Sail Boat Charter Vacations

A sailboat could be of any dimension. It could be larger than a sail board and smaller than a sailing ship. However, the distinctions in size are not strictly spelled out and what constitutes a sailing ship or a sailboat basically varies by region. Sailboats can also be distinguished by hull configuration. There are three basic types: catamaran, monohull and trimaran. Then, another distinguishing factor is the keel type, which could be full, fin, centerboard etc. A sail boat could be used for sport or cruising and accordingly the configuration of masts and sail plan differ. Interestingly, its terminology has varied greatly across history.

Sail Boat Features

Sail boat charter vacations are holidays taken aboard a sail boat. There are dedicated charter rentals easily accessible today and the vessels have distinct features that need to be identified and understood. The most common type of sailboat is the sloop, with one mast and two sails. The two sails comprise a main sail and a foresail. This simple design is very efficient for sailing 'towards' the wind. Depending on the foresail size and design, it is referred to as genoa, jib or spimmaker. On a fractional rig sloop design, the forestay connects at some point below the mast. This enables the top of the mast to be raked aft, and this gives a performance advantage under certain conditions due to the flattened the sails. While the big mainsail provides most of the drive, the headsail is just right for a small crew to manage.

Other Designs

A catboat can also be considered. This design has a single mast and does not sport a head sail. While most modern designs have one mainsail, the traditional catboats could flaunt multiple sails. Ketches have a second shorter mast to the stern of the mainmast. This feature si called the mizzen mast. A ketch can also be cutter-rigged. A yawl is similar, but with a mizzen mast shorter than the main mast. Generally the mizzen on a yawl is used more for balance than propulsion.A schooner can have two or more masts. The top sail schooners sport a square sail near the top of the foremast. Traditional sailboats are gaining a lot of popularity today. The monohull relies on ballast for stability; however, this gives the monohull great inertia, which also makes it less maneuverable.

Charter Vacations

There are a number of dedicated resources that make detailed information on the different types of sail boats and individual features available 24x7. These resources can be tapped online or at the various brick and mortar travel agents. It is important to choose the right vessel, in accordance to the region and the weather conditions. The price tags on quality charter vacations are reasonable, considering the once-in-a-lifetime experience the vacation offers the family. The sail boat charter rentals can be pre-budgeted and also come along with attractive features such as a detailed map, guide, manning facilities and detailed information on the functionality of the geometry of the chosen vessel.

Most of the sailing vessels on display today are known for their stability. They are designed to be as light-weight as possible and at the same time offer the cruising family on board, structural integrity. Many of the latest designs come with foam-filled flotation chambers that are certified 'unsinkable'. The hull itself has the needed buoyancy to remain afloat. Most of the sail boats available at the charters or rentals for sailing vacations flaunt the absence of ballast for top speed.

The sail boat charters or rentals offer real value for the investment and consideration and a lifetime of fond memories.