Accommodation

Where you stay depends on your preferences and budget:

Camping: If you love being close to nature, camping near a sailing center can be a fun and affordable option. Many popular sailing destinations have well-equipped campsites close to the water.
Hotels: For more comfort, a hotel or guesthouse might be the way to go. You’ll find options ranging from budget accommodations to luxurious beachfront resorts.
Airbnb: Might be more comfortable and cheaper for a longer term stay

Dinghy Options

Your choice of dinghy will largely depend on your level of experience and the type of holiday you’re planning:

Rent Spontaneously: Many training centers and clubs offer dinghies for rent by the hour or day, perfect for spontaneous sailing.
Rent for the Entire Holiday: Some providers allow you to rent a dinghy for the duration of your trip. This is ideal if you’re planning to sail every day.
Bring Your Own Dinghy: If you own a dinghy, taking it with you can save on rental fees and let you use equipment you’re familiar with. Just make sure to check transportation logistics.

Transportation

How you get to your destination and around depends on where you’re going:

Flight: Ideal for international destinations. Many popular sailing spots are close to airports.
Train: A sustainable and scenic option for traveling across countries like Europe.
Bus: Affordable and practical, especially for regional travel.
Car: Great for flexibility, especially if you’re bringing your own dinghy or planning to explore different sailing spots.

Tuition, Coaching, and Sailing Partners

The kind of support you’ll need depends on your experience level:

Beginner Tuition: Choose a destination close to a training center that offers beginner-friendly lessons. Many centers provide all-inclusive packages with tuition, equipment, and accommodation.
Racing Clinics: For advanced sailors, racing clinics can help fine-tune your competitive skills. These often include coaching from experienced racers.
Hire a Coach: If you’re looking for personalized attention, consider hiring your own coach.
Sailing Partner: Traveling with a partner who shares your enthusiasm for sailing can make the experience even more enjoyable.
Extend Your Stay at a Competition: If you’re participating in a sailing competition, consider extending your trip to explore the area or enjoy additional sailing days.

Good Weather

Good conditions make a world of difference. Ideal locations offer consistent wind, calm seas, and plenty of sunshine. Research the climate and seasonal wind patterns of your destination to ensure the best experience.

Great Locations for Dinghy Sailing Holidays

There are great places to go dinghy sailing all around the world. Following a list of popular locations for dinghy sailing holidays.

Europe

Greece: With warm weather, steady winds, and crystal-clear waters, Greece is a paradise for dinghy sailors. The Saronic Gulf, Lefkas, and the Cyclades are particularly popular.
Sardinia, Italy: Known for its stunning beaches and excellent wind conditions, Sardinia offers a perfect blend of sailing and relaxation.
Brittany, France: Great sailing conditions during summer.
UK: The south coast of England is a fantastic destination, with renowned sailing hubs like Weymouth and the Solent offering excellent facilities and courses.

North America

Florida Keys, USA: Enjoy warm waters, steady breezes, and a laid-back vibe in this sailing haven.
San Francisco Bay, USA: Known for its challenging wind conditions, this spot is great for advanced sailors.
Ontario, Canada: The Great Lakes provide vast sailing opportunities, with scenic shorelines and plenty of sailing schools.

All-Inclusive Dinghy Sailing Holidays

For a hassle-free experience, consider an all-inclusive package. These typically include flights, accommodation, dinghy rental, tuition, and sometimes even racing activities. Here are some providers:

Neilson Active Holidays: Offers all-inclusive dinghy sailing holidays in Europe, including Greece and Croatia.
Minorca Sailing: Offers sailing holidays in Menorca, Spain, offers also include other sports such as windsurfing or wingfoiling.
Sunsail: Known for yacht charters but also offers dinghy sailing packages with tuition in select locations.
Wildwind Holidays: Specializes in dinghy sailing and windsurfing holidays in Greece, with expert coaching and excellent facilities.

These packages are ideal if you want everything arranged for you and are especially convenient for families or groups with mixed skill levels.

Options for Beginners

If you’re new to dinghy sailing, don’t worry! Many destinations cater to beginners with structured courses, patient instructors, and easy-to-sail boats. Look for:

RYA (Royal Yachting Association) training centers in the UK.
Sailing schools in Greece or Italy that offer beginner courses
All-inclusive packages with equipment and lessons included.

Options for More Advanced Sailors

Experienced sailors can focus on destinations that offer challenging conditions or opportunities to compete. Consider:

Racing clinics in popular hubs like San Francisco Bay or Weymouth.
Windier locations such as Sardinia or the Cyclades for exciting and technical sailing.
Bringing your own dinghy to a location that offers access to local regattas or advanced coaching.

Organize Your Own Individual Dinghy Sailing Holiday

For those who love planning their own adventures, creating a custom dinghy sailing holiday can be incredibly rewarding. Here’s how to do it:

Choose a Suitable Area: Research locations with good sailing conditions and facilities. Consider wind patterns, accessibility, and nearby attractions.
Contact Sailing Schools or Clubs: Reach out to local sailing schools or clubs to inquire about dinghy rentals, courses, or competitions.
Check for Competitions: If you’re an advanced sailor, see if there are any regattas or races happening during your trip.
Plan Your Accommodation: Look for hotels, guesthouses, or campsites close to the sailing center.
Sort Transportation: Arrange travel logistics, especially if you’re bringing your own dinghy.
Sort a Travel Insurance

Example Dinghy Sailing Holidays

For Beginners

A great option for dinghy sailing beginners is a trip to the UK’s south coast. Personally, I did this trip a couple of years ago to learn dinghy sailing at a RYA training center. Here’s how I planned it:

Book a Course: Choose a RYA training center offering beginner courses, I took one in Southampton that offered the RYA level 1
Arrange Accommodation: Stay in a nearby guesthouse or hotel.
Organize Transport: I had to book a flight into Gatwick and then went to Southampton by train
Enjoy Your Course: Spend a week learning the basics of dinghy sailing under expert tuition.

For Advanced Sailors

If you’re an experienced sailor with a keen interest in racing, consider bringing your dinghy to a regatta:

Find a Competition: Look for a regatta happening in a location of your interest during your preferred dates.
Extend Your Stay: Plan to stay a few extra days to explore the area and sail on your own.
Book Accommodation: Choose a hotel or campsite near the regatta venue.
Arrange Dinghy Transport: Drive or ship your dinghy to the location.

Dinghy sailing holidays offer something for everyone, from beginners looking to dip their toes into the world of sailing to seasoned sailors seeking new challenges. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, your next sailing holiday could be the trip of a lifetime. So pack your bags, hit the water, and enjoy the wind in your sails!