My first multiday sailing trip, a bareboat charter in Tahiti, sounded like some idyllic dream. My then-boyfriend (now husband) loved every gust of wind, and every stretch of blue ocean. I hated the tight spaces aboard the 42-foot sloop and quickly got bored.
Since then, in a somewhat surprising turn of events, sailing cruises have become one of my favorite holidays. Roomier ships offer plenty of deck space, comfortable cabins, and stability on the sea. A crew hoists the sails, roasts the filet mignon, and pops the cork on the bubbly. And with powerful Wi-Fi, I always have plenty to read.
For casual mariners like me, an increasing number of small ships are now incorporating sails both for ambiance and fuel efficiency. All have onboard engines that enable captains to reach ports on schedule. Some are modern yachts with computer-trimmed sails; others are fully rigged tall ships that would make Captain Jack Sparrow proud. Read on for six sailing ship lines worth considering for your next vacation at sea.
Cruises for yachters
Courtesy Orient Express
Alixe Lay
Orient Express Sailing Yachts
A trio of masts fitted with 16,145 square feet of rigid sails tops the newly launched Orient Express Corinthian, boosting the speed of its LNG-powered engines. At 722 feet, the Corinthian holds bragging rights as the world’s largest sailing yacht, yet it holds only 54 spacious suites ranging in size from 463 to more than 2,000 square feet. Interiors feel decidedly French, sleek yet welcoming. All feature private outdoor spaces.
Other amenities command attention too, including five restaurants led by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, a Guerlain spa, a 115-seat cabaret, a state-of-the-art recording studio, two pools, a 50-foot-long swimming lane, and a marina platform. Evening entertainment is more extensive than on most sailing ships, with live music in a variety of venues.
Heads up: Children six months and older are allowed only on designated Family Voyages; sailors 16 and up are always welcome. Guests with mobility issues need not worry—the Corinthian has elevators.
The ship sails in the Mediterranean this summer, then moves to the Caribbean for winter. In 2027, a second ship will be added.
Courtesy Windstar Cruises