Get away from it all: Take a sailing holiday.

Everything is blue when you are sailing. As far as the eye can see there is only the sky and the water to keep you company. So it’s obvious that a sailing holiday is a great way to get away from the urban jungle and the hustle and bustle of corporate life.

The best part about it: you don’t need to be an expert to go sailing. There are two kinds of sailing essentially. There’s what’s called ‘bareboat’ in which you man the boat along with your companions without any help (this is of course for experts or people who are skilled). Then, you can hire a ‘skippered’ boat where you have the crew to take care your needs.

Vikram Madhok, Managing Director, Abercrombie & Kent, who has sailed in Santiago and off the Malfi Coast in Sorento, Italy, calls it an active sport for the young. He adds: “The trick is to catch the wind and head in its direction. The fun factor is that you do not sail in a straight line, you end up taking twists and turns. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to be splashed.”

India

Would you like to travel in a rustic, country wooden boat that will take you sailing down the Ganges past fields of wheat and mustard? The boats are basic, with just a few oarsmen and other crew. The boats are slightly bigger versions of Kerala’s houseboats.

From Allahabad to Varanasi, it’s a beautiful and serene spiritual trip what with both cities being holy pilgrimage places. The stretch promises a lot of colour, especially as the boat winds its way through Allahabad and the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythological Saraswati rivers. While sailing down the countryside, you stop in between and see the way of life in villages.

Hot ticket!

Three-night, four-day sailing trips from the adventure company Wanderlust Travels (www.wanderlustindia.com) are priced at roughly Rs 24,000 per person. You get to sleep on bunk beds and pretty much everything is taken care of in this package, right from all meals to sightseeing on the way. Rucksack Tours (www.rucksacktours.com) usually customise four to five day trips.

Thailand

The archipelago of Koh Chang boasts of a gorgeous coastline. And, all along there are resorts built on stilts with thatched roof bungalows. You get to visit the quaint fishing villages of Bang Bao and Salak Phet. While sailing you also get off the boat and explore the lush and green

islands.

Hot ticket!

A one-week holiday with adventure travel operators Sunsail on their catamarans and mono-hulls averages $4,355. Meanwhile Thailand-based Gulf Charters (www.gulfchartersthailand.com) offers seven-night, eight-day package for sailing at $1,675 aboard its yachts ranging from 32ft to 70ft.

Greece

The weather is usually sunny and the sea is gentle around the Ionian Islands. It is just perfect for a re-charge and an opportunity to man a boat on your own. The local harbours happen to be pretty and colourful with multi-coloured fishing boats and yachts. And to top it all is of course the gastronomic pleasure of partaking of grilled lamb and the traditional local dishes with garlic, fresh herbs and olive oil.

Hot ticket!

A sailing holiday specialist in the UK, Sailing Holidays (www.sailingholidays.com) offers a seven-day trip that ranges between $785 and $1,135 per person on twin-sharing basis. Prices include flights from Gatwick and Manchester, transfers, diesel and the back-up of a fully equipped lead yacht. A one-week flotilla (a small yacht) holiday with Sunsail costs you between $490 and $862 (depending upon the size of the yacht you opt for).

Croatia

The charm lies in discovering the breathtaking beauty of islands and villages that are relatively unspoiled. Your best bet is the Dalmatian Islands and the routes usually extend from the Krka Falls in the north to Hvar and Vis in the south. It may not be ideal for beginners, however if you are one-boating holiday old, it will do just fine.

The boats are at times luxurious. They take you to pretty marinas, close to towns and villages. The café culture imbues it with an Italian feel. And while world-famous Dalmatian wines complement the juicy steaks that the Croats serve up, the seafood is also acclaimed. Do not miss out on the “slasticarnas” or the ice-cream parlours.

Hot ticket!

Sunsail’s one-week flotilla around Croatia costs you between $490 and $862 (depending upon the size of the yacht you opt for). At Sailing Holidays, the yachts for Croatia feature extras such as holding tanks and cockpit showers. They are packaged between $1,416 and $2,524. And the prices are inclusive of flights, transfers, yacht and diesel.

Indian company Stic Travels (www.stictravel.com) offers sailing holidays in association with Windstar Cruises that has private yachts. A seven-day package averages $2,899 per person on twin-sharing basis.



The Personal Telegraph