Over the years, yachting has got lots of traditions, but also some common myths. In this article, we will dispel the most common of them.

First, let's look at the definition of yachting. Cruise yachting is a trip on a sailing or motor yacht, private or rented from a charter company. As a rule, a yacht is managed by an experienced captain (or skipper). The most popular in the world are sailing yachts ranging in size from 10 to 15 meters.

And now for the myths:

1. Yachting is expensive

This is not so. The cost of traveling on a yacht is comparable to the cost of vacations in a 3 or 4-star hotel. It consists of renting a boat divided by all participants of the trip, a salary of a skipper and yacht's common fund, which includes the cost of fuel, moorings, and meals onboard divided equally by all passengers.

As an example (prices of 2019), here is the minimum calculation:
— rent of a sailing yacht Bavaria45 (15 m long) in Mallorca from 2000 euro/week. The yacht has four cabins and accommodates eight passengers.
— additional options (a motor for an inflatable boat, devices for water activities, bedding, towels, etc.) — from 200 euros
— a yacht's common fund is about 800 euros per week (fuel, moorings, and meals on a yacht).
— a skipper's salary — 120-180 euros per day.
A total of approximately 4000 +/- euros, that is, from 570 euros per person per week. Is it expensive? No!

And you can choose from the many offer using the iNsailing service. If you buy a place on a cruise, then all these expenses are already included in its price, and the skipper is also a free guide onshore. The cruise program includes not only a trip on a yacht but also daily excursions to local attractions.

2. Yachting is about white sails, girls in bikinis, champagne, and a steward, ready to serve you.

Unfortunately, this is not entirely true, or rather far from reality. Of course, there is such kind of luxury yachting, but the price tag for it is much higher. In the cheapest option, a cook or hostess will cost from 100 euros per day, and they also need to have a separate cabin. Usually, there are no cleaners, cooks, or other service personnel on a yacht. Be prepared to clean and cook your own meals. Or attend restaurants on the shore occasionally.

3. On a yacht, I will be seasick

I will not lie — almost everyone has seasickness, even skippers with ten years of experience. But you can fight seasickness! The key is to do some work on the deck (or at least look far ahead) and have pills against motion sickness. Modern medicines are very effective. Besides, by the third day, almost everyone stops noticing seasickness.

4. A yacht doesn't have modern comforts we are used to

Not true. All modern boats are equipped with cabins (from small to very spacious), a toilet, a hot shower, a gas stove, and a refrigerator. Sometimes, there is a separate shower in each cabin, and there are several refrigerators and freezers. There are even dishwashers and washing machines. Yes, inside the yacht is not very spacious, but you quickly get used to it. A modern yacht can be compared to a house on the sea. It can be a «spacious mansion» or a «hostel with double rooms,» but most importantly, this house daily takes its guests to a new place. And this is what we are traveling for, isn't it?

5. You can drown

This is unlikely! There is an experienced skipper, and the yacht is equipped with modern navigation and safety equipment. Moreover, you go cruising to places where there is beautiful warm weather, and the probability of a storm is practically zero. Believe me, driving a car is much more dangerous. There is some risk during long sea crossings, but beginners, as a rule, do not go on such trips. And if something happens, coastal rescue services will come to help.

6. Yachts do not sail against the wind

Not true. Modern sailing yachts have a tack angle of 30 degrees to the wind. And in case there is no wind, a yacht has an engine.

7. To travel on a yacht, you must have a license.

Not true. Even people with zero experience can go sailing. The main thing is to obey your skipper's commands and follow all the safety rules that he talks about before starting the voyage.

8. You cannot travel on a yacht with children

Yes, you can! People travel even with kids under one year old. And it goes without saying that teenagers love such travels, and will remember them for a lifetime!

9. Only experienced yachtsmen participate in regattas

Yes, but this only applies to professional regattas. Anyone can participate in amateur regattas, regardless of gender, age, or even physical fitness. There are even regattas for people with disabilities.

10. It isn't easy to become a skipper

No true. For the first steps in yachting, it is enough to go through initial training (most often, it takes two weeks) and get a license of a day sailing skipper. And then, practice, add miles, continue to study theory, and take the next qualification steps.

We have talked about only ten myths. Of course, there are many more. To find out what is true and what is not, you just need to start sailing, and I am 100% sure that you will like this type of vacation.

In conclusion, I want to share a quote from one famous yachtsman: «Do not exchange the ocean for puddles!».