Do I need sailing experience?
No. Guests are welcome with or without sailing experience.
In fact, if you would like to learn the basics, I am always happy to explain how the yacht works, teach you a few sailing fundamentals, and let you take the helm. While Sailing The Strait is not a sailing school, many guests enjoy learning about sailing during their trip.
What kind of trips do you organise?
I offer a wide range of private sailing experiences from Estepona port. On all trips drinks and light food are included on board.
Day trips (around 4 hours)
Relaxed sailing trips along the coast, focused on real sailing and dolphin spotting whenever conditions allow. These trips are popular with families, groups of friends, hen parties, and special occasions such as renewal of vows.
Sunset trips
Evening sailing trips designed for a more atmospheric experience on the water. These are especially popular for couples, romantic occasions, and wedding proposals.
Multi-day trips
Longer sailing passages across the Strait of Gibraltar to destinations such as Ceuta in North Africa and the Moroccan coast near Smir. These trips combine sailing, adventure, and time ashore to explore places like Tetouan and Chefchaouen.
Do you always sail?
Whenever wind conditions allow, we sail.
If there is little or no wind, the engine may be used when necessary, particularly when looking for dolphins or reaching a specific destination.
For guests who have never sailed before, there is no need to worry about the yacht heeling (leaning over). Sailing yachts are designed for this and it is a normal part of sailing safely and efficiently.
Is dolphin sighting guaranteed?
No. Dolphins, sea turtles, and sunfish are very common in this area, but wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
The absolute best conditions for spotting dolphins are calm, flat days with little or no wind. In these conditions, dolphins can often be seen from a great distance, giving us much more time to approach them and stay with them.
While we see dolphins frequently, we always make use of our local network of skippers to give guests the best possible chance of a memorable encounter.
One thing I have learned after many years at sea is that windy days make dolphin spotting much more difficult. Waves reduce visibility dramatically, making it harder to locate dolphins and even harder to stay with them once they have been found.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, swimwear, sun protection, and a light jacket depending on the season.
Food, drinks, and bottled water are provided on board.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes. The yacht is equipped with a marine toilet and freshwater facilities for guests.
Can I help sail the yacht?
Absolutely.
If you would like to take the helm, trim a sail, or learn some of the basics of sailing, you are very welcome to do so. If you prefer to sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience, that is perfectly fine too.
What is the best time of year to sail?
The sailing season in Estepona runs all year round.
Summer offers warm temperatures and generally calmer seas, while spring and autumn often provide excellent sailing conditions with fewer people on the water.
Can we see Gibraltar or Africa from the yacht?
Yes.
On clear days, Gibraltar and the mountains of North Africa are often visible from the yacht. One of the unique aspects of sailing in this area is being able to see two continents from the same stretch of water.
Where do you sail from?
All trips depart from Puerto Deportivo de Estepona.
How many people can join a trip?
Up to 11 guests, plus me as your skipper.
All trips are private, so it will always be just your group on board.
Can children come on board?
Of course. I have life jackets for even the smallest children.
In my experience, parents are often very cautious when they first come on board. After a while they usually relax, because children tend to be surprisingly careful and quickly find their balance on a boat.
Monohull, motor boat or catamaran?
I charter a monohull sailing yacht (single hull). In my experience, this is the best design for a sailing charter for two main reasons.
First, the layout of most motor boats and catamarans often encourages guests to move to the front of the vessel to get the best views. While this can be enjoyable, the foredeck is also the most exposed and least stable area of the boat, and it usually does not offer proper seating or a table.
On my monohull, the cockpit at the stern is the main social area. This is where guests sit together comfortably around a table with full 360-degree views of the sea and coastline.
It allows everyone to stay together in one place—watching for dolphins, enjoying the scenery, and sharing the sailing experience directly with the skipper.
This is also the area of the yacht where we stop for swimming when conditions allow.
Will I get seasick?
It is possible. If you or a family member are prone to car sickness, you may also be susceptible to seasickness.
Better safe than sorry: I recommend visiting a pharmacy and buying Biodramina. Take one tablet about half an hour before departure and you will most likely be fine.
I always carry seasickness tablets on board, but once symptoms start it can be more difficult to prevent them.
Can we swim during the trip?
That depends on the conditions.
With little or no wind, absolutely. With an easterly wind, waves can build up but swimming is often still possible. With a westerly wind, Estepona is usually well protected and conditions are often excellent for a swim.
Your safety always comes first, so the final decision is made on the day.
Can I book the yacht privately?
Yes. In fact, all charters are private. You will never be sharing the yacht with people you do not know.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable for sailing?
For day trips in summer, this is rarely an issue.
If conditions are unsuitable, I will try to arrange an alternative date. If that is not possible, a refund may be offered depending on the circumstances.
Can we sail to Morocco without previous sailing experience?
Absolutely.
No sailing experience is required. If you would like to learn something along the way, I am always happy to explain how the yacht works and teach you some of the basics. See Spain – Morocco trip or Estepona – Ceuta trip
How long does it take to sail across the Strait of Gibraltar?
Depending on the wind and currents, usually between 5 and 7 hours.
In the meantime, you can enjoy the scenery, keep an eye out for dolphins, have a drink, and simply enjoy being at sea.
What documents do I need for trips to Ceuta or Morocco?
A valid passport is always required.
It is the responsibility of each guest to ensure they meet the current entry requirements for Spain, Ceuta, and Morocco before travelling.