What attracts people to sailing?

Sailing is not a recently discovered skill. The Egyptians were sailing in 3500 BC, however, throughout history it has remained a popular and widely used means of transport across the globe. Modern technology has advanced maritime travel enormously since the Egyptians yet sailing still prevails in having a following of passionate disciples who now utilise sailing as a recreational sport, more than just a means of transport.

Those who enjoy sailing will understand why the sport has withstood the test of time and why it is still being developed and used today. But for some, sailing may seem like a slow and arduous means of transport that lacks any enjoyment, so what attracts people to sailing?

A sense of freedom

The attraction of sailing goes beyond the obvious fresh air, balmy breezes, the discovery of remote islands and deep blue seas. These are all of course elements that contribute to an amazing experience and can also be enjoyed on a motor yacht, but sailors will agree that part of the attraction is about the journey and not just the destination. In theory, sailing is a fully sustainable and limitless form of travel. The objective is not necessarily to go from point A to point B as quickly as possible, but instead to enjoy the ride between them. When chartering a sailing yacht, guests can discover that harnessing the wind for your benefit can provide an ethereal sense of tranquillity and sailing can be a meditative, reflective and engrossing experience that has its source from being attuned with nature around you.

The challenge

Saint Barths Bucket Super Yacht Regatta

The same with mastering any skill, sailing takes experience and an understanding of the forces around you. When sailing a yacht, the responsibility and the challenge of the sailor is to successfully interpret and react to whatever mother nature throws at you. This may sound highly un-relaxing and the opposite of tranquillity described earlier, however it is the sense of achievement gained at overcoming these obstacles that makes sailing rewarding. Sailing itself is an activity, and if the charterer wishes they can be directly involved in the technical and physical components that makes sailing a challenge. Witnessing sailing as a sport and as a challenge is no better exemplified in the sailing regattas worldwide such as the St Barths Bucket Regatta and the Perini Navi Cup where sailors, and owners, compete in a battle against the elements and against each other for an overwhelming sense of achievement.